- Dental Examination
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningAt your checkup, we’ll update your records with new information, X-rays, and photos if necessary. The doctor will talk with you about your concerns, answering all of your questions. Your thorough oral health examination will involve an oral cancer screening, periodontal inspection, tooth-by-tooth evaluation, and assessment of your occlusion (how your upper and lower teeth fit together). If you’re concerned about how your teeth look, we can discuss cosmetic options like teeth whitening or veneers. The dentist will explain your oral health status and present options for correcting problems. We’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle, goals, and oral health needs.
- Teeth CleaningNew patients should expect to spend about an hour at an initial visit. We’ll update your records with necessary X-rays, talk with you about your medical and dental history, and discuss your concerns and expectations. Then, the dentist will perform a comprehensive checkup. You can also receive a comprehensive dental cleaning at your first visit. Afterwards, the dentist will explain our findings from the checkup and discuss treatment options to return your mouth to optimal health.
- Fluoride TreatmentAfter teeth erupt, ingested fluoride is no longer as important to oral health. At this point, tooth enamel is fortified with topical fluoride treatments. Many patients receive adequate fluoride from toothpastes and mouthwashes, but those who are at higher risk for decay may need additional fluoride supplements to keep their enamel strong. Fluoride attracts minerals to the surfaces of teeth that strengthen them.
- Dental SealantsPatients who have deep crevices and indentations on their teeth are at an increased risk for tooth decay because food particles, bacteria, plaque, and tartar are able to accumulate within these pits and grooves. Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for kids who are developing their brushing and flossing skills and may not be able to thoroughly clean the deep pits and other hard-to-reach parts of their smiles. For these patients, fast, comfortable dental sealants, a thin coat of plastic that can be applied to teeth, protect teeth from decay by filling in the grooves in teeth and sealing out bacteria. The American Dental Association regards dental sealants as a key solution for preventing tooth decay.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeFor front teeth, our dentists offer white, composite resin fillings. These restorations contain no metal, no mercury, and they blend with tooth enamel for a natural appearance. Composite fillings can be completed in one visit. After preparing your tooth by removing decay and bacteria, the dentist will apply a small dab of custom-tinted, liquid resin to the cavity. A soft curing light hardens the material, and then we polish and shape the filling.
- VeneersMade of durable, light-reflecting porcelain, dental veneers transform the appearance of front teeth. Each porcelain veneer is specifically designed and then hand-crafted, to look natural and beautiful. In most cases, veneers require two office visits. Our doctors offer traditional veneers, including IPS e.max, as well as minimal preparation brands like Vivaneers. Depending on the size and shape of your natural teeth, your cosmetic dentist will recommend the most conservative and natural looking veneer for your case.
- CrownsWhy would you need a crown? If a tooth becomes damaged by a deep cavity, fracture, or chip and a filling won’t provide sufficient structural integrity, your dentist will suggest a crown. At Wahl Family Dentistry, we prefer to place natural-looking restorations that are designed to last.
- BridgesDental Bridges – patients with two to four missing teeth in a row will need a dental crown that’s supported with one or two dental implant posts.
- Dental BondingPatients with any number of minor cosmetic flaws, including chips, slight misalignments, or other irregularities, may want to consider a minimally invasive cosmetic restoration to conceal a number of flaws. Cosmetic bonding allows our team to conceal these flaws in just one visit with little to no effect on natural dental structure. We apply a thin layer of composite resin that’s blended to match the natural color of your smile. It can also be used to reshape teeth, fill gaps between teeth, and repair dental chips and cracks. For many patients in need of cosmetic smile enhancement, bonding is an affordable, painless way to perfect smiles.
- Restorative DentistryOur team is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain their healthiest smiles, but even the most thorough preventive dentistry routine may have gaps. That’s why we provide a wide variety of restorative dentistry solutions to renew oral health and restore patients’ smiles to their full form and function. We repair damaged and decayed smiles with fillings, crown and bridge, partial and full dentures, root canal therapy, and tooth extraction. Whatever restorative treatment you need, our office uses the highest quality materials and most comfortable, effective techniques and technologies to ensure we exceed even the highest patient expectations. Contact our team to schedule an appointment or find out more today.
- Root Canal TreatmentEndodontics refer to the special area of dentistry that deals with internal parts of a tooth. If you’re struggling with severe oral pain, an excessive sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or swollen gum tissue, you may have an internal infection that needs immediate assistance. Thankfully, our team is happy to help. We always do everything in our power to help patients preserve their natural teeth and keep them healthy over the years, right here in the comfort of our Wilmington dental office.
- DenturesIt is normal to experience some discomfort and speech problems while getting used to your new dentures. New dentures need several adjustments to fit comfortably. To help with speech, read aloud for a few minutes every day. Your mouth will adjust, and your speech will improve.
- Dental ImplantsMany of the implants Dr. Mervin placed are still in service, outliving him and helping patients to function and smile.
- Oral SurgeryOur dentists provide most oral surgery, including extractions, in the comfort of our new Wilmington dental office. In some cases, especially with impacted wisdom teeth or where a patient needs general anesthesia, we will refer to an oral surgeon.
- Tooth ExtractionsBruising, swelling, and pain are normal, particularly if you have had a wisdom tooth extraction. Take your prescribed medication and use a cold compress on your face.
- Orthodontics
- BracesMany patients prefer a less conspicuous alternative to traditional braces. Invisible braces like ClearCorrect are orthodontic therapies that use transparent acrylic aligners to shift teeth into alignment. The aligners can be removed for cleaning or special events, and no wires, bands, or brackets are necessary. In most cases, these treatments are nearly invisible and provide an easy way to straighten teeth for a more attractive smile.
- Teeth WhiteningTooth enamel is a porous tissue, so it can soak up stains from foods, drinks, tobacco, and other substances we put in our mouths. Over time, teeth can look yellowed or dingy, which makes us look older. Teeth whitening in various forms has been available for centuries, but modern techniques are minimally invasive and extremely effective. At Wahl Family Dentistry, we offer two systems: at-home and in-office teeth whitening. Most of the dentists and staff at Wahl Family Dentistry have used at-home bleaching to achieve their white smiles. In 1989, Dr. Michael Wahl was the first person at Wahl Family Dentistry to utilize at-home bleaching on his own smile, and his dark yellow (but healthy) teeth have been bright white ever since. He still uses the original custom mouthguards for touch-ups.
- Cosmetic DentistryYour smile says a lot about you. It shares your emotions, expresses personality, and plays a role in defining your image. Modern cosmetic dentistry allows people to alter the appearance of teeth for a more attractive appearance. The Wahl Family Dentistry team of dentists has undergone advanced training in many cosmetic procedures.
- General DentistryThe dentists and dental hygienists at Wahl Family Dentistry know that your dental health is only part of your overall health and that systemic medical conditions can have an effect on what kind of dental treatment you can have safely. We carefully review your health status in order to provide the best and safest possible dental care for you. Dr. Michael Wahl has taken a special interest in the dental treatment of medically complex patients and has researched and published his findings in many prestigious international and national medical and dental journals so that other physicians and dentists can treat their patients more safely. He has been a featured speaker nationally and in foreign countries, including the American Dental Association Annual Session, the Academy of General Dentistry Annual Meeting, the California Dental Association Spring Scientific Session, the New Zealand Dental Association Biennial Meeting, and many other state and local meetings. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the Temple University School of Dental Medicine, and the General Practice Residency Program of Christiana Care Health System.