Dental Treatments Available
Our Policy
Below is a broad list of routine procedures. Not all treatments are universally appropriate for every patient.
Our office works to stay up to date on the latest technology and treatments as well as relying upon the up to date recommendations of the American Dental Association as well as the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for strict adherence to be safe and appropriate.
Before continuing with a prior treatment plan which you do not understand, another view will inspire confidence if it agrees or give wisdom by educating you from an unbiased position. Absolutely confidential, nothing leaves our office. We will take the time to go over it until you understand.
Fillings:
These make up the best recognized restorations. Amalgams are silver restorations which have been in use since before 1900 and are still being taught today at UT Dental School.
Composites:
tooth colored fillings which are extremely popular today from an aesthetic stand point. Sometimes they are referred to as bonding.
Gold Foil restorations:
used before composites because they do not leak or discolor tooth structure. Made of thin pure 100% gold sheets they are surprisingly considered superior to amalgam and composite in terms of strength and longevity.
Inlays and Onlays:
These are either ceramic tooth colored or a metal such as gold and are cemented restorations which conserve tooth structure. Difference between the term inlay and onlay is where and what the restoration replaces of the tooth.
Crowns and Bridges:
Crowns are the same as caps. They cover the tooth’s top and sides 360 degrees all the way around. Crowns are made of many different materials, metal, porcelain and combinations of both. Bridges consist of multiple crowns made together replacing a missing tooth. Bridges can be made of the same materials as individual crowns.
Implants:
Titanium posts placed into the mouth to permanently replace missing teeth. The completed replacement tooth consists of 3 parts; implant, abutment and crown which is permanently cemented into place.
Partial Dentures:
Removable appliance replacing one or more teeth in an upper or lower arch. May be acrylic, metal or combination in composition. Does depend on having some natural teeth left for retention.
Mouthguards:
Fit over existing teeth to protect teeth (sports/bruxism) or treat TMJ problems. Made from impressions to fit extremely well and comfortable due to thinness.
Anti-Snoring Appliances:
Carefully made devices from extremely accurate impressions to fit both arches and be retained in mouth while asleep. These unlike drug store devices are very thin, stay in place and are adjustable in case your partner is still kept awake. Depending on style chosen, they can be effective against sleep apnea too.
Extractions:
Removal of teeth with hopeless prognosis or orthodontic reasons. Due in part to trauma, decay, or periodontal disease.
Desensitizing:
Teeth overly hypersensitive maybe treated with in office applications of several different products such as fluoride or clear bonding.
Referrals To Specialists:
Some procedures are referred out for a variety of reasons. The underlining goal is your best interest through treatment by Nashville’s best available specialists. We only use those with a long proven track record.
