Prophylaxis

An annual prophylaxis, or teeth cleaning session is necessary to maintaining a healthy smile. Although prescribed once a year, teeth cleaning should occur a minimum twice a year.  Prophylaxis clears away plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing may not eliminate.

Dental Exams

A dental exam will help your dentist detect and diagnosis any oral health problems and pathologies that a patient is not equip to treat on your own. Visit Dr. Merrick's Dental Studio at least twice a year to maintain optimal oral health.  If you are experiencing issues inside your mouth, it is recommended that patients visit their oral health care provider more frequently.

Digital X-Rays

There are two types of digital x-rays: intraoral and extraoral.  Intraoral x-rays are used to find cavities, check the health of tooth roots and the surrounding bones.  Extraoral x-rays are used to find impacted teeth, monitor growth, identify problems between teeth and jaws and the TMJ joint.  Find out more about TMJ here.

Cavity Detection

If you are experiencing tooth pain, it may be a cavity.  Visit the office of Dr. Merrick's Dental Studio for a series of x-rays and an oral health exam to diagnosis your condition.

Fillings

Fillings are a type of dental restoration used to fill in pits and hole made in teeth after tooth decay, or a cavity has been cleaned out.  Tooth fillings come in a variety of materials: gold, ceramic, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite resin.

Tooth Extraction

Reasons why your dentist would need to remove your teeth include decay or broken teeth.  Patients will be given local anesthesia prior to tooth removal.  Once tooth has been removed, you will require stitches.  The removed tooth can be replaced with an implant, a denture, or a bridge.

Jet Polishing

Jet polishing is an alternative to traditional tooth polishing.  Jet cleans plaque, stains, and deposits from teeth and polishes them.  Unlike the traditional rotating hand piece of traditional teeth polishers, the jet polisher does not have distracting vibrations and is a quieter device. Also in contrast to traditional professional dental cleanings, jet polishing does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.  Most dentists perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.  Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.  Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles can't reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Oral Hygiene Aides

Regular dental check ups are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems, but they are not a “fix-all” solution. Thorough oral homecare routines should be practiced on a daily basis to avoid future dental problems.