Below is some information we have gathered for you about some typical dental problems or procedures. You may find some helpful information below, but if there are any questions you'd like to ask us about problems of a specific nature, please feel free to call us at the office any time!

Gum / Periodontal Disease
Bacterial plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance commonly known as tartar. The hardened plaque releases toxins and bacteria, which irritates the gums and cause a breakdown of fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth. This creates periodontal pockets between the gums and the teeth, which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, the pockets extend deeper, and the bacteria can begin to affect the bone that anchors the tooth. Left untreated, gum disease can result in the tooth falling out, or required extraction of the tooth.

Extractions
On a general tooth extraction, Dr. Westerman will numb the area to lessen the discomfort. After the extraction, Dr. Westerman will advise each patient on proper care of the area and what to expect through the healing process.

Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom tooth extraction involves accessing the tooth through the soft and hard tissues, detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone, and removing the tooth. This process can be performed under local anesthesia, and has a relatively short recovery time.

Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery includes the diagnosis, surgical and related treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of hard and soft tissues of the head, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws and neck.

Root Canals
The root canal procedure is performed to clean infected pulp out of the root canal of the tooth. This procedure allows the doctor to reshape the canal and fill it with a rubber-like substance called guttapercha to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed with a crown made of porcelain or metal alloy. This process allows the patient to keep the original tooth and still guards against future infections.

Sealants
Paired with good oral health care, sealants are 100% effective against cavities in teeth that are properly sealed and maintained. This procedure is minimally invasive, safe and effective, and is more economical than getting a cavity filled.

Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers, with roughly 35,000 new cases reported annually in the US. The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the soft palate tissues in the back of the tongue, the lips, and the gums. If not diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer can spread and lead to chronic pain, loss of function, and facial disfigurement. Dr. Westerman happily screens for Oral Cancer during his 6-month Recare Visits.