OVERVIEW
Dr. Ring is dedicated to providing outstanding comprehensive dental care for his patients. His commitment to you and your dental health ensures that you are a knowledgeable and informed patient about the procedures he recommends.
Whether you are coming in for your first appointment or for your regular cleaning or for an involved dental procedure, the dental team is here to help you comfortably achieve your healthiest and best smile.
Dr. Ring's office utilizes state-of-the-art dental technology throughout the practice to provide excellent dental care while considering your health, comfort, and the environment. The office uses only modern dental materials, which contain no mercury. Additionally, digital x-rays are the most modern way to take x-rays in the dental office and reduce our patients' exposure to radiation to less than 1/10th of the radiation used in older x-rays. Dr. Ring will typically take full x-rays once yearly to track your dental health and review them with you in the office.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Cosmetic dentistry is comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function. Dr. Ring's passion for innovation and his dedication to continue his education help him create the best treatment plan for your unique needs. The end result is a smile that functions wonderfully for years to come.
- Implants >
-
Dental implants are an innovative cosmetic dentistry procedure that replaces missing tooth roots with a small titanium screw that secures a permanent crown or denture without affecting the adjacent teeth. More natural looking and feeling, implants are also often much easier to keep clean than a traditional bridge. Dr. Ring may recommend implants for patients who are particularly interested in a beautiful smile that will last for many years with the proper care and maintenance.
- Porcelain Crowns >
-
Porcelain crowns cover every visible part of the tooth and are specially designed to match your other teeth. Porcelain crowns create a seamless appearance when you smile, talk and laugh.
- Teeth Whitening >
-
Professional teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most popular procedures that can greatly affect the appearance of your smile. Tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine and some foods can discolor your teeth, creating a "stained" appearance. You can restore your teeth to the brightest white possible for your teeth through an in-office whitening procedure. Dr. Ring uses a prescription strength whitening agent in a custom-made tray for you to ensure a uniform color on each of your teeth and giving you a bright, healthy looking smile.
- Veneers >
-
Veneers are a very thin layer of dental porcelain custom designed by Dr. Ring to fit your existing teeth while creating the appearance you desire. Veneers are used to correct the color, shape or straightness of your teeth. Veneers are also used to strengthen worn teeth or to close spaces between teeth. Veneers are an excellent option when your teeth are structurally sound, but may not appear as bright or straight as you would like. With veneers, you get the advantage of a beautiful and healthy smile, without the expense and length of orthodontic treatment.
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Restorative dentistry is the caring management of your teeth and gums to restore a healthy mouth and smile. The restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or lost include dental services such as fillings, crowns, and full and partial dentures. Dr. Ring and his team will carefully examine your teeth and evaluate your personal health and dental history to create a treatment plan tailored to achieve your healthiest smile.
Your teeth work together to help you eat, smile, talk, laugh and sing. When they are missing, severely decayed or worn, it can become difficult to do everyday things. Dr. Ring works with you to maintain a healthy and bright smile throughout your life.
- Bridges >
-
Dental bridges are one of several ways Dr. Ring may suggest to replace a missing tooth or section of teeth in one area of your mouth. Since missing teeth can lead to bite, function and facial esthetic problems, bridges can help you feel and function better. Bridges can be secured in your mouth in one of two ways. A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth adjacent to the open space. An implant bridge attaches the new tooth or teeth directly in the open space without the need to use the adjacent teeth for support.
- Crowns >
-
Crowns are used to cover the entire visible surface area of a tooth damaged by decay or fracture. Crowns are also used to help secure a bridge to your remaining natural teeth. The crown will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Dental crowns can be created from a number of different materials, such as gold, composite and porcelain. Dr. Ring will discuss your needs and smile goals with you before recommending a particular material. Dr. Ring may recommend a crown for you if a natural tooth or current filling breaks, your natural teeth are particularly worn down or need added strength after a root canal.
- Dentures >
-
Removable and permanent dentures are used on either the upper or lower jaw where a number of teeth are missing. Full dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures replace a large section of teeth. Significant tooth decay may cause some or all of your existing teeth to be painful, unsightly, or unable to be repaired. In these instances, Dr. Ring may recommend extracting the non-functioning teeth and custom fitting dentures for you. The dentures will restore the health, function, and appearance of your natural smile. Dentures are sometimes known as "false teeth." However, if your dentures are done correctly by a good dentist who cares about your health, comfort and smile, no one will be able to tell you are wearing them!
- Fillings >
-
Fillings cover the area of a tooth that is damaged by decay (also known as "cavities") or worn down by use over time. If necessary, the decay is removed by Dr. Ring and filled with a dental material such as porcelain filling or dental composite. If tooth decay is not treated early, it can progress through the tooth's hard outer enamel to the inner living core. If this happens, a root canal may be necessary to fix your tooth. There are different dental materials used in fillings, such as gold, composite and porcelain, which vary in appearance and strength. Dr. Ring will work with you to recommend a material based on your individual needs and smile goals.
- Night Guards >
-
Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw in their sleep without knowing it. If you grind or clench, you may notice damage such as chipped enamel or flattened, worn down teeth. Other symptoms may include headache or jaw ache. Wearing a mouth guard is one way to protect your teeth and gums. Dr. Ring will evaluate your teeth for symptoms of grinding and clenching, then recommend a bite adjustment or mouth guard if it is needed. If you are experiencing other symptoms or suspect you might grind or clench your teeth, ask about getting your bite evaluated.
- Root Canals (Endodontics) >
-
If one of your teeth becomes injured, decayed or infected internally, it is possible to avoid having the tooth extracted and save your natural tooth by having a root canal. A root canal involves treating the interior pulp of a tooth. The pulp is the soft-tissue of the tooth and contains the blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves within the supporting hard tissue of the tooth. A deep cavity or cracked tooth can allow bacteria into the pulp, which can then become painfully infected. To prevent this from occurring, Dr. Ring may recommend a root canal to save your tooth.
- TMJ Disorder Treatment >
-
TMJ stems from jaw misalignment problems affecting your bite, teeth, nerves and jaw muscles. If you excessively clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, the joint connecting your jaw to your skull can become inflamed or misaligned. If you are experiencing sore jaw muscles or worn, cracked teeth, talk to Dr. Ring and his dental team about TMJ. Possible treatments include a dental orthotic (night guard) or selectively reshaping some of your teeth to improve your bite.
CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY
Children's dentistry, also known as Pediatric Dentistry, is an important part of your child's overall health. Just like adults, every child is unique. It is a good idea to bring your child to the dentist at age 2 or 3 for an exam, then a check up every 6 months.
At this age, the most important thing is for your child to have a good dental experience. Dr. Ring and his team work closely with you and your child to ensure they are comfortable and willing to have their teeth examined. Early experiences can affect how we feel about going to the dentist, and Dr. Ring uses his experience with children of all ages to build a good relationship with you and your child.
Cleaning and Digital X-rays
When your child is ready and feels comfortable, the dental assistant will take digital x-rays and clean their teeth. Dr. Ring's office uses specially sized and flavored supplies to ensure your child's comfort.
Fluoride
Dr. Ring will provide a personal recommendation about your child's fluoride based on your family's habits and the area in which you live. Each city in our area adds a different amount of fluoride to the tap water and different pediatricians make different recommendations about multi-vitamins with fluoride. To avoid over fluoridating your child, talk with Dr. Ring about what makes the most sense about fluoride for your family.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to help prevent tooth decay in children. Sealants are an acrylic-like material that help prevent decay-causing bacteria from harming your child's teeth and potentially causing cavities. Applying dental sealants is a painless procedure that takes just a few moments. Dr. Ring will examine the teeth carefully to ensure the sealants aren't noticeable when biting or chewing.
Dr. Ring will make a recommendation about sealants based on the shape of your child's teeth and their sensitivity to decay. The protective barrier of dental sealants covers the natural depressions and grooves in the teeth. With good home dental care and regular dental visits, dental sealants are proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay in children.
DENTAL HYGIENE
Good dental hygiene is the foundation for overall good dental health. Our registered dental hygienists, Judy and Dorinda, specialize in preventative oral care and dental education. With over 35 years combined experience, our dental hygienists can answer all of your dental health questions to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Preventative oral care provided by the dental hygienists includes:
Teeth Cleaning:
All of us experience plaque build-up on our teeth over time. Plaque eventually hardens and turns into calculus, which forms along the gumline and in the narrow areas between the teeth and gums. Calculus contributes to chronic bad breath problems and receeding gums.
To prevent plaque and calculus build-up, it is important to brush and floss at least twice each day and have your teeth professionally cleaned twice each year. Some people form plaque and calculus more readily than others and may need to have their teeth cleaned more regularly.
Periodontal (Gum) Health:
Periodontal (Gum) Health: Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth, holding them firmly in place. Gingivitis (gum disease) is caused by the long-term effects of plaque deposits on your teeth. Plaque develops naturally in everyone. Careful brushing and consistent flossing help minimize plaque build-up, but doesn't prevent it completely. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque and calculus build-up during your cleaning and measure your gum health during your cleaning appointment.
Children's Cleaning, Sealants and Fluoride:
Children may see either the dental assistant or a dental hygienist to get their teeth cleaned. Typically, around the age of 8, children begin to see the hygienist, who can continue their good dental care as they get older and help guide them as their teeth change over time.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Some patients require more sedation than a local anesthetic can provide. Dr. Ring will assist the patient with conscious sedation, which includes the use of nitrous oxide (commonly called "laughing gas") or prescribing Halcion or Ativan for you to take prior to your appointment. We understand that coming to the dentist can cause anxiety in some of our patients and we will do everything in our power to make you comfortable.
If you have any specific questions about conscious sedation procedures, please call our dental office at (253) 564- 9633.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Dr. Ring specializes in cosmetic, implant, and family dentistry. Using his experience and passion for excellent dentistry, Dr. Ring works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that most fits your dental needs and smile goals. The images below demonstrate the attention to detail required to meet dental health and smile goals while keeping the patient's budget in mind.
Some examples of Dr. Ring's existing patients that have had cosmetic and restorative dental work:
Ring Dental Patient: This patient wanted to close the gap between their two front teeth and have straight teeth when he smiled. Dr. Ring placed four crowns across the patient's upper four teeth to create the smile he wanted.
Teeth before
Teeth after
Ring Dental Patient: This patient was experiencing wear on their front teeth due to teeth grinding and use. The patient also wanted to smooth the color of the front teeth for a brighter smile. The patient wanted veneers and Dr. Ring placed four veneers across the top four teeth, carefully matching the color to the rest of the teeth and creating a brilliant smile.
Teeth before
Teeth after
Ring Dental Patient: This patient was grinding their teeth and clenching their jaw at night. The front teeth were wearing down quickly. Dr. Ring recommended and placed upper crowns to correct the patient's smile. Dr. Ring then made a custom night guard for the patient to maintain their beautiful new smile.
Teeth before
Teeth after
Ring Dental Patient: This patient tried at-home teeth whitening kits that did not work for him. Dr. Ring created a custom-made tray for him and used a prescription strength whitening agent to create a uniform color on all of the patient's top teeth.
Teeth before
Teeth after
Ring Dental Patient: This patient struggled with a widening gap on each of the front teeth, both on the top and the bottom. The patient's teeth were small and Dr. Ring worked closely with the patient to develop a treatment plan to create the smile the patient always wanted. Dr. Ring placed veneers on the upper and lower teeth to create a bright and comfortable smile.
Teeth before
Teeth after