Services — Medford Dental Clinic

Regular dental visits not only ensure optimal oral health but they can help identify potential problems too. As with conditions in other areas of your body, early detection of oral health issues often means they are easier and less expensive to treat. Medford Dental Clinic offers comprehensive dental exams and professional dental cleanings with our team of skilled hygienists.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is commonly used to prevent cavities in children and adults. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay and cavities, by strengthening the surface of your teeth. Fluoride can be especially helpful for children because their primary teeth (baby teeth) are not as strong as an adult’s permanent teeth. Plus, as a child’s permanent teeth come in, additional bacteria and acids can be encountered, that can increase the likelihood of cavities. Fluoride can help rebuild any damage caused by the increase in bacteria and acid during this time. For these reasons, your dentist and/or hygienist may recommend getting a special fluoride treatment during your visit. The fluoride is applied to the surface of the teeth, creating a topical barrier that strengthens the tooth’s enamel.

Dental Extractions

Sometimes, you may need to have a tooth removed, which is called an extraction. Extractions are typically performed when a tooth has become irreversibly damaged, either because of disease or trauma. Sometimes teeth are removed to fix spacing issues in your mouth, which is referred to as crowding.

If an extraction is needed, the area will be numbed first, to prevent discomfort during the procedure. Afterwards, your mouth will begin filling in where the tooth’s root was as you heal.

Before and After an Extraction

Scaling and Root Planning

Scaling and root planning may be used to treat more moderate to advanced stages of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Gum disease happens when a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, builds up on your teeth and along your gumline. Plaque is always forming, which is why it’s so important to clean your teeth thoroughly. If this is not cleaned off well, the bacteria in plaque can lead to gum inflammation. When your gums are inflamed, they start to pull away from your teeth and form spaces called pockets where more plaque can become trapped.

If caught early, you can prevent damage to your teeth and other structures below your gum line. Early stages of gum disease (often referred to as gingivitis) can be managed with regular, professional dental cleanings and routine oral hygiene care. However, if the pockets are too deep, that’s when scaling and root planning may be needed. Essentially, scaling and root planning is a two-part deep cleaning. During the scaling portion, your dentist or dental hygienist carefully removes the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below your gumline. Once the pocket has been cleaned, your dentist or dental hygienist will move on to the root planning phase. This involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth to help reattach your gums. As this is a more in-depth cleaning, it may take more than one visit to complete.

Regardless of what stage of gum disease is identified, it’s important to begin treating it to prevent bone and tooth loss.

Dental Exams + Cleanings

During your exam, we will evaluate your overall oral health and work together to create a dental treatment plan that’s tailored to you. We will:

Review your medical history.
Discuss your oral health goals and any questions or concerns you may have.
Perform an oral exam, including checking your gums and screening for oral cancer.
Take X-Rays (if needed), so we can see your teeth below the gum line.
Clean and polish your teeth, removing any plaque buildup on your teeth and along the gumline.

Dental Fillings

If a cavity is found during your dental exam, you’ll likely need a dental filling. Cavities, or tooth decay, can develop on the hard surfaces of your teeth and form tiny openings or holes. Cavities can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth thoroughly or often enough. If left untreated, cavities will grow and can affect deeper layers of your teeth. Dental fillings are used to restore the damaged portion of the tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the damaged area, clean it, and fill it with a composite or amalgam material to restore the tooth’s normal shape.

Signs of a Cavity

Root Canals

When a tooth is severely damaged or an abscess (a serious tooth infection) has developed, a root canal may be recommended. Abscesses can form from:

A deep cavity.
A broken or cracked tooth.
A tooth injury (even if there isn’t visible damage).
Repeated dental procedures that disturb the pulp (the tissue located inside the tooth).

When a tooth becomes infected, pain and swelling inside and around the tooth are common. A root canal may take 1-2 visits to complete and is used to treat the infection and repair the tooth. The goal of a root canal is to prevent having to remove the tooth. Additionally, the area is numbed before the procedure for your comfort. After it’s finished, you may have some lingering sensitivity but the pain should be greatly improved. This should continue to improve over time. You will also have to remember to have a permanent filling or crown placed after the root canal to protect the tooth. This may include a post to help hold the filling in place so talk to your dentist about what your tooth will need after the root canal.

Restorative Services

We know that a healthy smile can build confidence. So, when one or multiple teeth become damaged or are missing, it can not only impact your health, but it can cause you to feel self-conscious as well. Fortunately, there are several treatment options that can help you restore the look and functionality of your smile. Here are the restorative dental services offered at Medford Dental Clinic.

Bridges or Partial Dentures

When you’re missing one or more teeth, not only can it make you feel insecure about your smile, but it can alter the way you chew and speak as well. That’s where bridges can help, restoring both the appearance and functionality of your smile. Bridges, or partial dentures, are artificial teeth that are used to “bridge” the gap where missing teeth used to be. There are several options when it comes to bridges, both for the material(s) used to make them and whether they are removable or fixed. A fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist, while removable ones (partials) can be taken out and cleaned at home by you. Your dentist will discuss these options with you and help you select the bridge that best fits your needs.

Dental Implants (Placement and Restorations)

Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth. Implants are a popular choice because they are designed to be extremely durable and blend in seamlessly with your other teeth. The implant is surgically placed directly into your jaw, where it serves as a sturdy anchor for the replacement tooth. Medford Dental Clinic offers both initial implant placements and restorations for existing implants. Sometimes, implants can be placed on the same day a tooth is extracted. Other times, the tooth may need to be extracted, area bone grafted, and implant placed after the bone has healed. The three steps of implant placement are outlined below:

The first step is the actual placement of the implant, where your dentist skillfully inserts the implant into your jawbone.
Next is the healing phase. After the implant has been placed, the bone around the implant will begin to grow around it, which is what holds it in place. This process takes time, so you may need to wait a few months before the implant is ready for the crown/replacement tooth to be attached.
The last step is to attach an artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will use a dental crown that’s size, shape, color and fit is customized to you, so it will blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing multiple teeth, a bridge or dentures will be customized to fit your mouth and implant.

Crowns

To restore a tooth’s shape and/or size, a crown may be recommended. In addition to improving your tooth’s appearance, crowns can also help strengthen it too. Crowns are often used to:

Help support a tooth with a large filing.
Attach bridges.
Prevent a tooth from breaking.
Restore a broken tooth.
Cover an implant or teeth that are discolored.

Regardless of why it’s used, the goal of a crown is to help keep your teeth healthy and restore your smile.

Full Dentures

Dentures are used to replace all or several missing teeth, to help restore your smile. Dentures can be especially helpful if you’ve lost all your teeth because it can be difficult to eat and speak without teeth. Plus, dentures can help improve your appearance beyond your smile, by filling out your face and profile too. There are several types of dentures, including:

Conventional dentures, which are fully removable and are fabricated after any remaining teeth are removed and the tissue has healed.
Immediate dentures, which are also removable but can be placed the same day remaining teeth are removed. To do this, your dentist will make molds of your jaw beforehand, so you don’t have to be without teeth while you’re healing. Keep in mind, you may still have to have your dentures adjusted and re-fitted after your jaw has healed.
Overdentures, which fit over a small number of remaining teeth, if they can be saved, or over multiple dental implants. Before an overdenture is placed, your dentist will prep the teeth or place dental implants and work to preserve your jawbone as much as possible. This provides better support for the denture once it’s inserted.

Your dentist will help you decide which option and material to use, and whether fixed or removable dentures will work best for you.

Cosmetic Services

In addition to helping preserve and restore your smile, Medford Dental Clinic also offers several elective treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile as well.

Teeth Whitening

Despite brushing and flossing every day, you may notice the color of your teeth change over time. There are several factors that can affect the brightness of your smile, including:

Certain foods and drinks, especially coffee and red wine, as their darker pigment can erode and stain the enamel of your teeth.
Tobacco use which can cause yellow staining on the surface of your teeth.
Medications, like those used for allergies, blood pressure and chemotherapy, can make you more susceptible to staining.
Injury or trauma to your mouth, which can cause your tooth to change color, due to more dentin forming under the tooth’s enamel.
Age, because as we get older, the enamel on our teeth begins to thin, allowing staining and underlying dentin to be more prominent.

To brighten dull or stained teeth, many people elect to have their teeth whitened. There are many types of whitening products and treatments out there, so be sure to talk with your dentist to determine which will work best for you.

If you decide to do professional teeth whitening, Medford Dental Clinic offers:

In-Office Bleaching (not currently offered): This professional whitening procedure offers more precise application and longer-lasting results. The process is fast and easy too, typically only requiring one visit. During an in-office whitening treatment, your dentist will start by applying a protective gel to your gums. Then, bleach will be applied to your teeth and will need to sit for XX hours. Afterwards, you may need to avoid certain foods and drinks for a while after your treatment to preserve the results. Your dentist will walk you through the post-whitening instructions at the end of the treatment.
At-Home Bleach Kits: Medford Dental Clinic also offers convenient at-home whitening kits too. While the results may take longer to achieve and typically don’t last quite as long as an in-office treatment, these kits offer more advanced whitening than those purchased over the counter. If you decide to go with at-home whitening, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use the bleaching trays.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is cosmetic procedure that’s used to enhance your smile, including:

Repairing chips in teeth.
Closing gaps between teeth.
Changing the shape and/or color of a tooth.

The treatment uses a composite resin material that’s color-matched to your smile. Dental bonding is a popular treatment option because unlike porcelain veneers, it’s reversible.

Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front side of your teeth. They are designed to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including:

Chips
Crooked teeth
Gaps
Stains

If you are a candidate for veneers, your teeth will be prepped to make room for the veneers and molds or a digital scan will be taken of your teeth and mouth. These molds or digital scan will be sent to a special dental lab, where the veneers will be custom-made for you. Before getting veneers, be sure to talk with your dentist to ensure they are right for you.

At-Home Dental Appliances

Medford Dental Clinic can also create several types of custom-fit dental appliances that can be used at home, or during certain activities. Mouth guards and other dental appliances are commonly used to prevent:

Teeth grinding, which may happen involuntarily when you’re stressed or at night while you sleep.
Snoring or in some cases, to treat sleep apnea.
Injuries while engaged in athletic activities.

Speak with your dentist to learn more about mouth guards and other dental appliances that are available, and whether they’re right for you.

Emergency Dental Care

Accidents happen, including those that may affect your teeth and mouth. While accidents may not be avoidable, knowing what to do – and when to seek care – can minimize the impact they have. Medford Dental Clinic offers emergency dental care for:

Adult/permanent teeth that have been knocked-out.
Cracked teeth.
Injuries to the jaw, teeth, and mouth.
Objects stuck in the mouth.
Substantial bites to the tongue or lip.
Severe tooth pain.

If you (or a family member) are experiencing a dental emergency, it’s important to seek treatment (from your dentist or emergency room) as soon as possible.