General Dentistry
At Allen Dental Inc., our General Dentistry services are focused on maintaining your overall oral health and addressing a wide range of dental needs. From treatment for gum disease to sleep apnea, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy lifestyle through your oral care.
Scroll down to browse our General Denistry services or use the buttons below to jump to the particular service of your interest.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to gum inflammation and potential damage to the supporting bone. Treating gum disease involves both deep cleaning procedures and ongoing maintenance to restore and maintain oral health.
Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning is a non-surgical treatment that thoroughly removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gumline. This process includes:
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Scaling: Eliminates harmful buildup from tooth surfaces and gum pockets.
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Root Planing: Smoothens the tooth roots to remove embedded bacteria and toxins, making it harder for bacteria to recolonize.
Deep cleaning helps reduce gum inflammation, shrink pockets, and prevent further damage to gums and bone. It also improves breath and can enhance the appearance of teeth by removing stains and buildup.
Periodontal Maintenance
After initial treatment, regular maintenance cleanings are critical to control gum disease. These visits, typically scheduled four times a year, include:
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Removing residual plaque and tartar.
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Checking gum pocket depths to ensure they remain healthy.
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Conducting comprehensive evaluations, including screenings for oral cancer, decay, and existing dental work.
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Providing tailored oral hygiene recommendations.
By combining deep cleaning with ongoing periodontal maintenance and good daily hygiene practices, you can effectively manage gum disease, protect your teeth, and maintain overall oral health.
Grinding Teeth Treatment
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a condition where you clench or grind your teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, gum recession, and even damage to the jaw joints if untreated. The grinding typically happens when the natural chewing reflex doesn’t turn off during sleep, putting stress on teeth and jaw muscles.
Why Treat Teeth Grinding?
Untreated bruxism can cause:
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Gum Recession and Tooth Loss: Grinding can damage soft tissues and supporting bone, leading to loose teeth and gum problems.
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Tooth Damage: Worn or fractured teeth from grinding may require restorative treatments like crowns.
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Jaw Problems: Chronic grinding can lead to pain or arthritis in the jaw joints (TMJ).
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Myofascial Pain: Strain on jaw muscles can cause headaches and muscle soreness.
Treatment Options
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Custom Mouthguards: Protect teeth from grinding and stabilize the bite during sleep.
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NTI-tss Device: Covers the front teeth to prevent grinding of molars and reduce jaw muscle strain.
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Botox® Injections: Relaxes jaw muscles to minimize grinding without affecting normal activities.
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Stress Management: Relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can help reduce the triggers for bruxism.
If damage has occurred, restorative dental procedures like crowns or gum grafts can help repair and enhance your smile. Addressing teeth grinding early can prevent long-term complications and protect your oral health.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep due to airway obstruction. It affects about 10% of men and 6% of women over 40. This disruption can cause loud snoring, poor sleep quality, and serious health risks.
Dental appliances offer a comfortable and effective solution for managing sleep apnea, especially for individuals who are not significantly overweight. These devices reposition the jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open and allowing normal airflow. They are an excellent alternative to CPAP machines, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Types of Sleep Apnea Appliances
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TAP® 3 (Thornton Adjustable Positioner):
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Custom-fitted like a sports mouthguard.
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Projects the jaw forward to keep the airway clear.
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Adjustable for wearer comfort and accommodates various bite alignments.
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OASYS Appliance:
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Repositions the jaw and tongue to strengthen the upper airway.
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Features a nasal shield to improve airflow.
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Adjustable and designed for patient comfort.
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Klearway™ Appliance:
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Made from heat-softened acrylic for easy insertion.
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Allows gradual jaw adjustment for optimal comfort.
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Effectively reduces snoring and obstructive sleep disorders.
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Herbst Telescopic Appliance:
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Uses clasps and metal wiring for a secure fit.
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Allows vertical and lateral jaw movement without dislodging.
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Ideal for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring relief.
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If you have concerns about sleep apnea or snoring, speak with your dentist to explore the best appliance for your needs and start improving your sleep quality today.
Extraction (Wisdom Teeth)
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge between ages 17-25. Due to limited space in the mouth, they often become impacted, which can lead to pain, infection, damage to nearby teeth, and even cysts or tumors if untreated.
Types of Impaction:
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Soft Tissue Impaction: Partially erupted, covered by gum tissue, prone to infection.
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Partial Bony Impaction: Partly submerged in the jawbone, difficult to clean, leading to infection.
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Complete Bony Impaction: Fully encased in jawbone, requiring complex removal.
Reasons for Removal:
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Prevent pain, swelling, and infections.
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Protect nearby teeth from decay, gum disease, or damage.
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Prevent potential cysts, tumors, or tooth misalignment.
Procedure Overview:
The dentist evaluates wisdom teeth with X-rays to determine their position and risks. Extractions are performed under local or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Patients are provided post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery.
Early evaluation and treatment improve outcomes, so regular dental check-ups are key to addressing wisdom teeth issues promptly.
Sports Dentistry
Mouth guards are essential for anyone involved in sports or recreational activities where oral injuries are a risk. These protective devices fit over the upper teeth to shield the mouth from trauma, safeguarding both the appearance and health of your smile.
Benefits of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards protect against tooth fractures, gum injuries, jawbone fractures, and soft tissue damage like lip or tongue lesions. They also reduce the risk of concussions and brain injuries by cushioning impacts to the jaw, making them vital for athletes, especially children.
Types of Mouth Guards
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Stock Mouth Guards:
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Pre-made, inexpensive, but offer minimal protection and comfort.
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Boil and Bite Mouth Guards:
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Moldable for better fit and protection, more affordable than custom options.
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Customized Mouth Guards:
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Professionally made for the best fit, comfort, and protection.
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For the highest level of safety, customized mouth guards are recommended for high-impact sports. Consult your dentist to choose the best option for your needs.