General dentistry is as much about  prevention as it is  the treatments offered. Commitment to regularly scheduled cleanings and appointments will lead to a healthier and brighter smile as well as help in the prevention of more serious and sometimes chronic diseases.

 

PREVENTATIVE CARE

Teeth Cleaning

Despite daily cleaning and flossing, tartar can still accumulate and harbor bacteria that could lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Professional cleaning every 6 mos. (or as recommended by your dentist) is required for the removal of build up.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone that holds the tooth in place. As part of your regularly scheduled appointments the dentist will examine you for periodontal problems and measure the spaces between your gum and teeth. In the event that you are diagnosed with periodontal/gum disease we offer therapy that begins with a cleaning above the gum line followed by a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. We will use a local anesthetic to help reduce any discomfort.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can be one of the most effective ways to prevent surface decay on teeth in which they are placed. Decay developing between the teeth is still possible, however dental sealants reduce the chance of getting cavities.

Mouthguard

Grinding teeth (also known as bruxism) is one of the most destructive forces to the teeth. Bruxism can cause premature wear of the enamel, recession of the gums, and erosion of the root surfaces. Since this damage usually occurs during sleep, it is often undetectable. As part of your initial and periodic check-ups, the dentist will examine for signs of bruxism. The best protection is a custom fit occlusal or mouthguard.

 

 

GENERAL CARE

 

We offer a variety of restorative dentistry services to help restore or replace teeth that have been damaged by infections, diseases or as a result of years of wear and tear on your teeth and gums.

Fillings

Amalgam or silver fillings were used by dentists for many years with mixed results. The placement of these fillings required aggressive tooth removal and these large metal fillings placed unnecessary stress on teeth, often causing fractures or structural failures. We are an amalgam free office.

Composite fillings (also known as “white fillings”) are made of a resin-based material that will match the color of your teeth and actually bond to the tooth itself. This reduces the need for aggressive tooth removal and improves the aesthetics.

Porcelain fillings (also known as “inlays” and “onlays”) is another option. This material is durable yet also cosmetic. These restorations are usually made by a lab technician and then bonded to the teeth.

Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and most bridges prosthetic solutions that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants to replace the visible part of the tooth. While crowns are fixed caps placed over a tooth, bridges are used to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Both crowns and bridges are used to restore the strength and appearance of damaged teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are strong, surgical-grade prosthetics that are made to last a lifetime. Dental implants are strong and stable because they are fused into the jaw beneath the gums supporting crowns, bridges or dentures. They can restores an entire mouth of missing teeth or replace one single lost tooth.

Many patients prefer dental implants because they function the same as natural teeth, which make them looks, feels and functions like natural teeth.

Extractions

Tooth extractions are a surgical procedure used to remove decayed or damaged teeth. Although dentists generally prefer to preserves their patients natural teeth and extraction may be necessary. Tooth extractions are usually relatively straightforward, and are usually performed quickly while the individual is awake by using local anesthetic. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with a dental implants, bridges or dentures.

Root Canals

Root canals are a procedure performed by dentists to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Without treatment, decaying teeth may become infected and abscesses may form, causing pain and swelling. Once the infected root is removed, the remaining portion of the tooth is cleaned and sealed with a cap or crown allowing for normal tooth function.

PEDIATRIC CARE

 

We offer pediatric dental services. By continuously tracking growth and development, we are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen.

Starting children on good oral hygiene habits early is very important. The dentists at Smile Galleria work with children and their parents to instill these values. We help assess the sugar intake of your child, and instruct them on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Proper maintenance and care of baby teeth is instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Baby Teeth

Baby teeth also know as primary teeth, will begin to erupt between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, and will continue until about age 3. You can expect a total of 20  baby teeth. Children's gums tend to feel tender and sore during this time. Baby teeth are usually lost and replaced with permanent teeth throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at about age six, and continue until about age 21.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is a common chronic childhood disease and yet most 2 year old children have never been to a dentist, and many kids start school not having seen a dentist . Children are at high risk of tooth decay a high exposure to sugary drink, proper brushing and flossing and lack of good oral hygiene habits.

It can be difficult to keep cavities away. That's why regular visits to the dentist for routing cleanings and check-ups are very important to maintaining your child's healthy smile. Dental sealants are also a good option for protecting the teeth of children and teenagers. Sealants form a protective shield over the tooth by bonding to the grooves in your child's teeth.

Early Orthodontics

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment, as problems are better treated at different ages. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems.

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between them, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

We want your child to remember their visit to the dentist as a pleasant & positive learning experience.  We are excited to be your partner in your child's oral health and can guide you through the process of ensuring your child is developing healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

Signs that your child may need early orthodontics care:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing and/or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Your child continues to suck a thumb after age five
• Speech impediments
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that don’t come together properly
• Crossbites (Shifting of the jaw)
• Crowded front teeth