We Can Restore Your Beautiful Smile!
One of the first things someone sees is your smile, so our staff at Compassionate Dentistry in Grants Pass knows how important the appearance of your teeth is for your self-confidence and overall health and well-being. It is our goal to make sure every patient is happy with their smile!
While prevention is central to our dental philosophy, Dr. Sara Riechers and her staff understand that damage to teeth or gums because of wear, trauma, or oral disease is common, so our dental team has many tools and techniques at our disposal to restore and maintain the appearance and functionality of teeth and keep gums healthy while relieving pain.
During a thorough exam and consultation, Dr. Riechers will diagnose the condition of your teeth and gums and, if needed, recommend and discuss the treatment options that best suit your dental, medical, personal, aesthetic, and financial needs.
To see how we have done this in the past, visit our before and after galleries.
Dental Damage Assessment and Solutions
Undamaged teeth and gums still need maintenance to keep them that way: brushing, flossing, and regular visits with dental professionals. There are also some treatment options for preventing disease and decay (especially effective in children, before they have any cavities!):
Sealants – a very thin coating of a plastic is applied to seal and protect the teeth from bacteria and decay
Fluoride – can be applied directly on the teeth as a topical fluoride varnish and in toothpaste or given orally as a supplement just like vitamins
Slight wear, sensitivity – [sealants? Rx Fl toothpaste? Night guard/NTI – helps with TMJ disorder]
Gingivitis (irritated gums)
Small cavities and chipped teeth – Dental materials can be bonded to the teeth, restoring chipped teeth or filling in cavities caused by decay. We have many options to choose from, such as: composite resins (white fillings), amalgam (silver fillings), and porcelain inlays or gold inlays. Each material has different pros and cons, including longevity, appearance, and cost, and Dr. Riechers is always happy to discuss which choice is right for each patient.
Heavy wear, sensitivity
Periodontitis (Inflamed gums, calculus buildup)
Large cavities or dental trauma
Infected Nerve/Tooth
Receding gums
Bone loss
Broken or Missing Teeth
Severe Decay or Trauma (Critically damaged, or Infected Nerve/Tooth)
In some cases, teeth with heavy damage are not able to be restored, and teeth that are removed or missing need to be replaced – options for replacement include bridges, implants, and dentures. Gums that have serious infections or are receding may need special treatments or surgery to prevent loose teeth from being infected, falling out, or needing removal .