Our one-on-one approach to dentistry makes Dr. Sara Sheppard and the Sheppard Dental staff the dentistry team of choice in the Odenville, Alabama area. We offer all of the most popular dental treatments, including preventative exams, restorative and cosmetic procedures, among others. Sheppard Dental offers “laughing gas” for patients who may be anxious. This type of sedation dentistry is offered for any service, in order to make the procedure more comfortable. We pride ourselves on gentle and pain-free dentistry.
Preventative Care: Preventative dental services are services that maintain the health of your teeth and monitor them for future problems. Below you will find a list of preventative services that we provide at Sheppard Dental.
Routine cleanings and exams: It is not "just a cleaning", these routine check-ups are very important for you dental health. During your routine dental check-ups, Dr. Sheppard and her staff preform a thorough exam for oral cancer, dental decay, oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease. These preventative services help minimize treatment and avoid emergencies. Studies now show that oral hygiene is linked to other health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, you will need to have scaling and root planing ("deep cleaning"), performed in order to clean the surfaces of your teeth underneath the gum tissue so that the progression of periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.
Digital x-rays: Sheppard Dental offers state-of-the-art digital x-rays to aid Dr. Sheppard in diagnosing cavities and other oral conditions. Digital x-rays are quicker, and are developed using much lower levels of exposure, than traditional x-rays. Additionally, Dr. Sheppard and her staff can show areas of concern as you view your x-ray on the flat-screen t.v. in your exam room!
Intra-oral photography: The staff at Sheppard Dental will take pictures of your teeth using a small intra-oral camera. Then, you can see what we see as we project your pictures onto the flat screen t.v. in your exam room. This will allow you to better understand why you need the dental work we are recommending.
Sealants: Sealants “close off” deep grooves in teeth in order to PREVENT the formation of cavities. The staff will discuss with you whether or not this procedure is indicated.
Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, including
the oceans. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Fluoride is the best cavity fighter to help keep the whole family's teeth strong — no matter their ages*
Night guards:Also known as occlusal guards, they protect your teeth from the damage caused from the wear of grinding or clenching.
Restorative and Cosmetic Dental Services: Restorative and cosmetic services tend to overlap each other. Restorative services are services that are needed to restore the tooth/teeth to a healthy state. Cosmetic services are often times elective services that are desired to enhance your teeth and smile. Listed below are the types of restorative and cosmetic services offered.
Fillings: If you are diagnosed with any cavities, you will need to have them “filled.” In this procedure, the cavity is removed from the tooth and the space left is filled. Sheppard Dental offers both tooth-colored and traditional silver fillings, and Dr. Sheppard and her staff will discuss with you what is most appropriate for your treatment.
Crowns and Bridges: Sometimes a tooth may need more protection than a simple filling can offer. In this case, Dr. Sheppard will recommend a crown for the tooth. If you are missing a tooth or need to prevent shifting of teeth, a bridge may be recommended. Crowns and bridges are generally porcelain and are color-matched to your natural teeth. For this procedure, the tooth is prepared and a temporary crown or bridge is placed on the tooth. Once your permanent crown/bridge has been fabricated by the dental lab, you will return to have the temporary removed and your beautiful new crownor bridge cemented!
Root Canals: If a cavity gets too deep, it can’t just be filled! In this case, Dr. Sheppard will recommend a root canal on the tooth, which will alleviate pain and infection.
Extractions: In some cases, the tooth may not be restorable and will have to be extracted. If a tooth requires extraction, Dr. Sheppard will provide you with options to replace the missing tooth.
Partial Dentures: Sheppard Dental offers partial dentures and additionally, we offer immediate partial dentures for those patients who want placement of a denture at the time teeth are removed. Dr. Sheppard and her staff will discuss with you the benefits of each type of partial denture and help you decide what is best for you!
Clear Correct: ClearCorrect is the clear and simple alternative to braces. It's a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them. Ask Dr. Sheppard for more information on how ClearCorrect can help you get the smile you've always wanted.
ZOOM Whitening: Unleash a whiter, brighter smile in less time than your lunch break.
We at Sheppard Dental understand that dental emergencies do arise, in which case we can provide same day appointments. (If you have a true medical emergency please call 911)