Comprehensive
Dental Care
in Broken Arrow, OK

In addition to routine cleanings, Dr. Holleman will perform general dental exams to check the health of your teeth and gums, concentrating on areas where the hygienist noted potential problems. This exam may also include digital X-rays and intraoral photos to examine your teeth, gums, and bone for signs of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. Your gums will be checked for signs of disease, and existing crowns and fillings will also be evaluated.

Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are two excellent preventive services that can be added to any treatment plan to help the teeth remain strong and healthy. Fluoride treatments can be scheduled routinely or on occasion and involve applying a fluoride varnish to the teeth that helps strengthen the tooth enamel. Dental sealants are clear coatings that are placed on top of the molars to prevent harmful bacteria from collecting in hard-to-brush areas and causing tooth decay. These treatments are often recommended for children, but patients of all ages are welcome to utilize them!

A custom orthotic is designed to stop teeth grinding, which means symptoms associated with TMJ are decreased or go away altogether. Night guards simply prevent the teeth from coming in direct contact with each other and causing dental trauma. This means, as grinding continues, the plastic night guard helps protect the teeth from breaking under tremendous pressures from our jaw muscles, but the muscles are still grinding all night and continue to be strained, allowing many TMJ issues to continue or worsen. The orthotic, on the other hand, places the teeth in a position where the jaw muscles and the TMJ are comfortable and relaxed. While some think the only symptoms of the condition are popping in the jaw and jaw pain, it may manifest in various ways, including keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. Chronic headaches or migraines are also commonly misdiagnosed symptoms.

A composite filling is used to repair minor dental flaws, including cracks, decay, and fractures. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. These fillings are closely matched to the natural color of your teeth so that you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile once again.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection that affects the gums and bone around the teeth. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The gums become red and swollen, bleeding easily. If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, which is when the gums and bone that support the teeth become irreparably damaged. A special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing will be recommended. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). If the periodontal disease has far advanced into the severe stages, you may be recommended to see a periodontist, or gum specialist.

Laser therapy is designed to eliminate or substantially reduce periodontally diseased gum and/or pockets to help control or prevent future progression of the disease. Laser therapy reduces periodontal gum pocket depth by facilitating improved visualization of the laser-detached gum pocket soft tissue linings to aid scaling and root planing for removal of tartar and reattachment of the laser-treated gum tissues to the roots by promoting growth of new bone and/or root surfaces. Laser treatment is generally less painful than flap surgical procedures and can have greater predictability for reattachment of gum tissue and bone growth to promote long term periodontal health and to preserve teeth.

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface and is used to restore imperfect, damaged, or root canal-treated teeth. Bridges consist of a false tooth or teeth being held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented onto each of the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. Both crowns and bridges can be created out of a tooth-colored, porcelain material to restore the esthetic and function of your smile. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. When in place, your crown or bridge will be a natural addition to your smile.

The inside of each tooth contains soft tissue and nerves running from the root to the crown. A crack, deep cavity, or other injuries to a tooth can cause the nerve to become damaged and infected. Without treatment, patients can experience pain, swelling, abscesses, tooth loss, and damage to the surrounding bone. With endodontic treatment, also called root canal therapy, we carefully remove damaged tissue and nerves from the tooth, then gently clean and seal the root canal to protect it from bacteria. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be referred to another dentist, also known as an endodontist, who specializes in the nerves and tissues within and surrounding the teeth.

Missing teeth can take the joy out of the everyday things you love, from eating your favorite foods to laughing and smiling with confidence. Dental implants are the preferred method for permanently replacing missing teeth, and they’re also one of the most effective ways to stabilize loose or ill-fitting dentures. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Dr. Holleman has completed extensive training in both the surgical placement and the cosmetic restoration of dental implants, so you can receive almost all your implant treatment needs here at Lynn Lane Family Dentistry.

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. Complete or full dentures are removable appliances that are worn by patients who are missing all of their teeth on one arch (upper and/or lower). Removable partial dentures also act as a replacement for missing teeth and are similar to complete dentures, but they fit around your remaining natural teeth. Dentures can also be supported by dental implants to provide additional stability and strength. We work hard to make sure our dentures look natural and feel comfortable.

If we can help you save your natural tooth for a healthy and attractive result, we will — each and every time. We practice conservative care, always with your best interests in mind. Sometimes conditions in your mouth, ranging from infection and pain to very advanced tooth decay, make tooth removal the best option. If this is the case, we will do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Laser therapy is one of dentistry’s latest advances. In the spirit of commitment to the highest level of treatment for our patients, Dr. Holleman has incorporated the DEKA Smart US-20D CO2 Laser into our treatment options. This is cutting-edge technology and has delivered amazing results when we treat soft tissues or deal with dental implant surgeries and gum related problems.

Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft-tissue-related procedures. For soft tissue (surgical) solutions, it eliminates the need for scalpels and creates a sterile surgical field with little to no bleeding. This means healing can be much faster. The most common laser dentistry procedures include:

• Gum disease treatment – Lasers can be used to remove unhealthy gum tissue, to remove bacteria during root canals, and to destroy bacteria on the gums and in the roots of the teeth.
• Cosmetic gum reshaping – Lasers can gently remove gum tissue, allowing for the cosmetic reshaping of gums, or reshaping of the gums after gum disease.
• Biopsies and lesion removal – Laser dentistry is ideal for biopsies and the removal of lesions, as the tissue remains intact and in good condition and there is no pain or bleeding upon removal.
• Treatment of aphthous ulcers and cold sores – Laser treatment can minimize the pain associated, stimulate the healing process, and reduce the healing period.
• Removal of frenectomies and/or tongue-ties – Reduction or removal of these soft tissue attachments can help to restore anatomy, function, improve speech, and/or possibly prevent commonly associated future problems including recession and periodontal bone loss.

Available only through select dental offices, Crest^® 3D White^™ Whitestrips^™ Professional Supreme with AdvancedSEAL^™ delivers professional-level whitening in just one hour a day for 14 days! Patients may start seeing results in as little as 1-3 days. The Advanced Seal^™ No Slip Technology provides a form fit, no-slip grip allowing you to talk and even drink water while whitening your teeth. It molds and adheres to teeth for a better whitening experience.

Our office offers KöR Whitening, which has been widely recognized as the world’s most effective and reliable teeth whitening system. We will consult with you about your clinical needs and hopes for your smile to help you obtain the “WOW” results you’re looking for! The KöR Whitening System works by restoring your smile’s youthful ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from the whitening gel is absorbed deep into the tooth, dissolving and removing stain molecules. Unlike other whitening methods, with easy periodic home maintenance, KöR Whitening is entirely permanent.

With Invisalign treatment, you can achieve the straight teeth you’ve always wanted without the wires and brackets that come with traditional braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually reposition your teeth to their ideal position. Aligners are comfortable on your gums and cheeks, and they can be easily removed to eat, brush, and floss. Correcting “bad bites,” or malocclusion, can create a straighter smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, affected speech and/or chewing, abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and jaw problems.

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax and make you more comfortable during dental procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep; you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions your provider may have. You may feel light-headed or a tingling sensation in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, your anxiety should be relieved and you should feel relaxed and at ease. The effects are completely reversible by breathing normal air, so you can get back to your daily activities immediately after your visit.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a carefully prescribed sedative prior to your visit. With just one to two pills and in combination with nitrous oxide, you’ll feel significantly more calm and relaxed. When talking with you about sedation dentistry, we will review your health history, including medications you are taking and habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking. We take all factors into careful consideration when planning treatment, and we’ll go through the proper preparation steps with you prior to your dental sedation visit. Your comfort and safety are our top priority!

Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by a number of factors. Sometimes multiple factors are to blame.

• Morning breath – Saliva flow reduces during sleep. This allows bacteria to grow, resulting in bad breath.
• Some foods – Some foods, like onions and garlic, contain odor-causing compounds. Once these compounds enter the blood stream, they are transferred to the lungs and then exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene – Without proper and routine brushing and flossing, food particles in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Bacteria and food under the gum line can also produce odor. If you have bad breath combined with inflamed gums, you may have gum disease.
• Cavities and some dental appliances – Believe it or not, cavities and poorly-maintained dental devices can also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – In the absence of healthy saliva flow, bacteria grow quickly. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland issues, or frequent mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – In addition to their inherent odor, tobacco products also dry out the mouth.
• Dieting – As the body burns fat, certain chemicals are released in the breath.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow.
• Certain medical conditions – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia may all contribute to bad breath.

If you have bad breath, keeping a record of what you eat may help you identify foods or habits that are contributing to the problem. At your next visit, take some time to review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with Dr. Holleman. She may be able to identify what’s causing your bad breath.

How can I prevent bad breath?

In most cases, chronic bad breath is both treatable and preventible. Just follow these simple guidelines:

• Brush and floss – Brush your teeth at least twice per day with an ADA approved toothbrush and toothpaste. You should replace your toothbrush every two to three months. Floss once per day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. Brush or gently scrape the back of your tongue.
• Visit us regularly – You should come to our office at least twice a year for routine cleanings and exams. There is no substitute for a professional cleaning.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco – If you have a tobacco habit you’d like to break, please speak with Dr. Holleman about tobacco cessation strategies.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day – Drinking water prevents dry mouth and helps wash away food particles.

If the steps above don’t do the trick, Dr. Holleman may refer you to a physician to find out if your bad breath is an underlying symptom of a medical problem.

Brushing and flossing are critical to controlling plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. You should brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day.

Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque buildup, which is a film of food particles, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Plaque that hardens over time turns into calculus, which is also called tartar. If plaque and tartar are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Although plaque formation and growth is continuous, it can be controlled by regular brushing and flossing.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Make sure you brush before going to bed at night. Brush with an ADA approved toothpaste and soft bristle brush.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle towards the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to freshen your breath.

Many people prefer to use electronic toothbrushes. They are easy to use and do remove plaque efficiently. Just make sure you place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow time for the brush to do its job.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

If you have difficulty using standard floss, please ask us about alternative flossers.

Rinsing – If you’re not in a position to brush your teeth after eating a meal, you should instead rinse your mouth with water. It’s also important to rinse with water after brushing or flossing. There are also a number of quality dental rinses that are available over-the-counter. Please ask Dr. Holleman for advice on choosing a product that’s appropriate for you.

The toothpaste aisle can be pretty overwhelming. Over the past few years, companies have introduced so many options for toothpastes, brushes, flosses, and mouthwashes, that even the most discerning consumer wouldn’t know where to begin. Here are some hints for picking the right products for your particular needs:

Toothbrush. The big question here is, electric or manual? When it comes down to it, it’s really all about your personal preference. Recently, electric toothbrushes have gained popularity, but not necessarily because they’re “better” than manual brushes. Both brushes are effective at removing plaque, but electric brushes can make the process easier for you. If you find manual brushes difficult to use, or just don’t enjoy the process, an electric one might make brushing easier and allow you to do a better job. When choosing a manual brush, opt for soft bristles with the smallest head – they’re easy on gum tissue and can fit around the back molars. Regardless of your hardware of choice, though, just keep brushing, and be sure to brush long enough! Although it takes a full 2-3 minutes to brush every tooth effectively, most people only brush for an average of 30 seconds!

Toothpaste. First and foremost, always check for the ADA seal of approval. Despite the large variety of toothpastes available, most contain similar agents geared toward scrubbing, flavoring, or keeping your paste moist. It’s a good idea to choose a paste that contains fluoride, which strengthens enamel and makes teeth less prone to decay. Tartar-control toothpastes usually contain fluoride, but they also contain chemicals to break down plaque and antibacterials to kill lingering germs. After checking those off, choose your paste based on your personal needs. Whitening varieties have added abrasive agents (not bleach), that polish the surfaces of your teeth without damaging enamel. If you have sensitive teeth, certain toothpastes provide chemical compounds that, when used on a routine basis, can reduce sensitivity over time.

Floss. While most people brush the recommended two times a day, flossing sometimes gets placed on the back burner. However, neglecting to floss at least once daily is doing your mouth a serious disservice, as up to 50% of plaque accumulation occurs between teeth. That’s why you should floss before you brush, to loosen up that plaque for easier removal with your toothbrush. If you find flossing too difficult or unpleasant, try using a flosser. They’re reusable, use disposable heads, and with handles just like toothbrushes, they make flossing as neat and easy as brushing your teeth. You can find them at most grocery and drug stores.

Mouthwash. There are as many different types of mouthwashes available as there are flavors, and it’s important to choose the one that’s best for you. Cosmetic mouthwashes can rinse away debris, provide a pleasant taste, and mask bad breath temporarily. If you’re looking for a mouthwash with a purpose, look for an FDA-approved therapeutic rinse, with either antiplaque or anticavity ingredients. Mouthwashes are particularly useful for people with canker sores, braces, and dry mouth, but they shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing.

Combining all of these factors makes a complete and effective oral hygiene routine, but you don’t need the fancy, expensive products to have your healthiest smile. Just do your part at home and stay up-to-date with professional check-ups, and you’ll be set to go!

Four out of five people have some form of periodontal disease and don’t know it! One of the reasons people remain unaware of their gum disease is because it is usually painless in the early stages. In order to detect gum disease, you should receive regular dental check-ups.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque remains on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce acids that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will typically control plaque and prevent advanced periodontal disease.

In addition to poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are at greater risk of plaque and tartar formation than non-users.
• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings can all trap plaque and bacteria.
• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, and oral contraceptives may increase the risk of gum disease. Some medications reduce saliva flow, which allows plaque to adhere more easily to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – These can cause changes in hormone levels, which may in turn cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, and a number of other conditions may increase the risk of gum disease.
• Genetics – Some patients are predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. If you have a family history of tooth loss, you should pay particular attention to your gums.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened gums.
• Pus around the teeth and gums – This is a sure sign of an infection.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth is a strong indication of periodontal disease.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Sticking to the basics – good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits – can reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

At a minimum, you should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year. If your teeth and gums need extra care, Dr. Holleman may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in maintaining oral health and in preventing dental problems. During your regular exams, we’ll do much more than clean your teeth. Your regular visits may include:

• A medical history review: It’s important that we understand your overall health. We’ll ask you about your current medical conditions, new medications, and any illnesses.
• X-rays: These are critical for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help us determine tooth and root positions. You likely won’t need X-rays at every visit.
• Oral cancer screening: We check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: We check your gums and the bones around the teeth for any signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: We’ll check each tooth surface for decay.
• Examination of existing restorations: We’ll examine your current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Removal of calculus (tartar): Tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and becomes firmly attached to the tooth surface. Tartar can only be removed with professional dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. Regular removal of plaque prevents tartar buildup and gum disease.
• Teeth polishing: This removes stains that are not otherwise removed during toothbrushing.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: We will review and recommend oral hygiene aids as appropriate.
• Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health, so we’ll consult with you on your diet.

A comprehensive dental exam and cleaning is about much more than simply checking for cavities and polishing your teeth – it’s about complete oral health and overall health! Receiving regular exams and cleanings is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages. Panoramic X-rays, which are taken every five to seven years and show the entire mouth, are particularly useful diagnostic tools. Panoramic X-rays are taken with a machine that circles your head providing a complete overview of all the teeth as well as the roots, upper and lower jawbones, the sinuses, and other hard surfaces in the mouth. Many problems with teeth and the surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we visually examine your mouth. An X-ray examination is needed to reveal:

• Small areas of decay between teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
• Deep cavities
• Infections that can develop in the jaw bones
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Abscesses or cysts
• Developmental abnormalities
• Some types of tumors
• TMJ Dysfunction

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you money, time, and unnecessary discomfort. In cases where X-rays help us detect oral cancer and periodontal disease early, radiographs can also help save your life!

Each day, foods and acids feed bacteria in your mouth, which can accumulate on your teeth to form plaque. Plaque wears away at a tooth’s enamel in a process known as demineralization. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can promote the remineralization of enamel, replacing important minerals that strengthen your teeth and can protect them from decay. Fluoride can also help reverse early stages of decay.

Children with newly-erupted permanent teeth benefit a great deal from fluoride exposure, but adults should make sure their teeth come into contact with it, too. The safe and easy way to ensure your teeth are getting enough fluoride is to use fluoride toothpaste, available at drugstores in a variety of types and flavors. If Dr. Holleman recommends more intense fluoride treatments, there are a number of gels, rinses, or even in-office procedures that can do the trick. Though the most fluoride is absorbed from direct contact with the teeth, many public drinking water systems contain small, safe amounts of fluoride that can have positive health effects.

For a number of years now, there has been concern about the safety of amalgam, or metal fillings. An amalgam is a mix of copper, silver, tin, and zinc, which is bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. Some people however believe that mercury vapors and particles from amalgam fillings cause health problems.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists continue to use silver containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA has reviewed and conducted studies, but has failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder.

The general consensus among dental professionals is that amalgam fillings are safe. In addition to the ADA, the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the FDA, also support the use of amalgam fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use amalgam fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. Millions of amalgam fillings have been placed over the years, yet the ADA has had fewer than 100 reported incidents of an allergy to components of amalgam fillings.

While studies clearly indicate that there are no measurable health risks to patients who have amalgam fillings, we do know that mercury is a toxic material when we are exposed at high, unsafe levels. For instance, we have been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that carry high levels of mercury in them. However, with respect to amalgam fillings, the ADA maintains that when the mercury combines with the other components of the filling, it becomes an inactive substance that is safe.

Oral conscious sedation medications are measured and evaluated by pharmacists and physicians on a safety scale called the therapeutic index, where the higher the number on the scale, the better the safety rating of the drug. The sedation medications commonly used by dentists have high numbers on this index, and you will probably recognize some of the names of the drugs (including Valium^®, Halcion^®, and Sonata^®). When Dr. Holleman works with you to choose a drug protocol (primary sedation agent) – because there are several – factors such as age, weight, and level of dental anxiety are taken into careful account. Health history, including medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and supplements), and habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking are critical to talk to Dr. Holleman about, as well. Even certain fruit juices can affect the reaction of sedation medications in the body. For example, patients should not drink grapefruit juice within 72 hours before or after dental treatment with sedation. Prior to your sedation visit, we will talk you through the proper preparation steps, from diet adjustments and possibly taking a sleep agent the night before, to having a companion drive you to your appointment and what to expect after treatment.

When patients feel anxiety, their threshold of pain is lower and so dental treatments feel more uncomfortable, stressful, and panic-causing than they otherwise would. The most advantageous aspect of oral conscious sedation is that this can be eliminated. The object is to enable anxious patients, and patients with special needs, to relax the body and mind to be able to receive the treatment they need. Getting the dental care you need is essential to maintaining your optimal overall health.

Taking medication or undergoing any type of anesthesia involves a certain level of inherent risk, so Dr. Holleman will consult with you about this. Also, patients’ bodies metabolize pills differently, so the calming effect of sedation medications might take longer on some patients than on others.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort or remaining effects from a sedation dentistry visit. Immediately after treatment, you might feel a little wobbly while the medication wears off, but we’ll give you simple, helpful instructions for the rest of your day.

Dr. Holleman and our team work hard to stay on the leading-edge of restorative dentistry. If you or someone you love struggles with ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures or a retainer with false teeth, we have a permanent solution. Quickly becoming the preferred method of dental replacement, implants can give your smile a second chance. They are useful in denture stabilization, but they can also be used in conjunction with crowns, bridges, and in single-tooth replacements.

Permanent implants are not only more durable and long-lasting than traditional tooth replacements, they also look and feel more like natural teeth. Most importantly, they function like natural teeth, so you can chew, talk, and smile with confidence again. Because the implant procedure allows for more of your healthy tooth structure to be saved, fixed implants can even prevent bone loss.

Many patients suffering from advanced tooth decay, root canal failure, trauma to the mouth, or just extreme natural wear and tear on teeth are benefiting from this revolutionary option in restorative dentistry. However, there are still some things to consider before you decide on dental implants. For example, they are best performed after adolescence, when the teeth and jaw bone are fully developed. Additionally, the implant procedure can be more complicated for individuals with periodontal (gum) disease, active diabetes, immune deficiencies, and for patients who smoke. To ensure that you get the treatment that’s right for you, keep us informed and up-to-date about your entire medical history and dental habits.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, whiter, stain-free smiles through teeth whitening is the number one inquiry we receive from our patients. The demand for whiter teeth has increased significantly over the last decade, and there are many solutions available to you.

While there is no shortage of over-the-counter “drugstore” whitening solutions, professional teeth whitening remains the most efficient way to whiten your smile. Our professional treatments are simple, ADA-approved, and non-invasive. They allow you to change the color of natural tooth enamel so you can beautify your smile.

Over time, our teeth naturally change from white to grey or yellow. People who smoke or regularly drink dark fluids such as coffee, tea, and wine tend to have their teeth discolor sooner than those who do not. Certain medications such as tetracycline or excessive fluoridation can also accelerate tooth discoloration.

Most patients are candidates for professional teeth whitening, but it’s still important to have your teeth evaluated by Dr. Holleman before beginning a whitening regimen. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains may be too severe to whiten, and veneers or crowns may be better options. It’s also important to keep in mind that teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, so we’ll want to evaluate your existing dental work before we begin whitening treatments. Keep in mind too that teeth whitening is not permanent, touch-ups may be needed to keep your smile looking bright.

Common Teeth Whitening Systems:

Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted tray. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 15-30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep. These trays typically take a number of weeks before you see the noticeable results you want.

In-office teeth whitening: This treatment is done right here at Lynn Lane Family Dentistry, and the results are immediate! The process typically involves a few 30 to 90 minute appointments. We apply a strong but safe whitening agent directly to your teeth. All you need to do is sit back and watch TV or listen to music. By the time you leave our office, your teeth will be noticeably whiter!

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity following whitening treatments. This sensation is temporary and will subside within a few days to one week.

A more beautiful smile can make life more beautiful. Studies have shown that a healthy and attractive smile can raise self-esteem, increase confidence, improve your personal as well as your professional life, and help you make better first impressions on others. Sometimes it doesn’t take much treatment for you to feel better about your smile, and there are a variety of subtle, yet noticeable ways that smiles can be enhanced. There are also more significant and dramatic treatment procedures (and combinations of procedures), often called “smile makeovers,” that can totally change teeth and smile appearance, to give you the smile of your dreams.

While there is no true “specialist” association with cosmetic dentistry, there are a number of organizations with advanced training and awards associated with cosmetic dentistry. Some dentists place greater emphasis on cosmetic dentistry treatments, especially when they have an exceptionally artistic eye and/or particular enjoyment for cosmetic procedures. This is certainly the case for Dr. Holleman – she absolutely loves to help her patients improve their smiles.

Advancements in dental technology have made it possible for us to address a wide variety of issues affecting smile appearance. Some common cosmetic dentistry treatments include teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding and enamel shaping, porcelain veneers, bridges, and orthodontic solutions (including braces and aligner therapy). Replacing old, amalgam (silver) fillings with tooth-colored fillings can also be considered cosmetic in nature, as it is done to improve both the health and structure, and the appearance of teeth. Really, all dental treatment aimed to improve the appearance of your teeth, gum shape, and smile can be considered cosmetic in nature.

Cold sores are painful and highly contagious blisters that can form around your mouth and chin. These are also known as fever blisters, as cold sores can get triggered by the hot sun. However, cold sores can also develop by cold wind exposure and even stress. There are many cold sore treatment options, but none can completely cure cold sores from occurring. When a cold sore occurs, it can last up to two weeks when not treated. Some people may even confuse a pimple with a cold sore. If you’ve been searching cold sore vs. pimple but still don’t know which you may have, there are two symptoms of a cold sore that can help you tell the two apart. A cold sore can be painful before and during an outbreak, and when it appears, it will be a cluster rather than a single bump.

If you are looking for how to get rid of cold sores fast, you will need to treat them as soon as you feel them coming. Early stage cold sores are easier to be kept and treated. Treating an early stage cold sore can also reduce and shorten the amount of pain, itching, and tingling that cold sores often leave you experiencing. Applying a cold washcloth, leaving the area alone, and using over-the-counter pain relievers may also reduce the discomfort. Laser therapy is also a great option for cold sore treatment. If you feel a cold sore coming on early enough, lasers can effectively treat and speed up the healing time and provide instant relief. As soon as you feel tingling or pain where the cold sore is starting, you should give our office a call, as we can perform this cold sore treatment without any anesthetic!

Laser dentistry is also useful when it comes to other procedures such as a frenectomy. Laser therapy for this can cause little to no bleeding and provide much faster healing. A frenectomy dental procedure reduces or removes soft tissue attachment to help restore speech function and prevent future problems from occurring in the patient. There are two types of frenectomy, labial and lingual. A lingual frenectomy is common for those who are tongue-tied. The soft tissue for this is located on the floor of the mouth and restricts movement. This frenectomy dental procedure is quick and simple. A frenectomy can be done at any age to improve oral health and function, such as bite patterns, speech, and relieving discomfort.

Crown lengthening surgery can sound scary as most patients don’t know what it is. Crown lengthening is when the dentist removes gum tissue, bone, or both of these from the tooth to expose more of it. While this can be a cosmetic procedure, as most people get it to reduce a gummy smile, it also can be necessary to complete other dental procedures like getting a crown or bridge placed appropriately. Crown lengthening takes around an hour to complete.

Crown lengthening surgery can be completed with a combination of local anesthesia or oral conscious sedation. Using one of our oral conscious sedation options will allow you to feel minimal pain, pressure and let you relax. Crown lengthening recovery is where you may feel the most pain, which is why it is important to follow the crown lengthening recovery instructions given, like eating soft foods only. Crown lengthening recovery might take up to six weeks or more.