At Lutz Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on three fundamental principles which have been the cornerstone of our practice’s success: prioritizing each patient, continuing to learn and evolve with advancements in dental technology, and above all else, connecting with our passions towards working with people and practicing the art and science of dental care.
Our core values are centered around helping others, which is why we are proud to include general dentistry in our scope of practice. A vital component of all dental specialties is prevention – preventing cavities, avoiding gum disease, treating minor problems before they worsen, and teaching patients how to care for their smile properly.
We value the opportunity to serve our community and to connect with the people of Lutz, FL, bringing children, adults, and seniors better oral health through general dental care. To learn more about our various services and procedures, please read below. Contact our office if you have any questions.
Cleanings & Exams
Dental cleanings and examinations are essential services to maintain the health of your smile. During these appointments, we will brush, floss, and polish your teeth. Special attention will be given to areas of plaque and tartar buildup; as we remove plaque and tartar, we will check for gum inflammation or tooth decay that may have developed as a result. We will also provide some feedback regarding any extra focus you may need to give these areas in the future.
Once your teeth are fresh and clean, we will conduct a full oral health examination. This includes a deep overview of every surface of every tooth, each inch of gum tissue, and an analysis of the interior of the teeth and tooth roots. We perform this inspection through a combination of various x-rays (bitewing, periapical, panoramic), allowing our team to stop problems in their tracks before they begin causing pain or extensive damage!
Fluoride
Fluoride application is a service we provide to strengthen the tooth enamel, thus eliminating the threat of, or even reversing the existence of tooth decay! As a naturally occurring mineral, fluoride is a healthy element added to many kinds of toothpaste, mouthwash, and even our water! This makes teeth stronger over time and more resistant to erosion caused by plaque and acidic saliva.
If we determine that you are prone to tooth decay, or notice a small cavity forming on one of your teeth, we can utilize a professional fluoride treatment to enhance your oral health. We may also make suggestions on certain brands of hygiene products that contain more fluoride – this will make for a healthier, happier smile in the future!
Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment used to prevent decay from occurring on the surface of the molars in your mouth (your back teeth). While mostly used for children who are just learning to brush and floss, we also offer this service to adults that have particularly deep pits or fissures on the surface of their teeth.
Sealants are applied to the surface of these teeth in a liquid form and cured under an LED light. Once the sealant hardens, it will be completely blended into the tooth and virtually undetectable. The sealant will last for up to 10 years, effectively acting as a shield between food debris and the enamel.
Fillings
A cavity develops as a result of prolonged exposure between the enamel and acidic substances in your mouth. As plaque, tartar, or food debris accumulate against your teeth, a tiny hole begins to form, exposing the sensitive dentin layer of the tooth structure. Once this occurs, you may experience pain or sensitivity (especially when consuming foods or beverages of hot or cold temperatures).
In order to treat a cavity and prevent it from getting worse, a filling is required.
- This process begins by thoroughly numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue.
- We will then remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
- The area of the tooth that has been removed will be filled in with the filling material and smoothed out to match the shape of the tooth.
At our office, we offer the following filling options:
- Tooth-colored composite filling
- Silver fillings
- Gold fillings
- Purple or pink fillings (for kids)
Crowns
A dental crown is a restorative appliance that is commonly utilized to protect a damaged tooth following a large cavity or tooth infection.
Once the interior of a tooth has been compromised, the safest option to protect the tooth in the future is to use a crown; a crown is different from a filling because rather than sealing a small space to protect from further decay, a crown encapsulates the entire tooth. The process of applying a filling is as follows:
- The natural tooth is prepared and contoured to fit the crown.
- The custom-made crown is slipped over the natural tooth and cemented in place.
- Crowns are durable and capable of protecting the weakened tooth for up to 15 years.
- Once the crown has become old or damaged, we will replace it.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a custom-made appliance that is utilized to replace one or more missing teeth in a sequence. The prosthetic is constructed from three or more dental crowns that have been fused together to span the gap from one natural tooth to the next.
Once the appliance is created, your natural teeth on either side of the gap will need to be reshaped and contoured so that the bridge can fit over the teeth. After this is complete, the crowns on either end of the bridge will be cemented over the prepared teeth; the prosthetic teeth in between effectively “bridge” the gap.
When cared for properly, a dental bridge can last for up to seven years before needing to be replaced.
Sleep Apnea Therapy
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Someone with sleep apnea may not have the deep sleep needed to feel rested. Over time, sleep deprivation can harm your health. Symptoms include the following:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Morning headaches
With treatment and recognition of the disorder, people with sleep apnea can enjoy better health. Our practice offers treatment for sleep apnea so that patients can reclaim their lives and get the rest they need through a simple oral appliance. The appliance works by repositioning the lower jaw and slightly bringing it forward, allowing airflow to continue as the patient falls asleep.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, or have a question, contact our office!
TMJ Therapy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint in the skull between the lower jaw and the temporal bone of the skull. It is a delicate joint that allows for opening and closing of the mouth, as well as some limited movement. The pain of TMJ disorder can be felt anywhere along that area, from just below the ear, all the way to the chin. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include the following:
- A popping or clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth
- Sore jaw muscles
- Headaches on one or both sides of the head
- Neck pain
- Toothaches
- Muscle tightness in the face or near the jaw
The pain can also radiate into the shoulders and upper back. Other signs may include problems with hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and talking or chewing. The cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, but it can be associated with stress, muscle spasms, injuries to the jaw, face, neck, or teeth, or arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. The disorder may also be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep or other subconscious habits, such as chewing on a pencil or fingernails.
The first step to treating TMJ disorder is to visit us for an evaluation to determine if you suffer from the condition. If this is the case, we will work with you to understand the cause of the problem. In most cases, TMJ disorder is found to be caused by teeth grinding; this can be effectively resolved by wearing a nightguard in the future.
To determine your path to treatment, contact our office today!
Halitosis Treatment
Halitosis is a medical term for bad breath. It can be the result of eating certain foods, or an underlying health issue such as gingivitis, tonsillitis, or periodontal disease. If you suffer from this condition, it will be imperative that we treat the bad breath by first determining the cause; the problem will then be resolved at its source. First, we will determine that you are brushing and flossing properly, including cleaning your tongue.
If bad breath persists, further investigation may be necessary to determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment.
Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and improve the appearance of a person’s smile. They enable patients to chew and speak properly, and can even help them breathe better or support the facial tissue.
Dentures may be full or partial; while full dentures replace all the teeth in one arch (upper or lower), the partials replace one or more teeth in the mouth. Today’s dentures are constructed using progressive casting techniques that mimic the function, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Dentures are commonly held in place by suction or dental adhesive, though partial dentures may clip onto neighboring teeth for support.
Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can happen at any time; while this can certainly be scary, our team is standing by to support you when they do occur. If you or your child experiences any of the following, contact our office as soon as possible:
- Fractured or broken tooth
- Knocked out permanent tooth
- Jaw injury
- Lost filling or crown
- Painful gum inflammation
- Sudden toothache
We will make every attempt to fit you in for an appointment the same day you call! That way, you can redeem the health of your smile and achieve the best outcome in your recovery.
Something To Smile About
While our profession is dentistry, our passion is people. At Lutz Family Dentistry, patient care is at the heart of everything we do. We recognize that every patient is different from the next and each and every smile is unique; this means that appointments should always be different, exciting, and customized to your specific needs at a particular time!
When you choose our team, you choose better care because we care about you. A dentist appointment shouldn’t be uncomfortable, boring, or stressful– it should be a pleasant experience for your whole family. To visit a dentist that knows how to do dentistry right, contact our office today!
