Comprehensive Guide to Common Dental Procedures: Exploring Lakefront Family Dentistry’s Expertise
At Lakefront Family Dentistry, patients can expect top-quality dental care from our experienced and highly skilled dentists, Dr. Mark Phillipe, and Dr. Derek Hauser. Our dentists provide a commitment to providing exceptional service, and our beautiful private practice offers a wide range of dental procedures to help patients achieve optimal oral health.
As a preferred provider for Delta Dental Premier, Humana, MetLife, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and additional PPO insurance plans, Lakefront Family Dentistry strives to make dental care accessible and convenient for our valued patients. However, we do not accept any HMO or managed care insurance plans.
We will delve into the various dental procedures offered by Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser, highlighting their expertise and commitment to patient satisfaction.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings play a vital role in the restoration of decayed teeth, preserving their structure, and preventing further damage. When a tooth develops decay, a dental filling is used to remove the decayed material and restore the tooth to its normal function and appearance.
Composite Resin White Tooth Fillings
At Lakefront Family Dentistry, Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser specialize in using composite resin for dental fillings, offering patients excellent results in terms of both aesthetics and durability.
Composite resin fillings are a popular choice due to their ability to blend seamlessly with the natural color of the tooth, making them virtually indistinguishable. This makes them particularly suitable for visible areas of the mouth, such as the front teeth.
Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser carefully select the shade of composite resin that matches the patient’s tooth color, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing restoration. We also offer CEREC porcelain crowns and veneers as an option.
The procedure for dental fillings involves several steps, all performed with precision and attention to detail. Firstly, the dentists prepare the tooth by removing the decayed and damaged portions. This process ensures that all affected areas are thoroughly cleaned and that the remaining healthy tooth structure is preserved.
Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser apply the composite resin material in layers. Each layer is carefully shaped and molded to recreate the original tooth shape, considering the patient’s bite and overall dental alignment. The dentists utilize their expertise and artistic skills to ensure that the filling blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, providing a natural appearance.
After the composite resin is applied, a special curing light is used to harden the material. This light activates the bonding agents within the resin, enabling it to securely bond to the tooth structure. Once the filling is fully cured and hardened, the dentists refine and polish it to achieve a smooth and comfortable surface. This step is essential for maintaining proper oral hygiene and preventing plaque buildup.
Throughout the dental filling procedure, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser prioritize patient comfort. They use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring a painless experience. Their gentle and caring approach helps alleviate any anxiety or discomfort that patients may have, creating a calm and relaxed environment.
By utilizing composite resin for dental fillings and following a meticulous procedure, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser restore decayed teeth effectively and provide patients with long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing results. Their expertise and commitment to exceptional dental care ensure that patients at Lakefront Family Dentistry receive the highest standard of treatment for their dental filling needs.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or for orthodontic treatment purposes. At Lakefront Family Dentistry, Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser approach tooth extraction procedures with compassion, prioritizing patient comfort and ensuring optimal oral health outcomes.
There are various oral health reasons that may necessitate tooth extraction. Severe tooth decay or damage that cannot be effectively treated with other dental procedures may require extraction to prevent the spread of infection or further damage to surrounding teeth.
In cases of advanced gum disease or periodontitis, extraction may be necessary to preserve the overall oral health and prevent the spread of infection. Additionally, tooth extraction is sometimes recommended for orthodontic purposes, such as creating space for proper teeth alignment or removing impacted teeth.
Dental Anxiety
Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser understand the anxiety or fear that patients may have when it comes to tooth extraction. They take a compassionate approach, ensuring that patients feel at ease and comfortable throughout the procedure. They carefully explain the process, answer any questions or concerns, and provide support and reassurance to alleviate any anxiety.
Dental Therapy Dog
The dentists prioritize patient communication and involve them in the decision-making process, discussing the reasons for extraction and exploring alternative treatment options when appropriate. We also offer an appointment to reduce dental anxiety by having one of our beautiful, gentle therapy dogs sit with you during treatment, if it does not interfere with the procedure.
To ensure patient comfort during the tooth extraction procedure, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser utilize various techniques. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth being extracted, ensuring that patients experience minimal to no pain during the procedure.
For patients who may experience higher levels of anxiety or require more complex extractions, oral conscious sedation options may be available to enhance relaxation and further reduce discomfort. The dentists closely monitor patients’ comfort throughout the procedure.
After tooth extraction, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser provide comprehensive post-extraction care instructions to promote optimal healing and minimize any potential complications. Patients are advised to bite down on a gauze pad, avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Pain management instructions, including the appropriate use of over the counter or prescribed pain medications, are provided to ensure patients’ comfort during the healing process. Additionally, the dentists offer dietary guidelines, recommending soft foods and avoiding certain activities, such as smoking or using straws, to prevent dislodging the blood clot and promoting proper healing.
Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser are committed to providing attentive post-extraction follow-up care. They schedule necessary follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress, assess the need for any further treatments, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
Through their compassionate approach, use of effective techniques for patient comfort, and detailed post-extraction care instructions, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser ensure that tooth extraction procedures at Lakefront Family Dentistry are conducted with the utmost care and consideration for their patients’ well-being and long-term oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a highly effective dental procedure designed to save infected or severely damaged teeth from extraction. It involves the removal of infected or inflamed dental pulp, which is the soft tissue located inside the tooth, followed by the sealing of the tooth to prevent reinfection.
At Lakefront Family Dentistry, our doctors have great experience in root canal therapy to preserve your natural teeth.
Root canal treatment is crucial in cases where the dental pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, extensive dental work, cracks, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to abscesses, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss.
Our dentists understand the importance of root canal treatment in preserving a patient’s natural teeth, preventing further complications, and maintaining proper oral health.
Dr. Hauser and Dr. Phillipe’s experience in root canal therapy is evident in their meticulous approach and dedication to patient comfort. Each dentist possesses a deep understanding of the complexity of the root canal system and employs advanced techniques to ensure effective treatment.
Given their expertise, both doctors can alleviate pain associated with infected teeth, enabling patients to regain their oral health and overall well-being.
The root canal treatment process typically involves several steps. Firstly, our dentists administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a pain-free experience throughout the procedure. This helps patients feel at ease and relaxed during treatment.
Once the tooth is numbed, a small access opening is created in the tooth, allowing the dentists to the infected pulp. Using specialized instruments, such as root canal files, they carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canals. This step is crucial in eliminating the source of infection and preventing its spread.
After the infected pulp is removed, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser will thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canals. This ensures that any remaining bacteria or debris are eliminated, reducing the risk of reinfection.
Once the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals, preventing bacteria from re-entering and reinfecting the tooth. To further reinforce the tooth’s structure, they may recommend the placement of a CEREC porcelain dental crown, which provides strength, protection, and aesthetics.
Throughout the root canal treatment process, our dentists ensure that patients are comfortable and well informed. Each step of the procedure is explained, addressing any questions or concerns that patients may have. Their gentle and compassionate approach helps patients feel at ease, even during potentially anxiety-inducing procedures.
By combining our dentist’s expertise in root canal therapy with advanced technology and techniques, Dr. Hauser and Dr. Phillipe deliver precise and efficient treatment, alleviating pain and preserving natural teeth. Through their dedication to patient care, they help patients regain oral health, restore function, and maintain their beautiful smiles.
CEREC Dental Crowns
At Lakefront Family Dentistry, patients benefit from the cutting-edge technology and convenience of CEREC crowns, which are crafted using in-house milling machines while patients wait. Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser, the skilled dentists at the practice, utilize this advanced technology to provide efficient and high-quality dental care.
CEREC crowns are a revolutionary approach to dental restorations, offering patients the advantage of same-day crowns. With the in-house milling machines available at Lakefront Family Dentistry, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser can create custom-made crowns on-site, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns. This streamlined process allows patients to receive their permanent crowns in just one visit, saving them time and providing immediate restoration for their damaged teeth.
Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser’s utilization of CEREC technology showcases their commitment to providing convenient and efficient dental care. The CEREC system involves the use of digital scanning and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology. During the appointment, the dentist captures digital impressions of the patient’s tooth using a 3D scanner. These detailed digital impressions are then transferred to the in-house milling machine, where the crown is precisely milled from a block of high-quality dental material.
The ability to create CEREC crowns in-house ensures that the crowns are tailored to fit the patient’s tooth with exceptional accuracy. Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser have undergone specialized training in CEREC technology, enabling them to design and produce crowns that match the patient’s natural tooth color, size, and shape. The in-house milling process allows for real-time adjustments and modifications, ensuring optimal fit and aesthetics.
By providing CEREC crowns with in-house milling machines, Lakefront Family Dentistry enhances patient experience and satisfaction. Patients no longer need to wait for weeks or wear temporary crowns while waiting for their permanent restorations. Instead, they can have their custom-made crowns fabricated and placed in a single visit, minimizing any inconvenience, and providing immediate functional and aesthetic improvements.
The utilization of CEREC technology by Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser exemplifies their commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements. Their investment in state-of-the-art equipment and continuous training allows them to deliver efficient, precise, and high-quality dental care to their patients.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a highly advanced and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, and at Lakefront Family Dentistry, both Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser excel in providing exceptional implant dentistry. With their expertise in precise surgical techniques, they achieve successful outcomes and help patients regain their smiles and oral function.
A dental implant consists of three key components: the implant itself, an abutment, and a prosthetic tooth. The implant, a small titanium post, is surgically placed by either Dr. Phillipe or Dr. Hauser into the jawbone, serving as an artificial tooth root. This integration, called osseointegration, ensures a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. The abutment, connected to the implant, acts as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth, which is custom-designed to match the size, shape, and color of the patient’s natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Both Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser showcase their expertise in implant dentistry through their meticulous surgical techniques. They carefully evaluate each patient’s oral health and jawbone structure, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to plan the precise placement of the implant. Factors such as bone density and optimal positioning for both aesthetics and functionality are considered, ensuring the long-term success of the dental implant procedure.
The titanium dental implant process typically involves several stages. Initially, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort throughout the procedure. Following the placement, a healing period of several months is necessary to allow for osseointegration, ensuring the stability and integration of the implant with the jawbone.
Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment is attached to the implant, facilitating the connection between the implant and the prosthetic tooth. Dr. Phillipe or Dr. Hauser take precise impressions of the abutment and surrounding teeth, ensuring an accurate fit and optimal aesthetics.
These impressions are used to create a custom-made CEREC dental crown that closely matches the patient’s natural teeth in size, shape, and color. Finally, the prosthetic tooth is securely attached to the abutment, resulting in a fully functional and lifelike replacement tooth.
Dental implants offer numerous advantages, including improved oral function, aesthetics, and long-term durability. They allow individuals to bite, chew, and speak naturally while closely resembling natural teeth. Dental implants also contribute to the preservation of the surrounding natural teeth as they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support.
Both Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser are the owners of Lakefront Family Dentistry, so they make sure patients receive the highest standard of care throughout the entire dental implant process. Their precision and attention to detail lead to successful outcomes, restoring oral health and confidence in their patients.
Call our Patient Coordinators during business hours at (951) 244-9495 to discuss any of our dental procedures listed above or any others. You may also fill out the Schedule an Appointment form on our website anytime. Our staff is very friendly, professional and quite helpful.
