Services

What should I do during a dental emergency?

Do you need urgent dental care? Our office is eager to assist you any time of the day. If you experience a dental emergency, please contact us at the office at 860-673-7155 or Dr. Brenner personally at 860-670-1814, if our office is closed. When you contact us, we will schedule you immediately and take care of your concern.

Dr. Brenner and our team can offer you further advice based on your emergency. Please contact us if you have a dental emergency.

How can I take care of a dental emergency?

Until you can come to our office to meet with our dentist, you can help to take care of your smile with the following advice:

• Toothaches: We recommend that you rinse your mouth and remove any food with floss. Then, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth.
• Chipped tooth: Rinse the tooth using warm water and apply gauze if there is bleeding. Put a cold compress near the tooth to relieve pain and swelling.
• Knocked-out tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (or part of the tooth that is typically visible). Do not rinse the tooth. Simply put it in a container or plastic bag (without tissue or paper towels); you can add water to keep it hydrated.

Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner and our team can offer you further advice based on your emergency. Please contact us if you need dental emergency care in Burlington, Connecticut.

At the office of Bethaney B. Brenner DMD LLC, the health and development of your child’s smile are our top priorities. Our goals are to help children establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and experience the benefits of healthy, beautiful smiles.

Excellent Oral Health Begins With Good Oral Care

All parents want what’s best for their families. When good oral care, including routine dental checkups, start at an early age, our office can closely monitor the development and health of your child’s smile as they grow. It’s essential to keep in mind that preventive care and timely treatment for any emerging dental issues not only helps to ensure ongoing oral health but also supports overall well-being, and contributes to a positive self-image.

You can rest assured that your child’s smile is in the best of hands at our office! We provide gentle and precise care in an environment that’s comfortable, warm, and engaging. At the office of Bethaney B. Brenner DMD LLC, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services designed to address the dental needs of children of all ages. Whether it’s your little one’s first trip to the dentist, a routine visit, treatment for a dental emergency, or more, we’re well equipped to provide the care that’s needed.

We take a proactive approach and emphasize the importance of dental prevention as the key to good oral health. We provide you and your child with the resources as well as the tools to establish an effective brushing and flossing routine and offer nutritional guidance and advice on potentially harmful oral habits. Our entire team strives to make each visit with your child a positive, informative, and beneficial experience.

The Importance Of Regular Checkups And Routine Care

Studies show that children and teens lose an estimated 51 million school hours each year to dental problems. To help your child maintain optimal oral health and a smile that’s healthy and bright, we recommend dental checkups and cleanings twice a year.

As skilled and compassionate providers of care, we understand all aspects of dental development and are sensitive to the unique needs of children. At each periodic exam, a member of our professional team will review your child’s medical and dental history and then perform a thorough clinical assessment of the teeth, gums, jaws, and the surrounding oral tissues. We’ll also check your child’s bite, jaw alignment, and function.

Because it’s vital to see what’s going on below the surface, we’ll take digital radiographs as needed, to check for the presence of any cavities, or infection and to evaluate the position of your child’s developing teeth and the health of jaw bone. We’ll also perform a professional dental cleaning to eliminate any plaque or debris that has accumulated between the teeth or in hard to reach places.

Tooth Decay Is The Single Most Common Chronic Childhood Disease

 

At every stage of your child’s development, we’ll advise you on the most effective methods of keeping his or her teeth clean and discuss the foods, beverages, and harmful oral habits that can lead to problems. While it can be difficult sometimes to get children into a regular oral hygiene routine, we’ll give you tips and advice on how to make brushing and flossing a fun part of their daily activities. As your trusted partner you can rely on the office of Bethaney B. Brenner DMD LLC to keep a close watch on your child’s oral health and development.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help your child maintain optimal oral health and develop a positive attitude towards dental care:

• Establishing a dental partnership when your child is small
• Keeping your baby’s and toddler’s teeth clean
• Not allowing your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
• Bringing your child to the dentist for routine checkups and care
• Leading by example and encouraging the recommended tooth brushing and flossing routine
• Promoting wise dietary choices and healthy snacking, including replacing sugary drinks with water and limiting sweets
• Providing supportive guidance to help your child put away their pacifier and stop thumb or finger sucking at the appropriate time
• Making sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing specific sports

Your Baby’s Smile

Even before your child is born, your little one’s first set of teeth is already forming. As a matter of fact, by the time your baby is a year old, some of the front teeth will have already emerged into place. For this reason, it’s essential to establish an oral care routine at an early age. As per the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents are encouraged to have their baby see the dentist around the time of their first birthday.

More On Dental Care For Children and Teens

Childhood is a time of incredible physical and emotional changes. As kids go through several stages of development, so do their teeth. Many things, including both genetic and environmental factors, contribute to the health and appearance of your child’s smile. While some issues cannot be prevented, there’s still a lot you can do to help ensure your child experiences optimal oral health and develops an attractive, functional smile. Our office will make sure your children are instructed in the best methods for caring for their teeth and will provide them with useful, age-appropriate information on following a healthy diet as well as make them aware of which oral habits and activities may be harmful to their teeth and overall well being.

Assessing Facial Growth And Dental Development

In addition to checking for the presence of dental disease, we also monitor your child’s facial growth, jaw development, and alignment of their smile. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we’ll advise you of our recommendations for care. Since many children and teens wear braces, paying extra attention to what they eat and how they maintain their oral hygiene is of the utmost importance.

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy smile

Beyond good oral hygiene and routine dental care, a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for a healthy smile in a growing child. Sticky, sugary foods and drinks are not only harmful to children’s oral health but also detrimental to their overall well-being. A diet rich in nutrients is critical for optimal growth and development and keeping the teeth and gums strong.

Approximately 15 million Americans suffer from some sort of orofacial pain. These conditions can range from minor, infrequent pain and clicking of TMJ to debilitating migraines and an inability for the jaw to function. 90% of these cases are caused by the muscles in the jaw with the other 10% a result of dislocation or a degenerative joint. Regardless of the cause, it is possible to treat these disorders with TMJ Therapy.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the jawbone to the skull. These joints are used for talking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning. Any issues with the jaw joint and the associated muscles are known as TMJ disorders. If you have any of the following symptoms, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may be able to treat your TMJ issues:

 

Why Choose Us for your TMJ Therapy?

EXPERTISE.

Dr. Brenner is an authority in the field of TMJ Therapy. She has 30 years of experience in treating TMJ and is one of five doctors in the world with a Mastership in Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy. She is consistently voted as one of America’s Top Dentists each year.

NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS.

Dr. Brenner specializes in non-surgical and non-invasive TMJ therapy treatments.

TECHNOLOGY.

Dr. Brenner uses cutting edge technology to diagnose and treat TMJ symptoms and causes. This includes special neurologically appropriate orthotics and Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) therapies.

FINANCIAL OPTIONS.

All TMJ treatment is filed with your dental and medical insurance and we will do everything we can to maximize your benefits. We also have several low interest financing options available with credit approval.

What is Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy?

Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner uses DTR (Disclusion Time Reduction) to treat TMJ disorders (see our video below). She is one of five doctors in the world with a Mastership in Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy.

Regardless of the cause, it is possible to treat these TMJ disorders 90% of the time without surgery. There is 30 years of published research definitively showing that DTR is one of the most effective treatment options available today, but not the only one. The primary goal of TMJ therapy is to return the jaw to its proper function, thereby eliminating the related symptoms. In some cases, combinations of therapies are needed.

TMJ FAQs

My jaw joint clicks or pops. Is this a problem and is it going to get worse?

Yes, it is a problem and it is likely to get worse unless treatment is provided to stabilize it.

I had a bite splint made for my TMJ problem, but why does it not relieve my symptoms?

It is often because an accurate diagnosis was not established prior to the splint being made. Sometimes it is because a different design or instructions for use of the splint would have been more successful. Generic or universal designs of bite splint are not recommended. If a bite splint is needed, a specific custom design should be fabricated considering your diagnosis. Also, other physical problems may be occurring that may contribute to the problem and pain. We can determine why your treatment has not resolved your problem.

Is my headache or jaw pain caused by a TMJ problem, some other disorder or a combination of things?

Often, what are described or diagnosed as migraines are often caused by TMJ. Other disorders or conditions can also be a cause or factor. Only proper and thorough evaluation and testing can determine that and we excel at finding answers to these questions.

Why does my bite feel uncomfortable like there is no proper spot to hold my jaw?

This is usually due to unstable jaw muscles, an internal jaw joint disorder or a combination of both.

Will getting braces fix my TMJ problem?

Sometimes orthodontic treatment can be a great option to correct a person’s bite and alignment of the teeth but it should never be used before an accurate diagnosis of the TMJ problem is established.

Do TMJ problems cause migraines?

Yes, they can. Although patients can suffer from true vascular migraines, the majority of headaches are either caused or exacerbated by TMJ problems.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when there is an obstruction of an individual’s airway that interferes with the flow of oxygen through the nose or mouth during sleep. In someone afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles of the throat and mouth relax during sleep to the point where they stick the upper airway together and create a blockage that restricts breathing.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The signs and symptoms of this disorder during sleeping hours may include

loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings, episodes of gasping for air, along with difficulties getting a good night’s sleep. Sometimes the symptoms are mild and not obvious. An individual with sleep apnea will exhibit problems during the day as well. Sleep apnea can lead to a morning headache, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability and even depression. Sometimes the symptoms are more subtle, and the dentist finds signs of grinding or worn down teeth, clenching, broken teeth, bone loss, deep pockets, and sore muscles in the head, neck and mouth. In children the symptoms may be bed wetting, attention deficit problems and/or hyperactivity. Asthma and allergies are also common symptoms.

Available Dental Treatments for Sleep Apnea

A sleep study is typically conducted to determine the severity of the disorder. The results of this study along with other medical findings will play a role in determining the recommended therapy. The most common form of medical therapy is a CPAP machine that is worn when sleeping. This device provides a steady stream of pressurized air into the respiratory system through a mask. However, recent studies have shown that less than 50% of the people who have CPAP machines actually use them. Those machines are not the most comfortable options for adults.

In situations of mild to moderate sleep apnea, a dental appliance may be deemed the appropriate treatment. Worn in a similar fashion to a mouthguard 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.

Your medical insurance may cover part of your treatment!

And did we mention that we will also file your medical insurance as a courtesy? In many cases, medical insurance will pay for the sleep apnea dental device. The device has FDA approval as second line therapy behind CPAP.

Why Choose Us for Your Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Dr. Brenner is a Center of Excellence for treating Craniofacial Pain and Sleep Breathing Disorders. She is qualified to take her Specialty Boards in this area. And she has been very successfully treating patients now for several years. She is one of 63 Centers of Excellence around the world.

How can I tell if I or someone in my family has sleep apnea?

Noticing signs of sleep apnea can be challenging, but common indicators include loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, gasping for air, or excessive daytime fatigue. If you suspect a loved one may have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to take action. Start by taking our quick and easy sleep apnea quizzes for adults and children to learn more about their risk:

Adult Sleep Apnea Quiz

Getting a full night of sleep is essential to your overall health. Being well rested helps you to feel good and to function at your best. One of the most common problems that can affect the quality of your sleep is snoring. According to statistics, about 90 million individuals in the United States snore while they sleep.

While for about half of these people the problem is simply snoring, the others may be afflicted with a serious disorder known as sleep apnea. Therefore, before any type of treatment can be prescribed, it must be determined whether the problem is sleep apnea or “simple” snoring.

If it is determined that your problem is simply snoring, 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 mouthguard 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.

When a patient wishes to enhance or restore the beauty of their smile Dr. Brenner may recommend dental bonding in which a tooth-colored composite material is used. Dental bonding is often paired with dental contouring to improve the shape and size of a tooth. Our dentist may perform dental bonding to:

• Repair decay
• Fix chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Improve the color of stained teeth
• Close gaps and spaces between teeth
• Lengthen teeth
• Improve the shape of teeth
• Protect exposed tooth roots

When performing dental bonding, our dentist will first select a shade of resin material that will closely match that of your natural teeth. Your tooth or teeth will be prepared and have a conditioning liquid applied. These will ensure for an ideal bonding process. The resin material is then applied to your tooth or teeth. Our dentist smoothes and shapes the material. A special light or a laser is used to cure the material.

We encourage you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that is custom made to cover the entire visible part of the tooth. When a patient needs the shape, size, strength and appearance of a tooth restored she may recommend a dental crown. Dental crowns are used for the following purposes:

• Protect weak teeth from breaking
• Hold together worn down teeth
• Cover teeth with large dental fillings
• Protect a tooth that has had a root canal
• Cover a dental implant

To place a dental crown, our dentist will first remove a small amount of tooth enamel to allow room for the crown in your mouth. An impression of the tooth and the nearby teeth are made so that a dental crown can be constructed. Our dentist will place a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being prepared.

When your permanent dental crown is complete, our dentist will remove the temporary crown. Your dental crown is placed in your mouth to check the fit. After any necessary adjustments are made, our dentist will permanently cement the crown in place.

To learn more and to schedule your next appointment, contact our dental office today.

If you are missing one or more permanent teeth Dr. Brenner may recommend dental implants. Dental implants consist of a titanium implant post and a dental restoration. The implant post is surgically placed in your jaw where it acts as a replacement of tooth roots and provides a stable foundation for a new restoration. That restoration can be a dental crown, dental bridge or denture, which is attached to the implant abutment.

Dental implants have many advantages. They improve the appearance of your smile because they look like natural teeth. The restoration will match the shade of your natural teeth. Dental implants become a permanent part of your smile because the implant integrates with your jawbone. Dental implants are very durable and will last for many years, or even a lifetime if well cared for. Dental implants improve your long-term oral health and require no additional care other than your routine brushing and flossing. This stable restoration acts like your natural tooth and allows you to eat and speak with ease. It is the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.

Feel free to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment.

If you are missing some or all of your permanent teeth, our doctor would love to help you restore the beauty and functionality of your smile with a beautiful partial or denture.

There are three types of dentures:

• Immediate dentures are designed for aesthetics and are made in advance so that it is available after your extractions have been completed. This denture may need adjustments during the healing period until your permanent denture is completed.
• Conventional dentures also known as the permanent denture are made 8 to 12 weeks after your teeth have been extracted and your gums have had a chance to heal.
• Removable partial denture is made up of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base. This is sometimes connected to a metal framework that holds the denture in place.

Feel free to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment with our dentist.

Are your teeth crooked or crowded? If you wish to improve the appearance and health of your smile ask Dr. Brenner, a Preferred Provider, about Invisalign . Invisalign is the leading brand of invisible aligners that are worn over the teeth to straighten them over time. Our dentist will supply you with a new set of aligners as often as needed to continue moving your teeth to their optimal positions.

Invisalign has many benefits for you and your smile. These aligners are individualized to your needs and desires. The trays are made of comfortable plastic, which are nearly invisible and also removable. These features allow you to maintain proper homecare during treatment and also improve your long-term oral health.

Feel free to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

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 “wisdom tooth” is poorly positioned and unable to fully erupt into place.

To reduce any anxiety and insure patient comfort whenever a tooth extraction is necessary the procedure and post-surgical instructions will be carefully and completely explained.

Dental pulp is the soft area in the center of a tooth where the blood vessels, nerves, and immune system are located. If the dental pulp becomes infected or decayed, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend a root canal. Root canal therapy is the process by which our dentist removes the infected dental pulp from the tooth, cleans out the tooth, and seals it. There are not always symptoms, but if you experience any of the following, root canal therapy may be necessary:

• Severe toothache
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Darkening of a tooth
• Swelling and pain in the gums
• A persistent pimple on the gums

If infected dental pulp is not removed, it breaks down and bacteria starts to spread in the pulp chamber. This causes an infection. A pus-filled pocket called an abscess also forms at the end of the tooth’s root. Untreated infected dental pulp can cause swelling that may spread to the face, neck, or head. Bone loss can occur around the tip of the tooth’s root. The root canal treatment is usually done in one visit, and the tooth will need a crown within three months to protect the tooth from further issues.

We encourage you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment.

When a patient wishes to improve the shape, length, size, or color of their teeth, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are custom made to cover the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Ask our dentist about dental veneers if you would like to fix any of the following dental flaws:

• Discolored teeth
• Worn down teeth
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Slightly crooked or crowded teeth
• Misshaped teeth
• Gaps and spaces between teeth

Dental veneers have many advantages. Our dentist can select a shade of porcelain or resin that will match that of your teeth, so your veneers will look natural. Our dentist can even select veneer shade that will lighten the color of your teeth. Gum tissues tolerate porcelain veneers well, so there will be no discomfort after placement.

Veneers made from porcelain are stain and color resistant. Veneers are a conservative option for patients who wish to improve the appearance of their smile. They do not require as much tooth enamel removal as dental crowns do.

Are your teeth stained or discolored? Do you dream of a bright, radiant smile? If you have yellowed teeth with no restorations, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend teeth whitening. Other shades of staining will not whiten as well or at all. Restorations in your teeth like dental fillings and dental crowns will not react to the whitening solution, so they will stand out against a newly whitened smile. Our dentist provides both in-office and at-home teeth whitening.

During an in-office whitening treatment, our dentist will apply the whitening product directly to your teeth. In-office teeth whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. Results can be seen after just one 60-minute treatment. However, to reach your desired results, more than one treatment will likely be needed. Our dentist even performs internal teeth whitening for teeth that have darkened over the years because of a dental procedure like root canal therapy.

Some patients choose to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their home. Our dentist will supply you with a custom-made whitening tray and a gel whitening solution. Wear the tray with the whitening gel as prescribed by our dentist. Treatment time varies, depending on which whitening product you choose to use.

We encourage you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next visit.

Did you know that the most common cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease? According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontal disease. However, the good news is that periodontal disease is almost entirely preventable. At the office of Bethaney B. Brenner DMD LLC, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help patients maintain optimal periodontal health and enjoy the benefits of a smile that look, feels, and functions at its best.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory diseases that affect the “periodontium”, which are the hard and soft tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Just like tooth decay, gum disease is attributed to the harmful bacteria in dental plaque and tartar that accumulate around the teeth and under the gums.

Since the progression of periodontal disease is often painless, you may not even be aware of an ongoing disease process. For this very reason, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and schedule visits for regular checkups, professional cleanings, and routine care.

Taking care of your smile includes being mindful of the signs and symptoms of gum disease.

Some indications that you may have periodontal disease include:

• Inflamed and red gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Teeth that feel loose
• New spaces developing between the teeth or a change in the bite
• Change in the fit of existing partial dentures
• Discharge around the teeth and gums
• Sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing food

The Importance Of Good Oral Health

Taking care of your smile does more than keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition; good oral health also supports systemic health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, researchers are finding more and more links between periodontal disease and a number of medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

At the office of Bethaney B. Brenner DMD LLC, we emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and timely treatment of periodontal disease. We provide patients the guidance, support, and care required to maintain optimal periodontal health.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis represents the initial stage of gum disease. Although it doesn’t cause overt discomfort and often goes unnoticed, there are specific signs to be aware of that indicate the start of a problem. If you notice your gums bleed when you brush, look red and inflamed, or feel a little tender, you more than likely have gingivitis.

The good news is that by treating gingivitis early, the tissue damage associated with more advanced stages of gum disease can be avoided. Despite the presence of inflammation, the overall integrity of the periodontal tissues in this stage remains intact.

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. A series of deep dental cleanings, an improved home care regimen and a commitment to regular maintenance may be all that is required to prevent this stage of periodontal disease from progressing.

What is Periodontitis?

When left untreated, a case of gingivitis develops into a more advanced and damaging stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. At this point, the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place begin to break down. With the progression of periodontal disease and periodontitis, more and more tissue loss ensues. Damage often includes an increase in pocketing between the teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. As unresolved periodontitis goes from mild to moderate to severe, it increasingly compromises the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth.

Periodontal treatment in this phase is designed to halt the progression of the disease and to restore tooth support as possible. Treatment may involve medications to control the bacteria and reduce the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums, gum surgery, as well as bone and tissue grafts.

Let Us Help You Maintain Optimal Periodontal Health

At the office of Bethaney B. Brenner DMD LLC, we offer personalized, state-of-the-art solutions to help you maintain healthy gums and an attractive, well-functioning smile. As skilled providers of care, we utilize leading-edge technology and treatment methods to address a broad range of periodontal conditions and needs.

Thanks to advances in care, periodontal treatment today not only helps to halt the progression of gum disease but also delivers effective solutions, including bone grafting and regenerative procedures to repair tissue damage, restore bone volume, improve cosmetics, or provide adequate support for the placement of dental implants.

How is gum disease treated?

The type of periodontal treatment you receive depends on several factors including the stage of periodontal disease, the extent of tissue damage, your overall oral health, existing medical conditions, and other considerations in care. After a thorough assessment of your case, we’ll discuss your options to reestablish and maintain optimal periodontal health. We welcome your questions and are always on hand to provide guidance and address your concerns.

Periodontal treatment can be categorized in the following ways:

• Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

  When periodontal disease is detected early in its onset, conservative or non-surgical methods of care combined with improved hygiene routines can restore periodontal health. While periodic, professional cleanings are sufficient to maintain periodontal health in patients that do not have gum disease, once gingivitis is present, deeper cleanings and possibly other non-surgical methods of care are recommended to treat the condition.

  The American Academy of Periodontology emphasizes achieving periodontal health by means of the least invasive and cost-effective treatment approaches to care. Deeper cleanings, which include Scaling and Root planing, are non-surgical procedures that are considered the first line of defense against the progression of periodontal disease.

  With scaling and root planing, any plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that have accumulated below the gumline are carefully removed, and then the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed. Since periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins, by simply mechanically eliminating these agents, the progression of gum disease can be halted. In addition to removing plaque and tartar with a scaling and root planing procedure, antimicrobial medication placed under the gumline or systemic medications can be used as adjuncts to care to further reduce the bacterial population.

  If non-surgical approaches to managing periodontal disease do not achieve the desired outcome, surgery may be recommended to halt its progression and repair damage as possible.

• Periodontal Surgery

  When gum disease has advanced beyond the initial stage, periodontal surgery is often recommended to effectively remove bacteria and tartar from around the teeth, reduce gingival pocket depth, restore lost tissue as possible, and halt disease progression. It’s essential to keep in mind that gum disease is a progressive condition. If appropriate measures are not taken, gum disease continues to compromise the support of the teeth and have consequences to one’s overall dental health and well-being.

  As untreated gingivitis evolves into more advanced stages of gum disease, periodontal pockets deepen, the bacteria become more difficult to remove, and the gaps between the surface of the teeth and gums get larger. When pocket depth increases to the point of being beyond the reach of deep cleanings and other conservative methods of care (5mm or more), gum surgery to clean and treat the damage to gums and underlying bone is typically recommended.

  The good news is that with proper surgical treatment followed by improved oral hygiene, the chances of tooth loss, further damage to the bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth, and complications from health problems that are linked to periodontal disease can be decreased.

  The goals of pocket reduction surgery are to accomplish the following:

  • Remove sub-gingival bacteria beneath the gums and from the surfaces of the roots of the teeth
  • Halt damage to the underlying bone, and recontour the affected hard tissues as needed
  • Reduce pocket depth to facilitate easier cleaning of the teeth and gums and the maintenance of optimal periodontal health

  In many cases, a periodontal procedure, which is known as flap surgery, is frequently recommended. During this procedure, the gums in the affected area are reflected away from the teeth and supporting bone. Now, the pocket and roots of the teeth can be thoroughly cleaned and supporting tissues recontoured as needed. When this step gets completed, the tissue flag gets sutured back into place.

  Today, in addition to conventional surgical approaches to care, dental lasers are also used to perform select periodontal procedures. When applicable, laser technology can help treat periodontitis, reduce pocket depth, address peri-implantitis, and remove or recontour gingival tissues for cosmetic purposes.

Gum disease is an infection that attacks the gums and bones that surround and support your teeth. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This stage is usually painless, but the symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, and sore gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss

The second stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. This stage causes:

• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus coming from the gums
• A change in your bite
• Loose permanent teeth

If you have periodontitis, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend gum surgery. Our dentist uses the PerioLase® to perform the LANAP™ procedure, which is a laser periodontal surgery. The LANAP procedure is a way to get rid of infections and close periodontal pockets in the gums. The PerioLase laser fiber, which is only about as wide as three hairs, is inserted between the gums and your tooth, where it removes the bacteria and plaque that cause gum disease. The laser is then used to reattach your gums to your teeth, closing the periodontal pockets. This procedure is usually painless.

We encourage you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment and to schedule your next appointment.

When a cavity if diagnosed our doctor will remove decay and place a composite filling. This beautiful ceramic material that she uses is made to match your natural tooth and blend into your smile. They can be used to repair chipped, cracked or broken teeth as well.

Composite dental fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are made of composite ceramic. These dental fillings can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth, so they blend into your smile. Composite fillings are strong because they are chemically bonded to your tooth structure. In many cases, less tooth structure needs to be removed when preparing to place a tooth-colored filling. Composite filling materials are also used for other purposes. They can be used to repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

Feel free to contact our dental office today to learn more about dental fillings and to schedule your next appointment with our dentist.

Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend dental sealants. A sealant is a thin resin material that is painted over the molars and premolars to seal out plaque and debris. This preventative non-invasive procedure is usually performed on children and teenagers. Sealants can be placed on any posterior non-restored tooth to prevent future decay and is highly recommended.

When placing dental sealants, our dentist or hygienist will first clean and dry each of the back teeth thoroughly. This will allow for an ideal bonding process. Finally, the dental sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it is light cured. The bite is then checked to make sure it is comfortable once it is set.

We invite you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment with our dentist.

Dr. Brenner recommends that at least every six months you and your family come in for a teeth cleaning. This appointment includes assessment data collection including radiographic imaging, a professional cleaning performed by our hygienist and dental examination.Our dental professionals individualize treatment for each patient and use the latest technologies and equipment to provide the most accurate diagnosis. Dr. Brenner will then develop a treatment plan and review options that not only make your treatment affordable but also attainable.

If you experience any dental pain or any other type of dental emergency, we urge you to contact our office as soon as possible. For more information and to schedule your next visit, contact our dental office today.

By using intra-oral optical scanning devices the need for patient’s to have a messy conventional dental impression taken of their teeth is eliminated. Digital optical impressions enable the dentist to more efficiently and effectively obtain an accurate computer generated representation of their patient’s teeth along with the surrounding tissues.

In addition to being much more comfortable for the patient, a digital impression eliminates the need for the doctor to either create a stone model from the impression, or to mail the impression directly to the laboratory for any type of work to be done. Digital impression information is transmitted electronically, significantly reducing the turnaround time of any needed outside laboratory work.

Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of these advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation.

Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop.

Gum disease is an infection that attacks the gums and bones that surround and support your teeth. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. If the disease progresses into the bone surrounding the teeth, you have periodontal disease. Gum disease is usually painless, so you may not know that you have it. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have gum disease:

• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or sore gums
• Bad breath that will not go away
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting permanent teeth
• A change in your bite

If you have gingivitis, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that effectively treats gum disease before it becomes too severe. Our dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth, above and below the gums, all the way down to the bottom of the pockets. Removing the bacteria (germs) that cause this disease allows the gums to heal and reattach back to the roots.

To learn more and to schedule your next appointment, contact our dental office today.

Sedation dentistry offers individuals with general anxiety about going to the dentist or fears about a specific dental procedure the opportunity to have a stress free and more comfortable experience. Utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques prior to the dental procedure the patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation. This eliminates any discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety that may be associated with a particular dental visit. With sedation dentistry patients typically feel more at ease post-operatively as they have little or no memory of the actual moment-to-moment dental procedure.

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is used as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and allow a level of relaxation during a procedure. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. It is administered for the duration of the procedure and is turned off as the procedure is coming to an end. The effects of this method of sedation wear off very quickly.

Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation means that you will be given a prescription for an oral medication prior to you appointment. Taken at the recommended time before your appointment, this medication allows you to fully relax by the time your procedure begins. When receiving oral sedation, a patient must have an escort on the day of the procedure to drive them to and from the oral surgeon’s office.

Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner is proud to provide simple oral surgery. Simple oral surgery includes tooth extraction, which means to have a tooth pulled. There are several reasons why our dentist may recommend tooth extraction. If a tooth has decay that is too severe for root canal therapy to correct, our dentist may recommend tooth extraction to prevent the spread of infection. If a patient has a compromised immune system, even the risk of infection is reason to pull a tooth. Periodontal Disease is a disease that attacks the tissues and bone that surround and support your teeth. If this disease has caused the loosening of one or more teeth, our dentist may recommend extraction.

After extraction, our dentist will send you home to recover. Relax for at least 24 hours and limit your activity for the next day or two. Take medications as she prescribes and eat soft foods on the day of extraction to lessen your discomfort.

We invite you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment.

Do you or your child play sports? Sports, especially contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, soccer and lacrosse, can cause injuries to the face and mouth that could result in dental issues. To protect your teeth, gums, and tissues during sports, Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner may recommend a mouth guard.

There are three main types of mouth guards: stock mouth guards, boil and bite mouth guards, and custom-fitted mouth guards. Stock mouth guards are preformed and can be bought at sporting goods stores. They are inexpensive, but they are bulky.

Taking and breathing normally may be difficult when wearing a stock mouth guard. We do not recommend this type of mouth guard, as it does not offer as much protection. Boil and bite mouth guards can also be bought at sporting goods stores. These mouth guards are made from a material that softens when placed in hot water.

Once softened, the mouth guard is placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth. Custom-fitted mouth guards are designed specifically for your smile by our dentist. An impression will be made of your teeth and a mouth guard is custom fitted. This type of mouth guard provides the most comfort and protection and is good for three seasons in a growing child.

To learn more and to schedule your next visit, contact our dental office today.

Cone-beam computed tomography systems are radiographic systems used by dental professionals to analyze and reconstruct 3D images of a patient’s teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomy. The information obtained by means of CBCT imaging is useful in both diagnosis and precise treatment planning when two-dimensional diagnostic films are insufficient. This radiographic system is useful for multiple types of analyses as well as the assessment of maxillofacial disorders or pathology.

The Clear Choice for Clearing Nasal Blockage

What Is Nasal Obstruction?

Many people with nasal obstruction experience difficulty breathing through their nose, habitual snoring, interrupted sleep and fatigue.

Nasal obstruction is often caused by an anatomical blockage in the nose, hindering airflow. As a result, you may feel congested or “stuffy.” Home remedies and medications may offer temporary relief. It’s only when your nasal airway is opened that you can expect to find real, lasting relief.

Lasting Relief Is Possible Without Surgery

If you regularly experience difficulty breathing through your nose and nothing seems to help, you may have nasal obstruction, a common but often misdiagnosed condition. Until now, finding a long-term solution often meant surgery. Now, your physician may be able to offer you lasting relief without surgery by performing the VivAer procedure to open your nasal airway.

The Perio Protect Method® is an effective, sensible approach to treat bacteria that cause gum disease. At the heart of the Method is the adjunctive Perio Tray® delivery of medication. The basic idea is to get medication under the gums and into the pockets where bacteria grow and keep it there long enough for the medication to work, all in a comfortable, non-invasive way. Not a simple task. That’s why the Perio Tray is such an important advancement.

The Perio Tray is easy to use. You put the medication into the trays, wear the trays at home as instructed by your dentist and, well, that’s it, until you return to the dentist for a recall visit. It’s comfortable, it works well, and it’s convenient. The Perio Protect Method’s combination of Perio Tray delivery with thorough cleanings from a dental office is the least invasive approach available, and research shows better results than cleaning alone.

Perio Trays are custom fit for individual use. They have a special seal and extension system that correspond to the conditions of the gums around each tooth. The seals and extensions help direct and maintain medication under the gums to the site of the infected wounds. For most people, treatment time amounts to minutes each day. As healing occurs and conditions improve, dentists will modify your frequency and duration of usage. You can then follow a homecare maintenance schedule to keep the bacteria at bay.

For research articles and case studies on the Perio Tray delivery of medication, click here.

Contact our office and set an appointment to see if the Perio Protect Method is right for you.

The VELscope® is an advanced oral assessment technology system that offers clinicians the ability to visualize oral tissue abnormalities that may indicate the presence of oral cancer or pre-malignant dysplasia. A VELscope® evaluation is quick, painless, and can be easily incorporated into an oral cancer screening visit.

The VELscope® is a handheld scope that utilizes an imaging modality that is sensitive to changes in the natural tissue fluorescence of the oral mucosa. The bright blue light of the VELscope® can distinguish healthy soft tissue inside the mouth from soft tissue that has undergone pathological changes.

This ability to identify, evaluate and monitor abnormal soft tissue changes that might not be caught otherwise makes the VELscope® an excellent addition to a periodic head and neck exam.

The CariVu scanner is a portable wand that uses safe infrared light and patented transillumination technology to comfortably obtain diagnostic images of the teeth with zero radiation exposure to the patient. This technology is used for the detection of cavities on the biting surfaces and smooth sides of the teeth. It is also helpful when detecting recurrent tooth decay around existing restorations and cracks in the teeth.

With the CariVu scanner, diagnostic information can be viewed on a screen by the doctor as well as shared with the patient. As a highly accurate diagnostic tool it serves as a useful adjunct to intraoral films and photos and can offer a viable alternative to x-rays for those who are pregnant or have trouble taking radiographs.

What is Emface?

Emface is the first and only therapy that works on the framework of your face from the inside out.

The FIRST & ONLY technology that simultaneously uses synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES™ energies to treat skin & muscle

Experience a Facial Treatment Like Never Before

• Full-Face in 20 Minutes
• Needle Free
• Skin & Muscle: 2-in-1 Procedure

Before and After

What is EXION Fractional RF?

This newest skin treatment combines monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and AI for precise energy delivery to deeper skin layers.

As a result, patients can achieve significant improvements in skin texture, often without the usual discomfort of deep tissue treatments.

The Ultimate Skin Solution

• 85% Improvement in skin Laxity
• 50% Increase in Elastin
• 41% Acne Scar Reduction
• 47% Increase in Collagen
• 82% Patients found treatment comfortable

Before and After

What is Emsella?

A Breakthrough Treatment for Incontinence

Who is the right candidate for Emsella?

EMSELLA is a great option for women of any age who desire a solution for urinary incontinence and improvement in their quality of life.

How long is the treatment?

An Emsella treatment session typically lasts about 30 minutes. The FDA-approved treatment plan generally includes 6 initial sessions, which are often scheduled twice a week

How many sessions do I need?

You typically need 6 initial sessions of Emsella, which are usually scheduled twice a week.

What does the procedure feel like? Is it painful?

You will experience tingling and pelvic floor muscles’ contractions during the procedure. You may resume daily activities immediately after the treatment.

How fast will I see results?

You may observe improvement after a single session. The results will typically continue to improve over the next few weeks.

Experience Emsella:

• Reverse Muscle Loss
• Improve Balance
• Improve Back Discomfort
• Tone Physique
• Regain Continence
• Lift Your Buttocks

Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner has extensively studied additional nutritional supplements to help people heal more quickly and to maintain optimum health. These supplements will help you recover quickly after dental treatments or just after an injury. We want you to help you reach overall ideal health, not just oral health. Our dentist is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner received her certification from The Institute of Integrated Nutrition and has given numerous lectures on wellness. Ask her about her own healthy lifestyle and get some helpful information that may assist you in promoting your own successful wellness. Our dentist is thrilled to offer nutritional counseling.

Taking care of your body, eating healthy foods, and taking any additional nutritional supplements necessary will contribute to your oral health. Oral health and overall health are closely tied together. Avoiding sugary foods will help you feel good and will also make your teeth easier to care for. Avoiding sugary foods and snacking can help reduce tooth decay. Our dentist will answer any questions you may have about how to live a healthy lifestyle to help improve your oral and overall health.

We welcome you to contact our dental office today to learn more about nutrition and to schedule your next appointment.