Oral Exam/ Cancer Screening
At every six-month cleaning we provide an oral exam. Your oral health can change drastically over a six-month period, and our office emphasizes detecting all cavities and soft tissue lesions in their early stages. We provide oral hard and soft tissue cancer screening at no additional charge. Oral cancer is an aggressive form of cancer and early diagnosis is key for a good prognosis.
Dr. Burgess and Dr. Bardell can provide this early diagnosis for their patients. They consider these screenings one of the most important parts of their job and always take time for a thorough analysis. At the office all of the hygienists have also been thoroughly trained to aid in early detection.
Cleaning (Prophy)
In addition to the hygienists that joined Dr. Burgess when he first started the practice 25 years ago, we have welcomed new hygienists as the practice has grown. Our hygiene team, Becky, Julie, Ellie, Erin, Melinda and Luke, provide professional cleanings. When you come to our practice you can expect a highly trained hygienist and a friendly face that you will see year after year. Cleanings remove harmful plaque and calculus (tarter). Plaque and tarter can lead to bone loss, gum disease and cavities. Cleanings also remove staining left by food wine, tea, coffee and smoking. Our hygienists also have the ability to treat sensitive areas of your teeth at no charge.
Our hygienests use multiple instruments to provide a superior clean. They use Ultrasonic Cleaners, Scalers, and Curettes depending on the extent of buildup and patient preference. They provide a professional polish at the end. You have the opportunity to choose from more than 11 flavored pastes including a tasteless paste. On top of the friendly atmosphere and familiar faces, our office offers free nitrous in all the hygiene rooms to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Fluoride Treatment
Our hygienists provide fluoride treatments to children and adults at high risk of cavities. Fluoride sticks to teeth and prevents cavities on the smooth surfaces of the teeth. These areas are at high risk for cavities in children who lack the dexterity needed for proper brushing. An example of a high-risk adult is a person who has undergone radiation therapy, causing decreased salivary flow. Fluoride treaments can be in the form of fluoride "painted on" the teeth, available in a variety of flavors, or a prescription toothpaste.
Night Guards
Our office offers a variety of night guards depending on what will be most effective for each individual. A night guard can prevent damage caused by grinding your teeth. Many times grinding is a subconscious activity, but the damage and pain it causes are very real. Signs of grinding include: headaches in the morning, jaw and muscle tenderness (TMJ), grinding noises at night, chipped front teeth, and fractured teeth.
Emergencies
One of our denstists is always on call after regular business hours, for patients of record. If experiencing pain, swelling, or injury, call 309-663-6564 and you will be directed to an emergency number. You can then text or call the on-call dentist. If swelling is affecting your breathing call 911 immediately.
Deep Cleaning
Patients that have not had a cleaning in a long time face the possiblity of periodontal disease. If there is bone loss due to high levels of calculus (tarter) below the gum level our dentists will perform an evaluation of the damage and discuss deep cleaning options to restore maximum oral health.
Athletic Guards
Athletic guards are recommended for all contact sports, including football, hockey and martial arts. Our office makes custom mouth guards in our office lab with two quick appointments. Research supports the importance of custom athletic guards opposed to the “boil and bite” guards that are often used. Current research shows 50% fewer concussions in athletes who use custom athletic guards.
Root Canals
Root canals are performed when the living tissue in the tooth has undergone trauma and is dead or dying. This trauma can be from a large cavity, bacteria entering the living tissue in the tooth, a cracked tooth, or physical trauma. Pain and swelling are often associated with a tooth that is dead or dying and has an infection. A root canal is the only treatment that allows the patient to keep the tooth; the other treatment option is to have the tooth extracted. A root canal consists of removing the blood vessels and nerves inside of the tooth, filling the tooth with a new core material, then sealing the tooth. Success rates for root canal treated teeth average about 80%.
Modern root canal therapy is practically painless and Dr. Bardell has taken hours of continuing education to keep up-to-date on current techniques. The office has invested in the most up to date equipment to provide superior service and make your experience as pleasant as possible.
