Dentistry Solutions Available from Dr. Licking

 

Cleanings and Prevention

A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.

Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.

Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having healthy teeth and gums for life!

Crowns, Bridges, Fillings, and Veneers

Crowns - Crowns are special sleeves made of metal or porcelain that are fitted over a damaged or weak tooth. At the offices of Dr. John Licking, we carefully match the size and shape of the crown so that it will look indistinguishable from your other teeth.

Bridges - A dental bridge is used when there is a missing tooth. It usually involves putting a crown on each tooth on either side of the missing tooth, and then a false tooth is suspended between the crowns.

Fillings - Old amalgam (grey/black) fillings can now be replaced with color matched mercury free white fillings (Cerec®). These are placed using special adhesives that increase the strength of the heavily filled tooth and eliminate sensitivity. Modern techniques of magnification and lighting used at our office mean that only the old filling is removed and maximum sound tooth structure is retained. In the event of the remaining tooth structure being weak, porcelain inlays are made by our highly skilled dental technicians.

Veneers - After a comprehensive exam, we will develop a cosmetic treatment plan to make your smile exactly the way you want. Veneers, also called laminates, can be porcelain, ceramic or a composite mix. They are long lasting, stain resistant, and require only two visits for the complete treatment. In fact, you’ll leave the first appointment with a set of temporary veneers while your custom veneers are being crafted at a lab.

Contact our office to schedule a cosmetic treatment consultation and bring the beauty back to your smile.

Periodontal Exams & Therapy

Periodontal treatment is an investment in your health. Treating periodontal problems will help you achieve a healthy mouth and help prevent tooth loss. In fact, with prompt treatment, proper home care, and regular dental visits, a great majority of patients can keep their teeth for a lifetime. After evaluating your periodontal health, Dr. Licking will work with you to determine the treatment options that best meet your needs.

Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of Dr. Licking’s dental examinations. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard of soft palate. Although most of these areas are harmless, some are not. If Dr. Licking notices a spot or sore that looks harmless and does not have a clear cause, he will most likely choose to perform a simple test, such as a brush test. A brush test collects cells from a suspicion lesion in the mouth and those cells are then sent to a laboratory for analysis. If precancerous cells are found, Dr. Licking will work with you to determine the most efficient treatment necessary.

Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments. read more
WebMD “Dental X-rays" 21 August 2008. ( http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays )

How often should I have dental X-rays?

The following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dental X-ray guidelines are for people who have no tooth decay and are not at high risk of getting cavities:

• Adults should have bitewing X-rays every 2 to 3 years.
• Teens should have bitewing X-rays every 1½ to 3 years.
• Children should have bitewing X-rays every 1 to 2 years.

Ozone - Anti Decay Dental Treatment

In my 38 years of practicing dentistry, I have seen many new and exciting technologies and procedures. All have had the goal of enhancing efficacy and success in patient care. However, rarely have I seen a technology that I am so thrilled to share with you. Although this is new to the U.S. market, it has been available in Europe for several years. The results have been amazing. This technology consists of using ozone gas and its powerful antimicrobial properties as a treatment for tooth decay. read more

Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening Systems

Philips Zoom is not only proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades, it’s also safe. While other whitening products can harm teeth and gums, using Philips Zoom with Relief ACP actually gives you greater luster and protects enamel. read more