Sparks General Dentistry

Each new patient is provided a comprehensive dental exam during their first visit. Our exams include x-rays, oral cancer screenings, a periodontal exam, TMJ screening, intraoral photos, occlusal analysis, charting existing conditions, and smile evaluation. We take our time to discuss your diagnosis with you, and explain the various treatment options you have. We’re committed to your care, and we’ll repeat our exams as necessary should any significant changes in your dental health occur.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 48,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2016. This number is expected to grow annually, making it one of the most prevalent forms of the disease, even in young people. Detecting oral cancer early can be life-saving, as the treatment outcomes are more positive the earlier the disease is diagnosed. We use visual and manual screening methods to check for abnormal tissue in your cheeks, tongue, gums, and other areas of your mouth. While risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use, it’s important to remember anyone, at any age can develop oral cancer — making regular screenings extremely important.

Sealants are an effective dental treatment for preventing tooth decay. The sealant fills in cracks and fissures that are vulnerable to decay because of debris from food or areas that are difficult to clean during brushing and flossing. By applying sealants, the surface becomes smooth and is easier to maintain.

Seeing what’s happening under the surface of your mouth is crucial to determining a diagnosis. Our digital x-rays provide high-resolution images of your mouth and aid us in identifying any problems before they become more extensive and expensive. We can easily share the images with you, which allows you to make an educated decision about your treatment.

Proper oral hygiene is essential to a healthy mouth. Our hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, using Cavitron magnetoscritive scalers to comfortably remove plaque and debris from the surface of your teeth. We’ll explain the correct procedure for brushing and flossing, so you can maintain a beautiful smile at home. We also use the state-of-the-art iTero scanner, with near-infared imaging (NIRI) to scan the internal structure of your teeth in real time. It’s the most advanced cavity detection available with NO radiation.

Signs of gum disease include swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, and are the result of a bacterial infection in the gum tissue. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, which is why we have a full protocol for periodontal therapy, developed around the notion of the oral-systemic connection. We use Perio Protect,  a simple, at-home care process that delivers medications to infected areas by using customized trays. By improving the health of your gums, we’re improving your total health. And that makes us smile.

Did you know that dry mouth or xerostomia is a side effect of certain medications and illnesses? It occurs when your mouth has a decreased salivary flow. Illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancer treatments can have a negative effect on the salivary glands. It’s important to treat dry mouth efficiently and quickly, because it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It also causes bad breath and discomfort for denture patients. We will determine the cause of your dry mouth to develop an appropriate plan for long-term care and symptom relief.

Fluoride is an essential treatment for developing teeth in children, which is why we recommend kids receive fluoride every time they visit. Adults with sensitivity to hot and cold and other factors may find relief with fluoride treatments as needed, which restore mineral to the enamel and protect the nerves from exposure to painful sensations. We use a fluoride varnish, which is painted onto the surface of the tooth and lasts longer than other fluoride delivery methods. It is also used around existing restorations to minimize the potential of recurring decay.

Whether you need to protect your teeth while you sleep, or you have a budding athlete in your family, we offer custom-made mouthguards for children and patients who suffer from nighttime grinding (bruxism). Once you have a beautiful smile, you need to protect it from excess wear and outside damage. Ask us about custom-fit dental mouthguards to keep your teeth healthy.

Nothing says “modern dentistry” like state-of-the-art technology. We use intraoral cameras, to allow you to see problem areas that are or could lead to potential problems. These cameras provide an up-close look at areas of your teeth that may be cause for concern, and are much better than the traditional dental mirror. For example, the iTero scanner provides near-infared imaging (NIRI) technology to scan the internal structure of your teeth in real time. We also use iTero for planning Invisalign treatments with pinpoint accuracy and less adjustments.

We also use soft tissue lasers for cold sore and lesion treatments, as well as frenectomies. These lasers reduce discomfort and healing time for our patients.

Are you experiencing pain? Has a tooth cracked or broken? Call us as soon as possible, as we offer same-day emergency appointments. We will eliminate the pain and set a game plan to fix the tooth — in most cases the same day you come to the office to get you back to your daily routine quickly.  Dental emergencies are never fun, but we’re prepared to make them a little easier to handle.