Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a full-coverage restoration. The purpose of a crown is to protect a tooth that has a large part of its structure missing or contains a large amount of filling material. A crown is cemented on to the tooth to provide a long-lasting result. A bridge or “fixed” bridge is similar to a crown but is used to replace a tooth, or teeth, in the mouth. In the event a tooth is missing, the teeth that surround that space can be used to support a bridge by receiving crowns. A bridge is “fixed” because it is cemented onto the teeth and cannot be removed. Once cemented, the bridge will provide a fully functional tooth where there was once just a space. Caring for a bridge is the same as any tooth or crown; however, there is special floss that can be used to clean around the bridge.

Dentures

Although we strive to save natural teeth, there are times when the replacement of some, or all, teeth is necessary. Removable partial dentures are appliances that can be taken in and out of the mouth and can replace several teeth. Partial dentures function by clasping on to existing natural teeth. Traditional (rigid with metal clasps) and Valplast ®️ (flexible with acrylic clasps) partial dentures are excellent ways to restore function to an area where teeth are missing. In cases where replacement of all teeth is necessary, a complete denture would be the treatment of choice. Dentures are retained by the remaining ridge after teeth have been removed. Dentures can also be retained by the placement of dental implants, which have the highest long-term success rate of any dental procedure. Dentures can be very esthetic, and most importantly, restore function and chewing efficiency.

Endodontic Therapy (Root Canal)

Most simply, a root canal is the removal of all nerve tissue from a tooth. There can be many reasons why a nerve would need to be removed. Two typical examples would be a tooth that has an inflamed/infected pulp causing pain, or that the removal of the nerve is necessary for proper restoration of the tooth. An inflamed/infected pulp is a frequent occurrence that can be caused by a variety of factors such as decay, large fillings, or trauma. The inflammation can produce extreme hot and/or cold sensitivity in the tooth, and it is also possible that the tooth may have swelling in the adjacent gums, causing pain on biting. Root canals should be a pain-free experience and once completed you should no longer experience pain or sensitivity in that tooth.

Extractions

It is always best to save a tooth. However, there are times when the removal of a tooth is necessary. In this instance, it is important to have a plan to replace the tooth that will be extracted. When a tooth is removed, not only is the function of that tooth lost, but the removal also stresses the other teeth as they adapt to the increased load. Over time, this continued stress could cause damage to other natural teeth.

Fillings (Tooth-Colored)

When a tooth has a cavity, a simple filling is sometimes all that is needed to restore the tooth to its proper function. With the advances in research over the years, tooth-colored resin filling material normally works best in all teeth. From a cosmetic and overall health standpoint, most patients prefer tooth-colored fillings.

Implants

While implant dentistry may seem relatively new, it has actually been around for a very long time. Most commonly, implant dentistry procedures are broken down into two phases. The first phase is the placement of the actual implant. After placement, bone grows almost immediately around the implant to stabilize and provide the foundation for its restoration. The second phase is to restore the implant with a crown. A dental implant is an excellent way to replace any tooth in the mouth. It also provides the most natural look and feel so you receive a great cosmetic and functional result. Most notably, dental implants have one of the highest long-term success rates of any dental procedure that is performed today.

Invisalign ® Orthodontics

If you desire straighter teeth without the hassle of brackets and wires, clear aligner orthodontics, such as Invisalign®, may be for you. Clear aligner orthodontics utilizes a series of clear trays to gradually align teeth without the use of metal. Each tray is designed to move the teeth in small increments, eventually providing a smile with beautiful, straight teeth.

Mouth Guards

Protecting your teeth and gums while playing sports is very important. Athletic mouthguards are the best way to prevent dental-related problems while participating in sports. If you or your dentist identifies a need for a mouth guard, a custom fit is available at Bailey  Wright Dentistry.

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

The number one cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque, calculus, and bacteria underneath the gums, resulting in inflammation. Over time, the bone that holds the teeth in place begins to deteriorate. As a result, teeth can become loose and may need to be removed. In patients who are in need of treatment for periodontal disease, the plaque, calculus, and bacteria underneath the gums is removed before the damage becomes too great. After this initial treatment is performed, home care and regular trips to the dentist are extremely important. If additional treatment is required, a referral to a periodontist (dentist that specializes in the treatment of severe gum disease) may be necessary.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin coverings for the front of the teeth. Veneers are a very popular cosmetic treatment because they do an incredible job of hiding discolored, chipped, or poorly shaped teeth. Veneers can be placed anywhere in the mouth, but most commonly they are used on the upper front teeth. Veneers can also be used to close a diastema, which is a large noticeable gap between the upper front teeth.

Preventive Care

The most important thing that any dental office can provide is preventive care. This includes receiving regular check-ups, cleanings, the use of fluoride, and if needed, sealants. Bailey & Wright Dentistry strives to prevent gum disease and cavities from forming, in order to preserve picture-perfect smiles.

Professional Teeth Whitening

As individuals age, it is normal for teeth to become yellow or stained. One of the easiest ways Bailey & Wright Dentistry can improve a smile is to perform teeth whitening. When it comes to teeth whitening, there are many available over-the-counter products that an individual can choose from. However, having your teeth whitened by a professional is the safest and most reliable method.

Sealants

Sealants are a special type of filling that are primarily placed on children, but can also be used on adults. Because our natural teeth may have very deep grooves and crevices, it can become difficult to reach those areas with a toothbrush. As a result, a sealant may be placed to prevent decay and the formation of a cavity.

Snoring & Teeth Grinding Treatment

Not only can snoring irritate a spouse, but it can also affect your quality of sleep. A snoring problem can be corrected with the use of an appliance that is worn while you sleep. The appliance is designed to open the airway, which allows for easier, more restful breathing, throughout the night. Correcting a snoring problem not only allows for more restful sleep, but also improves overall health. Another area of concern is teeth grinding. People grind their teeth for many reasons and can easily turn into a habit, especially at nighttime. Continuous grinding can cause damage to the teeth (fracture, cracks, etc.), strain the muscles in the face, and cause inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Like snoring, an appliance is available for teeth grinding. The appliance should be worn during the hours that the person most frequently grinds their teeth. It works to protect the teeth by acting as a barrier. Continuous wearing of the appliance retrains the mind to break the habit of grinding.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Erupted and impacted wisdom teeth (3rd molars) can be removed at Bailey & Wright Dentistry. The ideal time to have wisdom teeth removed is between the ages of middle teens to your early 20’s. During this timeframe, the teeth come out easier and the recovery is quicker.

Dental Technologies

Cone Beam Imaging (3D)

Cone Beam Imaging is a 3-dimensional image that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of implants and root canals. This technology allows for precise planning before treatment, helps eliminate surprises during treatment, and increases the overall safety and success of the treatment.

Digital Impressions

Digital impressions allow for a more accurate impression of your teeth and gums. Patients love that it means no more gagging on traditional impression material.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays are more accurate than film and decrease radiation exposure by over 50%, compared to film. They are are also much easier to read and can be enlarged to help explain treatment or problem areas to patients.

Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic X-rays are full-mouth X-rays, allowing the dentist to see all the teeth in one picture.

Soft Tissue Laser

Soft tissue lasers allow for the removal of soft tissue lesions with no post-op discomfort. The laser can also be used to cosmetically enhance areas where gum tissue is overgrown or malformed.