Patient Education

Bite Splints

Bite splints are commonly recommended to treat teeth grinding, clenching or TMJ discomfort. A bite splint can minimize wear on the teeth, cracked teeth and sore muscles.

Dental Bonding

Dental Bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which tooth-colored composite is bonded to the tooth enamel to improve the appearance. It can be used to correct chips, spaces, misalignment and discoloration.  This is a procedure that can be completed in a single dental appointment.

Bridges

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the empty space. These teeth serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth is attached to the crowns that cover the anchoring teeth. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth to improve the appearance of the teeth.

Children’s Dentistry

At Michelle L. Lehman D.D.S. we begin early to a build positive experience for your child and monitor his/her dental health and development. Preventive dental care for children includes regular exams and cleanings, assessment of growth and development, fluoride treatments,sealants and oral hygiene instructions. Routine fillings and other treatment can be scheduled as needed.

Cleanings

Professional teeth cleaning is essential to overall health. Cleaning and exam twice a year can help detect cavities and gum disease and maintain a white, fresh smile. More frequent cleanings are recommended for some patients, including those with a history of periodontal disease.

Tooth-Colored (White) Fillings

A composite filling is a tooth colored (white) material used to restore decayed teeth. By using composite (white)  fillings, instead of amalgam (silver fillings) our dentists can blend shades to create nearly an identical appearance to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

Ceramic Crowns

A crown can restore damage from decay or cracks and be used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of the teeth.  A crown is a restoration that covers and protects the top portion of the tooth. High-strength ceramic is used to “cap” the tooth. 

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you have lost any or all of your natural teeth dentures can benefit your appearance and your health. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much.

Digital X-rays

Digital imaging offers the benefits of instant viewing and enhanced clarity. Images can be easily printed or sent electronically to other dentists or insurance companies when needed. Digital x-rays are environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for film and processing chemicals. And most importantly, it requires significantly less radiation to create an image on a digital sensor compared to film.

Implants

All phases of your implant procedure can be completed by Michelle L. Lehman D.D.S.  Dental implants many times are the treatment of choice to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental exams with x-rays are reviewed to determine if dental implants are appropriate and if adequate bone exists to support the implant. Titanium implants are placed and allowed to integrate with the bone before a permanent crown, bridge or denture is placed on it. Proper planning  takes a few months in most cases. 

Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

Periodontal treatment includes a wide range of procedures involving the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth. Non-surgical and surgical options exist for treatment of gum disease and are tailored to each patient’s needs.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing may be the only procedure needed to treat gum disease, or it may be combined with other therapies, as determined on a case-by-case basis. After scaling and root planing, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy in place of regular cleanings to sustain gum tissue health. 

 Sealants

A sealant is a resin material that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This BPA-free resin bonds into the grooves (pits and fissures) in the chewing surfaces, acting as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and bacteria.

Sleep Appliances

Sleep apnea and snoring are common problems faced by many people. While dentists do not diagnose these conditions, we can provide oral appliances to help manage them. Various styles of appliances, similar to mouthguards, effectively shift the lower jaw forward and support the jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing. Research shows that oral appliances can successfully prevent sleep apnea in some mild to moderate cases.

Teeth Whitening 

At Michelle L. Lehman D.D.S. our patients leave with brighter smiles!

Professional teeth whitening can be done in the dental office or at home. Both procedures are safe and effective.  However, results are seen much quicker with the in-office whitening.

Discoloration due to diet, smoking, age and natural tooth color can often be lightened significantly.

In-office whitening involves placement of a high-concentration peroxide solution onto the teeth. Whitening is enhanced with the use of a high-intensity light. The procedure involves careful isolation of the gum tissue and lips to prevent contact with the peroxide, followed by multiple applications of the whitening gel. Patients are offered take-home trays to continue the whitening process as desired or for future touch-ups. Take-home whitening utilizes a lower concentration of peroxide gel that is placed in custom-made whitening trays. Trays are worn for short periods during the day or overnight, depending on the formulation of the gel. The fit of the trays is important for comfortable and effective use.

The process usually takes two weeks of home whitening is commonly required for satisfactory results.  However, time varies amongst patients.

Veneers

Dental Veneers are used to alter the appearance of teeth that are misaligned, misshapen or discolored.  Veneers are a more conservative option to porcelain crowns.  Veneers cover only the front surface of teeth to correct spacing, minor misalignment or discoloration whereas porcelain crowns cover the entire surface and used when teeth are severely misaligned or have large fillings . decay.

Where porcelain crowns cover the entire surface of a tooth and are used when teeth are severely misaligned or compromised by large fillings or decay,

Treatment time for Dental Veneers is approximately 3-4 weeks.