Dental Health

Holistic Dental Health

Dental care with the full body health in mind

Dr. Todd Walters P.C. is equipped to handle all of your dental needs.

Get a Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Program

Your oral health is critical to your overall health! Dr. Todd Walters P.C. has a comprehensive program designed to help you preserve your teeth and their supporting structures. We strive to help you prevent the onset, progress, and recurrence of oral disease and we are here to treat your oral health when it is necessary.

Call (574) 722-5313 to schedule an appointment.

Helping You Maintain Your Oral Health Is Our Primary Goal

Helping You Maintain Your Optimal Oral Health

It’s important to remember that, alongside periodic professional cleanings, maintaining a solid at-home dental care routine is crucial. As part of our preventive program, we’ll review your current dental hygiene practices and provide recommendations for areas that need improvement.

We’ll also guide you on the proper techniques for brushing and flossing. For some patients, additional preventive services may be necessary. In our preventive program for pediatric patients, we also apply dental sealants as an essential component.

Here are some useful suggestions for maintaining good oral hygiene:

Brush your teeth twice daily in a circular motion with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on the gum line.
Floss your teeth every night using an up-and-down motion, creating a U-shape around each tooth surface.
Refrain from smoking to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
Minimize your intake of sticky, sugary foods that can contribute to tooth decay.
Follow a balanced diet to promote healthy teeth and gums.
Consider having sealants placed on young permanent teeth as an extra preventative measure.

Checking Disease of the Oral Cavity

Restoring Tooth Decay

Dental researchers have made significant strides in understanding and preventing tooth decay over the past few decades. Through a three-pronged approach of discovery, innovation, and prevention, they have achieved remarkable success in this area. In fact, this work is widely regarded as one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century.

Restoring Periodontal teeth

Periodontal disease can take on various forms and present itself in different ways. Regardless of the type, it is crucial to seek prompt treatment from a periodontist to prevent further progression and save the gum tissue and bone. Below are some of the most prevalent forms of periodontal disease and the usual treatments involved in addressing them:

Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease along with the treatments typically performed to correct them:

Gingivitis — Gingivitis is the mildest and most prevalent form of periodontal disease, resulting from plaque toxins that can progress to more severe periodontitis. Certain individuals are at greater risk of developing gingivitis, including pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, people with uncontrolled diabetes, those who use steroids, and individuals who manage seizures and blood pressure using medication.
Chronic Periodontal Disease — Chronic periodontal disease is the most frequently occurring type of the disease and is more common among individuals over the age of 45. This form of periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation below the gum line and the gradual deterioration of both gingival and bone tissue. Over time, the gums may appear to recede, creating the illusion that the teeth are growing longer.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease — Aggressive Periodontal Disease is defined by a rapid loss of gum attachment and bone tissue. Although similar to chronic periodontitis, the progression of aggressive periodontal disease is considerably faster. Those who smoke and individuals with a family history of this disease are at a heightened risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease Relating to Systemic Conditions — Periodontal Disease Related to Systemic Conditions can be an indicator of an underlying disease or medical condition impacting other parts of the body. Depending on the specific condition, the disease can progress rapidly, akin to aggressive periodontal disease, leading to tissue destruction. While there are many potential contributing factors, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease are among the most prevalent.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease — Necrotizing Periodontal Disease is an aggressive form of the disease that progresses rapidly, particularly among individuals who suffer from HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, chronic stress, or smoke. This condition often results in tissue death, or necrosis, that affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues, and alveolar bone.

Replace Missing Teeth

Removable Bridges — A denture, also known as a removable bridge, is a replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues that can be taken out and put back in as needed. Typically made of acrylic resin, and occasionally with the addition of various metals, complete dentures replace all teeth, while partial dentures fill in gaps created by missing teeth and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting positions.
Fixed Bridges — A fixed bridge is a dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and is not meant to be removed. The bridge is supported by teeth on either side of the gap and spans the space between them, much like a bridge over a river. Typically, the framework of the bridge is constructed from precious or non-precious metals, with tooth-colored porcelain fused to the base to create a natural-looking appearance.
Implants — Dental implants are a significant breakthrough in dentistry, offering a permanent solution for missing teeth that was not previously possible. These implants serve as anchors made of either Zirconia (white color) or Titanium (metal), which are surgically placed into the jawbone and covered with a cap or denture. They provide a stronger foundation than a natural root and eliminate the need for root canals or fillings. Moreover, dental implants help preserve the health and shape of the jawbone and adjacent teeth, as there is no need to alter the neighboring teeth. To ensure optimal results, it is essential to select an experienced and skilled implant dentist who employs the correct implant dentistry techniques. Successful implants lead to a natural-looking and comfortable tooth, offering a permanent solution for missing teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bonding — Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin and serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. The bonding material can be likened to a sculptor’s clay, and it allows your dentist to repair damaged teeth, fill in gaps, and alter the shape or color of your smile.
Teeth Whitening — To give patients a more radiant smile, teeth whitening is carried out to eliminate discoloration and staining or to provide a brighter and whiter appearance to their teeth. The procedure helps in correcting tooth discoloration by removing brown and yellow stains. Teeth whitening comprises a range of methods such as chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, abrasive teeth brightening, and the latest technique, laser teeth whitening.
Veneers — To enhance the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers or tooth veneers can be utilized to correct both shape and color issues. These veneers are sturdy, long-lasting, and can endure for a period of ten to fifteen years. Moreover, they come in different shades that can whiten dark teeth without the fear of discoloration. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for a smile makeover.
Ceramic crowns — In dentistry, a crown is a dental restoration that encircles the remaining tooth structure or a dental implant. It becomes essential to create a crown when there is insufficient healthy tooth structure left to support filling materials, or when restoring dental implants. Crowns can be composed of porcelain fused to a metal substrate, or entirely made of ceramic materials.

Orthodontics

Braces — The primary method of orthodontic treatment is braces, which aid in aligning teeth, closing gaps, and correcting overbites. Braces are frequently used together with other orthodontic appliances such as headgear and expansion appliances to control the growth of teeth in younger patients. After braces have been removed, retainers are often worn to ensure that teeth remain in their new position.
Invisalign — Orthodontics has been revolutionized by Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces that require wires attached to your teeth, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without them being visible. These clear aligners are discreet, allowing you to undergo treatment without others noticing. Moreover, they are removable, enabling you to eat and drink whatever you like. You can also maintain your normal oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing your teeth without any difficulty. Clinical research and orthodontic practices nationwide have confirmed the effectiveness of the Invisalign process. However, only a certified dentist can perform this procedure, like ours.

Dental Emergencies

Toothaches — Toothache refers to pain that usually occurs in and around a tooth or jaw. Toothaches are typically caused by dental issues such as dental cavities, a fractured or cracked tooth, gum disease, or an exposed tooth root. In cases where restorative procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are insufficient to save a tooth, it may need to be extracted or pulled. Many individuals require wisdom teeth extraction to prevent severe problems in the future. However, in general, the absence of four wisdom teeth does not affect one’s ability to eat, speak, or bite properly.
Traumatic Dental Injuries — Trauma to the mouth can result in teeth being pushed back into their sockets. When the tooth is partially dislodged, your dentist may realign and secure it in place. If the pulp remains healthy, no further treatment may be required. However, if an injury leads to a tooth being completely knocked out of the mouth, it is crucial to seek immediate treatment.