Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive or full dental examinations are the first and most important step to healthy teeth, gums, and a great smile. As part of your dental examination, our team may use DIAGNOdent laser technology. This high-tech tool helps us discover tooth decay before we can see it, allowing us to treat minor issues before they become more serious. Subsequent regularly scheduled examinations, usually in combination with your cleaning appointment, serve to nip dental issues in the bud — helping you maintain excellent dental health for life.
Oral Cancer Screening
At Lawrenceville Smiles, good dental health means more than just a pretty smile. As part of every examination, Dr. Scalia and Judy (our hygienist) will conduct a visual and manual screening of your mouth to check for abnormal gum tissue, bumps, or lumps – all potential warning signs of oral cancer. Detecting these signs as soon as possible gives us the best chance to treat potential problems and make sure your mouth and gums stay healthy.
X-rays
Since problems with your teeth, gums, and jaw bones can lurk beneath the surface, our team uses digital x-rays during your dental examinations. Digital x-rays are usually more comfortable and expose you to less radiation than traditional x-rays, for an instant snapshot of your oral health.
Hygiene
Dr. Scalia and our team are committed to providing you with the highest level of dental hygiene. Your hygiene appointment will include cleaning and polishing of your teeth. We also use Cavitron technology, effective at eliminating stains and debris on your teeth with high-speed oscillation and irrigation. As partners in your dental care, our team will also send you home with hygiene instructions and any needed cleaning aids that work most effectively for those hard to reach areas in your mouth. This will help you to keep your teeth healthy and sparkling between regular appointments.
If you’re nervous about routine dental hygiene appointments due to your hypersensitive teeth and gums, we offer Oraquix. Oraquix is a fast-acting, topical anesthetic (no shot needed!) to provide the comfort you need whether we’re working on one tooth or your whole mouth.
Periodontal Therapy (Gum Disease)
Gingivitis. Periodontal disease. Gum disease. No matter what term you use, the symptoms including swollen gums, bleeding gums, and receding gums stand in the way of your dental health. Left untreated, these issues can lead to loosening of teeth and even tooth loss. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, our team at Lawrenceville Smiles can help.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque above and below your gum line. These areas can be thoroughly and effectively deep cleaned in a comfortable way to help control and even eliminate gum disease. If needed, we can place a dose of the antibiotic Arestin in the pockets beneath your gum line to help eradicate the problem-causing bacteria altogether. Between our team’s high-quality treatment and dedication to routine dental hygiene, your gum disease doesn’t stand a chance.
Please know that while we go out of our way to provide comprehensive, all-inclusive care in our office, some patients requiring advanced periodontal therapy may need to be referred to a trusted gum specialist for more in-depth treatment.
Fluoride Treatments
At Lawrenceville Smiles, we fill cavities quickly and painlessly with a high level of care and expertise. But we’d rather keep tooth decay from happening in the first place. To keep your teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free, we’ll apply fluoride varnish at every visit. We also frequently suggest use of a prescription fluoride toothpaste for you to use at home between visits.
Mouthguards
Though teeth are tough, they’re still sensitive to trauma. Whether you’re an athlete exposed to potential damage during competition or a patient suffering from bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth), we can provide a custom-fit mouthguard or nightguard. Ballgame to bedtime, our team at Lawrenceville Smiles can give your teeth and mouth an added level of protection.
Orthodontics
If your front incisor teeth are mildly to moderately crooked or crowded, a custom-made Inman Aligner may be the solution. The Inman Aligner is more comfortable and less costly than traditional braces. Though it’s removable, you wear the aligner for 22 hours per day. In as little as 6-18 weeks, you’ll see a straighter, more perfect smile. Please talk to Dr. Scalia and our team so see if the Inman Aligner is right for you. Are you interested in more advanced orthodontic care such as Invisalign or braces? Dr. Scalia can refer you to one of several excellent local orthodontists
Anesthesia
When you’re in our office, we want you to be as relaxed as possible. Lawrenceville Smiles offers a number of anesthetic and sedation options to keep you comfortable including Nitrous Oxide, Valium, Novocain, and Oraquix. Please talk to our compassionate team of professionals about your concerns so we can determine the best option for you.
Emergency Care
If you or someone in your family is experiencing a dental emergency, please call us right away. We do our very best to ensure you see Dr. Scalia the same day you call. In the event he is traveling or unavailable, please know we will help you find immediate care through one of the highly skilled practices with whom we closely work and trust.