At Kirsch Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental care ranging from cleanings, fillings, and crowns to extractions, bridges, and braces. We are experienced in numerous dental services and are excited to provide them to Greencastle and the surrounding communities! As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call.
Cleanings & Exams
- white (composite, glass ionomer, RMGI): White fillings blend in with natural enamel and give an esthetic option. If you prefer only white fillings, please feel free to tell our staff and we will make a note in your chart.
- metal (amalgam): Metal fillings have been used for decades and may occasionally be recommended over white fillings for specific situations where they may last longer.
Our Greencastle Dental Services
Fillings
- white (composite, glass ionomer, RMGI): White fillings blend in with natural enamel and give an esthetic option. If you prefer only white fillings, please feel free to tell our staff and we will make a note in your chart.
- metal (amalgam): Metal fillings have been used for decades and may occasionally be recommended over white fillings for specific situations where they may last longer.
Pediatric (Kids)
- sealants: The most common cavities in kids are those that can form in the deep pits and grooves in the back permanent molars. Sealing these pits and grooves with a thin, white material can often prevent decay from forming there while kids are growing and learning how to take care of their own teeth. The first set of molars start erupting around age 6 and the 2nd set around age 12.
- fillings: While primary or “baby” teeth may not be in the mouth for very long, they are important for eating, talking, and the proper eruption of permanent teeth. Also, pain and infection are nothing a parent wants their kids to experience.
- stainless steel crowns: When a primary or “baby” tooth has a very large cavity, a stainless steel crown may be necessary to properly protect the tooth so that it lasts as long as we need the tooth to stay in the mouth. They cost less than an adult crown and take the same time as a filling to place.
Cosmetic
- bonding: Dental bonding is simply using white filling material to achieve a lighter color or better shape to front teeth. While a crown may be the best option, often minor to even major fixes can be achieved with fantastic results using white filling material.
- whitening: If you want a stronger whitening treatment than is available in stores, we offer take-home bleaching trays with prescription strength bleach. As with any whitening, sensitivity is possible and whitening instructions and use may need to be tailored to your comfort. Additionally, any fillings, crowns, or partials will not whiten and you may result in having various shades of white. If you have any questions about whitening, we’d be happy to discuss these with you.
Dentures, Partials
- complete dentures: When you are missing or thinking about removing all of your teeth, a complete denture can be made for you. Some patients may need only top teeth or bottom teeth replaced and a single denture can be made; others need both top and bottom teeth replaced and a full “set” of dentures is made. Complete dentures take time to get used to, even if you’ve been wearing them for years and new denture is made. We can evaluate and discuss whether a complete denture or a partial denture is best for you.
- partial denture: When only some teeth are missing, a partial is a great option. A partial uses clasps on some of the remaining teeth to stay in, but are removable and must be taken out and cleaned daily. Many patients like partials for their ability to replace many teeth at once and partials are more economical than bridges or implants.
- implant retained dentures/partials: While dentures and partials are used by many patients, some do not care for the movement that is unavoidable with these options. These patients often choose to use implants to secure the denture or partial in the mouth. Implants make dentures and partials more rigid and secure in the mouth, like their natural teeth were. We work with specialists to ensure implants are placed in the ideal position.
Crowns, Bridges
- ceramic crowns/caps: All-white ceramic crowns have the strength and esthetics to be used anywhere in the mouth when the amount of tooth remaining requires more protection and durability is desired.
- gold/high noble metal crowns/caps: For those requesting an all-metal crown, this option is always available upon request.
- bridges to replace missing teeth: When someone is missing a tooth or teeth in an area, one potential option is a bridge that includes crowning teeth on either side of the space and “bridging” the area with ceramic teeth over the gums that look like real teeth. This option is often desired due to the bridge being permanently cemented in the mouth and does not come in and out.
- implant crowns/bridges: We restore implants (man-made roots) placed in the area of missing teeth with crowns. Single tooth implants or multiple implants and a bridge can be great options for those wanting a permanently fixed treatment that does not rely on other teeth in the mouth. We work with specialists to ensure implants are placed in the ideal position.
Braces / Orthodontics
- braces for all ages
- phase 1 Orthodontics (early interceptive treatment): orthodontic treatment for kids 7-12 years old before all permanent teeth have erupted. Some conditions are easier to correct if detected early while a child is growing and treating will prevent more severe problems later on if left to treat during the teenage years. Early treatment is often recommended for crossbites, early loss of baby teeth due to decay/infection, habits such as thumb sucking, narrow palates, etc. Treatment may include spacers, expanders, partial braces, headgear, etc. Full correction of crowding is not completed due to not having all the permanent teeth in. After treatment there is often an observation phase before all permanent teeth erupt, at which time the next phase of orthodontic braces are completed. Phase 1 orthodontic fees are less than phase 2.
- phase 2 Orthodontics: traditional orthodontic treatment that everyone has come to know as “braces” done after all the permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment involves correction of crowding/spacing and rotated teeth, correction of overbite/underbite/crossbite, and positioning teeth for ideal function and esthetics.
Extractions
- routine: Most tooth extractions are straight forward and we make every effort to keep it this way to ensure an easier appointment for you. We use special tools to minimize discomfort and improve efficiency. We will consult with your physician when necessary and always go over what to expect during and after an extraction, as well as other possible scenarios, so that you are fully informed.
- surgical: Some teeth are more difficult to remove for a variety of reasons and removing these teeth can be more involved. We are equipped to take these measures if needed and always follow-up to ensure things are healing as expected.
- fully erupted wisdom teeth: If issues arise with wisdom teeth (decay, infection, etc.), we can help you decide if extracting is the best option and whether referring to a specialist is needed.
Root Canals
- root canal therapy: When a tooth gets infected, only two options are possible: keeping the tooth with a root canal or extracting the tooth. Most patients want to keep their teeth as long as possible and opt for a root canal. We evaluate the tooth and help you decide if a root canal is the best option and whether referring to a specialist is needed.
Greencastle Dental Services Emergencies
We understand that issues may arise at anytime and patients need to be seen urgently. Please call as soon as possible so that we can schedule you promptly. If you are not a patient of record, we still welcome your call and will try to accommodate you as best as possible. We will try to accommodate any Greencastle Dental emergency.Contact Us
We can't wait to hear from you! Feel free to contact us by phone, e-mail, or stop-in and make an appointment if you're in town.
Hours
Mon - Thurs: 7am to 5pm
Friday: 8am - Noon
Phone
(765) 653 - 8615
(765) 653-5227 FAX
office@kirschfamilydentistry.com
Address
18 E. Washington St
Greencastle, IN 46135