Treatment
Our practice can provide a wide range of dental services. When necessary, we refer to dental specialists for comprehensive treatment. When referred to a specialist, we work very closely together as a team throughout your treatment. Our emphasis is on total preventive care for our patients. Total care begins with regular hygiene visits, regular checkups and continued home oral health routines.
Treatment Provided
- Examinations
- Radiographs
- Diagnostic Models
- Extractions
- Biopsey
- Athletic Mouth Guards
- Occlusal Splints
- Orthodontics - Our office refers all orthodontics to properly trained specialists
Early Treatment
Pediatric Dentistry
Our goal is to make our patients’ earliest dental experiences positive ones. We treat many young patients in our office. However, if your child has special needs or is extremely anxious, we refer them to specially trained pediatric dentists. We recommend that children have their first appointment at age two and a half. If you live in a non-fluoridated area, we recommend fluoride supplements.
Teething
Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits-they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.
Infant's New Teeth
The primary, or "baby," teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age 6.
Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems-hence, the need for regular care and dental checkups.
A Child's First Dental Visit
A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her second birthday. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent's lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.
Why Primary Teeth Are Important
Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.
Dental Nutrition
A well balanced diet is not only good for your overall health, but for your teeth and gums as well. Tooth decay is caused when you eat too many foods that contain sugar. The length of time sugary foods stay in your mouth is more damaging that the amount of sugar consumed at one time.
Remember:
- Plaque and sugar produce acid.
- The effect of acid on tooth enamel is tooth decay.
For a healthy diet, choose sugarless gum, breath mints and soda as well as nutritional snacks such as nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables and cheese.
Infant Tooth Eruption
A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or "baby" teeth push through the gums-the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies.
Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth-32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).
Click here to view Tooth Development information.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child's mouth.
General Treatment
Routine Cleanings and Exam Appointments
All adults are scheduled for a full hour for routine cleanings with the hygienist. At this time the dentist does a thorough examination and oral cancer screening. We believe this amount of time is required to be able to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. If the dentist determines additional treatment is needed, we will discuss it with you at this time. In some cases we schedule an additional examination and consultation time. We strongly recommend and routinely provide a fluoride treatment after a cleaning even if you live in an area with fluoridated water. Please let us know prior to your appointment if you would like to deviate from our recommended protocol.
X-ray Protocol
We recommend taking a complete set of X-rays on all new patients. If you have a recent panoramic or full mouth series, please bring it to your appointment. We also recommend a full mouth X-ray series every three to four years. We realize this adds additional cost, but it is very important for proper diagnosis and treatment planning and will save money in the long run. Generally, we recommend bitewing X-rays every six months to check for decay between the teeth. Let us know before your appointment if you would prefer them annually. Please do not let your insurance dictate your care.
Sealants
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth -- premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It can be painlessly applied and costs about fifty to seventy-five percent less than a regular filling. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Silver Fillings
The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture with a material. Silver fillings are also known as amalgam. Used primarily for the back teeth, silver fillings are very strong. They are cost effective and most dental insurance companies cover silver fillings. In addition, they are reliable and safe.
White Fillings
The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture with a material. We can replace old, broken-down amalgam/metal fillings with white fillings (composites) to restore your smile and teeth to a more natural look and feel.
Endodontics (Root Canals)
Root canals are performed when an untreated cavity infects the nerve tissue and causes an abscess. The infection in the nerve tissue must be cleaned out prior to filling and sealing the tooth canals. After a root canal, the tooth is typically restored using a crown.
A common misconception is that a root canal is an uncomfortable procedure. Actually, root canals are similar to having a cavity filled, producing minimal discomfort. In addition, the cost of a root canal and a restoration is usually less than the cost of removing that tooth and replacing it with an artificial one.
Return to topSedation Dentistry
Because we strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible, we offer nitrous oxide analgesia (laughing gas) when requested by the patient. Oral sedation can also be prescribed if necessary.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.
"Laughing Gas"
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Your teeth may darken over time. Changes in the color of your teeth can be caused by such factors as the food and beverages consumed (like coffee, tea and soda). Other known factors for discoloration may include childhood medications or illnesses, tobacco use or improper oral hygiene. Restoring your natural white smile is a priority for our dental whitening team. We can provide a variety of options for whitening your smile.
We are trained professionals using industry-approved methods. Our goal is to meet the needs of every patient, and every patient’s needs are different. One of the methods used by our practice is a gentle hydrogen-peroxide gel-activated solution. Our process will whiten your entire smile in one visit. We offer both in-office and at-home bleaching. Call us today for a whitening evaluation.
Nothing improves your appearance more than a bright, white SMILE!
Composite Bonding
Bonding is a common solution for fixing or repairing chipped or decayed teeth, reducing unsightly gaps between teeth and hiding tooth discoloration. With bonding, a composite resin, is bonded to an existing tooth.
The advantages of bonding include:
- It is a quick process, which typically lasts less than one hour.
- It does not reduce the tooth’s original structure and is relatively inexpensive.
- Composite resins come in many different shades and provide better matching of shades to the natural color of your teeth.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, semi-translucent “shells” made of porcelain material and permanently bonded to your front teeth. Veneers are used to correct spaces between the teeth, broken or chipped teeth, stained or discolored teeth and crooked or misshapen teeth.
Veneers are a great aesthetic solution to your smile that may even help you avoid orthodontic treatment. Subtle changes to your smile can be achieved with veneers, and in most cases, veneer application is completed in only two office visits. Porcelain veneers are more esthetic than composite bonding and tend to last longer.
Return to top / Return to Cosmetic Dentistry Crowns
A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as gold, white porcelain or silver colored metal.
In preparation for a crown, the tooth is trimmed on all sides to provide an ideal fit for the crown. An impression is made and the custom-made crown is created. The finished crown fits on the tooth precisely and is cemented or bonded to the tooth.
Implant Crowns
An implant crown is effective because it mirrors the size and shape of a patient’s natural tooth and is often as strong as the patient’s original tooth. With surgery, the implant or artificial root is placed into the jawbone, and then allowed to heal and integrate with the bone. Once the healing process is completed and the jawbone is attached to the implant, the patient returns to the dental office where the implant is fitted with the new tooth. This process generally takes anywhere from four to six months, and in some cases, we can place immediate implant crowns.
Advantages of getting implants include improved biting pressure, better comfort and fit, longevity and reliability as well as increased self-confidence.
Return to top / Return to Cosmetic DentistryBridges
A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent:
- Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.
- Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
A fixed bridge consists of a false tooth (pontic) that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place. It is cemented in place just like a single crown and it is not removable. The fixed bridge can be made of white porcelain, gold, silver or a combination of these.
Return to top / Return to Cosmetic Dentistry Implants
A dental implant is an artificial root (usually made of titanium) placed into the bone that supports your teeth.
Implants can replace a single tooth; support a fixed bridge replacing several teeth, or support partial or complete dentures. When supporting a denture, implants can make a denture much more comfortable and functional. Implants preserve bone that would ordinarily waste away after tooth loss.
Dental implants, once restored with a crown or bridge, look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants require sound bone for replacement. Ask Dr. Covert or his associates if you are a candidate for implants. If the bone is insufficient or the maxillary sinus is too close, you may require treatment first. Common pre-treatment implants are bone grafts or sinus lifts.
Implants usually require 3-4 weeks from placement to restoration; however, in some cases, immediate implants can be considered.
- Any needed treatment for your jawbone, gums or adjacent teeth will be completed.
- After the area is prepared, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum and create a thin shaft in the jawbone to place the metal root. If more than one implant is needed, the surgeon may place all of the needed root implants in the same procedure. It is recommended that you have someone drive you home from the appointment.
- After the procedure(s), it will take about 3 - 4 weeks for the bone to grow and fuse tightly with the implants. This is called osseointegration.
- Either directly after the implant is placed or after the bone has fused with the implant, an “abutment” will be placed on top of the new metal root. The abutment will be what connects your implant to the replacement tooth.
- Once the the gum is healed properly, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth, and a replacement tooth will be made. The dentist will then connect it to the abutment, and you will be free to enjoy the comfort and appearance of your new dental implant!
Dentures
Periodontal disease, injury and tooth decay can all cause a loss of your natural teeth. However, we can bring back the smile on your face with dentures to restore your missing teeth. With improved technology and updated materials, dentists can now make them appear more natural and more comfortable for the patient.
There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures cover the patient’s entire jaw while partial dentures, with their metal framework, replace multiple missing teeth. Ask our doctors to see which type would be right for you.
It may take some time to adjust to your dentures. Speaking and eating may feel different at first, but these regular activities will resume normally once you are accustomed to your dentures. Implant supported dentures are much more comfortable and functional then conventional dentures.
Return to top / Return to Cosmetic DentistryRemoveable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures can be used instead of a fixed bridge. Designed to be inserted and removed by the patient, it is held in place by metal clasps that surround your natural teeth.
Periodontal Treatment
Scaling and Root Planing
If plaque is not removed, it will cause gums to bleed and can develop into a hard substance know as tartar. As plaque as tartar build up, it destroys the gum and bone that anchor teeth. When too much gum and bone is destroyed, the tooth cannot be held into place and will need to be removed.
Scaling and root planing is a two-part deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure used to remove tartar build-up and prevent continued bone loss. Scaling is the portion of treatment where plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away. Planing smoothes rough spots on the tooth root. Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
We generally provide scaling and root planing under local anesthesia. We later re-evaluate your periodontal condition to determine if scaling and root planing was sufficient treatment, or if you will require additional treatment from a periodontal specialist. Orther periodontal procedures include grafting, flap and osseus surgery. Implant placement and crown lenthening procedures will be referred to a properly trained periodontist.
Return to topOther Treatment
Athletic Mouth Guards
Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection. Nearly half of all sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball. We recommend that all our patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable and come in an exciting variety of colors and patterns.
TMJ/TMD
The "Temporomandibular Joint," more commonly referred to as the "jaw joint," assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a common area for recurring pain. Although conventional wisdom suggests that “popping” sounds in the jaw indicates a TMJ dysfunction, this is not always true. Many times, your jaw is functioning properly even if a “popping” sound is present when chewing or talking.
We offer a TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue in the "hinge" of the jaw. Possible problems include swelling, deterioration of the joint tissue or damaged joint tissue (which cushions the jaw bones during the opening and closing movement of the mouth). Common pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary relief for most cases of TMJ.
For more serious cases of TMJ, we will recommend alternate treatments. Often, we will suggest using a mouth guard to relieve teeth grinding. In some cases, we will instruct you to use orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort or redirect positioning of the TMJ joint. For the most severe cases of TMJ, we may recommend certain invasive procedures.
Return to topOcclusal Splints
An occlusal splint is an appliance or a bite guard used to treat nighttime clenching and grinding of the teeth. It provides temporary relief from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.