RW Herren

You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand and share your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. If there is anything else we can do, let us know. In addition to topical and local anesthetic, a certified anesthesiologist may be arranged to help those patients who need a little more sedation.

Emergencies can occur at any time. Dr. Herren may be reached 24 hours a day. With early morning, lunchtime, and late afternoon, you can be seen at a time that is convenient for your schedule.

An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tartar on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon your individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition.

Fluoride treatments are provided for children under the age of thirteen and for those adults when appropriate.

Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively "seals" the deep grooves where decay is most likely to occur.

For patients, adults and children, who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Dr. Herren provides orthodontic screenings for all ages as part of the oral exam. However, orthodontic treatment is performed by specialists with whom Dr. Herren has close working relationships with.

A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like an artificial root which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort, and confidence. Dr. Herren has 2 years formal training in implant surgery and restoration.

Crowns can strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth. A "cap", "jacket", or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to an ideal size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed, as the tooth is more apt to fracture.

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural-looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching. Veneers are porcelain shells that are fabricated in a laboratory and fit over the fronts of your teeth. Composite veneers or bonding work the same way and are made with composite (tooth-colored filling material) and can be done in a single visit. Bleaching, or teeth whitening, is usually done at home, but can also be done in the office if quicker results are needed.

Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth structure. With the help of routine x-rays, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache.

While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition.

The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of the tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panoramic x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most surgeries, including impacted wisdom teeth, are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases.

A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw.

If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth or relieve severe pain, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. With modern techniques, this is generally a very comfortable procedure. Our practice performs root canals, when necessary, on all teeth including molars without outside referrals. In rare instances when root canal treatment does not succeed, retreatment and root canal surgery (apicoectomy) can be done in-office. Very complicated cases will be referred to an endodontist (root canal specialist) as needed.

Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular exams to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance. Gum tissues are in a constant state of change. Periodic relining of the dentures may be necessary to ensure a tight and comfortable fit. Dr. Herren has extensive experience fabricating complete and partial dentures of all types. For patients concerned about making the transition to dentures, immediate dentures can be made and delivered at the same appointment that the remaining teeth are extracted. This prevents having to "go without teeth". For most patients, dentures can be secured with implants for a much tighter fit.

We provide state-of-the-art custom made athletic mouthguards for all patients requiring protection during athletic competition in "at risk" sports. Store bought over the counter mouthguards do not fit as well nor do they provide the anticipated and necessary protection to help prevent dental/facial injuries. The only mouthguard one should be worn is that made from a model of the mouth. Patients have individual requirements for fit, comfort, level of competition, and compliance. The professionally designed custom made mouthguard satisfies these requirements.

We provide state-of-the-art custom made nightguards for grinding or clenching.

We provide state-of-the-art sleep apnea appliances.