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 BASIC HEALTH

FILLINGS
Fillings are done to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. Teeth are treated with either bonded tooth resin fillings or amalgam restorations. Cavities can be treated easily and painlessly when caught at an early stage.

BONDING
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth. Bonding can be done to repair tooth-damage (from either decay or trauma), to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes.

SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. The grooves can develop into cavities over time, so the dentist brushes on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all of the plaque and keep the teeth healthy. Sealants can be placed on both primary and adult virgin teeth.

NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENTS
The gums, ligaments, and bone found in the mouth form the foundation for ones teeth. This foundation is often referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of an unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may include gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from a tooth or teeth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. With proper care, however, it may be possible to return the perodontium to a healthy state. Conservative treatment usually involves deep scaling with a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. Advanced periodontal disease may require surgical intervention or extractions.

X-RAYS
An X-Ray is a focused beam of X-Ray particles through bone which produces an image, showing the structure through which it passed. This gives the familiar black and white images that doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems. X-rays are a necessary part of the diagnostic process, and not to use them could lead to undiagnosed disease. Without an X-ray of the whole tooth, and supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no real way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take X-rays using 50-70% less radiation versus conventional X-rays. Coupled with computer monitoring, digital x-ray technology allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.




1901 Hammonds Ferry Rd
Baltimore, MD 21227
(410) 247-5566