Cosmetic Dentistry

For hundreds of years, restorations with metal or metal products were the only options available to dentists to repair teeth. Technological advancements in dental materials allow us to provide our patients with a more esthetic and conservative approach.

If you have discolored, missing, chipped, or misaligned (crooked) teeth, please read further. We have a life-enhancing solution for you. We would be happy to arrange a consultation to discuss your wishes.

Bonding/Composite Fillings

Composite (tooth-colored) restorations, often known as bonding, are not only beautiful but strong, too! Better than silver fillings, composite restorations can integrate undetectably with natural teeth. Because the material bonds to the tooth, less tooth structure is removed during preparation and the adhesive nature of the material strengthens the tooth. Unlike silver fillings, they do not have a tendency to break down over time or damage the surrounding tooth structure. Composite restorations are used to repair chipped teeth, replace existing silver fillings, or to repair decay.

Porcelain Veneers and Crowns

Looking for a dramatic “makeover?” Many cosmetic dental problems can be instantly and permanently resolved with porcelain veneers. Veneers are a thin, custom-made, durable covering that is an excellent solution to correct discolored, chipped, or rotated teeth; and even correct spaces between the teeth. The strength of a veneer rivals that of your natural teeth.

Crowns, also known as caps, slide over and fully encompass teeth to repair weak or damaged teeth. Crowns cover and protect cracked teeth, increase comfort, and offer extra support. All-metal crowns or older crowns with metal borders are no longer necessary. To replace existing crowns or to repair damaged teeth, porcelain or porcelain-component crowns are a long-lasting and attractive choice.

Tooth Whitening

A whiter smile is a younger smile! If you are pleased with your smile but are looking to brighten and energize, we offer custom tooth whitening.

We are so excited to now offer IN-OFFICE tooth bleaching treatment! This intense and highly effective process lets you walk out of our office in about an hour with a brighter, whiter, more youthful smile!

Ask about our new patient discount for whitening!

Family Dentistry

We happily treat patients of all ages! Dental health is an important part of overall health, and starts even before a baby gets their first tooth. Typically, we recommend regular trips to the dentist starting as early as age 3. Prior to that, we are happy to educate parents on diet, oral hygiene, and tooth development for their children. Our first visit with the little ones is called a “happy visit.” This complimentary appointment is used to introduce them to the dental office environment. We take this time to show them our “fun tools,” including Mr. Thirsty, the rocket chair, and our tiny water gun. They might even let us polish their teeth!

Missing Teeth

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a revolutionary way to permanently replace missing teeth. Unlike bridges, implants are over 90% permanent and successful. What this means to the patient is that they are a one-time investment in their smile, as they almost never need to be replaced. Implants consist of a screw-like component placed under the gums where the root of the natural tooth used to be. This screw becomes permanently integrated and anchored in the jaw bone, just like the natural root was. Because of this integration, implants prevent bone loss and gum recession. The second component is the implant crown. This part is above the gums and looks just like your natural tooth. Implants have become a popular choice for replacing teeth because of their high success, ideal esthetics, and natural function.

Bridge

A bridge can be used to replace missing teeth when a dental implant is not ideal. The term “bridge” describes exactly what it is, as it “bridges together” a space between two natural teeth. The teeth on either side of the space, referred to as anchor teeth, become crowned or “capped.” These crowns are fused to a “floating” tooth where the missing tooth and resultant space are. Unlike implants, bridges do not replace the missing tooth root and there is no component under the gums. Without that component, bone loss and gum recession can continue to progress from time of tooth loss/extraction. Bridges function mostly like natural teeth or implants, but do require extra steps in home care, and often times have a lifespan of 7 – 10 years.

With either implants or bridges, the finest esthetic materials available are utilized for an attractive result.

Dental Hygiene

At Lake Pointe Dental, we take a conservative but thorough approach to dental hygiene. Our hygiene program is designed to give patients a chance to take control of their own periodontal condition, but is full of the skills required to help when that is not enough. Generally speaking, most people should have their teeth professionally cleaned two times per year. Due to varying genetics and home care habits, it might be suggested that you receive three or four dental cleanings per year. Our experienced hygienists can determine if more treatment might be necessary to get your mouth in a healthy maintainable state. They are capable of doing “deeper cleanings” when necessary, and ready to refer to a specialist if your teeth and gums require more than we can offer.

Radiographs (X-Rays)

X-rays give us a comprehensive look of the teeth, the bone holding the teeth, and surrounding structures. It allows us to see and diagnose cavities in between teeth that might otherwise be missed in a strictly clinical exam. We routinely take check-up x-rays one time per year, but that can vary depending on your risk for cavities. At Lake Pointe Dental, we are proud to offer digital x-rays, which provide our patients with less radiation exposure than the traditional radiographs.