Cleaning, Diagnostic & Preventative Services:

The most effective preventative dental care for your teeth and gums involves a combined effort by the patient and the dental professionals. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of homecare. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using other products or techniques recommended by the American Dental Association are the best ways to avoid problems.

Equally important are regular visits to your Dentist for examinations, cleanings and X-rays (when required). During these visits, we check to be sure that your homecare techniques are working properly and that you are not missing any areas when brushing and flossing.

Our three extensively trained and experienced Hygienists can then offer tips for improving your dental health. They will also clean all hard-to-reach areas such as the gumline, either by hand or with ultrasonic instruments. We will identify any signs of gum (periodontal) disease, the leading reason for tooth loss. If needed, treatments are then customized to your individual case.

At cleaning appointments, we will examine your teeth for any problems or breakdowns. Detecting cavities at an early stage makes the repair far easier for everybody. Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to discover that we can apply small fillings so painlessly that no numbing is necessary. Foam or varnish fluoride treatments are also applied during cleaning sessions depending on each patient’s needs.

Diagnostic X-rays are an integral part of our in-depth examinations. They help us to detect early signs of decay between the teeth, and to assess the health of the surrounding bone. We use both traditional paper film and the latest low radiation digital X-ray technologies, depending on the situation.

Most patients should be examined every six months, although this varies depending on your needs.

Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach to your dental health, our treatment plans are carefully tailored to your individual needs and wishes. Dr. Gerathy and our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Whitening:

It today’s world, many people would like to have a whiter, brighter smile. Professional bleaching methods are now very safe and effective when properly applied. Teeth that are discolored or have hypocalcifications (white spots) can easily be made to look far more attractive.

At Monument Family Dentistry, we highly recommend the Beyond Bleach^® take-home system as the most affordable and effective bleaching method. We simply make molds from your teeth and in a very short time, you receive custom bleaching trays to take home.

Although results between patients, everyone shows improvement. After using the whitening solution daily, most patients see a significant change within 10 to 14 days. It should be noted, however, that such bleaching techniques will not change the color of existing crowns or other tooth restorations.

Some patients prefer the more expensive but far more rapid results offered by in-office bleaching treatments. We are currently evaluating the best systems for possible use in our practice. In-office treatments usually require maintenance using the tray treatments described above. We’ll keep you posted as soon as a system is selected.

Please don’t hesitate to ask about whitening the next time you’re here for a cleaning, since the best time to begin is right after your teeth have been professionally cleaned!

Fillings

We offer the latest in both silver and white fillings to repair cavities or broken teeth. Each type has benefits and limitations, but both function very well.

White fillings are less prone to leakage, contain no metal, and look much nicer. Silver fillings have been used for over a hunderd years with minimal problems and are an excellent cost effective option.

Dr. Gerathy and our staff are always happy to discuss the best choice for your individual needs.

Dental Implants:

Conventional bridges, partial or full dentures are not the only available options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants can be highly effective for replacing teeth or stabilizing dentures.

If the size and shape of the patient's jawbone are suitable, dental implants are often an optimum choice, although in some cases, grafting may be required to "bulk up" the bone. Implants offer great stability because they are fused directly to the jawbone, forming an "articifial root". Implanted replacement teeth can therefore feel more natural, secure and comfortable than other more "conventional" substitutes.

Dr. Gerathy is experienced in placing crowns on implants. We send our patients to a specialist for actual placement of implants.

The picture at right shows an implant and crown performed on one of our patients in 2001. After so many years, it still looks great and the patient is very happy with both its feel and appearance.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are similar in general to false fingernails. They are bonded to the front of a tooth to modify the size, shape and/or color. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth. When applied by a highly skilled dentist such as Dr. Gerathy, veneers can look very natural and attractive.

A minimal amount of drilling may be required to prepare a tooth to receive a veneer, although “Lumineers”™, an ultra thin type, can be sometimes be applied without any drilling.

Veneering can also be accomplished at a considerably lower cost with resin, a white filling material. However, although appearance is generally good, resin veneers are not as durable as the porcelain method.

A consultation in our office will allow us to formulate a treatment plan that best suits your needs and desires.

Crowns:

For teeth that are badly broken down, you may need a crown to restore it to normal size and shape. Basic filling materials work well, but have limitations on their size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.

A crown can be used to cover teeth that are discolored, badly shaped, have had root canals or are broken down because of trauma. They can also be placed on top of dental implants.

Crowns can be made of gold or a variety of porcelain materials to give a natural appearance. Gold crowns, many would argue, are the best crowns for restoring function. Unfortunately, the yellow color makes them unacceptable in many areas of the mouth. Porcelain crowns can look very natural.

We will be happy to discuss options with you during your visit in the office.

Bridges:

Bridges have been a traditional method of tooth replacement for over fifty years. They work very well, look natural, and can prevent shifting of teeth. A false tooth (or “pontic”), is attached to the teeth on either side.

A bridge stays in your mouth at all times and the function is usually excellent. Choosing between implants, removable partials, or implants is something that we can help you with during your consultation.

Root Canals (Endodontics):

When the nerve and blood supply inside a tooth becomes severely inflamed or infected, a root canal is usually the first choice of treatment, as the success rate is very high.

Using modern techniques, the tooth is numbed and the damaged nerve and blood vessels removed.

Because a nerve canal usually runs through each root, the length of the procedure depends on how many roots are present. After the problem tissue is removed, a special filling is placed down each root canal.

Despite the bad press, there is usually minimal pain associated with the procedure. After completion of the root canal, a crown may sometimes be required, especially on back teeth.

Extractions (including Wisdom Teeth)

When a tooth is so damaged or bothersome that even the most modern and high-tech dental care cannot save it, extraction may be the only viable option.

Also, most people do not have enough room for their wisdom teeth to grow properly into their mouth, and the resulting crowding or partial exposure can result in serious infections and damage to neighboring teeth. Once again, extraction is the way to go.

Although Dr. Gerathy has many years of experience, he prefers to refer these procedures to specialist Oral Surgeons. When one or more teeth should be removed, we explain the reasons in detail during patient consultations.

In addition to local anesthetics to numb the mouth, we can also use other sedatives to reduce any anxiety. When our post-operative directions are closely followed and medicines taken as directed, pain and swelling should be minimal. We always stay in contact with our patients during the healing process to ensure that all is well.

Dentures & Removable Partials

If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, dentures can restore function and appearance. Replacing missing teeth improves not only appearance but your health. Without support from a denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak again, things taken for granted until the natural teeth are lost. We always closely involve our patients in their denture selection process to ensure that they are comfortable with the look of their new smile.

Even the best dentures cannot function as perfectly as your original teeth. In many cases, implants placed under dentures can greatly improve function. Patients must also understand that dentures require regular maintenance, especially if they become cracked or chipped. In addition, the supporting gum tissue shrinks over time, causing a loose fit, and adjustments are required. We also encourage our denture patients to own two sets in case one is broken or lost.

Removable Partials:

For patients that have lost many, but not all teeth, removable partials are a cost-effective option. This usually involves a gum-colored plastic base with a metal framework that clips to the remaining natural teeth. Partials must be removed several times daily for cleaning.

Although these appliances work well for many people, others find them too bulky. No matter what your needs, we can help you to choose the very best tooth replacement option.

Pain Mediation

We are experts at providing necessary dental treatment with the absolute minimum of discomfort for our patients.

Nitrous Oxide Gas:

Sometimes called “Laughing Gas”, it is mixed with oxygen in precise amounts and inhaled through a comfortable mask placed over the nose. The patient remains fully awake and conscious, but becomes very relaxed and less aware of passing time. Nitrous can provide a very pleasant treatment experience for adults and children.

Specialist Referrals:

Monument Family Dentistry provides outstanding an outstanding selection of treatment options and services. However, particular cases may require treatment by a dental specialist.

We therefore work closely with expert specialists who handle oral surgery, complex root canals, and certain types of gum problem or tooth replacement cases.

In fact, Dr. Gerard Timmins, an orthodontist with over twenty years of experience, shares our offices and routinely works with patients that we have referred.

Pediatric Dentistry Services:

Baby teeth are very important...they provide the pathways for the permanent teeth to come in. We do everything possible to make your child’s visits very enjoyable.

The goal of this practice is to have our kid patients grow up and not be afraid of the Dentist!

We provide a complete range of services for your children:

• Happy Visits:

We encourage parents to bring in their children prior to the age of 3 for a free “get acquainted“ visit. The child rides in the chair, checks out the lights, instruments and meets the staff. We don’t force anything.

• Exams and Cleanings:

We check and make sure the homecare is good and offer tips on improvement. X-rays may be needed.

• Fluoride Treatments:

Fluoride is tremendously helpful in the preventing of cavities. These are usually done once or twice a year during cleaning appointments.

• Sealants:

This is another great cavity preventer. Some permanent teeth have very deep grooves on the biting surfaces and these grooves can be very difficult to clean out. Sealants are made of a quick-setting bonded plastic that fills in the grooves, keeps food out, and makes cleaning easier. Not all children need this treatment, so each child is evaluated individually.

• Extractions:

Sometimes those darn baby teeth just won’t come out by themselves, or your Orthodontist may want certain teeth removed. We can remove them as gently as possible, and Nitrous gas is available if needed.