General, Laser, and Restorative Dentistry for All Ages
Dr. Jeannie Collins prides herself on providing the best possible care for patients of all ages. Our practice offers a variety of dental procedures because patients in different age groups often have very different dental care needs. Preventive dentistry is important for the health of every patient, but it is especially important for children. Adolescents and teens are particularly susceptible to cavities, which are largely preventable with regular cleanings and healthy eating habits. Straightening teeth through orthodontic treatment early in a child’s life can lead to a lifetime of health and cosmetic benefits.
Gingivitis and other forms of periodontal disease are a widespread problem in adult patients. Dr. Jeannie Collins has a great deal of experience designing and fitting seniors and other patients suffering from tooth loss with dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges. Our practice employs laser dentistry techniques in our treatments whenever possible to minimize the discomfort and length of recovery experienced by our patients.
- Dental Exams and Cleanings
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Sealants
- The Wand®
- Periodontal Treatment
- Endodontic Surgery
- TMJ Treatment
- Oral Surgery
General Dentistry
Dental Exams and Cleanings
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, everyone should have his or her teeth examined and cleaned by a qualified dentist every six months. Unfortunately, many people only make a dental appointment after a problem has developed. This approach to dental care often results in greater expense and pain. By making regular appointments with Dr. Jeannie Collins, patients are able to receive proper preventive care, and oral health problems can either be prevented or treated in their earliest possible stages.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Collins understands that for many children a visit to the dentist can be a scary experience. After all, she has two children of the own. That’s why she works with children and their parents to create a calm and comforting atmosphere to make it easier for children to receive the dental care they need.
Dr. Collins recommends that a child’s first dental appointment be scheduled once his or her first tooth comes in and no later than age one. In addition to preventative treatments including cleanings and protective sealants, and restorative care including the removal of tooth decay, Dr. Collins teaches children proper dental care so that they can keep their teeth beautiful and healthy for a lifetime.
Sealants
A dental sealant is a plastic resin that is applied to the pits and fissures of the molars and premolars (back teeth). Because of their hard-to-reach location and complex shape, these are the teeth most likely to develop cavities. The sealant bonds to the teeth, creating a seal against plaque, bacteria, and acids. With a sealant in place, the surfaces of the back teeth are protected from decay for a period of about two years. After that, a follow-up sealant procedure may be recommended.
The Wand®
In many of our invasive or minimally invasive dental procedures, Dr. Collins utilizes The Wand® to minimize discomfort. The Wand® is a computer controlled local anesthesia injection system. Through the use of The Wand®, the two factors that contribute most to the pain of an injection – the pressure and volume of fluid being administered - can be controlled with perfect digital precision. Injections that are administered using The Wand® are more efficient, reducing the amount of time patients have to spend in the dentist’s chair.
Periodontal Treatment
Gum disease is a widespread dental problem. Risk factors for the development of gum disease include tobacco use, stress, poor nutrition, use of certain medications, genetic predisposition, and hormonal fluctuation. The most common symptoms of gum disease are bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Halitosis or a persistent bad taste in the mouth may also be present. As the disease advances, gum recession or pockets of space between the teeth and the gums may be noticeable. At advanced stages, teeth may become loose or even fall out. During examinations, Dr. Collins uses the intraoral camera to show patients the condition of their gums so that they can have an accurate picture of their dental health.
In the treatment of gum disease, the professionals at Noelridge Dental use the least invasive and most effective techniques available. Treatments for gum disease vary based upon individual patient needs. Gingivitis, an infection of the gums that has not yet advanced beyond the soft, outer gum tissue, can often be treated with regular dental cleanings and special attention to daily oral hygiene. When more proactive periodontal treatment is required, Noelridge Dental employs laser dentistry techniques to eliminate bacterial pockets beneath the gum line and remove any diseased gum tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure is quick, safe, and virtually painless. Maintain a beautiful smile by taking steps to protect the health of your gums. Contact our office to schedule a complete dental exam and periodontal screening.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery, more commonly referred to as root canal therapy, is used to treat infection that occurs within a tooth’s internal structure or at the root. The root canal is a long passage that runs from a tooth’s center to its roots and is surrounded by soft dental tissue called pulp. It provides an access point for blood vessels and nerves that deliver necessary nutrients to the tooth and warn the body when the tooth has been damaged. Tooth aches usually involve a bacterial contamination of the pulp. To relieve the pain and prevent the spread of tissue damage that might result in the loss of the tooth, endodontic surgery is performed. The procedure involves the removal of tooth pulp that is inflamed or necrotic (deadened). Many people are fearful of undergoing endodontic surgery; however, recent advances in dental technology, in particular laser dentistry, have made the procedure virtually painless and easy to recover from. Indeed, the American Association of Endodontists reports that the majority of patients have found root canal therapy to be no more stressful or uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ syndrome is an umbrella term for damage to the TMJ resulting in inflammation. The most common symptom of TMJ syndrome is facial pain that becomes more pronounced during chewing, speaking, or opening of the mouth. This may be limited to the jaw area, or pain may also be present in the neck, shoulders, or ears. Other symptoms of TMJ syndrome include swelling along the side of the face, an uncomfortable bite, locking of the jaw, and a clicking or popping noise during jaw movement. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may contact Dr. Collins today to discuss your treatment options. TMJ syndrome can usually be treated with medication, joint rehabilitation exercises, and correction of bite irregularities. TMJ syndrome in its more advanced stages may require oral surgery.
Oral Surgery
At Noelridge Dental we employ oral surgery techniques to remove wisdom teeth, treat TMJ syndrome, and install the artificial tooth roots that support dental implants. By administering gentle and precise anesthesia injections with technologies like The Wand®, patients undergoing oral surgery experience very minimal discomfort. Dr. Jeannie Collins augments traditional oral surgery methods with laser dentistry techniques whenever possible to allow patients to enjoy a swifter post-surgical recovery.
Laser Dentistry
Noelridge Dental is pleased to offer patients the finest, most modern dental treatment through the use of laser dentistry technology. With the refinement of laser dentistry, many dental treatments can now be performed more quickly, less invasively, and with little or no pain or discomfort for the patient. Through the employment of laser dentistry techniques, many procedures, such as the application of tooth-colored fillings can be performed without the use of anesthesia. Without the need for anesthesia, the length of a dental treatment appointment can be conveniently abbreviated.
Although some more extensive laser dentistry procedures still require the use of anesthesia, all laser dentistry procedures tend to result in a shorter patient recovery time. Because dental lasers are often a gentler and more precise means of treating sensitive mouth tissue, laser dentistry procedures have been clinically proven to involve less bleeding and swelling of the gums and less post-procedure discomfort.
VersaWave® Laser
The VersaWave® laser is a highly versatile and accurate laser technology, useful in a variety of dental treatments. The VersaWave® laser can be used on both hard and soft tissue. Removal of diseased tissue during periodontal treatment, exposure of unerupted teeth, endodontic laser surgery, removal of caries (infected enamel present in a cavity), and preparation of the gum for the placement of a crown are just a few of the dental procedures that can be performed with the help of the VersaWave® laser.
Diode Laser
The diode laser is a soft tissue laser. This laser is often used to sculpt gum tissue during cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures. The diode laser has a very fine-tuned beam and can be used on diseased tissue with virtually no damage to healthy tissue.
Er:YAG Laser
The Er:YAG laser is most often used in hard tissue treatments. The Er:YAG laser can be an invaluable tool in the treatment of moderate to advanced dental cavities. The precision of the laser beam allows Dr. Collins to remove only the diseased tooth enamel, leaving more of the patients' natural tooth. It can also be used in jaw surgery procedures. The pulses of energy emitted by the Er:YAG laser are so short they usually don't trigger a nerve response, resulting in less discomfort during procedures. Because the Er:YAG laser helps Dr. Collins to avoid aggravating sensitive nerves, many procedures can be performed painlessly and without the need for anesthesia.
Restorative Dentistry
Through restorative dentistry, Dr. Collins is able to reconstruct a beautiful, functional smile in a patient who has suffered dental damage because of age, decay, or injury. Through the use of dentures, dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges, and other restorations, a patient is able to regain many of the benefits of having a mouth full of healthy, natural teeth.
Dentures
Dentures allow patients who are missing some or all of their natural teeth to enjoy many health and aesthetic benefits including facial muscle structure support, clarity of speech, and freedom to eat a larger variety of foods with greater ease. While many people associate dentures with the replacement of an entire set of teeth, patients who still have some of their natural teeth can be fitted with strong, natural looking partial dentures. Both full and partial dentures are custom made according to meticulous measurements of the patient’s mouth and gums to ensure maximum comfort.
Dental Implants
For patients who are missing one or more of their natural teeth, dental implants provide the most natural and durable method of tooth restoration currently available. A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jaw bone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Depending on the extent of a patient’s tooth loss, dental implants can be used to support a single crown, a bridge, or even a full set of dentures.
Dental implants offer several benefits over other methods of replacing missing teeth. Besides being the strongest, most stable tooth replacement option available, dental implants can also prevent the bone loss and gum recession that are associated with tooth loss.
Oral Surgery to Place Dental Implants
Dental implant posts are placed into the patient’s jawbone during an oral surgery procedure, performed by an oral surgeon with special training in implant dentistry. If necessary, the oral surgeon may also perform a bone graft procedure to build up the jawbone in cases where bone loss may be a concern. After the surgical placement of the implant posts, the mouth will heal and the jawbone will fuse to the titanium post, creating a strong foundation for an artificial tooth. Dr. Collins will custom-craft this tooth to blend in with surrounding teeth and place it on the implant.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Smokers and patients taking immuno-suppressants have a higher rate of dental implant rejection. Patients who have suffered significant bone loss in the jaw may still be candidates for dental implants, but may have to undergo a bone grafting procedure prior to implant placement. Contact our office to schedule a comprehensive dental implant consultation with Dr. Collins.
Dental Crowns
Although proper oral hygiene can extend the life of your teeth, some decay over time is inevitable. When a patient’s tooth has become cracked, broken, or has suffered severe enamel loss, Dr. Collins may recommend a dental crown be used to restore the function and appearance of the damaged tooth. Dental crowns can also provide an anchor site for dental bridges and some varieties of partial dentures. Dental crowns can be made of either metal or ceramic materials. During your initial consultation, Dr. Collins can discuss the benefits and drawbacks to different materials that might be used in your crowns.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another method of improving both the beauty and functionality of your smile. Composed of natural looking porcelain materials, dental bridges are used to fill in the gap(s) left by a missing tooth or teeth. There are many different types of dental bridges to fill a variety of dental needs. The most common method of anchoring a dental bridge is to fuse it between two porcelain crowns. Typically, because porcelain crowns are not already present, the first step of a dental bridge procedure is to file away enough enamel from the two adjacent teeth to place the dental crowns. After the crowns have been installed, the bridge is cemented or bonded into place. After a bridge has been bonded, it will usually remain in position without need for repair for ten years or more. Patients who choose to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge should consider the commitment to conscientious oral hygiene their decision will require them to make. The gum tissue beneath a dental bridge is especially vulnerable to gingivitis, so the patient will have to pay particular attention to daily brushing and flossing and schedule regular dental checkups.
Jeannie Collins, D.D.S. has the training and experience to oversee your preventive dental care and perform any general or restorative dentistry procedures you might require. To schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
Jeannie Collins, D.D.S.
1201 42nd St. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Map & Directions
Ph: 866-492-0323
Fax: 319-378-9478
Office Hours:
Monday: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 1:00pm
2:000pm - 5:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Friday: Appointments ONLY