Our family dentist is available to provide you with all the information you need to make sure your teeth and gums are receiving the best care possible. From proper brushing and flossing techniques to dental veneers and implants, we can work with you to keep a healthy, glowing smile for a lifetime.
Cosmetic dentistry in Springfield allows patients to take the next step toward an improved smile in only a few dental visits at Dow Dental. From whiter teeth to the replacement of missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry offers a solution for most patients that will get you smiling once again!
Professional teeth whitening is the most effective and safest method available for improving the brightness of your teeth. If performed properly, teeth whitening can last as long as five years.
Root canal therapy is a procedure where a dentist removes bad bacteria from the pulp of a tooth. That bacteria forms inside of the tooth for many reasons. Poor dental health is one of the most common causes. Also, when someone does not fix a cracked tooth, it is easier for bad bacteria to enter and attack the tooth from the inside out. An untreated infection inside of a tooth makes it painful, discolored and could eventually lead to the loss of that tooth.
A dental extraction involves removing a tooth from its place in the jaw bone. Extractions are done in dental offices by either the dentist or a dental surgeon and are usually performed under local or general anesthesia. A dental extraction is recommended when tooth decay is severe and nothing can be done to save the tooth, or when the tooth is infected or vulnerable to infection.
Once your dental crown is in place, it is important to maintain proper care of your teeth. While a crown has restored a tooth, it doesn’t mean the tooth is indestructible. With proper care, a good quality crown can last up to eight or more years. Remember to brush and floss the area of the crown daily to avoid excess plaque buildup or collection of debris around the restoration.
Dental Bridges are natural-looking appliances that can fill in the gap caused by missing teeth. Simply put, bridges are natural-looking, custom-made, and barely noticeable teeth replacements. By utilizing dental bridges in Springfield, we can not only restore your smile by replacing missing teeth, but we will also be providing a more natural appearance and an improved proper bite relationship between your upper and lower teeth.
Dental exams are best done every six months. Six months is the average time span between two exams, but depending on your dental health Dr. Dow may increase or decrease the number of annual exams. For example, if your teeth and gums are in good condition, and there is no significant plaque build-up in-between visits the dentist may agree to one annual exam.
To prepare your teeth for porcelain dental veneers, your dentist will lightly buff your teeth to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. In order to do so, about half a millimeter of your tooth will be removed. Don’t worry, though, the small amount removed will be replaced with the actual veneer for your comfort.