Services

Preventive

Prevention is the best treatment! Our exams include digital x-rays (minimal radiation), an oral and head/neck cancer screening, a thorough exam of all teeth and/or old restorations, and an analysis of any crowding, bruxism or esthetic issues. We will customize a treatment plan for you geared towards fixing existing problems and preventing future ones!

 

Probably the most important part of prevention is hygiene. Having strong gum and bone support is essential for a healthy mouth- think of them like you would a foundation to a house. In order to keep your gums and bone strong, you must keep them CLEAN. Our hygienist will provide you with a tailored treatment plan that meets your specific needs, whether you require a standard dental prophylaxis or a more in-depth scaling and root planing (due to bone loss). We aim to give you the best chance at holding on to your chompers for life!

 

Composite (Tooth-colored) Fillings

 

Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases of our time. Modern diets, full of refined sugars, have produced highly acidic oral environments that break down tooth structure and lead to tooth decay (cavities). We use composite fillings to treat cavities by removing the decayed portion of the tooth (while you are numb) and replacing it with a composite resin that is specially formulated to bond to and behave like natural tooth structure. If caught early, cavities usually don’t hurt and can very often only be seen with x-rays.

 

Crowns

 

Dental crowns, commonly referred to as “caps,” act like little helmets for teeth. They cover all surfaces of a tooth and are used to replace a portion of a tooth when fillings won’t suffice. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is cracked or too much tooth structure is missing or damaged (by decay/breakage) to be able to be replaced with a filling.

 

In the case of restoring an implant, a crown is screwed onto an implant (after it has integrated with the surrounding bone) to replace the missing tooth.

 

Implants

 

A dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth. Implants are a multi-step process but are worth the commitment to prevent any complications that a missing tooth can create. An implant is a metal screw that mimics the root of a tooth. The restoration (crown) replaces the portion of the tooth that is visible above the gums. Our office performs both implant placement and restoration.

 

Veneers

 

Veneers are an excellent way to improve your smile, particularly for esthetic purposes. Veneers are similar to crowns but cover fewer surfaces of a tooth. Patients who have not achieved the desired results from teeth whitening may find veneers to be a great option, as they can be crafted to the desired shade. Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for those wishing to brighten their teeth and straighten their smile, addressing issues such as discoloration, fractures, or chips.

 

Bridges

 
Bridges, or “fixed partial dentures,” are best suited to replace one or two missing teeth. Crowns are placed on teeth on either side of a space. These crowns are cemented in and are connected to the replacement tooth/teeth, bridging the gap. Bridges are recommended when the anchor teeth need crowns anyway. If the anchor teeth are pristine, sacrificing their tooth structure for the sake of a bridge may not be ideal. In such cases, a dental implant may be more appropriate.

 

Partial Dentures

invisalign weatherford
Partial dentures are a removable option for replacing teeth. They are the same cost whether you are replacing one or ten teeth. They clasp onto remaining teeth for retention. They are a good option for patients needing to replace multiple teeth, but they can sometimes put excessive forces on the anchor teeth.

 

Dentures

Dentures are for patients who have no remaining natural teeth or require replacement of all teeth in an arch. Removable dentures are a prosthesis placed in the mouth containing replacement teeth, they use a patient’s remaining bony ridge for retention. Complete dentures are designed to be removable without the assistance of a dental professional. Dentures can also be used in conjunction with implants for added retention.
Learn more about our denture procedures.

 

Invisalign® 


W Dental is an Invisalign® provider. Invisalign® straightens teeth with successive clear aligners. They are barely visible with no wires or brackets! Learn more at about Invisalign®.

 

Whitening

Still aren’t happy with the color of your teeth after using over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses? Try professional strength and watch your teeth lighten at least two shades!

 

Root Canals

Root canals are needed when the nerve/blood supply of a tooth has been infected by bacteria. Bacteria is usually introduced via large tooth decay, which can cause a lot of pain once it hits the inner nerve of a tooth. Despite their reputations, root canals actually relieve this pain. The infection is cleaned out and the root filled with a special material. This procedure clears up the infection, but the tooth is often weakened in the process. Therefore, teeth that have had root canals done usually require crowns as well.

 

Extractions

Sometimes teeth become so broken-down and/or decayed that they are no longer salvageable. When this is the case, the tooth must be removed.

 

Wisdom teeth (third molars), may require extraction when they begin exerting pressure on adjacent teeth. Poor accessibility to clean the area thoroughly may necessitate their removal to prevent potential periodontal issues. And sometimes, their removal may be necessary due to inadequate space to accommodate them.

 

Pediatrics

We love kids! They can sometimes require special procedures, such as sealants. Sealants are non-invasive and essentially “seal” deep grooves in molars, keeping food/bacteria from getting stuck in them. This helps prevent cavities, especially since kids aren’t always known for great dental hygiene.

 

There are other pediatric treatments that we do not offer at our office. Should your child need one of these, or is especially anxious, we will happily refer you to a pedodontist, a dentist who only treats children.

 

Space maintainers are another procedure unique to children. Primary (baby) teeth hold the place for adult teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, other teeth may move into the space meant for the following adult tooth. Once the adult tooth finally erupts, severe crowding can result unless a space maintainer is placed to allow adequate room for it.

 

There are other pediatric treatments that we do not offer at our office. Should your child need one of these, or is especially anxious, we will happily refer you to a pedodontist, a dentist who only treats children.

 

Night guards

Everyone is stressed out and clenching and grinding their teeth these days! Most people don’t even realize that they are doing this but notice the symptoms it can cause such as a sore jaw. A night guard is a custom-made appliance fitted to an individual’s teeth that keeps you from clenching or grinding your teeth while you wear it. It also keeps one’s muscles in a more relaxed position. Dr. Klassen sleeps with one, so just ask her about it.

 

Sleep Apnea | Snoring Appliances

More and more medical professionals are becoming aware of the alarming prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea. With this condition, the airway is compressed during sleep, keeping the body from obtaining necessary oxygen during the night and often producing disruptive sounds. If snoring or waking unrested are problems for you, Dr. Klassen can refer you for a sleep study test. If diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance (as opposed to a bulky CPAP machine) may be an option for you!

 

Emergency Dental Services

Because our doctors and dental team understand that everyday life has some drama, we offer same day dental appointments for dental emergencies. So if Mom got aggressive with a garden tool and knocked a tooth out or a family member is experiencing tooth or gum pain, we are here to help! Call us at (817) 594-7427!