At Whitley Family Dental we strongly
believe that the more you know the
better you will understand the
procedures and practices. Our goal
is to make your experience as
pleasurable as possible.
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Below are
our dental patient education topics.
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Dental
Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographic examinations provide
your dentist with an important tool
that shows the condition of your
teeth, jaws and related structures.
They can help us determine the
presence or degree of dental decay,
periodontal disease and infections;
as well as cysts and growths in the
jaw. At Whitley Family Dental, we have
the latest in digital radiography
which uses 90% less radiation than
that of traditional dental film. You
can also view your images on a
computer monitor with Dr. Bill.
Orthodontics (Braces)
Orthodontics is an area of dentistry
concerned with creating proper
alignment of the teeth and jaws.
Through orthodontic treatment, tooth
crowding, spacing, bite problems and
jaw position can be corrected.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a term used to describe
clenching or grinding of the teeth
which can occur at any time. Most
patients do this at night and are
unaware of the habit. It can cause
symptoms such as headaches, muscle
spasms, and tooth sensitivity. Long
term bruxism can cause severe tooth
wear and fracturing. Dr. Bill
can recommend treatment if he
determines you are clenching or
grinding your teeth.
Composite Resins (White Fillings)
Resins are tooth colored fillings
which have been in use for over 30
years. Advances in these materials
have made them strong enough for use
in all parts of the mouth, and they
are commonly used in most dental
offices. They are also used to
correct and modify the color and
shape of the front teeth to improve
cosmetics.
Dentures
Complete and partial dentures are
used to replace missing teeth. A
partial denture attaches to the
remaining teeth for support.
Complete dentures rest on the
tissues and jaws and although not
ideal, help people who have missing
teeth to chew and speak.
Wisdom Teeth
Third molars or “wisdom teeth”
sometimes do not erupt in the proper
position. They can remain impacted
or “buried” in the jaw. Wisdom teeth
used to be routinely removed in the
late teens or early twenties, but
that is no longer the case. Dr. Bill will make a determination as
to whether this may be necessary for
you.
Implants
Dental implants are a remarkable way
to replace missing teeth or
ill-fitting loose dentures. A tiny
screw or implant is surgically
placed into your jaw bone. Over
time, your bone will attach to the
implant and it will become a part of
your body.
A crown, or other type of
prosthesis, can be permanently
cemented onto this implant and
restore function. For those with no
teeth, multiple implants can be used
to support loose upper and lower
dentures. This can also improve
function and quality of life.
If Dr.
Bill determines you are a candidate
for implants, you will be referred
to a certified surgeon who will perform
this procedure.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Most dental offices offer many types
of cosmetic procedures to make your
smile more attractive. These
services range from tooth whitening
or “bleaching,” to cosmetic bonding
with white fillings to porcelain
veneers which are permanent facings
on the teeth. If you want to improve
your smile, ask Dr. Bill about
what options are available.
