Our Services
Family Dentistry
Family dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing comprehensive dental care for individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Our family dentists are trained to treat a wide range of dental conditions, including preventive care, restorative care, and cosmetic dentistry. We also provide education and counseling on oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits.
Benefits of Family Dentistry
There are many benefits to choosing a family dentist for your family’s dental care.
Here are just a few:
Convenience: Family dentists offer a wide range of services under one roof, so you can get all your family’s dental care in one place. This can save you time and money.
Personalized care: Family dentists take the time to get to know you and your family’s dental needs. They will develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Established rapport: Family dentists build relationships with their patients over time. This can make it easier for you to feel comfortable and at ease during your dental appointments.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on improving the aesthetics of teeth, gums, and the overall smile.
Through a variety of procedures, cosmetic dentists aim to enhance the appearance of teeth, address imperfections, and create a more attractive and confident smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a range of procedures designed to address various dental concerns and enhance the overall smile.
Here are some examples:
Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a popular procedure that lightens the color of teeth, removing stains and discoloration caused by food, beverages, and aging. Various teeth whitening options are available, including professional in-office treatments and at-home whitening kits.
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth to restore its shape, size, or color.
Bonding can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and even lengthen the appearance of short teeth.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies are something that no one ever wants to face. Of course, when this does happen, it can be an extremely difficult situation as you will not have the proper time allotted to fix the issue.
Pediatric dental emergencies, in more ways than one, can seem like an even tougher challenge. When it comes to the care of your child, it is difficult for you as a parent or guardian to tell what is a dental emergency. Our team is proud to offer pediatric dental emergency services that will help put your mind at ease and resolve the situation, no matter the urgency or problem.
Our team is well-versed in many dental emergencies, especially those that are common to children. The question becomes, how do you know whether something constitutes an emergency? It is important to note that it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Fractured, Loose, and Chipped Tooth
This is common among children that are young but have most of their baby teeth grown in. The enamel and strength of the tooth can be compromised, and rough play can sometimes chip or fracture the tooth. If this occurs, it is best to immediately rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a compress to reduce the swelling. Save the fractured component, if possible, and give us a call.
Dental Cleanings
Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and healthy to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems. It involves a daily routine at home, combined with regular professional cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Professional Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings, typically recommended every six months, are crucial for maintaining good oral health. During a cleaning, a hygienist will:
- Scale your teeth to remove tartar buildup.
- Polish your teeth to remove stains and make them smoother, making it harder for plaque to adhere.
- Examine your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
- Provide personalized oral hygiene instructions and answer any questions you may have.
Preventative Dentistry
Preventive dental care is a crucial aspect of maintaining good oral health. It involves regular check-ups, cleanings, and preventive measures to help prevent common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Seeing the dentist on a regular basis can help protect your teeth from a variety of problems including gum disease, gum recession, loose permanent teeth and more. In this way, going to the dentist can save you money and time spent repairing your teeth.
The skilled team at Marc Berger Choice Dentistry is proud to serve the community with quality dental care solutions, including preventing more severe and dangerous health issues regarding your oral care.
Nightguards
Mouthguards for sleep, often called night guards, are primarily used to protect teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching (bruxism) during sleep and can vary from soft to hard materials.
Types of Nightguards
Nightguards are available in several types, including ready-made stock guards, mouth-formed “boil-and-bite” options, and custom-fitted varieties made by our professionals for optimal comfort and protection.
While over-the-counter nightguards offer a degree of protection, custom-fitted versions are generally recommended for persistent sleep bruxism due to their superior fit, comfort, and protective qualities.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel.
Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth – and they can be made the same color as natural teeth, as well.
Dental crowns can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth for patients who have had any one of the following:
- Tooth decay.
- A cracked tooth.
- A broken tooth.
- A dental bridge (the crown can hold the bridge in place).
- Misshapen or discolored tooth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are among the most commonly required forms of adult dental work.
A dental bridge is a form of cosmetic dentistry that will improve one’s smile and bite. To be a candidate for a dental bridge, the existing tooth must be permanent as an adult tooth.
Learn more about what is required for dental bridges for adult patients by contacting us.
Dental Implants
A dental implant can be one of two types of dental work. An implant is technically a metal screw that is affixed to the jawbone in a surgical procedure.
This implant is used to attach a tooth prosthetic that is screwed onto the permanently fused screw.
A dental implant provides a stable foundation for a denture, bridge, or crown. It looks and acts like a tooth root, offering tissue support under and on the jawbone.
Types of Dental Implants
Several types of dental implants are available to replace permanent teeth.
- Zygomatic for implants in the upper jaw bone or cheek, which is the most complicated.
- Subperiosteal, which is on the lower jawbone.
- Endosteal, in the jawbone, which is the most common.
Discuss tooth implants with our dentist. Consider how many teeth you need to replace with implants.
While patients can opt for a single tooth implant, the full All-in-4 implant is well suited for patients getting dentures. Implants can replace one or all of your teeth. In addition, your dentist may be able to provide all-inclusive dental implants and dentures in just one day.
Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a professional dental procedure that uses a high-concentration bleaching gel to whiten the teeth in just one visit. This treatment is performed in a dental office by a trained professional and is considered one of the most effective teeth whitening methods available.
How Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Work?
During an in-office teeth whitening procedure, a protective gel is applied to the gums to protect them from the bleaching gel. The bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth and activated by a particular light or laser. The gel remains on the teeth for a set amount of time and is then removed, revealing a noticeably brighter and whiter smile.
The Benefits of In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening offers several benefits, including:
Quick Results
In-office teeth whitening provides immediate results, with many patients seeing a significant improvement in the brightness of their teeth after just one visit to the dentist.
Professional Grade Products
The bleaching gel used in in-office teeth whitening contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than over-the-counter whitening products. This means that the results are more dramatic and longer-lasting.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry allows patients to be more relaxed while taking care of their dental health. There are many options for sedation depending on the patient’s preferences.
Our sedation options include:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide is a gentle sedative that is inhaled through a mask. It induces a calming and euphoric sensation, helping you relax while remaining conscious and able to respond to our team.
- Oral Sedation: Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. It induces a deeper state of relaxation, making your dental experience virtually stress-free.
When to Consider It?
We might recommend sedation if you have any of the following issues:
- Dental anxiety
- Generalized anxiety
- A severe gag reflex
- Complex dental treatment
- Multiple treatments
- Resistance to local anesthesia
- Previous unpleasant experiences at the dentist
TMJ Dentistry
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. These conditions can cause various symptoms, including pain, discomfort, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw.
What are TMJ and TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions that has to do with the movement of this joint, including completely disabling your ability to open and close your mouth without significant pain. The pain does not necessarily stay localized, as it can often affect hearing and contribute to consistent migraines for many patients.
What are the Common Causes of TMD?
Several factors can contribute to the development of TMD, including:
Arthritis
Arthritis in the jaw joint can cause inflammation and pain due to overuse or extending your range of motion beyond what it can usually do.
Stress
Stress-related disorders can cause certain things, such as the grinding of the teeth (bruxism), which can lead to TMD.
Periodontal Scaling
Periodontal scaling, also known as prophylaxis or deep cleaning, is a non-surgical dental procedure used to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup from below the gum line. This buildup can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis (inflammation) and, if left untreated, periodontitis (severe gum disease) which can damage the jawbone and even lead to tooth loss.
Root Planing
Root planing typically follows dental scaling, during which a dental professional (a dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist) removes all the built-up plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line.
Root planing itself involves the meticulous cleaning and smoothing of the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. The goal is to remove any remaining calculus, microorganisms, and the superficial layers of toxin-laden cementum or dentin that have been contaminated by bacteria. This process creates a clean, smooth surface that is less likely to harbor future bacterial colonies.
The procedure may require local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, as it is a deeper cleaning than routine maintenance, and it can take one or more visits to complete depending on the severity of the condition.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on restoring the function, structure, and aesthetics of teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or lost. Through a variety of procedures, restorative dentists aim to repair or replace damaged teeth, improving both oral health and overall well-being.
Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Restorative dentistry encompasses a wide range of procedures, each tailored to address specific dental concerns:
Fillings: Fillings are used to repair cavities, the most prevalent dental problem. Dentists remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a material, such as amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer cement, to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
Crowns: Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a weakened or damaged tooth to protect it from further damage, improve its appearance, and restore its functionality. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth by anchoring them to the adjacent teeth or implants. Bridges restore chewing ability, prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, and improve facial aesthetics.
Dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and supporting bone structures. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace a few teeth in a partially edentulous arch.
Root Canal Therapy
When a toothache strikes, the mere mention of a root canal can send shivers down the spine. But don’t let fear lead to tooth loss. A root canal is often a tooth hero, restoring health and function while preventing the need for extraction.
The Root of the Issue
Inside each tooth lies a delicate pulp chamber, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When infection or inflammation strikes this pulp, pain, sensitivity, and swelling can ensue. A root canal addresses this by removing the diseased pulp and cleaning the root canals, preventing infection from spreading and saving the tooth.
The Process
- Numbing the Area: Local anesthetic ensures a comfortable experience.
- Accessing the Pulp: A small opening is created in the tooth’s crown.
- Removing the Pulp: Delicate instruments extract the inflamed pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: Root canals are meticulously cleaned and shaped.
- Filling and Sealing: A biocompatible material securely fills and seals the canals.
- Restoring the Crown: A crown or filling protects the tooth and restores its function.
Kids Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of infants, toddlers, and adolescent children. Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to address children’s unique dental needs.
A pediatric dentist has specialty training and experience with erupting teeth, the proper development of the oral cavity, and behavioral issues that stem from or show the need for an oral appliance or dental treatment from infancy to adolescence.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
The purpose of a pediatric dentist is to promote good oral health and hygiene in children and prevent future dental issues. A pediatric dentist will provide your child with comprehensive dental care that is designed to meet their specific needs.
- Comprehensive oral exams.
- Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments.
- Cavity removal.
- Repair dental injuries.
- Diagnose and treat crooked or crowded teeth or bite issues.
- Treat gum disease.
- Monitor and treat thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is a serious health concern that affects millions of people each year. Early detection is critical for successful treatment and a positive outcome, so it’s essential to have regular oral cancer screenings as part of your preventive dental care.
Our team is dedicated to providing the community with the most advanced and state-of-the-art technology in diagnosing and preventing issues from becoming more severe and threatening.
About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. It can develop in any part of the mouth and can spread quickly if left untreated. Oral cancer can cause various symptoms, including pain, swelling, and changes in the appearance of the jaws and the structural integrity of your oral health.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are essential to preventive dental care because they can help detect oral cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. During the screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, tongue, lips, and throat for signs of cancer or precancerous changes. This can include a visual exam, a physical exam, and specialized instruments.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from the mouth. While dentists always strive to preserve natural teeth, there are times when extraction is the best course of treatment.
When would a tooth extraction be necessary?
Severe Tooth Decay: If a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be repaired with a filling or crown, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
Impacted Tooth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to erupt through the gum line. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are the most common type of impacted teeth.
Gum Disease: Severe gum disease can damage the tissues that support the teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent further tooth loss.
Fractured Tooth: A tooth that is fractured beyond repair may need to be extracted to prevent pain and infection.
Overcrowding: In some cases, there may not be enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth. Extracting one or more teeth can create space for the remaining teeth to properly align.
Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, plastic-like coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of teeth, particularly the back teeth (molars and premolars), to prevent tooth decay. These sealants act as a protective barrier, shielding the grooves and pits on the teeth’s surfaces from the sticky acids produced by bacteria in plaque.
How Dental Sealants Work
Tooth decay, or cavities, begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on the teeth. These bacteria convert sugars from food and beverages into acids, which can erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Dental sealants, by forming a physical barrier over the pits and fissures, prevent plaque and acids from reaching these vulnerable areas, effectively diminishing the risk of tooth decay.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer several notable benefits for oral health.
Prevent Tooth Decay: Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay, especially in children and adolescents, who are more susceptible to cavities due to their developing enamel.
Reduce Treatment Costs: By preventing cavities, dental sealants can help reduce the need for costly dental treatments, such as fillings and crowns.
Promote Oral Health: Dental sealants contribute to overall oral health by protecting the teeth from decay, reducing the risk of gum disease, and improving overall dental hygiene.
