Celebrating Over 40 Years in Sparks – Family Dentistry Since 1980

Some of the Services we offer...

 

Dental Cleanings

Our Office provides a full range of cleaning treatment options.  We offer regular routine prophies, as well as deep cleanings for patients with periodontal (gum) disease.  Dental cleanings are critical to achieving and maintaining dental health.  Regular dental cleanings can help ensure that your teeth last you a lifetime.

 

Fillings

Dr. Terhune performs only white composite fillings. A filling may be necessary if your teeth have areas of demineralization caused by bacteria, a process called tooth decay. To perform a filling, Dr. Terhune will first make sure the tooth and surrounding tissues are completely anesthetized. He will then remove the areas of decay. Next, he will fill the prepared areas with white composite material that is chemically bonded to the tooth structure using a curing light. Dr. Terhune does not place silver/amalgam fillings.

 

Radiographs/ X-Rays

Radiographs (X-Rays) are critical to the diagnosis and prevention of dental problems.  We provide complete radiographic analysis with the FMX (Full Mouth X-Rays) at the initial visit.  Thereafter, we recommend check-up x-rays (a series of four films) every year, and a new FMX every five years.  

Why are Radiographs important? Radiographs are important because they allow the Doctor to see dental conditions that are not visible to the naked eye.  For example, radiographs allow the Doctor to diagnose cavities (including those between the teeth), fractured roots, abscessed teeth, periodontal disease, cysts, and other conditions.  Radiographs greatly assist the Doctor in diagnosing the correct treatment for your teeth.

 

Replacing Missing Teeth

There are usually four options to consider when replacing missing teeth: Bridges, Partial Dentures, Full Dentures, or Implants.

• Bridges, Partial Dentures, or Implants may be indicated when only a few teeth need to be replaced.  
• A Bridge is an appliance that is permanently cemented into your mouth. It consists of synthetic teeth that fill the empty (toothless) space, and is anchored with crowns to the remaining teeth on either side.
• A Partial Denture is removable and has clasps that fit around the remaining teeth to hold the Partial Denture in place, with teeth to replace the missing teeth.  The standard Partial Denture has a metal framework for strength with metal clasps.  There is a new kind of Partial Denture available that is flexible, made without any metal, and has natural-colored clasps.  These new, metal-free Partial Dentures can be made for some, but not for all, patients. Dr. Terhune can assess your needs and recommend the ideal treatment for you.
• A full, or complete, denture is used to replace function when all the teeth are missing from the upper and/or lower arch.
• Implants are another option in replacing missing teeth.  An implant consists of a metal rod or screw that is placed directly into the jawbone.  This procedure is performed by a specialist, and then Dr. Terhune fabricates a crown to fit on top of the implant.

Dr. Terhune will explain these treatment options in detail, and the benefits and drawbacks of each, before you decide on your best treatment option.

 

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal may be required if the root of a tooth is infected (abscessed).  This may be the necessary treatment when you have a bad toothache.  In this treatment, the nerve of the tooth that is infected is removed, but the tooth structure is saved.  Dr. Terhune performs root canal therapy when necessary, or he may refer you to a specialist (endodontist) to best treat your needs.

 

Crowns

A crown is a cap that completely covers the top and all sides of a tooth.  This treatment may be necessary if a tooth is chipped or has large areas of decay, and is routine after root canal therapy.  We offer PFC (Porcelain Fused to Metal) crowns, and gold crowns.

 

Extractions

Sometimes, the best treatment is to get a problem tooth taken out.  Dr. Terhune performs extractions when necessary, or he may refer you to a specialist (oral surgeon) to best treat your needs.

 

Sealants

Sealants are a thin plastic fused into the grooves of teeth to help prevent cavities.  Sealants are most commonly performed on children to prevent tooth decay in their molars (back teeth).

 

Nightguards

A nightguard is a specialized appliance that helps prevent you from grinding and/or clenching your teeth at night.  Teeth-grinding and clenching are very common, and can result in chipped teeth, headaches, popping/clicking of the jaw joint, and other problems.  Dr. Terhune offers a thermoplastic nightguard that is custom-made to fit your teeth.