Root Canals

Among the dental specialties provided by our dentists, Dr. Matthew Garrison and Dr. Anna Jones, endodontics is one of the most important. Endodontics is a specialty in the dentistry field that treats the nerves and roots of the teeth.

 

The primary procedure performed under endodontics is a root canal. Root canals help us remove infected tissue in the nerves and roots of the teeth to help treat an infection and save the tooth. The only alternative to a root canal is extracting the tooth, which then requires a bridge or implant. Most patients prefer going through a root canal procedure.

 

To perform a root canal, we numb the area, and then drill a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal. A special tool is used to remove the infected nerves and roots, and the tooth is filled with a material called gutta percha. In about 2-3 weeks, the patient returns to our office to be fitted for a crown. This is necessary because after a root canal, the tooth is dead and is susceptible to breaking.

 

While a seemingly intimidating procedure, root canals are routine and are done in about 45 minutes to an hour. Call us here at Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778 with any questions you have about root canals.

Dental Implants

Patients who have missing teeth are at risk for more than just aesthetic issues. Their adjacent teeth may start shifting, they can experience rapid bone loss, and if multiple teeth are missing, it might cause their cheeks to look shrunken in.

 

To mitigate these risks, here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we offer dental implants for patients who want to replace their teeth permanently. While there are other options in dentures and fixed bridges, dental implants are the most permanent option available.

 

There are many reasons a tooth might have been lost or needs to be extracted. Tooth decay, congenital defects, trauma, injury, or advanced gum disease may all play a role in the causal factors of missing teeth. But with dental implants, our patients have the opportunity for a stable, secure and natural-looking alternative. The implant includes a titanium metal post implanted into the jawbone, where the bone gradually heals and grows around the post. This holds it in place and is healed in about three months. Then, the abutment and crown are placed over the top, which look just like a natural tooth.

Intraoral Camera

Correct patient diagnosis and treatment is the most important function of an effective, state-of-the-art dental practice. The intraoral camera is the latest in a long line of technologically advanced equipment that has been introduced to the dental field in recent years. It delivers incredibly sharp, clear images that enhance our dentist’s ability to properly diagnose and treat patients.

 

The innovative imaging software that accompanies the intraoral camera is perfect for viewing the nooks and crannies missed by X-rays. While the camera snaps crystal-clear images throughout the mouth, the software allows the doctors to manipulate the image to see different angles and zoom in on an otherwise static image. The camera also takes videos that can be streamed to a bedside monitor. Patients are able to view their procedure in real-time. Our dentists here at Garrison Family Dentistry are able to clearly explain what the problem is and how they can best treat it together.

 

When our team utilizes the intraoral camera, they are able to reach places that an X-ray cannot. While X-rays are extremely effective for locating cavities and decay, the doctors are able to see things they would never be able to see through the use of the intraoral camera. Although a traditional visual inspection of the teeth may have sufficed in the past, technology has made it possible for dentists and patients to reap many more benefits from each health exam.

 

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