As a General Family Dental practice, we provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages by synthesizing and integrating all of the dental specialties. Services provided as a General Dentist include:
Preventive Dentistry*
The goal of the dental profession is to help individuals achieve and maintain maximum oral health throughout their lives. For the patient who thinks in terms of economics, prevention pays. Our preventive program includes many modalities, some of which include- Personal oral hygiene instructions, fluoride treatment, dental prophylactics(cleanings), digital radiographs, oral cancer screening, dietary modifications, discussion about tooth paste and rinses, sealants, preventive oral health care for the compromised individuals.
A preventative tool that we utilize in our practice is call the KaVo DIAGNOdent pen- The DIAGNOdent laser aides in detecting the invisible. This tool helps with the prevention and early detection of cavities. The DIAGNOdent is an extremely accurate aid in the detection of small and hidden cavities. The DIAGNOdent laser scanner allows us to detect sub-surface or hidden cavities, which was often difficult to detect with the explorer and even X-ray. The DIAGNOdent pen measures laser fluorescence with tooth structure. At the specific wavelength that the DIAGNOdent laser operates, clean healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence, resulting in very low scale readings on the display. However, carious tooth structure will exhibit fluorescence, proportionate to the degree of caries, resulting in elevated scale readings on the display.
All information from the radiographic examination, the clinical examination and adjunctive tools are gathered to and introduced to help educate our patients and allow them long range freedom from the plaque causing diseases.
Pediatrics*
Pediatric dental care includes oral health care for infants, children and adolescence. We evaluate eruption patterns of baby and permanent teeth. We discuss the role and importance that baby teeth play in the overall development of the child. We present and discuss decay and treatment options for baby teeth.
Dental visits are recommended starting at age 1. We will discuss fluoride, topical and systemic, and its uses. We review diets. We will discuss the roll and use that bottles and sippy cups play. We will give customized oral hygiene instructions that includes, positioning infants and toddlers for tooth brushing, positioning for brushing older children.
Orthodontics*
We are providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. There are many reasons to have straight teeth. Straight teeth lead to healthier gums. Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart. Properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit“ tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.
Teeth become easier to clean when straightened. With good oral hygiene the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease can be reduced.
In some instances, speech problems may results from poorly positioned teeth. Correction of the bite can also help improve chewing. Properly aligned teeth are less stressful on the supporting bone and jaw joints. With straight teeth you decrease the risk of dental trauma and abnormal wear from developing. Most people straighten their teeth to feel less self-conscious and more confident.
Periodontal Care*
Periodontal diseases (also known as gum disease) are infections of the gum and bone that support teeth. If left untreated, can become severe and may result in tooth loss. Periodontal diseases are often painless and you may not be aware of the problem until your gums and bone are seriously damaged. Periodontal disease will not go away by itself. Preventing and treating the disease in early stages are the best way to keep your smile healthy.
The first step to treatment of this condition is usually non-surgical. Typically we are able to treat with a special cleaning called Scaling and Root Planning. We can also use adjunctive therapies along with scaling and root planning, such and laser treatment and use of medications. We usually recommend 3 month periodontal maintenance visits, were we will monitor and maintain your periodontal status.
Invisalign
Clear alternative to wire braces. Get straight teeth while feeling less self conscious and more confident.(See FAQ Page for additional information)
Invisalign Teen
Clear aligners that are virtually invisible. Show confidence with your smile even when wearing your aligners to straighten your teeth. No need to be self conscious while attending the big events.(See FAQ Page for additional information)
Operative Dentistry*
Also known as Restorative Dentistry. Deals with the diagnosis, prevention and minimally-invasive treatment of decay. Conservative correction of the esthetic problems with dental bonding(tooth colored fillings). We utilize the most up to date materials and techniques to achieve personalized smiles.
Oral Pathology*
The goal of oral pathology is the investigate clinical and radiographic abnormalities. We accomplish oral cancer screenings with all new patient examinations and again at recare appointments. Early detection and treatment is key for successful, positive outcomes.
Oral Surgery*
Treatment accomplished at our office includes, but not limited to, wound repair, biopsy procedures, exodontia(tooth extractions), pre-prosthetic surgery, management of infections of the maxillofacial region, diagnosis of maxillofacial trauma and treatment of medical emergencies in the dental office.
Endodontics*
Endodontic treatment(root canal treatment) deals with the diagnosis and treatment of inflamed or diseased pulps. This is accomplished by numbing the tooth, making an opening into the center of the tooth to reach the pulp(nerve). We use small instruments to remove and sculpt the space it occupied. We then sterilize, fill and seal the root with a rubber-like material that will prevent bacteria from entering this space. We also have the ability to utilize laser technology as an adjunct to conventional therapy.
Prosthodontics*
We accomplish complete oral rehabilitation including the use of complete dentures, partial dentures, over dentures, rebuilding worn out denture, crowns, veneers, bridges, dental implants, while improving the proper bite relationship. These types of treatment restore form, function and esthetics of your dentition.
Additional Services
Zoom!– Professional tooth whitening system. It’s safe, effective and fast. Ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. It’s the perfect choice for the busy individual.
Diode Laser- We use soft tissue laser with allows high precision surgery and soft tissue management. This allows minimal bleeding, minimal scar formation, minimal post operative wound pain, scarcely any swelling. The diode laser allows decontamination of the irradiated tissue and provides effective protection from infection. There are many applications that we are able to utilize laser technology for in day to day treatment.
Nitrous Oxide(Laughing Gas)- Nitrous Oxide is available in our office. It is safe and ideal for the patient who is very nervous, or has high anxiety about receiving dental care. You are typically not required to have a person to drive you once treatment has been accomplished.
E4D– The E4D dentist system offers high quality dental restorations in a single appointment. We are now able to scan your tooth rather than take a conventional impression. The digital scan uses the latest in laser technology which is not only extremely precise, but also as safe as the check-out scanner at the grocery store. The scan is clean and fast. After the scan, a custom restoration is designed to fit your unique smile. The design is then transfered to the milling unit where your crown, filling, or veneer is created right in our dental office. The final restoration is placed in your mouth the same day.
Custom Athletic Mouth Guards- Defending your child’s teeth against sports injury requires a large arsenal. It all starts with good protection.
Facts: An athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to teeth when not wearing a mouth guard.
Wells Fargo Health Advantage- We are signed up as health care providers with Wells Fargo. This allow us to offer payment plans to help you get the care you need.
*Digital Radiography- We use digital radiographic technology in our office. This allow us to use lower amounts of radiatation per radigraph while giving a higher quality image.
*Bolivar Family Dental, Dr. Gonzales nor staff are specialists in any of these specialities.