Services

X-Rays

X-rays are an essential tool in modern dentistry, as they allow dental professionals to diagnose and treat dental problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create an image of the teeth, gums, and other structures inside the mouth.

At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery, X-rays are typically taken using a digital X-ray machine. This machine has a small sensor that is placed inside the mouth, either on a plastic device that the patient bites down on, or on a handheld wand that the dentist can move around as needed. The sensor captures the X-ray image and sends it to a computer, where it can be viewed and analyzed by the dentist or dental hygienist.

There are several different types of X-rays that we use. Different types vary to the specific needs of the patient.

The main types of X-rays we use are:

Bitewing X-rays: These X-rays are used to check for decay between the teeth and to monitor the health of the bone that supports the teeth.

Periapical X-rays: These X-rays show the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, and can help detect problems such as abscesses or cysts.

Panoramic X-rays: These X-rays show a broad view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and other structures. They are often used to plan orthodontic treatment or to evaluate wisdom teeth.

X-rays are an important tool for dental professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Hygiene Cleanings

During a dental cleaning, our hygienist, Gina will use a variety of tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth when bacteria in the mouth mix with food particles and saliva. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove and can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.

The dental cleaning process typically begins with a visual exam of the teeth and gums to look for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other problems. The hygienist may also take X-rays to get a more detailed view of the teeth and jawbone.

Next, Gina the hygienist will use a small mirror and scaler to remove any visible tartar or plaque from the teeth.

After the initial scaling, the hygienist will use a high-powered electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste to deep clean the teeth and remove any remaining plaque or tartar. They may also floss between the teeth to remove any debris that was missed during brushing.

Once the cleaning is complete, Gina the hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth and prevent decay. They will also provide instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home, such as brushing and flossing regularly and using mouthwash if necessary.

Overall, dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health, and they should be done at least twice a year for most patients. If you have concerns about the cleaning process or experience any pain or discomfort during the appointment, be sure to discuss it with your hygienist or dentist. 

Fillings

Fillings are a common dental procedure used to treat cavities or tooth decay. The procedure involves removing the damaged or decayed part of the tooth and filling the area with a material, such as composite resin to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Fillings are typically recommended when tooth decay is caught early and has not yet progressed to a more severe stage. If left untreated, decay can continue to spread and ultimately lead to tooth loss or the need for more extensive dental treatments such as root canals or dental crowns.

During a filling procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia, remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth with a drill, and then clean the area thoroughly to prepare it for the filling material. The filling material is then placed in the prepared space and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth. Finally, the filling is hardened with a special light, and the tooth is polished.

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and having regular dental check-ups, to prevent the development of cavities and the need for fillings.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure where one or more of the third molars (wisdom teeth) are extracted from the mouth. Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood and can cause problems if there is not enough room for them to grow, leading to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.

The procedure for wisdom teeth removal typically involves a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth. In some cases, sedation may also be used to help the patient relax during the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will then use specialized tools to carefully extract the wisdom teeth from the jawbone.

After the procedure, patients are usually given instructions on caring for the extraction site and managing any discomfort. Pain medication and ice packs may be recommended to help manage pain and swelling.

It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications and promote healing. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that everything is progressing as it should.

We offer wisdom teeth extractions, awake or asleep! Please click here to request an appointment.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are pre-fabricated metal crowns that are used to restore a badly decayed or damaged tooth, typically in children. The crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it and preventing further damage. Stainless steel crowns are durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective compared to other types of crowns. They are also easy to place, requiring less preparation of the tooth compared to other types of crowns. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used for baby teeth that are likely to fall out in a few years. When the baby tooth falls out, the crown comes out with it, allowing the permanent tooth to grow in normally.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are dental appliances used to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost tooth or primary teeth in children. They are typically used for children who still have their primary teeth but have lost one or more due to trauma or decay. The space maintainer prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting into the open space and causing orthodontic problems in the future. The type of space maintainer Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery uses is fixed and they can be made of metal. Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto the adjacent teeth. The dentist will recommend the appropriate type of space maintainer based on the child’s individual needs.

Oral Education

Oral education involves teaching children and parents good oral hygiene practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This education can start at an early age and include topics such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, healthy eating habits, and regular dental checkups. Oral education can also include information on the importance of fluoride and its benefits, as well as information on the potential risks of consuming sugary foods and drinks.

In addition to promoting good oral hygiene practices, oral education can also address the potential consequences of neglecting dental care, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. This can motivate individuals to take better care of their teeth and gums and make regular dental checkups a priority.

Overall, oral education is critical to maintaining good oral health throughout one’s lifetime. By promoting healthy habits and educating children on the importance of regular dental care, we can help prevent many oral health problems and ensure healthy teeth and gums for years to come. 

Tongue Tie

A lip tie or tongue tie occurs when the frenum, the small piece of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth, is too tight or thick. This can cause issues with feeding, speaking, and even breathing.

A lip tie is a condition where the frenum between the upper lip and gum is tight and restricts the upper lip’s movement. It can cause difficulty in breastfeeding, affect the development of the upper jaw and teeth, and cause a gap between the two front teeth.

A tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum under the tongue is tight, causing difficulty in moving the tongue, affecting speech, and causing issues with breastfeeding. If left untreated, a tongue tie can lead to dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease, and affect overall oral health.

A healthcare provider, such as our doctors at Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery, can evaluate and diagnose lip and tongue ties. Treatment may involve a simple procedure to release the frenulum, allowing for better movement of the lip or tongue.