Dental Services

Dental Services

Pediatric Dentistry

Over the years, the children we have treated have enjoyed their visits to our office. We enjoy our ‘little’ patients and make every effort to make their visit stress free and fun.



Our goal is to help children develop dental habits that will ensure they maintain excellent dental health over their lifetime.

It is our experience that children introduced as early as three years old to regular dental checkups are more likely to maintain good dental health practices into their teenage and adult years. We’ve also noticed that children introduction at a young age have fewer phobias.


From a health standpoint, early diagnosis of potential tooth problems may prevent the issue from ever developing. Over time, a child’s consistent record of dental health and development will enable us to make proactive and informed decisions.


As a child develops to their adolescent years, changes to oral health can cause anxiety and apprehension. Regular visits to their dentist can go a long way to helping a child deal with these issues.

Kid Smiling on a Mirror — Clarksville, TN — Clarksville Dental Center

Tips for a child’s First Visit:

  • Take your child for an online ‘office tour’
  • Let your child know your positive dental experiences
  • Find materials (books, Internet..) to introduce your child to the dentist

During your first visit the dentist will:

  • Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
  • Check to see if the child needs Fluoride
  • Examine your child’s teeth, gums and mouth
  • Teach your child how to clean their teeth and gums
  • Discuss a schedule for regular dental checkups

Comprehensive Exams

The ADA defines a ‘comprehensive oral exam’ as “.. an extensive evaluation and the recording of all extraoral, intraoral and soft tissues”.


The ADA defines a ‘periodic oral exam’ as “..an exam that is done on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation”.


The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends new patients have a comprehensive dental exam on their first visit and established patients undergo this exam every 3 years.


A comprehensive dental exam takes an entire appointment. Following is a general overview of what should be included in a comprehensive exam.


Areas to check:

  • Periodontal exam (gum and bones supporting the teeth)
  • Dental Exam (teeth)
  • Head and Neck Cancer Exam (soft tissues of mouth, throat and surrounding structures)
  • Occlusal Exam (Bite analysis
  • TMJ Exam (jaw joints)
  • Radiographic Exam (x-rays and various scans)
  • Salivary Function Exam (quantity and quality of saliva
  • Esthetic Exam (appearance of teeth and gums related to the face)


A comprehensive dental exam means no stone is left unturned and your dentist will know everything there is to know about your oral health. An exam is recommended before undergoing the following procedures:

  • esthetic changes to your smile
  • implants to replace lost teeth
  • updating old dental restorations
  • new dentures
  • been diagnosed with a medical problem or disease

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth and secured with dental cement. Crowns are generally used to improve the strength or appearance of the tooth. A dental impression usually takes place in order to fabricate the crown.

Most crowns are made from Gold and Porcelain:

  • Porcelain crowns are aesthetically more appealing and very natural looking.
  • Gold is usually used on the back teeth, is easier to use than porcelain and requires less tooth be drilled away.


Crowns are used to protect broken, worn down teeth. They are also used to cover dental implants, a dental bridge or a tooth with a large filling.

Bridges

Bridges are used as a replacement for a missing tooth by attaching permanently to adjoining teeth or dental implants. They are an alternative to dental implants or dentures. Bridges are important because the teeth on either side of a missing tooth can shift and potentially lead to gum disease. Bridges are most often made with porcelain and gold.

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

  • Prevents moving and erosion
  • Last a long time
  • Restore ability to chew properly
  • Maintain the shape of the face
  • Restore smile
  • Aesthetically appealing

Dentures

When people lose one tooth or several permanent teeth due to an accident, illness, or aging, they may experience the negative effects on their self esteem or an inability to chew.


When patients experience tooth loss your dentist can give you back your beautiful smile by implementing a Partial or Full Denture treatment plan that suits your needs both financially and aesthetically.


Advantages of full and partial dentures include improved chewing ability, improved speech, improved aesthetic appearance and improved oral health. The tooth portion of the denture consists of ceramic or ceramic-like material so they are strong and durable. The base of the denture is made of a acrylic which fits comfortably over the gums.

Full and Partial Denture Treatment Process

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and jaw alignment and match your dentures to the color and shape of your teeth. Temporary dentures will be provided to patients transitioning from failing teeth to dentures.



For patience transitioning to a full denture, the denture is created after all remaining teeth have been removed and the gums have healed, a process that takes around 3 months.


For patients receiving partial dentures, replacement teeth are bonded to a gum-colored base which is attached to a metal framework – this framework is held in place by attaching to the natural teeth on either side of the empty space.

Flexible Partials

Flexible partial dentures are an alternative to the traditional rigid metal-based dentures. They don’t require rigid attachment to the remaining natural teeth, provide a better fit and look more natural.



The appeal of flexible partials has to do with their better design, fit and materials. They are also made more quickly than traditional dentures, and the nylon resin does not break.

Digital X-Rays

How digital x-rays benefit you.


Over the past 60 years science has helped improve the dental profession. One good example – today, dental X-rays are safer and more convenient.


Today’s traditional dental X-rays emit much lower amounts of radiation than in the past and are considered extremely safe, digital radiography is a high tech alternative with the following benefits:

  • Uses 90% less radiation
  • Ability to transfer Dental Records by email
  • No chemicals involved, so Environmentally friendly
  • Shorter Dental Appointments
  • Higher quality images

Extractions

Some common reasons for dental extractions (tooth removal) include removal of wisdom teeth, badly fractured teeth, or to make room for orthodontic treatment.



Extractions are done surgically or non-surgically depending on the condition of the tooth. A surgical extraction is done when a tooth is not easily accessible because it hasn’t fully broken through or it has broken under the gum line. An incision is made to access the tooth, then the tooth may be broken into pieces for ease of removal.


Non-surgical extraction require dental forceps and an elevator for careful tooth removal. Anesthesia may be given to relieve the pain.

Post-extraction Healing

Following a tooth extraction, bleeding is common during the first hour. It takes roughly this long for a blood clot to form in the socket. The open wound overlying the dental socket will take roughly a week to heal and the socket will fill in with soft gum tissue over the next one to two months. The final socket closure with bony remodeling can take six months or longer.

Fillings

A dental filling is a restorative procedure that repairs teeth damaged by decay. In some cases enamel loss can cause a tooth to become sensitive and dental filling material is needed to relieve the tooth.



Tooth decay and cavities are quickly found during a routine dental appointment. Once detected, your dentist will remove the decayed material, clean the affected area, then fill the cavity with a gold, porcelain, a composite resin, or an amalgam. These filling materials close off access to bacteria and prevent further decay.


On occasions when a filling is insufficient to repair tooth decay, a dental crown, implant, bridge, or root canal may be required. With regular check-ups your dentist can detect any problems early and prevent a more costly procedure.

Preventing Dental Decay

In the past 65 years many preventive measures have helped to reduce dental disease. Preventing dental disease is easy if you follow these steps:

  • Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants
  • Limit eating and drinking between meals. Choose nutritious, sugar-free snacks.
  • Visit your dentist regularly
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride treatment

Implant Restorations

If you lost one or more teeth or have dentures and you’re ready for a permanent solution, consider an implant restoration. Replacing missing teeth can improve a patient’s self-esteem, the way they chew and how they talk.

Losing permanent teeth due to an accident, aging, or periodontal disease can be difficult, but you can get back the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Dental Implant Restorations facts:

  • Durable – the implant fuses to the bone making implants the most durable tooth replacement option
  • Long-Lasting – Implants can last a lifetime if properly maintained
  • Healthy Oral Solution – Implants don’t require reduction of bordering teeth
  • Natural Looking – Implants are designed to look like natural teeth
  • Improve Appearance and Restore Confidence

The Dental Implant Restoration Process:

  • The dental implant takes the place of the old root in the jaw bone
  • Over the next 2-6 months the implant fuses to the bone becoming an anchor for the artificial tooth.
  • The next step is to design the new replacement tooth. Once ready, the new tooth is attached to the implant – the patient will be able to chew and speak normally
  • When a patient loses several teeth, an implant supported bridge can be created to replace the missing teeth.

Laser Treatment

Laser dental treatment is a beam of light pointed at your teeth. The light beam not only sterilizes infected areas with accuracy, it also closes off blood vessels. Most patients don’t need anesthesia, so your dental visit will be relatively short.

Lasers have grown in popularity since the ’60s and are now used globally. They have proven gentle on the mouth and effective at removing old composite fillings and fumigating infected root canals. Lasers are also used for crown lengthening, bone shaping and oral surgery.

Benefits of Laser Dental Treatment:

  • Low noise level
  • Faster healing
  • Reduce risk of infection
  • Less need for anesthesia
  • Less need for multiple dental appointments

Mouth Guards

Athletic Guard – Anyone enjoying contact sports such as football, rugby or lacrosse needs to protect their teeth using a sports guard.


Custom designed sports guards are more comfortable, less bulky, non-chafing and provide better cushioning so they’re more likely to be worn.


Night Guards protect from clenching and grinding while sleeping. A night guard designed by your dentist will be comfortable and do a great job of protecting your teeth.


Some people find a standard night guard uncomfortable in which case your dentist can design a slimmer, Invisalign night guard. These guards are almost invisible and can double as daytime protection from discomfort caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Other situations where a night guard is beneficial.

Wearing a night guard may also relieve jaw and joints pain for those patients experiencing TMJ or teeth grinding. And of course a night guard will protect expensive dental work such as crowns, implants, bridges from the damage caused by teeth grinding. Simply put, your teeth will last a lifetime with the proper care and attention and your dentist is their to help you protect your health, teeth and your cosmetic investment.



Night guards can also protect orthodontic patients from shifting of drifting of the teeth.

Snore Guards

While sleeping the soft tissues at the back of the throat vibrate due to the jaw relaxing back during sleep. A snore guard repositions the lower jaw forward, opening the airway for more efficient air passage and reducing snoring for a more restfull sleep.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral exam for oral cancer screening

Your dentist may perform an oral exam during your routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Early detection means a greater chance for a cure. During an oral exam, your dentist looks for red or white patches or mouth sores.



Many people have abnormal sores in their mouths that are usually noncancerous. An oral exam doesn’t determine if a sore is cancerous – so if your dentist finds an unusual sore, a biopsy may be necessary.

Who should consider oral cancer screening?

Patients with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening. Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

  • Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Previous oral cancer diagnosis


Your dentist will know if oral cancer screening is appropriate for you. Also ask about ways you can reduce your risk of oral cancer, such as quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol.

Porcelain Veneers

A veneer can change the color, shape, and size of a single tooth or a complete smile. They are used to whiten teeth, remove gaps, straighten teeth and correct teeth worn by grinding. Veneers look, feel, and function as natural teeth do.



Veneers are thin porcelain caps which bond to the outside of the tooth. The application takes just 2 visits and requires minimal removal of tooth structure. Veneers are the most natural looking and durable cosmetic restoration in dental history. They are also the most compatible material to sit next to the gums. They are the best solution for correcting issues with the front teeth.

What to Expect

Porcelain Veneers are stronger and resist stains and chipping better than bonded fillings. Maintaining an at-home oral hygiene regimen, and making regular hygiene visits will ensure many years of service for your veneers. Veneers can be damaged by nail biting or biting into candy or ice.

Root Canals

  • WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

    To understand root canal, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.


    The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

  • WHY WOULD I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

    A root canal is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, a blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abcess.


    Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.

  • HOW DOES A ROOT CANAL SAVE THE TOOTH?

    The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

  • WILL I FEEL PAIN DURING OR AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

    Many root canals are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.


    For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.

    Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your dentist.

  • ROOT CANALS:

    Root canals can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:

    The dentist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the dentist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.


    The dentist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.


    After the space is cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.


    After the final visit with your dentist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.


    If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or dentist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.

  • WILL THE TOOTH NEED ANY SPECIAL CARE OR ADDITIONAL TREATMENT?

    You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.


    Most teeth treated by a root canal last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this happens, another root canal can save the tooth.

Teeth Whitening

The cosmetic dental treatment known as ‘whitening’, or bleaching, is used to whiten the tooth enamel. Pigmentation, tea, age, coffee, tobacco, red wine or medications such as tetracycline are just some of the causes of discolored or stained teeth.


The bleaching process uses a peroxide gel added to a mouth guard-like tray to ensure direct contact with the tooth surface.

What are my teeth whitening options?

Tooth whitening can be done in-office or at-home using a whitening kit. Our office offers both solutions.


Your dentist will recommend the appropriate solution for you depending on the types of discoloration and staining you are experiencing. For example, if you have darkly stained teeth caused by tetracycline, an in-office deep bleaching treatment may be recommended.

In-Office Whitening

For patients with tooth stains caused by medications like tetracycline, the best solution may be in-office deep bleaching.

Before the dentist applies the whitening gel, a protective cream is applied over the gums and other soft tissues. Once the gel is applied to the patient’s teeth, a laser can be used to accelerate the whitening process.



In-office bleaching may require more than one visit to complete.

At-Home Whitening

Your dentist may recommend an at-home teeth whitening kit. Depending on the desired results, at-home whitening can take 10-15 treatments but is more cost effective than in-office bleaching.



An at-home whitening kit uses a 10% carbamide peroxide solution and a custom made mouth guard so the solution stays in contact with the enamel of your teeth.


Once the desired results have been achieved, you may want to do a ‘touch-up’ once or twice a year to maintain your beautiful smile!

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