Regular Checkups
1. Regular Dental Checkups – At our office we believe that prevention is the foundation to good dental health. Dr. Amburgey and our hygienists will examine you for oral cancer, dental decay and periodontal disease. We will evaluate your occlusion (bite) and check for TMJ dysfunctions. As a courtesy to our patients a blood pressure reading, to screen for hypertension, is provided at each preventative appointment. Over the years, we have made numerous people aware of undiagnosed blood pressure problems that required, in some cases, immediate treatment by a physician or hospitalization. It is our goal to provide you the best diagnostic and preventative appointment possible and that your visit to our office will be a wonderful experience.
2. Digital X-Rays – If you worry about radiation, you will love digital x-rays. Digital x-rays reduce the amount of radiation by up to 80%. These radiographs also provide the dentist with a larger view of the x-ray, as opposed to older, smaller films. This is a tremendous asset in diagnosing any dental pathologies that may be present.
3. Fluoride Treatments – Fluoride treatments are a very important aid in the battle against tooth decay. We recommend, in office, fluoride treatments every six months for children. Adults can also benefit from fluoride treatments if they are experiencing sensitivity or increased decay with their teeth. We also provide, prescription level, take home fluoride treatments.
Digital Imaging Systems
4. Oral Cancer Screening – In addition to our traditional oral cancer exam (look & feel) we also make available to our patients ViziLite. ViziLite utilizes technology that can assist us in the early detection of oral abnormalities on the cellular level, including pre-malignant lesions and oral cancer. Early detection of these abnormalities can save lives.
5. Periodontal Services – When someone has been diagnosed with periodontal disease (gum disease) treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Our highly trained hygienist will use her skills, the latest equipment and medicine to treat the disease. Periodontal disease can not be cured, but with treatment, education and good home care it can be controlled. Our goal is to accomplish this with a Non-Surgical approach if possible.
6. Composite Fillings (Tooth Colored Fillings) – For years you had no choice of the color of your fillings. Now we can provide you with a more natural tooth colored filling. These tooth colored fillings are not only great for appearance, but they also enables us to remove less of your natural tooth structure. Because these fillings bond directly to the tooth they provide a better seal. Composite fillings also contain fluoride which is released, providing better protection against further decay. We look forward to providing you with beautiful smiles; no more silver when you smile.
7. Crowns & Bridges – Crowns by themselves, or in conjunction with a bridge, are used in dentistry for many different reasons. One of the major reasons for a crown is to strengthen weakened and damaged teeth. Broken or cracked teeth, teeth with large worn fillings and teeth that have had root canal therapy are some of the main reasons crowns would be indicated. They can also be used to change someone’s smile by changing the size, shape, color and or position of the teeth.
8. Dentures & Partials – In unfortunate situations when someone must loose some or all of their teeth, immediate dentures or partial dentures can be used to replace the missing tooth/teeth. The teeth are removed and the denture or partial denture is placed the same day. This is called an immediate insertion denture or partial and it keeps the patient from going without their teeth.
Procedure Room
9. Endodontic Therapy (Root Canal Treatment) – Root canal therapy is used to treat abscessed teeth. When a tooth becomes infected, root canal therapy is the only procedure that can be attempted to save an otherwise hopeless tooth. A successful root canal allows the patient to avoid removal of the tooth.
10. Bite Guards – Through daily stresses of our live we abuse our teeth by clinching and grinding them together. This can led to broken and cracked teeth as well as muscle tenderness, headaches, and TMJ problems. Bite guards aid in protecting the teeth from continuous trauma. These guards are custom fit for your comfort and can be worn at night or during your most stressful times of the day.
11. Sealants – Sealants are a very affordable and economical way to help prevent tooth decay. With this painless procedure, a thin clear or tooth colored coating is painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth. Because the material flows into the deep grooves of the teeth, this prevents bacteria from being trapped within the grooves thus helping to prevent decay.
12. Extractions – Dental extractions (removal of a tooth) are performed when a tooth has become a hopeless situation. When a tooth is lost one needs to consider replacing the missing tooth with an implant, bridge or partial denture. This prevents the movement of the adjacent teeth, which can create other dental problems.