Procedures
Dr. Hall provides innovative dental solutions for the entire family. Some of our services include:
- Comprehensive General and Aesthetic Dentistry
- Implant Placement and Restoration
- Amalgam (silver) and Composite (tooth colored) Fillings
- Crowns (caps)
- Veneers
- Bridges
- Complete and Partial Dentures
- Extractions
- Grafting
- IV Sedation
- Prophylaxis (cleanings)
- Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
- Periodontal Maintenance
- Scaling and Root Planing (deep scaling)
- Site Specific Antimicrobial Treatment
- Sealants
- Fluoride Treatment
- Tooth Whitening
Hygiene Appointments
Continuing Care (Cleaning) Appointments
We strive to provide thorough, yet gentle dental hygiene care to ensure excellent periodontal (gum) health and enhance the appearance of your teeth. At each continuing care (cleaning) appointment, you can expect a periodontal examination to check the health of your gum tissue, oral cancer screening, scaling for thorough removal of calculus (tartar) and plaque, selective polishing for plaque and stain removal, and oral hygiene instruction. These appointments are typically recommended every six months in order to evaluate and maintain good health and a beautiful appearance. Fluoride treatments are recommended for patients at risk for decay. Radiographs are taken when needed.
Periodontal disease
Patients who have periodontal disease may require more extensive treatment in order to restore or improve gingival health. Periodontal Disease is an inflammation and infection of gum and or bone tissues that support the teeth. The inflammation and breakdown of these tissues is caused by bacteria found in plaque. Plaque can collect on the teeth, but it can also collect under the gum line. Plaque that collects under the gum line can cause periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Gingivitis is reversible with proper dental treatment and good home care. Untreated areas of gingivitis could lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis includes not only the inflammation of gum tissue but also the destruction of other connective tissues and the bone that supports the teeth. This tissue breakdown can lead to loose teeth or the eventual loss of teeth. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, loose teeth, shifting teeth, tooth sensitivity, and abscess. Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, diabetes and some other systemic diseases, some medications, defective or broken dental restorations. If you experience any of the above symptoms or have any risk factors for periodontal disease, you should discuss these with your dentist or dental hygienist.
Surprisingly, periodontal disease is usually not painful, so many people may not realize that the disease process is occurring. Evaluation of the gum tissue is an essential part of the dental hygiene appointment to determine gingival health and to address any problem areas that may be observed. Even if you have periodontal disease or have had active periodontal disease in the past, a combination of proper home care, good nutrition, and regular dental care can reverse or halt the progression of periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planning is the removal of harmful calculus, plaque, and bacterial deposits that form above and below the gum line, which cause periodontal disease. These deposits are removed with hand instruments and/or ultrasonic scalers. Patients may be anesthetized (numb) for the procedure to enhance comfort.
Periodontal Maintenance
Patients who have or have had active periodontal disease in the past may require enhanced dental hygiene care in order to restore or maintain good periodontal health. Periodontal maintenance is performed in this office or in conjunction with a periodontist in order to provide the best treatment for the patient. Periodontal maintenance appointments include periodontal examination, oral cancer screening, scaling for thorough removal of calculus (tartar) and plaque, selective polishing for plaque and stain removal, and oral hygiene instruction. Some patients may require fluoride treatment, irrigation with medicament, or site-specific anitmicrobial treatment. Radiographs are taken when needed.
For more information on periodontal disease and periodontal treatments, please refer to the following websites and articles:
Whitening
Many patients are interested in having a whiter smile. Teeth can become discolored over time due to exposure to foods, drinks, and tobacco. Some people's teeth naturally have yellow tones or a darker appearance than others. In some cases, medications or illness during tooth formation can darken the teeth. Dr. Hall is interested in providing patients who wish to lighten their teeth with most current information on different whitening methods and the most effective products to meet the desires of each patient. Our office currently uses the custom tray whitening method with a peroxide gel to lighten the teeth.
Impressions of the teeth are taken and models of the person's teeth are made. Soft plastic trays are made to fit the models exactly, therefore they will fit the person's teeth very comfortably. The trays are clear and thin so that it is possible to speak and perform daily activities while the trays are worn. The trays can be worn as little as an hour a day to as much as eight hours at a time. Some patients prefer to wear the trays while they are sleeping. This method of whitening is strongly supported by dental research as a safe and effective way to whiten teeth.
There are many options for whitening available both over the counter and professionally. Dr. Hall and his team are happy to discuss all options with patients in order for the patient to make safe and predictable decisions for the whitening treatment that will work best for them.
For more information on tooth whitening, please refer to the following websites:
