Dental Services

An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities.  Radiographs allow for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession, or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head, and neck area.

A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.

Sealants are a protective, tooth-colored dental material that is applied to the back teeth of the mouth that have deep grooves, which are hard to reach areas making them susceptible to dental decay. It is important to prevent food, especially sugary foods, and bacteria from getting stuck in these areas and causing cavities over time! Why treat a cavity when you can prevent them with sealants?

Here at Spring Hill Smiles, we offer fluoride treatments at continuing care appointments as an extra preventative measure for dental cavities.  Not only can in-office fluoride treatments help prevent decay, it can also help stop early decay from progressing and help decrease tooth sensitivity. We may also recommend a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste if we feel you are at a high-risk of dental decay.

Many patients complain of jaw tenderness, headaches, and/or TMJ issues such as popping or difficulty opening. Some patients can have no symptoms of jaw issues, but show signs of wear on the teeth where the enamel has been wore down. Over time, this wear can affect your bite. Mouthguards can benefit these patients by helping to relax the muscles at night, reducing muscle tenderness.  They can also help reduce the amount of wear on your teeth and damage to current fillings/crowns, allowing your smile to last a lifetime.

Composite fillings use tooth-colored material to restore teeth with cavities and maintain a natural appearance. Once the decay is removed, the tooth is filled with a composite material which is then cured using a specialized light to harden the material. Composite fillings can be done in one visit.

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A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers the outside of a tooth that is cracked, broken, worn down, or severely decayed. Dental crowns are usually completed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared (shaved down) and an impression is taken. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is fabricated. During the second visit, the permanent crown is carefully fitted and then cemented into place.

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Sometimes, a tooth is a good candidate for CEREC which is a same-day crown that we make here in our office. We like to be able to offer this convenient option for you so that you only have to make one visit.

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A bridge can replace missing teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. A bridge is composed of two crowns and a replacement tooth or teeth. Crowns are typically placed on the teeth on either side of the space, with the fabricated tooth or teeth attached in between.

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For multiple missing teeth, an implant may be used to anchor the bridge.

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Dental implants are composed of three pieces: a small screw made of a biocompatible metal called titanium, an abutment which connects the screw and the final restoration, and the final restoration. The screw, which is placed in the jawbone, acts as a replacement for the tooth root, providing a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. The screw begins to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, the abutment is inserted into the screw to allow for the permanent attachment of the restoration.

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A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. There are two types of dentures: Complete (Full) and Partial Dentures.

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Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth. We offer a fantastic at-home whitening system called KöR. 

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Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural appearance of teeth. To place a veneer, a thin layer of the original tooth enamel must be removed. Afterward, an adhesive layer is placed between the prepared tooth and the veneer. The adhesive is then hardened with the use of a specialized curing light.

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Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to improve a tooth’s appearance. In order to bond a tooth, composite material is added to the tooth structure to adjust the size, shape, or color of the existing tooth.

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Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.

Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected.  When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection.  Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.

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A tooth that can not be saved with restorative materials may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.

A wisdom tooth that is deemed problematic is normally extracted to avoid any oral complications. To have a wisdom tooth removed, a small incision is made to open up the gum tissue over the tooth and remove any bone that is covering the tooth. Once the tooth is in view, it is gently grasped with a dental instrument, known as a forcep, and gently rocked back and forth to loosen it from the jaw bone and surrounding ligaments. Sometimes the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier or removal. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a wisdom tooth.

We often refer patients to an oral surgeon for care.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which one experiences one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, Oral Appliance Therapy, breathing devices, and/or surgery.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is often an effective treatment option for sleep apnea. With this approach, our office creates a custom-fitted oral appliance for patients to wear when they are sleeping. The appliance aids patients during sleep by positioning the lower jaw and tongue in a way that minimizes airway obstruction.

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People of all ages can experience dental anxiety. We invite you to share you feelings and concerns with us so we can help you receive the dental treatment you need in an environment that makes you feel comfortable. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a prescription sedative (such as Valium or Halcion) shortly before your visit. By the time you arrive at our office, you will feel significantly relaxed. Best of all, you can stay awake while still experiencing a feeling of calm and well-being. We may also administer nitrous oxide before your treatment begins.

We also have the option to have IV sedation performed by a special dental anesthesiologist here at our practice.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry