Dental Procedures
Exams and Cleanings
Teeth Whitening
Veneers
Root Canals
Aligners
Crowns and Bridges
Extractions
Night Guards
Dentures
Exams and Cleanings
Prevent oral disease and mitigate dental problems early with regular comprehensive oral exams and teeth cleanings at West Town Dental Care. Even if you maintain good oral hygiene in your daily routine, it’s still imperative to have expert examinations and cleanings to achieve optimal health.
During our initial examination, we’ll look at your mouth to make sure your teeth and gums are in optimal condition. With our eight years of professional experience, we are able to see any possible issues, which allows us to address potential problems before they turn into dental emergencies.
Not only are oral examinations important, but in-office teeth cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. At West Town Dental Care, we recommend you have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months to remove plaque build-up and prevent infection.
When plaque hardens into tartar or calculus, you can no longer remove it with your daily at-home brushing. During a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially in difficult-to-reach areas.
The cleaning process takes between 30 minutes and an hour and will be performed during your regular oral exam.
Veneers
Perfect your smile today with the expert veneer services we offer at West Town Dental Care. We specialize in veneer attachment that will correct minor imperfections in your mouth to give you the smile you deserve.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells used to cover chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth. The thin layers of the veneer material adhere to natural tooth enamel to create a strong, long-lasting bond and work best for people who wish to correct minor imperfections in their smile.
The procedure for attaching veneers to the exterior of the teeth is non-invasive, and the results are immediately visible. Once the veneers adhere to your teeth, they can perform all the teeth’s natural functions without any dietary restrictions or long recovery periods. Since veneers can last for many years, there is no need for constant replacement and maintenance other than normal oral hygiene, dental exams, and cleanings at West Town Dental Care.
Veneers can help you achieve the bright, healthy smile that you’ve always wanted! Call us today to learn more or to schedule your veneer appointment. We even offer a smile design consultation for $99 that allows you to trial your smile to give you an idea of what your new smile will look like before we do the work.
Benefits of Veneers
Veneers are beneficial when the original teeth are heavily stained or the shape of the tooth is undesirable. Veneers can also correct a chipped or fractured tooth, fill gaps between teeth, and fix minor bite-related issues to enhance your smile.
Because they are custom and individually sculpted for you, this makes it virtually impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and your natural tooth.
Unlike your natural teeth, however, veneers are able to resist coffee, tea, and cigarette stains because they are not porous like our enamel. For teeth that have imperfections or resist whitening, veneers can provide the whitest and brightest smile.
Veneers can quickly fix minor twisting, overlaps, or small gaps. Instead of bulky dental crowns, veneers can provide optimal esthetic results without removing large amounts of your natural tooth structure.
The Procedure
Porcelain laminate veneers consist of several thin ceramic layers that replace the original tooth enamel. To apply a veneer, a very thin layer of the natural tooth enamel is removed. This space creates room for the veneer, so it won’t appear bulky. It will also restore function to the tooth. A light-sensitive resin is applied between the layers and then hardened using a special curing light that creates a strong bond between the natural tooth and the veneer.
Minimal or “No-Prep” Veneers
Some patients are looking for an alternative to traditional dental veneers or bonding, which is why West Town Dental Care offers no-prep or minimal veneers. These veneers are not an option for every patient.
Similar to traditional veneers, “no-prep” or minimal preparation veneers typically don’t require your dentist to remove as much tooth material and are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. The placement is often a faster procedure and with less discomfort than traditional veneers.
Invisible Braces and Teeth Aligners
If you have misaligned teeth that you wish were straighter, come to West Town Dental Care. Straighter teeth will not only affect your smile’s appearance, but they also will affect your lifestyle. People often associate straight teeth with good overall health and hygiene, so take advantage of our invisible braces for teens and adults and enjoy all the benefits of straight teeth without the disruption of wires and brackets.
Whether you’re a teen who wants a modern and trendy alternative to traditional metal braces or you’re an adult wanting to enhance your smile for business or social interactions, West Town Dental Care has the invisible teeth aligner solution for you.
Our orthodontic treatment of invisible braces uses removable alignment trays to straighten your teeth. We are here to fit you with custom-designed alignment trays that will help shift your teeth into the desired position. We’ll give you a new set of trays every few weeks until your teeth are perfectly aligned.
Call today to schedule an appointment at West Town Dental Group to find out if invisible braces are right for you!
Advantages of Invisible Braces Over Traditional Braces
- Appearance: Metal braces are noticeable and can make your mouth appear unattractive. Invisible aligners are barely visible in your mouth and your friends and coworkers may not even notice they’re there
- Comfort: Once the metal braces are attached to your teeth, they must remain in place until it’s time to have them professionally removed. Invisible braces are removable, so you can take them out for eating, cleaning, and special occasions
- Duration of Treatment: You can typically expect results from metal braces in as long as three years. while invisible braces can straighten your teeth in between one year to a year and a half
- Knowing What to Expect: Invisible braces are more comfortable than metal braces because they are more similar to your natural teeth
- Safety: Invisible braces reduce damage normally caused by wearing conventional metal braces, including gum disease and cavities, and the smooth plastic surface of the aligners won’t scratch or damage the inside of your mouth the way metal ones may
Extractions
If restorative procedures are not enough to save one or more of your teeth, the best option for you may be to have a tooth pulled or extracted by the professionals at West Town Dental Care. With our advanced technology, anesthetics, and years of experience, tooth extractions are far less painful than ever before, causing little or no discomfort.
Whether you need a single tooth extraction or you need multiple teeth removed at once, we are here for you. Some situations that require tooth removal include if a tooth is blocking others from coming in, isn’t leaving space for orthodontic treatment, or has deteriorated beyond repair.
Another reason we often have to perform extractions is for wisdom teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth comes in at an angle instead of straight through the gum line. Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth can cause issues including infection and damage to adjacent teeth, making it important for us to remove your impacted wisdom teeth.
Needing a tooth extraction isn’t something to worry about when you rely on West Town Dental Care. We have extensive experience with removing teeth that are in the way, can’t be saved, or will cause future issues. We use 3-D imaging to see vital body parts, such as the sinuses, other teeth, and nerves.
The removed tooth may be replaced by a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture. Your dentist will discuss these options with you further.
Tooth extractions are highly successful in preventing infection from spreading throughout the mouth, preparing patients for orthodontic procedures, and stopping complications that typically arise from wisdom teeth.
Call us today to learn more or to schedule your long-awaited tooth extraction appointment. With eight years of experience, we have the skills necessary to make your tooth extraction experience a simple and seamless one! We also offer wisdom tooth extraction services.
The Tooth Extraction Process and Post-Surgical Care
When we extract teeth at West Town Dental Care, we follow a regular process that allows us to make your tooth removal cause little or no discomfort. We begin the process before extraction by giving you a local anesthetic to numb the area where we plan to remove your tooth.
Once we remove the tooth, we seal the area with dissolvable or removable stitches. If we use dissolvable stitches, you don’t have to worry about getting them removed since they will dissolve over time. If we use removable stitches, we’ll determine when you should come back to have them taken out.
After surgery, it’s important for you to relax. You should place gauze pads over the area and replace them regularly and as needed. Take the painkillers we prescribe and only eat soft foods until the area heals.
Avoid smoking, using a straw, physical activity, lying flat, and touching the area because these things will delay the healing process and prolong recovery time.
Full and Partial Dentures
If you’re missing some or all of your teeth and you’re ready to rejuvenate your smile, we have the expert denture services you need at West Town Dental Care. We will custom-fit dentures for your mouth and consult with you on how to properly clean and maintain your dentures.
Dentures are a removable replacement option for all or some of your missing teeth, often used when dental implants are not an option. If you’ve lost your teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, replacing your teeth will not only benefit your appearance but also your overall health.
Dentures can make it easier to eat and speak, which will improve your quality of life. At West Town Dental Care, we offer custom-fit partial and full denture options based on your dental needs.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a basic option to replace multiple missing teeth. A partial denture rests on a metal framework that is attached to your natural teeth, where your natural teeth serve as an anchor for the partial denture to stay in place. A partial denture is a removable alternative to a traditional bridge.
Full Dentures
When you lose all your teeth, the facial muscles around your mouth will begin to sag and lose strength. Missing teeth can cause facial collapse and dramatically age you. A full denture can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. It will help to slow down the aging process caused by missing teeth.
A conventional denture is a full removable denture that is made and placed in your mouth after the teeth have been removed and the surrounding tissues have healed. It may take several weeks or months for the surrounding bone and tissues to heal after the teeth have been removed.
An immediate denture is a full removable denture that is made prior to your teeth being removed. It is placed into your mouth the same day your teeth are extracted. You won’t have to be without teeth during the healing process. However, you may need to have the denture relined and even remade once the jaw has healed.
If you want to take the next step toward a healthier mouth and overall improved health, call the professionals at West Town Dental Care for your partial or full denture needs.
About Dentures and How Long They Last
Dentures are custom-made specifically for you at West Town Dental Care. A dental impression is taken of your mouth and sent to a dental laboratory for your dentures to be made. It is common to have a few follow-up adjustment appointments, and you may need some time before you are completely adapted to your new dentures.
Dr. Ogando of West Town Dental Care will check your speech and adjust any spots that may be irritating your gums. Getting used to your dentures may require you to practice eating and speaking before you’re fully comfortable with your new dentures.
Throughout your lifetime, your dentures will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to wear that occurs each day. Relining or rebasing is the process of reshaping the denture to make sure that it is comfortable and functional for your needs.
As you age, your mouth naturally changes and reshapes which may cause your dentures to loosen. Loose dentures may irritate your gums and wiggle when you are chewing. This is why it’s so important to see your dentist for your recommended checkups at West Town Dental Care when you have dentures.
How to Properly Care for Your Dentures
To ensure that your dentures last and look their best, please follow the instructions below:
- If possible, remove and rinse your dentures every time after eating to remove food debris
- After removing your dentures, make sure to also clean your mouth. Brush your natural teeth and wipe your tongue and palate with gauze
- Brush your dentures twice a day to remove food, plaque, and bacteria from their surface. This will also help prevent them from staining
- Scrub your dentures with denture cleaner and a denture brush to remove plaque and bacteria. Avoid harsh toothpaste and toothbrushes since they can damage your dentures. Do not use whitening pastes with removable dentures as they can permanently damage your dentures
- When cleaning your dentures, stand over a full sink of water or a towel to prevent dentures from breaking if dropped
- Brush your gums, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue to prevent any bacteria from building up in your mouth. Fungal infections are common with denture wearers if the mouth is not kept clean
- During the cleaning process, make sure that you do not bend the plastic or the clasps of your denture or partial denture
- To keep their shape, most dentures need to stay moist. Make sure you place your dentures in water or a soaking solution overnight. Ask your doctor at West Town Dental Care about how to make your dentures last and stay fresh looking
- Rinse your dentures after you have soaked them and before you put them in your mouth to remove chemicals
Teeth Whitening
If you want to invest in a brighter and healthier smile, there is no better option than the teeth whitening services we offer at West Town Dental Care. We offer a variety of different whitening options available, including in-office whitening treatments and custom-fitted whitening trays for use at home.
Discolored teeth are not just a cosmetic concern, but studies show that people who have confidence in their smile lead generally healthier lives. Whitening removes natural stains and discolorations on teeth for a brighter, healthier smile.
Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ogando at West Town Dental Care to determine which treatment is right for you!
Laser Whitening
Laser whitening is an in-office treatment we offer at West Town Dental Care that can dramatically reduce the appearance of stains and discoloration on teeth in just one session. The procedure takes about 30 minutes during which we will place a hydrogen peroxide gel over your teeth.
Then, we shine a blue light on them to activate the bleaching agent. We shine the light on your teeth to activate and seal the whitener in 15-minute increments while your gums are protected with a special gel or rubber covering.
In-office whitening treatments are superior to over-the-counter methods because Dr. Ogando at West Town Dental Care is qualified to administer higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for more efficient whitening tailored to your specific situation.
See the difference whitening can make in both the appearance of your teeth and your confidence in smiling. Call us today and schedule your consultation at West Town Dental Care!
Take-Home Whitening Trays
Another option for teeth whitening is take-home whitening trays. Your dentist will fit you with custom-made whitening trays that slide over your teeth. The trays can be filled with a special gel solution to gradually reduce the appearance of stains and discoloration on your teeth.
With this at-home kit, you control how often you use the product and how white you want your teeth to be. You will begin to see results in just three days, but you can continue to use the trays for future touch-ups and whitening maintenance.
Ask Dr. Ogando at West Town Dental Care about how you can take home your very own whitening trays!
Root Canals
If you want to save your natural teeth and prevent unnecessary extractions of tooth replacement, a root canal may be the best option for you. The dental experts at West Town Dental Care specialize in root canal procedures and services that will prevent your teeth from extensive and irreparable damage.
There are more than 15 million root canals performed each year in the United State, making it one of the most common dental procedures. Root canals are used to treat severely decayed or infected teeth.
The inside of a tooth contains a soft material called the pulp, which is a nerve that allows the tooth to feel sensations. If the exterior of a tooth becomes damaged to the point where the pulp is exposed, an infection may occur.
Symptoms of a root canal infection include swelling of the gums and face, increased sensitivity to temperature, and severe toothache. If left untreated, the infection can result in abscesses and ultimately, tooth loss.
To save the structure of the tooth, your dentist at West Town Dental Care will remove the pulp and clean the inside of your tooth. As the only purpose of the nerve is to provide sensory experience, its removal will not affect the normal function of your tooth. The cavity is then sealed with a dental filling to prevent further damage.
If you are experiencing a severe toothache or sensitivity, call us immediately for emergency treatment.
Why You May Need a Root Canal
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed, infected, or dies. The pulp contains vital nerves and blood vessels that become infected when bacteria invade it. Bacteria and inflammation are often introduced through a cavity, fracture, or injury. If an infection is left untreated, it can travel throughout the tooth and cause a painful abscess.
Some symptoms of an affected tooth include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain with biting
- Swelling
- Throbbing or severe pain
Advantages of a Saving Your Tooth
- Efficient chewing
- Protects other teeth from excessive wear or stain
- Natural appearance
- Maintain normal biting force and sensations
Stages of Root Canal Therapy:
- The tooth is numbed for your comfort. An opening is made through the crown and the nerve is removed
- Each canal is then cleaned and shaped, so it can be filled. Medicine may be placed in the tooth
- The canals are filled with a rubber-like material to seal them
- The tooth is restored with a dental restoration (usually a dental crown) to strengthen it
Crowns and Bridges
When a dental filling is not a viable solution to correcting the damage sustained by your tooth, West Town Dental Care has the solution for you. We specialize in dental crowns that can provide a long-term solution to restoring the function of your teeth and enhancing the appearance of your smile.
A dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a weakened or damaged tooth to restore its natural appearance and prevent further deterioration. Crowns are used in cases of severely chipped or broken teeth to cover the exposed area of a tooth following a root canal, to replace a large filling, or for cosmetic reasons.
Crowns can be made of all metal, all-porcelain, or a combination of both. Since we custom make all dental crowns at West Town Dental Care, it may take more than one appointment to complete your crowns.
During your first visit, the area is numbed to make you comfortable. Dr. Ogando will use a dental handpiece to shape and prepare the tooth so the crown can properly fit over it. We then take impressions of the prepared tooth and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the final crown is being made.
We use the impressions to fabricate a model of your mouth, which is how we make the final crown. When your final crown is ready, dental cement is placed into the crown and it is cemented to the prepared tooth. Your tooth is now restored to a healthy and functioning state!
If you are in need of a dental crown, contact the professionals at West Town Dental Care.
Dental Bridges Custom-Made for You
A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth connected to a set of crowns. It is used to fill a gap created by one or more missing teeth, and your dentist at West Town Dental Care will create a custom bridge for your mouth that will look and function like your natural teeth.
At your first visit, we’ll numb the area and use a dental handpiece to prepare the neighboring teeth that will support the bridge. We then take impressions of the prepared teeth and place a temporary bridge to protect the teeth. The final bridge is then cemented and anchored to the neighboring teeth, so you don’t have to worry about removing or repositioning the bridge once it is cemented in your mouth.
With proper oral hygiene and dental exams at West Town Dental Care, bridges and crowns can solve the problems created by missing and damaged teeth and can last for many years.
Night Guards
Whether you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and clench your teeth during the night or you simply find yourself grinding your teeth in your sleep, West Town Dental Care has the solution for you. We offer two different types of night guards that will help protect your teeth and keep your smile picture-perfect.
Occlusal (Night) Guards
A night guard is the most common treatment option for the symptoms of TMD. Clenching or grinding your teeth at night can damage the enamel of your teeth beyond repair, and a night guard allows you to sleep comfortably while protecting your teeth from erosive habits.
A night guard is a plastic appliance that is professionally made by your dentist at West Town Dental Care. The appliance is worn at night and can either be worn on the top or bottom arch. It is designed to protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding by providing a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth.
This is the perfect solution for patients with bruxism (clenching and grinding) and chronic jaw pain. Our mouth guards can help relax your jaw and allow you to rest easy. A night guard is a simple, non-invasive, affordable treatment option for protecting your teeth and jaws from the damaging effects of bruxism.
NTI Night Guard
The NTI night guard is a small appliance worn at night to prevent bruxing, clenching, and muscle pain associated with muscle dysfunction. Unlike a traditional night guard, the NTI is very small and only covers the front teeth.
The NTI night guard protects the teeth, muscles, and joints by reducing the intensity of jaw clenching while you sleep. Patients tend to love the NTI because it is more comfortable, less bulky, and won’t trigger a gag reflex. The NTI has been proven to be an excellent alternative to full-coverage night guards.
Call us today to schedule an appointment at West Town Dental Care to see if traditional or NTI night guards are the right solution for you!
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