- Dental ExaminationThe condition is very common in our culture, so we evaluate every patient for TMJ dysfunction at their regular dental exam. If we detect a problem, our goals are to arrest it, protect teeth from further damage, and correct underlying bite misalignment. Therapy may involve fitting you with a physiologic bite appliance, suggesting ways to alleviate stress, and recommending symptom relief measures. Typically, TMJ patients need to avoid chewing gum or hard, chewy food, take small bites, and alternate chewing between both sides of the mouth. Good nutrition will help the joint heal more quickly; good posture will also help relieve discomfort. A straight back, relaxed neck, and side-sleeping position are also helpful. To relieve soreness, light temple and jaw massage will stimulate circulation and relax the muscles. If pain is present, we suggest alternating moist heat and cold for 20 minutes to further increase circulation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or analgesics can be very helpful as well.
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Teeth CleaningIn your daily brushing and flossing at home, it can be easy to miss some plaque now and then. Well, that plaque builds up and hardens over time, making it much more difficult to remove on your own. If left there, the bacteria in plaque have better access to your teeth and gums and can cause decay or gum disease. Our hygienists have the professional training and tools to address this buildup. By getting a dental cleaning with us twice a year, you can prevent problems before they even have a chance to start.
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsMany people have deep pits and grooves in their teeth where bacteria and food particles can hide and cause decay. Children with poor brushing habits may also develop decay on hard-to-reach molars. For situations like these, dental sealants offer a means of protecting molar and premolar chewing surfaces from decay. Recognized by the American Dental Association as a key means of cavity prevention, dental sealants are simply a thin plastic film that can be applied teeth.
- FillingsSome dentists do not place amalgams, and many patients prefer tooth-colored composite, porcelain, or ionomer fillings to the silver of amalgams. An obvious reason is aesthetics. Made of metals, an amalgam stands out against naturally white teeth. When a person smiles, laughs, or speaks, amalgam fillings may show. Tooth-colored fillings matched to a patient’s natural tooth shade make the fillings blend seamlessly in a white, bright smile.
- Resin CompositeConstant pounding and intense chewing pressure on biting surfaces can actually change an amalgam's shape, while the underlying tooth structure remains constant. This could cause cracks in the filling, cracks in the tooth, and invite bacterial invasion. However, should your dentist observe any danger of cracking, he can safely and successfully replace your fillings before they create a problem. On the other hand, composite resins are less durable than amalgams and often require earlier replacement.
- VeneersAre you proud of your smile? Do you look at magazine models and television stars wishing you had the same confident grin they have? If your front teeth are discolored and stained, chipped, cracked, slightly misaligned, or have metal fillings, consider veneers. Made from thin sheaths of porcelain layered atop each other, veneers can completely cover the front of your teeth to create a perfectly shaped, dazzlingly white, absolutely gorgeous smile. The most modern veneers look completely natural, too.
- CrownsIf you’re self-conscious about cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth, we can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns, also called caps. A crown can return structure, strength, and function to a tooth with extensive decay or damage. Designed to fit snugly and function as a healthy tooth, a crown will protect your tooth from further damage and preserve the jaw’s correct natural alignment.
- BridgesIf you’ve lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent bridge to restore your solid smile. A dental bridge not only fills the gap, but it also prevents repositioning of remaining teeth. It can also correct a misaligned bite, improve chewing function and speech articulation, and provide internal structure for the face to give you a more youthful appearance.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryImportant general dental care, like checkups, cleanings, and restorative dentistry, as well as the latest cosmetic dental procedures, are available at Westhampton Dentistry. Dr. William Way and our team are extensively trained in the latest dental techniques. We also implement exciting new dental technology, such as soft tissue laser dentistry, Invisalign clear braces, laser cavity detection, and in-office teeth whitening.
- Root Canal TreatmentYour teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of sensitive dentin, and an inner pulp that contains components commonly referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth. Each pulp chamber branches off, forming canals that lead toward the tooth root tip. These infamous root canals provide a means for the tooth to absorb what it needs from the blood and get rid of toxins or other unnecessary materials via the blood stream. A deep cavity, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can make the canal susceptible to bacterial infection, which can kill the pulp, stimulate increased blood flow, and create pressure within the tooth. This can cause severe tooth pain and may initiate bone degeneration, tooth loss, and even more acute pain. If you see a dentist in the earliest stages of this condition, the tooth may be saved with a root canal. Otherwise, it should be extracted and replaced with a prosthetic.
- DenturesOral cancer kills more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma) cancer, and only half of patients diagnosed will survive more than five years. One American dies every hour from oral cancer. The most common risk factors are tobacco use, frequent high quantity alcohol consumption, constant sunlight exposure, habitual cheek or lip biting, or poorly fitting dentures. Although 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol excessively, 25 percent of oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all.
- Dental ImplantsA full implant procedure is completed in two phases. During the first phase, one or more metal implants will be surgically placed in your jaw. Over time, your implant(s) will bond with your jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth (or teeth).
- Oral SurgeryLasers have transformed medical surgery by offering minimally-invasive alternatives to traditional scalpel incisions and sutured closures. The laser's intense, narrow wavelength has precise, predictable, and powerful reactions when it contacts hard or soft tissues of the body. Laser light is extremely efficient, producing very little heat as it acts on its target. This makes it ideal for oral surgery, since it seldom affects tissues other than those it targets. The laser provides precise control over the depth and extent of cutting, while simultaneously minimizing bleeding and sterilizing the treatment area.
- Gum SurgeryWe use the Odyssey Diode Laser, a soft tissue laser that allows us to perform minimally invasive gum surgery for periodontal therapy or cosmetic gum recontouring. The laser removes unwanted tissue, sealing the surfaces as it moves, so no sutures are required. With soft tissue laser therapy, patients incur minimal bleeding and little or no recovery period. For more information about laser dentistry, call us. Learn more about dental lasers here!
- Tooth Extractions
- Bone Grafting
- OrthodonticsBritton came onboard in May 2017 as one of Dr. Way’s dental assistants. In 2003 she received a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her dental background started in Orthodontics. Britton is certified in Dental Radiation, OSHA, and CPR. She enjoys helping our patients feel more comfortable during their dental procedures. Her sweet personality makes her a great part of our team!
- Invisalign OrthodonticsWe’ll perform an extensive consultation to evaluate your orthodontic concerns and discuss the results you want to achieve to determine if clear aligners can help you. Invisalign is effective for correcting several bite and alignment concerns, including...
- BracesDo you dream about having a smile full of sparkling, straight teeth, but you just can’t imagine yourself wearing traditional metal braces? You’ve probably invested in a professional, mature image, and you shouldn’t have to look like a teenager to straighten your teeth. We agree. Now Westhampton Dentistry can make your dreams come true with Invisalign in Richmond.
- Teeth WhiteningPopular, safe, and effective, teeth whitening has given patients across the world a reason to smile. Your appearance can affect you socially, emotionally, and even in business successes. People who smile with confidence are viewed as warm, inviting, and beautiful. Now, with professional whitening systems, Westhampton Dentistry can help you achieve the pearly whites of magazine models and movie stars.
- Cosmetic DentistryPatients have enjoyed the excellent service and clinical care of Westhampton Dentistry since 1987. Dr. William Way serves patients in the greater Richmond area with the latest general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. William Way and his team continually pursue education to keep abreast of the latest advances in dentistry so that they can bring the best to Westhampton Dentistry patients.
- General Dentistry