- Dental ExaminationA comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Clark at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your Dr. Clark and the hygienist will include the following...
- X-raysOne new dental technology involving dental X-rays is digital X-rays. They offer the advantage of an 80 percent reduction in radiation, no need for film or processing chemicals, production of a nearly instantaneously image, and the ability to use color contrast in the image. The speed in which a dentist gets to see the image is about three seconds, but with fast developing chemicals, a conventional X-ray can be developed in about 15 seconds. The digital unit does reduce exposure to radiation, but the amount of radiation is so low that the benefit is very slight.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Teeth CleaningProfessional dental cleanings are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following...
- Fluoride TreatmentPrevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
- Dental SealantsChildren also receive periodic applications of fluoride on the teeth to strengthen them against cavities. We also strongly advise all parents to have their children's teeth protected from getting cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth by placing sealants on the teeth. In simple terms, sealants involve the placement of a thin plastic coating on the chewing surfaces of teeth, thereby preventing acids and sugars from attacking those surfaces to cause decay.
- FillingsFurthermore, many people decide to replace their older silver amalgam fillings with newer white “tooth-colored” composite fillings. There are a number of pros and cons associated with both composite and amalgam fillings.
- VeneersDental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, and chips or cracks.
- CrownsDental crowns, also known as “caps,” preserve the functionality of damaged teeth. A dental crown may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or replace a pre-existing crown. The purpose of a dental crown is to encase a needy tooth with a custom-designed material. Dentists today have a variety of conservative treatment options through which to restore teeth. If possible, these options should be explored and discussed before selecting the full coverage crown.
- BridgesDental bridges, like implants and partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges.
- Dental BondingOnce it is determined that a filling is needed, your dentist will advise you of your options for filling and sealing the cavity to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. Based on your medical history, location of the cavity, esthetic needs, biting force, durability, cost, number of visits necessary and your preference, your dentist will decide which filling option is your best option. These options include direct composite bonding, amalgam (silver), gold or inlays/onlays.
- Restorative DentistryA dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.
- Root Canal TreatmentA root canal is a dental procedure that is used to remove diseased pulp tissue from the interior of a tooth. The narrow channels beneath the pulp chamber in the inner part of the tooth are hollowed out and cleaned, and the roots are filed with flexible nickel titanium files.
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesThe beauty of dentures today is that they are designed to be comfortable and functional. They are very similar in appearance to natural teeth, and can improve a smile or facial appearance.
- OverdenturesComplete dentures are used to replace missing teeth for people with no remaining teeth. Dentures may also be used for people who have lost several teeth. In this case, the appliance is called a partial denture or an overdenture.
- Dental ImplantsBy replacing missing tooth roots, implants offer more than an esthetic enhancement, providing people with the strength and durability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants.
- Tooth ExtractionsWhen it comes to dental procedures, tooth extraction — or having teeth "pulled" — is among patients' most dreaded prospects. Also referred to as exodontia, tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jaw bone. Before your dentist considers extraction, every effort will be made to try to repair and restore your tooth. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign Teen is designed to help teenagers maintain their self-esteem and self-confidence and accommodate their active lifestyles while they address their orthodontic needs.
- BracesIf your teen needs braces, he or she may just have a reason to smile. The newest addition to the Invisalign product family is Invisalign Teen. Like its clinically proven, FDA-approved predecessor for adults, Invisalign Teen is a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that provides a teeth-straightening alternative to more traditional metal braces.
- Teeth WhiteningThe KOR Teeth Whitening system is the most effective way to whiten your teeth. Add the "WOW" back to your smile.
- Cosmetic DentistryWhile traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile. In other words restorative, general and/or family dental practices address dental problems that require necessary treatment, whereas cosmetic dentistry provides elective – or desired – treatments or services.
- General DentistryI was born in Pittsburg in 1965. I attended Frontenac Grade School and High School, graduating in 1984. I spent the next 4 years at Pittsburg State University and was accepted to UMKC School of Dentistry in 1988. After graduating from dental school with distinction and in the top 10% of my class, I was one of four students accepted into UMKC’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program. The AEGD program was an intense year spent providing care to patients who had difficult cases. Upon completion of the program in 1992, I opened my current practice in Frontenac.