Services
Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4
Section 1
The dental services we offer allow our patients to enjoy maximum oral health and a pain-free beautiful smile. We will take the time to explain the options you have for any needed treatment, so you are able to make informed decisions about what service will best fit your needs.
Click on the tabs on this page to read further information about the services we offer.
Preventive Services
Patient Exam Cavities and Decay Brushing Your Teeth Flossing
Patient Exam
Because we want our patients to experience optimal oral health we recommend routine exams and cleanings to be done every six months.
During routine exams we can detect problems when they are small and very easy to treat, many times preventing costly, more involved treatments down the road.
Our routine visits also include education how you can best care for your teeth and gums at home to keep them healthy. A well-executed at-home oral care routine is crucial to having a healthy mouth.
During a routine exam we check for any signs of decay, gum disease, cracked or leaking fillings, cracked, chipped or broken teeth, or sores, which may lead to serious problems if left untreated. We will also address any concerns you may have such as halitosis (bad breath), crooked or crowded teeth, and tooth or mouth pain.
One of the most important aspects of our routine exams is oral cancer screening. In this year alone approximately 35,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral cancer. When found early oral cancer has a very high survival rate, unfortunately most oral cancer is found as late stage cancer without routine exams. We use the VELscope oral cancer screening system because it allows us to see possible areas of concern not visible to the naked eye.
Maintenance and prevention are the best ways to keep your smile healthy and you feeling your best!
Cavities and Decay
Brushing Your Teeth
Flossing
Gum Disease Treatment
Click on the book to download the pdf…
Gum disease, also known as Gingivitis is very common in adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease is caused when plaque and tarter build up along the gum line, irritating the gums.
Common symptoms of gum disease are:
• bleeding gums when brushing
• bright red or red purple color to gums
• mouth sores
• swollen gums
• bad breath
With routine cleanings and a quality at-home oral hygiene routine it is possible to prevent gum disease. The effects of gum disease are also quite easy to reverse when caught early and proper treatment is received.
Our hygienists provide gentle, thorough cleanings that remove the plague build-up that normal brushing misses. They also offer education and instruction on how to get the maximum benefit from brushing and flossing.
Recent studies have shown an association between gum disease and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, low birth weight and diabetes. Because gum disease can have an adverse effect to your over-all health we strongly suggest getting professional cleanings at least every six months.
We may suggest more frequent cleanings for some of our patients if indicated, and also may refer advanced gum disease cases to a specialist.
Root Canal
A root canal is a treatment that is done when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected. Infection can be caused by deep decay, large cracks or breaks in the teeth or trauma to the face.
During a root canal the pulp and root are removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A root canal effectively removes the infection while allowing the tooth to maintain it natural strength.
If left untreated the infection is the tooth can lead to an abscess and the infection can spread throughout your mouth, face and neck.
Depending on the location of the infected tooth or the severity of the infection we may refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Children’s Dentistry
We enjoy working with our young patients and understand that they have different needs when visiting the dentist. We try not to push children so they end up fearful of the dentist office. We want their visit to be a fun and comfortable as possible, and for them to build life long relationships with the dentists office.
We encourage parents of young children to bring them to their routine visit so the child can see what happens at the visit, and become familiar with our staff and office.
We suggest that your child’s first visit be between eighteen months and two years of age. At that age we can begin to monitor the growth and development of their teeth and mouth.
Proper oral hygiene at home is extremely important and needs to begin at a very young age. We take the time to instruct parents and children on proper brushing and flossing techniques so they can enjoy good oral health for a lifetime.
Dr. Christy has developed relationships with some excellent orthodontists in the area and can refer you and your child to an orthodontist if an exam reveals crowded or crooked teeth, or issues with the palate. We can help you choose the best orthodontist that meets the needs and temperament of your child.
Kids… Why You Should Brush.
Brushing Your Teeth
Flossing
Baby Bottle Decay
Fluoride Varnish for Kids
Sealants for Kids
Tooth Development
Occlusion Therapy
If you clench or grind your teeth (commonly referred as bruxism) we can fabricate a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth. As you clench or grind you are putting extreme pressure on your teeth, which can cause cracks or breaks in teeth or restorations, or worn done teeth. The custom guard corrects your bite and protects your teeth from possible damage.
Mouth Guards
For our young athlete patients we offer custom mouth guards in lots of cool colors. The custom mouth guards fit comfortably over your child’s teeth to protect them from trauma, breakage, or loss during contact sports such as football, basketball or soccer.
Berrien Dental specifically uses Keystone Industries’ Mouthguards. Pro-Form is the only, pre-made, laminated mouth guard material in the industry and has long been considered the leader in custom-made mouthguards. Pro-Form Mouth Guards are designed to provide the athlete with the superior protection that they require in the pool, on the field, in the ring and on the court. Pro-Form does all of this while still being comfortable, stylish and allowing the athlete to communicate and stay hydrated with ease!
For more information or to get one of these custom mouthguards for you or the athlete in your life, give the doctors at Berrien Dental a call today!
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a wonderful tool to use to help prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied to teeth, especially molars with large crevices where bacteria can accumulate and cause cavities. The sealant fills in the crevices forming a barrier to protect the tooth surface.
Sealants for Adults
Sealants for Kids
Dental Implants
Click on the book to download the pdf…
Implants for Crowns or Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth and would like a replacement option that looks and functions like natural teeth, dental implants may be a perfect option for you. Dental implants can also be used to securely anchor dentures so you’ll have no more problems with loose dentures that interfere with speaking, eating and smiling.
A dental implant is a titanium tooth root that takes the place of a natural tooth root and is equally as strong. The titanium tooth root is surgically implanted in your jawbone; your body’s bone tissue naturally fuses with the titanium and creates a reliable prosthetic tooth root. When you are missing teeth the bone can weaken and the jaw can recede. Implants keep your jaw strong and youthful looking.
Implants
Dentures
Implants for Dentures
When you are missing all of your natural teeth, full dentures will replace the missing teeth and restore your smile. When you don’t replace missing teeth, your facial muscles are not supported and will begin to sag, making you look much older. Dentures will provide support for your facial muscles as well as make it easier to eat, speak and smile.
When wearing full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
If you are missing some but not all of your teeth a partial denture can be used to replace the natural missing teeth. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework.
Bridges
When you are missing a tooth the surrounding teeth can shift out of position and can change your bite (the way your teeth fit together). A bridge consists of two crowns, which are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between. The bridge will prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, preserving your bite and the shape of your face. Bridges also restore your ability to chew and speak normally.
Dental bridges can also be supported by a dental implant.
Bridge Decay
Bridge Flossing
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are used to cover a tooth that is to weak from decay to accept a filling, or has a large break or crack. A crown restores a tooth to its normal shape and size while protecting and strengthening it. This helps protect the weak tooth from breakage, which could lead to the loss of the tooth.
Crowns are also used to support dental bridges or dental implants. Porcelain crowns can restore stained or misshapen teeth for a wonderful smile.
[portfolio_tabshow timeout=5000]
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, shell like porcelain or composite material shells that are placed over the front surface of the teeth. Dental veneers are used to correct a variety of dental issues such as stained, uneven, broken or chipped teeth. They are also used to close large gaps between teeth for a flawless smile. Veneers do not require the removal of healthy tooth structure to place so it is a very minimally invasive procedure with maximum results. Due to porcelain veneers translucent qualities we can match them to your teeth for an extremely natural look.
Composite Bondings
Composite bonding is a technique of placing a composite material directly on teeth to correct any issue’s or improve the appearance of teeth. Composite bonding can be used to repair broken, chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, or cover stained teeth. Composite bonding is very durable and can be matched to your natural tooth color for a smile you will love to show off. Composite bonding does not require the removal of healthy structure so we are able to enhance the look of the tooth without compromising its natural strength and integrity.
Composite Bonded Inlays
Composite Bonding To Repair Decay In Back Teeth
Composite Bonding To Repair Decay In Front Teeth
Composite Bonding To Repair A Broken/Chipped Front Tooth
Composite Bonding To Repair Decay At The Gum Line
Composite Bonding To Repair Spaces Between Teeth
Natural Tooth Colored Fillings
Natural tooth colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. Unlike amalgam fillings, when preparing the tooth for a composite filling, only the decay needs to be removed and not any healthy tooth structure. The composite filling is bonded to the tooth surface restoring its natural strength. Some patients have noticed that their teeth are less sensitive to hot and cold when composite fillings are placed as opposed to amalgam fillings.
Whitening
We recently added the latest, most effective tooth whitening procedure available, the Zoom! In-Office Whitening System. Safe, fast and convenient, Zoom! uses a combination of formulated lighting and hydrogen peroxide-based formula to whiten teeth typically by six to 10 shades in one brief office visit. With simple, regular home touch-ups and careful maintenance, a beautiful Zoom! smile can last indefinitely. To find out more about this whitening system, please contact our practice today!
A healthy smile does not always mean a bright, white smile. If your smile has become dull or stained we offer in office and take home whitening programs by Colgate. We have chosen the Colgate whitening systems because we have seen less sensitivity by our patients, but with excellent results. Our in office whitening will have your teeth visibly whiter in one office visit. With the take home whitening program you will notice white teeth in ten to fourteen days.
Laser or Light-Activated Whitening
Tray Whitening
Contact Us
- Berrien Dental
- 8383 M 139
- Berrien Springs, MI 49103
- (269) 471-4055
- Fax (269) 471-3829
- E-Mail Us
