Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Your wisdom teeth are your last set of molars to emerge, and they usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old. Because these teeth can become impacted, which means they come in at an angle rather than straight through the gums, it is often necessary for them to be removed before they cause pain or crowd your other teeth. At our office in Greenville, TX, Dr. Christopher Emuedue can determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed and extract them if they do.

 

If a wisdom tooth is impacted and can only emerge partially, it is possible for an operculum to form over the tooth. This flap of skin makes the molar extremely hard to clean, which means you are susceptible to an infection called periocoronitis.

 

When a wisdom tooth is in danger of causing such problems, either Dr. Emuedue will extract the tooth. Many times all four are removed at once. This is done either by using a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate the patient. It depends on the preference of the doctor and patient, as well as how far the wisdom tooth has emerged. After an anesthetic is applied, the gum tissue over the wisdom tooth is cut and the tooth is loosened and pulled out. If necessary, the gums will be sutured.

 

After surgery, rest is required. You will also need to change the gauze applied to the incision every couple hours.

Veneers

If there are aspects of your teeth that you’re unhappy with, you don’t have to live with them. Veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your entire smile in Greenville, TX. Whether your teeth have gaps, persistent stains, cracks, chips or other issues, these thin, ceramic or porcelain shells can cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth to give you a smile you will be proud to show off.

 

Having veneers placed usually only takes two to three visits to our office. During the first visit, you will be able to discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish with Dr. Christopher Emuedue, and then he will prepare your teeth. Once the enamel has been prepared, an impression will be taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be designed and fabricated to fit over your existing teeth.

 

Your second visit will be after your veneers have been completed, a process that can take up to two weeks. The veneers will then be bonded to your teeth to create an attractive smile that both looks good and feels natural. With proper home care and regular cleanings at Greenville Family Dentistry you can enjoy your new smile for 5 to 10 years, after which they should be replaced.

To schedule an appointment, call (903) 455-6701. For more information, visitwww.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.

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.

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.

Bridges

Missing teeth may occur due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease. Missing teeth can affect surrounding teeth, chewing and self-esteem. Bridges are a great option in order to replace lost teeth. They look natural and can restore your smile. A bridge can also prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.

 

Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS, and his staff at Greenville Family Dentistry are experienced at various types of restorative dentistry, including bridges. Bridges may be constructed from porcelain, alloy, gold or a combination of materials. A bridge fills in the space where the missing tooth was. It is

attached to two crowns on the adjacent teeth. The two crowns act as anchors for the bridge.

 

The process of getting a bridge involves a couple of steps. The first step includes having the adjacent teeth prepared and molds of the mouth taken. A temporary bridge is placed while the permanent bridge is being made in a laboratory. During the second appointment, the permanent bridge will be placed and adjusted as needed.

 

If you are looking for superior dentistry in the Greenville, TX area, we invite you to call Greenville Family Dentistry. We offer dental services including preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in a state of the art facility.

For more information on dental bridges or to make an appointment, please call our office at 903-455-6701.

Crowns

When cracks, chips and cavities affect your tooth structure, they can attract harmful bacteria and lead to additional tooth damage.  Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, one of the ways we correct these issues is with strong, aesthetic dental crowns.  Dental crowns are placed over your tooth, protecting the structure.  Each crown is custom designed and securely bonded so that is blends in with the natural shade and texture of your smile.  There is no need to alter your diet or oral care habits either. 

 

Regular brushing and flossing is all that is needed to keep your new crown clean and healthy.

You can learn more about the crown placement process on our website, but we would be happy to see you for a consultation.  We invite patients to visit our practice to restore the health and beauty of their smiles.

Oral Pathology

There are a number of diseases that can affect the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck, face, jaw, and mouth.  As dentists, we want all of our patients to have healthy smiles.  Oral Pathology is a unique area of dentistry that identifies and treats diseases of the mouth and maxillofacial region. 

 

Through radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, and other in-office examinations, you can diagnosis and treat any diseases that may be affecting your health, including:

• Mouth and throat cancer
• Mumps
• Salivary gland disorders
• Ulcers
• Odontogenic Infection

If you are experiencing any oral discomfort or pain, we invite you to visit our practice.  With proper diagnosis you can treat these diseases and oral health problems early on.  Through the professional care and expertise available at our office, we can find the treatment that is best for your smile needs.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for your oral health.  There are certain conditions, including wisdom teeth eruption, infection and tooth decay that require an extraction.  At our practice, extraction procedures are simple and straightforward to ensure a speedy recovery.  Before your tooth extraction, it is important that you follow all pre-surgical instructions.  With the use of anesthetic, you can expect your procedure to be painless and comfortable.  Patients may only experience slight pressure as the tooth is eased from the socket and extracted.

 

After your extraction, the gum is stitched and given time to heal, or it is preserved for implant placement.  If you follow all post-op specifications, your tooth extraction will keep your smile healthy, functional and beautiful.

Mouth Guards

Does your child play a sport?  Whether they play a sport for fun or for a school team, mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment.  Mouth guards are used to protect your teeth when playing football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball, soccer, and other contact sports.  Athletes of all ages who participate in contact sports should wear a mouth guard.  This dental appliance helps to prevent:

• Tooth damage
•  Jaw damage
• Concussions
• Lacerations to the checks, tongue and lips

We offer custom mouth guards at Greenville Family Dentistry.  We encourage parents to bring their children in for a mouth guard fitting for the best level of protection for your smile.