Preventative Care & Restorative Dentistry
|
Cleaning & Education
Did you know that most dental diseases are preventable? By brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing at least once per day, making healthy food choices and visiting your dentist regularly, you can avoid most serious dental diseases and maintain a healthy mouth. We recommend a professional cleaning at least twice per year. A healthy smile doesn't just make you look younger, it is also a sign of good health. Your teeth and gums are the gateway to the rest of your body, so take good care of them. |
Periodontal Disease (aka Gum Disease)
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." This disease affects the gums surrounding the teeth. Where the gums attach to the tooth, a small crevice is created. Bacteria can get into these pockets and cause decay and infection, making the pocket even larger. Left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. It is possible to have this disease with no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is crucial to get regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations. However, some warning signs may appear: gums that bleed easily, red, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, loose or separating teeth and a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." This disease affects the gums surrounding the teeth. Where the gums attach to the tooth, a small crevice is created. Bacteria can get into these pockets and cause decay and infection, making the pocket even larger. Left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. It is possible to have this disease with no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is crucial to get regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations. However, some warning signs may appear: gums that bleed easily, red, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, loose or separating teeth and a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
|
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. At this stage gums may be red, swollen and bleed easily and there is little discomfort. It is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a special cleaning in which plaque and tartar are removed from the bottom of the periodontal pocket. Sometimes this treatment will require multiple visits to complete it. The tooth's root surfaces are smoothed allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach. This treatment is also called "deep cleaning" or "periodontal cleaning." |
Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can cause damage such as chipped enamel, flattened, grooved, or worn down teeth, loosened teeth, cracked teeth, gum problems and damage to dental implants. Although grinding can occur at any time, most people grind their teeth in their sleep without even knowing that they are doing it. Possible treatments may include mouth guards (aka night guards), bite adjustment, stress reduction, medication and repair of damaged teeth.
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can cause damage such as chipped enamel, flattened, grooved, or worn down teeth, loosened teeth, cracked teeth, gum problems and damage to dental implants. Although grinding can occur at any time, most people grind their teeth in their sleep without even knowing that they are doing it. Possible treatments may include mouth guards (aka night guards), bite adjustment, stress reduction, medication and repair of damaged teeth.
|
Mouth Guard or Nightguard
A clear, thin removable device custom made to fit over your teeth protects your teeth and dental implants from the effects of grinding and clenching. Most often these are only worn at night as many patients grind their teeth while they sleep. Nightguards offered by Dr. Turner have a hard outer surface that is durable and clear and a soft inner surface that rests comfortably against the teeth and gums. Guards are fabricated from BPA-free co-polyester and they are thermoformed for an accurate fit. |
Sleep Apnea / Snore Appliances
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which the patient's regular breathing is interrupted while sleeping. Many sleep apnea patients snore, however not all people that snore have sleep apnea. The most common form of sleep apnea is caused by blocked airflow often as a result of the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. When sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to many other dangerous health concerns, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, diabetes, depression and more.
Snore or oral appliances can prevent the airway from collapsing and thus prevent sleep apnea in patients with mild to moderate cases. Such appliances are available through your dentist.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which the patient's regular breathing is interrupted while sleeping. Many sleep apnea patients snore, however not all people that snore have sleep apnea. The most common form of sleep apnea is caused by blocked airflow often as a result of the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. When sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to many other dangerous health concerns, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, diabetes, depression and more.
Snore or oral appliances can prevent the airway from collapsing and thus prevent sleep apnea in patients with mild to moderate cases. Such appliances are available through your dentist.
Cavities
A cavity is a little hole in your tooth caused by plaque build-up. When you eat and drink foods that contain sugar, the bacteria in the plaque forms acids that attack your tooth enamel. Over time the enamel can break and cavities form. If left untreated bacteria will continue to accumulate in the crevice and cause tooth decay.
A cavity is a little hole in your tooth caused by plaque build-up. When you eat and drink foods that contain sugar, the bacteria in the plaque forms acids that attack your tooth enamel. Over time the enamel can break and cavities form. If left untreated bacteria will continue to accumulate in the crevice and cause tooth decay.
|
Composite Fillings
Dentists treat cavities with a filling. They remove the decayed portion of the affected tooth and replace it with a filling. Fillings can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth or teeth that have been worn down from grinding. A composite filling is a mixture of glass or quartz. It takes longer to put in than the traditional metal fillings, but it matches the color of the teeth and can be used on both front and back teeth. |
Implants
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to blend in with your other teeth. First the dentist surgically implants a post into the jawbone. As the jaw heals, the bone actually grows and heals around the implant, making a strong and sturdy base for the new tooth. Then the dentist attaches the artificial tooth or teeth. If it is just one tooth, he will use a crown and if more than one tooth is missing, he may use a bridge or dentures. The artificial teeth are made custom to match your smile. As such, they can take a few weeks to be made. In the meantime, the dentist may attach temporary crowns, bridges or dentures.
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to blend in with your other teeth. First the dentist surgically implants a post into the jawbone. As the jaw heals, the bone actually grows and heals around the implant, making a strong and sturdy base for the new tooth. Then the dentist attaches the artificial tooth or teeth. If it is just one tooth, he will use a crown and if more than one tooth is missing, he may use a bridge or dentures. The artificial teeth are made custom to match your smile. As such, they can take a few weeks to be made. In the meantime, the dentist may attach temporary crowns, bridges or dentures.
"Dr. Turner has been our family dentist for at least twenty years, not only does he do quality work, but he is meticulous and patient, whether he's doing a root canal, new bridge or just a filling. He can even give you an injections for pain without pain! We have known the Turners for a long time and have been blessed to have found Bob and his "artisitic enamel genius." - Richard, Fullerton
|
Crowns
Crowns can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. When you have a week tooth that needs a large filling, crowns can give the necessary additional support. They are also useful for attaching bridges, protecting teeth from breaking and restoring ones that are already broken. They can also be used to cover dental implants or teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. Do you have a tooth that is much smaller or larger than your other teeth? This can often be corrected with a crown. Like most other dental restorations, crowns do wear out, so you may need a replacement over time. Bridges
Are you missing one or more teeth? Is this impacting the way you smile and speak? An implant, fixed or removable bridge may be the solution. A bridge literally bridges the gap created by your missing tooth or teeth and replaces the missing teeth with artificial ones. Artificial teeth are available in a variety of materials. Dentures
If you have lost all of your natural teeth, dentures can replace your missing teeth and they can help you speak and eat normally while improving your appearance. Dentures need to be brushed and cleaned regularly, just like natural teeth. They can be made to match your natural teeth so as to minimally alter your appearance. It may take a few weeks to get used to dentures, but over time your tongue and your muscles in and around your mouth will adjust. Over time your dentures may need to be relined or repaired due to normal wear. |
