Dental Services
Dental Services Descriptions
Below is a description of several dental services provided by O’Donnell Dentistry in Lynchburg, VA.
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Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry for the most part refers to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. It is used primarily to improve dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. See our before and after results.
Veneers
Dental veneers, porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates as they are sometimes called, are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. This is done to improve the appearance of teeth and subsequently your smile. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.
Dental Crowns or Porcelain Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” which is placed over the tooth to cover it. The dental crown is used to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. The crown fully surrounds the entire visible portion of the tooth at and above the gum line.
Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening lightens your teeth and helps to remove any stains and discoloration you may have. Whitening is a very popular cosmetic dental procedure that can greatly improve how your teeth look. Whitening is typically not a one-time procedure.
White Fillings
A composite filling uses a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of your teeth. It improves your smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Learn more about our restorative dentistry options.
Gold Crowns
A classic type of dental restoration is the gold crown. There are a couple types of gold crowns used to restore a tooth. A full gold crown is made entirely from gold or gold alloy. A PFM or porcelain fused to metal crown is made from a combination of gold and porcelain.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a surgical fixture used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth that are placed into the jawbone. The implant is allowed to fuse with the bone which typically happens over the span of a few months. The dental implant acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth and allows a replacement tooth to be attached in a permanent fashion.
General & Family Dentistry
General Dentistry
You can think of a general dentist as your primary care dental provider. This type of dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages your overall oral health and dental care needs. It encompasses gum care, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.
Family Dentistry
You can think of family dentistry as dentistry that addresses your oral health and dental care at every stage of life. Children have very different dental needs than adults. It takes a qualified family dentist to deliver comprehensive oral care ranging from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Like general dentistry, family dentistry is concerned with oral hygiene and the health of your teeth. As a dentist in Lynchburg, VA, Dr. David O’Donnell sees a wide range of dental patients for general dentistry and family dentistry.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry deals with the dental health of children ranging in age from birth through adolescence. While some dentists decide to specialize in this area and only treat children, family and general dentists have met the needs of the entire family including children for years. We offer dental exams for kids and dental cleanings for kids to keep your child’s smile healthy.
New Patient Exam
A new patient dental exam is very similar to a routine check up but also includes some additional procedures as you get established as a new patient. This check up lets your dentist essentially take inventory of the overall health of your mouth and teeth and diagnose any potential problems you may have. Learn what to expect as a new patient.
Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. This is needed if a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay. Typically your dentist will try to fix a broken or decayed tooth with a filling, crown or other treatment, but sometimes there’s too much damage for the tooth to be repaired and it needs to be extracted. Need an emergency extraction? We see same-day patients.
Cleaning & Prevention
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Good daily preventive dental care practices such as brushing and flossing will help prevent problems before they develop. Learn more about our cleaning and prevention services.
Composite and Amalgam Restoration
Because of technological advances, dentists and patients can choose between resin-based composite fillings and traditional metal amalgam. Newer resin-based materials are generally preferred on visible teeth for aesthetic reasons. Traditional dental amalgam fillings tend to be stronger and less expensive, making them a good choice for teeth in the back of your mouth. If you have questions, feel free to ask Dr. O’Donnell about your restorative dentistry options.
Dentures
Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth which can be taken out and put back into your mouth. Although dentures take a while to get used to, and will never feel exactly the same as your natural teeth, today’s dentures are very natural looking and more comfortable than previous generations.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap for one or more missing teeth. It is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap caused by the missing teeth. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants and help hold them in place.
Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base. Sometimes this is connected by a metal framework that holds the denture in place between natural teeth in your mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in your upper or lower jaw.
Complete Dentures
There are several types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and the surrounding tissue has healed. This healing process can sometimes take several months. But don’t worry, an immediate complete denture is made and inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed.
Valplast Flexible Partial Dentures
Unlike more traditional rigid, bulky and unstable dental materials, Valplast flexible partial dentures are made from a flexible plastic material which fits neatly into your mouth and is virtually invisible.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, our dental services, dental appointment or treatment, contact us today. We also offer financing options to make dental care affordable.
Phone: 434-385-8888
Address: 3704 Old Forest Rd Ste A, Lynchburg, VA 24501
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