As with most health issues, preventing dental health complications is preferable to waiting until they develop and having to restore the damage they cause. Oral examinations are the cornerstone of developing any effective dental treatment plan. They can help us determine whether or not your teeth or gums are in trouble, as well as the extent of your condition, and how involved your treatment will have to be. For children, preventive dentistry also includes the prevention of common tooth infections (cavities) and the effects of developmental issues, like crooked teeth and bruxism. We can help young patients avoid more complex problems, and the need for more comprehensive restorative treatment in later years, by addressing and correcting such issues early.
As a General dentist we provide services related to the general maintenance of oral hygiene and tooth health and we use a different kind of restorative dentistry procedures to repair the effects of tooth decay, trauma, defect, or disease in these areas of the mouth.
Restorative dentistry is meant to repair (or restore) teeth that have suffered structural damage, have become infected with tooth decay, or have been lost due to dental disease or trauma. To create accurate and highly-effective dental restorations, Dr. Correa uses advanced technology and materials, such as digital X-rays, laser and lifelike dental porcelain.For extensive treatments, or for patients who may feel anxious, we may also recommend our holistic methods or oxide (NO2) sedation will help patients remain relaxed in the dental chair throughout any treatment.
The point of restorative dentistry is to help you rebuild and restore your proper bite function, as well as establish a more attractive appearance. Because teeth cannot repair themselves, a custom-made restoration is necessary to prevent an injured or infected tooth from sustaining further damage. In many cases, seeking restorative treatment early can help you prevent the loss of a compromised tooth. If you’ve already lost one or more teeth, then a custom-made restoration can also help you replace them with a lifelike prosthesis.
Dr. Correa knows how important is a good experience and how it influences the value children place on their oral health as adults. One negative experience can affect a child’s outlook on dentistry for the rest of their life. You can be sure your child will have a great experience!
During a pediatric visit, Dr. Correa will examine your child’s teeth and oral structures carefully to ensure that they are growing and developing properly. She will also check for signs of cavities, tooth damage, and problems with your child’s tooth alignment, among many other things. Before each exam and treatment procedure, Dr. Correa and our team will help ensure that your child is comfortable and relaxed, and understands what to expect.
Your child’s dental visit may include nothing more than an exam and cleaning. Sometimes, however, more involved treatment may be necessary, especially if a cavity develops or if Dr. Correa detects problems with the alignment of your child’s teeth.
If your child exhibits crooked teeth (tooth misalignment, or malocclusion), then Dr. Correa can recommend orthodontic braces to correct them. Early orthodontic treatment can guide a child’s teeth into developing properly, helping prevent the potentially extensive dental issues that could arise later in life due to crooked teeth.
Children should attend an initial pediatric dental visit, or Happy Visit, by the time their first tooth appears, or shortly after their first birthday. We will not perform any treatment during this visit, but will instead check to make sure your child doesn’t exhibit early problems, and help your child grow accustomed to the dental office environment. Typically, children should begin a schedule of six month dental exams and cleanings by the time they reach three years old.
A dental emergency may be any situation that involves injury to your teeth and/or soft oral tissues. Damaged or knocked-out teeth are common, but if not addressed immediately, they can lead to more serious dental health issues and the need for more extensive restorative treatment. However, if you act quickly and schedule an emergency visit as soon as possible, you may be able to limit the damage and possibly prevent the loss of your tooth.
A tooth fracture describes a crack in the tooth’s main structure, or dentin, that could weaken the tooth and potentially expose its pulp chamber and tissues.
If your tooth is completely knocked out of its socket, known as tooth avulsion, then there may be a chance at replanting the tooth if you make it to the dentist’s office within the hour.
