Extractions & Preservation

Despite our best intentions, some teeth will have to be removed. Wisdom teeth, cracked teeth, and severely decayed teeth are all examples of situations where a tooth will need to be extracted. We always consider your comfort regardless of the type of care you’re receiving. We’ll discuss your unique situation specifically to determine the best way to help you receive the treatment you need. Few patients look forward to any minor surgical procedure, but today’s methods provide the safest, least invasive care possible.

Extractions

Extractions, although minor, can be one of the more intimidating treatments. Our doctors are comfortable with oral surgery ranging from simple tooth extractions to impacted wisdom teeth extractions and full mouth extractions for dentures. By using up to date surgical techniques and current techniques in analgesics, such as Nitrous and Oral Sedation, we are able to provide a comfortable surgical experience.

Root Canals

Endodontic therapy, also known as root canal therapy, is a treatment that removes the inflamed or infected nerve tissue from the canals of the tooth. Once a tooth is infected, the only way to save the tooth is with endodontic therapy, a build up filling, and a full coverage crown for protection.

Any trauma or infection of the nerve will result in the need for root canal therapy. Common reasons for root canal therapy include:

• Tooth decay invades the tooth, penetrating through the enamel and then the dentin into the pulp.
• Trauma, such as a chipped or broken tooth, occurs and results in the exposure of the nerve.
• A tooth is slowly dying, due to aging or past trauma that did not result in the need for treatment at the time of injury.

Learn More about Root Canal Therapy

Bone Grafting

The bone that is surrounding our teeth is highly specialized. When a tooth is removed that bone does not regenerate and grow back. A bone graft, placed at the time of extraction, helps preserve the height and width of the bone for future placement of dental implants.

Oral Appliances

Our goal is the prevention of dental issues and emergencies. An oral appliance can be a good, non-invasive option to help prevent further wear on teeth and TMJ issues. A night guard is often the starting point to helping protect your oral health.

Night guards have two specific functions. Its first function is to protect your teeth from parafunctional habits (teeth grinding at night). A night guard’s second function can be to provide relief to your TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) when these habits occur. At Shelton Dental Center we can evaluate and recommend the treatments that suits your situation best.

Although a night guard can often help these issues, on rare occasions further treatment may be required with a specialist.