Floss' Dental Services

What causes cavities?

Caries (cavities) can occur for many different reasons and the risk factors that can contribute include; a high sugar diet, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, insufficient fluoride, drug/alcohol abuse, and gum disease. Often, patients are unaware they have a cavity until it has become larger, and that is why regular dental care is so important. In some cases, cavities may be visible, however, this is only true some of the time. Other methods of detection such as x-rays are used for less visible areas in between the teeth and in the bone, to determine the extent of the cavity.

Cavity Treatment

Treatment for cavities include white fillings or possibly more extensive restorations like crown and/or bridges. The decay is removed, and a white filling is put in its place. While no treatment lasts forever, restorations extend the life of that tooth by removing and halting the decay process. In some cases, a cavity is too large for a filling or it cannot be successfully placed, an alternative treatment may be required, including root canal, crown, and/or extraction.

What is a Crown or a Bridge?

Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. Crowns are used most commonly to entirely cover a damaged tooth or an implant. if you’re missing one or more teeth, bridges can be a good option to replace (bridge) the missing ones. Bridges are cemented onto natural teeth or implants surrounding the space where the tooth once stood.

Why You Might Need A Crown

Missing a tooth? Overtime, gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can result in a change of bite or lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. You may need a crown for a number of reasons, including to:

• Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth structure remaining
• Strengthen a weak tooth from fracturing/ Restoring a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

VENEERS

Improve aesthetics with veneers that are ultra-thin, custom made porcelain covers designed to fit precisely over your existing teeth to improve appearance, providing a bright smile.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Medication is used in sedation dentistry to assist patients unwind while having dental work done. It is particularly beneficial for people who have poor pain thresholds, sensitive teeth, or dental anxiety. The purpose of sedation is to help you feel relaxed and comfortable while the dentist works, not necessarily to put you to sleep.

There are various levels of sedation:

• Minimal sedation: You are awake but relaxed.

• Moderate sedation: Also known as conscious sedation, where you may slur your words or not remember parts of the procedure.

• Deep sedation: You are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.

• General anesthesia: You are completely unconscious.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation offers several advantages for patients:

• Anxiety Relief: It helps patients feel calm and relaxed, making dental visits far less intimidating.

• Pain-Free Experience: Sedation dulls sensations, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

• Time Efficiency: Complex or multiple procedures can be completed in one visit, saving time and minimizing the need for follow-ups.

• Improved Oral Health: Sedation addresses anxiety and discomfort, encouraging patients to seek timely dental care and reducing the risk of long-term oral health issues.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a simple and very common dental procedure that allows you to keep your natural tooth for as long as possible. If your tooth becomes infected from reasons such as decay or trauma, a root canal may be recommended. If a tooth is not saveable with a root canal treatment, an extraction may instead be recommended.

How a Root Canal can help

A root canal removes the infected nerve and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed to prevent re-infection. This treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth. Over time, your tooth will become more fragile, as its blood supply is now gone. You may be advised to place a crown (cap) on that tooth, to prevent the tooth from breaking in the future. While no treatment is life-long, this is the best way to help you keep your natural tooth for as long as possible.

The Benefits of clear braces

Clear braces are an alternative orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a well-known brand. It is a series of clear, removable retainers/aligners that are not affixed to your teeth like traditional braces. The benefits of clear braces include the ability to wear them comfortably and discretely during the day and being able to be effortlessly removed for ease of eating, brushing and flossing. Total treatment time averages around 9-20 months. Come in for a consult to see if clear braces would be the right fit for you!

Are you prone to jaw clenching and grinding?

Do you clench and/or grind your teeth during the day, or at night? Sometimes we have no idea we are doing these things at night, but your dental professional may be able to see signs in your mouth that you are.

Do You Need A Nightguard?

A nightguard is recommended for those with clenching and grinding habits so that your teeth are protected from these movements and forces of this habit. Symptoms may include jaw pain, headaches, wear of the tooth, gum recession, and cracked or chipped teeth. If you do clench or grind, it is important to be proactive, and have a consult for a nightguard. Let us know at your next appointment if you suspect you may clench and/or grind.

What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin, a pure protein obtained from bacteria, is marketed as "Botox." Although the word "toxin" may sound frightening, Botox is safe as long as a qualified specialist applies it. It causes the targeted muscles to relax by momentarily blocking nerve signals to them. Botox is a reliable anti-aging treatment since it relaxes muscles, reducing wrinkles and preventing the formation of new ones.

The Benefits of Botox

1. Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Botox is widely known for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, especially in areas like the forehead, crow’s feet (around the eyes), and frown lines. These results not only enhance your natural beauty but also boost your self-confidence.

2. Preventative Aging

More people in their 20s and 30s are opting for Botox as a preventative measure. By reducing the movement of facial muscles, Botox can prevent the formation of deep wrinkles over time.

3. Medical Uses of Botox

While Botox is primarily associated with cosmetic improvements, it has a wide range of medical applications.

4. Quick and Non-Invasive

Botox is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. The treatment takes only 10–20 minutes, making it an excellent option for those with a busy lifestyle. There’s no downtime, and most patients resume normal activities immediately after their appointment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth. Once you have a dental implant placed by your periodontist and it has had time to heal thoroughly, you are now ready for your implant crown. This is the tooth portion of the implant.

After taking molds of your surrounding teeth, we work with a dental lab to create a natural looking implant crown for you.

Screws facilitate the attachment of the implant crowns to the implants. Implants must be strategically placed to allow implant crowns to connect to them so that the crowns emerge through the gum tissues in exactly the right direction.