Services

Ultra-thin, our porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even tobacco stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed.

If one or more of your teeth is severely stained, talk to us about the wonders that porcelain veneers can do for you. 

Periodontics

Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone which hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fallout. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak; they also spoil your smile.

Periodontal disease damages the teeth, gum, and jawbones of more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45. The gums, as well as your teeth, are examined on a regular basis.  

Non-Surgical Techniques

Often, in the early stages of periodontal disease, non-surgical therapies are used.

The initial treatment stage is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.

Tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.

Antibiotics and/or irrigation with special mouth rinses may be prescribed to help control bacteria. In some cases, antibiotic fibers may be placed in the periodontal pockets after
scaling and planning, to control infection and encourage normal healing.

Other non-surgical techniques may be recommended. Our dentists will be happy to discuss them with you.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ Treatment: Nightguards

TMJ stands for "temporomandibular joints" and also refers to a number of ailments that had not been officially determined. They are often associated with the grinding and clenching of teeth, particular at night, when the sufferer is unaware of this grinding and clenching.

Symptoms include stiff jaws, tired jaws muscles, difficulties in widely opening a mouth, and sensitivity to cold drinks.

Night time teeth grinding - a medical condition called "bruxism" - can result in more than discomfort. It can wear away tooth enamel to such an extent that teeth are ultimately destroyed.

Wickford Dental Associates/Dental Associates of Wakefield have found that custom-fitted nightguards are an extremely effective way of treating this condition. Easy to insert and remove, having one custom-made for you may be the smartest move you can make to protect your teeth.

Wickford Dental Associates / Dental Associates of Wakefield have two different types of nightguards. To find out which nightguard fits you best, call our office today to get more information. (401) 295- 8806/(401) 789-9718.

Endodontics

Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Associations involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Through the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel- or "root canal" -contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

Wickford Dental Associates/Dental Associates of Wakefield will be happy to discuss your treatment options with you at your convenience.

Maintenance

The Importance of Regular Exams

Serious conditions begin as treatable problems

Plaque, which is sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth, can harden in as little as 24 hours to become tartar. Even with proper brushing and flossing, most people aren't able to remove all the plaque every day. The result is tartar build-up.

Plaque and tartar build-up are the main cause of gingivitis. Gingivities is reversible, but if untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease, which is an infection that causes receding gums, bone loss and sometimes tooth loss.

The bacteria in plaque also causes tooth decay. A small cavity can easily be fixed, but if it grows into the softer inner dentin layer of the tooth, it can reach the pulp chamber very quickly, causing pain and further infection.

Failed fillings can also lead to more decay. Unless it's treated early, decay will most likely lead to a need for root canal treatment and crowns.

Misaligned or missing teeth can contribute to problems with jaw joint, such as pain and soreness, difficulty in opening and closing your mouth, and ear aches.

Regular Checkups Allow Us to Treat Problems Early

To keep these dental problems from becoming serious, we recommend twice yearly check-ups. Regular cleanings enable us to keep tartar from accumulating on your teeth. During your regular visits, we will also perform a thorough exam to check your gums, measure the bone levels around your teeth, look for cavities, check your restorations, and examine your bite.

The Right Technique

The Correct Angle of Brushing

Angle the bristles of the brush along the gum line at a 45-degree angle and apply gentle pressure so the bristles slide under the gumline. Vibrate the brush while you move it in short back and forth strokes and in smaller circular motions. Brush two or three teeth at a time and then move on to the next tooth, allowing some overlap. To brush the backs of the front teeth, tilt the brush and use the tip of the brush.