Dental hygiene treatment is traditionally completed by a licensed dental hygienist (LDH). All Indiana dental hygienists must complete an accredited college program and pass a national board exam as well as a state exam. They also take continuing education courses to stay up to date on new and emerging dental information, products, and techniques. They evaluate the gums and teeth, review health histories, check for periodontal disease, apply fluoride, take radiographs (x-rays), and remove bacteria and tartar above and below the gum line. During a dental cleaning, the patient also receives information on how to better care for their teeth and gums.

Adults and children can both benefit from professional fluoride treatments. Topical fluoride varnish is applied after dental hygiene treatment to make the teeth more resistant to decay. Weakened areas of enamel use the fluoride to remineralize and strengthen. Although it cannot reverse an existing cavity, it can help prevent future areas of decay. Prescription fluoride toothpaste may also be indicated for a patient with a high risk for dental caries (cavities). Although almost everyone would benefit from regular fluoride treatments – adults with dry mouth, poor nutritional habits, or a history of decay are especially encouraged to have fluoride applied at each dental checkup.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Dental sealants help seal out bacteria that would otherwise make their way into the deep grooves of your molars and premolars. Sealants blend beautifully with your natural teeth and you won’t even know they are there. They can last for many years protecting your teeth against decay. Best of all, no numbing is required!

There are many types of dental exams. At Canal Dentistry of Crawfordsville we offer multiple different types of dental exams to meet your needs. Dr. Canal can provide everything from a routine exam after your cleaning to emergency exams for broken teeth or other oral issues. During these exams, Dr. Canal will examine any x-rays or other clinical findings and determine the best course of action for any of your dental needs.

A dental bridge is used to fill in the space where a tooth was removed. A dental bridge can also be described as two or more dental crowns fused together. Dental crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth with a replacement tooth fused in the middle. Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth without compromising esthetics. They are permanently cemented in place and do not come out like partials or dentures.

Whitening can be a very effective way to lighten the natural shade of your teeth without removing any of the tooth structure. There are several reasons you may consider whitening. As we know, our teeth can become discolored as we age, but there are other factors that contribute to stain. Stain on the surface of the tooth can be caused by food or drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine. Other causes for staining are smoking or vaping.

Now regarded as the ideal tooth replacement option, dental implant therapy for a healthy and disease-free mouth can provided a very natural and functional option for replacing a tooth. Implants are prosthetic tooth roots placed once a tooth or teeth have been removed. Through its connection with an abutment, they implants support the fixed restoration, such as a crown or a bridge or even a denture. The process requires 4-6 months of healing after the implant is surgically placed in the jaw.

Dental bonding, also known as dental resin or dental composite, is a cosmetic procedure that is a simple and esthetically pleasing way to repair teeth that have minor fractures, chips, or wear. It can even be added to teeth to make them longer if there is asymmetry. It is also used to fix dental decay (cavities) and restore the tooth to its original state. 

A full removable denture serves to replace all of the teeth in the upper or the lower jaw with one prosthesis. They require that you heal from any tooth extractions before the denture being made for you. Alternatively, an immediate denture is manufactured while you still have teeth and will be delivered the same day that your teeth are removed. This type of denture will require periodic adjustments to maintain fit and comfort while healing.

Dr. Canal has many years of experience with oral surgery. Dental extractions are sometimes needed when a tooth is not savable. There are many reasons a tooth may not be savable such as extensive decay, broken teeth, or gum disease. Rest assured that Canal Dentistry of Crawfordsville will make sure that you are comfortable and well cared for if the need for oral surgery arises. You will be in wonderful hands with Dr. Canal and his team.

Scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) is a non-surgical treatment to address periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is more commonly known as gum disease. Gum disease can have systemic implications as well. People with uncontrolled periodontal disease have two to three times the risk of a cardiovascular event (heart attack or stroke). Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that has moved below the gum line and caused an infection. 

Canal Dentistry of Crawfordsville loves seeing children as well. As a father himself, Dr. Canal understands the importance of starting dental care early. Our entire team will work to make your child feel comfortable and safe as we help teach them how to care for their teeth. Give us a call today to get your child scheduled. We cannot wait to meet them!