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Dr. Christopher T. Griffin of the Greenwood area offers many general, preventative, and cosmetic solutions for his patients. Additionally, he welcomes patients to his practice for dental surgery. Dental surgery, also referred to as oral surgery, requires special attention and can include a wide range of services including tooth replacement with dental implants and extractions of adult teeth (and wisdom teeth).

Dental Implants

Dental implantation is a dental surgery done to place titanium posts into the jawbone. These posts are placed and restored over the top with an abutment and dental crowns to act as a false tooth. Dental implants are an alternative to dental bridges and dentures which are also considered by many patients who are interested in repairing their smile after tooth loss. Dental implants are extremely strong and gather their strength from the jaw bone they are implanted into which makes them one of the most desirable solutions for patients who want a permanent, no-fuss option.

Extractions

Sometimes, teeth need to be extracted. This may be done for many reasons, including:

• To make room for orthodontic work when overcrowding of the teeth is a concern
• To eliminate wisdom teeth which may be impacted or negatively affecting one’s dental health
• To remove teeth that have been broken beyond repair
• To remove teeth that have experienced large areas of decay and cannot be strengthened with fillings or dental crowns.

Extractions may be considered simple or complex. A simple extraction requires the dentist to easily leverage the tooth out of the socket in just a few seconds. A complex extraction requires him to cut into the gum tissue and access the tooth from underneath. This is often done for impacted wisdom teeth. It is more invasive but effective at addressing teeth that have been unable to erupt through the gum line.

Both extractions and dental implants are done during proper anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin wants to make sure his patients are comfortable during their dental surgery and beforehand will discuss with individuals the options available for sedation.

Interested in oral surgery? Contact us today to book an appointment with Dr. Christopher T. Griffin in the Greenwood area and learn about how dental implants and extractions can improve the health and function of the smile.

 

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The appearance of teeth may not seem like something that should be high on the list of priorities, but the smile is extremely important to all forms of interaction. Most adults view an attractive smile as a vital social asset, and believe that this facial feature is integral in professional success. You do not need a special reason to seek cosmetic enhancement of your smile. A dentist in Greenwood can help people in Ware Shoals, SC and surrounding areas look and feel their best.

Of the various procedures performed in cosmetic dentistry, veneers are the most versatile. By using dental veneers, a single tooth, or multiple teeth can be covered to create a beautiful smile line. Each veneer is a thin tooth-shaped shell, crafted from either porcelain or composite resin. Shaped to precise proportions, a veneer is bonded to a tooth to create a long lasting enhancement strong enough to withstand normal bite pressure. Of the materials available, porcelain is one that very closely resembles natural tooth enamel, shining and appearing slightly see-through. Porcelain veneers are more stain and chemical resistant than natural tooth enamel.

Porcelain veneers lead to the successful correction of various concerns, such as:

Gaps

Too much space between teeth can lead to a lack of confidence, but correction is possible with dental veneers custom-designed to enhance the smile, making all teeth appear properly spaced and proportioned.

Worn enamel

Teeth are covered with enamel as a protective layer, but this substance contains hundreds of tiny holes, like pores on skin. With constant exposure to chemicals in foods or tobacco products, environmental factors, and the natural process of aging, enamel tends to change over time. Dull, discolored teeth may not respond to teeth whitening the way you wish. In such instances, dental veneers transform your smile into its brightest state.

Wear and tear

Over time, teeth can change shape and size due to natural wear and tear. As teeth become older, there is a higher potential that chips or cracks may occur, especially when a person has a habit of biting on hard objects. Dental veneers can cover imperfections such as chips and cracks, and beautifully restore your smile.

Receiving cosmetic treatment can enhance your smile and leave you feeling like the best version of yourself. Contact us for more information on dental veneers and other cosmetic treatments.

While children find the loss of a tooth quite an exciting event, adults faced with tooth loss feel differently. Permanent teeth are necessary for an attractive smile as well as optimal function and oral health. When a tooth is lost, prompt replacement by a reputable dentist is important. By finding the most suitable form of replacement, people in Abbeville, SC and surrounding areas are able to preserve their smiles in their best state, preventing the shifting of surrounding teeth.

Dental implants, used for many years now, have proven to provide the ultimate in stability. This restorative treatment is suitable for the replacement of a single tooth, or may be used to support a customized denture appliance when all teeth are missing or need to be extracted.

The difference between dental implants and other restorative care, such as standard dentures or a dental bridge, is that the root system is replaced along with tooth structure. Traditional forms of tooth replacement position artificial teeth on top of gum and bone tissue. Though a degree of function and aesthetic is restored, this method of tooth-replacement does not address the needs of the jawbone. To prevent resorption of bone tissue, stimulation is necessary, and a dental implant provides this.

The process of receiving dental implants is made comfortable through gentle care and state-of-the-art practices. Materials used provide lifelong stability and beauty. Though there is no longer a concern about issues such as cavities, a high standard of oral hygiene is still important to the overall success of the dental implant.

Because dental implants are situated in the jawbone, just like natural teeth, healthy gum tissue is necessary for optimal support. Maintaining dental implant work is as simple as caring for natural teeth, with a focus on gum health. Daily brushing and flossing remove bacteria that could lead to gum disease, and keep breath fresh. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste is ideal for the preservation of the dental crown or crowns that top the dental implants.

Effectively eliminating harmful bacteria requires only gentle brushing and daily flossing. Brushing teeth and gums with too much force can actually be counterproductive to the end goal, causing abrasions on delicate gum tissue. Toothbrush abrasions are detrimental to implant success as they tend to lead to gum recession.

With the placement and proper care of dental implants, tooth loss does not have to rob you of your youthful appearance. Continue enjoying full function and total confidence.

Contact us to discuss your options for tooth replacement.

 

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When patients are unhappy with the overall appearance of their smiles, they may ask their dentist in Greenwood, SC about the possibility of full mouth restoration.

A full mouth restoration—also commonly known as a “smile makeover”-is a treatment that can transform the beauty of a smile. Patients who are dealing with imperfections in their entire smile may seek a solution such as this. Full mouth restoration is often used for patients who need to replace or address many teeth. These patients may have had teeth removed, broken, decayed, or damaged due to trauma, poor oral health, or clenching and grinding. When patients visit Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD of Greenwood, SC to learn about cosmetic restoration of their smile, they will often learn about the advantages of full mouth restoration.

Full mouth restoration starts with a simple examination and consultation with a quality dentist. During this time, impressions are made and x-rays are taken to allow the patients to see the concerns within their smile and give the dentist the opportunity to show the patients what can be done to improve it. Several treatments and procedures may be done during a full mouth restoration, including the placement of crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, or even dentures. Patients can speak with Dr. Griffin to determine the best way to preserve their natural teeth whenever possible while transforming their smile to look and function at its best.

The doctor works with patient to determine the treatments necessary to improve his or her smile. These treatments may take time to complete, and can be spaced out over time to make it more affordable for the patient. Sometimes smile makeovers can be completed within a few months, while other times it can take over a year. The time-frame necessary to complete the treatment plan is discussed during the initial consultation visit with Dr. Griffin.

If you live in the Greenwood, SC area and are considering the assistance of a cosmetic dentist to improve your smile, contact the office of Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD today to schedule your first visit.

 

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Visiting a dentist often brings to mind regular cleanings and fillings. However, a cosmetic and general dentist such as Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD offers a wide variety of dentistry services in Greenwoood, SC. His practice caters to those who want to improve their oral health and the beauty of their smile. Here are just a few of the dentistry services available to both new and existing patients at his practice:

Dental Implants

Patients who have lost natural teeth can benefit from the placement of dental implants. They are the best solution for restoring a smile after tooth loss and can provide patients with improved biting and chewing efficiency once placed. They can also be used to hold full dentures securely in place.

Dentures

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD offers both full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are made of a plastic and metal framework that “snaps” into place and restores one or more teeth in a dental arch. Full dentures cover an entire arch and they are used when all upper or lower teeth are missing.

Dental Crowns

Crowns can be placed to protect, cover, or restore a tooth. They are made of porcelain and they match the existing teeth in the dental arch to look natural and beautiful. Dental crowns are commonly used in both general and cosmetic dental treatments.

Inlays and Onlays

When a cavity is too large for a filling but not big enough to warrant a dental crown, an inlay, or an onlay, may be fabricated to place in the cavity to seal it and keep further damage from occurring.

Dental Bridges

Missing teeth can be restored in a variety of ways, including dental bridges. Using porcelain crowns and a false tooth called a pontic, patients can use adjacent teeth to hold the dental bridge and restore the arch after tooth loss.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to disguise imperfections in natural teeth. They can cover discoloration, staining, and chips in an effective, conservative manner. Porcelain veneers are a common restoration used in full mouth reconstruction.

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Patients who suffer from TMJ/TMD problems can visit Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD to find out if oral appliance therapy can reduce or eliminate the problems associated with this jaw joint. Patients can be diagnosed by their dentist or another medical professional with a thorough examination and review of the medical background of the patient.

 

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Patients in the 29646 zip code area who are interested in visiting a cosmetic dentist should look no further than Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD. At his practice, he ensures patients not only improve the functionality of their smile, but he takes the steps necessary to transform their smiles into a beautiful work of art. His practice offers both general and cosmetic dentistry to new and existing patients and can assist anyone who is interested in a stunning smile. Imperfections and lost teeth can be addressed with a wide variety of dental services, including:

Dentures

Disease, trauma, and aging can cause patients to lose their natural teeth. When this happens, dentures are an affordable solution. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD offers both full and partial dentures to restore a smile.

Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be restored with dental implants, which are a revolutionary way to improve the smile. Using titanium posts, the dentist will implant this restoration into the jawbone and restore it with a dental crown for beauty and functionality.

Inlays and Onlays

Tooth decay is a common problem for patients who do not visit their dentist regularly or care for their teeth with proper oral hygiene. Fillings are often used to address cavities, but there are times when the area of decay is too large for a filling. Inlays and onlays can be made from impressions of the teeth and used to fill and seal areas of decay to protect them from further damage.

Crowns

Dental crowns are porcelain restorations bonded over natural teeth to hide imperfections, restore a dental implant, or protect a weakened or broken tooth. Dental crowns are made to match the existing teeth to blend in seamlessly with the smile for a beautiful cosmetic solution.

Bridges

Dental bridges are fabricated from porcelain and are made to fill a space left by a missing tooth. Dental bridges are created from two dental crowns and a false tooth. They are fused together and bonded over the adjacent teeth to support the restoration and improve the function of the dental arch.

Veneers

Thin porcelain veneers are bonded over natural teeth to change their appearance. Veneers are used in situations such as when teeth are unusually shaped, broken, or permanently stained.

 

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Dentists are integral to any patient’s smile. Patients with beautiful teeth achieve this with quality dental care at home and professionally. Dentists such as Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD provide comprehensive dental care for patients who want to attain optimum oral health and possess a smile that compliments their inner beauty.

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD runs a practice that focuses on patients. He understands that many patients do not maintain their dental health the way they should. Some patients have a fear of the dentist that makes it almost impossible for them to maintain their regular recall appointments. Cleanings and examinations twice a year can make a big difference in the smile, and his team is here to put patients at ease so they will seek proper dental care. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and he is here to help!

Patients in the Greenwood, SC area can enjoy the benefits of a quality dentist who provides both general and cosmetic services. Fillings, cleanings, and examinations are a part of every general dentist’s job, but Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD takes it a step further by offering cosmetic and periodontal services. Patients can visit his practice to improve the aesthetics of their smile or to address other conditions such as TMJ disorder. Periodontal disease is a condition that can be improved with a thorough cleaning and restorative services, depending on the severity of the disease. It is important that patients take proper care of their smile to avoid the development of gum disease so they can enjoy a beautiful smile for life.

At the practice of Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, patients can also choose full mouth rehabilitation. When there is significant tooth loss or damage, cosmetic treatments can restore not only the natural beauty of the smile, but can improve the mouth’s overall function. This is important for biting, chewing, and speaking, and can greatly restore a patient’s self-esteem and confidence.

If you are considering a quality dentist in the Greenwood, SC area who offers a wide variety of services under one roof, now is the time to contact Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic and general dentistry. His practice can put you at ease and help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted while providing gentle, affordable care.

 

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