• CARIES EXAMINATION

    Identifying teeth that have decay and are in need of restorations. Incipient lesions can be monitored and treated with fluoride. A new detection system allows the dentist to paint a temporary dose on the tooth, which will stain only decayed tooth structure for easy identification and removal.

    PERIODONTAL EXAMINATION

    Using a special periodontal probe, pocket depths between each of your teeth are measured. The pocket depth is the distance between the top of the gum and where the gum attaches to the tooth. If your pocket depth is too deep, it can harbor harmful bacteria. A permanent record is kept and a follow up is done on any irregular or diseased gum pockets at future recall visits. A referral to a periodontist may be required.

    ORAL CANCER SCREENING

    If you are a tobacco or smokeless tobacco user, you are at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Our duty is to prevent this deadly disease from occurring. We provide oral cancer screenings during all preventative care appointments.

    OCCLUSAL EXAMINATION

    The forces of your bite can sometimes affect the positioning of your jaw and teeth. Minor polishing of the enamel surfaces or fillings of the teeth can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces.

    TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION (TMD) EXAMINATION

    TMD is a condition that afflicts thousands of people. Frequent indicators of TMD include popping and clicking of the jaw, limited jaw function, pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain and pressure in the face and ears. We provide conservative therapies that can eliminate this painful, frustrating problem.

    X-RAY GUIDLINES

    Bitewing or "checkup" x-rays are taken one set per year and a full mouth series are taken every 5-7 years. These are guidelines and will vary pending the particular situation. A common sense, conservative approach will be taken whenever possible. We take digital x-rays in our office which reduces the amount of radiation by about 90% as compared to film x-rays. The total radiation from four bitewing x-rays is only about 0.005 mSv (micro-Sieverts), which is less than an average daily dose of radiation in everyday life.

  • ANESTHETIC

    We use the latest techniques to reduce dental discomfort during our procedures. Topical benzocaine gel is used to prenumb the gum before administering anesthetic via "The Wand". This pump replaces the traditional shot with a painless injection controlled by a pressure sensitive computer for maximum comfort. These options are discussed with our patients during the treatment planning consultation. Television, magazines and childrens toys are always available to help make your visit more comfortable. We also encourage the use of personal devices to facilitate your relaxation.

    WHITE/COMPOSITE FILLINGS

    Made of tooth-colored material rather than mercury, composite fillings restore the teeth's natural beauty. Composite fillings can be matched very closely to your natural tooth color and are virtually indistinguishable from non-restored teeth.

    BONDING

    Bonding is a process in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied to tooth surfaces, sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished to match surrounding teeth. Bonding can close gaps, repair chipped or fractured teeth, and disguise discolored teeth. It usually requires one office visit and no anesthetic. This is especially helpful if your child falls and cracks a front tooth.

    CROWN

    A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth in order to strengthen and restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown may be placed to support a large filling when there is little remaining tooth structure, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, protect root canal treated teeth from splitting or restore fractured teeth.

    BRIDGE

    A fixed bridge, made either with gold or porcelain (tooth colored), is used to replace missing teeth. A bridge helps to create a normal bite, prevent stress on the dental ridge, prevent the drifting and tilt of adjacent teeth, inhibit decay in abnormal areas and slow the onset of periodontal diseases. It is cemented in place and stays permanently on your teeth.

    IMPLANT PROSTHETICS AND MAINTENANCE

    After being surgically placed in the bone, implant replacements can range from a single tooth restoration, multiple unit fixed bridge, or a whole jaw restoration. The implant prosthesis is the tooth that fits on top of the implant. Dr. Lehman and Dr. Thibaudeau’s implant training allows them to use the best system for each particular patient.

    OCCLUSAL GUARD THERAPY

    Nightguards are used as a treatment option to prevent damage to the dentition from grinding and clenching. It is a conservative, reversible treatment modality that is usually well tolerated by patients and is very successful. Nightguards can also have a limited positive affect on muscles associated with TMD headaches.

  • Part of our job is to make you feel good about your smile. Sometimes a simple reassurance will help a self critical patient perceive their smile in a better light.

    However, if you still have doubts about your smile, if you refrain from smiling fully, or smiling altogether, cosmetic dentistry offers you the opportunity to regain the freedom and the confidence you have lost.

    Cosmetic dentistry can brighten dull teeth, whiten stained teeth, close gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth, mask metal fillings, and straighten crooked teeth. Cosmetic dentistry opens doors and removes obstacles to professional and social success.

    We employ state-of-the-art dental technology to design customized, beautiful smiles that fulfill the unique wants and needs of each of their patients. Our wide array of cosmetic services help ensure superior results.

    BLEACHING

    This tooth whitening process offers those with stained, discolored, or dull teeth a whiter, brighter smile. Bleaching significantly reduces sub-surface stains caused by the enamel absorption of staining food or drink. We provide both an at-home (custom upper and lower trays) bleaching system as well as an in-office procedure. It is a painless and affordable process.  In-office "power bleaching" gives you that bright, white smile in one 1-hour visit. Crest white strips also are effective and are available at our office or over the counter at your local pharmacy center.

    VENEERS

    Veneers, usually customized from porcelain, are thin, semi-translucent facings bonded to the front teeth. Veneers are durable, stain resistant, and are exceptionally natural looking. They conceal broken, chipped, discolored, crooked, and misshapen teeth.

    CONCEPT RESTORATION

    A process in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied to tooth surfaces, sculptured into shape, hardened, and polished to match surrounding teeth. Concept restorations can close gaps, repair chipped or fractured teeth, and disguise discolored teeth. It usually requires one office visit and no anesthetic. They adhere to actually strengthen the remaining tooth structure. This reduces the possibility of future fractures and other difficulties that can result from the natural chewing process.

  • One of the advantages of being a regular patient in our practice is that if you remain faithful to our recare program, we will be able to treat any problem you have while it is small and prevent it from becoming an emergency. We hope that you never experience a dental emergency, but given the chance that you might, we want you to know that we are always available to help you.

    If, during office hours, you are having pain or experiencing an emergency, such as a lost filling, please call us immediately so that we may schedule the best available time for you. We will do everything possible to give you the highest priority and immediately treat the cause of the problem.

    Should an emergency occur after hours, we can be reached 24 hours a day.

  • PREVENTATIVE CARE APPOINTMENTS

    Scheduled at 6, 4 or 3 month intervals depending your periodontal condition, these appointments allow the doctor and hygienist to monitor your oral health and to clean under your gum line where the toothbrush cannot reach. It also helps promote healthy gums. Catching dental disease early helps minimize the damage to the teeth and gums.

    NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL THERAPY

    When plaque extends below the gum line, gingivitis can deteriorate into a condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation that can erode the ligament and bone beneath your gums, creating deep pockets that foster the growth of destructive bacteria. Treatment may include scaling and root planing (deep scaling, with anesthetics, of the bacteria-filled pockets). If conservative treatment is ineffective, a referral to a Periodontist may be recommended.

    SEALANTS

    These protective coatings are applied to deep pits/grooves in permanent posterior teeth to seal out decay-producing plaque. They are painlessly bonded and last two to three years before needing to be replaced. Sealants serve in a preventative capacity to reduce the risk of cavities in the most common place that cavities occur - the biting surface. Not only do they prevent costly fillings, but they also prevent the need for future replacement fillings and crowns. Most often they are applied to permanent adult teeth.

    FLUORIDE TREATMENT

    This varnish is applied at each 6 month hygiene appointment. It strengthens the enamel on your child's teeth to make it more difficult for cavities to start. Semi-annual fluoride application is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Bottled water does not contain fluoride - please drink tap water at home and brush with fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth in between appointments.