General Dental Services
Whatever your needs, rest assured Holistic Dental Associates has the solution to heal your smile and keep it looking and functioning beautifully.
Preventive Care
When it comes to keeping your beautiful smile, and your good health for life, prevention is always the best treatment. Dr. Scott says, “Preventing is better than fixing.” Your customized treatment care will always include treatments designed to prevent issues, such as gum disease, before they start. By committing to regular hygienic care, including semi-annual or even quarterly professional cleanings, you can stay ahead of any developing problems.
Dental Cleaning
This appointment is performed by a registered dental hygienist. In our practice we strive to appoint you with the same hygienist at each cleaning visit so that you can develop a relationship. The hygienist will remove plaque (soft deposits), tartar or calculus (hard deposits), and stain from your teeth. The evaluation of the gum tissue, probing pockets and recording their depths for future reference will also be accomplished. After the cleaning, the hygienist will polish your teeth to a beautiful shine.
Additionally, you will have all of your questions answered about your homecare procedures and products. If you have trouble choosing the right toothbrush or flossing effectively, your hygienist can help. Should you develop gum disease, which is extremely common; our hygienist will provide counsel and treatment to control the condition.
Halitosis
Have you noticed people running in the opposite direction once you open your mouth to start to speak?
Are friends or co-workers offering you gum and mints more than usual? Sorry to break it to you, but if you answered yes to any of these questions…bad breath may be the problem.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, including gut dysbiosis, sinus issues and more often results from poor dental habits and can also be sign of other health problems. Bad breath can be made worse by the types of foods you eat, as well as other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You may not even know you have bad breath due to the process our bodies use called acclimation which filters out your own sent to detect outside smells. What this means is, you are used to your own odor.
There are some easy ways to determine if your breath is starting to smell bad. One of those are asking a friend or family member. Your friends and family are more than likely to give you an honest opinion. If you are too embarrassed to ask you have another options. Take a cotton ball, wipe your tongue with it and give it a whiff. Even take a look in a mirror and stick your tongue out as far as possible, see a white colored film? If you do, that’s actually built up bacteria that produces sulfur compounds that create halitosis.
Ozone Therapy
One of the most complex and perplexing problems in dentistry today is infection control. What if we had an agent that could treat and eliminate the infection and, in addition, support the surrounding healthy tissue without toxic side effect?
HOLISTIC DENTISTRY
We treat YOU, the individual, as a whole person – not you, the filling on tooth #3. Your oral health is tied to the rest of your body’s health, so we promise to NOT just see your teeth.
So why do you have bad breath?
One of the most common reason people have bad breath is because of decaying food particles and bacteria growth in the mouth. This is usually caused from not brushing or flossing your teeth daily. The food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth on the tongue, in between teeth and around the gums.
There are plenty of things that can cause bad breath. Smoking and chewing tobacco, gum disease, cavities, and also illnesses such as diabetes, sinus infections and acid reflux. If you’re experiencing chronic bad breath even after your cleansing attempts, you may have a bigger health issue and should make an appointment with your dentist.
How do you avoid bad breath?
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid bad breath. Keeping up with your oral hygiene can go a long way to prevent halitosis. Brushing teeth, rinsing mouth and flossing at least once a day, can remove food particles and bacteria that are the main causes of bad breath. Here are a few other measures you can take to prevent halitosis:
- Wet your whistle; drinking water helps loosen and rise away food particles and also encourages saliva production.
- Chew gum that’s either sugarless or sweetened with Xylitol. Chewing gum also encourages saliva production and minty flavors may help freshen breath.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash. Swish around for at least 30 seconds. Ask your dentist about what mouthwashes they recommend.
- Eat more raw foods such as carrots, apples and celery. The crunchy fruits and vegetables can help scrape out the plaque buildup that causes bad breath.
- Use a tongue scraper. You can purchase toothbrushes that have these on the back. The tongue scrapers are designed to remove bacteria and food that cling to your tongue.Invest in an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can keep your teeth, gums and tongue cleaner. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups to ensure your health issues will be addressed at the earlier time.
If you want to kick that bad breath, make sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott.
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
For those who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety, our office offers nitrous oxide as a safe and reliable way for you to feel relaxed. Feel confident knowing your dental team has undergone extensive training in sedation dentistry. If you have been putting off years of dental work while living in pain or with embarrassing oral problems, nitrous oxide can change your life, giving you the comfortable, relaxed dental experience you deserve.
Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you can breathe and has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Know that the sedation process is completely safe, and while breathing you receive 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide. Throughout your procedure, you’ll breathe on your own and remain in control of yourself. You may experience mild amnesia and fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during your appointment.
There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide:
- Your depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
- Experience no after effect such as a “hangover”.
- Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart, lungs, etc.
- Inhalation sedation is effective in minimizing gagging.
- It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.
These are cautions for Nitrous Oxide use, and we do use it carefully. Though not an absolute contra indication, nitorus oxide can deplete B12 vitamins in you body if you have the MTHFR genetic variations. We try to be conscious of these issues and supplement accordingly.
Sedation Dentistry
You deserve to feel comfortable and confident about coming to visit Holistic Dental Associates. For those who suffer from extreme anxiety, our office offers Sedation Dentistry as a safe and reliable way for you to feel relaxed. With extensive training in Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Scott leads her team in offering you the most comfortable experience possible.
If you have been putting off years of dental work, while living in pain or with embarrassing oral problems, sedation dentistry can change your life. Enjoy the following types of sedation to ease your anxiety:
Oral Conscious Sedation
Have you let nerves or anxiousness prevent you from seeking the care you need for your smile? Thanks to sedation dentistry techniques, Holistic Dental can provide a relaxed, pain-free experience while you undergo treatment. Your smile is a vital aspect of your overall health. Don’t let your worries get in the way of your treatment. The Holistic Dental team will listen to your concerns and find a solution to make you worry-free.
Oral conscious sedation refers to a light sedation method that is achieved by taking oral medications in contrast to achieving deeper sedation either intravenously or by injection.
Generally, the level of sedation achieved is enough to significantly reduce anxiety so that even the most fearful patients are able to undergo extensive dental procedures without feeling deep worry or concern. The oral medications cause significant sedation, although they are not as strong as general anesthesia. With oral conscious sedation, patients are conscious and can answer questions or respond to commands. A benefit of these medications is that they create an amnesic effect, so patients are unlikely to remember much about the time period in which they were sedated. As they gradually regain full consciousness, it may seem like very little time has passed.
When patients undergo dental treatment with oral conscious sedation, they cannot drive and need someone else to take them to and from the dental office. If significant dental anxiety has caused you to delay needed dental procedures, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott to discuss whether or not oral conscious sedation may be right for you.
TESTIMONIAL
“Everyone from the front desk to the Dentist was great. She spends as much time as it takes to answer all your questions. I have found my forever dentist.”
• Nicole Mallette
Cosmetic Dentistry
You can look great and have a healthy smile! Most people who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth do not realize the numerous ways cosmetic dentistry can heal a smile
PERIO THERAPY
Periodontal dentistry refers to caring for the gum and bone structures that support your teeth. Without a healthy foundation, your ability to keep your teeth throughout your lifetime is at risk.
Are there any reasons not to use Nitrous Oxide?
Though there are no major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, MTHFR Gene Mutation, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing. Ask your dentist for a “5 minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding with treatment.
S.M.A.R.T. Amalgam Protocol
Dr. Scott adheres to the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. When drilling out amalgam fillings mercury vapor and fine particles are freed into the air which may be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. This is potentially harmful to patients, dentists and dental workers. Based on the most recent research, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has developed rigorous recommendations for removing existing dental mercury amalgam fillings to assist in reducing the potential negative health outcomes of mercury exposure to all involved. Dr. Scott is proud to offer her patients this technique.
Composite Resins/Bonding
If you are embarrassed about your smile because of decayed, disfigured or discolored teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A composite resin is a silicon dioxide-filled tooth-colored material mixture that can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins present several advantages to the patient compared with traditional silver fillings. First, your dentist is able to blend composite shades and shapes so as to match the original teeth nearly perfectly. Second, the tooth-composite bond actually serves to support the remaining tooth structure, preventing breakage and providing insulation against temperature changes. Finally, small- to average-sized composites have demonstrated similar duration to silver fillings.
Although some patients notice a bit of post-placement sensitivity, this is usually temporary and can easily be adjusted. The only caution we usually mention is that coffee, tea and other staining types of foods and beverages may discolor your composites over time.
BPA-Free White Fillings
When the decay has been taken out of the tooth, it is replaced with “filling” material. In the past, amalgam (silver) fillings were placed into the cleaned out portion of the tooth. With advancements in dentistry, you can now have tooth-colored fillings instead of silver fillings. You may even elect to remove your old silver fillings in favor of new, undetectable tooth-colored fillings.
Laser Therapy
Lasers are extremely gentle devices that allow for faster healing and little to no post treatment discomfort. You may experience the benefits of Picasso™ technology during treatments for gum disease, lip and tongue tie releases and biopsies as well as during delicate procedures like cosmetic gum lifts. You’ll smile – not just because your smile will look fantastic, but also because of the amazing comfort you experienced during your time with Dr. Scott and her team!
Wisdom Teeth
Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Have you been putting off their removal? Dr. Scott and your team at Holistic Dental Associates can help. At some point in their life, most everyone requires that their wisdom teeth be extracted due to insufficient room for them. A number of painful and lasting problems can occur due to the arrival of wisdom teeth. But with today’s dental technology, this procedure has been improved to maximize your comfort and speed along your recovery time.
In most cases, your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction will only last a few days. Your Holistic Dental team will provide with you with detailed information on the do’s and don’ts of recovery, and you will be prescribed medication to manage any pain. Finally, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re no longer at risk for the many problems wisdom teeth can present!
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy refers to caring for the gum and bone structures that support your teeth. Without a healthy foundation, your ability to keep your teeth throughout your lifetime is at risk. Ironically, this branch of dentistry is the least recognized and despite its importance, many people unknowingly neglect their gums. This can result in infection and disease without us even knowing about it.
Periodontal disease is a silent disease, often having alarming symptoms until teeth become loose. The health of you gums and supportive structures at Holistic Dental Associates is our top priority. Our advanced non-surgical periodontal therapy programs are your key to the restoration of your gums and the prevention of future problems.
Tooth Extraction
Every effort is made to keep all your teeth, as it is always the best and preferred solution. In the instance where a tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be recommended. This extraction can usually be done here in our office instead of your being referred to a specialist. We recommend grafting your socket with bone preserving options after extraction. This prevents dry socket as well as preventing the bone from the socket collapsing in on itself after the extraction.
Night Guard
Many individuals clench or grind their teeth in their sleep. Not only does this cause damage to teeth, it can also lead to headaches, tension in the neck and shoulders and even snoring or difficulty breathing. A night guard is an inexpensive mouthpiece, custom made for you, which protects your teeth and jaws while you sleep. Clenching/grinding are a sign of an insufficient or inadequate airway. We can help protect them in the interim, with a night guard but we invitee you to ask us about a different solution that grows your airway to permanently resolve the problem.
INVISALIGN
Invisalign™ is an FDA approved system that uses clear, removable aligners to incrementally straighten your teeth. There are no uncomfortable brackets or wires, and because you remove the aligners to eat and drink, there are no food restrictions or problems with brushing or flossing.