It is suggested that patients should schedule a dental cleaning and routine exam every 6 months or as recommended by their dentist. During the cleaning, one of our hygienists will remove stubborn plaque and calculus from your teeth, leaving behind a bright and polished smile. We may need to take x-rays to determine if cavities are forming in between the teeth.

Periodontal disease affects the surrounding tooth structures, and at first it may not have any symptoms. If left untreated, it can destroy the supporting bones in your mouth, leading to tooth loss. This is why we examine the smile during every cleaning for early treatment and prevention of periodontal disease.

The Happy Visit is a complimentary visit for children as early as one year old, as well as for adults. This is a visit to get the patient comfortable with our office and with having Dr. Struder check their teeth. It is important for children and adults alike who have dental anxiety to have a positive, fun dental experience so they can have a lifetime of healthy smiles!

An intraoral camera allows Dr. Studer to take a close look at the inside of your mouth from all different angles, so he can determine the best treatment plan for your long-term dental health.

Sealants are resin coatings placed on the biting surfaces of the teeth to prevent decay by protecting them from harmful acids and plaque buildup. They are primarily placed on the hard-to-reach permanent molars as they erupt in a child’s mouth, but they can also be used for adults.

Our whitening services help reverse tooth discoloration caused by coffee, smoking, tea, and other factors, creating a whiter, brighter smile. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with us to see if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening.

Veneers are thin porcelain or ceramic restorations that are bonded onto the front of your existing teeth. They are an excellent choice for correcting gaps between teeth, crooked or misaligned teeth, or discoloration resistant to dental bleaching. Your veneers are custom-crafted to blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Crowns are caps that are used to cover over a remaining tooth that has been severely damaged or has suffered from advanced decay and cannot be repaired with a filling. Crowns cover the remaining tooth and restore its function, strength, and appearance. Several crown material options are available and Dr. Studer will discuss these with you.

Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth due to gum disease, decay, or injury, to prevent shifting of the surrounding teeth and gum disease. The bridge connects a prosthetic tooth to crowns permanently cemented on either side of the gap. The bridge looks and acts just like natural teeth.

CEREC technology utilizes a CAD/CAM computer system to create custom crowns for patients in just one day. Rather than requiring several appointments to create and place a crown, we can now perform this service in just two hours. No more impressions and no more temporary crowns!

A dental implant is a permanent tooth-replacement option, consisting of a titanium post that is inserted into the gums to serve as the root of the new tooth. After a dental surgeon has placed the implant, Dr. Studer will restore it with an abutment and a crown, which will allow the implant to look like and function as a real tooth.

Complete dentures are used to replace a person’s teeth when they are all missing. Removable dentures are designed to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. They are crafted to fit your mouth comfortably and securely. When in place, dentures can:

• Help restore your ability to eat and speak
• Replace your missing teeth
• Prevent facial sagging
• Improve the appearance of your smile and your confidence

We can create and place your complete dentures in just a few visits.

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composites, have become very popular for their natural-looking appearance, strength and stability.

Silver fillings, also known as amalgams, are a good quality material, have been around for decades and are often less expensive than composite fillings.

Dr. Studer has spent several years in Continuing Education training for Sports Dentistry. He is a current member of Academy of Sports Dentistry, which serves as a resource for team dentists and also helps provide for the dental needs of our US Olympic Team. Our staff is trained in the newest method of custom mouthguard fabrication, and we make most custom mouthguards on site in our own lab. Our custom sport mouthguards fit comfortably and securely, while protecting your teeth, gums, and surrounding bone structure from damage due to sports injuries.

Root canal therapy is needed when a cavity has reached the pulp of a tooth causing an infection of the nerve, or when severe trauma has affected the tooth. A root canal consists of removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the inside of the tooth. Then, we seal the tooth to prevent further damage. The tooth is then restored with a crown to improve its strength, appearance and function.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. But when the teeth are impacted and causing pain or are causing problems for adjacent teeth and tissues, they should be removed. A consultation session will be scheduled before the surgery to discuss the procedures.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is fairly common and symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Clicking/popping/grating sound from either joint
• Ringing or fullness in either ear
• Sore facial, chewing or neck muscles
• Headaches of unknown origin
• Difficulty staying asleep at night
• Teeth grinding during the day and/or at night time

We will evaluate your condition using a physical examination, radiographs and/or diagnostic models of your teeth.

Prompt treatment of dental emergencies is generally required to alleviate pain and ensure the patient’s oral and overall health. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call us immediately at 605-343-5415 and we will schedule you in as soon as possible. Should you call during after hours, call our regular number and our voicemail will inform you of how to get in touch with us.