Central Point General Dentistry

“Family” is Our Middle Name

Our entire team at Oak Street Dental believes that good dental health is important at every age. This belief translates to our on-going commitment to offer the very best in dental care for each and every patient we have the privilege to treat.

At Oak Street Dental, Dr. Spencer Tippets is committed to offering patients the absolute best in general dentistry. Our general dentistry includes routine cleanings, fillings, and sealants, and more. We pour the same amount of excellence and dedication into our routine appointments that we do into our most extensive cosmetic procedures. That way, you can know you are getting the best dental care with a dentist who cares.

Other services we offer include:

  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers and tooth whitening, and more
  • Pediatric Dentistry: We set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles and good oral habits.
  • Microscope-Enhanced Dentistry: The best in dental technology minimizes invasive procedures and maximizes comfort and care. We use this technology to check teeth and gums at all preventative care dental cleaning visits, and for restorative work (such as a filling).

If you’re currently looking for a Central Point general dentist, contact us today and see how we can get you smiling from ear to ear with teeth you will love!

General Dentistry Quick Links

Cleaning, Prevention, and Oral Cancer Screening

We bring the same dedication and experience to every aspect of our dentistry. From preventative care and cleanings to restorative dentistry, our general dentistry services & dental cleaning are as exceptional and performed with as much care as any other aspect of our business, because at Oak Street Dental, we make it our job to give you your best smile.

One of our most important goals is involving each patient in his or her own oral health. We do this best when you are educated and ready to make adjustments in order to better care for your teeth. We encourage you to read through our procedures and see how we can best serve you, or contact us today with any questions you may have.

It is amazing what a few visits to our dental office can do for your smile and your overall health. Because we use our high-powered microscope at every appointment, you know that if there is a problem, we can catch it, and we catch those things that so many other dentists can’t see with their typical equipment.

An average prevention and teeth cleaning appointment will look very similar to this:

image of our prevention services at Oak Street Dental, a Central Point general dentistry practice
  • Paperwork. Boring but helpful, reviewing your health history will give us a better understanding of how your mouth will develop.
  • Cleaning. Your typical plaque removal and polishing.
  • Intraoral Pictures. In case there is a problem, we can show you what we see and tell you what we can both do to help fix it.
  • Digital X-rays. An extra step in seeing what is going on inside the tooth and gums to screen or diagnose problems.
  • Screen for oral cancer. Self-explanatory, your dentist should always be checking for abnormalities and other signs of oral cancer.
  • Tooth decay examination. Checking all surface for signs of decay.
  • Existing restoration examination. Checking previously made restorations to make sure everything is going well.
  • Gum disease screening. In case there is a time where it is necessary, catching gum disease early can mean the difference between recovery and a lot of pain.
  • Time to talk. We always set aside time to answer your questions and give you at-home tips to improve oral health.

Whether you need a simple cleaning for the whole family, or are looking at more in depth processes, we can take care of you because we understand best the art and science of exceptional smiles.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Literally translated “around the tooth,” periodontitis is a disease that attacks the tissues surrounding the tooth, specifically the gums and even the jaw if left unchecked.

There are many kinds of periodontal gum diseases which affect the mouth in different ways, but almost all of them are caused by allowing gingivitis to run rampant. An inflammation of the gums caused by a bacterial infection, gingivitis is characterized by:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
  • Gums that are red, swollen or tender
  • Bad breath or a bad taste that doesn’t go away
  • Shifting teeth
  • Deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums
image of our prevention services at Oak Street Dental, a Central Point general dentistry practice

If you have any of these symptoms and are worried about your oral health, we recommend seeing a dentist as soon as you can because gingivitis can spread below the gum line and farther, affecting the health of your entire mouth as you develop periodontitis. This disease has become the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and needs to be treated immediately.

Some types of periodontal disease include:

  • Chronic: Characterized by receding gum lines, this type of periodontitis causes deep pockets and inflammation and can progress into tooth loss.
  • Aggressive: Typically occurring in seemingly healthy individuals, it is characterized by tooth loss (or loosening) and chronic bone destruction.
  • Necrotizing: Caused by the tissue in the mouth actually dying, it commonly occurs with patients who suffer from conditions like HIV and malnutrition.

However destructive the form of the disease, we at Oak Street Dental work hard to make sure to cut the losses as best we can and give each patient their best shot at a beautiful smile. Our treatment options include:

  • Scaling and root planning
  • Tissue regeneration
  • Surgery to eliminate pockets
  • Dental implants

Contact our office today to find out how we can transform your smile and your oral health!

Dental Restorations

While tooth decay has decreased significantly over the years due to awareness and treatments, restorative dentistry is still one of the main reasons for people to visit a dentist.

At Oak Street Dental, we work hard to ensure that even the smallest task in our office is treated with the greatest care and efficiency. This translates into our desire to make your family part of our family in a way that will make you smile.

When you schedule an appointment with our Central Point general dentistry clinic for dental restoration, you know that you will be getting an honest, reliable service with our expert opinion and a true concern for and commitment to your personal oral health. In this way, we do our best to advise each of our clients about the best option for their teeth, recommending the best treatment for their unique situation.

With our restorative treatments, you can:

  • Have a brighter, more confident smile
  • Get rid of unnatural or unattractive gaps
  • Correct improper bites
  • Replace teeth and old dental treatments
  • Repair damaged teeth
  • Prevent tooth loss

Have no doubt that with our team, you’re in good hands because we understand the art and science of exceptional smiles. Contact us today and see how we can help you!

Oral Sedation Dentistry

Always offering the best service, we pride ourselves on being able to make each patient feel comfortable and empowered coming to our office. While Dr. Spencer Tippets and the staff here at Oak Street Dental are able to create a positive and comforting atmosphere, there are times when sedation can be beneficial for a certain procedure.

Oral sedation dentistry is popular in dentistry because it is injection free, meaning less anxiety and less pain. Delivered in one of two forms based on the patient and the procedure, sedatives can be an advantage by alleviating anxiety with very few side effects, which means we can do more for you while it seems like the procedure is taking less time. No needles, no pain and perfectly safe.

Our two forms of sedation dentistry include:

  • Nitrous Oxide: Otherwise known as “laughing gas,” it is mild, delivered via nose hood and the patient breathes it throughout the procedure. Making the patient more relaxed and reducing pain, this is a form of sedative that has been used for decades.
  • Oral Conscious: We often recommend this for those patients who want a form of sedation but are afraid of needles. It is moderate and taken before the procedure, and although it doesn’t induce sleep, it helps the patient relax, and usually the patient cannot remember the pain, smells or noises that occurred during the procedure.

Contact us today if you have any questions about our sedation practices, and see what we can do for you!

Pediatric Dentist

image of our prevention services at Oak Street Dental, a Central Point general dentistry practice

At Oak Street Dental, we consider the praise we receive from our smallest patients to be among the highest. That value, combined with our knowledge that the dentists children love provide far more than dental care, drives us to combine the best pediatric dentistry with the best pediatric personal care, where we treat every child like family.

Effective, compassionate, kid-friendly communication is essential to building a relationship between dentist and child that dispels all fears. We give each child our time and undivided attention and work hard to make him or her physically and emotionally comfortable every step of the way.

We understand how important it is to find a dentist that your child can trust, feel safe around, and communicate with easily. Our team works hard to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children. We know that children don’t fear the dentist naturally, but like all human beings they fear the unknown. We go the extra mile to make your job easier by providing the following:

  • “Happy Visits” where your child can tour the office, ride up and down in the dental chair, and come get comfortable before their first appointment
  • Tips for parents on brushing their child’s teeth and getting kids to want to brush
  • A fun and kid-friendly approach to dentistry that provides positive dental experiences that prevent dental phobias later in life (After all, not every kid can say their dentist uses a microscope to look in their mouth!)

What to Expect

Areas we will cover during your visit include:

Education

We educate your child in a way they understand and relate to, emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, we advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth

By continuously tracking growth and development, we are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, we work towards earlier corrective treatment if necessary to preserve the children’s self-esteem and foster a positive self-image.

Prevention

In addition to providing check-ups and dental cleanings, we also are able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth to make them stronger, decay resistant and easier to clean. We can advise parents on thumb- sucking and pacifier/s, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

Intervention

In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted or a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended.

When it comes to your child, you know what they need, and what they need is a dentist who cares. Contact us today to find out how we can give your children the care they need.

Sleep Apnea

Characterized by long pauses in breath while sleeping, insomnia, early morning headaches and loud snoring, sleep apnea is a serious condition which often goes undiagnosed because many of the sufferers don’t know they are suffering. This is why we may ask how your sleep patterns are when you come in for a visit.

There are two different kinds of sleep apnea, and one is treatable in our office. The first is caused by the brain misunderstanding and failing to send breathing signals while you are asleep. The second is caused by a physical obstruction in your airways, which is a procedure that we can fix, either temporarily or permanently.

You may think that if you have never, or rarely noticed it, why bother getting it treated? However, sleep apnea is a very dangerous situation and should be treated with care. In the case where something is blocking your airways, every part of your body works and fights for the oxygen it needs, forcing you to wake up from deep sleep and causing your carbon dioxide levels to take off. This causes the heart to have to work harder and can lead to serious heart conditions or even death.

Contact us today to see how we can help you fight back against sleep apnea. With a team of highly trained and experienced technicians and a comforting atmosphere, you have nothing to fear. Take that next step toward wellness and schedule your appointment now!

Reviews from Our Patients

Dr. Spencer Tippets and his staff are great! Make you feel comfortable and at ease. Thank you!

Crystal

I recently had my teeth cleaned at Oak Street Dental. Jordon did a fantastic job. She was very thorough and my teeth feel great. The new dentist Dr. Spencer Tippets was very friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them to my family and friends.Like

Dakota

I totally recommend this dental office!
The staff is great, they are all friendly, very professional and did everything to make sure I was always comfortable!
The office is very clean and a fun atmosphere!

Stacy

Everyone is really nice and helpful! I would recommend them to anyone!!!

Ashley

Very friendly staff! No wait times! I Had a wonderful experience here.

Kailey

Friendly staff, quality work and community atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend this amazing office!

Brittany

Central Point General Dentistry FAQ

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health. These include:

  • Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
  • Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
  • Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

How often should I brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

  • Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

  • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Why is it important to use dental floss?

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

What should I do if I have bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What May Cause Bad Breath?

  • Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
  • Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
  • Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
  • Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
  • Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
  • Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
  • Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
  • Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
  • Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
  • Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

  • Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
  • See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
  • Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
  • Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
  • Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
  • Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
  • Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
  • Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
  • Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
  • Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

  • Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
  • Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
  • Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
  • New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
  • Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
  • Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
  • Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
  • Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Is there a correlation between heart disease and periodontal disease?

Many people are unaware that having periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place) can affect your overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections – often more prevalent than the common cold! Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason people lose teeth; it can also affect the health of your body!

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest stages, it’s called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is NOT regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums, eventually destroying the jaw bone that supports the teeth. When periodontal disease is not treated it can eventually lead to tooth loss!

There are numerous studies that have looked into the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic disease. They also indicate that periodontal disease can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, beginning new infections. Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream can:

  • Contribute to the development of heart disease
  • Increase the risk of stroke
  • Compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases
  • Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low-birth weight baby

While there is still much research to be done in order to fully understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, research has shown that infections in the mouth can wreak havoc elsewhere in the body.

To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation. Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Remember the mouth body connection! Taking care of your oral health can contribute to your overall medical health!

Oak Street Dental is a Central Point General Dentistry Practice

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    Call Oak Street Dental for your free consultation today!
    (541) 664-2210