Our Services
Dental Cleanings and Exams
Dr Colson regards your oral health as her top priority. Because of the relationship between your mouth and your overall health, we place a strong emphasis on routine cleanings and comprehensive exams.
Dental cleanings can be provided by both the dentist and the dental hygienists and, in a healthy mouth, should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. We obtain digital xrays once per calendar year to evaluate for gum disease, bone loss, decay and other dental issues.
Many patients with gum disease (periodontal disease) will require a “deep cleaning,” also known as scaling and root planing. Periodontal disease is an infection in your gum tissues caused by bacteria and plaque that are not completely removed through your normal brushing and flossing routine. If plaque is not removed, it hardens on the tooth and can cause your gum tissues to become inflamed. This can lead to bleeding gums and discomfort, bone loss, and a bad taste or odor in the mouth. Periodontal disease can range from early stages to advanced stages, and in the most severe cases, tooth loss is possible. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, our hygienist may advise cleanings every 3-4 months, instead of every 6 months.
Whitening (Bleaching)
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or to bring a sparkle to a dull smile. Tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure and is ideal for most patients. Because having whiter teeth has become a concern for many of our patients, we offer two types of teeth whitening: in office and take-home tooth whitening. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Bleaching is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed yearly, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea or wine.
Fillings
A filling restores a broken or decayed tooth back to its normal function and shape. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter. There are many types of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic (composite/white) and porcelain. Dr Colson will work with you to determine which material would be best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost.
Tooth Extractions
Although Dr Colson’s main goal is to prevent tooth loss, there are occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. Teeth may need to be extracted if there is severe decay, bone loss/gum disease, and/or infection. Sometimes teeth are extracted because they have fractured, because they are sitting in the wrong place on the jawbone, or because extra space is needed for braces. Based on the degree of difficulty, you may be referred to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
Bridges
A bridge is a non-removable method to fill the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support. Bridges may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
Crowns (Cap)
A crown is used to completely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but can be used to improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns may also be used to replace large fillings when there is minimal tooth structure remaining, restore a broken tooth, cover a dental implant, or cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a completed when a tooth becomes infected, either from cavity that is allowed to reach the nerve of the tooth or from deep fillings or trauma that cause damage to the nerve. Symptoms that the nerve has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling or pain with biting or pressure. Sometimes, there are no symptoms and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A root canal cleans out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfects the canals of the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canals are filled in to prevent any further infection. Many times, a build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
Dentures and Partials
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used to replace all teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. These are customized to fit your mouth, but still may require adjustments over time in order to create and maintain the proper fit. Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth when other natural teeth are still present.
New dentures can feel awkward or loose for the first few weeks until your cheek muscles and tongue learn to keep them in place. It will also take a few weeks before speaking and eating feel “normal.” Dentures are very durable and can last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted over time due to normal wear.