Comprehensive General, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dental Care in Saint Augustine
To enjoy optimal oral health, everyone in your family should see Dr. Alexander twice a year for cleanings and exams. Regular visits are important because they enable us to diagnose and treat common oral health problems early, when we can provide more conservative care.
Comprehensive Exams
A regularly scheduled comprehensive dental exam will protect your oral and overall health. Routine dental exams are an important part of preventive dental care. Preventive exams allow us to detect dental decay and infection early — when it’s most treatable. During your appointment, we will clean and polish your teeth and identify and treat gum inflammation and cavities. We will also evaluate your risk of developing oral disease or tooth loss, as well as check your head, neck, and mouth for signs of oral cancer. We may also discuss your nutritional and oral hygiene habits. In addition, your comprehensive dental exam may include:
- Evaluating your need for tooth restoration or replacement
- Checking your bite and jaw for misalignment
- Removing any staining or plaque deposits from your teeth
- Assessing your need for fluoride or dental sealants to maintain oral health
- Taking dental X-rays or impressions for diagnostic procedures
- Discussing any cosmetic dental concerns you may have
Oral Cancer Screenings
This year, as many as 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. With a statistic like that, it is one of the most common cancers affecting patients today.
Men are twice more likely to be diagnosed than women, with many cases occurring in patients over the age of 50. Additionally, the most common parts of the mouth affected by oral cancer are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the soft palate tissues on the back of the tongue, the gums, and the lips.
Dr. James understands the importance of cancer screenings, which is why he uses OralID to keep his patients health. OralID is a small yet extremely effective tool that uses fluorescence technology to scan the mouth for any signs of oral cancer.
Although scientist are not exactly sure what factors cause oral cancer, certain risk factors, like excessive tobacco, alcohol, and sun exposure are proven to exacerbate the condition.
To diagnose and treat oral cancer as early as possible, Dr. Alexander completes a quick oral cancer screening during every regular checkup.
Do you want to learn more about oral cancer or OralID? Call our Saint Augustine dental office today to reserve your visit with Dr. Alexander. We’re happy to offer comprehensive care to patients from Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Saint Johns County, and all surrounding communities.
Periodontal Therapy
In the early stages of gum disease, most treatment involves two special procedures: scaling and root planing. These procedures remove plaque and tartar from around teeth, smoothing the root surfaces as a result. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement treatment.
Sealants
Extractions
Pediatric Dentistry
We also offer specialized dental care for children, from infants to adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental exam after their first tooth erupts but no later than their first birthday. To ensure your child has a great first exam, we recommend that you schedule their visit for a time of day when they will most likely be well rested and cooperative. When preparing your child for a visit, always try to be positive about dental care and explain that the dentist will use special tools to make their teeth shiny and healthy. Remind them that you visit the dentist as well, and encourage them to share any fears about visiting the dentist or having a dental examination. During your child’s exam we may:
- Take dental X-rays
- Apply dental sealants and fluoride
- Repair any cavities or tooth defects
- Look for any bite problems
- Provide counsel on the impact of thumb sucking, jaw clenching, or nail biting
- Recommend pre-orthodontic or full orthodontic treatment to straighten your child’s teeth or adjust their bite
- Discuss the need for custom athletic mouthguards for sports related activities
Oral Sedation
For patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety, we offer several solutions. Oral sedation dentistry is a great option with special medications taken orally to relieve dental fear and anxiety. Oral sedation is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, although you’ll remain conscious and responsive during your treatment. The sedative medication will put you in a relaxed state for the duration of your procedure. Oral sedation will make you feel sleepy and will work to temporarily relieve any dental fear or anxiety. Oral sedation can range from light to moderate. If you choose light sedation, you will feel relaxed while remaining completely awake and aware. With moderate sedation, you may become drowsy and fall asleep. You may be asked to take the medication either the night before your appointment or about an hour before your procedure depending on your level of anxiety. Following your procedure, you may feel groggy and will probably not remember much about the appointment the next day. You will also need to make transportation arrangements, to and from your appointment, as your sedation medication may take a few hours to wear off completely.
Nitrous Oxide
If you need something stronger than oral sedation, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation. Also known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is a common method of sedation in dentistry. The gas is inhaled to produce a temporary euphoria. Nitrous oxide is effective in relieving dental anxiety in both children and adults. It is administered through a small mask over the nose and exhaled through the mouth, eliminating it from the body almost immediately. Before receiving your treatment, the mask is placed over your nose, and after a few moments, the effects of the gas can be felt. Although you won’t necessarily get the giggles, you will experience a light and airy feeling. However, once the mask is removed, the effects will quickly dissipate. Nitrous oxide is always combined with oxygen in order to produce a calming effect while keeping you conscious. It’s completely safe and gentle, and you will be able to resume your normal activities and drive yourself home following your treatment.
IV Sedation
If your dental anxiety won’t normally allow you to complete dental treatment at all, IV sedation may be the solution. IV sedation dentistry is administered intravenously, or through a vein. With IV sedation, you will remain conscious during your procedure, and you will be able to understand and respond normally. However, IV sedation produces an amnesic effect where you will experience either full or partial memory loss of your dental treatment the next day. During the procedure you will be fully aware of what’s going on, but you will feel detached and completely calm. The steady influx of sedatives will give you a peaceful feeling which will allow you to ignore the actual procedure. Throughout your sedation, we will closely monitor your pulse and oxygen levels and any effects the drug may be having on your system. Every precaution is taken to ensure that your dental appointment is both painless and effective. You will also need to make transportation arrangements if you choose this method of sedation.
Digital X-Rays
If you have ever wished for a straighter or more dazzling smile, Dr. Alexander can help you achieve your goal with cosmetic dental care. In a special consultation appointment, we will discuss your situation and the different treatment options available to you.
Esthetic Bonding
Esthetic bonding is a very popular method for restoring decayed, cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. Bonding can also instantly improve the appearance of discolored or stained teeth, spaced or gapped teeth, and misshapen teeth. Of all the cosmetic dental treatments available, esthetic bonding is actually the easiest, fastest, and most affordable option. Unlike porcelain veneers or crowns, which are usually custom fabricated and require multiple visits to complete, esthetic bonding procedures can be completed in just one visit. During your esthetic bonding treatment, we will apply a tooth colored composite resin to the affected tooth and then use a special curing light to gently and permanently bond the material. Esthetic bonding has revolutionized our ability to prevent and treat cavities, as well as improve the overall appearance of your teeth quickly. When you picture a beautiful smile, you probably think of bright, white, and straight teeth. If your own smile doesn’t fit that description, esthetic bonding could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Porcelain Veneers
With proper care, your veneers will last for years to come. To learn more about porcelain veneers, let Dr. Alexander assess your smile and talk to you about your treatment options.
Invisible Braces
While traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth, ClearCorrect achieve results with a series of clear, customized aligner trays. Not only are these trays clear, they’re also removable. As a result, you can enjoy your favorite foods without getting anything caught between your braces. You can also brush and floss more thoroughly.
As you go through your treatment, you’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks and only remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing.
For more information, visit the ClearCorrect website.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is successful in at least 90% of patients, though it may not be right for everyone. In most cases, whitening can help you improve the appearance teeth with yellow, brow, or orange stains. Teeth with gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking, or tetracycline use may lighten, but it may be harder to see dramatic results. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, Dr. Alexander may want to talk to you about other options.
Do you have a broken, decayed, or missing tooth? Dr. Alexander offers a range of services that can help you enjoy better functionality and appearance. Following a consultation exam, we would be happy to discuss your needs and the services that are most right for you.
Dental Implants
Do you need a more reliable tooth replacement solution? If you’re tired of dealing with the everyday hassles of tooth loss, ill fitting dentures, or worn down dental bridges, you should consider the dental implants solution. A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium tooth root that is surgically implanted into your jawbone to gently and permanently anchor a replacement crown, bridge, or denture. However, most of the implants that we place do not require an incision to be made at all, because we perform guided implant surgery. This revolutionary procedure affords the exacting and perfected positioning of dental implants, including the placement of permanent teeth, in about an hour. This state-of-the-art dental technology enables us to work from an intricately detailed look at the interior sections of your facial anatomy, including the bone, surrounding tissues, and nerves. At Alexander Dental, new computer generated 3D scanning technology has provided an unprecedented level of comprehensive surgical precision, allowing Dr. Alexander to offer the most accurate dental implants restorations available in all of St. Augustine, FL.
How Does Guided Implant Surgery Work?
Computer guided dental implant surgery represents a giant step forward in the replacement of teeth with implants. Computer guided dental implant surgery provides more predictable restorations with a shortened and simplified treatment process. Using computerized tomography (CT) scanning techniques and 3-D imaging, Dr. Alexander can now accurately visualize the placement of your dental implants in three dimensions. This eliminates the guesswork involved in determining what part of the jawbone will be the best site for your dental implant placement.
What Are The Benefits of Guided Implant Surgery?
- Predictable implant planning
- Comprehensive 3D imaging
- More precise implant placement
- Shortened treatment time with more reliable results
- Immediate temporary restorations
Can Anyone Receive Dental Implants?
If you’re interested in treatment with dental implants, Dr. Alexander will be happy to discuss your treatment options. Generally, you must be in good dental and overall health and have a minimal amount of jawbone density to be an immediate candidate. If your dental implants can’t be placed immediately, Dr. Alexander will be able to offer a variety of other tooth replacement solutions, both temporary and permanent.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implant restoration is the only dental restoration method which actually preserves healthy bone structure. When you lose a natural tooth, the supporting bone almost immediately begins to reabsorb and deteriorate, causing your other teeth to shift, and altering your facial structures. Dental implants prevent this from happening. They are, by far, the healthiest long term tooth replacement method. They’re also versatile. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, or an entire arch of teeth with dental implanted supported dentures.
St. Augustine Dental Implants Consultations
If you are interested in learning more about tooth restoration with dental implants, schedule a dental implants consultation appointment with at our conveniently located Saint Augustine dental office today. Dr. Alexander is a highly qualified and experienced dental implants specialist, now proudly offering comprehensive restorative care daily to patients throughout Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Saint John’s County, and the surrounding communities.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Today’s technology is changing our everyday lives—and that extends even to dentistry. Cutting-edge innovations lead to less time in the dental chair, plus more comfortable procedures and more satisfying results. One such breakthrough instrument is the CEREC milling unit. With CEREC, Dr. Alexander can quickly restore damaged or decayed teeth with a custom-made crown in just a single visit. Compare this with treatment using a traditional crown, which requires at least two appointments. Instead of visiting us multiple times, you can come in and have a brand new crown milled for you while you rest comfortably in our office.
How Does CEREC Work?
CEREC combines a special camera, a computer, and a milling machine in one instrument. During your appointment, Dr. Alexander will use the CEREC camera to capture a detailed and accurate picture of your tooth. Then this image is transferred to a computer screen, where we will design your new restoration. Once it’s ready, the CEREC machine will mill it and Dr. Alexander will bond the finished product to the surface of your old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour.
The Benefits of CEREC
With CEREC, you don’t need to see Dr. Alexander for multiple visits. Instead, we can craft your new crown in-office. What’s more, with a new crown bonded to your tooth, you can enjoy improved function, strength, and appearance. CEREC crowns are milled from high-quality dental porcelain, with two decades of clinical research to support the technology. Once in place, you can look forward to enjoying your crown for years to come.
Click here to learn more about CEREC
Call our Saint Augustine dental office today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Alexander. We’re happy to offer comprehensive care to patients from Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Saint Johns County, and all surrounding communities.
Composite Fillings
Enjoy Natural-Looking Restorative Care with Composite Fillings
A composite filling, also known as a tooth-colored filling, uses a special combination of plastic and glass to restore teeth affected by decay. The great benefit of using composite fillings over traditional fillings is that they blend in with teeth, creating results that look natural while also providing effective structural support.
What to Expect
Once Dr. Alexander has prepped your tooth, the filling material will be put in place and hardened with a special light. Then, Dr. Alexander will shape your filling so that your bite fits together properly. We will finish by polishing your filling to help prevent staining and wear.
The Benefits of Composite Fillings
The biggest benefit of composite fillings is their natural appearance, but it’s not the only one. Composites are also more supportive of the tooth’s natural structure than amalgam fillings are. This supportiveness leads to fewer incidents of breakage and bacterial reinvasion. Composite fillings are also resistant to changes in temperature.
Do you want to learn more about composite fillings? Call our Saint Augustine dental office today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Alexander. We’re happy to offer comprehensive care to patients from Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Saint Johns County, and all surrounding communities.
Full and Partial Dentures
A denture is used to help patients replace missing teeth. A complete denture replaces a full upper or lower row of teeth, while a partial denture is designed to replace just a few missing teeth, in addition to preventing nearby teeth from shifting out of alignment.
Traditionally, treatment with a denture could be completed in about 8 to 12 weeks. In the meantime, an immediate denture may be recommended. An immediate denture protects the mouth’s tissues and reduces bleeding after extraction, but it’s not a permanent set of dentures.
Are Dentures Right for Me?
Dentures aren’t just for seniors. People may lose teeth because of an injury, advanced decay, or gum disease. As a result, any patient with missing teeth may be a good candidate for either full or partial dentures. During a consultation, Dr. Alexander will assess your specific situation and talk to you about your treatment options. As your partners in creating a healthy smile, we want to help you confidently smile again.
What to Expect
Treatment with dentures is completed over a series of appointments. During the first one, Dr. Alexander will diagnose your situation. Then we’ll collect information about your smile, including a physical impression. When we have all the information we need, we’ll design your denture and fit your smile with a temporary, which you’ll wear while our lab carefully creates the final product. When your final denture is ready, we’ll check the fit, as well as the color and shape, and make any adjustments we might need to.
Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
If your jaw is strong enough, Dr. Alexander may talk to you about implant-supported dentures. With dental implants, patients can enjoy results that look and feel more natural. That’s because implants act like prosthetic roots, creating a solid foundation for your new teeth. If dental implants are right for you, we’ll be happy to talk to you more about how the implant process works.
Do you want to learn more about full and partial dentures? Call our Saint Augustine dental office today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Alexander. We’re happy to offer comprehensive care to patients from Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Saint Johns County, and all surrounding communities.
Root Canals
Root Canal Therapy from Dr. James Alexander
Beneath the outer layer of enamel protecting our teeth is an inner chamber housing the tissue that makes up the tooth’s nerve. Whether because of advanced decay or a tooth fracture, bacteria can enter a tooth and cause an infection to develop around this tissue.
When a tooth develops an internal infection, blood flow increases, resulting in pain and a sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Over time, the pain will worsen, and if the infection isn’t treated, the tooth may be lost.
A root canal procedure is designed to prevent this by getting rid of the infection.
What to Expect from a Root Canal Procedure
During your procedure, Dr. Alexander will clean out the interior of your teeth and fill it with a special substance that will protect the interior and prevent a new infection. Afterwards, the tooth is sealed and then capped with a custom-made crown. This way, you’re able to preserve your tooth and the important root underneath it.
Following your procedure, you may experience some inflammation for a few days, but this can be treated with an over-the-counter medication. You should also be careful to brush and floss on a daily basis. Enjoying better oral health depends on having a good homecare routine and attending regular visits with Dr. Alexander.
Are you experiencing symptoms like a toothache or unusual sensitivity to hot or cold? Call our Saint Augustine dental office today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Alexander. We’re happy to offer comprehensive care to patients from Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Saint Johns County, and all surrounding communities.
All Porcelain Restorations
EXCELLENT
Based on 509 reviews
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Tom TwinemEveryone was so welcoming and explained everything so thoroughly. I really felt appreciated.Posted on GoogleP. ChristineKelly is a great hygienist. Very patient & careful. Dr. Dearbaum is my favorite dentist. She’s very compassionate and my crowns didn’t hurt when she did them. She’s very patient with me as I get very nervous.Posted on GoogleJames CurtisVery professional! I was pleasantly impressed! Great facility! Lisa was a very accomplished tech! Dr Dearbaum , my neighbor, is such a pleasant person!Posted on GoogleChristine WeisenauerFriendly staff on time appointments no complaintsPosted on GoogleJudy FryVery friendly and courteous staff. Beautiful dental office. My cleaning has never been so thorough. They accept my dental insurance. I would give them 10 stars.Posted on GoogleJames TurngrenThis was my first visit to this dentist everyone was pleasant, my dental technician was very knowledgeable and gave me a great cleaning experience! I am very pleased with Alexander Dental and look forward to having all my dental work done by them.Posted on GoogleDeborah FryeSuch a great experience. Everyone was welcoming . The office is up to date in every way. My hygienist Kelly was thorough and knowledgeable and took great care of me . Dr Adugna was friendly , thorough and caring as well.Posted on GoogleRob GangiThe Staff makes you feel right at home when you walk in. Professional, Courteous, and Friendly Staff. Thank You for your Professional Knowledge James Alexander, DMD Alexander Dental is Highly Recommended 👌
Referrals
For specialized services that we do not provide at Alexander Dental we proudly recommend the following dental professionals.
Orthodontists
Pediatrics
Endodontists
Periodontists
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