General and Restorative Dentistry by Dr. Joe Theisen

While Dr. Joe Theisen takes pride in staying on the cutting edge of cosmetic dentistry, he also makes it a point to maintain his capabilities in the more traditional practices of general and restorative dentistry. The treatments he offers in these fields help his patients not only correct dental problems when they occur, but also prevent them from arising in the first place. With modern technology, both major problems, such as missing teeth, and less serious ones, including tartar build-up, can be treated more effectively than ever.

Dental Implants
Crowns and Bridges
Dentures
Preventive Dentistry
Periodontal Therapy

Dental Implants

Missing teeth cause both aesthetic and functional problems — often major ones. The smile doesn’t shine quite as brightly with a noticeable gap in place of the former tooth, and the remaining teeth may migrate into new positions. Chewing and even resting the jaw in a comfortable position may become difficult as a result. A dental implant can fix both problems, as the implant will be natural in both look and feel. A metal post will form the root of the artificial tooth, and a custom-crafted crown will make up the visible portion. Though this procedure is somewhat lengthy (it takes a few months for the metal post to fuse to the bone in the jaw before the crown can be put on), its benefits are worth the wait: a successful implant can make it seem like you never lost a tooth in the first place.

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Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges also serve as artificial replacements for natural teeth. A crown can be made of gold or porcelain; porcelain is a popular choice for teeth that will be visible, while gold is used more often for the molars at the back of the mouth. Either way, the new tooth can be crafted to fit right where the old tooth once did, and can be anchored to either the existing tooth root or to a metal implant. A dental bridge is used to replace several teeth that were once next to each other in a row. First, the teeth on either side of the gap are crowned so that they can support the bridge; alternatively, implants may be placed at either end and serve as anchors. All replacement teeth are then attached in one piece to these supports.

Because crowns and bridges are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and (when porcelain is used) to match the color of the surrounding teeth, it takes two visits to complete the treatment. Once the crown or bridge is in place, though, you can go about your life confident in the appearance and performance of your new teeth. If you’d like to find out whether a crown or a bridge can help you replace a damaged tooth, please contact Dr. Joe Theisen to set up a free consultation today.

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Dentures

A lifetime of use can take its toll on teeth, even if they are well cared for. Thus, many elderly patients find themselves in need of replacements for several teeth at once. Dentures can greatly help such people, allowing them to smile, speak, and eat normally once more. Dentures consist of a set of artificial teeth embedded in a mouthguard-like device that fits comfortably over the gums. In some cases, they can also be supported by dental implants, which add stability to and enhance the usefulness of the dentures by helping them stay firmly in the proper positions. The dentures look natural and can easily be cleaned by removing them from the mouth and brushing them. Dentures are individually shaped to fit the patient’s mouth and restore functionality in an attractive and comfortable fashion. When made and maintained well, they can greatly enhance the lives of the patients who need them.

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Preventive Dentistry

Better than replacing or repairing missing teeth, of course, is keeping them healthy from the start. Naturally, the first step in such a pursuit is regular and thorough dental care at home, including brushing and flossing in accordance with professional guidelines. We recommend Sonicare® brand electric toothbrushes, which use patented technology to move the bristles three times faster than other electric toothbrushes do. The result is superior cleaning power and noticeable improvement in coffee, tea, and tobacco stains.

The next step in ongoing dental health involves frequent visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. Doing so promotes good oral hygiene and allows us to detect any cavities that form early on, while they remain small and non-serious. In order to keep the more fragile teeth of children in good condition, we provide fluoride treatments at each office visit, and can also provide baby toothbrushes designed specifically for the needs of infants and toddlers. We have all the bases covered and are committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth for yourself and your family throughout your lives. Contact our practice today to discuss our programs for ongoing dental health.

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Periodontal Therapy

People often focus on the teeth when they think of dental health, but the gums and bones of the jaw are just as important. Like the teeth, they can develop serious problems if not well cared for. Dr. Theisen and his staff use a system of “balance points” to tailor their care to the specific needs of your mouth. Under the system, they carefully measure the pockets of gum around each of your teeth and establish a balance point, which helps them determine how often you should come in for cleanings to maintain perfect periodontal health. It may be recommended that you come in every six months, or more frequently, depending on your immune system, attention to home care, medications, existing restorative work, and stage of dental disease. This periodontal care is especially important because of a well-documented medical fact: those with periodontal disease face up to twice the risk of heart disease as do those with healthy gums. Remember — your teeth are crucial, but so are the tissues that hold them in your head. Let us take care of them so that you can enjoy lifelong dental and overall health.

To read more information about this very important topic, please click here to access “Antibiotics and Your Heart: New Guidelines from the American Heart Association,” which appeared in the June 2007 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Click here to read more about C-Reactive Protein and Periodontal Disease.

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Meet with Dr. Joe Theisen

These procedures represent a few of the many ways in which we ensure that each of our patients has teeth so healthy and strong that they shine. Take the best step you can to ensure that your teeth last a lifetime by contacting the office Joe Theisen, DDS, FAGD. We’re here to help and show you how we can make you smile!

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