Dental Procedures

The best way to safeguard your oral health is to maintain a regular schedule of dental visits and practice good oral care at home. Coast Dental supports your efforts with a variety of services and products that include:

• diagnostic services
• preventive services
• cosmetic services
• restorative services

We’ve provided basic information on the most common procedures. See your dentist for detailed information about your treatment options.

Root Canals

A root canal is used to treat a tooth’s soft core when it becomes damaged or diseased. This soft core is called the dental pulp and contains the nerves, blood vessels and other connective tissue that extends from the crown of the tooth to the root, down into the jaw bone.

If tooth decay or a crack in a tooth causes an abscess or infection in the dental pulp, it must be treated to prevent further infection and damage to your jaw bone. The treatment is called a root canal and is performed by a general dentist or an endodontist (a root canal specialist).

The diseased or damaged dental pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and the root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned out and sealed with a temporary filling until a crown can be permanently placed on the tooth. This procedure may take up to three appointments to complete.

Extractions

Dentists have a number of options available to help restore teeth that are decayed or damaged. Sometimes an extraction (tooth removal) is required, most commonly if a tooth is damaged beyond repair. Other reasons include:

• severe tooth decay or infection
• teeth are blocking others from coming in
• periodontal disease has affected the tooth's supporting tissues and bone structure
• preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)

Your dentist may perform a simple extraction in the office or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist.

Bone Grafts

When a tooth is extracted, new bone growth stops and bone loss begins. Dentists can now provide bone grafts to prevent bone loss and prepare the patient for dental implants, bridges or dentures. This safe and effective procedure can be done by a general dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist.

Crowns, Bridges & Implants

Coast Dental offers a number of surgical and non-surgical options to restore teeth that have been damaged or lost. Some of the more popular options are crowns, bridges and dental implants. Your dentist will advise you on the option that best meets your needs.

Dentures & Partials

Your dentist may recommend partials or dentures if you have lost some, most or all of your teeth. Coast Dental offers several choices to replace lost teeth.

Cosmetic Services

Coast Dental offers a variety of cosmetic services designed to make your smile more beautiful. Whether you want to brighten your teeth, correct an imperfection or desire a full smile makeover, we can help.

Oral Cancer Screening

An advanced oral cancer screening exam is an important part of the comprehensive oral evaluation. We use Identafi 3000, a non-invasive technology that improves your dentist’s ability to identify, evaluate and monitor abnormal areas not visible in a conventional exam. There is an extra charge for this screening which is covered by some insurance companies.