General Treatment
We understand how inconvenient it can be to have to visit many different specialists in order to get the dental care you need. We also know that you're more likely to receive the dental care you need if you're using just one dental team that knows you, your dental history, and all the little details that make your smile unique! That's why Panoramic Dental is proud to offer all the general dentistry treatments and procedures you'll ever need, in one convenient central location.
Our Walnut Creek dentists,Dr. Miyasaki and Dr. Thompson are proud to offer the following general dentistry services to patients of all ages:
Dental Exams & Routine Teeth Cleanings
At least twice a year, you should visit us so we can examine your mouth and clean your teeth. During your exam, we'll carefully look at your teeth, gums, and structures around the head and neck to see if there are any problems affecting your oral health. We will also check for any signs of oral cancers or lesions in your mouth.
If we find signs of decay or other problems, we'll discuss your treatment options with you and make notes of any conditions that may need future observation. We'll also provide you with some handy oral hygiene tips to help you take good care of your teeth and gums.
Once the exam is over, one of our hygienists will remove plaque from your teeth, especially in those hard-to-reach areas like between your teeth and under the gum line. Then we'll polish your teeth so you can leave our office with a clean and bright smile!
Non-Surgical Gum Treatments
We may tell you that you need a "deep cleaning" if your gums are showing signs of bleeding, swelling, or pocketing around your teeth. If left untreated, these types of problems can lead to bone loss and ultimately, tooth loss. Whenever possible, our Walnut Creek dentists take a non-surgical, minimally-invasive approach when treating these types of problems with the gums.
Fillings
A filling is a restorative material that's used to replace tooth structure that's been damaged due to decay or fracture. Your Walnut Creek dentist will use a bonded tooth-colored composite filling to repair your tooth that will match your other teeth for a very natural appearance. We can even replace your old or worn down metal fillings with composite fillings if you'd like.
Crowns & Bridges
Badly damaged or missing teeth can cause concerns with function, aesthetics, and confidence. We use dental crowns and bridges to repair broken teeth and replace missing teeth.
Dental Crowns: A crown is a custom-made covering that fits over an original tooth that is decayed, damaged, or cracked. Crowns are made of many different materials like porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a mix of these materials. The type of material that will be used for your crown depends mostly on where your damaged or decayed tooth is located.
Dental Bridges: If you're missing one or more of your natural teeth, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. A bridge is a non-removable, permanent, dental appliance that fills a space that was once occupied by a tooth. A bridge can improve the function and appearance of your teeth and help maintain the position and health of the neighboring teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace one or more teeth. Today's modern dentures are more natural looking and comfortable to wear than the dentures used years ago.
- Replacing your missing teeth with dentures can help:
- Boost your confidence
- Make you look younger
- Improve the clarity of your speech
- Make it easier to bite and chew food properly
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth because they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. The implant itself is a small screw-like post made of a biocompatible metal that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the healing process is complete and the implant has fused to the bone, a custom dental crown is placed on top of the implant to finish the procedure.
Implants are a great choice for:
- Replacing a single tooth
- Replacing several teeth
- Replacing an entire arch of teeth
Root Canals
A root canal is a procedure that's done to save a tooth that involves extracting infected and decayed tissue from inside the tooth's canal. Once cleaned & disinfected, the canal is then reshaped and filled with a strengthening material and sealed closed. There are many reasons why people need root canals including:
- Dental injuries
- Severe decay
- Infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp
If these types of problems are not treated, they can cause extensive, non-repairable damage to the tooth structure.
Tooth Extractions
An extraction is the complete removal of a tooth. Your Walnut Creek dentist may tell you that you need an extraction if:
- A primary tooth is preventing a permanent tooth from erupting through the gums
- You have a tooth that is severely decayed or badly damaged
- You have severe gum disease
- You have an impacted tooth such as a third molar or "wisdom tooth"
Occlusal Guards & Custom Sports Guards
We offer occlusal guards or night guards as they're also called to our patients who clench their teeth at night. An occlusal guard can help with jaw joint and facial muscle discomfort and prevent the loss of tooth structure. We offer a variety of styles and materials in these guards to ensure we have the right one for you.
The custom sports guards we offer are removable appliances designed to protect the teeth and gums when contact sports are played. A sports guard can also minimize the potential for concussions. We offer a wide assortment of colors and thicknesses to help ensure we have the right sports guard for you or your child.
Sleep Apnea & Snore Appliances
For patients that have been diagnosed with a mild degree of sleep apnea, or who have difficulty with CPAP devices, our office can create and fit custom removable oral appliances. When a custom oral appliance is worn at night, it can help hold the jaw in a comfortable position to make breathing easier.
Contact Panoramic Dental Today!
If you're looking for a trusted and experienced provider of general dentistry in Walnut Creek, you've come to the right place! We've got all the general dentistry services you need in one convenient location. We encourage you to get in touch with us if you have any questions about any of the dental treatments or procedures we provide here at Panoramic Dental. If you're ready to book a time with us, please request an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!