Our Services
From routine cleanings to implant supported dentures, Jacksonville Family Dentistry is ready to handle all of your dental needs! We also accept most insurances!
Some of the services we offer are dental exams, cleanings, digital imaging, whitening, extractions, crowns, bridges, implant supported crowns and dentures, root canals, partial dentures, veneers, emergency exams, and fillings.
When you come in, our friendly staff will make sure everything is ready to go. Next, we will take images of your teeth and gums to see if there are any infections or decay. We will also perform a visual inspection of your gums and each one of your teeth. During this time, we will also be looking for signs of infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. If we identify any of these issues, we will discuss treatment options with you and may even be able to treat minor cavities that day. We will also clean your teeth to ensure that you do not have any lingering plaque or bacteria in your mouth. We suggest that you schedule a dental exam and cleaning at least once every six months, even if you are not experiencing any discomfort.
A dental filling is a restoration used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage. We may recommend a filling if your tooth has been damaged by tooth decay, or if your tooth suffers from minor fracturing or chipping. The dental filling is used to restore the tooth to its original structure and function and to return your smile to good health. There are two main types of dental fillings available: amalgam fillings and composite fillings.
The process for placing a filling requires just one comfortable visit to our office. Our dentist will first remove the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth, and then clean the tooth to remove all of the decay. We then fill the tooth with the filling material and shape it to match your tooth’s shape. Finally, the filling is hardened for a lasting restoration.
Dental crowns are permanent coverings that fit over your tooth to restore its shape, appearance, and function and protect it against further decay or fracturing. Crowns may be made of a variety of different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or gold. Crowns typically take 2 visits with the dentist to complete. Bridges are used to close gaps between teeth. They are typically crowns that are fitted over the “abutment” teeth on either side of the space. The dental bridge is anchored in place through the use of two dental crowns, which are custom-made to fit your smile and are placed on the teeth or dental implants next to the space left by the missing tooth. These crowns hold the artificial tooth in place to restore your smile. It typically requires only two visits to our practice to complete a dental bridge.
An implant is like a new tooth made of metal and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. It’s composed of two main parts: One part is the titanium implant body that takes the place of the missing root, and the second part is the tooth-colored crown that is cemented or screwed on top of the implant. Your dentist will work with their dental lab to fabricate the crown. This typically takes 2 visits to complete.
The need for a root canal occurs when injury or decay reaches deep into the tooth, past the outer enamel layer. When left untreated, this type of infection may cause the tooth to die and necessitate tooth extraction. To restore the health of the tooth and avoid the need for extraction, your dentist will remove the infected and injured tissues from within the tooth, clean the tooth, and fill it with a medicated material. We will then protect the tooth with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to return the tooth to its original shape and structure. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in only one or two comfortable visits to our office.
If you have lost your teeth or are in danger of losing them, we can help you examine the options available and choose the type of dentures that work best for you. At Jacksonville Family Dentistry we offer full dentures, partial dentures, metal-free partials, immediate dentures, and implant supported prostheses. We highly recommend denture stabilization with dental implants.
At your whitening appointment, we’ll place protective barriers and coatings on your lips, cheeks, and gums so that the whitening gel only contacts your teeth. After several applications of whitening gel, the barriers are removed and you will notice your teeth are several shades whiter. We can also make models of your teeth and fabricate clear plastic trays for you to take home. You will then be given syringes of whitening gel which goes in your trays. Then you wear your trays with the gel in them for 30 minutes to an hour. The whitening gel enters your teeth and, though the same process as the in-office whitening system, whitens your teeth from the inside-out.
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
As a rule of thumb, you should always wait two hours after surgery before eating to let the anesthesia wear off. Trying to eat before this could result in soft tissue damage because you are not able to feel all of your mouth.
You can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home. Your dentist may prescribe you medication, take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. Avoid smoking . Warm salt water rinses will help. Eat soft foods and brush softly to avoid irritating the extraction site.
You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You may be prescribed an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call your dentist immediately.
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent crown, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. You should avoid sticky or crunchy foods while you have the temporary in.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help.
When the permanent crown or bridge is placed it may take a few days to get used to. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.
After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. Continue your normal hygiene following treatment.
After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times a day. Your dentist may also prescribe an antimicrobial rinse to use following treatment. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area.
Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. You should avoid sticky or crunchy foods while you have the temporary in.