Nutritional Counseling
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Just as there are certain foods that are good for your overall health, there are foods that are especially good for your smile. Consider eating more fresh fruits, which increase saliva production, decreasing the amount of acid in your mouth and washing away unwanted food particles. Munching on carrots and celery stimulates the gums, leading to better dental health. Grains provide magnesium, vitamin B, and iron for healthier bones, gums, and teeth. Simple changes to your diet can lead to a healthier smile. |
Tobacco Counseling
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The nicotine and tar found in cigarette smoke can discolor your teeth. Even vigorous brushing will generally not be enough to remove the discoloration, which can range from yellowish to dark brown. However, teeth-whitening toothpastes can lighten the dark stains. But stains are not the only problem: due to the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, over 90% of oral cancer patients are smokers. Smoking also affects healing from oral surgeries. Quitting smoking is a great way to improve your oral health. |
Emergency Treatment
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If you have a problem with your teeth, you don’t want to wait days or even weeks for an appointment. That’s why we allow you to schedule same day appointments. We also welcome walk-ins during our normal office hours (Monday-Thursday: 7am-8pm, Friday: 7am-4pm). We are available on Saturdays by appointment only. Of course, your teeth don’t always wait for office hours before giving you trouble. In case of a dental emergency, you have access to Dr. Gordon twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. |
Intraoral Cameras
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Intraoral cameras are digital cameras small enough to fit comfortably in your mouth, allowing us to show you an image on a computer screen. The camera is located in the tip of the intraoral wand and transmits real-time video. Not only does this allow you to see what is really happening in your mouth, it also documents what is seen by uploading it to a computer. Information can then be printed out to provide a hard copy picture for your records or for procedure verification by your insurance company. |
Oral Cancer Screening
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Screening is done on your first visit, and yearly after that. The exam includes looking for lesions such as Leukoplakia (an abnormal white patch of cells) and Erythroplakia (an abnormal red patch of cells). We check higher-risk areas like the lips, floor of the mouth, the tongue, and soft palate. If any areas look suspicious, we will counsel with you first, and then recommend appropriate testing such as toluidine blue stain, fluorescence staining, exfoliative cytology, or brush biopsy. |
Digital Radiography
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Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging in which digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Because there is no chemical processing, digital radiography is quicker and more efficient than conventional X-ray photography. In addition, digital images are easier to transfer and enhance, allowing a closer look at problem areas. Also, digital radiography can use less radiation to produce an image of similar contrast as traditional radiography. |
Toothprints
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One of the greatest fears of parents today is that their child will get lost, or worse, be abducted. A tooth print gives you identifying information for your child. Tooth prints are a simple, cost-effective way of documenting young patients’ unique tooth characteristics, tooth position within the arch, and maxillomandibular jaw relationship – all important identifiers. Yearly updates of tooth print bite impressions is recommended, or at least at age 3, age 7 or 8, and age 12 or 13. |
Root Canal Therapy
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When the nerve in a tooth becomes injured, infected, or inflamed, the result can be very painful. We offer pulp vitality testing to detect problems with your dental pulp and help determine if root canal therapy (also known as endodontic therapy) is appropriate. In some cases, dental root amputation may preserve a tooth by leaving at least one root attached. If you’re having trouble with previous root canal therapy, we offer root canal retreatments. Both permanent teeth and baby teeth can be treated. |
Soft Tissue Management
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Periodontal Therapies
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Soft Tissue Management allows dentists to help patients who suffer from periodontal disease and ensures that patient care isn’t neglected. The goal is to resolve signs of inflammation, detectable plaque, and reduce pocket depths. |
Periodontal therapies are used to locate the cause of periodontitis, then offer treatment including: deep cleanings, controlling risk factors, and preventative care. Treatment can include root planings and Arestin application. |
Full Mouth Reconstruction
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TMJ Evaluations
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Dr. Gordon offers a no charge consultation to determine if a full reconstruction of your mouth will be beneficial. Treatment may include study model evaluation, wax mock-up, splint therapy, provisional therapy, and permanent restorations. |
TMJ, also known as Bruxism, is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. Teeth damaged by Bruxism can be repaired with prosthetic crowns. |
Air Abrasion
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Air abrasion device is used to gently remove areas of very early decay before the hole can even be seen. Much smaller holes can be filled earlier in this way, rather than waiting until the hole is much bigger, or cutting lots of healthy tooth to get to a small hole. Air abrasion works by blowing 27-micron aluminium oxide powder using compressed air. When the powder stream hits the tooth, it puffs away the decayed surface. Patients like the reduced noise and absence of vibration. |
Patient Conveniences
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Since coming straight to our dental office from work or other events can make it tricky for you to brush before or after your appointment, we are pleased to offer disposable toothbrushes with built-in toothpaste. We also offer a warm chair pad upon request, and can provide dry-cleaned fleece blankets to keep you warm during your dental exam. Final touches after your treatment include 100% cotton towelettes so that you can continue your day with a fresh, clean look. |
Spore Testing
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The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have established guidelines for sterilization procedures that are the driving force behind new regulations requiring spore testing of sterilizers. Most dentists and orthodontists are now required to perform a biological spore test on their sterilizers through an independent sterility testing laboratory. Our office adheres to weekly spore testing to ensure proper sterilization of all our instruments. |
In Office Precancerous Testing
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The BrushTest is used to test the common, harmless-appearing, small white and red spots that dentists and dental hygienists see several times each week, to determine if they contain precancerous cells. Most people will have a small oral spot like this at one time or another and they can be seen in up to 10% of carefully examined adults.The BrushTest is very accurate as confirmed in many published clinical studies It has been used by over 30,000 U.S. dentists, and more than 10,000 precancerous spots have been detected with the BrushTest – long before they could cause any harm – long before they could turn into cancer.
Most people will have tiny white or red spots in their mouth at one time or another. Although most of these spots are harmless, only laboratory testing like the BrushTest can determine which of them contain abnormal cells. About 96% of small, harmless-appearing oral spots that are evaluated by the BrushTest will not contain any abnormal cells. If precancerous cells are found in an oral spot, it typically takes several years before they can cause any harm. During this time, the spot can usually be easily and completely removed. |
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