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Patient Care
Our patient care covers a wide range of dental care options. Please click any of the links below to learn more about how we can help you improve your smile.
Halitosis Treatment
Patient Comfort
Non-Metal Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
Patient Safety
Instant Orthodontics
Invisible Braces - Invisalign
Dental Hygiene and Prevention
Tooth Whitening & Laser Whitening
Air Abrasion
Smile Make-Over/Smile Design
Implants
Digital Radiography
Periodontal Disease
Computer Imaging and Photography
Root Canal Therapy
Video Intraoral Examination
Clenching and Grinding
Patient-Doctor Relationship
Snore Management
Halitosis Treatment
Many people suffer from halitosis but brush their teeth regularly. Halitosis is caused by sulfur compounds building up and being released when you open your mouth. Sulfur compounds are produced by bacteria on your tongue, below and around your teeth, and under old fillings or crowns, which are leaking or rough allowing bacteria to live. If you have sulfur levels we can design a plan to lower the sulfur compounds and monitor patient success.
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Patient Comfort
We are a service oriented office, and our goal is to make you comfortable. We will try to accommodate all of your special needs. We offer topical patch anesthetic for minor procedures as well as local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and anti-anxiety medication as need for patient comfort. We offer stereo headsets, video movies, and in office education programs so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite type of entertainment.
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Non-Metal Dentistry
Laser bonded synthetic enamel
We no longer use amalgam (silver) fillings that discolor and weaken teeth. Instead we restore teeth with natural looking synthetic tooth structure which is indistinguishable from the tooth and restores teeth to their original strength and appearance, without cutting the tooth down like a crown. This remarkable conservative technology returns badly broken down teeth to their natural healthy appearance and reduced the chance they will need root canal therapy in the future. Call for a complimentary consultation on removing the metal and mercury from your mouth.
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Sedation Dentistry
Do you think you have problems in your month but are afraid to go to the dentist? Do you hate needles, shots, noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care? Are you afraid and embarrassed about your teeth?
If yes then,
SEDATION DENTISTRY IS FOR YOU!
You will feel nothing, experience no discomfort, can get all or most of your treatment done at once and remember very little. Dr. Sowell will sit down with you and learn of you concerns and desires. You will experience our famous 5 star service (button) and pampering of our patients. You will be relaxed by our music, soothing smells, gourmet beverage bar and caring staff.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You come with your companion to drive you and take you home after your appointment. We will escort you to the comfort room where you will be given a pill usually, headphones and a remote to the entertainment center on the overhead monitor and a warm cozy blanket. You will be placed on a vital signs monitor and have someone at your side at all times to cater to your needs. Once you are comfortable and drift off into a relaxed state the medication blocks your ability to feel anxiety. Now Dr. Sowell and his experienced team will take care of your dental needs and let you know when it's time to go home. Thirty minutes before the end of the appointment we will page your companion so they can be there for you and be able to run errands if they choose so they do not have to sit and wait.
Sedation dentistry is safe and based on the ability of medications to block the anxiety experience in our brains. The oral medications are effective for 90% of our patients, 10% will require I.V. sedation depending on the patients desires. You will not be unconscious, but in a deep relaxed state either way.
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Patient Safety
To protect our patients and ourselves our staff wears masks, gloves, and safety glasses. We exceed all Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Whenever possible, disposable single use items are used to insure your safety. All reusable instruments are cleaned, disinfected and sterilized exceeding recommendations by the American Dental Association and Center for Disease Control. Water lines use distilled water and are flushed with antimicrobials regularly. Hand pieces (drills) are sterilized with state-of-the-art sterilization units specifically designed for this purpose. All surfaces in the treatment rooms are cleaned, disinfected, and covered with disposable plastic (where applicable) which is discarded after each patient.
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Instant Orthodontics
For those who do not want orthodontics or have worn down teeth, artistic shells of porcelain can be laser bonded to your teeth to change the color, correct the alignment and give you that ideal smile with a natural appearance. We call this "Instant Orthodontics". It takes 2-3 weeks rather than 2-3 years. Call us to see before and after cases to see what can be done. Computer imaging can show you what you would look like with "Instant Orthodontics".
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Invisible Braces - Invisalign
FDA approved Invisalign is the “invisible” way to straighten your teeth without wearing conventional metal braces. Invisalignuses a series of clear, removable aligners to move your teeth. Because you remove your aligners before you eat and drink, there are no food restrictions or problems with flossing or brushing. This technology is also more comfortable, avoiding the mouth abrasions that can be caused by the metal and wires of conventional braces. And this technology is also more convenient, since you are likely to spend less time in the doctor’s office getting adjustments.
How do these “invisible” braces work?
First, Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to design the complete treatment plan, from the initial teeth positioning to the desired final positioning. This 3-D imaging allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before you start treatment. Next, custom-made aligners are created based on the imaging information. Each of these aligners moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about 2 weeks. The aligners are then replaced by the next in the “series,” until the final desired position of the teeth is achieved. Typically, you will visit your orthodontist once every 6 weeks for “progress reports.” Total treatment time averages 9 to 15 months, with an average of 18 to 30 aligners used during treatment. Of course, these are averages and experiences will vary from case to case.
Click here to visit the Invisalign Web site.
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Dental Hygiene and Prevention
An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tartar on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits, and the complexity of the program is based upon your individual needs and oral health. The doctor will initially diagnose your condition, and your dental hygienist will monitor your condition over time. During your visit we will up-date your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for adults where appropriate.
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of chewing teeth, sealants, are a simple procedure in which a tooth colored acrylic "coating" is painted in the grooves of the tooth. This effectively "seals" the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start. Your dental hygienist will discuss this with you if she feels it would be a benefit to you or other family members.
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Tooth Whitening & Laser Whitening
We offer the full range of whitening techniques from take home bleaching to office power bleaching and laser bleaching. All techniques are based on the same chemistry and cleaning the outer layers of the enamel. The variable is speed, effectiveness, and fee. Call for an evaluation to explore its effectiveness for you.
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Air Abrasion
This is a method for removing very small cavities on biting surfaces on back teeth without the drill or local anesthesia (usually). When applicable this will be offered to you or your family members.
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Smile Make-Over/Smile Design
We start with computer imaging to see what is possible. We will take a before photo and let you compare it to a computer image of you with a smile make over to see if that may be the look you are seeking. If so, we do a smile mock-up in your own mouth showing you what you may look like with reversible direct bonding. We photograph the look and let you compare before and after. In this mock-up we correct excess gummy smiles, malignments, color, asymmetry and tooth.
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Implants
A remarkable way to replace teeth without touching adjacent teeth (as required in a bridge, securing a denture, or partial). Basically the implants replaces the roots of a missing tooth which acts as an anchor to attach a crown, bridge, partial denture or denture. If you have missing teeth which need replacing, this is one of the options which will be explored with you during your consultation.
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Digital Radiography
Have you ever worried about the amount of radiation you are getting when you get a thorough new patient set of x-rays? You want the dentist to see inside each tooth so he has accurate information but not the radiation. Worry no more, all new patients get a thorough examination with digital radiography. This reduces our already low exposure machines by 90%. In addition, you do not have to wait for your x-rays to develop and never have to worry about only having one set of originals.
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Periodontal Disease
While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress undetected to the point where supporting bones are destroyed. 80% of all adults have some form of gingivitis (bacterial infection in the gum) and 40% have periodontiitis (bacterial infection in the bone). Early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, a number of factors including poorly fitted bridges, badly aligned teeth, and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition.
Periodontal disease has now been linked to heart disease, making people with periodontal disease at two times greater risk factor for heart disease. It has also been shown to cause low birth weight babies when mothers have periodontal disease. The problem is the bacteria under the gum is like an open wound, getting into the blood stream causing a "bacteremia." If you have periodontal disease we provide non-surgical treatment designed to remove the bacteria below the gum mechanically. This process may also include the application of site-specific topical and systemic antibiotics and antimicrobials below the gum line to allow the gum tissue to heal. Research shows that the bacteria is contained in a biofilm which is very difficult to completely remove. Therefore, we use "repetitive debridement" technique to eliminate the biofilm.
Patients with advanced periodontal disease or patients not responding to conservative treatment, we work very closely with a Periodontist who has a consistent philosophy. The first stage for all patients with periodontal disease is to decrease the bacterial population below the around the gums over a period of time through our non-surgical treatment and a customized patient care program.
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Computer Imaging and Photography
Photography and imaging is used extensively in our office to help communicate with patients, and with our ceramist to deliver the best esthetic porcelain results. Additionally, it helps my diagnosis and treatment plan when the patient is gone, and to communicate expected results with specialists if needed.
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Root Canal Therapy
If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. We routinely treat these in-house so our patients do not have to travel to another office. For complex, advanced conditions we work closely with an Endodontist who utilizes state-of-the-art technology to treat patients.
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Video Intraoral Examination
We use an intraoral camera during our new patient examinations to help with early detection. This allows you and I the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth before you feel them. An example of this would be decay or fractured teeth. Most often a tooth will not start bothering you until significant damage is done, compromising the tooth's longevity.
With modern technology early treatment will maximize the tooth's longevity. In addition, we videotape this examination so I can review it for diagnosis, and treatment before the patient comes in resulting in personalized service. For cosmetic cases we record the talking and smiling functions to best match treatment to the patient's needs.
At the patients' second appointment or consultation the findings of the examination will be reviewed, and the patient will take home a complete written oral health report.
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Clenching and Grinding
Research reports that one night of clenching and grinding its equivalent to 100 days of chewing food. For those patients who suffer from this simply wear out their teeth early in life suffering when they get older. With the use of a tanner appliance (which fits over the teeth and is worn at night), patients can dramatically reverse this process. It will help patients prolong the life expectancy of their teeth and dental work.
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Patient-Doctor Relationship
I try to get to know each new patient so I can deliver treatment consistent with his or her values. I try to earn your trust so I can guide you in the right direction. I strive to treat each patient as I would my own family. My philosophy is to design a program to help each patient keep their mouth healthy for a lifetime based on each patients's values and temperament.
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Snore Management
Snoring can cause sleep apnea and be harmful to spouse relationships. As you get older, the soft tissue in your windpipe looses tone and your oxygen flow is decrease, resulting in snoring. This loss of oxygen can leave you feeling tired and unrested when you wake up. Additionally it can result in your spouse wanting to move out of your bedroom to sleep. A snore guard is an appliance that you wear at night to bring your jaw slightly forward when you sleep, opening your airway to decrease or eliminate your snoring. This results in more rest at night and a spouse who looks forward to sleeping with you. Ask for an evaluation. |
