Dr. Paul Leatham DMD

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We offer the following services in our office. If we are not able to do something you need we have great offices we can refer you too.

Crowns or Caps

Over time large fillings can act like a wedge causing teeth to crack and break. If you have a tooth that is has a large amount of decay, is cracking or has already fractured a crown will help to cover the tooth

Bridge

A bridge replaces missing teeth by crowning the teeth on either side of the missing tooth with a crown piece connected between replacing the missing tooth. Missing teeth limit your ability to chew and overtime the adjacent teeth can drift into the open space which may cause problems with the way your teeth work together. Replacing missing teeth will give help maintain your ability to chew and prevent your teeth from drifting. Implants and Partial dentures are other ways to replace teeth. Ask the Dentist about which would be best for your situation.

Extractions

We are equipped to handle simple extractions.

Fillings (white or silver)

Fillings replace tooth structure. Tooth structure may need to be replaced if the tooth has decay (a cavity) or if the tooth had been worn down by acid erosion or improper brushing.

Partial Dentures

If you are missing multiple teeth and would like a less expensive replacement than implants a removable partial denture can replace multiple missing teeth. Missing teeth limit your ability to chew and overtime the adjacent teeth can drift into the open space which may cause problems with the way your teeth work together. Replacing missing teeth will help maintain your ability to chew and prevent your teeth from drifting.

Complete Dentures

If there are not enough teeth in your mouth to support a Partial denture a complete denture can be made to replace the teeth for a patient with out.

Mouth Guards or night guards

A Mouth guard is commonly worn at night to help prevent damage to teeth from clinching or grinding. Clinching and or grinding your teeth can lead to many problems including, tooth pain, cracked tooth, fractured cusps and or tempral mandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort

Sealants

Deep grooves in the molar teeth can be difficult to clean and may lead to higher risk of having cavities. Sealants fill in these grooves and seal them from having food and plaque stick to the groves. This lowers the risk of having cavities in the grooves of the teeth.

Fluoride

Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel to be more acid resistant. Bacteria in the mouth can produce acid especial when sugar is present in the mouth for long periods of time. Some foods and drinks are acid such as: sour foods, citrus fruits, soft drinks, wines, juices and others.

Bleaching

For a whiter looking smile several options of bleaching are available upon request.

Cleanings

Plaque and tartar builds up in the many hard to reach areas of the mouth. Over time this can lead decay, bleeding gums from gingivitis or loss of the bone surrounding the tooth roots from periodontal disease.

Deep Cleanings

If tartar build up over time results in bone loss and gingival inflammation the mouth may need to de numbed and extra effort needed to clean the teeth. A deep cleaning also called Scaling and root planning is the treatment needed to control periodontal disease.

Oral hygiene instructions

Proper oral hygiene and tooth maintenance is the most affordable Dentistry care available. Unfortunately more tooth paste and brushing harder are not the answers to better home care. Some helpful instructions include:

 

-Avoid frequent consumption of acid foods and beverages including: Fruit juices, Wines, Soda pop, and sour candies.

 

-Avoid frequent snacking

 

-Chew sugar free gum when you are unable to brush between meals.

 

-Use a fluoride rinse or varnish. -Brush at least twice a day and floss daily, avoid brushing with excessive force and large amounts of tooth paste.

Oral Cancer Screening

During regular dental cleanings and exam oral cancer screenings are completed. This is especially important for high risk activities including smoking.