Sealants

Good oral hygiene is the first step to protecting your teeth and having less tooth decay, but sometimes it isn’t enough to have healthy teeth. Along with brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting our dental office every six months, we also provide dental sealants. They are especially useful for children who have their molars, which come in between 5 and 7 years of age, and again between 11 and 14 years of age.

 

Dental sealants protect the molars from cavities and tooth decay. The molars are most susceptible to cavities because they are chewed on most often, and decay because they are harder to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss. Dr. Christopher Emuedue can put a liquid sealant on these teeth that hardens and further protects to teeth from excessive decay. It can last about 10 years before needing to be applied again.

 

Patients of all ages visit us here at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX for dental sealants. It reduces the amount of work that needs to be done on the teeth over time and gives patients a healthy looking smile. Visit us online at www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com today to learn more about sealants or give us a call at 903-455-6701

Night Guards

If you or your sleep partner is suffering from teeth grinding, you know how it can interfere with getting a good night’s rest. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer solutions for teeth grinding.

 

Teeth grinding involves clenching the jaw and gnashing the teeth unconsciously during sleep. The exact cause of teeth grinding is not known, but it is very common and occurs in both children and adults. It some instances, grinding the teeth can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain and headaches.

 

We offer custom fit night guards in order to treat teeth grinding. The night guard acts as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, which prevents grinding and gnashing of your teeth.

 

The process of making a night guard is easy. We start by taking an impression of your teeth, and the guard is then made in a dental lab. Since your night guard is made specifically for you, it fits comfortably and allows you to breathe normally.

 

In addition to night guards, we offer a variety of services including periodontal treatment, bonding, extractions, TMJ treatment and other services.

 

For more information on teeth grinding treatment or in order to have a night guard made, please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are a type of restorative dental procedure that helps to protect the tooth from further decay or damage. It is also known as a partial crown, because the process is very similar to a crown. However, it is more conservative than a crown and involves less removal of healthy tooth structure.

 

Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, we perform inlays and onlays to help strengthen a tooth susceptible to breaking, prevent permanent damage that would need an implant or bridge, and restore its shape as well. The inlay is placed inside the tooth, while the onlay is more extensive and goes on the outside of the tooth.

 

Like with dental crowns, inlays and onlays performed in our office take about 2-3 weeks in total. Here is a summary of the procedure:

 

1. The patient visits our office and has a local anesthetic to numb the area of the tooth. This makes it so the patient is comfortable and does not experience any pain during the procedure.

2. A drill is used to remove the damaged portion of the tooth; this is where the inlay or onlay will go.

3. With the tooth prepared, impressions are made for the inlays or onlays and sent to the lab.

4. The patient returns in about two weeks to have the inlay or onlay bonded to their tooth. This is similar to a crown, though it is not covering the entire tooth.

 

For inlays or onlays as a restorative dental procedure, visit us at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX!

Dentures

Missing teeth can interfere with your self-image and make you shy away from social situations. Missing teeth can also affect the structure of your face and interfere with proper speech. Dentures are one option for replacing lost teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dentures can improve your appearance, increase self-confidence and restore your ability to chew properly.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer our patients options including full and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth. If you opt for full dentures, any remaining natural teeth will be extracted. After the gums are given time to heal, the dentures are placed. This option is considered conventional dentures.

 

A second option to consider is immediate dentures. This involves extraction and immediate placement of the dentures. The gums heal while the dentures are worn. Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS will discuss options and determine if you are a candidate for immediate dentures. In addition to full dentures, we also offer partial dentures for patients who have some healthy, natural teeth remaining.

 

Dentures may take some time to get used to, but can be a good choice in order to replace missing teeth. The experienced staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will educate you on how to take care of your dentures. Regular dental appointments are still essential in order to maintain proper oral health.

For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

Dental Hygiene

At our Greenville, TX office, we love to promote proper oral hygiene to all of our patients! We will provide you with the tools to succeed when it comes to your oral hygiene routine. With a wide array of options available at any drug store, patients need to know what type of toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash or any number of other dental tools will work best for them.

 

Brushing techniques are also very important. The goal of brushing is to avoid cavities and to have a bright, beautiful smile; you should know what the proper technique is so you’re not doing it wrong. You should be brushing at least two minutes, twice a day. You should also be using the correct toothbrush, the best way to find out is to just ask, and we’ll gladly point you in the right direction! When it comes to the brushing process, you should be using short, gentle strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too! It helps avoid bad breath.

 

Now, most people think that just brushing will keep their teeth healthy and clean. While it’s certainly not a bad thing to do, brushing needs to be combined with flossing in order to optimize your oral health. Through flossing, you’re able to get to those hard-to-reach areas that often go unnoticed. Bacteria will build up in these areas and eventually lead to tooth damage if left untouched.

Regular cleanings should also be part of your dental hygiene routine. By having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined, you’re working to catch troubled areas before they become real problems. Schedule your cleaning today! 

Dentures

Missing teeth can interfere with your self-image and make you shy away from social situations. Missing teeth can also affect the structure of your face and interfere with proper speech. Dentures are one option for replacing lost teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dentures can improve your appearance, increase self-confidence and restore your ability to chew properly.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer our patients options including full and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth. If you opt for full dentures, any remaining natural teeth will be extracted. After the gums are given time to heal, the dentures are placed. This option is considered conventional dentures.

 

A second option to consider is immediate dentures. This involves extraction and immediate placement of the dentures. The gums heal while the dentures are worn. Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS will discuss options and determine if you are a candidate for immediate dentures. In addition to full dentures, we also offer partial dentures for patients who have some healthy, natural teeth remaining.

 

Dentures may take some time to get used to, but can be a good choice in order to replace missing teeth. The experienced staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will educate you on how to take care of your dentures. Regular dental appointments are still essential in order to maintain proper oral health.

For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

Intraoral Camera

Here in Greenville, TX, our dentist, Dr. Christopher Emuedue, likes to incorporate modern dental technology in all of the services he provides. For dental check-ups and examinations, he uses an intraoral camera, which is a small device that enables him to provide effective diagnostics, along with x-rays and other diagnostic tools.

 

One of the reasons the intraoral camera works so well is because it is a small, handheld device that can easily see different angles inside the patient’s mouth. It lets Dr. Emuedue look for warning signs of problems developing, ranging from infections or impacted teeth to gum disease. The intraoral camera is comfortable for our patients and can be done quickly. Its use is followed by showing digital dental images to provide education to the patient.

 

We use the intraoral camera in the following ways:

 

1. The wand-shaped device has a lens that can autofocus on any of the patient’s teeth and gums.

2. We dry a tooth prior to taking an image, followed by pointing the tip of the camera to the tooth.

3. It quickly takes a high-definition picture with auto focus, and sends the digital image to a nearby computer.

4. In just a few minutes, we can get images of any worrisome areas of the mouth.

 

Visit Greenville Family Dentistry or call us at 903-455-6701 if you are interested in getting a dental exam with the use of the intraoral camera.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During a normal dental visit, patients get a thorough oral exam by the dentist, a cleaning from a hygienist, and often get digital x-rays performed as well. Another service we offer in our practice is oral cancer screenings.

 

This is a simple, but vitally important, screening that takes about ten minutes to enable our Greenville, TX dentist Dr. Christopher Emuedue look for signs of oral cancer. The screening is done through an oral exam, as well as through the use of a special device that looks for warning signs of cancer developing. Common signs of oral cancer include red or white patches or sores in the mouth, which is mainly what Dr. Christopher Emuedue is looking for. With early diagnosis, we can inform our patient of the next steps.

 

After performing an oral examination for oral cancer, we use an ultraviolet light to look for bumps, sores, and patches of the skin inside and outside of the mouth. Dr. Christopher Emuedue looks at the cheeks, skin, lips, teeth, gums, tongue and throat. Everyone needs oral cancer screenings, but especially patients who smoke or drink heavily as it increases their chances for developing this disease.

 

Contact Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701 to get your oral cancer screening.

Rotary Endodontics

When a patient complains of a tooth that causes severe pain when coming in contact with hot or cold food or drinks, it is often the result of an infected tooth deep within the canal. The result is an infection of the roots and nerves of the tooth, which is generally treated with a root canal.

 

A root canal procedure removes the infected tissue, including the roots and nerves, followed by filling the tooth canal with a material that lasts until the patient gets a crown placed. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we provide less invasive root canal procedures using rotary endodontics.

 

Rotary endodontics is a method of performing a root canal using a small electrical handpiece. Rotary endodontics enables our dentist Dr. Christopher Emuedue get through the root canal procedure in a less invasive, more effective, and quicker manner. The handpiece lets Dr. Christopher Emuedue get into the tooth canal faster, remove the infected nerves and roots, and close up the canal in less than an hour. Patients report that their root canals go much more smoothly and are more comfortable with this tool than traditional methods.

 

If you are in need of a root canal, contact Dr. Christopher Emuedue in Greenville, TX to have yours performed with rotary endodontics.

Nitrous Oxide

Dental anxiety is a common occurrence among our patients, which is why we offer nitrous oxide. This helps patients take the edge off while getting dental procedures, whether it is a root canal, root planing and scaling, or an extraction.

 

Nitrous oxide is also referred to as laughing gas and given by having a mask placed over the patient’s nose and mouth so they can inhale the gas. The patient is monitored by Dr. Joseph Alexander the entire time.

 

There are many benefits to choosing nitrous oxide as a way for dental sedation, such as the following:

• It wears off quickly, so you can still drive yourself 
•  It is a safe and effective form of sedation.
• The level of sedation can be controlled by the dentist, increasing or decreasing the gas.
• Patients resume normal activities immediately after their dental appointment.
• Sensations experienced with nitrous oxide include relaxation, euphoria, and relief from anxiety and tension.

If you have a dental appointment coming up, contact Greenville Family Dentistry in TX about nitrous oxide sedation.

Panorex

Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, we utilize advanced technology for a variety of diagnostic and dental procedures, including the impressive Panorex.Panorex is an imaging machine that can identify a wide range of issues with the teeth, gums and bone that traditional x-rays are not able to find. We use the Panorex machine for diagnosing orthodontic and dental problems and looking at the overall structure of the teeth and mouth.

 

Patients who come into our office to use the Panorex will go through the following steps:

 

1. The patient comes into our office and sits on the Panorex chair.

2. Their chin rests on a small ledge on the machine, while we position it properly.

3. The Panorex machine rotates around their head at a 360-degree angle.

 

By orbiting the head at 360 degrees, in about 20 seconds, the machine captures high quality images of the teeth, gums, head, bones and sinuses. With these images, Dr. Joseph Alexander is able to make sure the patient’s teeth are functioning as they could, as well as finding reasons for pain or other issues the patient is experiencing.

 

To experience the digital Panorex machine, visit our office in Greenville, TX.

Ridge Augmentation

If you have lost a tooth quite some time ago and now want to get a dental implant, you may not be eligible for one. This is because after losing a tooth, the jawbone of the missing tooth starts deteriorating. If the tooth was not replaced quickly, it increases the likelihood of this happening.

 

Our patients often visit us wanting a dental implant to replace one of their missing teeth, but then realize they don’t have sufficient bone to support the titanium metal post. Luckily, we offer ridge augmentation, a procedure to restore the bone structure.

 

The ridge augmentation procedure is done by lifting the gum from its ridge and creating an opening where the jawbone is located. Then, a bone graft or other bone-like material is used to fill these defected areas where the jawbone is starting to deteriorate. It is closed up and left to heal before the implant procedure can be completed. By getting ridge augmentation before implants, patients increase their chances of success after having the metal post implanted into the jawbone.

 

Patients looking for the ridge augmentation procedure should call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

 

Frenectomy

Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, we provide a variety of pediatric dentistry procedures, including the frenectomy. A frenectomy is a common procedure performed right here in our dental practice, which helps remove the frenulum located in the mouth.

 

A frenulum is a small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The frenulum is usually found while the patient is a child, and prevents them from moving their tongue properly. It can affect eating and speech, which is why we recommend having a frenectomy performed.

 

The frenectomy procedure is quick and simple, usually taking no more than 20 minutes. We use two main methods for the procedure, including using a laser or a scalpel. Many patients choose to utilize our laser technology for the frenectomy because minimal bleeding is involved, and no stitches are needed after it is done. There is also a significantly faster healing time. There is no need to worry about the procedure, regardless of how it is performed, and the benefits of getting it done far outweigh the healing process.

 

Call our Greenville, TX dentist Dr. Joseph Alexander at 903-455-6701 to schedule an appointment for a frenectomy.

Zoom! Whitening

Everyone wants a bright smile. After all, your smile is one of the best ways to make a good first impression. Maintaining white teeth is not always easy. Many of the foods or beverages you eat and drink can leave teeth stained or discolored.  Brushing helps, but sometimes it’s not enough to have the white smile you want.

 

If you don’t smile with confidence because your teeth are not as bright as you would like, the good news is you have options. Greenville Family Dentistry is proud to offer their patients Zoom teeth whitening.

 

Zoom whitening is an in-office bleaching procedure, which can whiten your teeth six to ten shades lighter in one visit. The procedure involves using a whitening gel, which is then activated by a low intensity light.

 

There are several benefits to using Zoom whitening. Consider some of the following advantages of using Zoom!

• Fast: Chairside bleaching with Zoom is the fastest way to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile. The entire procedure only takes about an hour.
• Safe: Zoom whitening is safe and comfortable.
• Results: Zoom is effective at whitening your teeth several shades and results last.

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental services including cosmetic, preventative and restorative. Dr. Christopher Emuedue and our entire staff are committed to providing your family with outstanding dental care.

 

For more information on Zoom whitening or any of our other services, please call our office at 903- 455-6701.

BriteSmile

You might not realize it, but smiling actually has a lot of benefits. Research has shown smiling can boost your mood, help you feel more positive and appear more attractive to others. If your smile is not as bright as you would like, Greenville Family Dentistry can help. We offer cosmetic dentistry services including tooth whitening using BriteSmile.

 

BriteSmile is a chairside procedure, which starts by applying a safe and effective whitening gel to your teeth. The gel is then activated by directing a low intensity light for about twenty minutes. You just need to sit back and relax while the gel is whitening your teeth. The process is repeated depending on your individual circumstances.

 

With BriteSmile, you will leave with teeth 6 to 10 shades lighter in about an hour. The procedure is safe and effective. The gel used is gentle to your teeth, which reduces sensitivity. Results are intended to last for years.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we strive to provide exceptional dental services in a state of the art facility. Our staff is experienced and always happy to answer your questions. For more information on teeth whitening or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903- 455-6701.

Extractions

In some instances, the only treatment option for a severely damaged or decayed tooth is extraction. Once a tooth is extracted, the jawbone can start to degenerate. This can lead to problems with the other teeth, including shifting. Extraction site preservation is important in order to prevent these complications. Dr. Christopher Emuedue and our entire staff will be happy to answer your question regarding extraction site preservation options.

 

Before you have a tooth extracted, it’s important to determine what you will have done with the empty space. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer options when it comes to extraction site preservation. Dr. Emuedue will discuss choices for replacing a lost tooth, such as dental implants and bridges.

 

Both options not only replace a missing tooth and are beneficial for cosmetic reasons, they also help maintain a healthy jawbone. Implants and bridges are both good choices for extraction site preservation.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry we not only provide restorative procedures, we also offer patients cosmetic and preventive dental care including hygiene.

 

Dr. Emuedue will be happy to discuss any of our procedures and answer your questions. For more information on any of our services, or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903- 455-6701.

Arestin

Gum disease in the main reason for tooth loss in adults. Gum or periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gum line. Not only does gum disease affect your dental health, it is linked to other health problems including diabetes and heart disease. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we take your oral health seriously and want to provide the most advanced options for dental care.

 

We are happy to offer our patients Arestin as part of a comprehensive periodontal program. Arestin (minocycline hydrochloride) is an antibiotic. It is used in conjunction with scaling and root planing. The antibiotic, which comes in a powder form, is placed in pockets of the gums, which are infected with periodontal disease. The powder dissolves, so there is no need for removal.

Arestin helps treat the problem where it starts by destroying bacteria and reducing infection, which leads to gum disease. Although oral antibiotics are sometimes given to treat gum disease, Arestin is placed directly where you need it.

 

Our dentist and staff at Greenville Family Dentistry pride themselves with providing the best possible dental care for you and your entire family. We offer a wide variety of dental services including preventative, restorative and cosmetic services.

 

For more information on the benefits of Arestin or in order to make an appointment, please call our office at 903- 455-6701.

Dentures

Missing teeth can interfere with your self-image and make you shy away from social situations. Missing teeth can also affect the structure of your face and interfere with proper speech. Dentures are one option for replacing lost teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dentures can improve your appearance, increase self-confidence and restore your ability to chew properly.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer our patients options including full and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth. If you opt for full dentures, any remaining natural teeth will be extracted. After the gums are given time to heal, the dentures are placed. This option is considered conventional dentures.

 

A second option to consider is immediate dentures. This involves extraction and immediate placement of the dentures. The gums heal while the dentures are worn. Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS will discuss options and determine if you are a candidate for immediate dentures. In addition to full dentures, we also offer partial dentures for patients who have some healthy, natural teeth remaining.

 

Dentures may take some time to get used to, but can be a good choice in order to replace missing teeth. The experienced staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will educate you on how to take care of your dentures. Regular dental appointments are still essential in order to maintain proper oral health.

For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

Bone Grafting

If you need restoration procedures, such as implants, you may first require bone grafting. In some situations, your jawbone may be too soft or not thick enough to support a dental implant. Bone loss in the jaw typically is caused by periodontal disease. That’s where bone grafting can help.

 

Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS, at Greenville Family Dentistry has experience performing various types of oral surgery including bone grafts. The procedure involves removing small amounts of bone from another area of the body, such as the hip. Bone fragments can also be retrieved from an area of the mouth, which was drilled. In some cases, cadaver bone can be used.

 

After the bone is retrieved, it is placed on top of your existing bone in a procedure called grafting. The procedure builds up the bone in the jaw area and increases the chances of success when placing an implant or other type of restoration.

 

In addition to bone grafting, Greenville Family Dentistry also offers other types of oral surgery including extractions. We also offer cosmetic and preventative dentistry. If you are looking for outstanding customer service with an exemplary reputation, consider Greenville Family Dentistry.

For more information on bone grafting or any of our other services, please call our office at 903-455-6701.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused when the tongue or other muscles in the back of the throat collapse. This collapse or relaxation blocks the airway. It results in several awakenings during the sleep cycle. Sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches, excessive tiredness, decreased productivity and irritability. You may not realize how important sleep is to your health until you’re not getting enough.

 

The good news is, you have options when it comes to treating sleep apnea. At Greenville Family Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Emuedue will be happy to discuss treatment options and help you determine what would work best for your situation.

 

There are different ways obstructive sleep apnea can be treated including oral appliances and CPAP therapy, which involves using continuous positive airway pressure. But in some instances, oral surgery may be the best option.

 

Oral surgery to treat sleep apnea may involve removing tissue, which is blocking or obstructing the airway, from the back of the throat and upper mouth. This procedure is referred to as an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

 

An additional surgical option involves maxillomandibular advancement. This procedure reduces the obstruction by surgically moving the jaw forward in front of the facial bones, creating more room behind the soft palate.

 

The type of treatment recommended may depend on the severity of your symptoms and personal preference. Dr. Emuedue and the staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will be happy to answer your question.

 

For more information on sleep apnea and treatment options, please call our office at 903-455-6701.