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Dental Cleanings Remove
Dental Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist every six months to maintain optimum <a href="/reference/conditions/dental-health">dental health</a>. During a normal check-up Andrea Patterson, DDS will clean your teeth. During a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar deposits are removed. If tartar builds up, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria. The purpose of getting your teeth cleaned is to leave the teeth clear and smooth so that the bacteria are unable to stick to the teeth.
Sometimes dentists refer to teeth cleaning as prophylaxis which is Greek for “to prevent beforehand”. Regular cleanings can prevent gum disease and help detect much more serious problems. Cleanings will also keep your teeth white so they will sparkle the next time you smile. The dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic instrument to loosen the larger pieces of tartar from the teeth. It also sprays water to move away debris from the working area. This instrument makes a high pitched sound, but is not sharp in any way. In order to reach the smaller pieces of tartar the hygienist will use a scaler and a curette. These curved hand tools are able to reach into smaller areas. The curves in these instruments match those of the teeth and make it easier to scrape off the harder-to-reach tartar on, and between, the teeth.
When the cleaning is done the hygienist may use a polisher to polish your teeth. Gritty paste is placed inside the cup part of the hand tool, and when it is applied it leaves the teeth shiny. Andrea Patterson, DDS might finish up with a fluoride treatment which will strengthen your teeth. Fluoride usually comes in different flavors and is placed into a foam tray. You will be asked to bite down for thirty seconds while the fluoride covers your teeth. After, you will rinse and spit.
Some people avoid the dentist because they are afraid of getting their teeth cleaned. If it has been a long time since you have visited the dentist, it may take longer for the hygienist to clean your teeth. If you follow up with regular dental visits, those visits will take much less time.
If at any time you feel any <a href="/reference/conditions/pain">pain</a>, be sure to let your Andrea Patterson, DDS know. They would be more than happy to work with you to alleviate any fear or discomfort. If you live near Albuquerque, NM, call (505) 369-0074 to schedule your appointment today. There is nothing better than the feeling of clean teeth to enjoy when you leave Andrea Patterson, DDS.
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Fluoride Treatment Remove
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.
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Teeth Whitening Remove
Teeth Whitening
Using the latest in teeth whitening technology, we can safely make smiles brighter and more beautiful. Teeth whitening can correct tooth discolorations caused by staining, aging, or even chemical damage to teeth. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, teeth whitening isn’t always enough and crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But because of the low cost ofwhitening treatments, it’s usually worth a try.
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Emergency Dental Service Remove
Emergency Dental Service
Since tooth pain is never fun and can be some of the most excruciating pain you will ever have, please do not hesitate to call and let us help you get you or a someone you know get out of pain. So allow our dentists to quickly take care of your teeth so you can go about your day pain free. Also, our office does not charge emergency fees like most local dentists and our dentists are in-network with virtually all insurance companies to make your emergency visit as affordable as possible.
Procedures Performed
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Crowns Remove
Crowns
A dental crown is a way of protecting and restoring a decayed or broken tooth. If a tooth has decayed to the point that it will not support a filling or an inlay, a crown can be placed over the tooth or dental implant to repair the tooth. A crown cups over the part of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line, becoming the new outer surface of the tooth. It restores the function and look of the problem tooth. It’s also called a tooth or dental cap.
Dental crowns can be used to protect a weak, decayed or cracked tooth. In addition to helping with supporting teeth, crowns can also help a tooth’s appearance. Crowns improve the look of a tooth by covering teeth that have large fillings, are misshapen, or are discolored. They also can be used to hold a dental bridge in place. Dental crowns can be made from metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic materials.
Metal crowns are strong and long-lasting, but have a metallic color that is unappealing to some patients. Porcelain-fused-to-metal matches the color of your teeth. However, the porcelain part can break off exposing the metal color. Resin is less expensive, but wears down more quickly. All ceramic and porcelain crowns match your natural color, but they are not as strong as the crowns that include metals.
Dental crowns require two dentist visits. During your first dental visit, Andrea Patterson, DDS will examine and clean the tooth. X-rays may be taken to check the roots and bone surrounding the tooth is strong enough to support the new crown. Next your tooth and gums will be numbed to file down the chewing surface of the tooth, to prepare for the crown. Then impression putty is used to make an impression of the tooth that will be crowned. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is made. Andrea Patterson, DDS will fill the tooth with a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your next dentist visit.
During your second dental visit, the temporary crown will be removed. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area and the new crown will be cemented into place. These crowns usually last between five and fifteen years depending on the material making up the crown. Also patient diligence can affect the lifespan of the crown. You can extend the life of your crown (and all your teeth) by taking good care of your teeth and scheduling regular checkups with Andrea Patterson, DDS. Call (505) 369-0074 to schedule your appointment today.
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Dental Implants Remove
Dental Implants
When it comes to replacing one or more teeth in your mouth, dental implants are often the treatment of choice and is also one of the most conservative treatments for tooth replacement. Dental implants are biocompatible posts that replace the roots of your missing teeth. They are physically and biologically designed to attach to your jaw bone and become the foundation for a natural looking restoration.
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Veneers Remove
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.
Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. Our practice uses veneers routinely, and designs each case individually to match and enhance characteristics already present in each patient’s teeth.
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Bridges Remove
Bridges
Bridges can be made from three types of material, solid gold for reliable long wear, porcelain fused to a gold base for strength and beauty, and high-strength metal-free porcelain for optimum cosmetic results. With proper care, your new bridge will increase your overall health and instill confidence for years to come.
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Fillings Remove
Fillings
No cavities! You sigh with relief whenever the dentist gives you the good news that you won’t need a new filling - this time. Of course, fillings are not always something that you can avoid.
Dentists use fillings to treat teeth that are cracked, broken, worn down, or decaying. Filling the decayed area strengthens the tooth and keeps the decay from spreading. If left untreated, these problem teeth can lead to a lot of <a href="/reference/conditions/pain">pain</a>.
Dentists try to find cavities before they cause too much damage or pain. They identify cavities by looking for discolorations that indicate decay. They also use sharp metal instruments to feel the enamel of the tooth. The enamel around teeth that are decaying will be softer than the enamel around healthy teeth. Dentists can also use X-rays, small laser wands, and cavity detecting dye to identify cavities.
Once the cavities have been found, your dentist will determine if the problem can be fixed with a fluoride treatment. If a fluoride treatment isn’t enough, your dentist will remove the decayed area on the tooth and then replace that area with a filling.
Before a tooth is filled, the dentist will use a local anesthetic around the tooth to numb the area. Next, the dentist will use a drill, laser or abrasion instrument to remove the decayed part of the tooth. The extent of the decay will determine what tools will be used. Lastly, the area will be fitted with a filling.
There are several different filling materials that are available to dentists today. Teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, tooth colored composites, plastic and composite resin. Cost, location, durability, and patient preference will determine which type of filling material will be used. Silver amalgam can also be used as filler, but patients should be cautious. Silver amalgam is made up of mercury mixed with silver and other metals. If a patients is allergic to mercury or concerned about mercury fillings, they should speak with Andrea Patterson, DDS and choose another type of filling. Also, concerned patients can have their current mercury fillings removed and replaced with a different type of material.
Inlays and onlays are also options for filling teeth. These are called indirect fillings and require two dental visits. Indirect fillings are used when the tooth has become so decayed that there is not enough tooth structure left to support a filling. However, enough structure remains so a crown is not needed. The decay is removed and an impression of the tooth is taken. An indirect filling is made in a dental lab and then placed during the second visit. Severe tooth decay will call for a dental crown which is a cap that fully covers the decayed tooth.
Speak with Andrea Patterson, DDS to determine which toothpaste, floss, and care you should use for your particular needs. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please call (505) 369-0074 and schedule an appointment. After your initial dental work is completed, you can avoid new cavities by visiting your dentist regularly and maintaining good <a href="/reference/conditions/dental-health">dental health</a>.
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Dentures Remove
Dentures
If you have or need dentures you probably have two goals in mind. A beautiful smile or to be able to eat comfortably. Replacing your missing teeth with dentures not only gives you back your smile but it is also good for you health. You will be able to eat more easily and speak more clearly.
Dentures also provide the necessary support to maintain the shape of your face. Without the necessary teeth, your face may lose the support it needs. Your cheeks and lips may look sunken and facial muscles tend to sag making you look older than you really are.
Complete dentures come in two types: Conventional and Immediate
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Sealants Remove
Sealants
Brushing and flossing after every meal are essential practices in maintaining good <a href="/reference/conditions/dental-health">dental health</a>. Brushing eliminates the bacteria found in plaque that causes tooth decay. The longer plaque remains on the surface of the tooth, the more likely it is that a cavity will form. However, it’s not always easy to reach the deep grooves and crevices of the back teeth. These grooves are narrow and toothbrush bristles cannot always reach all the way back into the mouth to clean these premolars and molars. These areas, if left unchecked, are where tooth decay is most likely to occur.
To protect these teeth against bacteria, plaque and decay, dentists can place thin plastic barriers called sealants on the back teeth. Sealants are simple to apply. Andrea Patterson, DDS can seal your teeth in one short visit. The first step is to clean your teeth. Then, an acid solution is applied to the teeth that are to be sealed. This solution roughens the surface area of the tooth, making it easier for the sealant to grab onto the tooth. Finally, the sealant is painted on the tooth enamel where the plastic resin bonds directly to the chewing surfaces of the tooth as it hardens. This sealant creates a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
The tooth surface will be protected as long as the sealant remains intact. A well-applied sealant will hold up for several years under the force of normal chewing. It is important that you schedule regular dental visits so your dentist can monitor the condition of these sealants. Andrea Patterson, DDS will reapply the sealant when necessary.
Children are more likely to develop pit and fissure decay so applying preventative sealants can keep this decay from beginning and help maintain <a href="/docs/210/children-s-health">children's health</a>. Permanent molars usually come in around age twelve. Some dentists recommend immediately applying sealant as soon as the teeth fully erupt before any decay has a chance to begin. If a tooth has been filled, a sealant cannot be applied over the filling.
It would seem like an easy solution to apply a sealant over all the teeth, but the plastic does not attach to the smooth surfaces of the front teeth. Sealants work best in the rough grooves found on the wider, tops of the back teeth.
Using this preventative measure can also save you money in the long run. Cheaper than most fillings, sealants may be a good option for both children and adults who want to avoid future fillings. If you live near Albuquerque, NM call Andrea Patterson, DDS at (505) 369-0074 to discuss whether sealants can help you achieve your oral hygiene goals.
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Root Canals Remove
Root Canals
Endodontic treatment, more commonly known as root canal therapy, is necessary when the pulp of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on your tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. With proper care, an Endodontically treated tooth will function normally for years to come.
When decay or damage goes untreated it can result in an infection to the pulp chamber of the tooth. After creating a small opening, very small instruments are used to clean and shape the root canal spaces. The cleaned spaces are filled with a biocompatible material and specialized cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals.
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Tooth Extractions Remove
Tooth Extractions
Most of the time, teeth that need to be extracted are due to having a tooth that has a broken down tooth structure which is not savable. Other times it is due to a tooth getting cracked or broken. Also in some cases, teeth will need to be removed in preparation for braces, dentures or partials.
Our dental office is in-network with every insurance company, so if you need a tooth extraction and have dental coverage then your insurance carrier will cover much of the cost for you. If you do have no dental insurance and need a tooth extractions/removal our office has many cost effective payment options so you can get the dental care you need.
Conditions Treated
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