- Dental ExaminationRegular dental exams, professional cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices at home are essential to detecting and strategically managing periodontitis.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningA full-mouth series of x-rays and a comprehensive oral exam of your teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw will be performed, including a non-invasive oral cancer screening.
- Teeth CleaningWhile dental emergencies can strike anyone, anytime, our patients who commit to regular preventive care appointments usually experience fewer problems over time. Professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist allow us to take a proactive approach to your dental health, addressing issues while they are small and potentially avoiding issues altogether. Despite your best efforts, deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to areas of the teeth. These deposits create a nice home for millions of harmful bacteria. Left unchecked, they flood toxins into the gums resulting in devastating chronic problems, even resulting in the loss of teeth.
- Dental SealantsSealants can dramatically reduce the number of cavities a child might develop over the course of their childhood. On the chewing surface of molars, deep grooves run into the center of the teeth. Under a microscope, these crevices might look like a deep canyon. In fact, most of them are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle but wide enough for bacteria to hide. It's easy to see how cavities can form in such a perfect hideout.
- FillingsCavities and small fractures can cause much larger issues if left untreated. In the past, metal restorations called amalgam fillings (or silver fillings) served a need but left many teeth discolored and strained from the wedging effect of the metal. Today, tooth-colored composite resins blend into the tooth structure and are chemically bonded to the tooth providing a strong, permanent restoration.
- Resin Composite
- VeneersVeneers are one of dentistry’s ultimate combination of dental art and science, handcrafted and customized to fit your smile. These paper-thin pieces of porcelain bond to the outside of your natural teeth. But just because they’re thin, don't be fooled. Veneers are highly versatile and can replicate all the complex nuances of a natural tooth.
- CrownsModern anesthetics provide powerful numbing for gentle removal of the inflamed nerve inside the tooth. The nerve canal undergoes disinfection and careful shaping, and a sealer fills the internal space. A filling or crown over the tooth helps return the tooth to its original function.
- BridgesWhenever you cruise across a bridge over the water, you're being supported by the same principles that hold a dental bridge. Crowned teeth on either side of a space are called abutments. They support an artificial tooth, called a pontic. While a bridge lasts for many years, sometimes the strain of supporting one or more missing teeth can cause the abutments themselves to weaken and may lead to more missing teeth.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryWe know it's not always easy for you to sort through the complicated possibilities. Dr. Shields' background in restorative dentistry allows his to develop solutions for every scenario.
- Root Canal TreatmentA deep cavity can give bacteria access to the inner nerve bundle. In some cases, a significant infection, called an abscess, may develop in your jaw without any symptoms at all. If Dr. Shields determines that the nerve won't recover or if an infection is present, then root canal therapy may be suggested.
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesDentures are an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.
- Dental ImplantsIn many cases, dental implantsoffer a better alternative, eliminating most of the load-bearing strain you see in traditional abutments. When carefully placed in the bone, an implant mimics the root of a tooth. They bear the load that the natural teeth used to hold, sparing the neighboring teeth from excessive forces. In some cases, two implants may be used to build a bridge spanning from one solid titanium piece to another.
- Oral SurgeryDespite your best efforts, teeth sometimes need to be removed to protect your health. When we've discussed all other possibilities, and you've decided on extraction, we'll take every step to help you. Your well-being always takes priority in any treatment decision. Some patients prefer sedation to help with oral surgery, and we can review these options in your treatment plan. You can trust we take every measure to make sure even minor surgical procedures are as comfortable as possible.
- Tooth Extractions
- OrthodonticsOrthodontics involves teeth straightening while maintaining proper jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying problems when a child is growing may allow for easier treatment, but it's never too late to discuss ways to enhance your smile!
- Invisalign OrthodonticsRemovable trays can be set aside for short periods allowing normal eating and cleaning. Enjoying an apple without the intrusion of brackets and wires works well for many patients. Clear aligners work extremely well for adults, but responsible teens can be candidates too. And patients of any age can expirence the perks of straight teeth with aligners. It's never too late to discuss Invisalign ® for a bright, straight smile.
- BracesStraight teeth aren't just for kids! Adults often make the most dedicated orthodontic patients, and it's never too late to discuss the options for a bright, straight smile. If you're not sure traditional braces are for you, don't worry. Invisible methods can work extremely well in many cases, and Dr. Shields can help you explore the possibilities.
- Teeth WhiteningTeeth whitening removes years of dingy stains from your teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and chocolate dull white enamel surfaces. A brilliant boost along with some gentle polishing and reshaping of chipped, uneven edges can create an easy transformation. Simple and safe, most patients don’t realize how much discoloration embeds into their teeth until they see a new shine emerge.
- Cosmetic DentistryIf blemishes, breaks, or spacing is impacting your smile confidence, Dr. Shields offers cosmetic dentistry options that will perfect your smile & restore confidence.
- General DentistryUse the 0% Financing Plan for treatment plans that total over $500, excluding commercial lab fees. This financing option covers your general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implant, and orthodontic dentistry procedures.