Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating or drinking — especially sugars and starches! If plaque is left on teeth for too long it hardens into tartar which causes gum disease.

Gum disease is about more than just your smile! People with gum disease have a 2-3x higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

A certified dental hygienist will gently remove any plaque and tartar that has built up on and between your teeth and gum line. Getting your teeth cleaned every 4-6 months is recommended — and using a polish will remove any staining.

A dental exam by an experienced dentist is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. Dentists look for:

• Cavities and damaged, or missing teeth that need restorative work.
• Gum disease, periodontal pockets, and other signs of inflammation or infection.
• Early signs of mouth or throat disease, like cancer.
• Position and alignment of teeth that may cause self-esteem issues or pain.
• Signs of teeth grinding.

Real-time x-ray technology checks for cavities, fractures, impacted wisdom teeth and bone and root health. X-rays are a crucial diagnostic tool but should always be used responsibly! We use the minimum number of x-rays and will track down x-rays from your old dentist as long as they’ve been taken within the last year.

Tooth decay needs to be removed and the resulting hole needs to be filled with an enamel-like material. This material can also be used to treat cracked or broken teeth.

Staining and discoloration happen over time for a variety of reasons:

• Drinking tea, coffee, or red wine that dyes the enamel of your teeth.
• Using tobacco products that have tar, nicotine and other stain-causing chemicals.
• Taking certain medications
• Aging causes enamel to wear away exposing the dentin inside the tooth — which has a naturally more yellow appearance.

Whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and can be used in-office or at home.

Clenching and grinding your teeth (Bruxism) can cause headaches, jaw pain, and fatigue due to sleep disturbance. We take impressions of your teeth to create either a bottom or top nightguard that will act as a barrier between your teeth and protect your enamel.

A dental crown is like a hat for your tooth that restores its shape, size, and integrity. If you’ve had a large filling or a root canal, you should have a crown placed to improve the strength of the tooth and prevent fracturing.

They can also just improve the appearance of your teeth!