- Dental ExaminationQ. At a recent dental exam, my dentist noticed an area on my gums which concerned him. He has recommended that I see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation and possible treatment. Why?
- X-raysA. Dentists are particularly careful to minimize the radiation exposure that their young patients receive during dental examinations that involve x-rays. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in dental x-rays is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead aprons and shields will help protect your child. Modern equipment and the newest technology like digital x-rays, high speed films, and filters are designed to help in minimizing even the small amount of radiation that your child will receive.
- Teeth CleaningNow that you have your plans to devour candy later on tonight, it’s important to take the time out to schedule a dental appointment. Who’s thinking about the dentist on the sweetest of days? Your smile is. Not only are we getting close to the holiday season, but having a deep, thorough cleaning will only enhance your holiday photos. We hope that you brush and floss twice a day at home and use mouthwash, but a professional cleaning is also very important. Why? Teeth cleanings with your dentist are more thorough than the type of cleaning you do at home. Also, they help to prevent many other health problems.
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsWe cater to our young patients by providing gentle dental care in a fun and relaxing environment. Our waiting area is child-friendly and each child is treated professionally in a gentle and caring manner. Maintaining disease-free teeth and gums for life is a major goal of our practice. To help prevent tooth decay, we make sure our patients receive optimum fluoride exposure and we apply pit and fissure sealants when appropriate. Young patients quickly discover visiting the dentist can be fun – and mom and dad can relax knowing their child’s gums and teeth are healthy and being treated by expert hands.
- FillingsWhen we don’t take care of our teeth, we can develop cavities. Now it’s time to get a filling. When it comes to what your filling is composed of, there are a few options. And one of these options is amalgam fillings.
- Resin CompositeThankfully, there are alternatives. You can choose from a wide variety of materials, such as composite resin, porcelain and gold. There are also dental amalgams that contain both iridium and mercury, as well as high-copper dental amalgams, both of which contain much less mercury compared to conventional dental amalgams or mercury fillings.
- VeneersVeneers are a technique we use to take an ordinary or unattractive smile and make it gorgeous. This means that people with stained, crooked, chipped, misshapen or gapped teeth can have the straight, white, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted.
- CrownsBefore you get started, your dentist will determine if CEREC® is right for you. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure you have remaining, it may be a simple filling or you may need a crown. After reviewing your options, the dentist will begin the process by administering anesthetic and preparing your tooth for restoration by removing decay and weakened tooth tissue.
- Bridges
- Dental BondingDental bonding uses a smooth tooth colored solution which is applied to teeth. It covers stains and fills in small chips and gaps. After the dental bonding solution has been applied and shaped a specialized dental light is used to harden the bonding material. Once the bonding solution is dried and cured additional layers may be applied depending on your situation. When the process is complete the tooth is then polished. Bonding is used on patients who need one or two teeth corrected.
- Restorative DentistryDr Adria Cate (Marcinkowski) graduated at the top of her class at La Universidad De La Salle Bajio in Leon, Guanajuato. She followed her mother's footsteps in becoming a dentist after working side by side as her dental assistant for many years. Dr Adria is a riverside native and grew up locally. She is dedicated to helping her community in and out of the office by volunteering her time at CDA Cares and at local riverside schools promoting dental education. She has a passion for continuing her education in advancements of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry, and surgical treatments with the latest innovative techniques.
- Root Canal TreatmentQ. I had a toothache and my dentist told me I need a root canal. He put me on antibiotics and it stopped hurting. Do I still need the root canal?
- Deep Cleaning"I found the staff at Parkside to be very accommodating. Professional and very courteous. I also have to add that Dr. Middleton was very detailed in his explanation and I was very pleased with his straight forward approach in referring me to a periodontics’ and not wasting my time with a lot of unnecessary deep cleaning. I can appreciate that."
- DenturesA. The answer is yes. When teeth are pulled the bone that once supported those teeth resorbs, or shrinks as it heals. The denture you have made will fit for awhile, but as time goes on will loosen. This can be problematic as the dentures can rub and irritate the soft tissues that the denture rests on. Overgrowth of the tissue, inflammation, and sore spots can follow because of poor fit. So it is advised that you continue to see your dentist every 3-6 months during the first year and then yearly for recall after that. We will check the bite and fit to determine if a reline is needed.
- Dental ImplantsA. The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good general health and has healthy gum tissues with adequate bone in their jaws to support the implant. If insufficient support is not present, soft and/or hard tissue grafting may be needed. Dental implants are one of the options to replace missing teeth. We can work with you to establish if you are a candidate for dental implants and help you decide what your best option to replace missing teeth is.
- Oral Surgery
- Tooth ExtractionsA. Bisphosphonate drugs have been used intravenously to help cancer patients and orally for patients with osteoporosis. These drugs have improved the quality of life for patients with metastatic cancer that involves the skeletal system. They have also been extremely effective in the prevention of bone fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Unfortunately,there have been reports of an increasing number of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition is characterized by an area of nonhealing, exposed jaw bone which can lead to severe loss or destruction of the jaw bone. The majority of these cases have been related to the injectable form of bisphosphonate however there has been a small percentage related to the oral form. Most cases of osteonecrosis have been diagnosed after dental procedures such as tooth extraction however the condition can occur spontaneously. Patients who have been taking bisphosphonates and are considering elective dental surgery should speak with their prescribing physician, family dentist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon about the risks and benefits of continuing treatment.
- Bone GraftingA. Your Oral Surgeon can advise you if there is sufficient bone to allow dental implant placement by examining you and reviewing your x-rays. Bone grafting is an option to make you an implant candidate. Various bone grafting materials can be used including your bone, bank bone, bovine bone mineral or other bioactive substance that promotes bone growth. Bone grafting for dental implants has become common and quite successful, enabling you to move ahead with dental implants versus conventional restorations such as a bridge.
- OrthodonticsA. Enamel discoloration can lead to negative self-image and is a valid reason for bleaching, but you are right to be concerned with safety and the appropriate age to bleach. There are a wide variety of over- the counter or professionally applied products. It is wise to have professional advice before using these in children. There are many reasons for discoloration such as stain, trauma, enamel defects, or tooth complexion. We can determine the best method for each situation or possibly spot bleach single teeth. Full arch bleaching is not recommended until after eruption of all permanent teeth and is best done after orthodontics.
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- BracesFinally, no more braces and nothing to hold you back! Dr. Middleton will work with you to get the beautiful smile you have always wanted.
- Teeth WhiteningReady to Go... Prefilled 10-pack of disposable whitening trays comfortably adapt to your smile, allowing you to whiten anytime! It offers you affordable, prescription-strength teeth whitening.
- Cosmetic DentistryCosmetic dentistry can have several different meanings. To some it may be as simple as whitening their teeth or just changing their silver fillings to white, tooth-colored ones. Others may be completely unhappy with their smile and wish to make dramatic changes. With the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry virtually anyone’s smile can be made to dazzle.
- General Dentistry