Services

Drs. Browder and Elijah, DMD

SERVICES

As a full-service dental practice, we provide all regular dental services to our patients. From regular tooth maintenance to whitening and repairs, we are capable of meet all your needs with our expert staff and state-of-the-art facility and equipment. To find out more, click on any of our services for descriptions.

To schedule an appointment today call our friendly and helpful staff at (334) 272-2906.



Cleaning

Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as give your teeth the greatest longevity possible.

And good news! Most health insurance plans pay for 100% of the cost of your 6-month check ups and teeth cleanings. So don't wait, schedule your next teeth cleaning today!



Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is a useful tool to prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to bacteria from plaque and sugar. It can also help reverse the early stages of decay. Fluoride is especially important for children under six years of age, because it will incorporate into the permanent tooth development, providing an extra layer of protection against tooth decay throughout one's lifespan.


Sealants

A sealant is a resin-based material used to fill in the deep pits and fissures of back teeth. Children and teens are the main recipients of sealants, as decay in these areas are most common in their age groups. By applying sealants to these vulnerable areas, the chewing surfaces are then protected from plaque-causing bacteria and acids that de-mineralize the enamel.


Restorative Fillings

Restorative fillings are used in cases where there is a cavity or hole in a tooth that needs to be restored back to its natural size and shape. Most commonly, amalgam (silver filling) is used in posterior (back) teeth for reason of durability, longevity and ability to withstand the pressures of chewing. Amalgam fillings are relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials and therefore remains a valued treatment option for our patients. Composite resin (tooth colored bonding) is a great alternative to amalgam fillings for those who do not want the look of silver in their mouth or the added expense of veneers. Although composite restorations are cosmetically pleasing, their durability isn't as strong as some of the other restorative materials.


Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over the entirety of the "crown" of the tooth, the portion above the gumline. Dental crowns are used in cases where a tooth is broken, decayed, or already comprised mostly of old filling material to the point that a new filling cannot be placed. Crowns, matched in shade to the adjacent teeth and cemented permanently over the reduced natural tooth, restore the structure's size, strength, and function.


Bridges

Bridges are used to fill the space in cases where there may be one to two missing teeth, usually bicuspids or molars. Procedurally, crowns and bridges are identical; the teeth on either side of the space are reduced, but instead of single crowns, the finished bridge is composed of solid false crowns (ponics) fused together between the two normal crowns. The bridge is then permanently cemented into place.


Veneers

A veneer is a thin, all-porcelain "shell" that covers the entire front surface of a tooth. Less tooth reduction is required for veneers as opposed to crowns, and depending upon the case, temporary veneers may or may not need to be placed. Finished veneers are cemented permanently into place, creating that Hollywood smile you've always wanted. Mostly performed on anteriors, or front teeth, veneers are generally preferred for cosmetic purposes such as:

- Discoloration
- Extensive wear
- Irregular contour
- Extensive spacing


Dentures

In instances where all upper or lower teeth must be removed, a full denture is the preferred replacement. A full denture consists of acrylic resin materials that are fitted specifically to the patient's tissue and bone structure and resemble the natural gums and teeth. Dentures most often take several visits to complete. Impressions and teeth shade are taken during the first visit, and a second visit is set to try in the denture. This ensures the ability to change any cosmetic or structural issues before the third visit, where the denture has been processed by the lab and is ready for delivery.


Partials

A partial, or partial denture, is a removable appliance that replaces one or multiple missing teeth from a dental arch. While some partials replacing only one or two front teeth may be all-acrylic, the majority of partial dentures are composed of acrylic (to resemble the natural gum tissue) with metal framework inside and metal clasps, which hook to adjacent teeth for added stability. Similarly to full dentures, partial dentures are completed in three visits. First, tooth shade and impressions are taken; then, the partial denture is tried in to ensure proper fit of the framework and correct cosmetics such as the shade of the teeth. Lastly, the partial is sent back to the lab for processing and at the third visit the finished product is delivered.


Root Canals

When a tooth is abscessed or decayed into the pulp chamber, a root canal must be performed. This procedure is sometimes split into two appointments depending upon the severity of infection, and usually takes no more time than a filling. During root canal treatment, the nerve and blood supply housed in the hollow canal of the tooth is removed and replaced with a medicated permanent filling material. A temporary filling is then placed in the visible access point and the tooth is allowed a healing period of at least two to three weeks. Occasionally, a filling is the only permanent restoration needed, particularly for a front tooth; however, for a posterior, or back tooth, a crown is highly recommended for protection, as a tooth treated by a root canal tends to be come brittle above the gum-line.


Extractions

When issues such as an abscess, extreme bone loss, decay and breakage are such that no restoration can save a tooth, that tooth must be extracted. During an extraction, the patient is consciously sedated by nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, and the area is numbed using topical gel and a local anesthetic. Once the tooth is removed, a non-dissolvable suture may be placed to encourage a faster healing time. If a suture is placed, a follow-up appointment is made to remove the suture and observe tissue. Post-operative instructions are given by the assistant; a small amount of bleeding is normal for a short period after the procedure.


Whitening

Tooth whitening, or bleaching, is the easiest and most popular way to achieve a bright, beautiful smile. Our easy at-home regimen is quick and easy to follow; treatment includes the bleaching tray and four boxes of bleaching agent per dental arch. First, impressions are taken of the teeth. With these molds, we are able to create custom bleaching trays, which closely hug the arch. This process is performed in our office and takes three to five business days. Upon the second appointment, the custom splints and whitening agents are delivered to the patient. To use, a small amount of the agent is placed in the front grooves of the bleaching tray and worn for approximately thirty minutes each day for two weeks. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to chart the whitening progress.

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