ORAL SEDATION DENTISTRY - Anxiety-free Procedures

It’s been estimated that nearly 50% of the population has some kind of dental fear, from people who feel a little uncomfortable, to those who are so terrified they can’t set foot in a dental office. Whether it’s fear or something else that’s keeping you away, today’s dentistry gives Dr. Campbell many options for making you comfortable throughout your appointment. Anesthesia can eliminate pain for most people, but sometimes that’s not enough. Sedation dentistry uses medications to relax patients which makes for a completely relaxed dental experience with little or no memory of the appointment.

Ask us about Sedation Dentistry today! Call us at 509-754-5236 to receive your Free Brochure and DVD/CD.

CLEANING & PREVENTION - Exams, X-rays, Home Care

Your first visit to our office will include a thorough dental exam by the dentist to order to make an initial assessment. A preventative plan will be put into action, where you will come in for regular check-ups that will include:

•    Cleaning and polishing: The cleaning will consist of removal of tartar, which has hardened on the teeth over time, along with the sticky plaque that has formed over the teeth. Plaque is a formation of bacteria and build up that will eventually cause inflammation. The instruments and technique we use will safely remove this build up. Followed up by the polishing that will remove existing stains.

•    Gum evaluation and treatment: Your gums and the bone supporting the teeth will be checked for Periodontal disease.

•    Oral cancer screening: The lips, tongue, throat, neck and gums are examined for any possible signs of oral cancer.

•    X-rays: A full set of SAFE x-rays are performed and are crucial for giving Dr. Campbell information that is not always seen in the exam such as bone loss, development deviations, abscesses, teeth coming in at the wrong position, tumors and other issues hiding within the teeth and gums. Early detection is important in treating many oral health issues.

•    Investigation of existing work: Checking current crowns, bridges, fillings, dentures, etc. are done to check for any damage or need for replacement.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE - Diagnosis, Treatment, & Care

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is something that effects a large portion of the population. It is basically a disease that causes pockets or spaces in the gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter. The build up of plaque causes the gums to recede and form these pockets. Normal brushing cannot reach this build up and over time,  and if it is not treated, the pockets continue to get deeper.

•    Diagnosis: Gingivitis is the beginning stage of periodontal disease. Bleeding when brushing is a sign of Gingivitis, as is inflammation, mobility and tenderness. A small probe will be entered between the tooth and gums to measure the depth of any pockets that may be present. 1-3mm will indicate a healthy mouth, 4+mm will indicate Periodontal infection and require treatment.

•    Treatment: Gingivitis and periodontal disease must be treated to prevent further destruction of teeth, gums, and bone, eventually even leading to tooth loss. Depending on the extent of the infection, a deep cleaning and scaling will be suggested and will typically be done with local numbing. Once the build up has been removed from below the gum line, over time the tissue will heal, coming back stronger and causing the pockets to get smaller.

•    Maintenance: Follow-up appointment of 3-4 months will be recommended to keep an eye on the healing progress. If improvement is not seen over time, a visit to a periodontist specialist may be in order. Medicated rinses, consistent flossing and using an electric toothbrush are some of the home treatments suggested as well.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY - Fillings, Crowns, Whitening, Veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry can make your smile light up a room!

•    Whitening: Over time and abuse such as smoking, consumption of coffee and other dark beverages and just normal wear and tear, teeth may lose their luster and begin to appear yellowed or stained. Whitening is an inexpensive and safe option to bring back their brightness. Whitening has become a very popular procedure for enhancing smiles, since patients can expect their teeth to look about two shades whiter than what they started with.

Home whitening kits are typically the preferred way of whitening. With this option, the patient is responsible for using consistently until they see the desired whiteness. Impressions are made of teeth so that the trays are custom fit for the patient. The whitening solution will be put into these trays and worn for specific periods of time. Wearing the trays periodically usually requires maintenance, once desired whitening is achieved.

•    Crowns: There are times when Dr. Campbell will recommend crowns. A crown or cap is basically porcelain covering that is placed over the tooth surface, restoring strength and appearance. Crowns are needed in instances such as when a filling is not enough to give your tooth proper structure, to fix fractures, or lend support for bridges. Crowns improve the appearance and structure of the tooth.

Keep in mind that crowns typically consist of two appointments. Impressions are made in order to create the custom crowns. For placement, the tooth will be numbed in order to remove any existing decay and to shape the tooth for the new crown. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it while the permanent one is being made. It is important that great care be taken with the temporary crown to avoid loosening. When the permanent one arrives, you will return to the office for placement and fitting. Sensitivity may be experienced with the new crown, but should subside over time.

•    Veneers: Porcelain veneers are a beautiful option for creating the smile you’ve always wanted. Natural teeth that have spaces, are stained, crooked, misshaped or chipped, are some of the reasons veneers will be recommended. Veneers consist of very thin sheets of porcelain that are attached to the front of the teeth, improving shape, size and color.

On the first step of the process, the existing teeth are buffed and shaped and an impression is taken. The specific color that will be used is also chosen. On the second step, bonding adhesive will be used to attach the veneer to the teeth and a light beam will set the adhesive. No anesthetic should be needed, unless the patient is very sensitive. Veneers are durable, but care needs to be taken as far as chewing on things that may shift the veneers. Ongoing care is similar to that of natural teeth.

•    White Fillings: Back in the day, silver or gold fillings were used. Now we know that Composite can be used, which is white and more natural looking. The fillings are used to fix teeth that have been damaged by decay and fractures. The impaired portion of the tooth will be removed and that portion will be replaced with composite filling. They are attractive since they match existing teeth and will last for years to come.

Fillings can be done during one appointment and anesthesia is necessary in order to allow the dentist to remove decay and apply medication to further protect nerve endings. Filling is shaped and smoothed to ensure the tooth's authentic look and feel. Patients should be prepared to notice some temporary temperature sensitivity for a period of time after fillings are done.

Don’t wait any longer. Call today for an appointment and get closer to a healthy, beautiful smile!

RESTORATIONS - Implants, Nerve Treatments, Crowns & Bridges

Restoring your beautiful smile!

Preventative measures will always need to part of a general oral health plan. In circumstances where damage has already been done however, more intensive procedures may be needed to bring teeth back to their healthy appearance and operation. Our staff will keep you informed on the options that will relieve pain, repair damage, improve your bite and get you back to normal function and look.

•    Implants: Dental implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost. Through a surgical procedure, these artificial roots and crowns are placed directly into the bone. Implants replace teeth, but also relieve pain, restore chewing ability and improve facial tissues in the process. They are natural looking, secure and durable, lasting for years to come.

Implants require a process that can take over a series of months to complete. After being placed into the bone, they must be given several months to heal and form into that bone. For proper fitting, several adjustments may be needed. Maintenance of your new implants are up to you; following Dr. Campbell's recommendations and forming good oral health habits for proper care will reduce wear and keep your implants looking great and fitting well over time.

•    Nerve Treatments: A Nerve Treatment (root canal) may be needed to relieve severe pain or sensitivity being caused due to deep decay. Many times an infection is present. The affected tissue needs to be removed, and the nerve canal filled with a special material and finally restored with a crown or filling to help prevent future infection.

•    Bridges: Another way to replace lost teeth, this permanent fixture is typically made of porcelain on top of metal that fits over existing teeth. Bridges are the solution to many of the same issues that implants are used for, and another option for patients, depending on their particular needs and circumstances.

Keep in mind that bridges typically consist of two appointments. Impressions are made in order to create the custom bridge. For placement, the teeth will be numbed in order to ready the teeth for the new bridge. A temporary bridge will be placed on the teeth for protection while the new permanent one is being made. It is important that great care be taken with the temporary bridge to avoid loosening. When the new permanent one arrives, you will return to the office for placement and fitting. Sensitivity may be experienced with the new bridge, but should subside over time. They can last for years with proper care.

•    Dentures: Dentures are a removable option to replace missing teeth. They can be a full or partial appliance. Immediate dentures are prepared in advance and immediately put in once the teeth are removed. However, adjustments for comfort and fit may need to be made once healing takes place, again possibly taking several appointments.

After proper fit has been achieved, dentures may take some getting used to, but over time a patient’s smile is enhanced with easy-to-care for dentures.