Whitening
Whitening done professionally, is whitening done right! When over-the-counter products aren’t working for you consult our team of cosmetic dentists that specialize in beautiful smiles. One of the simplest and most effective methods of whitening teeth is by using custom whitening trays similar to Crest White Stripes. However, custom whitening trays are a more effective method of whitening teeth at home. Due to the higher whitening ingredient concentration and custom delivery tray design, teeth will get significantly better whitening results than you would get using conventional over-the-counter products.
Whitening teeth too often can have side-effects including sensitivity and mild gum irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue the use of all whitening products including any toothpaste with whitening ingredients and consult our team.
GLO Brilliant White
GLO stands for Guided Light Optic, the latest technology in teeth whitening. The GLO system combines the power of a strong whitening gel with an illuminating blue warming light.
The illuminating mouth piece that can be used at home or in the office produces faster, more effective whitening results which last significantly longer with minimal to no sensitivity.
For more information, please visit GLO Science.
Veneers
There are times when whitening alone does not give ideal results. That’s ok because we have other options. Veneers are a great option to not only whiten teeth but change the shape and general appearance of your teeth.
Not every veneer is the same. There are multiple options when it comes to material choice and the amount of tooth removal required. Our doctors will discuss with you all your veneer options and recommend to you the best option in order to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted.
Sleep Dentistry
Apprehension when visiting the dentist is completely normal. Here, at Custer Family Dental & Ortho + Kids, our staff is prepared to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to provide every patient with exemplary treatment in a relaxing and caring environment. At times dentistry, will not be the most comfortable and therefore we offer a variety of options to ease all patients through any procedure. At this time, our office offers many sleep options. These options include:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- Oral Sedation
- IV Sedation
- General Anesthesia
Fillings
A dental filling is the simplest and most effective way to fix a small cavity. It must be noted that fillings are only effective on small cavities; large cavities require other therapies. It is best to take care of a cavity early on in order to prevent the need for more expensive and time-consuming procedures like root canals and crowns in the future. Here at Custer Family Dental & Ortho + Kids we use the newest technology to recognize cavities at an early stage, so you don’t get caught with larger cavities that require more difficult treatments.
How Are Cavities Caused?
Cavities are caused by small bacteria that thrive and grow by eating sugars that get stuck on and between our teeth. Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities.
How Are Fillings Done?
Fillings are completed with or without local anesthetic depending on the size and location of a cavity. The doctor uses specialized instruments to remove all cavities, decay, or caries. When only healthy tooth structure remains, the doctor will reform the tooth with specialized instruments and materials. There are a wide variety of materials to choose from but only the highest quality materials are used in our office.
Crowns
When cavities get to large, the most appropriate treatment option would be a crown. Crowns help protect the little remaining healthy tooth structure from breaking down even more.
How Are Crowns Done?
As with fillings, the doctor uses specialized instruments to remove all cavities, decay, or caries. Once all the unhealthy tooth structure is removed a special buildup material may be necessary to keep the crown from falling off the natural tooth. Once the buildup is placed, an impression of your teeth is made and sent to the lab. In the meantime, you go home with a temporary crown, and within a few days your final perfect crown will be ready. Once your permanent crown comes in we will have you back in for another short appointment to remove your temporary crown and place your final permanent crown.
Root Canals
When cavities are even larger and start to approach your tooth nerve it may be necessary to have a root canal. It is possible to not have any pain or symptoms and still need a root canal. It is also possible to need a root canal after treatment has already been completed on a tooth or even during treatment of a tooth.
How Are Root Canals Done?
Teeth have to be anesthetized to complete a root canal. The doctors will access the nerve at the center of the tooth and remove it using specialized instruments. After the nerve is completely removed, special material is placed in order to replace the nerve and prevent bacteria from growing. Then, a final or temporary filling can be placed depending on the situation. Following a root canal, it is highly advised and recommended by the American Academy of Endodontics to place a crown over the tooth to maintain its integrity and prolong the tooth’s survival.
Preventing Cavities
Oral Hygiene
Great oral hygiene and a good diet are the corner stones of a healthy mouth. To prevent cavities and bad breath both children and adults should be brushing twice a day. For gum and tooth health, the American Dental Association also recommends flossing once a day. Adding other methods or oral hygiene like water picks, mouth wash, and tongue scrapers can protect patients from cavities as well but should never be considered a replacement for brushing 2X per day and flossing 1X per day.
Professional Cleanings
Great oral hygiene is not enough to maintain great oral health. It is recommended by the American Dental Association that all patients are seen regularly for dental cleanings and check-ups to help maintain a healthy mouth. Our doctors are highly trained to recognize oral cavity problems including gum disease.
Gum disease is preventable but not reversible. Any damage done by gum disease cannot repair itself, and must be repaired by a dentist. The good news is we can stop the deterioration process by doing specialized deep cleanings and regular 3-month maintenance appointments. Gum disease begins as gingivitis and at a more severe stage turns into periodontitis. Gum health is incredibly important and gum disease must be controlled or patients risk bad breath, sensitivity, pain, and mobile teeth.
Sealants
Sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities. This simple, inexpensive procedure can save you time and money. A thin, white composite material is placed on susceptible grooves of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier between the cavity prone areas on teeth and cavity causing bacteria in the mouth. Sealants can be placed on all patients of all ages from 3 years of age to adults. Sealants have an unexpected lifespan and may have to be replaced from time to time.
Fluoride
Fluoride is another important treatment option in protecting against cavities. Fluoride will help strengthen teeth of all patients of all ages including adults. When a doctor notices signs of severe cavities or weak tooth enamel, they will typically prescribe a special prescription strength fluoride toothpaste. This toothpaste should be used as directed and will help protect against cavities.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a special substitute sugar that can be found in many fruits, chewing gums, and breath mints. Studies show that patients who chew gum with xylitol have a lower cavity rate than patients who chew gum with normal sugars or no gum at all.
Emergencies
Our team at Custer Family Dental & Ortho + Kids will work hard to bring you in same day for your dental emergency. We save time every day for unexpected emergencies. It may not always be possible to completely resolve a dental emergency in one visit, so follow up appointments may be necessary.
We have time set aside for all emergencies ranging from
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling and gum problems
- Knocked out teeth
- Broken fillings
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Mild irritation or sensitivity
Post-Op
Oral Discomfort After A Cleaning
It is possible to have mild to moderate pain or sensitivity after a dental cleaning especially after deep cleanings. Even during mild dental cleanings, patients may experience mild pain, sensitivity, and bleeding. This is due to inflamed unhealthy gums. It is recommended to use Motrin or Tylenol to relieve pain only if necessary.
Local Anesthetic Discomfort
Local anesthetic is used to numb and put your teeth, gums, and lips to sleep. Your cheek and lips may feel larger and swollen however they still look completely normal. You may not be able to recognize it but you may injure yourself by biting or chewing on your cheek or lip while still being numb. Try to by aware of these behaviors as you may be numb for 2-3 hours.
Sealant Care
After placement of sealants it is recommended to continue brushing and flossing regularly. Restrictions on diet include avoiding hard, sticky candies or food for the next 2 days.
Fillings
After filling placement, it is recommended to continue brushing and flossing regularly. Diet restrictions include avoiding hard and sticky foods for the next two days. It is never okay to chew ice and regular everyday activity can be resumed directly following the procedure; however, remember the effect of local anesthesia may last 2-3 hours.
Extractions
After a tooth extraction, patients should limit physical activity for a minimum of one day. Some patients do better than others and your recovery time greatly depends on the procedure and you following post-operative instructions. Following the procedure, be sure to maintain pressure with gauze on the extraction site for a minimum of 1 hour. Please avoid using straws, spiting forcefully, or smoking. Take all medications as directed and begin taking pain killers prior to regaining sensation in your mouth. Mild swelling is normal and alternating between hot and cold ice packs can help during the first day post-op. We recommend continuing oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing 12 hours after the procedure.