TREATMENTS
We offer a wide range of dental treatments for all age groups, with a particular emphasis on prevention of dental issues.
General Dentistry
We believe that our patients deserve the highest standard of dental care.
Air Abrasion
White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry is pleased to offer air abrasion for our patients who dislike the drill.
With air abrasion, a stream of high-pressure air is mixed very fine particles of sand to spray away weak tooth structure and decay for minimal size preparations. Our dentists can use air abrasion to safely remove stubborn stains commonly found underneath old fillings without removing as much tooth structure. If you would like to learn more about how air abrasion in Lexington, South Carolina, can help you, please feel free to contact us today.
Did you know that you can have a cavity filled with no drills, no needles, no shots, and no pain? Thanks to micro air abrasion dentistry, we can painlessly remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth without the use of a dental drill.
Micro air abrasion instead uses a concentrated blast of air that contains very fine particles of aluminum oxide, which is a common ingredient in many toothpastes. Working in a method similar to a sandblaster, air abrasion blasts away the decay and leaves your healthy tooth intact. This results in greater conservation of your natural tooth structure, which helps to keep your tooth healthy and strong. Because micro air abrasion uses a simple spray of air and powder, it is minimally invasive, gentle, quiet, and fast.
Our patients find micro air abrasion to be much more comfortable and pleasant than traditional drilling as it eliminates the noise, smells, and vibration that typically result from using a dental drill. And perhaps the best part of all is that we usually do not need to use anesthetic, so you have no need to feel nervous about getting a shot.
To learn more about the benefits of micro air abrasion, we invite you to call or visit our dental office today. We are eager to care for your smile
Air Polishing
Our team at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry is proud to utilize state-of-the-art procedures to help you have the most relaxing, efficient experience possible with our dentists.
One of the services we offer to help us meet this goal is air polishing. This particular treatment is frequently used to remove stains or to remove the plaque and tartar that cause gum disease. While at-home brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are important for removing this plaque and tartar, air polishing can clean areas that are more difficult to reach. Air polishing is done by using a stream of low-pressure air mixed with baking soda, salt, other powders, and water to gently spray away soft deposits and stains. However, our dentist may also recommend air polishing to:
- Remove heavy stains
- Clean away biofilm
- Remove subgingival biofilm (or the biofilm between the gum and tooth)
- Desensitize your tooth
- Remineralize your tooth
Because air polishing has a wide array of benefits, our team recommends that you schedule a consultation with our dentists before deciding on this treatment. If you are interested in learning more about how we can utilize air polishing in Lexington, South Carolina, to benefit your smile, please feel free to contact us soon.
Dental Bridges
If you have lost one or more teeth, our dentists may recommend a dental bridge to restore your smile.
Dental bridges are non-removable appliances that can restore your smile to good health, function, and appearance. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a dental bridge in Lexington, South Carolina, we invite you to call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD today.
If you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth in a row, we may recommend a dental bridge to restore your smile. A bridge is a fixed dental restoration, meaning it is non-removable. The dental bridge is anchored in place through the use of two dental crowns, which are custom made to fit your smile and are placed on the teeth or dental implants next to the space left by the missing tooth. These crowns hold the artificial tooth in place to restore your smile, ensuring that your restoration will not easily shift or come loose. It typically requires only two visits to our practice to complete the dental bridge. Dental bridges are designed to last for many years and to restore the function, beauty, and health of your smile.
Our dentists may recommend a dental bridge to improve your smile by:
- Restoring your ability to speak, eat, and chew as normal
- Alleviating excess stress on the bite
- Improving the shape and volume of your face
- Replacing an unwanted removable partial denture
- Preventing the remaining natural teeth from moving out of position
- Enhancing the appearance of your smile
We will help you determine whether a custom dental bridge is the right choice for restoring your smile after tooth loss. For more information, please call or visit us today.
Dental Cleanings
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, our dentists recommend that you visit us at least once every six months to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry is pleased to also offer ultrasonic cleanings to remove plaque and tartar more quickly. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of professional, ultrasonic teeth cleaning in Lexington, South Carolina, please feel free to contact us today.
Dental cleanings and exams are two of the most basic yet important preventive treatments we provide at our office. Each time you visit our dental practice for a checkup, we will provide a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam to help your smile stay healthy. During your teeth cleaning and exam, our dental team will:
- Clean your teeth by removing any plaque or tartar (also called dental calculus), which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease
- Floss and polish your teeth for a healthy, bright smile
- Examine your smile for signs of any damaging dental conditions or diseases
We utilize dental X-rays to further evaluate your smile and make certain that you receive the dental care you need. Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential in maintaining good oral health, preventing cavities and gum disease, and making sure that any damaging conditions are treated as early as possible.
Our dentists recommends that you visit us every six months for a routine dental cleaning and exam. We may suggest more frequent visits if needed, and we also encourage you to contact us if you suffer from a dental emergency, pain, or injury. To schedule your next appointment, we invite you to contact us today. We look forward to caring for your smile!
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a restoration our dentists may recommend to correct or strengthen weak teeth, restore cracked teeth, or improve the appearance of your smile.
Our dentists may also recommend dental crowns because of their ability to restore your smile to optimal comfort. If you would like more information about the ways we can use a dental crown in Lexington, South Carolina, to improve your smile, please contact us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry soon.
Your smile may benefit from a crown if a tooth is damaged or decayed to the point that a dental filling will not provide a successful restoration. Crowns can also be used for a number of other restorative and aesthetic purposes, including:
- To protect a tooth following root canal treatment
- To anchor and attach a dental bridge
- To cover and complete a dental implant
- To enhance the beauty of your smile
- To improve a misshapen tooth
- To strengthen a tooth that is fractured or weakened
- To support a large filling when little natural tooth structure remains
To find out whether a dental crown is right for you, we welcome you to contact us today!
Dental Fillings
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, we are proud to offer tooth-colored fillings, which allow for a pleasing, aesthetic look.
A dental filling is a common restoration that our dentists often recommend to repair damage caused by tooth decay, habits like teeth grinding, or other trauma. If you would like more information about getting a dental filling in Lexington, South Carolina, please feel free to schedule a consultation today.
A dental filling is a restoration used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage. We may recommend a filling if your tooth has been damaged by tooth decay (for example, if your tooth has a cavity), or if your tooth suffers from minor fracturing or chipping. The dental filling is used to restore the tooth to its original structure and function and to return your smile to good health. There are two main types of dental fillings available: amalgam fillings and composite fillings.
The process for placing a filling requires just one comfortable visit to our office. Our dentists will first remove the decayed and damaged portion of your tooth, and then clean the tooth to remove all traces of decay. We then fill the tooth with the filling material and shape it to match your tooth’s shape. Finally, the filling is hardened for a lasting restoration.
If your tooth is decayed or damaged, a dental filling may be a great choice for restoring your oral health and function. We invite you to call or visit us today to learn more about dental fillings and to schedule your next appointment with our team. We look forward to caring for your smile!
Dental Implants
If you are missing one of more of your natural teeth, our team at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry may suggest dental implants.
Our dentist, Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD may suggest implants to prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting, to restore your smile to its ideal comfort, and to help restore your ability to chew and eat properly. If you have any questions about the benefits of dental implants in Lexington, South Carolina, please contact us today.
Dental implants are permanent, stable tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. This replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post. Following this healing period, our dentists will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, complete denture, or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically.
Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function, and appearance. A dental implant is a great option for restoring your smile because the implant is designed to look, function, and feel just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. For more information about the benefits of implant dentistry, and to schedule your implant consultation, please call or visit us soon.
Dental Inlays & Onlays
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, our team may recommend inlays or onlays for their ability to restore your smile’s health, function, and appearance.
If your tooth has suffered trauma and is not damaged enough to necessitate a crown, but the tooth is too damaged for a filling to effectively repair, our dentists may recommend an inlay or onlay for you.If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD can use dental inlays and onlays in Lexington, South Carolina, please contact us today.
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are used to repair damage or decay. If the damage is not extensive enough to warrant the use of a dental crown but is too serious to be repaired with a filling, our experienced dentists may recommend a dental inlay or onlay. Also known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are custom created from porcelain, composite resin material, or gold. Our dentists will ensure that your custom inlay or onlay perfectly fits your tooth to restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Once placed, they are virtually undetectable in the mouth and conserve much of your natural tooth structure.
Both inlays and onlays are used to restore damaged teeth. The difference between a dental inlay and a dental onlay is that an inlay is used when the damage does not reach the cusps of the tooth, while a dental onlay is used when the damage extends to one or more of the cusps. We will help you determine whether you need a dental inlay or onlay to restore your smile.
We welcome you to call or visit us today to learn more about dental inlays and onlays. We are eager to restore your smile!
Dental Sealants
If you would like to add an extra layer of defense to your smile, our dentists may recommend dental sealants.
Our dentists may recommend sealants to cover the chewing surface of the teeth in the back of your smile—the areas that are typically the hardest to reach. If you are interested in the benefits of dental sealants in Lexington, South Carolina, please feel free to contact us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry soon.
A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that our dentists may recommend to protect your teeth from decay. A dental sealant is made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material, which is painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. By blocking out the bacteria and food debris that lead to tooth decay, the sealant prevents decay and cavities. The dental sealant forms a smooth surface over the natural pits and grooves of the tooth surface, which also makes it easier to effectively clean your teeth with normal brushing.
Dental sealants are most often recommended for children; our dentists frequently recommends sealants for the permanent molars as soon as they come in, which is usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years. We may also recommend dental sealants for adult patients whose teeth are prone to decay or for teeth that have not been restored or suffered from decay in the past. We can apply dental sealants in just one short, comfortable visit to our practice. Sealants can be a powerful tool in preventing decay and keeping your smile healthy. To learn more about dental sealants and how we can keep your smile in good health, we welcome you to call or visit our office today.
Dentures
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, our team may recommend dentures to restore your smile’s health, appearance, and function.
Our dentists at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry can offer either complete dentures, to replace all of your teeth, or partial dentures, which are used if you have natural teeth remaining. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of dentures in Lexington, South Carolina, we invite you to visit or call us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry today.
Dentures are removable oral appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. If you are missing several teeth or all of your teeth, dentures might be just what you need to restore the function, beauty, and health of your smile. There are two kinds of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures.
- A complete denture is used to replace all of the teeth in a full dental arch. We may suggest a complete denture to replace all of the teeth in both arches or just one, depending on your individual needs. Our dentists may suggest using a denture adhesive for improved stability.
- A partial denture is used if you are missing multiple teeth but have remaining natural teeth. A partial denture often includes a thin framework or clasps that attach to the natural teeth for a secure fit.
Our dentists may recommend complete or partial dentures to restore your smile if you are missing multiple teeth; dentures can improve your ability to properly speak and eat, restore your natural facial volume, and enhance the overall beauty of your smile. Your dentures will be custom made to fit your smile comfortably, aesthetically, and securely. We invite you to call or visit us soon to learn more about how dentures can improve your smile!
Digital X-Rays
Our team is proud to utilize digital X-rays at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry.
Digital X-rays provide a clearer image in a shorter time and with less exposure to radiation. This allows the dentist to give you the most accurate diagnosis possible. If you would like to know more about the benefits of digital radiography in Lexington, South Carolina, please feel free to schedule an appointment with our dentists today.
Digital X-rays are one of the advanced diagnostic tools we use to provide you with the best possible care. Digital radiography has changed the way we take dental X-rays by making the process faster, more comfortable, and more convenient than ever before. Digital X-rays use a digital sensor to take images of your teeth, unlike traditional X-rays that use film. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than conventional film X-rays, and they require the use of no chemicals for developing the images. Our dentists can then instantly view the high-quality images on monitors right in the treatment room to provide you with efficient, accurate diagnoses and care. Our team is able to use digital radiography to identify and diagnose several types of dental problems, such as:
- Decay in between teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Improper tooth root positioning
- Cysts and abscesses
- Fractures in existing fillings
- Tumors
- Infection in the tooth nerves
- Bone loss
We may also use digital dental X-rays to plan certain kinds of dental treatment, such as oral surgery procedures, root canal treatment, dental implants, and more. To learn more about digital radiography and how we use X-rays at our office, we welcome you to call or visit us soon.
Facially Generated Treatment Planning
If you are unhappy with one or more aspect of your smile, we invite you to visit our team at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry today.
When you visit us, we will address any concerns you may have and develop a treatment plan so that you can have a smile you can share with confidence. When you visit our office, we will work with you to create a detailed plan. During this meeting, we will be sure to consider the cost of each procedure and your financial circumstances.
Whether you are interested in enhancing the appearance of your smile or are concerned with the overall health of your mouth, our talented dentists are here to help. After we have developed your personalized plan, we will work hard to meet your expectations and to efficiently meet all of your dental goals. Because there may be multiple options that can be used to help you meet your goals, the consultation with Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD is extremely important. If you have any questions about how our dental services and facially generated treatment planning in Lexington, South Carolina, can be used to help you improve your smile, please feel free to contact us and schedule your consultation with us today. We are excited to help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile.
Flouride Treatment
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, fluoride can be used to prevent tooth decay. We can also use fluoride to replace minerals that have already been lost through erosion. If you would like to learn more about how our dentists can use fluoride in Lexington, South Carolina, to keep your teeth healthy, please call us today.
Intraoral Imaging
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, we are proud to utilize intraoral imaging.
These small cameras allow our dentists to take a clear image of your smile and have it instantly transmitted to a larger screen right in the treatment room. With the image on this screen, we will be able to more accurately explain our findings to you with the use of a visual aid. If you would like to learn more about how we use an intraoral camera in Lexington, South Carolina, please contact us today.
An intraoral camera is a tool we use to get a closer look at different parts of your smile. The intraoral camera is a small, pen-shaped tool that we can use to take color, high-quality photos of your teeth and gums, as well as other structures in your mouth as needed. Because the intraoral camera is so small and easily maneuverable, we can use it to see angles in your mouth that we cannot easily view with the unaided eye. We may utilize the intraoral camera to better evaluate your oral health and to diagnose dental problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease, as well as tooth damage like a cracked or chipped tooth. The intraoral camera is also useful in following up after a treatment has been completed.
In addition to helping our team get a better view of your smile, the images taken with the intraoral camera are also helpful for allowing you, our patient, to gain a better understanding of your oral health and dental treatments. We can also send these photos to other dentists and specialists, and submit them to dental insurance companies as needed. To learn more about the uses and benefits of intraoral cameras, we invite you to call or visit our dentist and dental team soon.
Laser Diagnostics
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, one of the most common restorations we offer is a dental filling.
Frequently, we will utilize a filling to repair tooth decay, such as cavities. Unfortunately, cavities often cannot be detected by X-ray when they are in their earliest stage, and they can be missed by probes as well because the cavity is frequently in an area that cannot be reached. Furthermore, these cavities are often invisible to the naked eye.
To help counteract these difficulties, Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD is pleased to offer laser diagnostics to our patients. Utilizing a specialized laser beam, our team is able to identify cavities in their early stages. With this knowledge, we can create a treatment plan that can prevent the need for more extensive treatments. This diagnostic technology can also be used to fight or even prevent periodontal disease (gum disease). With the use of this specialized laser, our team will be able to better identify deposits of the harmful plaque and tartar that can ultimately result in gum disease.
If you would like more information how our dentists can use laser diagnostics in Lexington, South Carolina, to benefit your smile, we invite you to contact us today. We look forward to helping you have the healthy, strong smile you have always deserved!
Oral Surgery
Our dentists at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry are dedicated to helping you improve your oral health and appearance.
While we strive to provide the most conservative treatment possible, certain circumstances may make oral surgery in Lexington, South Carolina, the best available option for taking care of your smile. For more information about the types of oral surgery provided by White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, we invite you to call or visit our office today.
Oral surgery includes a number of surgical dental treatments. The goal of oral surgery is to improve the function, health, and appearance of your smile and the surrounding structures, such as your jaw. In many cases, we strive to provide the most conservative treatment possible. Oral surgery may be necessary, however, to correct certain conditions and improve your oral and overall health. Oral surgery may include:
- Tooth extraction (for teeth that are decayed, damaged, or infected to the point that an effective restoration is impossible)
- Wisdom teeth removal (for wisdom teeth that are impacted or have grown in at an incorrect angle)
- Jaw surgery (to treat a TMJ disorder, to correct uneven jaw growth, or to improve the fit of dentures)
- Bone grafts (to increase bone density and/or to improve the chances for a successful dental implant)
While we provide some oral surgery treatments at our office, we also work closely with local oral surgeons and specialists to ensure that you receive the high-quality results you deserve. Our dentists will carefully evaluate your smile and your dental needs to determine whether oral surgery is the best available treatment choice for you.
We will ensure that your oral surgery is as comfortable as possible. Please feel free to contact us today to learn more about oral surgery and to schedule your individual consultation!
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease, which is also referred to as gum disease, has been linked to serious problems such as the loss of your teeth, heart disease, and diabetes.
To prevent and treat gum disease, our dentists proudly utilize LANAP to effectively treat gum disease with less discomfort and faster healing. If you would like to learn more about treatment for gum disease in Lexington, South Carolina, we invite you to contact us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a degenerative condition primarily caused by bacteria found in plaque. The bacteria inflame and infect the gum tissues, and when left untreated, can eventually cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can result in bone loss, tooth loss, and gum tissue recession.
If your gums are swollen, red, or tender, or if your gums bleed easily, you may have periodontal disease. Other common symptoms of gum disease include loose teeth, painful chewing, persistent bad breath, and receding gums that make your teeth appear longer than normal. Following an exam at our office, our dentists and team will be able to determine whether you suffer from periodontal disease.
The treatment for gum disease is based upon your specific dental needs. Depending on the severity of the condition, our dentists may recommend additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery. We strive to help you restore your oral health and halt the progress of the disease. For more information on periodontal treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our office soon. We look forward to caring for your smile!
Personal Hygiene Maintenance Programs
Our goal at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry is to work with our patients to help them reach, maintain, and protect their ideal smiles.
To do this, we will consult with our patients in a timely manner to recommend services and at-home practices that will help our patients meet our goals. Some of the services our dentists may recommend to help you keep your teeth strong include a routine exam and cleaning once every six months. This is extremely important because while we realize that brushing and flossing are important, the plaque and tartar that cause gum disease and tooth decay can only be removed with more specialized dental tools.
We also understand that our patients must play a vital role in maintaining sound oral hygiene. In fact, without proper hygiene at home, keeping your smile healthy will be extremely difficult. For that reason, Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD may also recommend one or more at-home oral hygiene improvements to help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve. If you have any questions about personalized dental hygiene in Lexington, South Carolina, we invite you to contact us today and to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We are eager to help you attain the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
Root Canal Therapy
If your dental pulp is infected, you may suffer from pain, sensitivity, or other discomfort. In these instances, our dentists will usually recommend root canal therapy because an untreated infection in the dental pulp may result in the death of the tooth. If you need root canal therapy, Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD will work hard to ensure your comfort. If you would like to learn more about a root canal in Lexington, South Carolina, please contact us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry today.
Commonly called a root canal, root canal treatment is a type of endodontic therapy that is often recommended if the tooth pulp and nerves become infected or damaged. This may occur if injury or decay reaches deep into the tooth, past the outer enamel layer. When left untreated, this type of infection and disease may cause the tooth to die and necessitate tooth extraction. To restore the health of the tooth and avoid the need for extraction, our skilled dentists will remove the infected and injured tissues from within the tooth, clean the tooth, and fill it with a medicated material. We will then cap the tooth with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to return the tooth to its original shape and structure. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in only one or two comfortable visits to our office.
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being a painful treatment. In reality, however, root canal treatment can often be completed with minimal discomfort thanks to advanced techniques, tools, and anesthesia. Our dentists, along with our entire dental team, works hard to provide you with a pleasant, comfortable experience each time you visit our office. To learn more about root canal treatment, we welcome you to contact us today. We are committed to restoring your smile’s health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you suffer from sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder, you may snore frequently or often awaken with a headache. At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, our dentists can offer several treatments to help you. Dr. Paul R. Downing, DMD can also provide solutions to combat snoring. If you would like to learn more about our treatment options for sleep apnea in Lexington, South Carolina, please feel free to contact us soon.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to your dentists, as well as your doctor, if you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Extreme drowsiness during the day
- Personality changes and irritability
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Snoring
- Awakening with a very dry or sore throat
- Frequent morning headaches
Sleep apnea treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our dentists may recommend an oral appliance. The oral appliance works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by fitting over your teeth and keeping your airway open while you sleep. It can work by preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep. For more information on sleep apnea treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our dental practice today. We are committed to helping you improve your health!
Soft Tissue Grafting
If you have suffered from periodontal disease, over-aggressive brushing, or aging, our team may recommend a gum graft in Lexington, South Carolina, for your smile.
We may recommend soft tissue grafting to increase your comfort, improve your oral health, and give you a more pleasant smile aesthetic. If you are interested in soft tissue grafting or any of our other dental services, please call us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry to schedule an appointment with our skilled dentists today.
A soft tissue graft, also called a gum graft, is a graft of gingival tissue. A gum graft may be needed to correct gingival recession or to improve the appearance of an uneven gum line.
During the gum grafting procedure, our dentists stitches grafting tissue onto the area of the gums that needs additional tissue. Based on your particular needs and desires, the tissue graft may be taken from another area of your mouth or from a tissue bank. When using your own tissues, the graft may be taken from the roof of the mouth or from the surrounding gums. Our dentists will help you determine which type of gum graft is best suited to your individual needs. In some cases, we may also use tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s natural growth abilities and promote faster healing.
Our dentists may recommend a soft tissue graft if you have experienced gingival recession. The gum tissues may recede if your smile is affected by periodontal disease; overaggressive brushing may also cause gum recession. When not treated with a gingival graft, gum recession may eventually lead to tooth loss due to lack of support from the gum tissues. A gum graft can also improve the appearance of your smile. To learn more about how soft tissue grafting can improve the health and beauty of your smile, we welcome you to contact our office today.
TMJ Treatment
If your temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) becomes damaged, we can provide several treatments to restore your jaw to its optimal comfort.
Your TMJ is the hinge that connects your jaw to the rest of your skull. If you would like to learn more about how our dentists at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry can treat a damaged TMJ in Lexington, South Carolina, please contact us soon.
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, or the joint that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the head. The term “TMJ” is often used to refer to TMJ disorder, also called TMD, which occurs when the jaw joint becomes stressed, injured, or misaligned. TMJ disorder may result due to several different factors, such as stress, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), arthritis in the TMJ, or trauma and injury to the head, neck, or jaw.
You may suffer from TMD if you experience frequent jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorders may also cause:
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds in the jaw when you open and close your mouth
- Inability to open your mouth wide to speak, yawn, or chew
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears
- Frequent headaches
Our dentists can help you determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment for the TMJ will depend on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder. TMD treatment may include jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, restorative dental treatments, a mouth guard or night guard, or jaw surgery. To learn more about TMJ treatment and to schedule your consultation with our dentists, we encourage you to contact us today.
Tooth Extraction
At White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry, our dentists are devoted to protecting your natural teeth.
However, we recognize that, at times, a tooth extraction is the best way to restore your smile to good health. Regardless of the treatment you need, our team will work hard to make you as comfortable as possible. If you would like to learn more about tooth extraction in Lexington, South Carolina, please contact us today.
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth. While we strive to avoid the need to remove a tooth whenever possible, certain conditions may make tooth extraction the most effective option for returning your smile to good health and function. Following the tooth extraction, we are happy to provide you with one of our excellent tooth replacement treatments, if needed, to restore your smile to optimal health, beauty, and function.
Several conditions may necessitate tooth extraction. Among these are:
- Severe infection that has destroyed a significant portion of the tooth and supporting bone structure
- Serious decay that has damaged a tooth beyond repair, making a successful restoration impossible
- Crowding caused by too many teeth to properly fit in the mouth
Our dentists uses great care and skill when performing a tooth extraction to ensure that your dental experience is as comfortable and painless as possible. We will also provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions so you can properly take care of your smile as it heals. For more information on tooth extraction and to schedule your personalized consultation at our friendly dental office, we invite you to call or visit us today. We are committed to improving your smile!
Cosmetic Dentistry
We believe that our patients deserve the highest standard of dental care.
Dental Bonding
To quickly and efficiently correct flaws in your smile, the dentists at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry may recommend dental bonding in Lexington, South Carolina. Dental bonding can be used to correct imperfections like chips, cracks, or spacing issues. If you would like to learn more about how our dentists can use dental bonding to enhance your smile’s appearance, please feel free to visit or call our team at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry today.
Improve the Appearance of Your Smile
Dental bonding is a simple, conservative way to improve the appearance of your smile. During the bonding process, our skilled dentists places a composite resin material directly onto the tooth structure. Because the resin is malleable and putty-like when first applied, we can shape and sculpt it to fit your tooth and correct flaws in the tooth’s appearance. The composite resin is then hardened, trimmed, and polished to provide a lasting, aesthetic restoration for your smile. Dental bonding typically requires just one visit to our welcoming dental office, and because this treatment usually necessitates little to no tooth preparation, you can rest assured that your visit will be comfortable and painless.
Our dentists may recommend dental bonding in order to close gaps and spaces between teeth, improve misshapen teeth, lighten stained or discolored teeth, or restore chipped or cracked teeth. We will use a shade of composite resin that matches the original color of your teeth for a natural-looking effect. If you would prefer, we can use a slightly lighter shade to whiten the color of your teeth. For more information on cosmetic dental bonding and how we can help you improve your smile, we welcome you to contact us today.
Teeth Whitening
Would you like to brighten your smile? If so, the dentists at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry can provide you with professional teeth whitening.
Our dentists can use this treatment to quickly help you attain the bright, white smile you have always wanted. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening in Lexington, South Carolina, please feel free to contact us at White Knoll Comprehensive Dentistry today.
Teeth whitening is a simple, effective cosmetic dental treatment that we offer to noticeably enhance your smile in as little as one treatment. Our professional teeth whitening treatments utilize a powerful yet safe whitening gel that is applied to the surface of your teeth. This gel works to lighten the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing on the tooth enamel. Teeth whitening is often available in both in-office and take-home systems. Professional teeth whitening can give you a noticeably whiter smile that will boost your self-esteem and help you smile with pride.
If you have ever wished that your smile were whiter and brighter, teeth whitening might be right for you. Through professional teeth whitening, we can lighten staining and discoloration caused by various factors, such as:
- The natural aging process
- Poor dental hygiene habits
- Consumption of certain drinks and foods, including tea, wine, coffee, and soda
- Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
- Illness
- Certain medications
- Fluorosis
Our dentists will work with you to determine the right type of treatment and treatment length to achieve the smile aesthetic you desire. To learn more about professional teeth whitening and to set up your consultation at our office, please contact us today.