General Dentistry

Routine Exams & Cleanings

Regular dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Watterson Dentistry, we believe in the power of preventive care to maintain your oral health and catch potential issues early. Our routine exams, cleanings and dental treatments are designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy while providing you with the knowledge and tools to care for your smile at home.

Comprehensive Dental Hygiene

A professional dental cleaning goes beyond what your toothbrush and floss can do. During your hygiene visit, one of our skilled Registered Dental Hygienists will:

• Remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
• Polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling fresh and clean.
• Provide personalized tips and recommendations for maintaining excellent oral hygiene between visits.

Regular cleanings are essential for preventing problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. We recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months to keep your smile in top condition.

Digital X-Rays for Accurate Diagnosis

As part of your routine exam, we use advanced digital X-ray technology to get a clear, detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jaw. X-rays allow us to:

• Identify cavities that aren’t visible during a visual exam.
• Monitor bone health and detect early signs of issues like gum disease or tooth loss.
• Evaluate wisdom teeth or other concerns below the surface.
• Identify any potential form of pathology.

Our digital X-rays are fast, safe, and emit significantly less radiation than traditional methods, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind.

Why Routine Exams & Cleanings Are Important

Routine dental visits are about more than just a sparkling smile — they’re a key part of your overall health. During your exam, Dr. Watterson will thoroughly assess your oral health, checking for:

• Early signs of cavities or tooth damage
• Gum disease and signs of inflammation
• Oral cancer and other abnormalities
• Changes in your bite or jaw alignment

By addressing potential problems early, we can prevent them from becoming more serious, saving you time and money in the long run.

Schedule Your Next Appointment Today

At Watterson Dentistry, we’re here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life. If it’s time for your routine exam and cleaning, contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Fillings

When cavities or minor tooth damage occur, fillings are a reliable and effective solution for restoring the health and structure of your teeth. At Watterson Dentistry, we use high-quality, tooth-colored materials to repair decay or damage, ensuring your smile looks and feels natural.

What Are Fillings?

Fillings are used to repair areas of a tooth that have been affected by decay or minor fractures. After carefully removing the damaged portion, we fill the space with a durable material that restores the tooth’s strength and function.

Our process involves:

• Detection and Diagnosis — During your exam, we’ll identify any cavities or damage using advanced tools like digital X-rays and Spectra Cavity Detection Cameras.
• Comfortable Treatment — We ensure your comfort throughout the process with gentle care and local anesthesia.
• Natural Results — We use composite resin or other tooth-colored materials to seamlessly blend the filling with your natural tooth.

Fillings not only repair your teeth but also prevent further decay, preserving your smile for years to come.

Crowns

For teeth that are severely damaged, weakened, or decayed, a dental crown can provide the protection and restoration you need. At Watterson Dentistry, we offer CEREC same-day crowns, allowing you to regain your smile’s function and appearance in just one visit.

What Is a Crown?

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used for:

• Teeth with large cavities or fractures
• Restoring teeth after root canal therapy
• Covering misshapen or discolored teeth
• Supporting a dental bridge

Our CEREC Same-Day Crown Process

• Digital Impressions —> Using our advanced CEREC technology, we take precise digital scans of your tooth, eliminating the need for messy impressions.
• Custom Design —The digital model is used to design your crown, ensuring a perfect fit and natural appearance.
• In-Office Fabrication — The crown is milled from high-quality porcelain material right in our office.
• Placement — Once the crown is ready, we bond it to your tooth, providing immediate strength and protection.

Crowns are a long-lasting solution that not only restores your tooth’s function but also enhances the beauty of your smile.

Bridges

Losing one or more teeth can affect more than just your smile — it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral health. At Watterson Dentistry, we offer dental bridges as a reliable solution to replace missing teeth and restore balance to your smile. Bridges provide a natural-looking and durable option that seamlessly fills gaps, preventing long-term issues and enhancing your confidence.

A dental bridge works by using artificial teeth (pontics) to fill the space created by missing teeth. These pontics are securely anchored to crowns placed on the natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the gap. The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health and the preparation of the supporting teeth. These teeth are carefully shaped to accommodate crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Using advanced imaging technology, we create detailed impressions to design a custom bridge that fits perfectly and matches the color of your natural teeth.

Bridges offer significant benefits beyond aesthetics. They prevent surrounding teeth from drifting out of alignment, which can cause bite issues or jaw pain over time. Additionally, bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly, improving your quality of life. With proper care, including regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene, a dental bridge can last for many years, providing a durable, attractive solution to missing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Restores the natural appearance of your smile
• Improves chewing and speaking ability
• Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of place
• Provides a stable and long-lasting solution

At Watterson Dentistry, we customize every dental bridge to ensure it fits comfortably and enhances your overall oral health.

Dentures

At Watterson Dentistry, we understand the challenges that come with losing multiple teeth. That’s why we offer custom dentures tailored to restore your smile and enhance your quality of life. Whether you need full dentures for complete tooth replacement or partial dentures to fill gaps, our team is here to create a solution that meets your needs and feels natural.

Full Dentures are ideal for patients who have lost all their teeth in the upper or lower jaw. These removable appliances are carefully designed to fit comfortably on your gums, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. We use advanced materials and techniques to ensure that your full dentures look as lifelike as possible while providing a secure and functional fit. They also help support your facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance that can sometimes occur with extensive tooth loss.

For patients who still have some natural teeth, removable partial dentures offer a flexible and effective alternative. Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, which fits snugly around your existing teeth. These appliances not only fill gaps but also help maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth, preventing them from shifting out of place. Removable partial dentures are easy to clean and maintain, making them a convenient and cost-effective solution for many patients.

What Makes Our Dentures Unique?

• Crafted for comfort and a natural appearance.
• Designed to restore function, making it easier to eat and speak.
• Customized to match your facial structure and replace missing teeth for a seamless fit.

Whether you need a complete smile makeover with full dentures or a targeted solution with partial dentures, we take the time to ensure your prosthetics are comfortable, functional, and beautiful.

Root Canals

At Watterson Dentistry, preserving your natural teeth is one of our top priorities. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, you may have an infection inside the tooth that requires root canal therapy. Despite its reputation, a root canal is a straightforward and virtually painless procedure that can save your tooth and restore your oral health.

A root canal is a treatment designed to remove infection and damage from the inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause significant pain and put your tooth at risk. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent further damage.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

• Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
• A small, pimple-like bump on the gums

If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to more serious dental or health issues, including tooth loss.

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

At Watterson Dentistry, we take every step to ensure your root canal procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

• Diagnosis and Preparation — Using advanced diagnostic tools like digital X-rays, we pinpoint the source of the infection and plan your treatment. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
• Removing the Infection — Dr. Watterson creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. The pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.
• Sealing the Tooth — Once the canals are cleaned, they are filled with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then sealed, and a temporary filling is placed.
• Restoring the Tooth — To protect and strengthen the treated tooth, a crown or permanent filling is typically placed at a follow-up visit. This ensures the tooth functions normally and blends seamlessly with your smile.

The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy offers several important benefits:

• Saves your natural tooth, avoiding extraction.
• Relieves pain and restores oral comfort.
• Prevents the spread of infection to other teeth or areas of the body.
• Preserves the appearance and function of your smile.

Thanks to modern techniques and advanced technology, root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. Many patients are surprised at how quick and easy the procedure is.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a tooth infection, don’t wait to seek care. At Watterson Dentistry, we’re committed to providing gentle and effective root canal therapy to relieve your discomfort and protect your smile.

Extractions

At Watterson Dentistry, we prioritize preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, but there are times when a tooth extraction becomes the best option for your oral health. Whether due to severe decay, damage, or gum disease, our team provides gentle, expert care to ensure the extraction process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Tooth extractions are typically recommended when a tooth is damaged beyond repair or poses a risk to your overall oral health. Common reasons for extractions include:

• Severe decay or infection that cannot be treated with a filling or root canal.
• Advanced gum disease that has weakened the tooth and surrounding bone.
• Gum disease, often in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
• Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth that do not have enough space to erupt properly.
• A broken tooth that cannot be restored.

After a thorough examination, Dr. Watterson will discuss all available treatment options with you and determine if an extraction is the best course of action for your situation.

Replacing an Extracted Tooth

If the extracted tooth is not a wisdom tooth, replacing it is often essential to maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth and protect your oral health. Options for tooth replacement include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. We’ll discuss the best solution for your needs and work with you to restore your smile.

At Watterson Dentistry, we’re committed to providing exceptional care in a comfortable environment. If you need a tooth extraction, you can trust our team to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious condition that affects the health of your gums and supporting structures of your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. At Watterson Dentistry, we offer comprehensive gum disease treatment to help stop its progression, restore your oral health, and protect your smile.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and tartar buildup. If not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line and damages the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums or a “longer” appearance of teeth
• Loose teeth or changes in bite alignment

Gum disease can develop silently, often without pain, which is why regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment.

Our Approach to Gum Disease Treatment

At Watterson Dentistry, we take a personalized approach to treating gum disease, focusing on both immediate care and long-term prevention.

Early Stage Treatment

For gingivitis or mild cases, a professional cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene may be enough to reverse the condition. Our hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and provide guidance on how to maintain healthy gums at home.

Scaling & Root Planing

For more advanced cases, we perform a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching. This treatment promotes gum reattachment and helps stop disease progression.

Advanced Periodontal Therapy

In severe cases, we may recommend additional therapies, such as antibiotic treatments or referral to a periodontist for surgical options like gum grafting or pocket reduction.

The Importance of Prevention

Treating gum disease is only part of the solution — preventing its recurrence is equally important. Regular dental exams, cleanings, and a strong at-home routine that includes brushing, flossing, and possibly using mouth rinses are essential to keeping your gums healthy.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but with timely and effective treatment, it’s manageable and often reversible in its early stages. At Watterson Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you maintain healthy gums and a confident smile for life.

Jaw Misalignment

A misaligned jaw can lead to a variety of problems, from chronic discomfort to difficulty chewing and speaking. It may also contribute to long-term dental issues, such as uneven tooth wear and stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). At Watterson Dentistry, we provide expert care for jaw misalignment, offering solutions that not only relieve symptoms but also restore proper function and balance to your bite.

Jaw misalignment can result from several factors, including:

• Malocclusion (Improper Bite) — Misaligned teeth or jaw growth issues can lead to uneven pressure during chewing.
• Injury or Trauma — Accidents or injuries to the jaw can disrupt its alignment.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) — Chronic grinding or clenching can shift the jaw out of its natural position over time.
• Missing Teeth — Gaps in your smile can affect how your teeth come together, leading to imbalance.

Symptoms of jaw misalignment often include jaw pain, jaw joint clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, frequent headaches, broken, chipped, cracked, or loose teeth, and uneven tooth wear.

Treatment Options for Jaw Misalignment

At Watterson Dentistry, we offer customized orthodontic treatments to address the underlying causes of jaw misalignment and provide relief from associated symptoms.

Bite Splints

A bite splint is a removable, custom-made appliance designed to realign the jaw and protect your teeth. Bite splints are particularly effective for patients with bruxism or TMJ-related issues. They are worn over the teeth, typically at night, to relieve tension on the jaw and prevent further damage to your teeth and joints.

Bite splints are made from durable, comfortable materials and are tailored to fit your mouth precisely. Over time, they can help retrain the muscles of your jaw to rest in a more natural position, reducing discomfort and preventing future complications.

Bite Disease Treatment

Bite disease refers to the excessive wear or damage caused by an improperly aligned bite. Left untreated, it can lead to cracked teeth, gum recession, and jaw pain. Treating bite disease involves addressing the root cause of the problem and restoring balance to your bite.

Our Bite disease treatment may include:

• Bite Adjustment — Reshaping the surfaces of your teeth to ensure they come together evenly.
• Orthodontic Solutions — Braces or Invisalign to realign teeth and correct malocclusion.
• Restorative Care — Crowns, bridges, or veneers to repair damaged teeth and restore proper function.
• Orthotic Splints — to improve jaw posture, prevent and protect teeth from further destruction, and improve jaw joint comfort.

Dr. Watterson will assess your specific needs and create a treatment plan to protect your teeth, relieve symptoms, and prevent further damage.

Jaw misalignment can impact your daily life, but with the right care, you can find relief and restore harmony to your bite. At Watterson Dentistry, we take a personalized approach to jaw misalignment, ensuring your treatment is both effective and comfortable.

Airway (Sleep Apnea)

At Watterson Dentistry, we understand the critical connection between oral health and overall well-being. For patients struggling with sleep apnea or other airway issues, we offer effective, non-invasive treatments designed to improve your breathing and restore restful sleep. By addressing the root causes of airway obstruction, we can help you achieve better sleep quality and protect your long-term health.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, often due to the collapse of soft tissues in the throat or tongue. These interruptions disrupt your sleep cycle and can lead to significant health issues.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Waking up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep
• Daytime fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches or dry mouth

If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health concerns.

How We Treat Sleep Apnea

At Watterson Dentistry, we offer dental-based solutions for sleep apnea that are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your needs.

Custom Oral Appliances

For mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom-fitted oral appliance is a popular and effective treatment. These appliances are worn during sleep and work by gently repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. Oral appliances are an excellent alternative to CPAP machines for many patients, offering greater comfort and convenience.

Orthodontic or Structural Solutions

In some cases, orthodontic treatments, such as braces or expanders, can improve the airway by aligning the teeth and jaw to create better airflow. For children or teens with developing airways, early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing future issues.

Untreated sleep apnea not only impacts your quality of life but can also have serious consequences for your overall health. Addressing airway issues can improve your energy levels, reduce your risk of health complications, and even enhance your mental clarity and mood.

Sleep Better, Live Better

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or are struggling with poor sleep, Watterson Dentistry is here to help. We’ll evaluate your symptoms, assess your airway, and create a customized treatment plan to improve your breathing and restore restful sleep.