Dental Services
At Augusta Family Dental Group
We offer a full range of dental services in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Our services include the following:
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- Extractions
- Halitosis Treatment
- Nightguards/Mouthguards
- Periodontal Treatments
- Sealants
- Root Canal Therapy
Cleanings
A professional cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. The procedure you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist only takes about an hour. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay.
A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing. Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Polishing completes the cleaning, making the surface of the teeth smooth and minimizing future plaque build-up.
Crowns & Bridges
A crown, sometimes known as dental cap, is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity or cracks threaten the ongoing health of a tooth, when teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth.
A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can also dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. A bridge is a method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the natural teeth on either side for support.
A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for a variety of reasons, like injury, dental disease, or periodontal disease.
To begin the implant process, a metal post is surgically positioned into the jaw. Once it is in place and the bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.
Implants long term prognosis is excellent. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework, because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types available: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and complete dentures are used to replace all teeth.
Dentures are made to resemble natural teeth so there should be an improved change to the appearance of your teeth & facial structures.
Extractions
Although we use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still occasions when a tooth needs to be extracted due to severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, infection, abscess, orthodontic correction, mal-positioned teeth, fractured teeth or impacted teeth.
Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
Fillings
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material.
This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter. There are a variety of filling materials available including composite resin and porcelain (tooth colored), gold, and amalgam (silver).
We will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost.
Aesthetic Dentistry and Dento Facial Aesthetics
Aesthetic Dentistry is the practice of creating positive changes to your teeth and smile. Such elements as color, position, shape, size and alignment are considered. We provide whitening, direct composite veneers, aesthetic crowns & porcelain veneers.
Dento Facial Aesthetics contributes to psycho-social well-being of both children and adults by first establishing optimal oral health and aesthetics.
Nightguards / Mouthguards
Custom-designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw, tongue, cheek lining and teeth during physical activity and sports such as football, basketball or other activities where your mouth might get hit.
Nightguards are recommended for patients who suffer with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ) to alleviate headaches & muscle soreness due to TMD. They are also recommended for patients who clinch or grind their teeth at night to protect their teeth and prevent further damage.
If you have decided a guard is right for you, we will make an impression of your teeth that will be sent to a lab to make a custom-fit guard for you.
Periodontal (Gum) Treatments
Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily when brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth.
Any of these may be a sign of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. Treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe, it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction.
This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.
Sealants
Sealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry.
Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay.
To apply sealants, a resin material is brushed onto the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants make healthy teeth possible.
Are you interested in any of the above services?
We can help you achieve your goals dental goals together using experience and advanced techniques. Reach out today so we can help you achieve the smile you want