At Hamilton Family Dentistry our focus is on comprehensive dental care. If you are looking for general and family dentistry including oral exams, teeth cleanings, root canals, children’s dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry including veneers, crowns, dental implant restorations, teeth whitening and more we’re here for you.
Let us care for your family and become part of ours!
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by you, the dentist and the dental staff to preserve your natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progression, and recurrence of dental diseases and other conditions. Preventing dental problems starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is furthered in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore and maintain your oral health.
Prevention includes regular dental exams, cleanings, cancer screening and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventative treatments that help protect your teeth. The hygienist at Hamilton Family Dentistry will be happy to teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques. Dr. Wolfson is always available to answer any questions you may have regarding your oral health.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
In order to treat periodontal disease, we often suggest a ‘deep cleaning’ or more properly named, scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing are a standard procedure where we remove the tartar build-up under the gumline. We use ultrasonic instruments that produce vibrations that help to remove the deposit of tarter. By eliminating the tarter we are able to remove irritating bacteria and help the gums reattach to the teeth.
The US Department of Health and Human Services states nearly 8,000 people die from oral cancer each year. The tragic reality is most deaths could be prevented with early detection. At Hamilton Family Dentistry we are on the front lines of oral cancer detection. We screen each patient annually to make sure any abnormalities are detected early.
When we do an oral cancer exam, some things we look for are:
There are factors that may be putting you at a higher risk for oral cancer. These include:
If you are concerned or have not yet been screened, please give us a call and set up a screening appointment today.
Protecting your teeth is important. Often when patients come in with damaged teeth it may have been prevented if they had been wearing a mouthguard or nightguard.
Mouthguards are soft plastic inserts that are custom fit to your teeth. They help protect against trauma and injury related to sports or other high-impact activities.
A nightguard is like a mouthguard in that it is a plastic insert that is custom fit to your teeth. The difference is that it is worn during sleep to help protect from bruxing and grinding at night.
According to the Mayo Clinic you might need a nightguard if you notice:
If you are interested in learning more about a custom mouthguard or nightguard come in for a complimentary consult!
If you have amalgam fillings (also referred to as silver fillings) it may be worth considering their removal and replacement. Use of this material was standard practice in the past. In addition to silver, amalgam fillings contain mercury. As with many medical procedures, innovations result in better materials. While the research does not state that the presence of mercury in fillings is dangerous, many people choose to have theirs removed and replaced with a tooth-colored composite.
If you are interested in having your amalgam fillings removed, please give us a call for a consultation.
Dr. Wolfson is a general dentist who is trained to treat pediatric patients. It’s recommended your child have their first dental appointment before their first birthday. Starting good oral care habits young will set your children up for long-term oral health.
“I took my son here last week, everyone was very friendly, helpful and professional. It made for a great experience. I’d definitely recommend them for anyone who needs a dentist.”
– Kurt W.
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Deep pits and fissures can be harder to clean and are more susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by filling deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. If Dr. Wolfson determines your child might benefit from a sealant, she will first thoroughly clean the tooth, prepare it for the sealant and then carefully paint the sealant onto the tooth. Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants. If you are interested in discussing the option of dental sealants, let us know at your child’s next appointment.
When tooth decay happens sometimes it can go through the hard layers of the tooth and reach the inner pulp. For children, it is important to save as much of the living root and original tooth as possible. Instead of an extraction of an infected tooth, Dr. Wolfson always tries to recover and maintain as much of the natural tooth and root as possible. Premature extractions for kids can impact long-term oral health and wellness. Depending on the severity of the infection, Dr. Wolfson may perform a pulpotomy (where the tip of the root is removed) or pulpectomy (removal of entire root and replacement with biocompatible material). In both cases the tooth can typically be saved. If your child is experiencing pain, sensitivity, swelling and redness or unexpected looseness, please come see us right away.
*Dr. Wolfson is a general dentist performing pediatric dentistry services.
Dental emergencies can be scary and painful. Prompt treatment is almost always required to alleviate pain and to ensure the teeth have the best possible chance of survival.
Sometimes, teeth become fractured by trauma, grinding, or biting on hard objects. In other cases, fillings, crowns, and other restorative devices can be damaged or fall out. If you experience a dental emergency and are in severe pain, contact our office immediately.
If your tooth is knocked out
If a tooth has been knocked out, it is essential to see a dentist immediately. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will regenerate, and your natural tooth can be saved.
We will try to replace the tooth in its natural socket. In some cases, the tooth will reattach, but if the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged, root canal therapy might be necessary.
Usually, a crown or filling comes loose while eating. Once it is out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Crowns generally become loose because the tooth beneath is decaying. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth – meaning that the crown no longer fits.
If a crown has dropped out of the mouth, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place because there is a possibility that we can reinsert it. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift or sustain further damage.
The teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks, and breaks. Sometimes fractures are painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, or if a section of the tooth breaks off, it can be painful. If you crack or break a tooth, follow these steps:
When a tooth has been dislodged or loosened from its socket by trauma or decay, it might be possible to save it. If the tooth remains in the mouth still attached to the blood vessels and nerves, there is a good chance root canal therapy will not be necessary.
It is important to call our office immediately to make an appointment. In the meantime, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us at (410) 426-8200
Get in touch with Hamilton Family Dentistry today.
