BASIC HEALTH
PREVENTION AND DIAGNOSIS
Prevention of dental problems through regular care and complete exams is our top priority. Basic and early treatment keeps small problems from becoming irreversible.
We help with benefit and insurance plans to ensure the best care possible for our patients.
PREVENTIVE CARE Dental cleanings, help with home care, fluoride and x-rays are the cornerstone of good dental health. Dr. Schuster has an experienced, gentle hygiene staff to care for your teeth, gums and smile!
PERIODONTAL GUM TREATMENT Dr. Schuster's practice takes a medical history and performs a periodontal exam on every adult patient. Initial treatment for gum disease usually involves deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, performed under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic or anti-microbial agents.There is very little discomfort associated with the procedure. Nitrous oxide and headphones are available to all of our patients. Follow up evaluations determine the next course of treatment, including a referral to a periodontist for further treatment if necessary. Current research suggests that untreated periodontal disease may be linked to heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and premature birth. Diseases such as diabetes, tobacco use and medications that dry the mouth are risk factors for gum disease.
FILLINGS Fillings(restorations) are placed in teeth to treat decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. Detected early,cavities (caries) can be treated more easily. Dr. Schuster is certified in the use of the Waterlase MD™, a dental laser that can block nerve impulses to teeth, often without the need for an injection. We believe it is essential to treat decay as soon as possible to prevent tooth pain and infection, and to try to prevent the need for root canal treatment or extraction.
CROWNS Crowns are placed to restore, save and protect teeth weakened by previous large fillings or fractures. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants, support partial dentures and improve the appearance and function of the teeth. Dr. Schuster places all- porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and gold crowns.
BRIDGES Bridges are cemented restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are similar to crowns.
PARTIAL AND FULL DENTURES Dentures are removable appliances used to replace one or more teeth.
IMPLANTS Implants are essentially replacement roots or anchors placed in the jaw. Individual crowns, bridges or removable dentures can be attached to the implants to replace one or more missing teeth.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp from within the tooth. It is often performed by an endodontist. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown and can function normally without discomfort.
BONDING Bonding involves adhering tooth colored composite resin material to the teeth. This is done to repair damage from decay, to alter the alignment of the teeth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes.
SEALANTS Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. The dentist or hygienist will condition the enamel and apply a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off the plaque and keep the teeth healthy. Sealants are appropriate for children and adults.
RADIOGRAPHS AND X-RAYS
Radiographs or X-rays are focused beams of x-ray particles which produce an image on a sensor.This gives us the familiar black and white images that doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems not otherwise visible. Radiographs are a necessary part of our diagnostic process. Without a radiograph, tooth decay, infection and pathology of the jaws and teeth can go undetected. In our practice we use digital radiography which allows us to take images of teeth using 50-70% less radiation than with conventional film.
EMERGENCIES, TRAUMA AND INFECTION Infections in the mouth can be serious and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Please call for an appointment if you think you may have an infection or if you have an injury to your teeth.
Please call us at 608-276-8800 if you have any questions about our services. | 
