General and Family Dentistry Services
Comprehensive Family Dentist in Lenexa, KS
A family dentist offers all the general oral care you need to make sure you maintain a healthy smile. From taking care of dental checkups and teeth cleaning to offering restorative treatment and emergency services, we can help you at the office of James T. Voorhees, DDS. Our comprehensive collection of services ensures every member of the family has their oral health in check.
Oral Health Exams
Oral health exams are the hallmark of good dental health. During an oral exam, the dentist evaluates your teeth, soft tissues, gums, neck, and jaws to determine if there are concerns that need to be addressed. X-rays are done to get a closer look at the underlying structures related to oral health that may not be immediately visible on a surface level. All patients should have an oral health exam annually, and sometimes more if certain oral health concerns are present.
Preventive and Restorative Care
Preventive and restorative dental care is all about preventing oral health conditions and mitigating any concerns that arise. For example, preventive care involves routine exams and oral hygiene visits to have your teeth cleaned. This may also include fluoride treatments for children to protect against decay. Restorative care involves treatments like fillings and root canals to make sure patients retain their natural teeth for as long as possible.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, which are sometimes referred to as dental caps, are both cosmetic and restorative treatment options. For example, a dental crown may be placed over a natural tooth when its integrity has been compromised due to decay. However, dental crowns may also be recommended to change the cosmetic appearance of a tooth. For example, if you have one tooth that is discolored, a crown may give the tooth a new look matching the rest of your teeth.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are ideal for patients that have lost a tooth or need to restore missing teeth in their smiles. A bridge looks like a small section of teeth, but the ends slip over existing teeth or implants to offer support for the fixture. Bridges restore a functional bite, but they also offer a complete smile appearance. Therefore, a bridge can be a restorative option in most areas of the mouth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment that can offer several years of protection for teeth that may be at risk of decay. Normally used on children, dental sealants are installed on molars that often have fissures and crevices where food particles get trapped. Once the solution is painted in place, it is cured under a UV light and the protection can last up to five years.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary, even though the goal is normally to retain or restore natural teeth. If a tooth is too severely decayed, infected, or damaged, it may need to be removed to protect your oral health. Extractions are also necessary with impacted wisdom teeth or when a crowded tooth does not have enough room to grow properly.
Dentures
When patients have lost all of their natural teeth, dentures can be an effective and economical solution. Dentures can be full (a complete arch to replace all missing teeth), or they can be partials (for patients with several missing teeth). We use the most advanced technology to ensure patients who need dentures obtain a well-fitting prosthetic that restores their smile and chewing function.
Dental Implants
Implants are designed to take the place of a single tooth or several teeth that have become decayed or otherwise damaged to the extent that they need to be removed. Implants are designed to mimic natural teeth in both appearance and functionality as well as preserve the overall structural integrity of the face. They can be customized to match the shade of the surrounding natural teeth, and they can last a lifetime if properly taken care of. Most people with implants can chew in the same way that they did with their natural teeth.
Flap Surgery
Commonly referred to as osseous surgery in medicine, flap surgery involves opening a “flap” in the gums to clean the root of the tooth and reshape the tissue and bone. Flap surgery may be recommended as a treatment option for gum disease. As gum disease pulls gum tissue from the base of the tooth, a small pocket can form that collects bacteria and plaque. Flap surgery corrects the issue and may be necessary to save a tooth.
Bone & Soft Tissue Grafting
Bone and soft tissue grafting involve using natural or synthetic bone or tissue to encourage growth in an area of the mouth that may have structural deficits. For example, bone grafting may be necessary before a dental implant to ensure a patient has a sufficient amount of bone to support the new implant. Tissue grafting may be needed if a patient has receding gum lines or to improve the aesthetic appearance after dental implants.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the upper. This complex hinging point contains a number of nerves, muscles, and tissues to keep the jaw moving freely. TMJ disorder can happen for several reasons but may cause a variety of problems like pain when chewing, stiffness, and more. Treatment can involve therapy, medications, and surgery in the most severe cases.
Dental Emergencies
When you are in severe pain or have experienced trauma to your teeth, seeing a dentist for advice as quickly as possible is imperative. We offer services so you get the care you need during a dental emergency. Whether you have sustained a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, or simply are in severe pain, we strive to get you the care you need quickly.
Contact James T. Voorhees About Family Dentistry
With family dentistry in Lenexa, KS, you can achieve a great smile. For more information about our services, call today or make an appointment.
