CLIENT SAFETY
In order to protect our clients and ourselves
from communicable disease, we wear protective masks, gloves, glasses, and clinic coats.
All instruments are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized as recommended by the American
Dental Association and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Drills are also sterilized following each client usage, and all surfaces in the treatment
rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each client visit.
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CLIENT COMFORT
It is not unusual whatsoever to feel anxiety
concerning a visit to a dental office. We intend to be very responsive to your expressed
concerns and constantly vigilant for signs of discomfort during every dental procedure. In
addition to topical and local anesthesia as desired, which can be administered by
different means, electronic anesthesia is also available for certain circumstances. Oral
sedatives may also be prescribed prior to the client’s visit for those who need
additional relaxation.
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HYGIENE
As we often mention to our clients, proper home
care on a daily basis is of utmost importance to maintaining one’s teeth for a
lifetime. Dental hygiene instruction at the client’s initial cleaning visit is
strongly emphasized. It is monitored at each subsequent cleaning. The client is always
encouraged to ask questions about technique at any time and we will be glad to help or
appoint for re-evaluation. The frequency of recall visits is very individual, depending on
one’s tendency to build plaque and tartar.
Oral cancer screenings are conducted every time
that a client presents for a dental exam,- either initial or recall. The teeth will be
examined for decay and wear, and your periodontal (gum) health will also be evaluated. A
jaw joint and jaw muscle screening will also be accomplished. Fluoride applications are
strongly recommended for children, and for adults when appropriate.
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SEALANTS
Unfortunately, the news about the tremendous
benefit of sealants has been slow to spread. Sealants have been in successful use in
dentistry for many years. A sealant is a clear or tooth-colored plastic coating that is
flowed into the deep grooves in the chewing and side surfaces of the teeth and is then
hardened with a light. This can act to prevent decay from starting in the surfaces that
are most susceptible. Sealants should be monitored at regular recall visits to evaluate
their status. Being plastic, they are susceptible to wear and fracture over time. And,
surfaces between teeth which cannot be sealed should be evaluated regularly for the
presence of decay.
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BAD BREATH TREATMENT
Everyone is susceptible to
mouth odor at times. Our hygiene education emphasizes home care treatments that anyone can
practice to improve problem odor. We also offer Rowpar Pharmaceutical products (CLOSYS II
®) with an instant odor-breaking ingredient (chlorine dioxide) for those who need or
desire additonal assurance. These products were formerly known as RETARDEX and RETARDENT.
They cannot be purchased in any store or pharmacy. Dr. Lestage's policy is to only
offer these products to active clients. To learn more about these products, you may
link to the Rowpar website. If you elect to visit it
at this time, we hope you will return shortly to learn more about our practice. Thank you.
ROWPAR PHARMACEUTICALS WEB SITE
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PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Also known as "gum disease," this is
the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is rarely painful or noticeable. It can
progress to a point where supporting bone is destroyed, thus allowing teeth to become
loose and infected, resulting in tooth loss. Although it can occur at any age, 75% of
adults can expect to experience some degree of gum disease during their lifetime. A
majority of tooth loss in adults is also due to this cause. A preliminary form of
periodontal disease (gingivitis) can be detected in most teenagers! Only a dentist can
detect and determine the presence and extent of gum disease. A full-mouth series of small
x-ray films is often necessary to evaluate this. There are several factors which can
contribute to the development of gum disease, including poorly fitting bridges, badly
aligned teeth, and defective fillings. However, the primary cause of periodontitis is the
bacteria which form the soft, sticky, clear film on teeth called plaque. Recent scientific
studies indicate that the destructive action of these germs involves the body’s
immune system reaction to them. Several recent studies have also found an association
between certain bacteria in dental plaque and cardiovascular (heart) disease. The FDA has
recently approved new medications which can be given by mouth or placed into the gumline
to reverse the soft tissue destruction in many cases. These new techniques are only
successful if combined with traditional deep cleaning followed by regular re-evaluation.
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BLEACHING
This treatment has been successfully completed
for several years. The bleaching materials used have recently become more effective and
safe and the procedure, properly done, is approved by the American Dental Association and
the FDA. One should always be leery of over-the-counter, do-it-yourself bleaching kits
since the chemicals used in all techniques can cause burns and temporary bleaching of the
gum tissue. No store-bought kit will provide a custom-fitting tray that will safely hold
the bleaching chemical against the tooth surface. One is also susceptible to swallowing
the chemicals in this case. There have been conflicting scientific studies concerning the
potential cancer-causing effect to soft tissues if peroxides remain in contact for extended
periods. There is also some question as to long-term effects on the nerve of the tooth
if unsupervised use results in overusage over time. We have noted that one may
expect a two-shade improvement or better (as compared against a dental shade guide that
ranges four to five shades for the average dentition) when done with a professional kit.
However, yellow- and brown-stained teeth respond better than those that are grayer in
shade.
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COSMETIC DENTISTRY
In addition to bleaching, bonding procedures
which utilize tooth-colored materials for fillings and veneers, along with reshaping of
teeth, can create or recreate a beautiful smile. It is also not unusual for restorative
dentistry to create a "straight" smile, thus foregoing the need for
orthodontics. This can be very convenient for adults who do not desire to spend time in
braces, which they may feel is unsightly or uncomfortable.
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CROWNS
A "cap" or crown is a restoration often
recommended for teeth that have been badly broken down, fractured, or decayed. A
"permanent" type of crown is fabricated at a dental laboratory of metal,
porcelain, ceramic, resin, or a combination of these materials. It is a procedure in which
a "normal-sized" tooth is reduced to a smaller size and an impression is made
for the laboratory. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth since it requires at
least two visits. It is also not unusual to restore the remaining tooth structure with a
"build-up" prior to the crown preparation if the tooth does not provide enough
support above the gumline. If needed, this is a separate, additional procedure.
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BRIDGES
Any time a tooth is lost resulting in a space
between remaining teeth, one should replace it as soon as possible with either a
non-removable bridge, implant, or removable partial denture. The longer one waits to
replace it, the more the movement that occurs in the surrounding teeth. Contacts open
between teeth allowing for food impaction and potential gum disease and decay. Uneven
stresses are placed on teeth which can cause undue wear and loss of support if combined
with gum disease. It can become a "domino effect" that can increase the chance
of more future tooth loss. Just the loss of one tooth can reduce eating efficiency and can
even cause loss of facial support leading to accelerated aging appearance.
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ROOT CANAL THERAPY
Also known as endodontics, this is a procedure
with an unduly painful reputation. This procedure is required to salvage a tooth when the
pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed. It often requires more than
one visit since it is a time-taking process to remove the pulp tissue and enlarge the pulp
space in order to place a filling material. Only a small percentage of root canals has
caused the painful reputation. In almost all cases, therapy can be planned after the
client’s discomfort has subsided, resulting in a procedure which is as pain-free as
having a routine filling done with anesthesia. Once a root canal has been completed, the
tooth will naturally become more brittle over time due to loss of internal blood supply.
It is often recommended that a post or bonded crown build-up be placed to strengthen the
tooth and a crown placed to protect it from fracture and potential loss. These are
separate, additional procedures.
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IMPLANTS
This is a procedure which has been successfully
accomplished to replace missing teeth for over 30 years worldwide. It is a procedure which
places a metal fixture into the jawbone that becomes fused to the bone and is thus
extremely stable. For those who have lost bone support over the years from unstable
dentures, or for those who just desire an alternative to a denture or bridge that is a bit
more natural, implants may be the best option. Dr. Lestage is not currently restoring
implant cases, however, those who desire that as an alternative are welcome for overall
dental evaluation and restoration and will be referred to an appropriate specialist for
the implant phase of their treatment.
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ORAL SURGERY
It is our goal and that of modern dentistry to
prevent tooth loss. However, there are situations which require the extraction of teeth.
Wisdom tooth extraction may be required due to impaction or infection of the surrounding
gum. This is one important reason for taking a full-face x-ray film called a panorex. This
type of film can also be helpful for diagnosing tumors and cysts in the jawbone and can be
very helpful if ever needed for identification purposes. Also, teeth are often extracted
for orthodontic (braces) treatment. Unfortunately, too many teeth are still being lost due
to decay and gum disease. Timely exams and treatment can prevent this. Some minor
extractions involving wisdom teeth or orthodontics are performed by Dr. Lestage.
Otherwise, we will refer the client to an oral surgeon when necessary.
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DENTURES
Complete and partial removable dentures are still
a necessity for many people. Fortunately, science is precluding most of today’s youth
from ever having to experience the need for dentures. It is very important, however, that
all denture wearers receive regular dental exams. Oral cancer becomes a greater risk with
age, even among denture wearers. And, as time passes, most dentures can loosen and
accelerate jawbone loss. This can become a vicious cycle making it more difficult to
fabricate a satisfactory appliance. Periodic relining can help to extend the life of
one’s dentures and delay the fabrication of new appliances.
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TMD, OCCLUSAL WEAR, &
BITEGUARDS
TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) is a painful
disorder which can involve the TMJ (jaw joint), jaw muscles, and the teeth. If you have
clicking or pain in the joint, pain in the jaw muscles, muscular or migraine-type
headaches, excessive tooth wear, or clinching and grinding of the teeth, you may have some
degree of TMD. It is not unusual for this disorder to begin in adolescence, especially for
young women. No one treatment can solve this disorder completely, but the earlier
treatment is provided, the better the prognosis. Dr. Lestage provides treatment when
possible, including occlusal (bite) adjustment, biteguard fabrication, and more extensive
occlusal reconstruction with onlays, crowns, and bridges to restore function and
appearance to worn teeth.
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ATHLETIC MOUTHGUARDS
Unfortunately, too many sports participants are
not properly protecting themselves from tooth damage or loss. Even a store-bought device
can help prevent some painful dental injuries and potentially expensive dental
reconstruction. But, no mouthguard can protect as well as one which is fabricated using a
model of the athlete’s teeth. This is one procedure which Dr. Lestage appreciates
from years of sports involvement and is willing to perform without a prerequisite dental
examination. Your request for an appointment will be welcome.
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