General Dentistry

The American Dental Association encourages you to schedule your child’s first dental visit between the time the first tooth erupts and age one. Many of our general dentists are parents and enjoy treating children.

Our dental family welcomes your family to enjoy the convenience of getting comprehensive dental care for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—in one location.

Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) is colorless and odorless. It is the lowest, or least potent, level of sedation, helping you feel relaxed with a sense of well-being throughout your dental procedure. You will be calmly awake during treatment and able to respond to questions or instructions. Pure oxygen quickly reverses the effects of nitrous oxide so that you can drive after your appointment. One of our dentists will explain sedation options based on your procedure and anxiety level.

A dental onlay is a ceramic, composite resin, or gold restoration that covers one or more cusps (points) on a tooth’s biting surface. Like an inlay, it requires an impression of your tooth for a custom fit. It outlasts a dental filling and blends with your tooth seamlessly.

A dental inlay is a custom filling placed within the cusps (points) of a tooth’s biting surface. If you want a more durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration than a filling, an inlay may appeal to you.

An inlay may be ceramic, composite resin, or gold. It requires taking an impression of your tooth for a custom-made restoration that fits precisely. One of our dentists will bond the inlay to your tooth for a smooth, precise fit.

After tooth extraction, one of our dentists will explain replacement options, which may include one or more of the following:• Removable partial denture – You can replace one or more missing teeth with a removable partial denture. Each end of the denture clasps onto the adjacent tooth.

• Dental bridge – A series of connected dental crowns create a dental bridge for replacing one or more missing teeth.

• Removable complete denture – When all your upper or lower teeth are missing, a removable complete denture can replace them.

• Dental implants – A dental implant is a replacement tooth root with a dental crown attached. It looks like a natural tooth emerging from your gums. With planning, one of our dentists can complete tooth extraction and implant placement in one visit. You can get an implant for each missing tooth or multiple implants to support a denture.

Dental sealants are thin liquid coatings that our dentists paint on the biting surfaces of back teeth. Next, the dentist will harden the sealants to protect your teeth from bacteria. Sealants may be appropriate for children or adults with back teeth that have deep grooves, which can easily trap food or bacteria.

Tooth extraction may be an emergency when a tooth is unsavable due to trauma or if it threatens oral health or overall well-being. Call us immediately if a tooth is causing any of the following signs or symptoms:
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Severe bleeding, swelling, or pain
• Increasing pain
Before tooth extraction, our dentists provide pain relief and appropriate sedation to help you relax throughout the procedure.

Still, not all tooth extractions are an emergency. You may require a non-emergency extraction for a badly worn, broken, or decayed tooth that is unsavable.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least twice yearly for exams and professional cleaning. However, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and recommend a schedule for preventive care based on your oral health and disease risks.

The cost of a tooth filling depends on several factors, including the condition of your tooth, the cavity size, and whether you choose an amalgam or a composite tooth-colored filling. After an exam and X-ray, we will give you an accurate treatment estimate.

You can prepare your child for a dental visit in these ways:
• Begin an oral care routine with your child’s first tooth, gently brushing with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Allow your child to watch you floss and brush your teeth.
• When a tooth erupts beside another, begin flossing between them.
• Speak positively about your dental appointments.
• Bring your little one to the dental office so they can see the environment.
• Before your child's first dental visit, talk to one of our dentists to ensure you understand what will happen during the appointment. It will help you relax and feel confident about the visit so your child can, too.

We make dental visits fun and relaxing for kids.

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Getting a tooth filling at Martin Dentistry is a positive experience because your comfort is our priority. Our dentists ensure that the area is numb and that you stay comfortable throughout treatment.

We preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while removing decay and preparing to fill a cavity. We want you to have anxiety-free dental visits that encourage you to maintain routine care. If you have dental anxiety, ask about our sedation options.

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Although regular brushing and flossing at home help to control plaque and tartar (hardened plaque), you cannot eliminate them. Only your dentist and hygienist have the instruments and training to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Professional dental cleanings minimize your risk of developing gum disease.