Dr. Todd Walters P.C.

Healthy Dental Services

Dental care with the full body health in mind

Smile Generators P.C. is equipped to handle all of your dental needs.

Mercury Free Dental Care

          From a routine exam and cleaning to full-mouth rehabilitation, locally owned Smile Generators P.C. is equipped to handle all of your dental needs. To help you understand more about our office, we have included brief descriptions of some of our most common services on this page.

No matter where you are in your pursuit of quality oral care, we want to partner with you to reach your goals. We have an extensive list of services to help with any dental need you may have. Call (317) 587-0100 to schedule an appointment.

Our Services

All-on-4 Implants

        This remarkable technique requires only four implants in either the upper or lower jaw to support all of the replacement teeth for that dental arch. This procedure avoids the need for additional bone grafting procedures and provides the instant gratification of a full set of temporary teeth on the same day as the initial procedure. These new permanent replacement teeth are completely secure and stable and function in a similar fashion as natural teeth.

All-on-6 Implants

        The All-On-6 technique creates a comfortable and stable full set of upper and / or lower teeth using six strategically placed specialized dental implants. It provides a fixed and permanent method of reestablishing a complete set of teeth. These implants offer a less invasive and quicker way to restore a full upper or lower set of teeth than treatment with conventional dental implants.

Bridges

        The All-On-6 technique creates a comfortable and stable full set of upper and / or lower teeth using six strategically placed specialized dental implants. It provides a fixed and permanent method of reestablishing a complete set of teeth. These implants offer a less invasive and quicker way to restore a full upper or lower set of teeth than treatment with conventional dental implants.

Cone-beam Computed Tomography

        The All-On-6 technique creates a comfortable and stable full set of upper and / or lower teeth using six strategically placed specialized dental implants. It provides a fixed and permanent method of reestablishing a complete set of teeth. These implants offer a less invasive and quicker way to restore a full upper or lower set of teeth than treatment with conventional dental implants.

Crown and Caps

      The terms dental crowns and caps are synonymous. The only way to completely restore the cosmetic appearance and function of damage to the underlying tooth structure is often full coverage with a dental crown. The completed dental crown looks and feels like a natural tooth. Crowns can also be used in other situations, including:

  • Being the supporting ends of a dental bridge
  • Covering dental implants
  • Coverage for a cracked tooth to prevent further breakdown

Dental Fillings

      Dental Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration used to replace sections of teeth that are missing, damaged or decayed. Recent advances in dental technology have made a wider and improved selection of restorative choices available. Some of the newest state-of-the-art filling materials, including ceramic and the latest composite materials, are not only strong and durable, but they also offer the most aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.

Dentures

          Partial or full dentures can be fabricated to restore an attractive smile, provide needed support for normal facial contours and reestablish a highly functional occlusion.

A complete denture refers to the replacement of all the teeth in a dental arch. In situations where some sturdy teeth remain, partial dentures can be fabricated. Partial dentures can achieve adequate retention and stability by having clasps on the teeth surrounding the edentulous areas. In some cases, added stability for the dentures can be provided by strategically placed implants.

Emergency Treatment

          Partial or full dentures can be fabricated to restore an attractive smile, provide needed support for normal facial contours and reestablish a highly functional occlusion.

A complete denture refers to the replacement of all the teeth in a dental arch. In situations where some sturdy teeth remain, partial dentures can be fabricated. Partial dentures can achieve adequate retention and stability by having clasps on the teeth surrounding the edentulous areas. In some cases, added stability for the dentures can be provided by strategically placed implants.

Extractions

          Sometimes it is necessary to extract a tooth. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Extractions are commonly performed in cases where a deciduous “baby” tooth is reluctant to fall out, a severely broken down and non-restorable tooth is present or a “wisdom tooth” is poorly positioned and unable to fully erupt into place. To reduce any anxiety and ensure patient comfort, the procedure, the post-surgical instructions and any restorative follow-up care will be carefully and completely explained to you.

Implant Dentistry

          Losing a tooth due to injury, dental decay or gum disease can happen. However, in order to avoid causing problems for the adjacent teeth and your overall dental health, it is important to replace the tooth that has been lost. This can be done a number of ways including fixed bridges, removable partial or full dentures as well as a more recent procedure known as dental implants.

An implant comes the closest to replicating the look, feel and function of a natural tooth. It stimulates bone remodeling to prevent shrinkage in areas where teeth are missing and helps to restore facial contours in areas where significant bone loss has occurred.

Initial Oral Examination

          Your first visit to our office will begin by carefully reviewing your medical and dental histories and taking special note of all of your dental concerns, as well as any symptoms that you may be experiencing.

This will be followed by a thorough clinical examination, including an oral cancer screening, periodontal evaluation, an analysis of your occlusion (bite) plus a thorough examination of your teeth, their supporting structures, and the complete orofacial area. Any needed diagnostic dental films will be taken at this time.

Metal-Free Crowns (Ceramic Crowns)

          Dental crowns, also commonly referred to as caps, can be placed to effectively restore the natural integrity, function and appearance of the affected tooth.

Out of all of the materials that are available today for this type of full coverage restoration, metal-free crowns, also known as all ceramic crowns, offer most lifelike and biocompatible results. Strong and durable, ceramic crowns are lighter in weight than dental crowns that incorporate a metal substructure and are also kinder to the surrounding soft tissues.

Ceramic crowns can be indicated for an array of dental treatments, ranging from the cosmetic restoration of discolored teeth, to the coverage of a structurally damaged tooth, dental implant or as the supporting ends of a dental bridge.

Metal-Free Fillings (Tooth-Colored Composite Resin Fillings)

          Newer dental-filling materials offer the benefits of being both mercury and metal-free as well as much more aesthetic. These “tooth-colored or white fillings” invisibly restore the form and function of the involved tooth, while seamlessly blending in with the remaining tooth structure as well as the individual’s overall smile.

Night Guards

          Chronic jaw clenching and grinding one’s teeth is called bruxism. While it can happen any time of day, it often occurs at night causing an individual to wake up with any number of symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth that may feel loose. Although stress and anxiety are the most common causes of bruxism there may be other contributing factors such as a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, as well as teeth that are missing or poorly aligned.
 
          To alleviate the symptoms of bruxism, which is chronic jaw clenching and grinding one’s teeth, wearing a night guard while sleeping is frequently recommended. This appliance is designed to fit over the teeth and to keep the jaws slightly apart. Wearing a night guard prevents a number of damaging events including muscle strain, excessive pressure on the jaw joint (the TMJ), and such dental damage as chipped or cracked teeth resulting from the teeth grinding against each other.

Oral Cancer Screening

          An oral cancer examination can detect early signs of cancer. The exam is painless and takes only a few minutes. Your regular dental check-up is an excellent opportunity to have the exam. During the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips and entire mouth for signs of cancer.

Orthodontics

          A healthy, functional and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to correct the cosmetic and functional problems associated with teeth that are either overcrowded, have spaces between them or that have shifted over time due to extractions, habits, or abnormal bite patterns.

          Orthodontics utilizes the principles of physics to slowly move teeth into their proper positions. This is performed by using a selection of corrective appliances, including braces, clear aligners and retainers. Designed to apply incremental and controlled forces to move the teeth in the desired direction, these appliances are adjusted on a regular basis throughout the course of care. Once a malocclusion is corrected and the teeth are completely aligned, retainers are often placed to help ensure that the result remains stable.

Pediatric Dental Care

          Our office takes pride in creating and maintaining beautiful and healthy smiles for our younger patients in an environment that is lighthearted and fun. With an emphasis on establishing oral health habits that last a lifetime, our primary tools are education and a comprehensive preventive care program.

Periodontal Treatment

          Left untreated, periodontal disease can result in significant tissue damage and eventual tooth loss. It is important to recognize the signs of the earliest stage of periodontal disease, which is gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis typically include red, swollen and bleeding gums. Treatment instituted at this point is often sufficient to reverse the course of the disease and to avoid any permanent damage to the periodontal tissues.

          There are other factors that can contribute to the escalation of periodontal disease, including smoking, genetic tendencies and unchecked diabetes.

Root Canals

          Smile Generators does not provide endodontics, or root canal therapy. We can refer you to an endodontist should you request root canal treatment.

          Root canal therapy is employed when the nerve supply to a tooth has been irreversibly affected by damage or decay. It is a way to prevent or help resolve a dental infection and save a natural tooth from extraction. A root canal is performed when there is enough sound root and crown structure remaining to eventually restore form and function to the involved tooth.

          Root canal therapy involves cleaning and shaping each canal and then filling them with a special inert material. Following this, they are sealed to prevent any subsequent infection. A crown is required to complete the treatment of the tooth, for long-term preservation.

Same-Day Repairs

          Whether your denture needs a tooth replaced, a crack or fracture repaired, or simply needs an adjustment, our office can provide you with the highest quality of prompt, same-day service. 

Sleep Apnea

          Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. In situations of mild to moderate sleep apnea, a dental appliance may be deemed the appropriate treatment. Worn in a similar fashion to a mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer, it is designed to help keep the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing, thereby enabling the airway to stay open during sleep. 
 
          An oral appliance is easy to wear, easy to care for, comfortable and portable. Oral appliances are individually fabricated and customized for both maximum effectiveness and comfort.

Snoring Appliances

          If it is determined that your problem is simply snoring and sleep apnea, and you are what is known as a primary snorer, then an oral appliance can help you as well as any of your roommates enjoy a quieter and more comfortable sleep. A custom fabricated oral appliance to address snoring fits somewhat like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer and is only worn while you sleep.

          As a removable and non-invasive treatment for snoring, your appliance slightly repositions your jaw to allow for a less restricted airflow to promote a quieter and more restful sleep.

Sports Mouth Guards

          Every year millions of cases of dental and facial injuries occur as the result of sport-related trauma. While all sports have some risk of oral injury, it is especially prevalent in recreational activities that involve frequent body contact with other players or the ground, as well as the possibility of being struck by other objects such as, balls, bats or sticks.

          One way to significantly reduce the risk of damage to your teeth, cheeks, lips, tongue, face or jaw as the result of a sports-related injury is to wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard is a removable appliance made of a sturdy plastic that sits comfortably over your teeth. Our office will help you to select just the right sports mouth guard to protect your smile.

Teeth Whitening

          Teeth that have been stained or darkened by food, tobacco use, age, medications or injury can be lightened and brightened by means of a non-invasive process known as teeth whitening. While there are many over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, the most effective and safest teeth whitening systems are the professional strength ones available at our dentist’s office. Our whitening system offers a higher concentration of whitening components and delivers them to the teeth in the most efficient manner to achieve optimal results.

          We offer two exceptional options for tooth whitening. You can choose either an in-office tooth whitening procedure or a professional take home system.

The Preventative Program

          Our comprehensive dental hygiene program is designed to preserve your teeth and the supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress and recurrence of dental disease.

          To maintain your optimal oral health, we recommend periodic professional dental cleanings. In conjunction with periodic dental professional cleanings, a good dental home care regimen is necessary. As part of the preventive program at this office your current home care practices will be reviewed. Following that we will make recommendations as to what areas require improvements, and instruct you in the proper methods of brushing and flossing.

The TMJ Treatment

          Among the most common, irritating and difficult to diagnose problems with head and neck pain are temporal mandibular joint problems, more commonly known as TMJ problems. Symptoms can range from a slight clicking in the jaw with no pain to severe head and neck pain which is not relieved by medication.

          Once diagnosed properly treatments include everything from simple placement of a night guard, which prevents pressure on the joint to surgical intervention in more severe cases. A dental health professional is the person most able to diagnose this widely variable and very common issue.

Veneers

          If your teeth have gaps, chips, stains or discolorations you may be a candidate for porcelain veneers, a highly effective and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can achieve beautiful results.

          Porcelain veneers are thin facings custom-made of the highest quality ceramic materials that are designed to fit perfectly over the front of your teeth. They involve minimal tooth preparation and take just a few visits. Once they are fabricated and fitted, they are permanently bonded to the underlying teeth. The result is a naturally pleasing smile that is both strong and durable.

List of Services