DIAGNOdent
Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office.  To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent.  This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods.  Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas.  However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay.  The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity.  It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment.  By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.

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Intra-oral Imaging
We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.
With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.  

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Digital x-rays
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed.  This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease.  Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

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Periodontal Disease therapy with Arestin
Your gums and underlying bone provide an important foundation for your teeth and dental work, so it’s important to keep them healthy. And while every mouth contains both healthy and harmful bacteria, sometimes the harmful bacteria can infect the gums and form spaces or gaps around the teeth, known as pockets. These pockets are a sign that you may have gum disease (periodontal disease)—the #1 cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. 

Periodontal disease therapy or gum therapy consists of anesthetizing the mouth for comfort.  Then the harmful bacteria is scaled and root planed off of the surface of the teeth. Periodontal disease is not curable, thus the bacteria comes back.  It is for this reason,  that patients with gum disease need to maintain their gums to a healthier level by visiting us every 3 months.

Treating periodontal disease not only prevents tooth loss, but can also save your life.  Recent research shows that periodontal disease is linked to strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure.  Treating periodontal disease involves your dental and medical well being.

 For more information about the local antibiotic that can help keep your teeth visit www.arestin.com

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Invisalign System
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

The Invisalign System works begins by first creating a series of trays that will each moving your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned.  Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.

As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. However,  Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.

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Oral Sedation Dentistry / Dental Anxiety
Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia.  We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas” is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable.  This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation.  Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.

Oral Sedatives
This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety.  Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.

To learn more about sedation dentistry visit www.sedationcare.com.

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Whitening
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whitening stained anddiscolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile.  Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.

Our office offers tray whitening. 

Tray whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment you can use while in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth.  We will first take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whitening your teeth. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays.  The whitening gel trays should be worn 30-60 minutes up to twice a day.  At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling.  Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.

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Smile Makeovers
This can be anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth.

Our office offers  a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic / porcelain crowns & bridges .

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Vizilite Oral Cancer Screening
Examining the mouth for abnormalities is important in detection of oral cancer. Dr. Helton will visually perform an oral cancer screening at you regular dental visits. However, oral cancer is difficult to detect at early stages with the naked eye. It is for this reason that oral cancer is the sixth most deadliest cancer. More people are being diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and you do not have to be a smoker or chronically use alcohol to have oral cancer. The Vizilite Oral cancer screening helps us find abnormalities that can lead to cancer in its early, treatable stages. It is a standard of care at Dentistry on 116 to provide the screening for all adults 18 years old and older. For more information on Vizilite visit www.vizilite.com

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Fluoride Treatments for Adults and Children
It is just as important for adults to receive topical fluoride treatments as it is children. Fluoride is a vitamin for teeth that can help fight tooth decay, strengthen teeth, and prevent sensitivity. Patients who are susceptible to tooth decay are patients who have dry mouth, periodontal disease, root surface exposure, a high sugar diet, several dental restorations, and braces. It is highly recommended that these adult patients should be receiving topical fluoride treatments. It is a standard of care for all patients at Dentistry on 116 to receive topical fluoride treatments during regular visits.

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Composite Fillings (Tooth Colored)
Composite or tooth colored fillings are made of a durable plastic material which is similar in color and texture to natural tooth structure. Tooth colored fillings are our choice in restoring teeth because they bond to teeth, unlike silver amalgam fillings. Over time, silver fillings expand and contract which then causes cracks and recurrent decay in teeth.

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Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth.  A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. 
Crowns may be used to:

• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth.  A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward.  Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing they begin to "fall” and shift into the open spaces.  This may worsens the bite due to changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as TMJ. 
Bridges and crowns are made by first taking an impression of your mouth.  The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown or bridge will be custom made to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color.  A temporary crown or bridge will be placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is made.  When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, it will be cemented into place.

Bridges and crowns are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and by practicing good oral hygiene.

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Bonding
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.

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Veneers
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.

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Dental Implants
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw.  Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.  While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits.  Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years.  They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depending on neighboring teeth for support.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.  You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

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Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved with root canal therapy and may need to be extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take xrays to evaluate the shape and position of the tooth and the surrounding bone.  Based on the degree of difficultly, we may refer you to an oral surgeon.  For a routine extraction, we will apply local anesthetic  to prevent pain and discomfort.  The tooth will be loosened and gently removed.  Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with a couple stitches.

A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved with root canal therapy and may need to be extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take x-rays to evaluate the shape and position of the tooth and the surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to an oral surgeon. For a routine extraction, we will apply local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened and gently removed. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with a couple stitches.

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance.  Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted.  A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abcess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted.  Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone.  Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches.

It is critical to keep the extraction area clean to prevent infection. We will provide you with dry, sterile gauze to bite down on for 30-45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. For the next 24 hours, you shouldn't smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or brush teeth directly next to the extraction site.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

Nightguards and Athletic 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 and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.  Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.

If you have decided a guard is right for you, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you.  In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles for your guard.  On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.

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