Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth – to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. Dental crowns have many uses, such as being able to “cap” a damaged tooth or cover an implant. They can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking, or restore one that’s already broken. To discuss dental crowns with one of our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry, schedule a consultation today.

If you have a tooth that has been weakened due to decay, a desire to restore a broken tooth that has been severely worn down or simply wish to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, then you may be a candidate for a dental crown. Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that one of our doctors cements onto existing teeth or implants. There are several types of materials that can be used for dental crowns and our doctor will discuss them during your consultation.

If you have questions about restorative or cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778. 

Teeth Whitening

Patients of Garrison Family Dentistry are always asking our doctors about the best way to get to their whitest smile.  Everyone likes to make a great impression with a nice smile and we are excited to offer an at-home whitening option to patients with serious staining to the teeth, and those with minor stains who want to achieve a bright, white smile.

A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth. 

The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services we offer, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Cosmetic Services to Improve Your Smile

If your teeth are yellow in color, or if you have chips, cracks, or fractures in the teeth, our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry have a variety of cosmetic services to help improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dental services are designed to enhance a patient’s smile while restoring the teeth and gums to their natural function. Allow us to educate you on the different types of services we provide at our practice.

If you are unhappy with the aesthetics of your smile, it’s best to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors so that he or she can assess your needs and perform an oral exam. Cosmetic dental services such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, or tooth-reshaping, are designed to improve the overall look of a tooth (or several teeth) but also assist in improving a tooth’s function as well. Our doctors are skilled to answer any questions you may have about the techniques used to improve your smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cosmetic services, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Benefits of a Bright Smile

If you are embarrassed by yellow teeth and a not so aesthetically pleasing smile, then you should consider giving our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry a call. By providing our patients with teeth whitening and bleaching services, you can achieve the “Hollywood” look you’ve been dreaming of. Teeth whitening and bleaching are safe, quick, inexpensive, and you can lighten only your upper teeth, or both the upper and lower, while boosting your self-esteem in the process.

In addition to basic oral hygiene, teeth whitening and bleaching are just a few ways to achieve a bright smile. Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations that have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. At Garrison Family Dentistry, using the latest bleaching technology, we can provide you with confidence and self-assurance, and a beautiful smile that makes you more comfortable in your own skin.

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Dr. Garrison on Smithville’s Decision to Stop Public Water Fluoridation

Dr. Garrison recently provided his expertise for Fox 4 news report on Smithville’s decision to stop fluoridation of the public water supply. Smithville, MO officials made the decision primarily as a cost-cutting measure, but as Dr. Garrison explains in the video report on Fox 4’s website, Smithville could end up paying for the choice with their oral health.

Since it was first implemented in the 1940s, fluoridation of drinking water has consistently shown to benefit public dental health, leading to less tooth decay, cavities and tooth loss. While fluoridation process does require additional cost to implement as a public practice, it saves community members a great deal of money in dental treatment. Per the CDC, every $1 invested in public water fluoridation saves roughly $38 in dental costs.

Comment and share your thoughts on this recent decision.  If you haven’t already, be sure to watch the report on Fox 4’s website: http://fox4kc.com/2013/03/19/budget-cuts-force-changes-to-smithvilles-water/

 

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/benefits/background.htm

Cosmetic Dentistry

For most of us, a smile plays a critical role in the impressions we give and take, the confidence we exude, and the way we feel throughout the day.  Depending upon how you feel about yours, a smile can be a serious asset or a source of apprehension.  That’s why cosmetic dentistry has been such a wise investment for many of our patients here at Garrison Family Dentistry.

Whether you’re seeking a basic improvement such as teeth whitening or a speedy orthodontic alignment, or a complete smile makeover with veneers, crown lengthening and more, we have the resources to get you closer to a smile you idealize.

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we know that when patients feel great about the look of their smile, they are all the more inspired to take excellent care of their smile.  Cosmetic dentistry is more than just an esthetic improvement; it’s a personal investment in confidence and oral health.

We offer a wide range of cosmetic dental services and invite you to visit for a consultation. We’ll help you assess the current state of your smile and discuss the options that will best suit your needs and desires.  For more information on our cosmetic dental services, please view our website and give us a call today.

Dental Implants

Are you familiar with dental implants? These restoratives are the closest you can get to the look and feel of a real tooth. Dental implants are strong, reliable, easy to maintain, and are also highly versatile.  Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we use dental implants as a dependable solution to several smile concerns.

Since dental implants are placed directly into the jaw bone and provide the same stability you’d expect from natural tooth roots, they can be used to replace one or more missing, extracted, or severely damaged teeth.  Each implant can be topped with a custom fabricated crown that makes the restoration site virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.  There’s no need to modify or disturb surrounding teeth to serve as a means of support, nor is there any external framework or components. Dental implants can also be used to solve the problem of denture instability, serving as a rooted component of traditional dentures. As a result, patients feel more confident, secure and comfortable as they eat, speak and smile.

If you’re considering dental implants to replace a tooth or if you’d like to transition into implant dentures, it’s a great time to visit us here at Garrison Family Dentistry. We are now offering $200 off implant treatments until June 1^st.  To learn more about this Spring Special and the dental implants we provide, please view our website and call us directly for details.

Digital X-Rays

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we’re committed to running a modern dental practice that is just as advanced as it is personable and friendly. We maintain a variety of dental technology that helps us provide you with better care. One example is our use of digital x-rays.

Digital x-rays offer a number of advantages over conventional dental film x-rays.  They process is a considerable safer as they emit 80% less radiation than film radiography methods.  The results are also more efficient, convenient and comprehensive.  The digital capture and display capabilities make it easy for us to zoom in an area of concern, plan procedures with greater precision, give you a better understanding of your current oral health, and easily share the results for insurance claim and patient record keeping purposes.

If you’re due for an exam or you’re ready to undergo a dental procedure at our practice, call us and ask how digital x-rays and our other capabilities can contribute to an optimal dental care experience.