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 SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY
 We are pleased to offer the following services and technologies to our patients:
Nightguards & Mouthguards
TMJ Treatment
Clear Correct

ORAL HYGIENE CARE

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums.  Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly.  Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:    

  • Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss
  • Use dental products which contain fluoride, including toothpaste
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if advised to do so
  • Make sure children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral exam

  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months


The following are indications of good oral hygiene:

  • Your teeth are clean and free of debris
  • Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
  • Bad breath is not a constant problem

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Cancer Examination 

Oral Cancer affects approximately 35,000 Americans each year with 7,500 dying each year in the U.S.. Oral cancer usually starts as a painless small white or red spot or sore in the mouth (lip, cheek, gums, tongue, floor of mouth, salivary glands, palate, throat, and or jaw bone). Seventy percent of oral cancer occur on the sides of the tongue. The most common type of oral cancer squamous cell carcinoma appears as a raised border ulcer in the mouth. Other types oral cancer include melanoma, basal cell, and various types of jaw bone cancers (Osteosarcoma).

Any sore lesion, ulcer, lump, changes in color, thickness, texture of soft tissue, pain, tenderness, numbness, difficult in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue, and or changes in the way teeth fit together could be signs of oral cancer.

Dr. Ingram recommends an oral cancer check every six months and at any time that you are suspicious of oral cancer. You should suspect any lesion (mouth or face) that does not clear up in two weeks time. Early detection and diagnosis is the key to prevention and successful treatment of oral cancer. When in doubt have it checked out!  

Patients that use tobacco products and alcohol products are four to six times more at risk for oral cancer. Speak with Dr. Ingram and Staff on how to protect yourself from oral cancer.  Back to top

  ORAL EXAM FOR TREATMENT PLANS

  Dr. Ingram recommends a comprehensive dental  Oral Examination be performed on every patient every six months. An Oral Examination includes: check of all soft tissue (face, neck, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, palate, throat), and check of all hard tissues teeth and bone by radiographs (X-rays).

A check of all soft tissues includes:

  • Oral cancer check (face and mouth)
  • Periodontal check for gingivitis and periodontitis (Pyorrhea)
  • Salivary gland check    

A check of all hard tissues includes: 

  • Teeth- check for decay, abcess, position, bite, alignment, function, missing, appearance, color, and shape

  • Bone- check for disease pathology (cancer), infection, TMJ (tempo-mandibular joint).

From this comprehensive examination, Dr. Ingram can diagnose any dental problems and plan a course of treatment to stop or prevent pain, infection, loss of teeth and to restore damaged soft or hard tissues and to replace lost or missing teeth to establish comfort, function and appearance of the patients oral health.   Back to top

DENTAL CLEANING   
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take about 25 and 30 minutes.  Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Dr.Ingram and Staff will determine how frequent you should schedule a dental cleaning to maintain good oral health.  Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay.  A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.

 

Scaling: this is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar.

Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has lead to more modern methods such as electric scalers.  This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.

Root planing: this is the process of cleaning pockets in the gums to treat and prevent gum problems.

Root planing is used to treat moderate to advanced gum diseases. When the gum is inflamed, gum pockets become deeper and may lose connections to the bone inside.  The deeper the pockets, the easier it is for plaque deposits to become trapped and worsen gum problems.

Root planing involves inserting a pointed dental tool called scalers into the gum pockets to clean plaque buildup. Depending on the degree of difficulty, root planing may take several appointments and a local anesthesia may be used to prevent pain.

Polishing: this is the last step in tooth cleaning and involves finishing the surface of the teeth to make them shiny and clean. 

There are two kinds of polishing: air polishing and rubber tip polishing. Air polishing works by spraying high pressured water mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of your teeth.  This powered water washes away residue and plaque while baking soda removes stains. Rubber cup polishing uses a low-speed handpiece that contains a polishing paste made of abrasive ingredients ideal for removing stains.   Back to top

HALITOSIS

Halitosis is a sophisticated word for bad breath.  Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or be a persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria.  Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth.  In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

 Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.

Bad breath may be caused by the following:

  • Poor dental hygiene or poor oral hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
  • Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease
  • Respiratory-tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
  • External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco
  • Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
  • Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others

Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth.  We will perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause.  If we discover that systematic problems are the cause, we may refer you to your family physician.  In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a  periodontist.  Back to top

SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill narrow grooves and pits in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing.  In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them.  To avoid cavities developing over time, the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.  Back to top
 
BONDING
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is performed to repair damage caused by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for other cosmetic purposes. 

First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding.  A gel is applied so the resin will adhere to the surface of the tooth.  The composite is then placed on the tooth and the bonding agent hardened with intense light. The last step is shaping and polishing to give a lustrous finish.  Back to top

FILLINGS

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape.  If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.  A filling helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

 There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best, depending on the extent of repair, where in the mouth the filling is needed and cost.  Each filling material is briefly explained below:

· Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place.  While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it the best filling material.  Gold inlays and onlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.

· Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are tolerant to wear.  However, due to their dark color they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.

· Composite (plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years and may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time.  They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.

· Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth.  They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings.  A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown or "cap" may be recommended.  Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated through root canal therapy or through a procedure called pulp capping.   Back to top

SEDATION DENTISTRY/DENTAL ANXIETY

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia.  We are happy to offer oral conscious sedation for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible.  Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist, to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.

 Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable.  This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation.  Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.

Oral Sedatives
This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.

Sedations  Dentistry may be right for you if:

  • Fear of dental treatment
  • Past unpleasant dental experiences
  • Bad gag reflex
  • Difficulty opening
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • Limited time for treatment 

Please tell Dr. Ingram and Staff of your anxiety concerns. Oral Conscious Sedation takes the stress and fear out of the dental treatment.

SURGICAL & NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENT
The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for  teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontal. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house.  Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth.  With proper gum treatments,  it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state.  If you're having a problem, call for an appointment so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic.   It is important to have gum problems checked promptly, as gum disease left alone may eventually need treatment through surgery or extraction.  Back to top

 

 
 

 
 ADVANCED PROCEDURES
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
 
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown (also referred to as a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth.  A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.
 
Crowns may be used to:
 

 

  • Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
  • Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
  • Restore a fractured tooth
  • Attach a bridge
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

 

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth.  Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science since it replaces a missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color.  The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and aesthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible.  If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing they begin to drift out and shift into the open spaces. This may worsen the bite because of the changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction.

Bridges and crowns are made by first taking an impression of your mouth.  The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown or bridge will be custom made to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color.  A temporary crown or bridge will be placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is ready and cemented into place.

Bridges and crowns are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and good oral hygiene.  Back to top

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance.  Although Dr. Ingram will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted:

  • Tooth decay
  • Advanced periodontal disease
  • Infection or abcess
  • Orthodontic correction
  • Mispositioned teeth
  • Fractured teeth or roots
  • Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, the Dr. Ingram may advise to have a tooth extracted.  Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take a digital x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone.  Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to an oral surgeon.

For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two sutures.  We will then provide you with homecare instructions and pain prescription to alleviate discomfort and ensure proper healing. Back to top

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom teeth are the last molars or third molars that develop on each side of the jaws.  Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned.  Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may also grow in sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. You may choose to have Dr. Ingram remove your wisdom teeth or be referred to an Oral Surgeon for IV Sedation.   Dr. Ingram will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia.You may choose oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

After the tooth is removed, we will provide care instructions to ensure proper healing.  Some pain and swelling may occur but will normally subside after a few days.  You should call Dr.Ingram if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.  Back to top

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is needed when an untreated  cavity or fracture reaches all the way to the pulp.  Treatment may also be needed when deep restorations or trauma to a tooth cause nerve damage.  Once the pulp becomes infected the surrounding bone is destroyed (this is known as an abscess).  If the pulp is infected, not only is it painful but it will require treatment as it cannot heal on it's own.   Symptoms that indicate the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth.  However, sometimes no symptoms are apparent and you may be unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth.  Alternate treatment would be to extract the tooth.  Once the infection is resolved, the canal is filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.   Back to top

 

 DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason.  A dental implant is a metal post that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw.  Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.  While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures they provide excellent benefits.  Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years.  They may be a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depending on neighboring teeth for support.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.  You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.  Back to top

DENTURES
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.  There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures.  Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth.  Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth and gums so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!

This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost.  The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned to take the place of natural teeth.  Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw.  They usually consist of plastic or porcelain replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth by clasp or other attachments.  A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using adjacent teeth for support.

New dentures may feel awkward or loose for the first few weeks until the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place and you are comfortable eating and speaking. Although this may require some practice you will adjust and enjoy the benefits a full mouth of teeth can provide. Implants and other surgical procedures may improve the fit and retention of the dentures.  Back to top

NIGHTGUARDS AND MOUTHGUARDS
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, baseball or other activities where your mouth may be hit.  Guards also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.  Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.

If you have decided a guard is right for you, we will take an impression of your teeth to make a custom fit guard.  In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles. On average, guards last between 1 and 5 years.  Back to top

TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint.  Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in where the head and jaw meet.  Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Cartilage buffers the two bones and five muscles that meet in this area, but any problems in this area can create quite a bit of pain and biting difficulties.

Symptoms of TMJ include: 

  • Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
  • Clicking or popping of the jaw
  • Pain in the jaw muscles
  • Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite and filling gaps between teeth. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Occasionally a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and in severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.  Back to top
 
COSMETIC DENTISTRY

COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures correct imperfections or enhance the appearance of the mouth.  Tooth color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance.  Any of these can be enhanced to provide a stunning new smile.
 
WHITENING
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whitening stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile.  Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.  Our office offers tray whitening bleaching system.

 Tray whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment you can use while in the comfort of your own home.  We will first take an impression of your mouth to create a customized clear whitening trays for you to wear.  Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays.  The whitening gel trays should be worn 30-60 minutes up to twice a day.  At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling.  Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.  Back to top 

CLEAR CORRECT 

Clear correct is a orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to correct the alignment of your teeth. Clear correct clear aligners are custom created using computer technology. Each set of aligners is designed to make changes to the alignment of your teeth. Every few weeks your smile will gradually change as you switch sets of aligners. You will visit us regularly during your orthodontic treatment so we can make sure your clear correct braces are correctly working and aligning your teeth properly. Once treatment is complete you will receive either a permanent wire retainer or plastic removable retainers to keep teeth in place.

VENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a porcelain or composite covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory.  At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic and are very aesthetic. Porcelain, though more expensive than composite, is more color stable, more stain resistant, and last longer than bonding.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Crowns are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.  Back to top

 
 
 
 DENTAL TECHNOLOGY

 

In order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses state-of-the-art technologies in all our procedures.  These new technologies allow us to treat dental cases with extreme precision, detect dental concerns at early stages, and provide stunning and customized restorations. When you visit our office you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced in dental care.  We proudly offer and use the following advanced equipment:

X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed.  This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease.  Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention. 

 

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays.  Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. We utilize a digital panoramic x-ray to view the entire upper and lower jaw, teeth, TMJ, and sinuses areas.   The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.  Back to top

 

 

LASER DENTISTRY
Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scapel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums.  The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments.  Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.    Back to top

 

SOFT TISSUE LASER
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue, treat tongue-tied problems, mouth ulcers, cold sores, gum disease, excessive jaw bone, gummy smile,gum/bone defects, and other gum defects.The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enable Dr. Ingram to treat our patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.  Back to top

HARD TISSUE LASER
Hard tissue lasers are used to remove old fillings, repair cavities, prepare teeth for bonding to treat hypersensitive teeth and to remove excess jaw bone. As with soft tissue lasers, they dramatically minimize discomfort and allow the dentist to treat teeth with more precision.  Back to top

 

DIGITAL IMAGING SOFTWARE
We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they are ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well.We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment. Back to top

 

 

ELECTRONIC CLAIM PROCESSING

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.   Back to top

 

 

 

INTRAORAL IMAGING

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.  With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.  Back to top

 

 

 

INGRAM DENTAL CLINIC
207 Rome Avenue •   Piedmont, AL 36272
(256) 447-6071 phone • (256) 447-6077 fax