When you visit our dental practice in South Bend, we will spend time getting to know you and learning about any health concerns you have. By conducting an examination and taking X-rays, we can determine the current health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. We will also discuss your lifestyle with you and any goals you have for your smile. This will allow us to create a comprehensive treatment plan. At Michiana Family Dental, we provide dental care to patients throughout the South Bend area. We do so by creating treatment plans that address any issues you may have, rather than focusing on one isolated problem. For example, if you have a cracked tooth, but simultaneously do not like the appearance of your smile, we can recommend procedures to address both at the same time. With a focus on both form and function, we can help your smile stay healthy and beautiful.
In addition to performing routine teeth cleanings and completing stunning smile makeovers, there are a variety of procedures we complete on a daily basis that are important for your oral health.
While most people think professional teeth cleanings are only to prevent cavities, they also serve another important purpose in preventing gum disease. Adult tooth loss is incredibly common, and gum disease is a leading cause of it. At Michiana Family Dental, we know the cause of gum disease is typically due to plaque building up on the teeth and becoming trapped under the gums. When you practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily, you reduce your risk of getting gum disease. However, no matter how diligent you are, it is possible for plaque to become trapped in hard-to-reach spaces. This is why a professional dental cleaning is so important. We can prevent gum disease by performing a deep cleaning to remove all of the plaque and tartar from your mouth. If we identify early signs of gum disease, we can treat it right away before it causes irritation or gum recession. If you live in the South Bend area, we invite you to call 574-349-2073 to schedule an appointment for your dental cleaning today.
While teeth are made of strong dentin and enamel, it is entirely possible for them to sustain damage. If a patient is in an accident, plays sports, or plays outside with others, there is a possibility of cracking or chipping a tooth. When this happens, it is important to visit our dental office so we can complete a restoration in short order. Leaving your damaged tooth exposed will create an opportunity for bacteria to enter the tooth and start an infection. We can treat the tooth quickly so it can be restored to full functionality and appearance. Selecting the right dentist office is critical, because you want a restoration that will look natural and blend in so seamlessly that you cannot tell the difference between your natural teeth and one that has been restored.
Have you been checked for oral cancer lately? If not, you should be. Oral cancer impacts both men and women. The Oral Cancer Foundation finds that oral cancer will cause one person per hour. Men over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk for developing cancer. Also, those who smoke, chew tobacco, drink alcohol excessively, overexpose themselves to the sun, or have the HPV virus are all at an increased risk for developing this disease. At Michiana Family Dental, we recommend you be checked for oral cancer on a regular basis, because, like all forms of cancer, the sooner it is detected and treated, the better chance you have of successfully irradiating it. We also recommend that you self-examine at home by running your tongue along your gums and cheeks on a daily basis. Look for any bumps, lumps, or rough spots that were not there before. If they do not go away after a couple of days. Call 574-349-2073 to schedule an examination with our dental office. At Michiana Family Dental, we do not treat cancer, but we can help to determine if anything looks out of the ordinary and whether or not you need further testing.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Practice South Bend
In our South Bend, IN dental office, we can inspect your restorations to ensure they are holding up. Dental fillings, for example, are not designed to last forever. They can become worn down over time, and the initial space they were filling can enlarge due to further decay. This can create the need to replace the filling or place the dental around the tooth. At Michiana Family Dental, we can inspect your dental fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges and bonding, when you come in for a dental appointment. If they are looking worn, we will let you know, so you can determine if you want to replace them preemptively or wait until it is necessary. Taking action in advance can sometimes prevent future discomfort, so it is important to consider all of your options.
At Michiana Family Dental, we help our patients to have a lifetime of good oral health and a smile they can enjoy both now and in the future. This requires careful planning. The best case scenario is for you to maintain all of your adult teeth as you age. To do so, your teeth need to be cared for at home, and you need to have professional teeth cleanings twice a year. This will help to prevent cavities and gum disease. Your treatment plan should also include steps that can be taken to keep your smile bright and beautiful. For example, we can whiten your teeth on a set schedule. When you visit our dental office, we can work together to create a plan that works for your health both now and well into the future. To get started, call (574) 349-2073.
If you live in the South Bend area, call (574) 349-2073 to schedule your dental exam so that you can remain in good health or receive treatment for a current condition.
Q. How can I reduce my risk of getting gum disease?
Q. What can I do if I damage my tooth?
Q. What do I need to do to ensure that my restoration is in great shape?
Q. What can I do to improve my smile?
Q. Will my dental restoration blend in with my surrounding teeth?
Back to top of Dental Practice