- Dental ExaminationPeriodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.
- X-raysDental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental films. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each radiograph.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningAt the conclusion of a ViziLite Plus exam, following a standard visual exam, you can be confident you have received the most comprehensive oral cancer screening available.
- Teeth CleaningOnce your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings ( periodontal cleanings ), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
- Fluoride TreatmentPrevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
- Dental SealantsA sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.
- FillingsThere are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
- VeneersVeneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
- CrownsA crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
- BridgesDental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative Dentistry
- Root Canal Treatment
- Periodontal SurgeryIf the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
- Deep CleaningIf the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line ( scaling ) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth ( planing ). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
- Dentures
- Oral Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Teeth WhiteningTooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
- Cosmetic DentistryIn the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.
- General DentistryDr. Robert Blanchard has been practicing general dentistry in the Clear Lake area since 1990. He obtained an undergraduate in Biological Science from the University of Houston/Clear Lake in 1985. Dr. Blanchard graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch in 1990 and began practicing dentistry in July of 1990.