General Dentistry
Exams And Cleanings
Your routine dental exams and cleanings provide an important line of defense for your overall oral health. These efforts work together to both inform you about what is happening with your smile and lower your risk for future problems.
Cleanings make it easier to protect yourself against problems caused by the buildup of oral bacteria and food debris. Your hygienist carefully cleans your teeth of both plaque and tartar. Tartar removal is particularly important, as these deposits will resist your efforts at removal when you brush and floss.
Drs. Buzzard and Smith’s review of your teeth, gums, and oral structures can lead to the early detection and treatment of issues like cavities and gum disease, as well as a host of other potential threats. One form of support we offer is oral cancer detection. Consistent screenings can ensure the warning signs of this disease are detected early. Early detection means treatment starts sooner, something that can greatly improve your odds of successful recovery.
Reviews also look out for the warning signs of trouble with uneven jaw alignment and excess teeth grinding. Bruxism is a condition characterized by frequent unconscious grinding, which can often occur at night. If left untreated, it can cause significant harm to your enamel and make restorative care necessary. This condition is often linked to problems with TMJ disorder. TMJ problems arise when your joints are not moving in alignment. Letting that uneven alignment go untreated can result in frequent headaches and facial discomfort, problems with neck and shoulder pain, and limited movement.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dental services respond to issues like dental decay as well as problems with teeth that are physically damaged or misshapen to degrees that make cosmetic treatment less effective. We look for the most conservative treatment option that provides long-term stability for vulnerable teeth.
- For teeth that need to be restored, we can provide dental fillings and dental crowns. The choice to use one or the other is based on the condition of your tooth structure. Dental decay caught in early stages can often be treated with fillings, which cover the affected area but leave the surrounding structure unchanged. Dental crowns protect teeth impacted by larger cavities as well as physical trauma. They surround the tooth structure to provide greater functional support.
- If you have missing teeth, or if a tooth cannot be restored, we can discuss prosthetic treatment. Different prosthodontic appliances are used to close gaps and provide welcome functional and cosmetic improvements.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry provides solutions to problems that can make patients self-conscious about how they look. We can discuss the role of these services in responding to issues like dental discoloration, minor wear and tear, poor spacing, and more. A personalized treatment approach can help you feel a lasting boost in your overall confidence!
Count On Our Louisville, KY Practice To Support Your Smile Care Needs!
Our practice is here to help with more than just sleep apnea, as we provide a full range of general dental services to patients. Whether you are due for your next dental exam or want to take on a specific problem, we are happy to help you! For more information on what we can do for you, call our Louisville, KY office today at (502) 426-6089!
