Family Dentistry
At Woodard Family Dental, we pride ourselves on treating every member of the family. Family dentistry is focused on preventing potential complications, rather than treating them.
If you and your family are in need of professional dental services, we can help!
CLEANINGS AND EXAMS
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a routine check-up up roughly twice a year. A routine appointment with Steven Woodard, DMD will typically include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We may also recommend an oral cancer screening for our older patients.
PERIODONTAL CARE
Your periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Periodontal disease is the result of an infection in the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and eventually the alveolar bone.
The disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough. If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state.
MOUTHGUARDS
If you participate in physical activities that put you at risk for dental trauma or injury, we strongly recommend a mouthguard. A mouthguard will protect your teeth and prevent dental emergencies. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may also recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allows us to move our joint forwards, backward, and side-to-side. Any problems that prevent us from using this joint properly are known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide some treatments designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the TMJ.
TOOTH EXTRACTION
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that has already erupted above the gumline. We perform a surgical extraction on a tooth that has become impacted, or has yet to erupt, such as wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and other complications.