top of page
Cleaning & Prevention

Dentistry is founded on the principle of prevention. All patients are recommended biannual cleanings and examinations. Not only do they help you stop dental problems before they arise, but they also leave your gums healthier, and your teeth cleaner and whiter. A professional cleaning removes hard plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. This process involves a fluoride treatment and polish to help protect and soothe your teeth and gums. Even if you haven’t had a cleaning in over two years, it’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth.

AEnB2UohG6EHPD7a0GtIIa5mQiSORHP5KK_AbkQw

What are some preventative measures I can take?

 

  • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush after each meal

  • Floss daily before bedtime

​​

  • Use an oral rinse after flossing

  • Avoid sugary foods, coffee, and tobacco

Whitening

WHITENING

Professional teeth whitening is faster, more effective, and longer lasting than treatments you find over the counter. As we age, our teeth darken over time. With tray whitening, we can brighten your teeth by five to ten shades. Maintaining good oral hygiene and steering away from certain foods and beverages will help keep any future whitening services to a minimum.

Columbia Dental-30.jpg
Invisible Braces

INVISIBLE

BRACES

There are various ways to correct crooked or crowded teeth without the use of traditional braces. One technique works by way of placing, in sequence, clear, hard plastic retainers over your teeth. Each varies in shape and is customized to your bite. They must be removed for eating and may influence your speech. Whether you are an adult or a teen this may be a choice for you.  Call our office to get a consult today.

  • Natural tooth appearance

  • More convenient oral hygiene maintenance

What are the advantages of invisible alignment?

 

  • Corrected bite and straighter smile

  • Improved comfort over traditional braces

Implants

IMPLANTS

A dental implant mimics the form and function of a natural tooth, which consists of a root and a crown. The crown is the visible part of your tooth. It is used to chew food and is, therefore, the most susceptible to cavities. The crown is attached to the jawbone by way of the root. When decay has gone deep enough or when a periodontal disease has advanced enough to warrant an extraction, the entire tooth, root and all, is taken out. The dental implant is a titanium root that gets fitted into a socket that we create in your jaw. Once the root heals, we place an artificial crown on top. The new crown is customized to match your bite and the color of your teeth. Once the Oral Surgeon has uncovered the implant we can make the abutment and crown in our clinic in one day in most cases.  

​​

  • They look and act like natural teeth

  • They can last a lifetime with the right care

  • You don’t need any adhesives

What are the benefits of getting teeth implants?

 

  • They improve appearance, comfort, and speech

  • It’s easier to eat

Bridges, Veneers, Crowns

BRIDGES,

VENEERS, & CROWNS

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, our dentist can help you choose the best solution. Crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that function and look like natural, healthy teeth. Veneers are a less invasive alternative, but may only be a solution for those with slight tooth damage or discoloration. These thin porcelain or resin shells come in customizable colors and are bonded to the surface of your teeth.  In most cases, crowns and bridges can be completed in one appointment here at Columbia Family Dental.

VENEERS

If you’re looking to cosmetically correct or enhance the appearance of one or more teeth, we suggest veneers. They are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that you can customize in color and shape. They are non-invasive and are resistant to future stains.

COMMON USES FOR VENEERS

  • Chipped or broken teeth

  • Misshapen or irregular teeth

  • Teeth that do not respond to traditional whitening treatments

BRIDGES

To replace a missing tooth that has neighboring teeth with decay and/or large fillings, or a tooth that has been missing for a long time (i.e., with gum recession around the area), we recommend bridges as opposed to dental implants.

TRADITIONAL

Caps are bonded over teeth that lie on either side of the missing one.

CROWNS

A crown, otherwise known as a cap, is custom-fitted to your bite and is placed over your natural tooth or dental implant.

LAB-MADE 

CROWNS

PROCEDURE

1. We will reduce the problematic tooth for a proper crown fit.

2. An impression will be taken of your bite for crown fabrication.

3. The color of porcelain prosthetics can then be customized.

4. We'll fit you for a temporary crown until the lab makes a permanent one.

5. You will come in again for permanent crown fitting.

SAME-DAY 

CROWNS

1. We will reduce the problematic tooth for a proper crown fit.

2. We will take scans of the teeth with our computer.

3. The Crown will be fabricated in-clinic.

4. You will leave that day with your custom made Crown.

Same-Day Crowns
Fillings

FILLINGS

Used to prevent the spread of tooth decay or correct any cosmetic damage, a filling is just one of the ways our dentist preserve your health. Before placement, any decay must be drilled out. We offer local anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort for our patients. There are two different types of fillings: amalgam (otherwise known as silver fillings) and composite resin, the color of which can be customized to match your natural teeth.

TYPES OF FILLINGS

 

Composite Resin

Since the color of a composite resin filling can be customized, it is the most aesthetically pleasing option. Composite resin is ideal for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, filling in a tooth gap, correcting dental discoloration, protecting any exposed tooth root from gum recession, or changing the shape of teeth. Patients have the option to choose composite resin for cavity fillings.

Columbia Dental-55.jpg
Night & Snore Guards

NIGHT &

SNORE GUARDS

Excessive jaw clenching and bruxism can accelerate tooth and jaw deterioration. Meanwhile, snoring can impact the quality of your own sleep and that of those around you. To help our patients avoid this, we customize snore and night guards to their bite. One type of night guard acts as a cushion between the top and bottom dental arches while the other creates more space between the front teeth to prevent the top and lower jaw from touching. Snore prevention mouthpieces look similar, but instead of acting as a cushion or spacer, they keep the lower jaw forward, thereby preventing pressure on the larynx. The appliances we use in our clinic are more comfortable and less bulky than ones that were made in the past. Even if you've tried one of these appliances in previously and it was unsuccessful, give our office a call and see how we can help make one that you can comfortably use. In some cases, your medical insurance will help pay for the appliance. Call our office today to get started!

​​

  • Stress or anxiety

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Certain medications or recreational drugs

What are the causes of teeth grinding?

  • Sleeping on your back

  • When the larynx is compressed by a relaxed jaw

  • Large tonsils or a long soft palate

What are the causes of snoring?

Root Canals

A root canal procedure is needed when a tooth has become badly decayed or infected.  The root canal refers to the center cavity of the tooth where a tooth’s nerve and pulp are located. When the nerve and pulp become infected or irritated, they are removed. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned out and filled. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may require a crown or other restoration for your tooth. Regardless of damage, a follow-up appointment is recommended to make sure there are no remaining signs of infection or irritation.

ROOT CANALS

TMJ Treatment

TREATMENT

FOR TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is an issue that causes jaw and neck pain, clicking or popping noises while opening/closing your mouth, and/or a decrease in your jaw's range of motion. If you are one of the millions of people affected by TMJ, the best first step is consulting a dentist to find the best treatment for you. This could involve using a mouth guard or using Botox to help ease the muscle tension resulting from TMJ.

Botox

TMJ GUARDS

The most common treatment for TMJ is the use of a mouth guard, also called a splint. Made of rigid acrylic material, splints can help relieve pain and other symptoms by either repositioning the jaw or preventing it from clenching. The first type, repositioning splints, help correct the jaw's alignment and can also lessen jaw popping and clicking. The second type, stabilization splints, prevent your muscles from clenching, therefore alleviating tension-related pain and discomfort. Consulting a dentist will help you identify your issues, find the best solution, and get a guard that is custom-fit for you.

bottom of page