- Dental ExaminationThe basis of sound dental care is routine dental examinations and cleanings. We customize dental cleanings (Hand Scaling, root planing, ultrasonic scaling, polishing and laser-assisted periodontal therapy) on the basis of your periodontal health. We screen every patient for periodontal disease at every comprehensive and periodic exam. Periodontal disease is characterized by elevated gum pocket depths around the teeth and bleeding gums.
- X-rays
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsCDC's Oral Health Program - Provides information on oral health surveillance activities, prevention strategies such as fluorides and dental sealants, and recommendations for infection control.
- FillingsTooth replacement options with high quality porcelain bridgework, implant restorations, esthetic removable partial dentures and complete dentures Conversion of old amalgam fillings to beautiful composite restorations
- Resin CompositeFor hundreds of years, dental fillings have been used to restore teeth. Dental fillings are placed in teeth where a dentist has had to remove tooth structure due to decay or fracture. In recent years filling materials have been substantially improved by many technological advancements. Although silver amalgam was the dominant choice years ago, today we have a couple other better options for tooth restoration including tooth colored resin composites that bond with adhesives and strengthen teeth, as well as glass ionomers that chemically bond to the tooth dentin, are less sensitive, and release fluoride to prevent recurrent decay.
- VeneersUnlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is a thin shell that is placed over the front or visible parts of the tooth. There are two types of veneers, ceramic veneers that are produced by a dental laboratory and resin-based composite veneers. With proper care, your new veneers will greatly improve your appearance and increase your confidence for years to come.
- CrownsWith proper care, your new crown will increase your overall health and instill confidence for years to come.
- Bridges
- Root Canal TreatmentEndodontic treatment, more commonly known as root canal therapy, is necessary when the pulp of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on your tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. With proper care, an Endodontically treated tooth will function normally for years to come.
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesIf you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, dentures can be used to replace your missing teeth – improving your health as well as your appearance. Dentures prevent the sagging of facial muscles, which makes a person with no teeth look much older. Dentures also enable you to eat and speak normally, little things often taken for granted until natural teeth are lost.
- Dental ImplantsWhen it comes to replacing one or more teeth in your mouth, a dental implant is often the treatment of choice and is also one of the most conservative treatments for tooth replacement. Implants are biocompatible posts that replace the roots of your missing teeth. They are physically and biologically designed to attach to your jaw bone and become the foundation for a natural looking restoration.
- Oral SurgeryAdvanced Dental Treatments Ralph W. Thacker, DMD offers a wide range of dental services, including detailed comprehensive oral examinations and beautiful cosmetic solutions. Dr Thacker also provides oral surgery, root canal therapy and same day emergency appointments. Please learn more about the advanced dental treatments Dr. Ralph W. Thacker provides.
- Tooth ExtractionsWe will do everything we can to preserve your natural teeth. However, some teeth get to a point where they become non-restorable. Excessive decay, fractures, and periodontal disease or premature bone loss as some of the reasons tooth removal may be needed. When these types of conditions exist, tooth extraction will be recommended.
- OrthodonticsOrthodontic treatment is prescribed to correct a number of common problems. Many people may need orthodontic treatment to correct an “unsatisfactory bite” that has been caused by crowding teeth or extra teeth. Other people may need treatment to realign a jaw that is out of place due to genetics or due to an accident. Many people want to correct one or more crooked teeth caused by thumb-sucking, premature or late loss of baby teeth, or a wide variety of other causes.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign® straightens teeth to give you the confidence of a great smile. Using a series of clear, virtually invisible aligners, Invisalign gently and gradually moves your teeth based on the treatment plan prescribed by your orthodontist or dentist. And, there are no wires or brackets so you’ll have confidence in your smile during and after treatment. In fact, most people won’t even know you’re wearing Invisalign. And, Invisalign aligners are removable so you can eat whatever you want and easily brush and floss as you normally would.
- BracesCost is always a concern, and only your doctor can the exact price of treatment. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. In the U.S., the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, with the national average at about $5,000.
- Teeth WhiteningOur smile is important, it's one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful - it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression. Today there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the color of your teeth. We offer ready to go pre-filled disposable whitening products, custom made take home whitening trays, laser bleaching and even whitening procedures that are done in our office with one visit.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- General DentistryDr. Thacker received his Bachelor's of Science Degree from Murray State University in 1977 and his Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1982. Following dental school graduation and marriage to his wife, Diane, he served as a dental officer in the United States Air Force Dental Corps at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota from 1982 - 1985. Dr. Thacker began his private practice of general dentistry in Livermore in June of 1985. He and Diane have two children, Bryan and Stephanie, both of whom are graduates of McLean County High School and are now married and pursuing their own careers and family.