Services Offered

• Dental Cleanings Remove
  Dental Cleanings

  The American Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist every six months to maintain optimum <a href="/reference/conditions/dental-health">dental health</a>. During a normal check-up Ken Robertson will clean your teeth. During a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar deposits are removed. If tartar builds up, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria. The purpose of getting your teeth cleaned is to leave the teeth clear and smooth so that the bacteria are unable to stick to the teeth. Sometimes dentists refer to teeth cleaning as prophylaxis which is Greek for “to prevent beforehand”. Regular cleanings can prevent gum disease and help detect much more serious problems. Cleanings will also keep your teeth white so they will sparkle the next time you smile. The dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic instrument to loosen the larger pieces of tartar from the teeth. It also sprays water to move away debris from the working area. This instrument makes a high pitched sound, but is not sharp in any way. In order to reach the smaller pieces of tartar the hygienist will use a scaler and a curette. These curved hand tools are able to reach into smaller areas. The curves in these instruments match those of the teeth and make it easier to scrape off the harder-to-reach tartar on, and between, the teeth. When the cleaning is done the hygienist may use a polisher to polish your teeth. Gritty paste is placed inside the cup part of the hand tool, and when it is applied it leaves the teeth shiny. Ken Robertson might finish up with a fluoride treatment which will strengthen your teeth. Fluoride usually comes in different flavors and is placed into a foam tray. You will be asked to bite down for thirty seconds while the fluoride covers your teeth. After, you will rinse and spit. Some people avoid the dentist because they are afraid of getting their teeth cleaned. If it has been a long time since you have visited the dentist, it may take longer for the hygienist to clean your teeth. If you follow up with regular dental visits, those visits will take much less time. If at any time you feel any <a href="/reference/conditions/pain">pain</a>, be sure to let your Ken Robertson know. They would be more than happy to work with you to alleviate any fear or discomfort. If you live near Brentwood, TN, call (615) 371-8009 to schedule your appointment today. There is nothing better than the feeling of clean teeth to enjoy when you leave Ken Robertson.
• Dental X-Rays Remove
  Dental X-Rays

  X-rays give dentists valuable information to help determine the state of your <a href="/reference/conditions/dental-health">dental health</a>. They allow dentists to see the state of your teeth beneath the surface. X-rays are a form of energy that travels in waves. These waves can enter solid objects. If an object is dense, the waves are absorbed. If they are not, these rays are able to pass through. When a dentist takes x-rays, the rays pass through cheeks and gums, but are absorbed by teeth and bone which are much denser. When looking at the x-ray film, teeth and bones will be light white while gums will appear much darker in color. Fillings are even denser than bone so they will appear as bright white areas on the film. Cavities will appear on x-ray film as a dark spots in a light tooth. These x-rays allow dentists to see tooth decay, abnormalities, bone decay, gum disease, cysts and tumors. There are two main types of x-rays: intraoral (inside) and extraoral (outside). Intraoral x-rays are those where the dentist or dental assistant asks you to open your mouth and then “bite down” on a hard piece of film. These x-rays give up close, detailed pictures of individual teeth. Extraoral x-rays are made with the film outside the mouth. These x-rays show the teeth and also the jaw and skull. They are also used for monitoring growth of impacted teeth. Radiation can cause cell damage. Though X-rays used by dentists emit small doses of radiation, over time these small does can add up. Dentists take precautions to minimize their patient’s <a href="/reference/conditions/radiation-side-effects">radiation exposure</a>. They use lead shields, reduced doses of x-rays, improved film (requiring less exposure), and film holders to reduce film slipping. If you are pregnant it is important to tell your dentist because radiation exposure can pose a risk to the fetus. Dentists usually order x-rays on a first visit then only if needed on subsequent visits. If you change dentists, work with both dental offices to transfer the record of your x-rays so you will not have to take new ones. A new type of x-ray technique is digital radiography. Traditional film is replaced with an electronic pad. The x-ray hits the pad instead of the film. This type of x-ray reduces radiation exposure by as much as eighty percent. This is a newer technology, but it is becoming increasingly popular. If you live in the Brentwood, TN area and have any questions or concerns about your dental x-rays, call (615) 371-8009. During your next appointment at Ken Robertson, we will review your medical history, examine your mouth and then determine whether or not you need x-rays.
• Veneers Remove
  Veneers
• Periodontal Deep Cleaning Remove
  Periodontal Deep Cleaning
• Scaling and Root Planning Remove
  Scaling and Root Planning
• Sedation Dentistry Remove
  Sedation Dentistry

Procedures Performed

Conditions Treated

• Cavities Remove
  Cavities

  Every morning you get up, wash your face and brush your teeth. Why do you brush your teeth every day if not twice a day? It is to avoid cavities. No one wants to hear that they have cavities when they go to their dentist appointment. Teeth are made up of the hardest substance in the body. Under the gum line cementum covers the tooth roots. Under the cementum is dentin. Dentin is a strong bone-like substance that contains nerve endings. Under the layer of dentin are vascular tissue called the dental pulp. The pulp gives nourishment to the tooth as it grows. After the tooth has matured, the dental pulp lets you know if the tooth is damaged. It does this by transmitting <a href="/reference/conditions/pain">pain</a>. Cavities are holes that develop in the teeth. These holes are caused by plaque. Plaque is made up of bacteria that cause teeth to decay. When the bacteria come into contact with carbohydrates they form an acid that can eat away at the enamel of the teeth. If left alone, these acids will continue to eat away at the tooth and cause the tooth to decay. As the tooth decays all the way down to the nerve endings in the dental pulp, the tooth begins to ache. During your scheduled dental appointment, Ken Robertson will look at your teeth and take x-rays. If a cavity is found, first the decayed part will be removed. Then the remaining hole will be filled with a dental filling to prevent further decay. Fillings can be made out of various materials. What is available to you will depend on the size and location of your cavity. Ask about your options so you can make an informed decision. You can help prevent cavities by brushing your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste. Though it can be a temptation to skip nighttime brushing, don’t. Brush away food and bacteria before bed so it does not have time to multiply while you sleep. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue every time you brush. Flossing and limiting sugar can also keep bacteria from taking hold and growing. It takes a while for decay to work from the enamel to the dental pulp so don’t wait till you feel pain before you see a dentist. It is much easier to treat a cavity before it causes pain. Schedule regular appointments every six months with Ken Robertson. This is your best defense against cavities and tooth decay. If you experience any pain call (615) 371-8009 to schedule an immediate appointment.