Exams & Screenings

 

It is very important to be seen regularly by your dentist (generally, at least every 6 months). Dental decay, gum disease and oral cancer usually begin as painless conditions but can become very serious if left untreated. Routine checkups provide an early defense against tooth decay and oral diseases, in addition to being an important component of your overall health.

 

Teeth Cleaning

 

You should see your hygienist at least twice a year for a professional teeth cleaning. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are important ways to keep your smile healthy; however, over time, plaque and tarter are still able to build up on teeth. During a cleaning, your hygienist will gently remove any buildup on your teeth, polish and floss them, and apply preventative fluoride treatment.

 

Digital X-rays

 

Westfield Family Dental takes your safety very seriously and is proud to offer the latest in digital x-ray technology. With digital sensors, your x-ray exposure is minimal. Dental x-rays are very important because they allow your dentist to check for cavities, look at the roots of your teeth, evaluate the bone around your teeth, and to assess the position and status of tooth development.

 

Fluoride Treatments

 

Fluoride has been proven to decrease tooth decay. It is either ingested (as in fluoridated drinking water, fluoride tablets or drops) or applied topically to the teeth. Fluoride is recommended in toothpaste and should also be applied as a varnish at your cleaning appointments. Regular fluoride treatments are recommended by your dentist to prevent tooth decay and to strengthen the enamel of your teeth against acids and bacteria. Your dentist or hygienist can apply the dental fluoride treatment in a matter of minutes. Also, fluoride tablets or drops may be recommended for children who do not have access to fluoridated drinking water to help strengthen their developing adult teeth.

 

Dental Sealants

 

Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect against decay. They provide an extra layer of protection for both adults and children, acting as a barrier against plaque and acids. While sealants dramatically reduce the likelihood of decay, they do not replace brushing and flossing and may need to be reapplied after several years.

 

Fillings

 

Westfield Family Dental offers both tooth-colored (white) and amalgam (silver) restorative materials. While the most common use of fillings is to fill a cavity in a tooth caused by decay, they can also be used to repair teeth damaged by wear or grinding, or to repair a chipped or broken tooth. Fillings usually last for many years before they need to be replaced, but can wear out after years of chewing, clenching or grinding. If additional tooth decay develops around a filling, a more extensive repair may be needed.

 

Crowns

 

A crown (also known as a cap) is a type of dental restoration that can predictably restore a tooth to its original shape and size. When a tooth has advanced or expansive decay, is broken, is discolored, or needs to be strengthened (such as after a root canal), a crown is an excellent treatment option. Crowns can help protect teeth from breaking and can improve the appearance of your smile. We offer various crown materials based on patient preference and location in the mouth. These include: all porcelain (e.max, zirconia and porcelain fused to zirconia), gold or porcelain fused to metal.

 

Bridges

 

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth, provided there are one or more healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This type of restoration fills in the gap created by the missing tooth by cementing crowns on the adjacent natural teeth with an artificial tooth in between. The anchoring teeth are referred to as abutment teeth and the false tooth/teeth in between are called pontics. Dental bridges can also be supported by dental implants. Bridges can improve function, restoring your ability to speak and chew properly, enhance the esthetics of your smile and prevent teeth from moving out of position.

 

Root Canals

 

A root canal is a procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected (such as an abscessed tooth), or to properly restore a tooth with extensive missing tooth structure. During this treatment, the nerves and blood vessels are removed from inside the tooth. After a root canal is completed, a crown is typically required to help protect the tooth from fracturing.

 

Tooth Removal

 

Tooth removal may be needed for a variety of reasons. An extraction may be recommended if a tooth has extensive decay, is fractured and it cannot be repaired, prior to having braces if other teeth are crowded, or if a wisdom tooth does not have the space it needs to erupt naturally in the bite.

 

Full Dentures and Partial Dentures

 

A removable partial or full denture is one or more artificial teeth supported by a metal or plastic frame. It does not attach permanently in your mouth and requires daily removal for proper oral hygiene. Partial dentures are held in place by metal clasps that clip onto the remaining teeth. Full dentures are held in place by denture a suction seal between the denture and the bony ridge in the mouth and/or adhesives. Both full and partial dentures require adjustments over time as your mouth naturally changes shape after tooth loss. Occasionally, a reline procedure may be needed to improve their fit, or a new partial or denture may be recommended. An annual oral exam is recommended to evaluate the fit of your full dentures and the health of oral tissues.

 

Teeth Whitening

 

Westfield Family Dental offers a variety of Opalescence professional teeth whitening options. Our in-office treatment uses a chemically activated whitening gel and produces noticeably whiter results in one appointment. Combine in-office treatment with custom fit trays and take-home whitening gel to continue achieving professional results in the comfort of your own home. We also offer Opalescence Go prefilled whitening trays that easily conform to any smile.