- X-raysThere are some difficult-to-reach spots in the mouth that even kids with the best at-home brushing routine might not be able to reach with their toothbrushes. All children (and adults) need regular dental checkups because a qualified dentist can spot potential problems that the untrained eye cannot. Also, dental X-rays can show things behind the scenes that even dentists can’t see in a regular dental evaluation.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer screenings are also part of our routine evaluations. These help to identify any early signs of oral cancer, which is important because if we can detect abnormalities early, your prognosis will be much better than if the concern is discovered in a more advanced stage.
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsAs the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure! Regular preventive dental checkups can stop minor issues from escalating into complex, expensive problems. At each routine checkup, your hygienist will professionally clean your teeth to remove all plaque and tartar and polish your teeth to give you that fresh feeling and renewed confidence in your smile. Your dentist will then perform a full dental evaluation, checking for cavities and signs of gum disease. Some areas of the teeth are difficult to clean even with a great at-home routine. We can apply sealants if necessary to protect those hard-to-get-to places from plaque and decay.
- Space MaintainersThe interceptive care process helps to correct problems that have developed in children as a result of habits such as thumb-sucking. The child’s mouth is closely evaluated, and treatment may include palate expansion to ensure there is enough room for the adult teeth or a space maintainer to keep a space open for permanent teeth when a child has lost a baby tooth prematurely.
- Resin CompositeIf you’re not ready for a full set of veneers but have a few teeth you wish to improve, bonding might be your best option. This involves attaching composite resin to the tooth and shaping it to create the results you’re after. There is less preparation required for this course of treatment, and it is cheaper, but the results are not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers.
- VeneersIf you have gaps, crooked teeth, or misshapen teeth, you might consider porcelain veneers or bonding. These techniques allow you to transform your entire smile, and they can dramatically change your appearance. Veneer treatment is a two-appointment process that involves covering the visible area of the teeth with thin pieces of porcelain. The porcelain shape and color are completely customized to suit your smile goals. We first take images and impressions of your teeth and then have the veneers created in the lab. You will have temporary veneers while you await your permanent porcelain veneers. Then you’ll come back to our office once they’re ready, and we will bond the porcelain veneers to your natural teeth.
- CrownsIf you have a tooth that has been weakened by decay or cracks, you may need a crown to restore and strengthen it. Dental crowns are a strong and durable solution customized to suit your mouth and smile. These days there is no need for a mouthful of impression material or uncomfortable trays—we can get all the information we need from digital scans.
- BridgesCrowns and bridges are common treatments often paired with other restorative techniques. Crowns restore strength to damaged teeth and are cemented in place permanently for long-term stability. They help protect teeth from further damage, make chewing easier, and ensure the mouth and teeth function as they should.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryWe take care of all your restorative dental needs so you can keep smiling and enjoy your life. Our dentists have the years of experience in restorative dentistry necessary to tackle even the most complex treatment plans.
- Root Canal TreatmentSometimes when the pulp of a tooth is badly damaged or infected, you may need a root canal. Signs there may be something wrong include severe pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swelling. There’s no need to be worried about a root canal, though; our team will ensure you are completely comfortable during treatment. Your dentist will gently remove the infected pulp and, depending on your individual needs, prepare the tooth for a crown in order to protect it from further damage. At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we offer gold, zirconia, and lab-created crowns. E.max crowns are also available for anterior teeth.
- Deep CleaningHealthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth when it comes to maintaining optimal oral health. Untreated gum problems can result in tooth loss, which is why at every dental appointment, your hygienist will check for signs of periodontal disease. For patients who are diagnosed with periodontal disease, we offer scaling and root planing. This is a form of deep cleaning in which we remove all tartar and bacteria around and beneath the gumline and smooth the roots of your teeth. This process makes it harder for plaque to accumulate in those areas in the future.
- DenturesDentures are a great solution for missing teeth. You can have partial dentures if you still have some natural teeth remaining that are still in good condition, or if you need all of your teeth extracted, a full set of traditional dentures could be your answer. Dentures are convenient and removable. You will take them out to clean and leave them out at night while you sleep.
- Dental ImplantsDental implants aren’t suitable for children who are still growing. But for healthy adult patients with no active gum disease or bone-density issues, they are a wonderful option. Check with your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for implants.
- Tooth ExtractionsIn circumstances where a tooth cannot be saved, you will need an extraction. We only recommend an extraction if your tooth is infected, decayed, or damaged beyond repair. To avoid the need for tooth extractions, our best recommendation is to keep up with your preventive dental appointments. Most of the extractions we see are needed because patients haven’t visited the dentist in a long while and their oral health has suffered as a result. Some extractions are needed due to traumatic injuries, however, so we recommend using a mouth guard if you’re playing contact sports, like hockey, to protect your teeth.
- OrthodonticsInterceptive care in orthodontics is about early intervention, meaning recognizing and correcting problems in children from an early age when their teeth are still growing. Typically the process begins around age 7. It aims to correct developmental occlusion issues and align the teeth correctly to avoid orthodontic and facial-structure problems in the future.
- BracesIn times gone by, the only way to fix crooked teeth was traditional metal braces. Nowadays, you can improve your smile and fix crooked teeth with clear aligners.
- Teeth WhiteningThe great news is that discoloration is one of the easiest problems to fix! At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we offer two fantastic take-home whitening products that can totally transform your smile. Opalescence Go is a professional-strength whitening treatment that includes easy-to-use trays suitable for any smile. The PolaDay Advanced Whitening System is another user-friendly option that provides great results.
- Cosmetic DentistryCosmetic dentistry techniques can dramatically transform your smile, boost your confidence, improve your self-esteem, and give you a good reason to smile brightly! Whether you’re unhappy with your smile because of discoloration, misalignment, misshapen teeth, missing teeth, gaps, or other concerns, we can help you address them.