Comprehensive Dental Services in Charleston, WV
Dental Associates, Inc. offers the highest level of complete family dental care in Charleston, WV. We provide patients of all ages with caring, compassionate services, focusing on creating a family-friendly environment and building long-lasting relationships with patients. Our dentists and staff are committed to providing each patient with personalized treatment plans.
As a patient with Dental Associates, Inc. you can count on receiving one-on-one attention. We care about improving your immediate and long-term dental health. Our dentists and hygienists utilize state of the art technology to ensure you receive the most advanced, accurate general or cosmetic dental care.
We are proud to provide dental services including:
In-office preventive care and general dentistry complements your at-home dental routines. Regular visits to the dentist plays an important role in preventing issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Our goal is to help you develop positive oral health habits. We will also help you recognize warning signs if something serious develops.
Regular dental cleanings are recommended bi-annually for most healthy patients. A check-up typically includes diagnostic and preventive services such as removing tartar, stains, and plaque from the teeth, oral cancer screenings, polishing the teeth, x-rays, and evaluations for gum disease.
Tooth-colored fillings are used to fill holes left after decay is removed. Composite fillings can be matched to the natural color of your teeth and provide strength and stability to affected teeth. This procedure is very popular because of the natural looking appearance of the fillings.
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and the Earth’s crust. It helps prevent cavities and hardens tooth enamel. For younger patients, they should receive fluoride treatments twice a year to help prevent tooth decay. Although fluoride can strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to decay, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay.
Laser dentistry refers to a dental procedure that involves the use of a laser. There are a variety of laser dentistry treatments, both to restore function and aesthetics to a patient’s smile. Common laser treatments include treatment for gum disease, oral surgery, teeth whitening, and cavity treatment. Laser treatments provide you with a reduced need for anesthesia, minimal bleeding, and controlled swelling.
One of our main goals is to provide comfortable dental care for patients of all ages. When treating children, we focus on helping them develop positive associations with the dentist. We work to help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming and friendly environment for children and their families.
Dental sealants are an effective, preventive treatment to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist applies a plastic film to the chewing surface of teeth. This creates a protective barrier on your tooth enamel and prevents food particles, plaque, acids, and bacteria from penetrating the tooth’s surface. Sealants can last several years before needing reapplication.
The temporomandibular joint is found on either side of the jaw. It holds the lower and upper jaws together. If you are experiencing pain and difficulty while moving these joints, you may suffer from a TMJ disorder. This can lead to a number of other issues including: ear, jaw joint, and tooth pain. Misaligned bites, joint dislocation, teeth grinding and other factors can contribute to TMJ disorders.
We offer non-surgical therapies to help alleviate your discomfort and restore healthy bite function. Together with you, our dentists will determine which treatment option best fits your needs.
X-rays have long played an important role in the dental diagnostic process. Radiography reveals problems not visible to the naked eye. Digital x-rays do not use traditional film, and instead use small sensors. These small sensors reduce the amount of radiation used, save time, and provide more instantaneous results for you and your dentist. Digital radiographs can be viewed on a computer, which gives your dentist the clearest view of your teeth, mouth, and tissues, while reducing the amount of radiation you are exposed to.
Extracting permanent teeth that are significantly damaged can, in some cases, help return you to optimal health. After discussing your various treatment options with your dentist and deciding on an extraction, you and your doctor will determine the best way to replace the tooth. This prevents problems with the surrounding teeth.
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures can help restore beauty and function to your teeth. A healthy smile helps you make a lasting and positive first impression with others. In addition to regular dental visits and good at-home dental health habits, cosmetic dentistry can help take your smile to the next level. Working together with you, we can help you achieve a healthy, bright and long-lasting smile.
If you have experienced tooth loss related to decay, injury or gum disease, dental bridges may provide a good restorative option. Missing teeth can cause greater problems for your health if not corrected. Dental bridges prevent teeth from shifting, and keeps them from looking unsightly. Dental bridges are permanently cemented in your mouth and help maintain the positioning of your teeth. With the right level of care, a dental bridge can last for 8 to 10 years.
Like dental bridges, a crown may be necessary if you are suffering from tooth decay or experienced severe damage to your teeth. Dental crowns restore strength, aesthetics and function to your teeth by covering the remaining tooth structure. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, depending on which part of your mouth is being restored.. Your dentist will work with you to determine which crown option best fits your needs.
Dental implants consist of metal frames or posts which are surgically inserted into the bone beneath the gums. This is a great restoration option for patients missing teeth due to decay or extractions. You must have sufficient bone structure to support the posts. Once the posts have been placed, they fuse to the jawbone. When the posts can effectively support replacement teeth, custom crowns or prosthetics. Your restoration option will be mounted to the posts, improving the function and aesthetics of your teeth and mouth.
Even if you feel healthy and do not exhibit any symptoms, it is important to attend regular visits to the dentist to monitor and identify any signs of gum disease. Gum (periodontal) disease can progress without a patient knowing. If it is left untreated, it can destroy the supporting bones in a patient’s mouth. For this reason, early prevention and treatment are essential. We maintain the highest level of care to help you maintain proper oral health and to help prevent gum disease from even developing.
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, full dentures are a great option. Partial dentures are used for patients who still retain some of their natural teeth. Dentures provide you with a way to restore a natural looking, and healthy functional smile.
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and easiest ways to rejuvenate your smile. Our in-office whitening system is powerful and as convenient as an at-home whitening kit. Together with you, we will develop a whitening plan personalized for you. This plan is based on your dental condition, overall expectations and budget. When our teeth look more attractive and cleaner we tend to take better care of them. For this reason, teeth whitening can lead to better oral health for you.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, thin casings that are applied to the front side of teeth to correct discoloration, chips, and misshapen teeth. Like composite fillings, they are made with tooth-colored materials, and will look and feel natural in your mouth. Typically, a small amount of tooth enamel will have to be removed in order to fit the veneers onto your teeth. This makes the procedure an often irreversible treatment option, so be prepared for a permanent improved look to your smile!
Cosmetic bonding provides a way to correct chipped or misaligned teeth, Using a liquid resin, the surface of your tooth is rebuilt and reshaped. This procedure can be completed within one office visit. It is an affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. With proper dental care, cosmetic bonding can last 3 to 5 years.
For more information about our cosmetic, family and general dental services, please contact us today at 304-343-9855.