General Dentistry Services

Comprehensive Dentistry

Twice-daily brushings and regular flossing are excellent for maintenance between office visits, but a healthy mouth requires routine general and preventative care to stay that way.

Dr. John Durling and Associates offers comprehensive care that includes regular oral examinations, cleanings, fluoride, professional breath control, and periodontal (gum disease) treatments designed to help keep your teeth and gums strong and disease-free.

Endodontics - Root Canals

Endodontics

Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp, which provides the tooth with nutrients and nerves, that extends down to the tooth’s root. If the pulp becomes infected or injured, the tooth’s nerves die and, often, without endodontic treatment, the tooth dies as well.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canals are designed to save such damaged teeth. During the procedure (performed under anesthesia), a gap is drilled into the tooth’s crown and pulp chamber, diseased pulp is reshaped or removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed with a gold, porcelain, or tooth-colored crown.
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Oral Surgery

Dr. Durling is extensively trained in a full range of oral surgery procedures, including bridgework, tooth extractions and root planning, designed to help patients obtain optimal oral health.
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Sealants

Children’s teeth, especially back teeth, are susceptible to decay and cavities despite regular brushing and flossing. To protect your children’s teeth, consider sealants.

The Procedure

These durable, clear products are painted over the teeth, adding strength and creating reinforcement. Sealants can significantly reduce decay!
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Family Dentistry

Kids want to be comfortable, entertained and respected. Adults want the best technology, the most informed doctors, and the highest quality care. In our office, we understand that kids and adults have different needs and priorities, and we address them all. That's why our dentists have extensive experience working with children. We can make their dental experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Gum Disease Care & Prevention

Periodontal Disease

Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to more than just an unsightly smile. it can cause loss of teeth and eventually, if left untreated, serious health problems.

Gingivitis

Called gingivitis in its early stages, periodontal disease is caused by excessive toxic bacteria (found in plaque) that attack your mouth’s soft tissues.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Early warning signs of the disease include red, swollen, bleeding gums. If caught early, we can help you reverse the damage or, if detected late, we can use one of many effective cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
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Tooth Extraction

Normal Tooth Extraction

In only the most extreme and necessary cases, such as when a tooth's roots are severely damaged beyond repair, we may extract the tooth in preparation for a restorative dentistry procedure, such as dentures.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth may be too crowded in the jaw, causing problems. We can help determine if they need to be removed.
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Fluoride Treatment

Experts concluded long ago that the mineral fluoride is quite effective in protecting teeth enamel from decay. For that reason, it is added to tap water and other products. But children, whose teeth are vulnerable, need extra fluoride to keep their enamel extra strong. Fluoride treatments are an excellent solution.

The Procedure

Fluoride treatments, administered in trays or brushed onto the teeth, are quick and painless and are given immediately following professional cleanings.
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*This provider is not a specialist in orthodontics, Implantology, endodontics, root canals, periodontics, gum surgery, oral surgery, extractions, pros-todontics, crowns, bridges, full or partial dentures.
*Cosmetic dentistry, implantology, implant dentistry, TMJ therapy, Invisalign and teeth whitening are specialty areas not recognized by the ADA and require no specific educational training to advertise this service.
**Conscious Sedation is taught as part of post-graduate residency programs approved by the ADA. Dr. Durling is certified by the State of Missouri to administer oral conscious sedation.


All Rights Reserved John C. Durling II, DDS
Last Updated: May 10, 2007
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