Jeffery D. Hartman, D.M.D. / Smiles for Life Dentistry

Diagnostic & Preventive Services

There are a number of different types of diagnostic and preventive services we perform to assist in achieving the best dental care. Please ask for more information on any of the following services

Sealants

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth and should be applied as a child’s permanent teeth erupt. Adult teeth can also be sealed as long as there is no evidence of current decay.

Hygiene visits and Examinations

Visiting our office at least twice a year for routine exams, allows Dr. Hartman and our hygienists to monitor your oral health and clean under your gums and between teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. This also promotes healthy gums and teeth by removing the plaque and calculus that causes gum infection.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal (Gum) Disease is the major cause of tooth loss. Healthy gum tissue and bone for the supporting foundation of each tooth. Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infections that attack the gums, ligaments and bone. Periodontal treatments reduce and eliminate the need for periodontal surgery. There are studies relating the incidenceof periodontal disease to heart and cardiovascular disease. Taking care of your gums may be a great benefit to your health.

Occlusal Treatments

Occlusal Analysis

Dr. Hartman will screen for bite problems during your initial visit. If a bite misalignment is discovered, an occlusal analysis will help diagnosis the problem and help determine if treatment is necessary. We will obtain accurate models of your teeth along with records on how your TMJ jaw moves and relates to your skeletal structure. For some patients, small bite alignments can be the cause of headaches, muscle spasms, neck pain or back pain.

Occlusal Adjustments

Malocclusion (bad bite) can cause improper functioning of the jaws and teeth. Adjustments to the bite can be made so that your teeth fit together properly for chewing and swallowing. These adjustments can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces. There is a direct relationship between your bite, TMJ, neck and spine. If you have seen a chiropractor for head and neck adjustments, and your relief is not long term, it may be that your bite problem is contributing to your head, neck and back problems.

NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition
Tension Suppression System) Appliance

This FDA approved device for migraines is a simple device that Dr. Hartman can fabricate for you in one office visit to eliminate headaches, jaw pain, sensitive teeth and sore muscles in your face or neck. This appliance can reduce the intensity of teeth clenching in some cases in a few days. The NTI splint can often eliminate the need for prescription and over the counter pain medications.

SNORE PREVENTION — Click here for information on snore prevention

More information on our services can be found at our Frequently Asked Questions.