General Dental Terms & Services

Comprehensive dental care includes a wide range of treatments and services designed to maintain, restore, and protect your oral health at every stage of life. From routine exams and preventive care to advanced restorative procedures, each service plays a key role in preserving the function and appearance of your smile. Whether you're visiting for a check-up, need a filling, or require more complex work like crowns, bridges, or root canals, the goal is always to provide personalized care that addresses your unique dental needs. Custom mouth guards, night guards, and treatments for gum disease are also available to support your long-term oral health and comfort.

Preventive care starts with thorough dental exams and cleanings, which help detect potential issues early. Restorative services such as fillings, crowns, and dental implants are used to repair damage and restore strength and aesthetics to your smile. Advanced technologies like CEREC allow for same-day restorations, while options like nitrous oxide help manage dental anxiety. Every treatment is designed to support a lifetime of healthy smiles with minimal discomfort and lasting results. Your dental team will guide you through each step and help create a plan that supports your individual goals.

Your Dental Services May Include: 

  • Fillings
    Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by cavities or minor fractures. The process involves removing decayed tooth material and filling the space with a durable material to protect and strengthen the tooth. Fillings prevent further decay, restore functionality, and maintain your natural tooth structure for long-term oral health.
  • Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
    Amalgam fillings are a traditional, durable option for restoring decayed teeth. Made from a blend of metals, they offer strength and longevity, particularly for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. These fillings have been trusted for decades and are ideal for patients seeking a long-lasting and cost-effective solution.
  • Comprehensive Dental Exam
    A comprehensive dental exam is an in-depth evaluation of your oral health. It includes digital X-rays, oral cancer screenings, gum disease assessment, and a full inspection of your teeth and previous dental work. This thorough approach helps detect potential issues early and creates a clear plan for maintaining your smile.
  • Periodontal Exam
    A periodontal exam assesses the health of your gums and supporting structures. By measuring pocket depths and checking for inflammation or bleeding, this exam helps identify gum disease early. Catching periodontal issues early allows for timely treatment, protecting your teeth and overall health.
  • Crowns/Caps
    Crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made restorations that cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They restore strength, shape, and appearance, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Crowns are commonly used after root canals, for broken teeth, or to support large fillings.
  • CEREC
    CEREC technology allows for same-day crowns using precise digital impressions and milling. This convenient, efficient treatment eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits. The final crown is strong, natural-looking, and custom-fitted, making CEREC ideal for patients seeking fast, high-quality results.
  • Bridges
    Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth using artificial teeth anchored to surrounding natural teeth or implants. They restore chewing ability, maintain facial shape, and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. Bridges offer a permanent, aesthetic solution to tooth loss.
  • Dental Implants
    Dental implants are a durable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. Surgically placed in the jawbone, they provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants help preserve bone structure, improve oral function, and enhance confidence with a smile that looks and feels real.
  • Porcelain Inlays or Onlays
    Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom restorations used when a filling isn't enough but a crown isn’t needed. They fit securely within or over the tooth’s surface and are matched to your natural color. These restorations offer strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Dentures
    Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Full or partial options are available based on your needs. Modern dentures improve chewing, speech, and appearance, and are custom-made to fit comfortably and restore your smile.
  • Extractions
    Tooth extractions are performed when a tooth is too damaged to save or is causing crowding or infection. The procedure is done with care to ensure comfort and minimize healing time. Extractions may be followed by restorative options like implants or bridges.
  • Mouth Guard
    Mouth guards protect your teeth from injury during sports or physical activities. Custom-fitted for comfort and effectiveness, they shield your teeth and gums from impact. Wearing a mouth guard helps prevent broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage.
  • Night Guard
    Night guards are oral appliances worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding or clenching (bruxism). They help prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches. Custom-made for a comfortable fit, night guards preserve your teeth and improve sleep quality.
  • Nitrous – N₂O
    Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative used to ease anxiety during dental procedures. It helps patients feel relaxed while staying awake and responsive. Nitrous wears off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after your visit.
  • Root Canal
    A root canal is a procedure to treat infected or inflamed tooth pulp. It involves cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth, relieving pain, and preserving the natural structure. Root canals help save teeth that would otherwise need extraction.
  • Sealants
    Sealants are a preventive treatment that coats the grooves of molars to protect against decay. This clear or tooth-colored resin forms a barrier that keeps food and bacteria out of hard-to-clean areas. Sealants are especially helpful for children and teens.
  • Gum Disease – Periodontal Disease/Gingivitis/Periodontitis
    Gum disease begins with inflammation (gingivitis) and can progress to serious infection (periodontitis) if untreated. It damages the gums and bone that support your teeth. Early detection and professional care are essential to manage symptoms, prevent tooth loss, and protect your overall health.

 

Visit Lilly Family Dentistry

Dentist Sioux City

 

Lilly Family Dentistry

2100 Indian Hills Drive,
Sioux City, IA 51104

(712) 239-5125

2020-11-03

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