Services New Patient Visit

At your new patient appointment, expect us to spend about an hour and a half with you. (Children's visits don't take quite as long.) Dr. Perry and team will meet with you and discuss your desired level of care for your mouth. We want to thoroughly understand your needs, concerns, and goals so that we can meet and exceed your expectations.

The clinical part of your visit will begin with digital X-rays and a thorough review your medical and dental history. Outside your mouth, Dr. Perry will perform a head, neck, and TMJ exam to make sure that your bite is aligned properly. Inside your mouth, Dr. Perry will check for oral cancer and gum disease. She will inspect each of your teeth so that she can understand the condition of your existing dental work and be aware of new problems. By collecting all of this data, Dr. Perry can identify your specific needs and design a custom treatment plan to optimize your oral health and comfort. If your gums are healthy and time allows, you may have a hygiene visit before you leave the office.

Periodontal Therapy

For patients with periodontal disease, we will need to schedule specialized hygiene treatment. The appointment will allow us time to clean hardened plaque from below your gum line and smooth rough teeth roots where plaque tends to build up. We may also apply an antibiotic to infected gum tissue. Gum disease patients will need to return to the office every three or four months for assessment and possible therapy. We will refer advanced gum disease cases to a trusted periodontist.

Preventative Care Visits

Every patient needs a checkup and professional teeth cleaning twice a year. At your checkup, we will review your medical and dental history first. Dr. Perry will assess for oral cancer and gum disease, then perform a head and neck exam. Our policy is to take four bitewing X-rays at least once yearly and a full-mouth set of X-rays every three to five years, depending on the health of your gums. After your checkup, you'll spend time with our hygienist. She'll thoroughly clean your teeth and inspect your gums for areas of concern. If Dr. Perry or the hygienist finds problems, we will explain the situation and suggest treatment.

Restorative Dentistry

Fillings: When tooth decay strikes, the only solution is a filling. Dr. Perry gives patients a choice between composite (white) and amalgam (silver) fillings. Of course, white fillings look more natural and are a better choice for the health of the tooth.  That is why they are the material of choice for most patients as well. Dr. Perry will provide you with information to make an informed decision about your filling material. Don't postpone getting the fillings we recommend. Left untreated, tooth decay will spread and can cause irreparable damage to a tooth's root or affect surrounding teeth.

Crowns: Cracked or severely decayed teeth may require a crown, inlay, or onlay for restoration. Crowns, inlays, and onlays are custom made in a dental lab from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or all metal. Dr. Perry prefers to preserve the all-white appearance of a smile by placing white crowns on front teeth. Because of the intense pressure back teeth are subjected to, a part- or all-metal crown may be the best choice. Placement of a crown, inlay, or onlay requires two visits.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bleaching: Teeth bleaching, also called teeth whitening, can make you appear years younger by erasing food, beverage, tobacco, and medication stains. Dr. Perry uses safe and effective, professional-grade teeth bleaching systems to brighten teeth up to ten shades.

Bonding: Your front teeth make your smile. If you have chips, gaps, stains, or misalignments in your front teeth, cosmetic bonding can reshape your smile. Bonding can be done in just one visit.

Veneers: For a completely new image, consider porcelain veneers. Custom made from stain-resistant porcelain tinted to blend with surrounding teeth, veneers are thin shells that permanently cover the front surface of teeth. Your smile can take on a new shape, color, and overall appearance with porcelain veneers. Because the materials our lab uses reflect light like natural tooth enamel, your veneers will look sensational.

Prosthodontics

Full Dentures: For patients missing all teeth on a top or lower jaw, dentures offer complete smile replacement. Dentures consist of a full set of replacement teeth anchored to a gum-colored base. Adhesive or dental implants can hold dentures in place.

Partial Dentures: Partial dentures, also called a partial or a removable bridge, are multiple replacement teeth anchored to a gum-colored base. Unlike dentures, partials fit between existing teeth to fill gaps. Usually, partials are secured with clasps or dental implants.

Implant-Retained Dentures or Partials: To secure dentures or partials, dental implants offer a lasting and reliable solution. Dr. Perry will work with a periodontist or oral surgeon to coordinate placement of your implants, then she'll design and order your prosthetic from our dental lab. With an implant-supported prosthetic, you won't have to worry about embarrassing slippage at awkward times!

Bridgework: A bridge can replace one or more teeth in a row. Secured on abutment crowns or dental implants, bridgework restores a smile's appearance and function after teeth are lost. Crown-and-bridge systems are non-removable, also called fixed appliances.

Anesthesia

Oral Sedation for Dental Anxiety or Lengthy Procedures
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Oraqix for Periodontal Therapy
Topical Numbing Gel