Cleaning & Oral Cancer Exams
Cleaning is a preventive procedure that is important to have done at least every six months; certain individuals may require more frequent cleanings. Regular cleanings keep your teeth free from plaque, and prevent many problems before they begin. At our office, we combine cleanings with a complete oral examination.
The oral examination is a complete visual inspection of the oral cavity along with any necessary x-rays. During an oral examination, we also screening for oral cancer and periodontal disease.
ViziLite
Among the tools we use for an oral cancer exam is the ViziLite Plus.
The ViziLite Plus illuminates oral tissue that has been treated with the rinse; any abnormal tissue will appear white.
Click here to learn more about Vizilite
Sealants
A sealant is a plastic resin material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth. This preventive measure allows the dentist to seal out plaque and food from the grooves and pits in teeth that are prime targets for decay.
Cosmetic Restorations
Minor cavities are restored with white (composite) fillings. This type of treatment is a good way of correcting a small problem before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem. Composite fillings, while they are slightly more expensive than amalgam fillings, are the same color as the surrounding tooth, doing away with the unsightly silver spots caused by metal fillings. Contact us to find out more about the benefits of composite vs. amalgam fillings.
Periodontal Therapy
The leading cause of tooth loss in adults today is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Early diagnosis and treatment for this condition is critical for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Red, swollen, tender gums are a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If we catch it at this point, we can provide effective, non-surgical treatment. If allowed to progress farther, more involved treatments may be necessary.
Root Canal Therapy (RCT)
When the pulp that is inside the tooth becomes infected, it cannot repair itself. Years ago, extraction was the only option. Today, through root canal therapy, also known as "endodontics," these teeth can be saved.
Root canal therapy consists of drilling through the top, or "crown," of the tooth, and then reshaping or removing the pulp that has become infected. The tooth is then filled and sealed with an artificial crown.
Oral Surgery
We offer a wide range of oral surgery procedures. Whether you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, or have a "gummy smile" and are in need of crown lengthening surgery, we have the skill and expertise necessary to beautify, strengthen, and maintain your smile.
Extractions are generally used as a last resort. If a tooth is badly damaged or infected, and cannot be saved with root canal therapy or another treatment, we can extract the tooth and replace it with either a bridge or a dental implant.
Crown lengthening is used to treat a "gummy smile," a condition in which gums extend down too far on the teeth. A relatively simple surgical procedure allows us adjust the amount of tooth that protrudes from the gums.
Bridgework
When single or multiple teeth are missing, they can be replaced with either fixed or removable bridges. Bridges literally "bridge" the gaps left by missing teeth with restorations. Bridges restore your ability to bite and chew, and also restore the shape of your face. Bridges are strong and natural-looking.
Fixed bridges are restorations that are held firmly into place because they are bonded onto neighboring teeth. They are very durable, and can only be removed by a dentist.
Removable bridges restore the function of teeth, and can be removed for cleaning, but they can take slightly longer to get used to than fixed bridges.
Dentures
When too many teeth are missing, dentures are a good solution to completely restore your smile and your biting and chewing ability. We offer full and partial denture services.
Full dentures are useful if you have lost all or nearly all of your teeth. They slide over your gums and are held in place by the muscles of your cheeks, lips, and tongue. Though you may require a little time to get used to them, dentures should, after a few weeks, help you eat, talk, and smile normally.
Partial dentures consist of a removable metal or plastic structure to which artificial teeth are attached. If you are missing a number of teeth, a partial denture can fill in the gaps and restore your smile.
Finnerty, Wu & Palabrica
1500 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22209
Click here for map & directions
For the latest information on our practice and dental procedures, download our quarterly newsletter.
