Garces Dental Group in Center City Philadelphia provides a wide variety of clinical procedures to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Some of these are outlined below:
Clinical Procedures
Cleanings
Appointments with the hygienist consist of an intra-oral examination, oral cancer screening, X-rays, periodontal probing (measurements around the base of the tooth), cleaning with the cavitron and/or scaling instruments, polish, homecare recommendations, and an exam with the dentist. This appointment takes approximately 1 hour and should be completed every 6 months for patients that do not have a periodontal disease history. It is important to stay on track with this appointment in order to prevent new disease, prevent recurrence of previous infections, and to monitor signs of carious lesions (cavities), periodontal infections, and oral mucosal lesions (lesions on the soft tissue).
New patient appointments consist of a complete review of medical history information, full mouth series of X-rays, cleaning with the hygienist, and complete comprehensive oral exam with the dentist. These appointments generally take and hour and a half and it is recommended that paperwork is completed PRIOR to this appointment.
It is recommended that children should start seeing the dentist around age 3, unless there is an area of concern that needs to be addressed. It is helpful to bring children prior to their first appointment to introduce them to the dental office environment as being a pleasant experience and to review homecare techniques and the child’s diet with the parent/ guardian.
Pediatric Dentistry
Our dentists take special care of children patients, guiding them through all check-ups and procedures while being extra gentle. Learning dental care at a young age is crucial to a healthy smile.
We incorporate a playful attitude while teaching daily routines as engaging children to learn about dental care is one of our most rewarding tasks. Here at Garces, we welcome Children coming in before their first visit, so they can become familiar with our pleasant staff and environment.
Extractions
If a tooth is badly damaged from decay or fracture it can lead to a painful infection in the bone around the tooth. In this case, the tooth must be removed and an antibiotic is prescribed. Once a tooth is removed, the body naturally resorbs the surrounding bone. In other words, the bone in that area shrinks. For the best long-term result, the next step is to replace the extracted tooth with an implant.
Fillings
The body has an amazing way of adapting and healing. Unfortunately, this ability does not extend to the teeth. Bacteria, generally comes from a diet that includes exposure to sugar, breaks down the enamel (outer surface of the tooth) and continues to progress until the tooth is destroyed. Fortunately, a filling can be completed by the dentist.to restore the damaged toot structure.
During this procedure, the patient receives local anesthesia (a numbing injection), the decay (damaged tooth structure) and bacteria is removed and filled in with a white, tooth-colored material. Amalgam fillings (Silver fillings) are only used if the filing needs to go under the gum on the back teeth, or if the patient requests to have one.
Crowns
If decay in a tooth becomes advanced, there is not enough healthy tooth structure for a filling to attach to. In this case, a crown (cap) would need to be placed on top of the tooth in order to restore its appearance and function. During this procedure, the tooth is reduced in size, an impression is made, and a temporary crown is placed. The impression is sent to the lab in order for the crown to be fabricated out of strong, durable porcelain. In approximately two weeks, the crown is received from the lab and cemented on top of the patient’s tooth.
Bridges & Dentures
Bridges/ Fixed Partial Denture
A bridge is a natural-looking set of crowns that are used to replace a small section of missing teeth. The bridge is held in and attached to crowns that are cemented on each side of the area of missing teeth. Super floss, proxy-brushes, and/or a water pik should be used each day in order to clean under the bridge.
Removable Partial/Full Denture
A removable denture is used to replace some or all of the teeth. It is important to soak your removable dentures in a denture soaking solution each night to clean the appliance and allow your oral tissues to breathe. It is not recommended that the denture is brushed with toothpaste, as it can be very abrasive to the denture and cause small scratches that can harvest bacteria.
Root Canal Therapy
If the decay of a tooth has reached the nerve in the center of the tooth, a root canal must be completed, In this procedure, the nerve is extracted from the tooth and the space is sealed and filled. Generally, we refer the patient to an endodontist (a root canal specialist) for this procedure.
Implants
An implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of the tooth and is surgically placed into the bone by a periodontist. Surprisingly, this procedure results in minimal discomfort. Once the area is healed, the dentist places a crown onto the post and the tooth is completely restored. It is also possible to have one implant support two tooth crowns. It is important to have consistent, thorough homecare and to stick to your dental cleaning appointments in order to maintain the longevity and health of the bone that surrounds and supports the implant.
I feel great every time I visit Garces. I never thought I’d say this, but it makes me want to visit my dentist!