Bonding and White Filling

When accidental damage affects your smile, you want to opt for the most cosmetically appealing dental solution.  Whether you are looking to correct a chipped tooth or you need to fill a cavity, we offer cosmetically appealing restorative services at Garrison Family Dentistry.  Bonding and white fillings have helped many of our patients restore the health and beauty of their smiles.

 

Bonding is used to restore structural damage like chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth.  It can even correct gaps created by teeth that are too narrow or short.  This affordable, beautiful solution fixes damaged teeth for a realistic look.

 

White fillings have replaced traditional metal amalgam fillings at our practice. Unlike dark, metal fillings, white fillings blend in with your natural tooth color.  You can improve your oral health and correct tooth decay without affecting the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

 

If you are ready to fix your damaged tooth and restore the beauty of your smile, contact our practice and learn about how our bonding and white filling services can help.

Nitrous Oxide

Dental anxiety is a common occurrence among our patients, which is why we offer nitrous oxide. This helps patients take the edge off while getting dental procedures, whether it is a root canal, root planing and scaling, or an extraction.

 

Nitrous oxide is also referred to as laughing gas and given by having a mask placed over the patient’s nose and mouth so they can inhale the gas. The patient is monitored by Dr. Matthew Garrison the entire time.

 

There are many benefits to choosing nitrous oxide as a way for dental sedation, such as the following:

• It wears off quickly, so you can still drive yourself home.
• It is a safe and effective form of sedation.
• The level of sedation can be controlled by the dentist, increasing or decreasing the gas.
• Patients resume normal activities immediately after their dental appointment.
• Sensations experienced with nitrous oxide include relaxation, euphoria, and relief from anxiety and tension.

You can contact us at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO by calling 816-532-8778 or by visiting us online at www.garrisondentistry.com for more information.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

At Garrison Family Dentistry, wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Your last set of molars to come in, wisdom teeth usually emerge when you are between 17 and 21 years old. Since wisdom teeth can often become impacted, which means they come in at an angle rather than straight through the gums, it is many times necessary to remove them before they cause pain or begin to push on your other teeth.

 

If a wisdom tooth is impacted and can only emerge partially, it is possible for an operculum to form over the tooth. If this flap of skin forms, the tooth will be hard to clean and can be infected. This infection is called pericoronitis.

 

When a wisdom tooth is in danger of causing such problems, Dr. Matthew Garrison will extract the tooth. It is often necessary to remove all four at once. This is done either by using a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic, based on the preference of the doctors and patient and how far the wisdom teeth have emerged. After the anesthetic is applied, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut and the tooth is loosened and pulled out. If necessary, the gums will be sutured for healing.

 

After the surgery, rest is required, and you will need to change the gauze applied to the incision. To see if your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, schedule an appointment with us by calling 816-532-8778. For more information on our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin ceramic shells that cover the tooth structure and create a more brilliant, beautiful smile. Many of our patients at Garrison Family Dentistry choose to have veneers placed on their teeth for a variety of reasons. They might cover teeth that are stained or misshapen or opt for veneers because they have gaps in their teeth or have teeth that are slightly misaligned.

 

Veneers are bonded securely over the teeth and match the other natural teeth, so they don’t appear obvious to anyone else. After the veneers have been bonded to your teeth, Dr. Matthew Garrison recommends following these post-op instructions:

• Eat soft foods for the first few days.
• Don’t chew extremely hard foods like raw carrots, ice or candy, as the porcelain can start breaking away.
• Brush and floss the teeth with the veneers, just like your other natural teeth.
• Visit us at Garrison Family Dentistry every six months for a routine check-up and professional cleaning.

Veneers can last a long time if patients follow these important instructions. If the gum begins to recede, they should return to our dental office in Smithville, MO for replacement veneers. This doesn’t usually happen for many years and is simply part of the aging process. To find out more about veneers, contact us today.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is one option, which can repair a cracked or damaged tooth. Crowns can be used when a filling alone will not correct the problem. A crown will look just like your own teeth and also restore function.

 

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we are happy to offer our patients a variety of dental care including crowns. The process of getting a crown starts by repairing the damaged tooth, which involves removing decay. The tooth is then prepared and shaped in order for the crown to fit. An impression is taken and sent to a laboratory for the crown to be made. While you wait for your permanent crown, you will be fitted for a temporary crown.

 

Dental crowns are usually made of materials including porcelain and ceramic. The color is matched to your other teeth. A crown is usually indistinguishable from your other teeth in appearance. It also functions the same as your natural teeth. Crowns are durable and made to last. With proper care, a crown can last for 15 years or more.

 

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental services including cosmetic, preventative and restorative services. Our staff strives to provide you with the best possible dental care in a comfortable environment.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is important for overall health, oral preventative care, and to decrease the amount of cleanings and procedures dentists need to perform during bi-annual check-ups. At Garrison Family Dentistry, we make sure our patients understand the importance of maintaining dental hygiene and its effects on their oral health.

 

Dental hygiene always starts at home, by gently brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day. This keeps the teeth clean, removes tartar buildup that can lead to cavities or infection, and keeps the teeth looking white. It also helps freshen the breath and reduce the risk of gum disease. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles become frayed. Good oral hygiene also includes limiting your intake of sugary foods and beverages that can prove harmful to your teeth.

 

Dr. Matthew Garrison and the rest of our team at Garrison Family Dentistry recommend dental check-ups every six months to keep the teeth clean. While dental hygiene requires regular brushing and flossing, a professional cleaning twice a year will provide even more preventative measures. This also gives us a chance to look for any potential problems, like finding a cavity that needs filled or seeing an erupting wisdom tooth that might need an extraction. Visit our dental practice today in Del Rio, TX, to learn more about proper dental hygiene.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a very good option in order to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge involves using a crown to replace the missing tooth. The crown is attached to the existing teeth on the adjacent sides of the bridge. The existing teeth act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

 

Our team at Garrison Family Dentistry is experienced in all areas of restorative dentistry including dental bridges. Bridges are usually made of metal, alloys or porcelain, which ensures the bridge is both durable and strong. A bridge is also matched to the color of your natural teeth.

 

The process of getting a bridge involves a few steps. First, the dentist will extract the damaged tooth. The teeth on adjacent sides are prepared, which involves creating abutments in order to attach the crown. A mold is taken, and sent to a lab to create a bridge. While you are waiting for the bridge to be made, you will be fitted for a temporary crown. With proper care, bridges can last for many years.

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we believe in providing quality dental services in a comfortable, modern facility. We utilize the most advanced technology in order to provide you with the best care possible.

 

For more information on dental bridges or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778.

Dental Bridges

Having a missing tooth or several missing teeth together not only makes it difficult to chew properly, but it can also be embarrassing. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we believe in giving you a smile that makes you feel confident. Dental bridges allow us to do that by filling in the gaps with an artificial tooth that looks natural with the rest of your teeth

.

The dental bridge lets you fill in missing spaces in your mouth with artificial teeth, as an alternative to getting an implant. The bridge created a crown for the two adjacent teeth and has an artificial tooth where you are missing one. It creates a bridge that doesn’t look obvious to anyone else and offers you a beautiful smile.

 

There are many benefits to getting bridges, including being able to speak and chew properly, improving the shape of your face, preventing your teeth from shifting as a result of the missing tooth or teeth, and filling in gaps.

 

Call us today at (816) 532-8778 to schedule an appointment for your new bridge. 

Porcelain Veneers

If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your smile. Whether your teeth have gaps, stains, cracks, chips or other issues, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted with veneers. Veneers are thin shells that cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth, and Dr. Matthew Garrison uses porcelain veneers to give his patients the smile they’ve always wanted.

 

Having veneers placed usually only takes two visits. During the first visit, you can discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish with the doctor, and then your teeth will be prepared. Dr. Garrison will prepare your teeth for veneers by removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a secure and natural-feeling bond.  An impression is taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be fabricated to fit your existing teeth. This fabrication process takes between 5 to 7 days and is done in a laboratory of the highest standards. You will be provided with temporary veneers during your wait. Then the final veneers are bonded to your teeth to create an attractive smile that looks and feels natural.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call (816) 532-8778. For more information please also visitwww.garrisondentistry.com. 

Dental Crowns

Crowns are used to protect and strengthen teeth that have become extremely weak, decayed or fractured. Covering your affected tooth and restoring it to its original shape and size, dental crowns (sometimes called caps) can help reduce pain, save your tooth from needing to be extracted and keep your smile beautiful and functional. At our office in Smithville, MO, we can see if a crown is necessary to save your smile.

 

Over time, as your teeth begin to weaken, they become more susceptible to problems, including decay, cracks and discoloration. Crowns are usually only necessary if decay has reached the point where the tooth structure is compromised. When a crown is installed, the decay is removed from the tooth and a core build-up is used to insulate the nerve and create a surface to bond the crown to. An impression is then made of this surface so that crown can be custom fitted. Usually made of porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal, the crown is fabricated in a lab and then cemented onto the current tooth. This fabrication process can take between two to three weeks.

 

Crowns are made incredibly strong to protect the remaining tooth structure, and the custom fit ensures that the seam between tooth and crown is miniscule, which helps protect the tooth from further decay.

 

If you’re experiencing pain in one of your teeth, stop by our office to see if a crown can save your smile. Schedule an appointment with us at Garrison Family Dental by calling 816-532-8778 or visit www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Implant-Retained Dentures

Dentures provide a cost-effective way to replace many missing teeth, but they aren’t the most popular or comfortable option due to slipping and shifting. However, at Garrison Family Dentistry, we provide implant-retained dentures, which our patients can use to replace multiple teeth without the cost of many dental implants or the discomfort of traditional dentures.

Because dental implants hold the dentures in place, they do not require adhesives, pastes, sticky gum or powders. In addition, they allow patients to chew much easier than conventional dentures so that eating is enjoyable again! Overall, implant-retained dentures are secure and comfortable, and they save you from any embarrassing moments that loose dentures can cause. Implant-retained dentures are also desirable because they can help preserve the remaining bone in your jaw because dental implants serve as tooth root replacements in the jaw’s structure.

With lower dentures, you may only need two conventional dental implants to hold your dentures in place. Four mini dental implants are also an option. Mini implants require minimal surgery, and in many cases dentures can be attached immediately after surgery.

If you would like to see if implant-retained dentures are the right option for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison at our office in Smithville, MO. Just call (816) 532-8778. For more information, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Periodontal Health

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral health and overall wellness, and at our office, Dr. Matthew Garrison provides the type of regular periodontal care and checkups you need to maintain peak health and prevent gum disease.

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jawbone, and heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO to receive periodontal cleanings and treatment. It is easier to prevent gum disease or treat it early on than to reverse the effects of periodontis. Call (816) 532-8778 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Sedation Dentistry

If just the thought of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry is probably the right choice for you. Between 5 and 8 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia, but you don’t need to let your oral health suffer because of fear. At our office in Smithville, MO, we offer a safe environment where we can comfort anxious patients through both oral sedation and nitrous oxide.

Sedation is mainly used when a patient has a high level of anxiety or dental phobia, not because of pain. At Garrison Family Dentistry, we can sedate our patients through oral sedation or nitrous oxide. These methods will make sure you can tend to your oral health while avoiding the anxiety that accompanies visiting the dentist.

A common sedation method utilized in the dental industry is nitrous oxide (N20). Nitrous oxide works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. With this method, Dr. Matthew Garrison will place a small mask over your nose and ask you to breathe normally. Within a few short minutes, you will begin to feel the effects. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, and there is no “hangover” effect.

The other method utilized by our office is known as oral conscious sedation. It is as simple as taking an aspirin. It is utilized for patients with mild to moderate anxiety as it is not as powerful as other sedation methods. With oral sedation, your dentist will provide you with an oral sedative, such as valium. You will not be “knocked out,” but you will feel more relaxed.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call (816) 532-8778. For more information, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Teeth Whitening

Even with diligent brushing, flossing and cleaning, keeping your teeth white is harder than you might think. Despite proper oral care, constant exposure to food and drinks can cause your teeth to become dull and darken over time. Teeth whitening can help restore the color and gleam to your teeth, and at our office in Smithville, MO, we provide teeth whitening services that can restore your smile to a bright white state.

Teeth whitening services are becoming more and more popular, and as the demand for whiter teeth increases, patients are realizing that over-the-counter techniques just aren’t as effective as options offered by their dentist. At our office, whitening procedures are becoming one of the most requested services, and Dr. Matthew Harrison offers an effective way for his patients to meet their goals. The method that we use to whiten patients’ teeth is the take-home tray system. Using gentle, whitening gel applied in trays that are custom made to fit their teeth, patients can whiten their smile four to eight shades in only a couple sessions.

Whitening your teeth is an easy and dramatic way to improve the look of your smile. If you are looking to make your pearly whites white again, schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry by calling (816) 532-8778. For more information, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Veneers

If you think movie star smiles come from teeth whitening or straightening alone, you’d be wrong.  The real secret to a white, bright, flawless smile is porcelain veneers. At our Smithville, MO dental practice, we utilize dental veneers to completely change your smile.  The results have added up to some dramatically beautified smiles.  Many of us would love a close-up-ready, celebrity smile, but how can you be sure if porcelain veneers are the right option for you?

 

Determining whether or not veneers are a sensible cosmetic option for you begins with understanding just what they are, which Dr. Matthew Garrison details during your first appointment.  Veneers are a thin ceramic shell that fits over the tooth and creates a new, customized smile surface. Each veneer is custom crafted according to an overall desired smile appearance.  We will take a mold of your teeth and have the veneers created at a third-party dental lab. Dr. Garrison uses this restorative treatment for patients who have significant tooth staining, cracked, gapped, misaligned or chipped teeth.

 

Smithville residents who visit the cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice are given comprehensive, one-on-one attention in determining which options are best for restoring and improving their smiles-- whether they’re seeking porcelain veneers or another one of Dr. Garrison’s services.

 

Give us a call at Garrison Family Dentistry for a consultation with Dr. Garrison to discuss porcelain veneers!

Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, patients have a lot of options. None of those options, however, are permanent like dental implants. Implants are widely considered the modern-day solution to missing teeth as they provide an aesthetically pleasing, permanent answer to a serious problem. We provide dental implant procedures to help our patients restore their smile and fix their bite after implant surgery.

 

When a patient loses a tooth, it is important to act quickly to fill the space. Apart from the cosmetic issues, patients who have missing teeth will often suffer from compromised chewing efficiency and tooth drifting. The space left behind from a missing tooth causes the other teeth to drift into that space which can lead to misaligned teeth. When teeth become misaligned, they become more difficult to clean, leaving unreachable pockets in the teeth that will collect bacteria. This will almost certainly lead to periodontal issues that will eventually lead to additional tooth loss if left untreated.

 

Receiving a dental implant is a surgical procedure and patients are put under a general anesthetic. A dental surgeon will make an incision into the patients gum line where they will insert the implant. The implant will be secured into the jawbone where it will need to sit for three to six months so the bone can grow around it, this process is called osseointegration. After the surgery, patients will visit us to receive a crown over the implant. This is done so the patient’s teeth do not drift and they can eat normally. Once the implant is secured, Dr. Garrison will place an abutment on top of the exposed implant that will support a permanent crown.  Dental implants are the only completely permanent solution to missing teeth.

Dental Crowns

We use dental crowns in order to create stronger teeth that function properly. Crowns are a great tool when a patient’s teeth become weak due to decay, cracks, discoloration and other issues.  A crown is essentially a “cap” that covers up your damaged tooth. Unlike removable devices such as dentures or a Snap-On-Smile’s, a crown can be used to improve appearance, shape or alignment.

 

Crowns are cemented onto existing teeth and should only be removed by the dentist. Dental crowns are used in many applications but mostly, they are used to protect a weak tooth from a fracture and to restore a fractured tooth.

 

Crowns are typically made from porcelain fused to metal or a full gold crown. A porcelain crown can be matched to the shade of your other teeth, allowing it to blend in and appear just as your natural teeth do. The process of installing a crown usually takes 2-3 visits. Dr. Matthew Garrison will start by reshaping the enamel of the broken tooth so the crown can be placed over it properly. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be created of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. A temporary crown will be set in place so the teeth do not shift while the permanent crown is being created. Once the crown is completed, it will be put in place and bonded with cement to assure it stays in place.

 

If you are interested in a crown because you’ve broken, cracked or lost a tooth due to decay, come in for a consultation with Dr. Garrison. Call at 816-532-8706 or visit us at www.garrisondentistry.com to learn more about dental crowns. 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a great solution if you are looking to literally “bridge the gap” created by one or more missing teeth. We use dental bridges to restore smiles, improve talking and chewing abilities and help maintain the shape of your face. We utilize dental bridges to get your smiles back to its natural look.

 

Creating a bridge is quite simple. Dr. Garrison will create a base out of the existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are reshaped to support the base of the bridge. After the abutments are created, a mold is cast of the area and sent to a dental lab. The lab uses the mold to manufacture a permanent bridge. Dr. Garrison will fit you with a temporary bridge in order to keep your teeth from shifting. The permanent bridge usually takes between 1-2 weeks to be created. During the second visit, Dr. Garrison will remove thetemporary bridge and the new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted. The bridge will be placed on the abutments and an adhesive will be used to make sure the bridge is set.

 

Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge will make eating easier. We recommend that our patients eat soft foods immediately following the procedure, but after a couple days patients can resume their normal diet. You will also see improved speech with dental bridges. The gaps caused by missing teeth often make speech difficult, by filling in those spaces, patients will drastically improve speech.

 

If you are missing teeth and considering dental bridges, give us a call at 816-532-8706 or visit us at www.garrisondentistry.com to learn more about this unique restorative treatment method!

Cosmetic Dental Options

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that refers to various types of dental work that improves the general appearance of patient’s teeth, gums and bite. Procedures vary from small repairs such bonding and white fillings to a complete restorations like dental veneers. Dr. Matthew Garrison provides many options for patients hoping to restore their.

 

Whether patients need a major repair or just a subtle change, Dr. Caddell has the ability to treat each patient to fit their individual needs. Common procedures in cosmetic dentistry include:

• Whitening
• Bonding
• Crowns
• Veneers
• Dental bridges

Whitening is a common and popular way to whiten teeth quickly and effectively. Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and smoking. We provide a tray whitening system that uses custom-made trays, filled with a whitening gel to whiten teeth 4-8 shades in just a few days. Bonding and white filling is another procedure that can improve the cosmetic appeal of teeth. Using tooth-colored material, Dr. Garrison will fill in gaps or even change the color of teeth.

 

Outside of surgically placed dental implants, crowns have the longest life expectancy. A crown is essentially a “cap” that covers the damaged tooth; a crown can be used to improve appearance, shape or alignment. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed over the existing teeth to create a brand new smile. Dental bridges are a great option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Bridges use existing teeth to create a bridge to cross the area where the tooth is missing. They are made from gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure they are strong and durable.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography is one of the most technologically advanced products available to the medical field today. While traditional systems are effective, there are many features of digital X-ray machines that help create a better overall image of your mouth. Not many dentists have taken advantage of this technology and are still utilizing traditional radiography technology.  We have recently implemented this technology into Garrison Family Dentistry, located in order to provide a better level of care to our patients.

 

Traditional X-ray systems are being surpassed by digital radiography technology. While this old technology was very effective for a number of years, it is slowly becoming nonexistent in the medical field. Digital X-Ray technology has many benefits:

• Safety – this technology is much safer for patients because they emit roughly 80 percent less radiation than traditional systems
• “Going Green” – instant imaging removes the need for harmful chemicals that are used to develop images
• High Quality – the images Dr. Garrison receives from this technology are much higher quality, allowing him diagnose previously unseen issues

While the radiation given off from the older systems is not necessarily dangerous, it is always risky to expose someone to radiation. Digital radiography has become a great resource for patients who want an effective X-ray without the negative effects that could come from radiation exposure.

 

Since Dr. Matthew Garrison doesn’t have to take time to develop images, your procedure time is considerably shorter. In addition, thanks to the improved, higher quality images provided by digital X-rays, Dr. Garrison is able to diagnose patients more effectively. Early detection is the best way for you to avoid potentially invasive, costly dental procedures that wouldn’t have been necessary if the symptoms were found earlier.

Oral Conscious Sedation

The idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety in some people, but there are options to ease the anxiety. Between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia.  We offer an extremely practical solution to dental phobia through sedation. We provide a safe environment with skilled staff members who are able to comfort you through various sedation methods.

 

Sedation is mainly used when a patient has a high level of anxiety or dental phobia, not necessarily because of pain. Thanks to modern endodontic technology and advancements in dental care, once-invasive procedures can now be a simple and painless. Sedation dentistry techniques enable the patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. We offer oral conscious sedation to our patients. We will provide you with an oral sedative such as “Valium” to ease your nerves. This is utilized for patients with mild to moderate anxiety as it is not as powerful as other sedation methods.  

 

With oral conscious sedation, anxious patients take a sedative pill such as Valium about an hour before their dental appointment to help them relax. When the patient gets to our office, Dr. Garrison may give more pills, depending on how well the first one worked. With oral conscious sedation, patients will not be “knocked out” and will be able to interact or react to any directives given by Dr. Garrison.

 

If you have dental phobia or have an invasive procedure coming up, contact us for more information about sedation. Call 816-532-8706 to schedule your appointment today. 

Planmeca CT 3D Dental Imaging

Advanced technology is paving the way toward more effective dental procedures, including the use of the Planmeca CT 3D dental imaging software. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we use this technology to add to digital x-rays and provide better treatment planning and higher definition x-rays for our patients.

 

The Planmeca CT dental imaging machine is a multi-purpose machine that utilizes computer technology like computer aided design (CAD). With the imaging machine, we can get three-dimensional images to look more closely at the patient’s teeth and provide he or she with a more accurate diagnosis.

 

The Planmeca CT 3D dental imaging machine is used for everything from diagnosis to treatment planning for restorations, including dental implants, crowns, and bridges. We connect it to a medical-grade computer with CAD programming to be able to manipulate and view the images. It does not take the place of our digital x-rays, but is used alongside them for many of its benefits. With digital models of restorations, we can provide the highest quality restoration for our patients.

 

Visit Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO to learn more about how the Planmeca CT 3D dental imaging technology can benefit you.

Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is imperative on many levels. It prevents bad breath, reduces your risk of developing gum disease, and helps you save money on dental work by not needing procedures like root canals, extractions, or restorative care as often.

 

Dental hygiene is not just about personal oral health, though that is very important, but regular visits to the dentist as well. Twice-yearly visits are ideal for optimal dental health.

 

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we encourage our patients to take good care of their teeth, and schedule regular visits to our clinic. At home, we advise them to brush their teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash with fluoride on a regular basis. This keeps their mouth clean, removing debris and bacteria, and preventing plaque and decay. It also helps patients achieve better smelling breath. With regular dental visits, we can examine the patient’s mouth and teeth, look for signs of gum disease, take x-rays, and provide a professional dental cleaning.

 

To improve your dental hygiene and periodontal health, visit our dentist Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO.

Sedation Dentistry

Patients here at Garrison Family Dentistry not only receive quality dental procedures and treatments from our dentist Dr. Matthew Garrison, but they can make their visits more comfortable as well. Our practice offers multiple types ofsedation dentistry as a way to improve the patient’s experience when getting essential procedures. Dental work, like extractions, root canals, crowns and deep cleanings, is vital to the patient’s oral and overall health, but might cause dental anxiety while in the chair. This is why we are happy to provide this convenient service.

 

Patients that choose sedation dentistry benefit in the following ways:

• Patients and more relaxed during their procedures.
• The pain and discomfort level during appointments is decreased.
•  Patients with anxiety are more likely to visit the dentist for necessary treatments.
• Children and teens don’t feel as nervous about their dental appointments.

We offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation dentistry in our Smithfield, MO Garrison Family Dentistry office. Oral conscious sedation is given through medications or IV sedation that keeps the patient conscious, but extremely relaxed. Nitrous oxide is safe for all patients, and can be easily controlled. With nitrous oxide, patients don’t need a ride home as it wears off immediately.

Call us at 816-532-8706 to schedule an appointment and ask about sedation dentistry.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we keep our patients’ needs in mind when deciding what treatments and dental services we provide. This includes full mouth rehabilitation, as many of our patients have not one, but multiple problems with their dental health and smiles.

 

With full mouth reconstruction, patients choose from a variety of procedures performed in succession — ranging from dentures or implants to crowns and inlays — to give them a brand new smile.

Some of the common procedures our patients choose for their full mouth reconstruction include:

 

1. Dental fillings

2. Inlays and onlays

3. Dental bridges

4. Dental crowns

5. Dental implants

6. Dentures and partials

7. Root canals

8. Treatment for gum disease

9. Treatment for TMJ disorders

 

There are many reasons someone might choose a full mouth reconstruction. Examples include having had a trauma that caused loss or damage to several teeth, having severe decay or gum disease, or experiencing loss of tooth structure from extensive clenching and grinding of the teeth.

 

After consultation with our dentist Dr. Matthew Garrison, patients choose what procedures to receive for full mouth rehabilitation and reconstruction. Call Dr. Matthew Garrison at 816-532-8706 to learn more about your full mouth rehabilitation options.

Braces

Misaligned or crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious regardless of your age. At Garrison Family Dentistry, we offer options when it comes to braces and correcting misalignments. For instance, we are happy to offer 6 month adult braces, which may be a great choice in some situations.

If you have been hesitating to have misaligned teeth corrected because you did not want to wear braces for a year or two, 6 month adult braces are a great choice. Often adults are concerned with the cosmetic appearance of their teeth, not necessarily the position of the bite. 

 

The 6 month adult braces use memory wires made of nickel and titanium, along with state of the art brackets.  The braces are lighter than traditional braces, but work in the same way. Gentle pressure is gradually applied to the teeth to correct misalignments. The treatment only takes about five to seven months to complete.

 

In addition to 6 month adult braces, we also offer ceramic braces for patients of all ages. Ceramic braces use brackets, which are similar in size to traditional braces. The difference is ceramic braces use clear or tooth colored brackets instead of metal. Tooth colored wires can also be utilized, which makes ceramic braces, less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

 

Our team at Garrison Family Dentistry is proud to offer our patients exceptional dental services including orthodontics. For more information on braces or in order to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 816-532-8706.

Diagnodent

Treating dental cavities at their earliest stage is beneficial in order to preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible. The sooner cavities can be treated, the less likely there is for progression of tooth decay and complications. That’s why at Garrison Family Dentistry we offer our patients the Diagnodent.

 

The Diagnodent is a laser, which helps our dentists and hygienists identify cavities and decay, which are below the surface of the tooth. This advanced laser technology can diagnose hidden cavities, which may not be found through a visual exam or with x-rays.

 

Using advanced technology, such as the Diagnodent, provides us with a great diagnostic tool, which has a very high accuracy rate. The device measures fluorescence within the tooth. Normally, healthy teeth will not exhibit any fluorescence, and the scale rating on the device will be low. When decay is present, fluorescence is detected, which results in an elevated scale reading on the device.

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we strive to provide you with the best possible dental care utilizing the most advanced technology. We believe in providing personal attention in a state of the art facility for your entire family.

 

For more information on the Diagnodent laser or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Garrison family Dentistry at 816-532-8706.

Crown Lengthening

If you need a restorative procedure, such as a crown, you may need a crown lengthening performed first. At Garrison Family Dentistry, our dentists have extensive experience doing restorative procedures, such as crown lengthening.

 

Crown lengthening is a procedure, which involves removing some of the bone, gum tissue or both. In some instances, if you need to have a crown placed, not enough of the tooth structure may be exposed. By removing gum tissue or bone, more of the tooth is above the gum, which helps support the crown.

 

In addition to being performed to aid in the placement of a crown, the procedure may also be done for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, the teeth may appear short, which results in a “gummy” smile. In reality, the teeth may be normal length, but the excess gum tissue covers the teeth, which makes them look shorter. Crown lengthening can be performed in order to reveal more of the natural tooth and improve the smile.

 

The procedure is done comfortably using anesthesia. Small incisions are made in order for the gum tissue to be pulled away from the tooth. The gums are reshaped to create a more natural appearance.

For more information on crown lengthening or in order to make an appointment, please call Garrison Family Dentistry at 816-532-8706.

Intraoral Camera

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we use the most advanced technology to help as make an accurate diagnosis. That’s why we offer patients the intraoral camera. Not all dental problems can be detected through a visual exam alone. The intraoral camera is a small device, which is used in order to view areas of the mouth, which may not be visible through an exam or x-ray.

 

Since the camera is small, it is comfortable for patients. The intraoral camera is placed inside the patient’s mouth and can zoom in on areas of concern. Problems areas, such as cavities or decay, can be magnified, which allows dental issues to be identified sooner than through an exam.

 

The intraoral camera technology also allows us to transmit the images onto a monitor for you to view. This gives you the opportunity to see for yourself dental problems. Because you will see the dental issues firsthand, you will be able to take an active role in your treatment plan with a thorough understanding of the problem.

 

In addition to the intraoral camera, we also offer advanced technology, such as digital x-rays and sedation dentistry. Our dentists and staff are experienced in various areas of dental care including cosmetic, restorative and periodontics.

 

For more information on the intraoral camera or any of our services, please call Garrison Family Dentistry at 816-532-8706.

Bonding

Discolored, chipped and cracked teeth, can make you feel self-conscious when you smile. At Garrison Family Dentistry, we have years of experience improving smiles with procedures, such as bonding.

The process of bonding involves using a composite resin, which is applied to the tooth or teeth. The first step in the process includes making the surface of the tooth a little rougher. Next, a liquid is applied to the tooth, which allows the resin to adhere to the surface of the tooth. The resin is applied and molded into the proper shape. The resin is hardened with the help of a laser applied to the tooth. The last step involves polishing the tooth in order to create a natural appearance.

Bonding is a great option to improve the appearance of your teeth for several reasons. It is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures. It can also often be completed in one visit. Often more than one tooth can be bonded at the same dental visit. Another advantage of bonding is the procedure often does not require any anesthesia.

We combine the most advanced technology with old fashioned values. We believe our patients are our greatest asset. Our dentists and staff, pride themselves with providing exceptional dental care for your entire family. For more information on bonding or any other cosmetic service, please call Garrison Family Dentistry at 816-532-8706.