General Dentistry

Exams and Cleanings

At our office we advocate a preventative approach to oral and systemic health. The goal is to optimize health now and keep problems from arising in the first place. At Smiles by Shields, we see regular dental appointments – every 6 months, or more often if needed – as an opportunity to contribute to your total wellness.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When decay has damaged your tooth enamel, a filling is called for. Fillings prevent further decay or tooth loss, and help to protect the tooth and supporting structures. When new fillings are needed – or old ones need to be replaced – we use only tooth-colored materials to restore your teeth.

Crowns & Bridges

When decay or tooth damage is extensive, a filling might not be enough. A crown may be needed to restore the tooth’s look and function. Bridges can be used to bridge the gap caused by a missing tooth. At Smiles by Shields, we can provide both – in aesthetic and biocompatible ways.

Dental Implants

It used to be that you only had two options for replacing missing teeth: bridges and dentures (partial or full). Dental implants offer an excellent third option. Dental implants are permanent and protective.

Dental Surgery with PRP

Imagine healing faster from dental surgery with less pain and better results. Platelet rich plasma makes it possible. Platelet rich plasma – PRP for short – is made with a small sample of your own blood. Research has shown that patients treated with PRP heal as much as six times faster than those who go without it.

Digital Imaging

A visual dental exam can only tell us so much about the current state of your teeth and the tissues that support them. Sometimes, we need to look within, and that’s where x-ray imaging comes into play. X-rays let us look for decay between teeth or under fillings. They let us check for bone loss or infection around the roots of your teeth.

Sedation Dentistry

Plenty of people feel anxious, even fearful, when they think about having dental work done – so much that they may put off getting the care they need. Unfortunately, this almost always results in more work needing to be done (and a higher dental bill, to boot). Sedation dentistry takes the fear out of visiting the dentist.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It’s a serious condition that may raise your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disorders, heart failure, dementia, memory problems, obesity, diabetes, and depression It may also be a sign of sleep apnea – a disorder in which you periodically stop breathing through the night.

Jaw Pain and Headache Solutions

Did you know that chronic headaches and other head, neck and shoulder pain often have dental causes? When that’s the case, reaching out for a dental solution makes far more sense than repeatedly treating the symptom with painkillers, acupuncture, chiropractic care, or other therapy.