Routine cleanings

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists.  Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Tooth extractions (select)

There are times when a tooth must be removed if damage or infection is too extensive and risks causing more problems. If Dr. McKenny determines that your extraction is better handled by an oral surgeon, he will give you a referral to one of our quality oral surgeons in Ames, Fort Dodge, or the Ankeny/Des Moines area.

Root canals (select)

The root canal is present inside each tooth, containing the nerves and living tissue, also known as dental pulp, which determines the health of your smile. Potentially irreversible damage can occur to these necessary components when decay and infection occur within this chamber. Infected pulp may be the result of a number of factors, including poor hygiene, cavities, or facial trauma, and can contribute to greater dental health concerns. Root canal treatment clears out sources of harm, conserving your natural dentition while preventing more serious issues from developing.

Restoring dental implants

When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth. Many times, we are able to place a temporary crown on the implant that is very natural and helps with esthetic concerns during the healing phase of the process.

Occlusal night guards/bruxism appliances

A night guard helps to protect the teeth from unnecessary wear and even fractures or cracks due to grinding or clenching of the teeth, a condition known as bruxism. The signs of tooth grinding include a flattened appearance of the teeth, muscle fatigue in the head and neck regions, morning headaches, and gum recession. Sometimes, people may not even realize they are grinding their teeth at night. Dr. McKenny will evaluate these areas and make recommendations that are appropriate for your individual situation.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges.  You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case.  The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal.  Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth.  This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Periodontal maintenance

It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)!  Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year.  At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy.  Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

Teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening can serve most patients seeking a more natural sheen to their smile without altering the structure of teeth. There are a number of situations where dental staining can be addressed particularly well by teeth whitening. This includes discoloration due to excessive fluoride exposure or use of medications known to have a cosmetic impact on teeth. Patients whose teeth appear yellowed due to the normal wear of the outer layers can see improvement after whitening. Additionally, teeth whitening may minimize the stains that result from drinking coffee, tea, or wine as well as from smoking.

While effective, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. To keep your teeth bright, we will work with you to provide regular maintenance. It is also important to note that teeth whitening will not change the color of restorations such as fillings or crowns.

crowns

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

fillings

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth.  Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today.  Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Complete and Partial dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 months).  During this time, the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear. The frequency of denture repair is lower when they are supported by dental implants.