Common Procedures - Ocala Family Dentistry | Ocala FL
Regular Exams and Cleanings | Bonding | Bridges | Crowns | Dentures | Extractions | Fillings | Implant Restoration | Fluoride | Mouthguards | Nightguards | Root Canals | Sealants | Veneers
Your regular exam will take about 60 minutes. It will include an oral cancer screening, and exam of teeth and a gums.
Visiting our office every six months gives you the chance to ask Drs. Cartwright or Petersen any questions you may have about your oral health. Regular exams are offered by appointment only, so please contact our practice today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.
Tooth bonding can also be used for fillings instead of amalgam. Many patients prefer bonding fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam. Bonding fillings can be used on front or back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.
Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed during one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, let us know. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be properly cared for. Use a gentle cleanser to brush your dentures, always keep them moist when they’re not in use, and make sure to keep your tongue and gums clean as well.
In order to extract a tooth, the dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with our office any concerns or preferences for sedation.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, we may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.
Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, may include gold, porcelain, or composite. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
These compounds, often called composite resins, are typically used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect.
Direct fillings are placed directly into a prepared cavity during a single visit. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, and veneers fabricated with ceramics or composites.
When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth, and if properly maintained, can last a lifetime!
After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or the doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.
Dr. Cartwright or Dr. Petersen can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right one to protect your smile.
If you often wake up with jaw pain, earaches, or headaches, or find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, you may have a common condition called “bruxism.” Many people do not even know they grind their teeth, because it often occurs when one is sleeping. If not corrected, bruxism can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, or even tooth loss.
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, a general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue. Next, the tissue will be removed, and the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed.
Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth.
If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth. With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth’s imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile. Veneers are natural in appearance, and they are a perfect option for patients who want to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their smile.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain), and they are designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, Dr. Cartwright or Dr. Petersen will create a unique model of your teeth.
This model is sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, the doctor may need to prepare your tooth conservatively to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
When they’re in place, you’ll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth. While they are stain resistant, we may recommend that you avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your new smile.