general dentistry

Some general dentistry services we provide are listed below.

Nitrous Oxide: At Lovelace Family Dentistry, we firmly believe that a pleasant, comfortable, and stress-free dental experience is one of the best ways we can assist our patients in meeting their oral health goals. To this end, we offer Nitrous Oxide during dental visits to ensure you have an anxiety-free visit. Too many people have suffered from poor oral health due to anxiety related to dental procedures. Nitrous Oxide has been used safely for more than a century, and the effects wear off so quickly that you can drive yourself home after an appointment. Please don't suffer in silence; talk with our dentist about having Nitrous Oxide during your next visit.

Fillings: Once a tooth has experienced decay in the form of a cavity, a dental filling is the best treatment to stop further deterioration. The dentist will remove any traces of the existing decay and place a filling in the tooth to prevent additional damage. Composite fillings are safe, effective, and tooth-colored to be cosmetically pleasing; only you and your dentist will know it's there!

X-rays: Dental x-rays enable the dentist to see cracks, damage, and other potential problems that may require immediate treatment before they become advanced enough to cause discomfort or pain. Dental X-rays are generally recommended once or twice a year to stay on top of any new issues before they become more significant problems. Early intervention is always best!

Tooth Bonding: Chips, cracks, stains, and gaps in your teeth are some dental concerns that the dentist can correct with tooth bonding. The dentist will create a shade of composite bonding material to match your existing teeth and carefully apply the needed repairs. Once completed, the bonding should last five to ten years with proper care. The dentist will give you specific tips on ensuring your bonding treatment lasts, such as using a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day and avoiding chewing on items like ice and hard candy.

Crowns: When a tooth has extensive damage and is no longer strong enough to withstand the rigors of chewing, a dental crown is often the best solution. Crowns are placed over existing teeth, like a cap, and the crown protects the tooth from further damage and provides structural strength.

A newer type of crown is fashioned to attach to an implant abutment the dentist has placed to restore a missing tooth. The abutment is made out of titanium and is permanent. The dentist will review any questions and present all options available to correct your specific dental issue. Whether it’s a traditional crown or a newer implant crown, we have the knowledge and experience to restore your damaged tooth.

Bridges: A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces one to four missing teeth. A bridge is a cost-effective solution and, with the proper care, can last up to 20 to 30 years. Bridges look very natural; they are custom-made to restore the look of your teeth and maintain the bite relationship between your upper and lower teeth. It is critical to keep up to date with dental checkups to ensure the bridge is sound and to monitor the surrounding teeth to detect any decay that may affect them.

Tooth Extractions: Sometimes, there is no other option than to have a tooth extracted. The tooth may be a wisdom tooth that is impacted, coming in at the wrong angle, or crowding the rest of your teeth. Other times an extraction is warranted when a tooth is badly decayed, is broken in a way that the dentist can not repair, or has advanced periodontal disease. We understand that most people shudder at the thought of having a tooth extracted, but if that becomes necessary to maintain your oral health, we are here to make the process quick and painless. Our dentist will review what to expect before, during, and after extraction. Done correctly, most patients recover quickly from a tooth extraction.