Family dentistry is dentistry for your entire family in one convenient stop. Some dental offices only provide services to a certain age group. Family dentists provide services to a wide variety of patients and address most general dental needs. The friendly family dentist at Axiom Dentistry of Clayton provides preventive dental services such as exams, X-rays and cleanings, as well as other general dental work including fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges and implants.

Total Dental Care: Toddlers to Grandparents!

As a family dental practice, we enjoy building lifelong relationships that start early! Axiom Dentistry of Clayton accepts patients of all ages. We believe that introducing your child to dental care at a young age takes the “scary” out of the dental experience. Set your children on the right path to good oral health with regular dental visits. At Axiom Dentistry, we strive to create a pleasant experience for all of our patients; especially the youngest ones.

As we mature, our dental needs may change. You may have discovered that your smile is not as bright as it once seemed to be, or perhaps you have lost a tooth prematurely. Seniors are at risk of several oral health issues including periodontal disease, oral cancers, and higher rates of decay. Older adults can keep their teeth for a lifetime with proper care and regular dental checkups. The caring professionals at Axiom Dentistry of Clayton understand the needs of our older patients.

Emergency Care

Prevention is the best way to avoid unexpected dental emergencies; however, they do happen. Establishing a relationship with a family dentist is important. As an established patient, your family dentist can provide after-hours or weekend care if needed. Knowing who to call in a dental crisis will ensure your chances of a full recovery.

Cosmetic to Restorative Dental Care

As a family dentist, Axiom Dentistry of Clayton provides a wide variety of services. We offer complete preventive services as well as cosmetic and restorative services with the latest in technology including:

• Tooth-Colored Fillings
• Crowns and Bridges
• Extractions
• Partials and Dentures
• Implants and Implant-Supported Dentures
• Root Canals
• Tooth Whitening

The Best Long-Term Replacement Solution For Missing Teeth

Despite improved dental care and technology, millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss at some point during their lifetime. In the past, available replacement options have been limited to bridges or removable appliances; however, in the last twenty-five years, dental implants have become an extraordinarily successful alternative. Dental implants look and feel natural, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.

What exactly is a dental implant?

An implant is a titanium screw that acts as the root of a missing tooth. Once placed, it fuses to the bone of the jaw. The dental implant supports a custom-made crown that is connected to the implant by a connector piece called an abutment. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or many missing teeth. The entire process can take between 6-12 months to complete.

Dental implants can relieve the frustrations associated with removable appliances such as dentures and partials. Often patients report that their dentures or partials cause them to feel uncomfortable and insecure. In some cases, they may slip or click and restrict the everyday pleasure of eating. Implants can eliminate these annoying issues as well as messy adhesives. While conventional dentures simply rest on the gums, an implant-supported denture attaches to the implant posts and securely holds the denture in place.

Prior to dental implants, bridges were the standard choice for single tooth replacements. Like implants, bridges look and feel natural and are durable and long-lasting. However, bridges present several disadvantages. A dental bridge is a false tooth supported and attached to the two healthy adjacent teeth by dental crowns. Unfortunately, if one of the supporting crowned teeth breaks or develops decay, the entire bridge must be removed and then replaced. Dental implants do not require the support of surrounding teeth, nor do they decay. The average life span of a bridge is 10-15 years; however, a dental implant can last a lifetime.

Implants have become extremely popular because they are the best long-term replacement solution for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Implants are one of the most successful dental treatments available. The success of dental implants depends a great deal on the overall health of the patient. The process of determining whether or not a dental implant is best for you begins with a complete medical history consultation with your dentist. Some medical conditions and lifestyle choices could affect the overall success of your dental implant. Those patients who may not be good candidates for dental implants include patients who have medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process such as diabetes, periodontal disease, or even cigarette smoking. These patients must evaluate the potential risks of using dental implants. With careful planning and consideration, more than 98 percent of all dental implants are a success.

After implant placement, it is important to continue routine dental care to ensure the life of your new dental implant. With regular checkups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene, your implant should last a lifetime.

Proper dental care should be a regular part of any healthy lifestyle. Visiting your dental provider for regular checkups can prevent common oral health issues and reduce the need for costly dental procedures.

The American Dental Association recommends the following steps to maintain good oral health and a healthy lifestyle:

• Brush your teeth two times per day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
• Use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth daily
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid soft drinks
• Visit a dental professional regularly for cleanings and oral exams

Poor oral health and untreated dental disease have been linked to increased risks of infections, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and premature births. The dental professionals at Axiom Dentistry of Clayton are committed to providing preventive services that focus on improving both your dental and overall health.

Axiom Dentistry of Clayton offers a variety of preventive dental services including:

Oral Examinations

Regular dental examinations are designed to detect oral health problems in their early stages, minimizing the need for major dental procedures such as root canals, periodontal treatments, and tooth replacement. Oral examinations include a visual inspection as well as a complete review of necessary X-rays. Your dental provider will document the health of your gums, any discolored or soft areas, and any other unusual or concerning areas including tumors and cysts. Once a customized treatment plan has been created, your dentist will discuss your goals and expectations and any recommendations to restore optimum dental health.

Education

Our goal as dental providers is to educate our patients about the importance of proper dental care. During your checkup visits, you will learn about proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as the latest dental technology in-home care.

Prophylaxis

The best weapon to fight gum disease, gingivitis and periodontal disease is regular professional dental cleanings. Our skilled hygienists use specialized instruments to professionally remove plaque and buildup as well as everyday stains. Regular twice-a-year dental cleanings will help you keep your confident smile bright and white throughout the entire year.