Dougherty Dental is a general dental practice specializing in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
The collection and recording of data during a dental examination for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment planning of patient care.
An exam performed on a patient of record to determine any changes in the patient’s dental and medical health status. This includes a periodontal screening.
An exam limited to a specific oral health problem. This can lead to additional dental procedures.
A detailed exam and recording of hard and soft tissues, both inside and outside of the mouth on a new or established patient. This evaluation includes recording of dental decay, missing teeth, existing restorations, bite relationships, periodontal conditions (periodontal charting) and an oral cancer screening.
A positive record of a patient’s teeth used in the aid of treatment planning and/or the fabrication of a dental appliance. Impressions are taken, then poured up in a dental stone.
The collection of oral cells from a mild swabbing of the oral mucosa. These cells are then sent to a lab for analyzation.
Refers to the procedures in the dental practice that prevent the occurrence of oral diseases.
The removal of plaque, calculus and stain from exposed and unexposed surfaces of the teeth by scaling and polishing as a preventive measure for the control of local irritational factors.
Refers to routine dental prophylaxis performed on primary or transitional dentition only.
The topical application of fluoride, a chemical compound, is used to aid in the prevention of dental decay.
The sealing of deep grooves in the enamel with resin to prevent decay. The enamel can be prepared for the sealant mechanically and/or chemically.
A removable appliance designed to minimize the effects of clenching and grinding.
Refers to the procedures in the dental practice that re-establish tooth structure.
A resin filling used to restore loss of tooth structure from decay or erosion.
A partial crown, made of gold or porcelain used to restore the loss of tooth structure. The loss of tooth structure is usually too deep or broad to do a conventional filling with composite. An impression is taken in our office, then sent to a lab for fabrication of the inlay/onlay. A second appointment is needed to have the restoration cemented in place. A temporary is placed in the interim.
A restoration covering or replacing the major part, or the whole of the tooth’s clinical crown (above the gum tissue). Made of gold and/or porcelain.
A resin crown utilized as an interim restoration during restorative treatment to allow adequate time for healing or completion of other procedures.
A metal post fitted and cemented within a prepared root canal, serving to strengthen and retain a crown restoration.
Refers to the procedures in the dental practice that maintain the attachment of connective tissue to the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth.
A prophylaxis instituted following periodontal therapy that continues for the life of the dentition (teeth). It inludes plaque and calculus removal, site specific scaling and root planing and polishing of the teeth.
Therapeutic in nature, the removal of plaque and calculus from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth on patients having periodontal disease. Root planing is the definitive removal of cementum and dentin that is rough, and/or permeated by calculus or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms.
The gross removal of plaque and calculus that interfere with the ability of the dentist to perform a comprehensive exam. This is a preliminary procedure that is followed by a regular prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance or scaling/root planing procedure.
An FDA approved medication that is inserted into periodontal pockets to suppress pathogens (bacteria). The medication slowly releases so that it can remain at the intended site in therapeutic concentration for a sufficient length of time.
This is an interim stabilization of mobile teeth or replacement of the clinical crown of an extracted tooth. A variety of methods can be used for this procedure, the most common being the use of composite bonded to existing tooth structure.
Any device or appliance replacing one or more missing teeth and/or, if required, associated structures.
A removable appliance replacing all teeth on either or both arches.
A removable appliance with an added tooth/teeth to replace that/those that are lost or missing. Most have clasps or rests that touch a remaining tooth for stability.
The process of resurfacing, adding or removing material from an existing denture to restore the appliance back to full function and/or esthetics.
A removable denture, complete or partial, designed as a provisional for use over a limited period of time.
A removable appliance that overlies or is supported by retained tooth roots or implants.
An interlocking device, one component fixed in the mouth, one component integrated to the appliance, used to stabilize or retain it.
A device specially designed to be placed surgically within or on the mandibular or maxillary bone as means of providing for dental replacement.
A crown restoration that is retained, supported and stabilized by an abutment on an implant. The crown can be screw retained or cemented in place.
A removable appliance that overlies or is supported by retained tooth roots or implants.
A connection to an implant that is fabricated in a lab for individual application. The custom abutment is made from a high noble metal or pressed from ceramic.
This includes the cleaning and examination of all aspects of the implant system, including the occlusion and stability of the superstructure. The patient is encouraged to clean the area several times a day just as they would a natural tooth.
Dental treatment including restorative and whitening procedures for aesthetic benefit.
A thin layer of porcelain placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. In this case, a lab fabricates the veneer and it is them cemented/bonded in place at the dental office.
A thin layer of composite resin material bonded over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. This is done in one visit, hand placed and custom shaded by Dr. Dougherty himself.
A bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. This system is scientifically advanced, safe, effective and fast. In about 90 minutes your teeth will become dramatically whiter. This procedure is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results, making it a perfect choice for the busy individual!
A private, detailed meeting with Dr. Dougherty to review the most ideal shade, shape and design for your perfect smile.
A breakthrough technique that straightens your teeth without traditional braces. Using a series of clear, comfortable aligners that are custom molded to fit your teeth. You graduate to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks, making the repositioning of your teeth gradual and pain free.
