Some of the services we offer to maintain optimal oral health are listed here.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Care in our office begins with a comprehensive dental exam. Far more than a simple cleaning and basic dental exam, this thorough exam includes an examination of the intraoral soft tissues of the mouth, the throat, the tongue, and the gums. Dr. Lovelace also assesses the extraoral soft tissues of the head and neck to look for any abnormal findings. This exam is critical for more than the accurate diagnosis of dental issues and appropriate dental treatments; it looks for indicators regarding overall health.
Ninety percent of health conditions show signs and symptoms in these areas. Some examples of diseases that a highly trained dentist can observe from an exceptional comprehensive exam include signs of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and Crohn's disease. Oral cancer screening is a crucial part of a comprehensive exam; early detection saves lives. Dentists are indispensable members of your health care team; they work together with primary care physicians and specialists to ensure a patient's dental and overall health. Dr. Lovelace is dedicated to his patient's well-being; you can rest assured he is meticulous with his patient's exams.
Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores can be a real pain, and most people suffer through them, not realizing that a trip to the dentist can help alleviate this condition. There is no cure for cold sores, but with the use of prescription medication and treatment provided by the dentist, you can expect the sores to heal faster, be less painful, and even help suppress future outbreaks. Call Lovelace Family Dentistry at the first sign of a cold sore forming; we have urgent appointments available daily.
Mouth Guards and Night Guards
Mouthguards are dental devices that protect the teeth and gums by covering them. There are two types of mouthguards, each with specific functions. Custom-made mouthguards by the dentist offer far superior protection to the over-the-counter stock mouthguards available in most pharmacies and sporting goods stores. An improperly fitting mouthguard can make issues like TMJ worse. The investment in a custom mouthguard is well worth ensuring you have the benefits they offer without causing any of the complications of a stock, one-size-fits-all mouthguard.
Most people who participate in sports would benefit from a custom mouthguard. Sports with a high potential for trauma, such as basketball, football, soccer, and lacrosse to ice skating, warrant wearing a mouthguard. Non-contact sports like ice skating, gymnastics, or biking have high fall risks that frequently cause dental trauma; wearing a mouthguard while participating in these sports is the best way to protect your teeth. Dr. Lovelace will create a custom mouthguard designed to fit perfectly for maximum comfort and safety. With proper care, your mouthguard will last many seasons.
People who suffer from Bruxism, which is grinding their teeth while sleeping, benefit from using a night mouthguard as a physical barrier to protect their teeth from being worn down or chipped. These night mouthguards not only protect your teeth from the damage of grinding, but they can also prevent inflamed gums and relieve headaches caused by Bruxism. Properly fit, custom-made mouthguards improve TMJ, but a poor fit in a mouth guard can make TMJ worse.
TMJ / TMD treatment
Most people are familiar with TMJ, the popping, clicking, often painful condition that affects the joints of the mandibular joints. TMJ is also referred to as TMD. This condition can make chewing difficult and painful. Some TMD patients have even had their jaw locked in either the open or shut position. We offer treatments based on the root cause of the TMD you are experiencing. Possible causes are:
- Injury to the jaw, joint, or head muscles
- Stress.
- Grinding or clenching teeth.
- Dislocation of the jaw ball and socket
Dr. Lovelace will do a thorough exam to determine the best treatment to relieve the discomfort of your TMD. Some frequent treatments required are dental work to balance the biting surfaces or correct a bite problem, a custom night guard or splint to lessen the effects of clenching or grinding teeth, medications for inflammation, or muscle relaxers. If you have the symptoms of TMD, call for an appointment today and experience relief soon!
Smoking Cessation
Lovelace Family Dentistry cares deeply about our patient's health and well-being, and we are here to help if you are a smoker who would like to quit. Smoking significantly compromises oral health; for every decade of tobacco use, smokers can expect to lose an average of two teeth, and oral cancer is much more prevalent in people who smoke. Dentists advocate for their patients to stop smoking because they see the negative impacts of tobacco use on oral health daily. They have a variety of methods to help patients give up the habit and experience better health smoke-free. Once patients give up smoking, oral and overall health begins to improve quickly; it is well worth the effort it takes to quit. Let us help you reach your goal of a smoke-free life.
Flouride Treatments
Flouride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel of teeth. Applied by the dentist in the form of a topical varnish, fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, slow its progression, or prevent it from getting worse. Flouride treatments are often used with children, but adults, especially those at high risk for dental decay, also benefit from it. Dr. Lovelace is happy to discuss if fluoride treatments are appropriate for you at your next appointment.
