General Dentistry refers to non-specialized dental procedures such as:
Maplewood Dentals Arts are the region’s premier provider of general dentistry for the whole family, offering dental services to Gorham, Westbrook, Portland and all of southern Maine.
Tooth Fillings
Did you know over 90% of adults age 20 to 64 have had a cavity? Cavities are a result of tooth decay and, when left untreated, they can severely damage teeth and contribute to a decline in your oral health. The good news is cavities are easily fixed using a common restorative treatment called a filling.
The decay and bacteria are mechanically removed and the filling then seals the opening in the tooth caused by a cavity. This preventative measure stops the decay from spreading to the rest of the tooth and eventually into its root. At Maplewood Dental Arts we use tooth-colored fillings made of porcelain or composite material that bond with the tooth to give it a more natural look.
To prevent future decay and cavities, our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that includes regular checkups and cleanings, and we will provide you with specific instructions for the best at-home oral care practices.
Fluoride
Regular fluoride treatments can play an essential role in maintaining a healthy, white smile. We encourage fluoride treatment for adults AND children at Maplewood Dental Arts. New research has shown that fluoride is just as important for fighting tooth decay as we age as it is for strengthening and protecting newly developing teeth in kids. Fluoride is most effective when applied topically. Our in-office procedure is simple, painless, and fast. We can apply fluoride in the form of varnish, gel, or foam directly onto the teeth.
Fluoride treatments may be included as part of your regular dental plan if you are at moderate to high risk for cavities if you have a history of restorative work, gum disease, sensitive teeth, or a variety of other conditions.
Crowns
A dental crown is a permanent and protective solution for damaged teeth. They are made of natural looking porcelain to match the rest of your teeth. The creation and fitting of a crown takes place over two visits. All decay and fracture lines are removed, then we sculpt and prep the damaged tooth and take an impression of your teeth in order to send the proper information to a lab who designs a custom crown. The completed crown is placed onto the permanent tooth, adjusted for fit and look, and then cemented into place. This prolongs the life and health of the tooth.
Because this procedure can span two to three weeks we fit you with a temporary crown at the first visit providing comfort and functionality while you wait for the permanent crown. A high quality, permanent, custom crown, designed and fitted at Maplewood Dental Arts, can help restore your confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Same Day Crowns
Same Day Crowns Maplewood Dental Arts has invested in the latest digital technology to provide state-of-the-art care options for our patients. CEREC same-day crown technology allows you to be treated in just one appointment avoiding the drawn-out, multiple visit, traditional crown process.
Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crown Technology:
- Fast and simple appointments Quick and comfortable digital-impression
- Same-day color corrections
- Crown designed, created, and fitted right before your eyes
- Improved accuracy for a custom and personalized fit.
Cracks and breaks in your teeth can cause pain and embarrassment. Our goal is for our patients to be pain-free and enjoy the benefits of the highest quality restoration services available. Same-day crowns give you a permanent, natural-looking, metal-free restoration that provides the form, fit, and function you deserve.
CBCT
We are proud to offer 3D imaging services right in Gorham. Using CBCT technology to diagnose and plan treatment digitally allows us to provide the highest standard of care in the industry. We value your time and having this technology onsite means we never have to refer patients out for imaging. Our patients experience state-of-the-art quality in the comfort and convenience of their family dental practice.
Dentures
The team at Maplewood Dental Arts is committed to understanding you, your lifestyle, and your needs when it comes to your dentures. There are a variety of denture options available today to fit your individual dental, personal, and financial needs. Three options are full conventional dentures, overdentures, and partial dentures.
Full conventional dentures are used to replace all teeth on one or both jaws. They’re made to imitate your gum line and teeth and customized to fit your mouth Conventional dentures are a very affordable solution for tooth loss, however, they are not the ideal method for replacing teeth because you only keep about 10-20% of your chewing function when you remove your teeth. The main disadvantage of a conventional denture is the instability occurs over time due to gradual bone loss in the jaws that occurs after teeth are lost. Ask the team at Maplewood to discuss treatments that can help stabilize conventional dentures to increase chewing function and comfort.
Overdentures are supported by implants. Implants can also help maintain bone volume and your natural facial structure. This option is more expensive but offers an extremely stable, long-term solution to tooth and bone loss.
Partial dentures are an option if you have remaining teeth. They are supported by the existing teeth and are more stable than full dentures and esthetically resemble your natural teeth.
Once we’ve determined the best denture option for we will design and build you a beautiful, custom set of dentures. We always strive to maintain the appeal and integrity of your natural teeth and facial structure and assure you that only you will know you’re wearing dentures.
Root Canal
If you have persistent pain in a single tooth, it could be a sign of infection which may require a root canal to correct the issue. Many patients have anxiety about root canal when in actuality the procedure can be one of the best ways to relieve pain and swelling caused by severe tooth decay and bacteria. Tooth loss is likely if left untreated because of the infection that occurs once decay reaches the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
Some symptoms to look at that may mean you need a root canal include:
- Severe pain while chewing/biting
- Pimples on the gums
- Decay/Darkening of the gums
- Tender or swollen gums
- Cracked/Chipped Tooth
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Discoloration of the tooth
Our clinical team is trained to catch decay before it reaches that stage. We work closely with specialists to ensure that our patients get the highest quality care. In most cases, with today’s new technology, root canal treatment feels just like a filling.
If you have a root canal, you may experience some tenderness for the first few days, but it will eventually subside. A follow-up appointment is a standard procedure and does not necessarily mean your healing process.
Nightguards
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) teeth grinding, or bruxism can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but also by sleep disorders. It is also a significant side effect of most anti-depressant medications and can be the result of an abnormal bite or secondary due to teeth that are missing or crooked.
The symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- dull headaches
- jaw and facial muscle soreness
- teeth that are painful or loose
- fractured teeth
If we recognize signs and symptoms of bruxism we will recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective way to alleviate symptoms and minimize damage to your teeth and jaw.
Mouthguard
We make customized sports mouthguards right in our own lab at Maplewood Dental Arts of the proper thickness, size, and fit. A mouthguard can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw and reduce the risk of concussion. We consider the mouthguard an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age.
- Care, and replacement as need, is important to the optimal function of your mouthguard. If your mouthguard shows sign of wear, is damaged or ill-fitting it will need to be replaced. Teens and children may need to replace their mouthguards more often because their mouths are still growing and changing.
- Between games, it’s important to keep your mouthguard clean and dry. Here are some tips for making sure your mouthguard is always ready to go
- Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water. Then, rinse it thoroughly.
- During your regular dental checkups, bring your mouthguard for an evaluation.
- Store and transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing.
- Never leave the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water and keep away from pets as they see these as treats to eat!
- Check fit and for signs of wear and tear to see if it needs replacing.
TMJ/TMD Management
If you have persistent jaw pain, tension headaches, or worn teeth we can help you determine the cause. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction/disorder (also referred to as TMJ or TMD) is a painful jaw disorder that we can diagnose and determine whether it is truly a disorder in the joint or in the muscles that control the joint. Most jaw and facial discomfort are due to muscle soreness from overuse or misuse and we can treatment plan for some relief.
TMD affects 20–30% of the adult population; it is more common in women and in those between the ages of 20 and 40 and it is most often caused by physical stress reactions such as clenching and grinding of the teeth, which commonly occurs when you are sleeping. Most jaw problems areTreatment plans might include managing pain with a special diet, moist heat and/or ice to affected area, night guard appliance fabrication and use, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more complex cases, treatment might involve orthodontics, restorations, physical therapy and cortisone injections.
Extractions
At Maplewood Dental Arts the decision to extract a tooth is always made in collaboration with you as part of your ongoing dental treatment plan, and then only after all alternatives have been considered. There are many reasons an extraction might be required including severely damaged or decaying teeth, severe periodontal disease, impacted wisdom teeth, and teeth that are overcrowded and require orthodontic treatment.
The procedure includes x-rays to assess the location, size, and position of the tooth to be removed as well as the surrounding area, which helps determine the extent of the extraction procedure. When a tooth must be removed, especially when they impact the appearance of your smile, we provide a variety of natural-looking, permanent tooth-replacement options, including dental implants.
Dental Anxiety
Our team is trained to be acutely aware of your comfort level and any anxiety you may be feeling at all times. Our practice also uses many of the latest advancements in dental technology to provide a high level of comfort and convenience for our patients.
We are committed to providing the very best dental care and a wonderful patient experience for every single patient we see. Going above and beyond to make sure you and your family are always comfortable when you are at Maplewood is a top priority. If you feel nervous about, or even afraid of dental treatment, you’re not alone and we will treat you as gently and compassionately as we would treat our own family members.