Photo of colorful boxes of floss

General
Dentistry

“Lake Park Dental is an excellent office! I like all the people, the way they embrace new technology and are constantly improving the services they provide. They always remember to ask about my life and family, and make me feel like a favorite every time. They also work with you, whatever your circumstances. Dr. Graham and her team are all skilled, and truly care about the health of their clients.”

Emory C.

Lake Park Dental offers a comprehensive range of services focused on both oral health, beautiful smiles and overall well-being. We pride ourselves in being pioneers in the field of holistic dental care.  From pediatric airway evaluations and routine teeth cleanings to state-of-the-art oral cancer screenings, periodontal treatments and beautiful restorative dentistry, the practice employs advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment.

Pediatric Services

Early visits to the dentist, recommended to begin around the appearance of the first tooth or no later than one year of age, are not only essential for preventing cavities but also for evaluating a child’s airway health. By identifying any risks early on, a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed, paving the way for your child’s healthy development and long-term well-being. Ensuring the healthy development of your child’s airway is crucial for their overall well-being, and dental visits play a vital role in this. Often, dentists are the first healthcare providers to spot signs of airway dysfunction, such as tooth grinding, crowded teeth, or mouth breathing. Restrictive anatomic features like overly large tonsils or a narrow mouth can lead to poor oxygen flow during sleep, placing undue strain on a child’s heart and brain. These symptoms could be early indicators of potentially serious complications, including learning difficulties, obesity, and even cardiovascular problems.

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

Regular teeth cleaning is pivotal in preventing the accumulation of plaque and calculus, the main culprits behind gum disease. Plaque is a soft, sticky layer that forms on teeth due to food consumption and normal oral function. Easily removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can become problematic if not consistently managed. Left untreated, plaque’s acidic secretions irritate gum tissue and may lead to tooth decay. Over time, plaque can harden into calculus or tartar, a mineralized deposit that can’t be removed by daily oral hygiene practices. Calculus creates a rough surface on teeth, facilitating more plaque and calculus buildup, leading to further gum irritation and potentially, advanced gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Unlike plaque, calculus requires professional dental intervention for removal, sometimes necessitating specialized, multi-visit procedures.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a serious health issue that affects tens of thousands of people annually, and early detection can be a life-saving factor. In fact, the odds of survival double with an early diagnosis, making timely screening indispensable. Oral cancer is particularly insidious because it often goes unnoticed in its early stages, not displaying symptoms clearly visible to the naked eye. Missed or late detection can result in the disease progressing to an advanced stage, where it becomes more difficult to treat and chances of survival decrease. Because oral cancer can have such severe implications and is not easily detectable without specialized equipment, regular screening becomes all the more crucial.

At Lake Park Dental, we use the Identafi Oral Mucosal Visual Enhancement System. Identafi allows for a comprehensive examination that goes beyond what the human eye can discern, making it a crucial tool in oral cancer detection. Identafi employs three different color wavelengths—White for conventional examination, Violet to distinguish healthy tissue through fluorescence, and Green-Amber to identify abnormal vasculature.

Photo of a patient getting her picture taken by a team member

We believe patients are our mission

Our mission is people. We believe everyone is worthy of love, kindness, honesty, and real solutions to help people feel better, look better, and be better. We are here to deliver life-changing healthful solutions that inspire everyone to be the best version of themselves.

Fillings

Composite fillings offer an aesthetic and effective solution for treating small cavities. After removing decay, a bonding agent is applied to the tooth to ensure adhesion. The composite material is then shaped to match your tooth and hardened with a special curing light. Finally, the filling is polished for a natural look and feel. This procedure not only eliminates decay but also restores your tooth to its original strength and appearance, all in a single visit. With proper care, these fillings are long-lasting and blend seamlessly with your smile.

Onlays

Onlays offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring damaged teeth, particularly when one or more cusps are affected. During the initial appointment, an impression is taken to create a temporary onlay while the tooth is prepared to accommodate the final restoration. Expert lab technicians then craft the inlay from materials like ceramic or composite. At a follow-up appointment, the temporary is replaced with the permanent onlay. These restorations are known for their longevity, often outlasting large fillings. They also preserve much of the natural tooth structure, aligning with the principle that retaining natural tooth material is preferable to artificial substitutes.

Sealants

Dental sealants offer an effective way to guard against tooth decay, particularly on the biting surfaces of molars and premolars. Often applied to children and teens as their permanent teeth come in, sealants can also benefit adults with no prior decay or fillings. The application process is straightforward and quick: the tooth is cleaned, prepared, and then coated with a liquid sealant that hardens under a special light. Regular dental check-ups ensure the sealant’s integrity over time. Coupled with good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, thereby minimizing the need for more invasive treatments like fillings or crowns.

Tooth Extractions

A simple extraction is a dental procedure to remove a tooth that is extensively decayed or damaged, without the need for surgery. After reviewing radiographs, the dentist uses specialized instruments to apply slight pressure, gently easing the tooth out of its socket. Post-extraction, the area is cleaned and allowed to heal naturally. Temporary and permanent replacement options are discussed after sufficient healing. This non-surgical approach is generally quicker and less complicated than surgical extractions, making it a preferred option when conditions allow.

A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure used for removing teeth that cannot be easily accessed or removed via simple extraction, often due to impaction or complicated root structure. Unlike a simple extraction, this method involves surgical intervention to cut through tissue and bone. After examining radiographs and assessing the condition, if a surgical extraction is deemed necessary, Lake Park Dental refers these cases to a specialized oral surgeon for treatment. This ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and expert care for complicated extractions. Surgical extractions generally require longer healing time and may come with more post-operative instructions.

Periodontal Treatment (Light Scalpel C02 Laser, Scaling & Root Planing, Clinical Crown Lengthening)

The management of periodontal disease often involves specialized treatments such as Scaling & Root Planing, and Clinical Crown Lengthening, each with its unique role in optimizing oral health. Scaling & Root Planing deeply cleans below the gum line, and Clinical Crown Lengthening prepares teeth for restorative procedures.

We Use A Light Scalpel CO2 Laser: This advanced tool is especially useful in the treatment of periodontal disease. The laser offers precise cutting, minimizes bleeding, and accelerates healing. It can reshape gums or remove excess tissue with minimal discomfort, making it a preferred choice for many procedures.

Scaling & Root Planing: Unlike routine dental cleanings focused on prevention, scaling and root planing is an initial treatment for periodontitis. It aims to remove excessive plaque and bacteria deep below the gum line. Typically done in stages, this treatment employs specialized hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaners for effective plaque and calculus removal. Smoothing out tooth surfaces also discourages future bacterial growth. A maintenance schedule is usually discussed post-procedure to ensure ongoing gum health.

Clinical Crown Lengthening: This is a surgical procedure that adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth crown. Often, crown lengthening is needed to make restorative or cosmetic dental procedures possible. For instance, if a tooth is broken below the gum line, crown lengthening is usually performed to prepare the area for a new crown.

Laser Surgery (Light Scalpel C02 Laser & Biolase Epic Diode Laser)

The Biolase Epic Diode Laser is a dental laser technology commonly used for soft tissue procedures. This laser is often used for treatments like gum contouring, periodontal treatment, and in some cases, for teeth whitening. The Epic Diode Laser is designed to be less invasive and potentially more comfortable for the patient compared to traditional surgical methods. It can cut, coagulate, and vaporize tissue, offering a high degree of precision and reducing the risk of infection and postoperative discomfort. Using a diode laser like the Biolase Epic may also minimize bleeding and reduce the need for sutures, thereby accelerating the healing process. Dental practitioners often prefer this technology for its versatility, precision, and the enhanced patient experience it can provide.

Nomad Handheld X-Ray (For safer x-rays)

The Nomad Handheld X-Ray system is a portable dental X-ray machine that allows for more flexibility in taking dental radiographs. Safety is a key feature of the Nomad system. The device is designed to minimize radiation exposure to dental professionals and patients. It does that through use of a shielded and collimated cone which restricts the X-ray beam, focusing it only on the area of interest. This reduces scattered radiation and limits the exposure area, making the process safer overall.

I-CAT FLX

The i-CAT FLX Cone Beam 3D Imaging System is a game-changer for dental and orthodontic diagnostics, making it easier and more comfortable for patients. With just an eight-second scan, your dentist can get all the information they need for various treatments like braces, TMJ issues, and sleep apnea. One of the best parts? The images are super clear but expose you to less radiation than traditional X-rays. The system is also designed with your comfort in mind, featuring an open seating area and a special system to keep you steady, reducing the need for redoing any scans. Plus, the technology allows your dentist to customize the scan to fit your specific needs, all while keeping radiation exposure as low as possible. It’s quick, accurate, and built to make the diagnostic process as smooth as can be for both you and your dentist.

Airway Focused
Dentistry

Our approach to dentistry is airway-centered. We believe that good oral health extends beyond just teeth and gums to include the airway.   Our 4 pillar  focus is predicated on the belief that many issues—both oral and systemic—are interconnected with breathing and sleep patterns.

We see ourselves as pioneers in a holistic approach to dentistry that promises not only better oral health but also improved general well-being.

Multi-Generational Concerns: Airway-centered dentistry is relevant for all age groups. We emphasize its preventative aspect, especially in children. Early intervention can mitigate long-term problems like sleep apnea and UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome).

Health Correlation: Our approach does not treat oral issues in isolation but links them to other physical and behavioral problems, such as chronic diseases and ADHD.

Sleep Disorders
: Complex conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and UARS in can result from structural under development which causes soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse.

Treatment: Our solutions are “minimally invasive,” and designed for patients who may be averse to more intrusive forms of medical intervention.

Connect
with Us

We’d love to help you feel better, look better, and be better.

Phone: 414-963-9440