Comprehensive and emergency exams are performed for all patients to assess current oral healthcare status and to determine the appropriate plan of treatment. These exams will consist of taking a few radiographs (X-rays) to accurately observe anything we may not be able to see upon a routine clinical examination. Dr. Dill also strongly believes in oral cancer screenings by thoroughly examining the tongue and other soft tissues for any abnormalities.

Regular check-ups involve a professional dental cleaning by Dr. Dill or Chelsea, our new, friendly hygienist. These involve scaling and polishing of the teeth as well as a thorough examination to ensure everything is in good shape. A visit every six months is recommended for most patients.

Pediatric patients are welcome at the office! Dr. Dill treats children beginning at age one and believes that an oral health relationship at that age will let the child feel comfortable and not anxious about having their teeth looked at.

Sealants are a great way to prevent cavities from forming on the biting surfaces of molars, which are the most common places to get your first cavity. Usually when the first molars erupt at the age of six and second molars at age twelve, it is good practice to seal those pits and fissures to provide a smooth surface, allowing proper cleansing and prevention of decay.

Fluoride treatments are key at a young age—then on every six-month visit, your child will receive a fluoride varnish to help prevent decay before it starts.

When your gums become infected and lead to bleeding when brushing, or your teeth are slightly mobile, you may have the beginnings of periodontal disease. To prevent the gums and bony support from receding from your teeth, we provide “deep cleaning” or scaling and root planing therapy. This therapy provides a clean, smooth surface for your gums to re-attach at a healthy and cleansable level. Along with good oral hygiene, scaling and root planing are the first steps in controlling periodontal disease. Once therapy has been completed, a three-month recall program will be initiated to observe and follow up on treatment outcomes and oral hygiene.

For those in organized (or unorganized!) sports, you are at an increased risk for tooth damage due to trauma or tooth-to-body/wall/ball contact. To prevent these incidents from happening, or to lessen the forces on the teeth, a mouth guard made of a thick rubber can protect the teeth. In only one appointment, a mouth guard can be fabricated for any sport!

Both silver (amalgam) and tooth-colored (composite) restorations are offered and can be used under most circumstances.

Historically, amalgam restorations have been used for over 100 years and have been determined safe to use by the American Dental Association. The ease of use as well as ability to withstand forces over many years have shown that amalgam is still a viable and fantastic restoration. The contraindications to using amalgam are esthetic reasons or tiny cavities that may not need to have as much tooth structure removed.

Composite or tooth-colored fillings provide the best esthetic result with multiple shades to match almost any gradation of tooth color. Advancements in composite research have provided us a viable option for uses in regions that receive more wear, such as the back of the mouth. However, not all cases are candidates for composite, and you should always ask Dr. Dill which is best for you.

When a tooth is badly broken down, or the fillings that exist are worn down to the point of replacement, a cap or crown should be used to restore function and esthetics. We offer three types of crowns for use: an all-ceramic crown, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, and an all-metal crown. Each crown has different properties and each is indicated in different situations. All-ceramic crowns are useful for highly esthetic regions of the mouth such as the front teeth and middle teeth due to their translucency and ability to look nearly the same as a natural tooth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal substructure that allow more durability especially in the back of the mouth—but have enough porcelain to look like a natural tooth. The all-metal restoration is made up of gold and other alloys to provide the best strength and durability. These crowns do not have the esthetic appeal of the other two; however, they have been shown in some studies to last up to fifty years!

When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected and pain persists, the treatment to save the tooth is to remove the nerve and place a filler. This procedure is called a root canal. After the tooth has been cleaned and disinfected, a crown is typically placed over the tooth to protect it from becoming re-infected.