Keep your smile healthy and bright with the dental care services available at Lane Family Dental in Wasilla, AK. We provide a full range of general dental services to help you create and maintain excellent oral health.
Dental CLEANINGS & CHECKUPS
Many people are not aware of the importance of getting regular dental checkups and having their teeth cleaned professionally every six months. Good oral health and general dentistry are critical parts of your overall well-being. We all want to have a beautiful smile. That requires a real commitment to the care of your teeth and gums.
At Lane Family Dental, we are committed to helping you maintain the best oral health possible. We provide you with cleanings and checkups on a regular basis, and we send reminders so you can keep that appealing smile for years to come.
Brushing and flossing are very important. To keep plaque and tartar from building up and causing gum problems you also need professional cleanings. We will provide you with a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, leaving them feeling smooth and looking great!
From the time the first tooth comes in, dental exams are a vital part of your oral health. Not only do we provide the monitoring and care you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy, we ensure you and your children are cleaning and flossing their teeth properly. Knowing how to keep your teeth and gums clean is extremely important.
Our dental checkups utilize the latest high-tech instruments so that we catch dental decay and other problems before they become serious issues. Cavities and gum disease are just a few things that can negatively impact your oral health.
At Lane Family Dental, we pay attention to more than the obvious problems. Comprehensive dental exams look at the soft tissues of your mouth. An oral cancer screening is a fast, painless check that can save your life. Oral cancers are among the easiest to treat if they are discovered early.
With children, we also look for budding problems with teeth alignment. Sometimes potential problems can be easily avoided with early minor interventions.
Dr. Lane and his team of dental professionals are committed to ensuring that all Lane Family Dental patients have the best opportunities for optimum oral health. Contact us today for an appointment and bring your family to us for a thorough and comprehensive dental exam and professional cleaning.
CRACKED TOOTH REPAIR
When a tooth becomes cracked, the repairs can be as simple as bonding it back together or as complex as having the tooth crowned. Only a thorough exam will reveal the best method for repairing the tooth. Scheduling an examination right away is critical in order to prevent further damage and compromising your oral health.
Early diagnosis of a damaged tooth is important. Neglecting a damaged tooth can lead to more problems, even loss of the tooth. Even with an early diagnosis, there is no guarantee that a cracked tooth can be saved. Dr. Lane will do a thorough exam and suggest a course of action to restore your smile.
Bonding a tooth is one of the simplest repairs. All that is required is applying bonding material to fuse the pieces together again. If more extensive work is required, you will be advised of all the options.
A damaged tooth may or may not cause you discomfort. Symptoms can be a mild annoyance when you bite down or let up, to severe pain or throbbing when you ingest hot or cold beverages or food. Not all cracks are visible to the eye. If you are experiencing symptoms or believe that you may have a cracked tooth, contact Lane Family Dental today. Ignoring a cracked tooth will only lead to greater problems.
DENTAL CROWNS
A tooth that has been weakened due to damage, decay, or some other factor can often be strengthened with a dental crown. A crown is a cover made to fit over the top of the tooth. It is generally made from metal, porcelain fused to metal or some other durable material. The crown completely covers the portion of the tooth above the gum line. This is used to protect the tooth from further damage and provide strength for the tooth.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are generally candidates for dental crowns. Without the nerve supplying nutrients to the tooth, it can become brittle and therefore susceptible to breaking or cracking. A dental crown can prevent this from happening. Teeth that have large fillings over two or more sides may be crowned for strength and stability as well.
Cracked or damaged teeth are covered with a crown to prevent further injury to the tooth. When bonding a tooth together is not an option, or the bonding will not prevent the tooth from being re-injured, the best solution may be a dental crown.
When a tooth has a large filling, sometimes a crown is needed to provide stability and strength to keep it from breaking. In some situations, a filling may be large, but not warrant the use of a crown. Under these circumstances, a dental inlay or onlay may be the better choice.
Like crowns, inlays and onlays are made from metal – usually a gold alloy, porcelain fused to metal, or a ceramic or resin material. They do not require as much loss of healthy tooth structure as a regular filling. They are made to fit directly into the space that requires filling and they are cemented into place. Onlays and inlays provide strength and protection for the tooth.
If you have a damaged tooth that may require a crown, contact Lane Family Dental today to schedule a consultation.
GUM DISEASE
In the early stages of gum disease, interventions are mild and highly successful. Usually, a thorough deep cleaning of the teeth and gums will stop gingivitis. Sometimes a special mouthwash or toothpaste may be prescribed to help the healing process.
Addressing gum disease early with general dentistry is essential for good oral health. It also prevents the disease from causing extensive damage to your gums and teeth. Left untreated, gum disease will eventually lead to the loss of teeth. It has also been linked to several major health issues. Staying healthy and keeping your gums healthy to prevent gum disease is always the best course of action.
Early symptoms of gum disease can be puffy and bright pink or red gums. There may be bleeding when you brush or floss. Your breath may smell bad and some people experience pain when they chew. If you notice your gums are receding, have them examined as this can also be an indication of gum disease.
One of the main causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. At Lane Family Dental, we ensure that every patient is aware of the proper care of teeth and gums. We provide you with information so you can be sure you know how to brush and floss properly. These two activities will help prevent gum disease. However, there are other risk factors that contribute to gum disease.
Those who smoke are more likely to get gum disease. Certain medications and illnesses, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, can make you more susceptible. Changes in hormonal levels in women and girls can cause the gums to be more sensitive, leaving them vulnerable. Genetics can also be a factor in a person’s predisposition toward gum disease.
If you suspect you may have gum disease, contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lane.
HALITOSIS TREATMENT
Halitosis, or bad breath, may not seem important until it becomes chronic. Many people are not even aware they have the problem. In fact, over 50 million people in this country have halitosis. Bad breath affects the people around you and can have an adverse effect on your social life.
Have you noticed that fewer people want to engage you in conversation? People may begin to back up when you talk to them. While someone’s reaction to bad breath may seem somewhat humorous, the fact is, when you need to represent your company or are in public settings, halitosis can be a serious obstacle. The good news is, there are effective general dentistry treatments available.
Halitosis can be caused by a number of factors. The most obvious reason is lack of good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth will keep your mouth feeling and smelling fresh. Proper care of your teeth and gums eliminates the oral bacteria that cause breath odor. However, if you practice good oral hygiene and still have bad breath, decaying teeth could be the problem. Gum disease and gastric problems can also result in bad breath.
Proteins in the mouth are broken down by bacteria and this reaction causes the odor. The by-products of this reaction are large amounts of Sulphur compounds which build up on the back of the tongue. Sometimes people brush their tongues or use tongue scrapers to keep the buildup from occurring.
Treatment options depend on the cause of your halitosis. Good oral hygiene eliminates most minor problems with bad breath. Using a quality mouthwash or toothpaste can also help. If the problem persists, having your mouth examined for other causes is the next step. You may have undiagnosed dental problems. If there does not seem to be a cause relating to oral issues, you will be advised to contact your primary care physician. Your problem may originate from other issues, such as gastric problems. Contact Lane Family Dental today to schedule an appointment regarding our treatment options for halitosis.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious condition that compromises your oral health. Periodontitis can lead to the loss of teeth. It has also been linked to other serious health issues, so early treatment with general dentistry is vital to your overall health.
Periodontitis begins with the buildup of plaque, a clear sticky substance that soon hardens into tartar on the teeth. These deposits begin to push the gums away from the teeth. As they do so, small pockets from where food and bacteria can collect. These areas are very difficult to clean. Gums get swollen and may begin to bleed. As the body’s natural defense system kicks in to fight the bacteria, toxins are formed that irritate the gums, even more, an infection develops.
Periodontal therapy is the only way to keep it from getting worse and causing tooth loss. When Dr. Lane examines your teeth and gums, he will make a determination regarding the best way to treat the disease. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the problem.
When the gums are infected, the natural response of the body is to fight back. Because toxins are produced as a result, the infection can become worse. Depending on the degree of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. A thorough cleaning of the teeth is required and surgical repair of the gums may or may not be part of the treatment process. Home care will be important, as well as keeping regular dental appointments. You may receive a special mouthwash or toothpaste to help with the healing process.
Special instruments are used to clean away the plaque and tartar buildup which caused the disease. Hand scaling instruments or ultrasonic scalers are used to remove the buildup. When the tartar has been removed, the roots of the teeth are smoothed with planing instruments. Smoothing the roots will provide a better surface for the gums to reattach.
Our dentist may also provide you with additional instructions and suggestions to aid the healing process and prevent a reoccurrence of the disease. Contact Lane Family Dental today to schedule an appointment for yourself or a member of your family.
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
No one wants to experience the pain of an infected tooth. When you do, your first thought may be to have the tooth pulled immediately, just so you can get relief. However, there is a general dental treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Root canal therapy provides pain relief while leaving your tooth intact.
Root canal therapy (RCT) is a procedure that involves cleaning out the infected tooth and sealing the nerve canal so that bacteria can no longer have access. Decay begins on the outside of the tooth as a small hole. As bacteria work producing acids that eat away the tooth enamel, the hole gets larger and deeper until the decay finally reaches the inner part of the tooth.
This next layer is called the dentin. Much softer than the outer enamel, the dentin allows the decay to move through quickly and, unless the cavity is cleaned out and filled, the decay will move on to the pulp. This is where the nerves of the tooth are located. At this point, hot and cold foods and beverages may cause great discomfort. Some people experience pain while chewing food.
When the pulp becomes infected, it begins to die and an abscess forms at the apex of the root of the tooth. The abscess causes swelling and additional discomfort. RCT removes the dying nerve tissue from the tooth.
RCT does not cause pain as many people believe. The infection, abscess, and swelling are actually the source of the pain. With RCT, the nerve of the tooth is removed. The root canal is then carefully cleaned out and sealed off so that bacteria can no longer enter. The tooth is then filled with an appropriate filling material. Because the tooth is now essentially dead, a crown may be needed to provide strength and protection.
Before you decide to remove a tooth due to the pain you are experiencing, contact Lane Family Dental to schedule a consultation and let Dr. Lane examine it. He may be able to save your tooth while providing you the pain relief you seek.
SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT
Waking up in the morning with a headache is not a healthy way to begin your day. You may not be aware, but this could mean you suffer from sleep apnea. Patients who have sleep apnea often wake up feeling exhausted. This is the body’s response to the lack of sleep from an abnormal sleep pattern.
Sleep apnea patients suffer from constantly waking up during the night due to pauses in breathing. The pauses can last from just a few seconds to minutes. Bed partners often wake up the sleep apnea patient because they wait for a breath that seems like it will never come. The pauses interfere with your sleep and they cause the brain to receive less oxygen, which in turn causes headaches.
If you suffer from sleep apnea you are not getting the restorative sleep you need to be fully functional during the day. Instead, you are consistently being moved into the lighter sleep cycle. This happens throughout the night leaving you exhausted and unrested in the morning. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to help you sleep better.
At Lane Family Dental, we can diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan that will have you sleeping restfully in no time. Getting a correct diagnosis and proper treatment will restore the energy that you miss.
Sleep apnea patients often snore during sleep. This also affects your sleep partner. Snoring can keep other people awake or make it difficult for them to stay asleep. We can help you stop snoring and sleep better. Through the use of a night guard mouth appliance, your snoring will cease and you and your partner can finally have a restful night’s sleep.
The night guard holds the jaw in a position that prevents the collapse of the soft palate at the back of the mouth. While sleeping your muscles relax, and for those with sleep apnea and snoring problems, the muscles at the back of the mouth relax, allowing the tissues of the soft palate to collapse and cause snoring.
Contact Lane Family Dental if you suffer from sleep apnea or snoring. Let Dr. Lane diagnose your problem and create a plan to get you sleeping peacefully again.
TMJ & TMD TREATMENT
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has determined that there are over 10 million people tormented by the discomfort of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD). Research also shows that the majority of TMJ sufferers are female.
For some individuals, the discomfort is not long lasting. In many cases, it resolves on its own. For these people, the occasional pain they experience may come in cycles and leave without any type of general dentistry treatment. Minor treatment such as learning how to do certain exercises may be all that is required to treat patients who have ongoing problems. These patients often experience relief from
There are other patients who may have a more chronic disorder causing more pain. Their symptoms are more severe and may require more aggressive interventions. Dr. Lane is experienced in diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from TMJ/TMD.
Proper diagnosis of the condition is important. Depending on the severity of the disorder, you may only need to learn the exercises that help relieve pain. If more extensive treatment is required, Dr. Lane will let you know and will tell you about your options.
Jaw pain can be the result of TMD/TMJ or it can have other causes such as clenching or grinding the teeth. An exam and a few questions will pinpoint the source of the problem. Once the source has been determined, Dr. Lane can then prescribe a treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, and head, and cannot find a reasonable explanation for it, contact Lane Family Dental today to make an appointment with Dr. Lane. You could be suffering from TMJ/TMD. Come in and find out if we can help relieve the discomfort that is plaguing you.
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
With proper oral hygiene and regular general dentistry, your teeth were meant to last throughout your lifetime, so losing a tooth is not something to take lightly. However, when all resources have been expended and the only choice left is extraction, there is no better place to have your extraction performed than in the calm, relaxing office of Lane Family Dentistry. We want all our patients to experience the best in oral health, and sometimes that means extracting a tooth.
You will appreciate the gentle touch and compassion you will experience here at Lane Family Dental. We understand how upsetting it can be to lose a tooth. We also understand the concerns people have regarding tooth extraction. The process will be explained to you so you will know what to expect, before, during and after the extraction.
In addition to our gentle way of working with patients, the relaxing atmosphere, and amenities we provide for your comfort, we also offer sedation for those with dental anxiety. A tooth extraction need not be an ordeal. Your comfort is important to us, and we do our best to help you relax and feel calm.
During the late teen years or early twenties, the last of the permanent teeth erupt. These are the wisdom teeth, the last four molars in the back of your mouth. For some people, wisdom teeth pose no problem at all. There is plenty of room for them to come in and they grow straight. Other people may not be so fortunate.
In fact, many people have discomfort with the eruption of their wisdom teeth. These molars are known to come in crooked, sideways, and they often push up against the neighboring teeth. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed because of the discomfort. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, contact Lane Family Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lane. He has the expertise and skill to remove the most stubborn wisdom teeth.