Maintaining the health of your teeth and mouth is about more than just your smile — it is crucial for your overall health, as well. At Smile for Life Dental, our skilled dentist Dr. Dean Lodding and our experienced team of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you remain happy and healthy with a beautiful smile! In addition to routine cleanings, we work to assist you in prolonging optimal oral health in many other ways, such as monitoring for any potential risk factors and treating them before future complications arise. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lodding, please contact our office today.
Smile for Life isn’t just the name of our practice — it’s part of our philosophy! We believe it is important to go beyond oral care to ensure our patients live long, happy, healthy lives. As a member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), Dr. Lodding works closely with medical doctors, combining their knowledge and experience to create educational opportunities to help patients better understand the connection between oral health and overall health.
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Understanding the mouth-body connection can ultimately benefit your overall health, which is why patient education on this topic is something we take very seriously. As part of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), Dr. Lodding and Stephanie Lodding, RDH believe it is crucial to know how poor oral health can negatively affect other areas of your body, as well.
As part of your regular oral exam, Dr. Lodding performs a simple non-invasive test called an Oral DNA screening. This test can provide Dr. Lodding with key information about your oral health and potential risk for certain diseases. The results of this test can help Dr. Lodding to provide you with personalized preventative treatment.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a condition that will affect most people at some stage of their lives. If left untreated, gum disease can have serious effects on oral health, and even cause increased risks to general health. Fortunately, our practice offers a variety of treatments designed to renew gum health and prevent periodontal disease from getting progressively worse.
Damaged and/or infected teeth can cause significant discomfort while also increasing your risk for a number of oral and general health concerns. In many cases, a root canal may be an ideal treatment option, as it allows for the removal of decay and bacteria while still preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. During the procedure, one of our dentists will clean, sterilize, and seal the affected tooth, helping to restore health and function to your smile.
While we generally try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary to promote the health, function, and/or aesthetics of your smile. Whether you require an extraction for an impacted wisdom tooth, an overcrowded mouth, as a preparatory step for a restorative dentistry procedure, or for another reason entirely, our compassionate dental team will be here to support you at every step of the process.
We recommend scheduling a routine cleaning and oral exam every six months. Brushing and flossing regularly can help you maintain good oral health, but without regular dental cleanings, certain harmful bacteria can still remain in your mouth. During your visit, one of our dental hygienists will use advanced equipment to clean your teeth and gums, ultimately preventing tooth decay and gum disease in a way that daily at-home cleaning cannot. Dr. Lodding can then examine your mouth and identify any potential issues. If any concerns arise, a personalized treatment plan can be created to properly address and treat the condition before it worsens.
At Smile for Life Dental, we care about the health of your entire family! We treat patients of all ages, and offer an expansive array of pediatric treatments for your kids. When treating children and adolescents, we believe in putting an emphasis on preventive care, enabling them to protect their healthy gums and teeth for years to come. Additionally, we work with your children to help them learn healthy habits that can help prevent future dental problems.
“My family and I’ve been patients for more than 10 years, my kids (9 and 5 years old) are never afraid to visit the office because they always treat them with great care and professionalism. Highly recommended!!!”
Although metal (amalgam) fillings were the standard in dentistry for many years, they presented health and aesthetic concerns. Now, research has shown they are damaging teeth over time and creating cracks and crevices that allow access to harmful bacteria. Additionally, amalgam fillings are known to contain a small amount of mercury, which can potentially become harmful to the body. Dr. Lodding can remove and replace these fillings with a durable tooth-colored composite filling for a safer, healthier, more attractive solution.
For patients in need of a restorative dentistry procedure, we are excited to offer a new needle-free anesthetic. Kovanaze® is the first FDA-approved anesthetic nasal spray designed to be used as a numbing agent for dental procedures. Unlike traditional injectable forms of anesthesia, such as lidocaine, Kovanaze® should not numb your lips or cheeks. This innovative product can be utilized by adults or children, and can help improve comfort during procedures such as dental implants or full mouth rehabilitation. Ask about Kovanaze® at your next appointment to find out how it can make a difference.
Using advanced dental lasers, Dr. Lodding can provide patients with enhanced care that is comfortable and effective. In addition to disinfecting deep within the gums, these powerful yet gentle lasers can be used to treat canker or cold sores, recontour the gumline, and promote bone and/or tissue regrowth. Periodontal treatment with these state-of-the art lasers is virtually painless and requires minimal downtime. It is also faster, less invasive, more precise, and often more successful than traditional treatments.