Services

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a permanent solution for patients seeking that perfect white smile. Implants are a great choice for patients that have broken, damaged, or missing teeth. Implants act similar to an artificial tooth that is placed in the jawbone. They are extremely durable, and are built to last upwards of 25 years.

Dental implants function like our natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. They are comfortable in the mouth, and do not cause gum or mouth irritation like with other restorative solutions. Implants provide long lasting results, and if cared for properly they can last a lifetime.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

• Preserve the natural bone in the mouth, and help to stimulate new bone growth.
• Implants are durable, and provide long term value financially compared to other restorative solutions.
• Dental implants are permanent, and do not slip or click like other solutions.
• Implants are comfortable, and look and feel natural in the mouth.
• Implants can last upwards of 25 years, or a lifetime if they are cared for properly.
• Dental implants restore full chewing power, and are as strong as natural teeth.

What to expect during the dental implant process

The dental implant process requires multiple appointments in our office. We require a consultation with each patient to discuss any goals, and to determine the best treatment plan. Once we are ready to begin the implant process, the first step involves placing the implant into the jawbone. After this step is complete there is a healing process that must occur.

The healing period allows the implant time to fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to function like a natural tooth root in the mouth. In order for the implant to remain sturdy, and provide the required support, the patient must have enough bone present in the jaw. If necessary, bone grafts can be done to provide the additional support that is needed.

Once the healing process is complete, the patient returns to our office to complete the implant process. An abutment or connector is placed on top of the implant, and this holds the crown securely in place. Custom crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be necessary until patients return to have the permanent crown installed.

Replace Missing Teeth and Regain Your Smile

If you are missing a single 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 a dental bridge. Dental bridges are designed to last for many years and to restore the function, beauty, and health of your smile.

We may recommend a dental bridge to improve your smile by:

• Restoring your ability to speak, eat and chew normally
• 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 a right choice for restoring your smile after tooth loss.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about dental bridges call Petersburg Dental at 907-772-9246.

Fill in Damage and Restore Your Smile

Dr. Jay Lister offers dental fillings to repair your teeth after you have developed a cavity or sustained minor tooth damage. Fillings work to literally “fill in” the areas of your damaged tooth to restore its structure and strength.

A dental filling is a restoration used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage. We may recommend a filling if a tooth has been damaged by decay (for example, if it has a cavity) or suffers from minor fracturing or chipping. The dental filling is used to restore the tooth to its original structure and function and return your smile to good health. At Petersburg Dental we offer composite or tooth colored fillings.

The process for placing a dental filling requires just one comfortable visit to our office. We will first remove the decayed and damaged portion of the tooth, then clean it to remove all traces of decay. We then fill the area with the filling material and shape it to match your tooth’s shape. Finally, the filling is hardened for a lasting restoration.

If one of your teeth 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 schedule your next appointment with our dentists and team. We look forward to caring for your smile!

At Petersburg Dental our team works hard to help you feel at ease in our office.  There are times where sedation is appropriate for those with a real fear or anxiety, especially when it is preventing them from receiving the care they need.

Sedation dentistry may be appropriate if you have…

• anxiety
• low threshold for pain
• difficulty getting numb
• trouble sitting still
• very sensitive teeth
• significant gag reflex
• complex dental problems

 

Here are the two options we offer

Nitrous

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Administered through a small mask that fits over your nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety, raise your pain threshold, and even make time seem like it’s passing quicker than usual. As the gas begins to work, you will become calm, although you will still be awake and able to talk with Dr. Lister. At the end of your appointment, you’ll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so you can resume your normal activities immediately.

 

Oral Medications

Halcion is a medication which inhibits anxiety. Such medications are administered under the care and supervision of Dr. Lister.  Halcion comes in a pill form and can be taken for pain or anxiety prior to your appointment. It is likely you will experience drowsiness and reduced mental alertness so this option requires that we plan ahead together. You should not drive, make important decisions or perform hazardous chores until you have recovered from the effects of these medications. You must have a trusted escort to and from your appointment. It is recommended you keep a chaperone with you for the day to supervise your activity and ensure your safety after your procedure. The effect of this medication is more long-lasting.

In certain situations we can use both nitrous and halcion simultaneously. Please ask Dr. Lister or a member of our team if you are interested in learning more.  We make every effort to help you feel comfortable as you receive gentle, caring and quality dental treatment.

Regular Visits Keep Your Smile Shining!

Dental cleanings and exams are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and smile. Our hygienists offer this preventive care to help you avoid dental problems and ensure that any issues that do develop are diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

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 professional teeth cleaning and dental exams to help your smile stay healthy. During your 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 may 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.

We recommend 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!

Contact Petersburg Dental today at 907-772-9246 to set up an appointment.

Dentures and partial dentures are removable dental appliances that are used to replace teeth that are missing. Full dentures offer artificial teeth to those that have lost all of their teeth on either the upper or lower arch of their mouth. Obtaining a denture will restore function and appearance to those who have lost all of their teeth. Dentures allow many patients to eat, speak and improve the appearance of their mouth. Partial dentures are recommended for those who have not lost all of their teeth and have some teeth remaining. The partial denture will consist of artificial teeth that will replace missing teeth and metal clasps that clip on to remaining teeth to help hold it in place.

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth when the tissue, blood vessels and nerves inside of a tooth have become inflamed. In order to save the tooth and remove the pain, the dentist will need to remove infected and diseased tissue to help clean out the infected area. The canal inside is then medicated to allow the surrounding area to heal.

Reasons a root canal may be performed

• Deep decay
• Infections at the tip of the root or inside the tooth canal
• Cracked, broken or injured teeth

Generally, but not always, a crown will need to be placed after the root canal treatment is complete in order to protect the tooth from any further damage. Sensitivity after the procedure is generally experienced by many patients and subside when the tooth has healed. When your treatment has been completed, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.

What Can Teeth Whitening Do For Me?

Professional, in-office teeth whitening is one of the fastest and most effective cosmetic treatments available. Teeth whitening brightens and enhances the appearance of your teeth in as little as a single appointment at our office.

In-office teeth whitening involves the use of a powerful gel. This whitening gel is applied to the surface of your teeth and activated with a special light. The gel then works to break up stains and discolorations on your tooth enamel, lightening it until it is the desired shade of white. By the time you leave our office, your smile will be noticeably whiter.

Please remember that while professional whitening treatments can produce dramatic results when brightening your smile, they are not a permanent solution. Your teeth will become dull, stained or discolored over time due to:

• The natural aging process
• Poor dental hygiene
• Tobacco usage, including smoking
• Illness and certain medications
• Foods and drinks that stain
• Fluorosis

You will need to receive professional whitening treatments periodically in order to maintain a white, bright smile.

We also make custom bleaching trays that can be used in the comfort of your own home. While not as fast as in office bleaching, it is a less expensive option that works well.

Petersburg Dental provides in-office teeth whitening to brighten your smile! If your teeth have become dull or stained, ask our team how teeth whitening can help. Call Petersburg Dental  today at 907-772-9246 to make your whitening appointment with our Hygienist and find out more!

Removing Damaged Teeth

We may recommend tooth extractions if your teeth are too badly damaged to be restored. When we remove your tooth, we will do so as gently as possible and will work with you afterward to help you recover and to determine the best option for replacing your missing tooth.

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 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.
• Fractured teeth that do not have enough sound structure to repair.

Dr. Lister and the team at Petersburg Dental use great care and skill when performing a tooth extraction to ensure that your experience is as comfortable and painless as possible. We will also provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions so that you can properly take care of your smile as it heals.

 

Removing Painful Wisdom Teeth Gently

Dr. Lister offers wisdom teeth removal to extract your third molars before they can damage your oral health and smile.

The third molars, which are commonly called the wisdom teeth, are typically the last teeth to come in. Because they are the last to erupt, there is often not enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow in as they should. When there is not sufficient space for the wisdom teeth, they may become impacted (unable to fully break through the gum tissues and jawbone) or grow in at an incorrect angle. Wisdom teeth that do not erupt as they should can lead to several dental problems, such as:

• Disturbance of the natural tooth alignment or orthodontic treatment
• Damage to the neighboring teeth
• Tooth decay
• Infection and inflammation in the gums and other tissues
• The formation of cysts
• Damage to the jawbone

Dr. Lister may recommend wisdom teeth removal to avoid these serious complications and to keep your smile healthy. We will carefully evaluate your smile, including the positioning of your teeth and wisdom teeth, to determine whether your smile would benefit from wisdom teeth removal. Our team will ensure that your wisdom teeth removal treatment is as painless and comfortable as possible. We are committed to keeping your smile in the best possible health.

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!

Call Petersburg Dental at 907-772-9246 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jay Lister and learn more about tooth extractions.

Clenching & Grinding Your Teeth? Try Night Guards.

At Petersburg Dental we  provide night guards to manage bruxism and help protect your teeth and smile.  Also known as occlusal guards, these oral appliances prevent damage caused by clenching and grinding your teeth. A night guard is a special type of mouthguard that is used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. If our dentist or team suspect that you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they sleep. Common signs of nighttime teeth clenching and grinding include:

• Chronic jaw pain, facial pain, and ear pain
• Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
• Frequent tension headaches and migraines
• Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked, or very worn teeth
• Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
• Indentations on the side of the tongue
• Increased tooth sensitivity

If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. This night guard will be made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about night guards and how we can prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your smile.

To make an appointment with Dr. Lister and learn more about night guards call Petersburg Dental at 907-772-9246.

Long Term Restoration for Broken or Decayed Teeth

A dental crown, or cap, is a restoration that can be used for a number of purposes. One of the most common uses of a dental crown is to restore a tooth that is significantly damaged or decayed. The crown is custom made to fit over the entire tooth, starting at the gum line, in order to restore the tooth to its original shape and size. Dental crowns can be made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal; porcelain crowns are popular because they match the natural color and appearance of your teeth. We will help you determine which type of dental crown is right for your smile.

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
• Anchor and attach a dental bridge
• Cover and complete a dental implant
• Enhance the beauty of your smile
• Improve a misshapen tooth
• Strengthen a tooth that is fractured or weak
• 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 Petersburg Dental at 907-772-9246 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lister and learn more about dental crowns.