General Dental

A frenum is a small muscular fold that attaches two tissues together. Sometimes the frenum is overly restrictive which causes speech impediments and difficulty eating. This is often diagnosed in children and adults and can be repaired with surgery. We take great care with our littlest patients making sure both parents and the child are comfortable and happy with the treatment.

• Ice the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling
• Take medication as directed by your dentist
• Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery
• Eat soft foods
• Keep your head elevated

Fluoride acts as an extra layer making your teeth stronger and helps protect against decay. It is naturally a part of your bones and teeth but it is important that your teeth have enough fluoride throughout your life.​​ This is especially important to individuals who live in Bend where fluoride is not added to our water systems.

One way to get extra fluoride in your system is to drink water that has it in it. Other ways to get more fluoride include:

• Drink water with fluoride
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride as an ingredient
• Find a fluoride mouthwash
• Talk to your dentist

Gingivitis is a relatively minor oral health concern but if left untreated it can worsen and cause ample gum and jaw damage. This damage could lead to tissue loss, bone loss and tooth loss. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis our team will help you prepare a dental regiment that will help your gums recover.

• Protects against bone and tooth loss
• Once your gum line recedes it won’t grow back
• Keep your smile looking its best
• Avoid more extreme cases of gum disease
• Gums protect the roots of your teeth

Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up for too long your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth. These areas create pockets that are the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. If not treated this can cause bone loss, severe gum recession, and tooth loss.

• If you are diagnosed with gingivitis take your treatment seriously because if left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Get your teeth cleaned every six months at your dental office
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Try an electric toothbrush

Temporomandibular Disease, commonly referred to as TMJ disorder, occurs when undue stress negatively affects the two TM joints, the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. This can lead to chronic pain, frequent headaches or earaches, and clicking or locking of the jaw.

If you find yourself struggling with symptoms of TMJ, we can help with several non-invasive treatments.

• Clenching or grinding teeth while sleeping
• Excessive muscle tension
• Trauma
• Misaligned teeth

Losing a tooth is never fun but sometimes it is the best option to keep the rest of your teeth healthy. We know that having a tooth extracted can be a stressful experience which is why we make sure you are in a comfortable and calm environment.

At Stillwater Dental we begin the tooth extraction by injecting your gum with an anesthetic which helps to numb the surrounding area. Once the area is numb we detach the tooth from the ligament and remove the root from the bone.

• It takes about 1-2 weeks to recover
• Take pain medication as directed by your doctor
• Ice the outside of your mouth to reduce and swelling
• Eat soft foods
• Rest for the first 24 hours to jump-start your recovery

Wisdom teeth are the last of the adult molars, usually coming in throughout the teenage or early adult years. The majority of people will experience misaligned, impacted, or partially erupted wisdom teeth. This can result in damage to the surrounding nerves, bone, and tissue in the mouth. It can also occasionally force the surrounding teeth into misalignment, resulting in a crooked smile. ​

Our dentists will ensure that the removal is quick and painless, and provide sound guidance to a smooth, quick recovery. During the removal procedure, you will receive a numbing agent that should prevent you from experiencing any pain. If you do experience pain, please alert your dentist immediately. After the procedure, it is normal to experience pain, tightness, and discomfort in the jaw, but this should clear up within 7-10 days after the procedure.

Not all oral health concerns can be seen by the naked eye. Oral X-Rays help us identify hidden tooth decay, cysts, abscesses, bone loss, or impacted teeth. At Stillwater Dental we require X-Rays for every new patient, and follow up every 6-18 months, depending on individual patient needs. Frequent X-rays help our team identify hidden dental issues that can’t be seen on the surface.

Digital X-Rays produce up to 80% less radiation than traditional X-Rays. The images are ready in as little as three seconds, and the dentist has the capability to enlarge the images; leading to bigger, clearer images. Digital X-rays also eliminate the need for film, reducing the environmental impact. Further, due to their quick development time, digital X-Rays make processing insurance claims faster!