Oral Cancer Screening

If you are a tobacco or smokeless tobacco user, you are in primary danger of developing oral cancer. More than 8,000 deaths were attributed to oral cancer in the past year. We are committed to the prevention of oral cancer through the early identification of pre-cancerous conditions, and provide oral cancer screenings at each preventive care appointment.

Periodontal Evaluation

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Canada. Studies have shown that periodontal disease is a contributing factor to heart disease. Dr. McGinnis and our hygienist will examine your gum tissues to ensure that gum disease is detected in its early stages. Because bone loss is a significant consideration in determining the outcome of cosmetic treatment, we take the health of your gum and bone tissues very seriously.

Occlusal Examination

The forces of your bite can sometimes affect the positioning of your jaw and teeth. Through minor polishing of the enamel surfaces or smoothing fillings of the teeth, Dr. McGinnis can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces. Adjustments to chewing surfaces can often eliminate headaches that occur as a result of irregular biting patterns.

Caries Exam

During this visual examination, Dr. McGinnis locates areas of decay on chewing surfaces and between the teeth. Dr. McGinnis uses clinical exam findings to determine the most conservative treatment plan for your oral needs.

Digital radiography is a form of x-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film.

We are pleased to provide our patients the absolute latest in diagnostic capacity through digital radiography. The previous generation of x-ray film and chemical based film developers have been replaced with a computerized digital imaging technology. This technology has provided the unique capability to capture x-rays/ images in mere seconds and display them on chair side computer monitors. Older technology averages 7-8 minutes for the older film based format. Digital Imaging allows for unsurpassed diagnostic capability and also provides for greater interaction between Doctor and patient. The ability for patients to clearly see images and the specific areas of concern helps with their clinical understanding of proposed treatment options. Another advantage of digital imaging is that it also greatly reduces the amount of radiation compared to conventional film based system by as much as 85%. This advancement in technology has certainly provided a tremendous advantage for both patients and doctors.

Fillings

Made of tooth-colored material; composite fillings restore the teeth’s natural beauty. Composite fillings can be matched very closely to your natural tooth color and are virtually indistinguishable from non-restored teeth. The composites we use have proven to be extremely durable and stain resistant.

Onlays

When you do not need a full crown, onlays may be the solution. The onlay procedure is a restoration in which composite, porcelain, or gold is applied to a tooth surface to provide support as a conservative treatment option. Our patients who have had onlays have given us positive comments about their appearance.
Usually customized from porcelain, veneers are thin, semi-translucent facings bonded to the front teeth. Veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and natural looking. They conceal broken, chipped, discolored, crooked, and misshapen teeth, and provide you with the winning smile you have always wanted.

• Spaces between the teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained, or washed out fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Misshapen or crooked teeth
• Whiten dark yellow or stained teeth

Veneers

Usually customized from porcelain, veneers are thin, semi-translucent facings bonded to the front teeth. Veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and natural looking. They conceal broken, chipped, discolored, crooked, and
misshapen teeth, and provide you with the winning smile you have always wanted.
• Spaces between the teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained, or washed out fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Misshapen or crooked teeth
• Whiten dark yellow or stained teeth

Crowns

A crown is a restorative that covers a tooth in order to strengthen it as well as restore the tooth to its normal shape and size. A crown may be placed to support a large filling when there is little remaining tooth structure, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, or restore fractured teeth. A tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy will require a crown following treatment to provide strength and support to the tooth. We only use materials for crowns that will provide the longest lasting benefits to our patients. We take pride in the tremendous cosmetic results that we achieve with our crowns.

Bridge

A fixed bridge, usually made of gold (or porcelain-faced gold), is used to replace missing teeth. A bridge helps to create a normal bite, prevent stress on the dental arch, prevent the drifting and tilt of adjacent teeth, inhibit decay in difficult areas, and slow the onset of periodontal diseases. Bridges are composed of abutments (the sound attached to that framework). Our patients appreciate the expertise and training that Dr. McGinnis has in
this field as well as success with her patients.

 

Sealants

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces on the back teeth and should be applied as a child’s permanent teeth erupt. Though typically placed on the children’s teeth, adult molars can also be sealed, provided a tooth does not show evidence of decay. The sealants that we have placed have been highly successful in preventing decay.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride applications help to strengthen the enamel on your child’s teeth, making it more difficult for cavities to begin. It is recommended to receive fluoride treatments every six months.

Regular Prophylaxis

These important appointments allow Dr. McGinnis and her hygienist to monitor your oral health and clean under your gum line where the toothbrush cannot reach. They also help promote healthy gums and teeth by removing the plaque that causes decay and gum infection, as well as educating you about prevention.

Tooth Desensitization

Fluoride is also helpful to adults to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by exposed root surfaces (receding gums). Regular fluoride application helps eliminate root sensitivity. Our patients have found it helpful to have a series of fluoride treatments to reduce their sensitivity, followed by possible at home applications.

Periodontal Maintenance

Once your mouth is restored to health, it is important that you make a commitment to maintain your dental health. To achieve this, it is important that you return on a regular basis for your examination, scaling, and root planning. Dr. McGinnis and her hygienist will inform you of the re-care interval that best fits your needs.

Antibiotic Irrigation

This procedure can be used at home or in our office to control the bacteria that causes periodontal disease. The gum tissue is bathed and flushed with an antibiotic preparation to promote the healing of gum tissue.

Protective Mouthguards

Protective mouthguards are great protection and good insurance in preventing sports related injury to your teeth. Dr. McGinnis and staff will take an impression of your teeth at our clinic and prepare the appliance “On Site” in our lab. You will have a customized mouthguard..with precise fit and comfort

Nightguard Therapy

Nightguards are used as a treatment option to prevent damage to the chewing surfaces of the teeth associated with grinding and clenching. It is a conservative treatment that is very successful and highly recommended for patients with TMJ Dysfunction. By creating an acrylic pattern of your teeth, Dr. McGinnis can help you protect your teeth from unnecessary wear.

Temporo-Mandibutar Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

TMJ is a condition that afflicts thousands of people. Frequent indicators of TMJ include popping and licking of the jaw, limited jaw function, pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain and pressure in the face and ears. We provide conservative therapies that can eliminate this painful and frustrating problem.

 

Financial Payment

Our office is pleased to offer payment by way of
Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Debit

Insurance Companies we accept:

• Our office accepts most forms of dental insurances. Insurance companies will pay a percentage for the initial visit, which includes an exam, x-rays, and preventive cleaning. The rest of the procedures are typically covered on a percentage basis, usually 50-80% but, this will vary on the insurance provider.
• Our office goal is to make sure that the patient understands the cost involved for the treatment provided prior to any work is performed. A treatment plan customized for the patient’s needs and explaining the different options and associated costs involved will be provided. We strive to make sure that each patient is always satisfied.
• Our office is eager to answer any of your questions or concerns regarding Dental insurance. Please email our office managers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our office at during business hours. We would be happy to assist you in determining your insurance benefits our coverage before you receive treatment.

           List of insurance companies that we accept…

Occlusal Adjustment

Proper functioning of the jaws and teeth is often hindered by malocclusion (a bad bite). Adjustments to the bite can be made so that your teeth fit together properly for chewing and swallowing. Minor polishing of the enamel surfaces or fillings of the teeth can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces.

Occlusal Guards

An overbite or an underbite can sometimes be corrected with an occlusal guard, which realigns your teeth and bite.

Partial dentures are indicated if some serviceable teeth are present for support in conjunction with the gums and jawbone. A partial denture, though removable, provides form and function replacement for missing teeth. Full dentures are used if there are not any teeth left for support. The full denture covers more of the jaw than a partial denture and is partly held in place by a natural vacuum in the mouth.

Bonding

Bonding is a process in which tooth-colored material is applied to tooth surfaces, sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished to match surrounding teeth. With this procedure, Dr. McGinnis can close gaps, repair chipped or fractured teeth, and disguise discolored teeth. Bonding usually requires one office visit and no anesthesia. Bonding is the choice of treatment for patients who have minor front tooth imperfections.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening procedures offer patients with stained, discolored, or dull teeth an opportunity to have a whiter, brighter smile. Whitening significantly reduces external surface stains affected by food and beverage.
We offer two methods of teeth whitening:
We offer a home whitening kit, which is comfortable and affordable, in conjunction with in office appointments to monitor progress. We take impressions of your mouth to prepare your custom-fitted trays, and specifically select a whitening program for you. The process is then completed in the comfort of your own home.