General & Preventive Dentistry

Dentist in St. Clair Shores

Services Provided by the St Clair Shores Dentist

Exams & Cleanings

Regular dental exams and cleanings are vital to maintaining your oral and overall health. During your dental exam at our St. Clair Shores dental office, you will receive needed X-Rays, an evaluation of your current dental conditions, a screening for oral cancer and periodontal disease. Once your thorough and gentle exam is complete, our St. Clair Shores family dentist may provide you with a treatment plan or may invite you back to the office to discuss options for treatment.

During your exam, you will have an opportunity to speak with your St. Clair Shores dentist about your dental concerns and needs. He or she may also take intra oral photos. These photos will allow you to clearly see any areas of concern.

Following your exam, your dentist will recommend a cleaning based on your oral health needs. If early or advanced stages of periodontal disease are present, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings for treating or maintaining this condition. If you are free of periodontal (gum) disease, it will be recommended that you return for professional cleanings every 6 months.
Keeping regular appointments with your dental hygienist is important. It reduces your chances of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Even with regular, proper at-home dental care, you will develop plaque and tartar that only your hygienist will be able to remove.

Whether it’s been 6 months or years since your last dental appointment, contact us to schedule an exam and cleaning to get back on track to a healthy and beautiful smile.

Periodontal Disease / Gum Disease

Periodontal disease has been linked to several other illnesses such as: heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many other serious diseases. If caught in its earliest stages, periodontal disease can often be treated and reversed. Once reaching an advanced level, periodontal disease is not reversible and requires on-going treatment to prevent the disease from progressing.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease may have no symptoms. Halitosis, swollen gums or bleeding when you brush or floss can be symptoms of periodontal disease.

At each dental exam, your dentist will gently evaluate gums and overall oral health and if necessary will make recommendations for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride will be topically applied to each tooth to prevent tooth decay (cavities). After receiving fluoride, your dental may recommend avoiding food and beverages for 30 minutes to allow for it to absorb into your teeth. Fluoride administration is quick and painless and can result in more resilient, healthier teeth.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are often applied to the primary (baby) teeth or secondary (permanent) teeth that have not received restorative dental care. Sealants are applied as a liquid and seal to form a thin, plastic like covering over grooves of teeth. They prevent food and bacteria from collecting in the natural grooves of your teeth, subsequently preventing decay.

Tooth Colored Dental Fillings

In the past, dentist used metal materials to restore decayed teeth. Modern dentistry utilizes tooth colored fillings. These fillings match your natural tooth structure and are undetectable when laughing or smiling. Tooth colored fillings provide a natural and durable solution for dental decay.

Dental Care for Infants & Children

Most children’s dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care.

Caring for primary (baby) teeth is important, even though secondary teeth will eventually replace them. These teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a child’s tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.

Our team welcomes children and adults of all ages.

Extractions

The decision to remove a tooth or teeth is based on a combination of the condition of the tooth, your dentist’s recommendation, and your needs. There are several indications for removal of teeth including the following:

  • Severe tooth decay that cannot be filled
  • Fracture of the tooth that cannot be filled or have root canal
  • Abscessed tooth that is painful and cannot or will not be restored
  • Gum disease resulting in serious loss of supporting bone
  • Baby teeth that are abscessed or over retained (kept too long)
  • Relieve crowding (make room to facilitate braces)
  • Poorly positioned teeth in the dental arch posing a hygiene problem
  • Inadequate number of teeth to sustain chewing, leading the need for dentures or dental implants

Our St. Clair Shores dentists can help you determine if tooth removal is the right treatment in your case. They will also discuss your tooth replacement options at this time.