Whether you need general preventative care or a full smile makeover Dr. Lyons will make sure that you are taken care of and comfortable during the entire procedure!
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We only use tooth colored fillings in our office, not because of the controversy behind metal fillings, but because we truly believe they are the best for our patients due to the ability to bond them to the tooth structure. And, we have never had a patient ask to have a silver filling placed in their tooth! We have several different "shades" of filling material and do everything possible to make sure it matches your tooth perfectly.
Most of our crowns are made the same day using our CEREC technology. This means fewer appointments, less time in the chair, and no risk of losing a temporary crown. We work with local laboratories for many of our larger cases. This gives us the opportunity to have a ceramic artist come into the office and ensure that the final results are perfect for the patient.
If bacteria from a cavity progress to the inside pulp of the tooth, the tooth will need to have a root canal done in order to save it. Some patients have root canals that can be done in our office and others need to be referred to one of the amazing endodontists in area. The endodontists have specialized microscopes and equipment that can help ensure even a difficult root canal can be completed predictably and pain-free.
We do everything possible to make sure patients can keep their own teeth, but in certain cases the teeth cannot be saved. If a tooth needs to be removed, we do many extractions in our office but if you prefer to be sedated during the surgery we will refer you to a local oral surgeon.
When teeth cannot be saved the closest thing we can get to replacing a natural tooth is a dental implant. A dental implant is comprised of three parts: the implant, the under crown or abutment which screws into the implant and supports the crown, and the crown itself which is what you see in your mouth. The implant is placed painlessly by a local surgeon, and Dr. Lyons places the abutment and crown after healing.
Sometimes, dental implants are not an option and other procedures need to be done to replace missing teeth. In these cases partial or complete dentures are used. They have been used successfully for many years and the teeth can be placed specifically to give patients the absolute optimal esthetic results.
Tooth Whitening
Veneers
Sealants
Sports Mouth Guards
Nightguards
Retainers
If you are in need of a procedure and it is beyond our scope of practice, we will make sure that your needs are met with one of Rapid City's amazing dental specialists.
Our highly skilly hygienists provide gentle yet thourough cleanings and monitor the health of your gums and bone to ensure any disease progression is caught immediately. We take pride in being able to complete the procedure pain-free, so if we can do anything to make your visit more comfortable, just let us know!
We love seeing children and believe that children should have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This not only lets us detect any major issues, it lets your child get comfortable being at the dental office!
Our hygienists also screen for and provide treatment of periodontal disease. This disease, if left untreated, can cause the gums to bleed and recede around teeth. If left untreated it can ultimately lead to tooth loss. If the disease has progressed to a certain level, a referral to the periodontist is required.
We take the time to provide a thorough examination for all patients unless an emergency dictates that we concentrate on one area only. Our thorough examination includes radiographs, pictures, TMJ and muscle examination, head and neck exam, oral cancer screening, periodontal screening, and an assessment for cavities and disease of the teeth themselves.
We do everything possible to ensure the safety of our patients and go by the ALARA principle. We only use digital radiographs in our practice since they require very small amounts of radiation. We use lead aprons and radiation collimators to protect our patients. We only take radiographs as needed and customize the amount specifically for each patient.
We use digital photography to document changes in patient's teeth and smiles. We also use these photographs to show patients the possible issues that we see present on their teeth. If you have questions about any of your treatment, just ask and we will show you anything we see in a photograph.