Services
- Lynchburg Dental Center
offers services in the area of cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, family
dentistry, and dental hygiene at the same location since 1974.
Oral Care Products -
Our office carries a variety of dental products
including BreathRx professional breath management products, various
tooth whitening gels, professional strength tooth whitening strips,
Colgate oral care products, and electric toothbrushes including Oral-B
and Sonicare (refills are available)
1. Implants
(placement and restoration) An implant is a
surgically placed
titanium screw used to replace either single teeth or retain a
denture. Dr
Glenn has been
restoring dental implants for over 30 years.
2. Sedation
(intravenous and oral) For highly anxious patients and or surgical
procedures we offer the convenience of intravenous or oral
sedation. A medical
history and physical will be performed in-office to screen all
interested
patients.
3. Root canals and extractions We offer
our patients the convenience of both
in-office root canals and extractions.
4. Cosmetic Dentistry - In
the past when broken down or missing teeth required repair or
replacement, visible metal crowns and bridges were used. These are
considered unsightly by many. In an effort to create a more pleasing
smile, dentist began using porcelain fused to metal based crowns.
Although these porcelain fused to metal restorations looked more
realistic, they lacked the warmth and translucency of natural teeth.
Today, newer base materials give these traditional metal-based
restoration the warmth and appearance of natural teeth.
Silver amalgams have traditionally been used to
fill cavities. Although amalgam is a perfectly acceptable material,
many patients do not like the way it looks. Over time silver fillings
usually darken the teeth. Today these teeth can be filled with bonded
tooth colored composite materials. These fillings look terrific,
usually strengthen the tooth because they are bonded, and do not cause
the tooth to change color.
Cosmetic dentistry has expanded to include metal free crowns and
bridges. These restorations are especially desirable in front teeth for
their natural appearance since they eliminate the gray metal at the gum
line. Additionally beautiful porcelain inlays in posterior teeth, and
porcelain veneers on anterior teeth eliminate any visible evidence of
tooth repair.
5. Tooth Whitening - Tooth
whitening is usually considered part of cosmetic dentistry, but due to
intense patient interest, it deserves a separate section. Tooth
whitening is used to lighten stains or discolorations. The treatment
can be done in the office or at home using custom fabricated trays and
a bleaching material. It is important to have home bleaching progress
checked with regular office visits.
Tooth
whitening provides a more attractive and brighter smile with safe and
predictable results when properly performed. Modern teeth whitening
procedures are safe and can be repeated periodically to maintain a
dazzling white smile.
For
Investor's Business Daily, James V. O'Connor wrote "Get A
Million-Dollar Smile for A Song" (Teeth Whitening Procedures Cost Less
than A New Cap). He stated "You can spend a small fortune trying to
look your best. But stained teeth can ruin even the most perfect
appearance. . . The best treatment is done under the supervision of a
dentist, who can make a custom tray for you to wear over your teeth at
night. You just add bleaching gel nightly before putting it in. You can
buy some bleaching remedies in drugstores. But these are limited to
solutions that are highly diluted and lack long-lasting effects,
experts say."
6. Family Dentistry -
Dr. Glenn is keenly interested in the dental needs of all his patients,
young and not so young. Children are encouraged to begin dental
treatment by age three. Usually young children are excited about their
first visit and see the office as a fun place to be. As the child
matures treatment is expanded to include dental cleanings, x-rays,
fluoride treatments, and often sealants. Regular checkups usually catch
cavities when they are small, and allow for early orthodontic
intervention.
As
dental examinations and checkups are keys to good dental health, it is
imperative that children are started young, and are taught the
importance of maintaining regular visits for a lifetime.
7. Dental Hygiene -
You can have a healthy smile that
will last a lifetime with proper care, which includes daily brushing,
flossing, and regular checkups to avoid tooth decay and periodontal
disease. Healthy gums and good bone support are the foundations upon
which all dental treatment is based. A thorough examination and
cleaning allows us to establish each patient's level of periodontal
health.
Gum disease is caused by
bacteria and advanced by a variety of factors including calculus
(tartar), smoking, diet, and bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth).
We stress patient education so that you can maintain your teeth in
their best possible condition. We also offer products (see right) that
will help you with home care.
Always schedule your dental
checkups. This way you have a chance at receiving early diagnosis and
treatment before your periodontal condition gets out of hand. For best
dental health have your hygienist clean your teeth at least twice a
year, more often if needed.