Digital Radiographs
Dental radiographs (x-rays) have been a mainstay in the practice of dentistry for over 100 years. Traditionally dental x-rays were taken using an x-ray film that, after being exposed to the x-ray, were developed similarly to a photograph. This process was slow, used harsh chemicals, used more amounts of radiation, and only produced a small image.
Digital radiography (digital x-rays) is the modernization of this classic technique. We are now able to see the results of the x-ray immediately after by using a full screen computer display. We also no longer use developing chemicals or three to four times less radiation than traditional film, and we can add digital enhancements to better identify any problems.
Digital x-rays allow us to diagnose problems of the oral hard tissues, like teeth and bones, that that we cannot see. Digital x-rays are a valuable part of a complete diagnosis because they expose cavities, cysts, tumors, fractures, bone loss, and infections.
Along with 2D traditional dental x-rays, we are excited to have 3D imaging. This allows us to see behind, around, and in between roots of teeth. A 3D scan lets us view dental anatomy from different angles, as well as view structures in the bone such as nerves, blood vessels, infections, or root fractures. The 3D scans also help us make more predictable treatment plans for root canals, implants, and extractions. They are a fast and accurate image that allow the patient and dentist to be more confident in the treatment decisions. The use of dental imaging technology often creates a more comfortable and engaging dental visit.
Intraoral Photography
Our intraoral cameras are about the size of a pen, they produce a high-quality digital image, and allow us to show you what we see inside your mouth. The oral soft tissues and surfaces of the teeth can be captured with a digital photo and displayed on the computer. Photographs are a great patient education tool, because they help us better explain your treatment needs and different treatment options.
Trigger Point Therapy
Clenching, grinding, clicking, popping, headaches, and muscle or jaw pain are all symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD, which is also called TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome(s), affects between 5% and 12% of the population, and patients often don’t seek care for their symptoms. We offer different treatment options to help stabilize the jaw, deprogram the muscles, and alleviate pain associated with TMD.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry includes a multitude of different dental procedures to help you obtain your optimal smile. Changes to the color, shape, location, or size of the teeth can enhance your smile to the one you have always wanted. We offer many different cosmetic procedures and will help you choose the one that is right for your treatment goals.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic that are bonded (glued) directly to the tooth. They are a less invasive alternative to a crown and are a very efficient and effective way to correct any teeth that have severe discoloration, multiple visible restorations, spaces, chips or fractures, and slight misalignments.
Dental Hygiene
Galesville Dental has an excellent staff of very friendly family dentists and professional hygienists near Holmen, WI. Our dental hygienists provide routine dental cleanings, and, if it’s been awhile since your last cleaning, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). Our hygienists excel at removing all the plaque and calculus (tarter) from your teeth, especially in the areas where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Emergency Dental Care
We are here for you when you need us for family dental care near Holmen, WI. Emergencies happen and we offer same day emergency treatment for any of your dental needs.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to help fill spaces from any tooth that has been lost or is missing. All your teeth consist of two basic parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the part of the tooth that you can see and is used for chewing food and smiling. The root is the part under the gum tissue in the jaw bone that is used to stabilize the tooth. For a missing tooth to be replaced, we must replace both parts. Implants act as a root.
Titanium-based dental implants are placed in the jaw bone, and after a healing period, a new replacement tooth (crown) is attached to the implant.
Root Canals
Endodontic treatment (root canals) treats the inside of the tooth. To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. There are three layers to a tooth. Enamel is the white that you can see, the next layer is the dentin, and the final layer is the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. Once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp.
During a root canal, the pulp is accessed through the crown of the tooth. The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped. After the canals are cleaned and dried, they are filled with gutta-percha and an adhesive to ensure complete sealing of the canal. Once the root canal is finished, the opening in the crown is filled with a restoration. Generally, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore it to full function.
Dentures
Dentures come in many different shapes and forms. They are a removable substitute for natural teeth. Dentures can be classified as either complete or partial. A complete denture is needed if there are no remaining teeth, and a partial denture incorporates any remaining natural teeth into the denture. A multistep procedure is needed when crafting a denture to ensure patient satisfaction on all levels. If you have more questions about your current denture or think you might be in need of a denture, please do not hesitate to call and ask for consultation.
Teeth Whitening
We offer two different whitening systems: in-office Glo Whitening, which comes with a take home kit, and a stand-alone take home kit.
Glo Whitening consists of a one-hour appointment with one of the dental assistants, no impressions, and no sensitivity. On average, teeth will lift 5 shades in that initial hour. After that, a take home kit is given to the patient. The patient will also receive instructions on how to reach optimal white. G vials are available at the office at no charge for any patient who elects to have their teeth whitened with the in-office Glo system.
We also offer the “traditional” tooth whitening system with custom trays and gel. Traditional teeth whitening consists of one appointment to take an impression and another to deliver the custom trays with the gel. We have two concentrations of gel: a 20-minute wear and 30-minute wear. Additional gel is available at the office at no charge for any patient who wants to have traditional whitening.