Our Services
Preventive and Diagnostic
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Radiographs allow for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.
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A pediatric oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation a thorough examination is done to check the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.
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A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth.
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as in important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam or varnish form.
Dental sealants are a safe resin material applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. Sealants fill in the crevices of a tooth and “seal” off the tooth from cavity causing agents like food and plaque.
Sports are a great way to stay active and keep your body healthy, as long as you are safe. A custom fitting mouth guard is vital to your safety and can do a lot more than you think. Approximately 200,000 injuries could be prevented each year if participants were wearing a mouth guard. Contact sports often require a mouth guard that protects your teeth, gums, lips, jaw, arches and braces. A well fitted mouth guard can prevent tooth gaps, chipping, breaking and fractures by providing a cushioned barrier for potential injuries. The mouth can only do so much on its own, making you prone to biting through your tongue, cheeks or even lips! The mouth guard also makes a difference in larger impact accidents that might involve concussions, working to lessen the pressure from the mandible on the skull during impact. Finally, if you have braces, a mouth guard can protect your teeth and gums, as well as your orthodontic investment.
An inexpensive, generic, ready-to-wear mouth guard can be purchased at many sporting stores, but they only vaguely encapsulate the teeth. These generic guards can be uncomfortable and can take up too much room in your mouth, interfering with talking, breathing and dental safety. Sporting goods stores offer semi-custom mouth guards made of plastic that can be heated and reformed to provide some level of custom fit. While this is a step up from a ready-to-wear mouth guard, it still will not compare to a custom mouth guard formed from personalized impressions.
Dr. Lichter’s office can make a specialized custom mouth guard by taking an impression of your teeth and then creating a mold fitted to your mouth for the best fit and ensure comfort and originality. We will provide you with the necessary information for after care as well. Just like you brush your teeth, you need to clean your mouth guard. Be sure to bring your mouth guard to each dental appointment so we can reevaluate the fit and provide a professional cleaning.
Small areas of decay can be restored with tooth colored resin that is hardened with a specially designed light. Small areas of decay can be restored with tooth colored resin for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
Made of cast gold alloy, porcelain or ceramic, an inlay/onlay is used to restore a tooth with slightly more decay to its original shape and function while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Crowns are an effective way to preserve the natural tooth even when there has been significant decay. The crown covers the natural tooth to restore appearance, form, and function.
Bridges use crowns and fabricated porcelain teeth to fill in a space where one or two teeth are missing. The bridge is one connected piece that is secured with crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
For multiple missing teeth, an implant may be used to anchor the bridge. Learn More About Implant Supported Bridges
If a tooth or several teeth are missing, dental implants and crowns can be used to replace the missing tooth root and tooth. Dental implants are the replacement of tooth roots in the mouth. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium, which are placed in the jawbone. The anchors begin to fuse with the bone over a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow custom made restorations such as crowns, bridges and dentures to be placed on the dental implants to complete your new smile.
For patients who have lost many or all of their natural teeth, dentures can restore the look and function by replacing the missing teeth. Dentures can be partial or full as well as removable or fixed.
Teeth often become yellowed or stained over time. Bleaching can help to restore tooth color and make them whiter. ZOOM!® Whitening has been used by over 10 million customers, making it the trusted and preferred method for whitening at Joseph Lichter D.D.S..
Teeth can be moved into alignment with clear aligner trays that are barely noticeable when worn. This effective orthodontic treatment is an excellent option for many patients who want to straighten their teeth for a more beautiful smile.
Ceramic or resin veneers can transform a smile by correcting the size, shape, or color of teeth to create a beautiful smile while maintaining the look of natural teeth.
Bonding is a cosmetic treatment that involves using natural-looking composite resin material to improve the appearance of a tooth that is chipped or discolored.
Additional Services
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans yearly. At Joseph Lichter, D.D.S., we use VelScope, the latest technology available, to detect changes in oral tissue consistencies and/or lesions.
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Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative materials may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is similar to a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which one experiences one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, Oral Appliance Therapy, breathing devices, and/or surgery.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is often an effective treatment option for sleep apnea. With this approach, our office creates a custom-fitted oral appliance for patients to wear when they are sleeping. The appliance aids patients during sleep by positioning the lower jaw and tongue in a way that minimizes airway obstruction.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Mixed with oxygen, Nitrous oxide allows you to breathe normally through your nose and begins to take effect within just a few minutes. You may feel light-headed or experience a tingling in your arms and legs. Some patients comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after the small mask is removed. Ask us about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.
CAD/CAM is an acronym that stands for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. CAD/CAM technology is used to help the dental team fabricate precise shapes and sizes for dental restorations including inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges.
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Lasers in dentistry allow for many dental procedures to be performed with no noise, minimal pain, faster recovery times and often fewer appointments. All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light.
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