OUR SERVICES
General Dentistry
Orthodontics
Orthodontics are more commonly known as "braces" and are used to correct a bite that isn't lining up or to straighten teeth. Irregularly spaced teeth or jaw problems may be genetic or due to thumb-sucking, loss of teeth or accidents. Both children and adults can receive braces.
Braces can fix the problem and can create a nicer looking smile, resulting in a healthier mouth. After treatments are complete, you will find that cleaning your teeth will be easier resulting in less tooth decay and gum disease. When an improper bite is fixed, interference with chewing and speaking will end, as will abnormal wear to tooth enamel.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Braces & Orthodontics
Invisalign
Invisalign clear braces provide a straightening solution that is an alternative to traditional braces. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign allows you to enjoy a beautiful smile while enhancing your oral health.
Dr. Sarah Herman is an Invisalign Preferred Provider, a designation that means she has performed a larger number of cases than other Invisalign providers. Once she has determined you are a candidate for Invisalign, she will take photographs, X-rays, and impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to the makers of Invisalign, Align Technology. Using 3-D computer models, Invisalign techs will create a set of aligners designed to move your teeth in small increments. After wearing each aligner for about two weeks, you will switch to the next aligner in the series, which moves your teeth a bit more than the last one. Little by little, your teeth will shift into proper alignment. Treatment times vary, but most cases take about a year to achieve straight teeth.
For further information, visit: Invisalign
Cosmetic
Cosmetic services other than braces, as described above, include tooth whitening, veneers, bonding and enamel smoothing. Ask about all the ways we can help with misshaped, stained or chipped teeth.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Cosmetic Dentistry
Oral Surgery
A tooth often needs to be removed due to excessive decay or in preparation for bridges or implants. This procedure can be performed here at Herman Dental or, in more complicated cases, referred out to one of several qualified oral surgery specialists.
There are several choices in sedatives that will lessen the likelihood of discomfort associated with this procedure.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Tooth Extractions
Implants
Dental implants are a better and more modern alternative to bridges and dentures. Implants can create a more natural smile and more stability when eating. The implant is fused to your jawbone below the gums.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Implants
Crowns
To improve the look and strength of your tooth, many times a crown is needed. It is also recommended when decay is more excessive than a filling can satisfy. An impression of the tooth will be taken and the crown made by the lab. With a second appointment the crown will be placed and permanently adhered to your tooth.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Crowns
Root Canals
Most of the time when you experience an aching tooth, it is in need of a root canal. This procedure is normally performed when a cavity causes the pulp of the tooth to become diseased. To prevent further infection, the pulp is removed and a filling or crown are placed over the area to protect it.
There are several choices in sedatives that will lessen the likelihood of discomfort associated with this procedure. The majority of patients find that a root canal is no different than having a filling placed.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal Treatment)
Bridges
Bridges, sometimes known as a fixed partial denture, are a good alternative to implants and often recommended as being superior to a partial denture. Bridges do not come in and out of the mouth. A bridge will fill a gap between two or sometimes more teeth. It is bonded or attached to the surrounding teeth to give it strength.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Bridges
Dentures & Partials
When some or all of your natural teeth have been lost, often times a full or partial bridge will be the recommended fix. Dentures will restore the ability to eat and speak normally. They will support your facial muscles and look like natural teeth, improving your appearance.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Dentures
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Partial Dentures
Hygiene & Preventative
Plaque & Calculus Removal
The slimy film on your teeth is called plaque. If left for a period of time, it becomes calculus which is hard, yellow and rough. Plaque and calculus cause the enamel of your teeth to break down eventually leading to cavities. This plaque and calculus also cause gingivitis which then leads to more severe forms of periodontitis which is the loss of the bone that holds in the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, but, oftentimes, a more thorough cleaning by a licensed hygienist is needed.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Plaque
Tooth Whitening
Herman Dental offers several in-office procedures and at-home products to keep your smile bright. You invest a lot in keeping your teeth clean, straight and cavity free; if you want to really show off that smile ask about teeth whitening.
For further information, visit American Dental Association (ADA): Tooth Whitening
Polish Fillings
Over time your fillings can become dull and scratched. Ask for them to be polished to give them a clean look again
X-rays
Herman Dental now offers digital x-rays. X-rays help us to see what is under the surface of the teeth and gums. We can show you the results on your TV monitor and explain our evaluation of them to you. These new digital X-rays create less radiation than the old film X-rays, making them a safer, more patient friendly method.
For further information, visit American Dental Association (ADA): X-rays/Radiography
Oral Cancer Screenings
Your dentist at Herman Dental will routinely perform a pain-free oral cancer screening for you. It's more important than ever to get an early diagnosis if you have oral cancer and we can help.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Oral Cancer
Fluoride
Research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. The American Dental Association now recommends adults receive fluoride also; it's not just for kids!
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Fluoride
Sealants
Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. Sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.
For further information, visit: American Dental Association (ADA): Sealants