Comprehensive Dentistry
Comprehensive dentistry with Dr. Crystal Schneider, your mentor dentist, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and jaw. She believes that preventive care is the most important aspect of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Schneider aims to identify and treat problems while they’re still small, which can save you time, money and more extensive dental treatment in the future.
General & Preventive Dental Treatments
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Individual Consultations & Dental Exams
We believe your first Mentor dental visit should include quality one-on-one time with the family dentist, Dr. Crystal Schneider. We get to know you – not just your medical history, but your past dental experiences, your reasons for coming to see us and your goals for your smile. This time has been reserved just for you. We want to ensure that you receive a thorough consultation and have plenty of time to ask Dr. Schneider and our team any questions you may have.
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Dental Cleanings
For most people, having a dental cleaning every six months will help them keep their gums healthy, their breath fresh and their teeth white and clean. Dr. Schneider, your family dentist, and her hygiene staff perform cleanings in a very kind and gentle manner, ensuring that you are well taken care of each time you visit. Their goal is to make cleaning appointments effective and enjoyable.
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Digital X-rays
- Most areas of decay between teeth or below existing restorations
- Cavities
- Infections in the jaw bones
- Mild to moderate gum disease
- Abscesses or cysts
- Developmental abnormalities
- Some types of tumors
Digital X-rays are a fast and comfortable tool we use to assess your dental needs. They’re safe enough to be used during pregnancy, and some studies have found that they emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays. With no chemical processing needed, digital X-rays are a good choice for you and the environment.
X-rays are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages, because many problems with the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen by the naked eye.
An X-ray is needed to reveal:
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Intraoral Camera
Like digital X-rays, digital photographs with our intraoral camera are a useful diagnostic and patient education tool for your Mentor dentist. Through the use of a tiny camera attached to a hand-held wand we can show you incredibly clear pictures of your teeth and gums. These pictures not only enable us to identify problem areas like a cracked tooth or a broken filling, but we can visually guide you through your diagnosis and treatment options. You also get a much clearer picture of your teeth than what a hand held mirror can show you. The intraoral camera provides you with the opportunity to be a partner with us in keeping your mouth and smile healthy and strong!
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Dental Sealants (To Protect Teeth Against Decay)
A dental sealant is a thin plastic film that is applied to the chewing surface of the molars to prevent food particles and bacteria from reaching the depressions and grooves. These sealants have proven extremely effective in the prevention of molar cavities.
Although sealants are often recommended for children, adults too can dramatically reduce their risk for cavities by having a sealant applied to their molars. Please contact Dr. Schneider, your family dentist today to learn more about the benefits of dental sealants.
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Fluoride Treatments (For Healthier & Stronger Enamel)
Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth, preventing the development of cavities and the need for an emergency dentist. Although most public water systems and toothpastes contain fluoride, Dr. Schneider may recommend additional fluoride treatments during your visit if she thinks you have a moderate to great risk for cavity development.
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Nightguards (TMJ/TMD)
Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, you may be suffering from a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is harmful to your teeth, and may also cause additional problems like headaches, jaw pain and arthritic jaw. Dr. Schneider, your emergency dentist, can help you protect your teeth from the effects of grinding with a custom-made nightguard. This plastic guard is worn at night while you sleep, and covers and preserves the teeth you’ve been grinding. Nightguards have also been shown to reduce or eliminate jaw pain and headaches that often are associated with bruxism.
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Custom Athletic Mouthguards
Dr. Schneider, your family dentist, can create a custom-fitted plastic mouthguard to protect your teeth, gums, lips and cheeks from sports-related injuries. Athletic mouth guards can even help prevent severe injuries to the face, jaw and head.
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Oral Cancer Screenings
Did you know that every hour of every day, one person dies from oral cancer? When it comes to oral cancer, early detection is key. Regular oral cancer screenings are an effective way to discover oral cancer at an early, highly curable stage. Visual and palpable exams plus digital X-rays aid in the detection of oral cancer by enabling Dr. Schneider to see possible tumors and other problems associated with the soft tissues and the jaw. You will receive an oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam and checkup you have with us. It’s just another great reason to be seen regularly by Dr. Crystal Schneider, your Mentor dentist!
- Periodontal Screening & Treatment
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Snoring Screening/Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Dr. Schneider, your emergency dentist, is able to screen her patients to see if they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and whether they would be a good candidate for a dental appliance. A dental appliance is similar to a retainer, but it does not move your teeth. It works by changing the way the lower jaw meets the upper jaw during sleep. When the appliance is worn, the lower jaw moves slightly forward. This creates more space at the back of the tongue and throat for air flow. Find out more about obstructive sleep apnea on our FAQ page.