General Dentistry

Comprehensive exam – During a comprehensive dental exam, we carefully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any potential issues. We look for cavities, fractured teeth, or defective fillings and other restorations. Using tools like dental mirrors, explorers, and sometimes digital imaging, we get a comprehensive view of your oral health. Regular comprehensive exams help us catch dental problems early, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of more serious issues.

Periodontal exam – In a periodontal exam, we focus on the health of your gums and the supporting structures around your teeth. We evaluate your gums for signs of gum disease, which include redness, swelling, bleeding, and pockets forming between the gums and teeth. We also check for bone loss and gum recession, which can lead to tooth instability and tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal exams are crucial for maintaining healthy gums and preventing the progression of gum disease.

Limited exam – If you have a specific concern, such as a painful or damaged tooth, we perform a limited exam. We concentrate on addressing the immediate issue and diagnosing its cause. This type of exam is focused and efficient, aiming to provide relief and identify the necessary treatment quickly. We prioritize emergency patients and make every effort to accommodate them quickly to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

Full Mouth X-rays – Full mouth X-rays, including panoramic X-rays, provide us with a comprehensive view of your teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. These X-rays capture a wide image of your entire oral cavity, allowing us to assess tooth health, identify cavities, evaluate the position of wisdom teeth, and detect any abnormalities in bone structure. Full mouth X-rays are particularly useful for detecting issues that may not be visible during a regular visual examination. They play a vital role in creating an accurate treatment plan and maintaining your oral health.

Cleaning – We provide regular cleaning and polishing sessions. When combined with your excellent at-home oral care, these cleanings significantly reduce the likelihood of future dental issues.

Deep cleaning / Scaling & Root planing – If we notice gum disease (periodontitis) in certain areas, we perform a thorough deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This specialized cleaning helps address the gum disease and promote healthier gums.

Composite Fillings – At our practice, we utilize esthetic “tooth-colored” filling materials known as Composite Resins. These advanced materials offer our patients not only exceptional strength and durability, but also the advantage of seamlessly blending in with the surrounding teeth. This results in a highly cosmetic outcome that matches both the color and natural contours of your teeth.

What’s more, these materials are so technologically advanced that we often use them to replace any defective Amalgam/Mercury fillings. This substitution brings the added benefit of enhanced attractiveness compared to traditional metal fillings, which tend to darken over time and can result in a less appealing appearance.

Sealants – Sealants are a protective measure we use to “seal” the deep grooves in your teeth. By doing so, we create a barrier that prevents plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach areas. This added layer of protection makes your teeth less susceptible to cavities down the road.

In certain cases, we employ what are commonly referred to as “Full Coverage Restorations” or “Caps.” These restorations become necessary when a tooth is susceptible to fracture or has undergone trauma. At Westwood Park Dental, our choice for these restorations is All Ceramic Porcelain crowns. These crowns not only exhibit impressive strength but also seamlessly blend with the neighboring teeth, offering a far closer match compared to crowns incorporating metallic components in their structure.

Each crown we create is meticulously designed, resulting in enduring and highly cosmetic outcomes. This modern approach ensures that the final result is not only long-lasting but also considerably more aesthetically pleasing compared to the traditional crowns of the past.

Are you facing the challenge of a missing tooth? Consider a bridge as a viable solution! A bridge effectively fills the gap left by a missing tooth by preparing the adjacent teeth for crowns. This well-designed structure incorporates a replacement tooth that securely attaches to the two crowns on either side.

At our practice, we prioritize the use of All Ceramic materials for our bridges, just as we do for single crowns. This ensures not only a strong and secure bridge but also an appealing and seamlessly cosmetic outcome that harmonizes flawlessly with the natural teeth surrounding it.

Dental Implants are becoming very popular as an alternative for replacing missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the site of the missing tooth. After a period of healing, an artificial tooth is designed and attached to the implant which now acts as the roots of the missing tooth. The benefit of implants is that they are a free standing restoration which does not require preparation of the surrounding teeth. You will need a consultation appointment as there are many factors involved in being considered a good candidate for long term success.

For individuals seeking an alternative approach to replacing missing teeth, we offer the option of crafting a personalized Complete or Partial Denture. If you find yourself feeling self-conscious due to missing teeth or experience difficulties with chewing and speech, a denture could be an excellent choice. These removable appliances are not only easy to clean but also meticulously crafted from high-strength acrylic resin. The result is a denture that closely resembles natural teeth and gums.

Moreover, we’re proud to introduce modern materials like Valplast into our denture designs. These flexible materials provide a metal-clasp-free solution that is both aesthetically pleasing and remarkably comfortable. With these advancements, we can create dentures that not only enhance your smile but also offer an improved level of comfort and appearance.

In modern dentistry, there’s a growing awareness of the prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction. It’s estimated that around 10 million Americans are affected by some form of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). These disorders can arise due to various factors such as stress, nocturnal teeth grinding or clenching, or even potential arthritis, although many causes remain to be fully understood. Common indicators of TMD include worn teeth, TMJ clicking or popping, as well as discomfort in the jaw, neck, or facial muscles.

If you suspect you might be experiencing TMJ-related symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. During the consultation, we’ll engage in a detailed discussion about your symptoms and explore potential treatment avenues to alleviate your discomfort and improve your overall well-being.