If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Over 35% of adults in the United States have a fear of dentists. Whether a trip to the dentist feels emotionally overwhelming or just mildly inconvenient, you deserve a team of dentists and dental specialists that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your oral healthcare plan.
Our experts at Cleveland Clinic offer a number of dental treatments, ranging from periodontics to oral surgery. We work with your family dentist to detect oral health problems before they get worse, when they’re most treatable. And when something serious comes up, we’re there to help. Along the way, we’ll answer your questions and address any worries with compassion.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Dentistry Care?
Collaborative care:
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a team effort. Our specialists work together, along with your family dentist, to tailor a treatment plan that meets your specific oral health needs.
Demonstrated expertise:
We provide precise, accurate and up-to-date treatment, including advanced imaging and leading-edge surgical procedures. We take pride in the care we offer — and the compassionate way we deliver it. Meet our team.
Patient-centered care:
You’re in charge of your oral health, and it’s important to know your choices. That’s why we discuss all your treatment options with you in detail. We’ll consider several things — like your oral health goals, medical history and personal preferences — to come up with a plan that works for you.
Virtual visits:
If getting to your provider’s office is tough, you might be able to have a virtual visit for some appointments. You’ll get the same great care but from the comfort and convenience of home. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a smartphone, computer or tablet.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Dentistry Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic
You hear a lot about taking care of your body. You might not hear as much about taking care of your teeth and gums. But that’s just as important. Research shows that your oral health has a direct impact on your whole-body health. If you have bacteria or an infection in your mouth, it can spread to other areas of your body.
Everyone needs dental care at some point. Dentists can treat a wide range of oral health issues, including:
- Cavities.
- Gingivitis.
- Gum disease.
- Jaw pain.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Missing teeth.
- Abscessed tooth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
What to expect at your first visit
We know you might feel a bit nervous for your first appointment. That’s why we’ll start by talking about your personal oral health goals. We’ll ask questions like:
- What kind of symptoms do you have?
- Are you having pain? If yes, where?
- What do you want to accomplish?
- What do you like or dislike about your smile?
We’ll also go over your medical history and examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay or gum disease.
Next, your provider may order some imaging tests to get a closer look at your teeth roots, jawbone and surrounding structures like your jaw joints, sinuses and nerves.
These imaging tests might include:
Meet Our Dentistry Team
When you choose Cleveland Clinic, you might see one specialist, or a carefully selected team of specialists based on your oral health needs. Your team could include:
Providers Who Perform Dentistry
Locations
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.Dentistry Treatments at Cleveland Clinic
The type of treatment you need depends on what condition you have, how severe it is and your health history. It also depends on your personal goals — what you hope to achieve through your treatment with us.
Your dentist helps keep your oral health on track. But sometimes, you might need a little extra care. We specialize in the things you might worry are too complicated, like oral surgery or gum disease treatment.
You’ll still see your dentist, but we’ll work alongside them to get you the comprehensive care you deserve. In other words, there are several great players on your oral health team. We all have a role, and we use our combined strengths to get you across the finish line.
Oral surgery
Conditions like impacted teeth or jaw deformities can interfere with your oral health. Our oral surgeons do a wide range of procedures, from wisdom teeth removal to cleft lip and palate repair. The main goal of oral surgery is to restore oral health and important functions like chewing and speaking.
Periodontics
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Without treatment, it wreaks havoc on your oral health, eroding the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Our periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and finding ways to manage it, so it doesn’t cause further damage like bone loss or tooth loss. Some of the most common gum disease treatments we offer include:
- Osseous surgery (pocket reduction surgery).
- Gum graft surgery.
- Dental bone grafts.
- Frenectomy.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment
Aching jaws, headaches and radiating facial pain are all symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. These conditions range from mild to severe. Our specialists do nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including:
- Custom oral appliances (mouth guards).
- Corrective dental treatments like crowns or bridges.
- Braces.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
- Trigger point injections.
Oral appliances for sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the soft tissues in your throat and palate fall back and press down on your windpipe, blocking air flow. People with mild cases of OSA may be able to correct the issue with a custom mouth guard. These devices place your jaw in a more favorable position and open your airway, so you can breathe better during sleep. Our dental experts can create a custom night guard that fits your unique dental anatomy.
Orthognathic surgery
When your jaws don’t line up the way they should, it can cause pain and make it difficult to chew. Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) moves your jaw bones and teeth into their healthiest positions to reduce symptoms like pain, inflammation and dental wear and tear.
Most people who have jaw surgery need braces before and after the procedure. Our oral surgery specialists will work with your dentist and orthodontist to come up with an individualized treatment plan.
Dental management before major surgery
Before undergoing major surgery like knee replacement or open-heart surgery, it’s a good idea to have a dental exam and cleaning with our specialists. This reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth and keeps them from spreading through your bloodstream to other parts of your body. Your immune system usually gets a little weaker after surgery, so you’ll want to make sure you’re infection-free before your big day arrives.
Dental management during cancer treatment
Some cancer treatments — particularly radiation therapy to your head and neck — can have a negative impact on your teeth, gums and salivary glands. We’ll handle your dental care throughout the duration of your treatment, so we can reduce your risk of side effects and manage them if they do happen.
Dental care for people with special needs
People with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities may need a little extra TLC during dental visits. We provide compassionate, dignified care for people with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.
We use a personalized approach based on your unique needs. Our accommodations include:
- Sedation dentistry. Options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (in pill or liquid form) and IV (intravenous) sedation. Your provider can help you decide which option is best for you.
- diaco® dental chair. If you use a wheelchair, this platform lets you stay in your own chair during your dental procedure. You’ll simply place your wheelchair on the platform, and your provider can use the controls to raise you, lower you or lean you back.
Follow-Up Care
After your treatment, our dental specialists will see you for follow-up appointments to make sure your recovery is on track. We’ll also keep in close contact with your family dentist and send them updates about your progress.
You may only need to see us for a couple of visits. Or you might need to see us several times over the course of a few months or years. It all depends on your treatment plan and how long it takes to reach your goals. Before your treatment starts, we’ll give you an idea of how long you can expect to be under our care.
Taking the Next Step
Chances are, there are lots of things you’d rather do than go to the dentist. But when you take care of your teeth and gums, you’re not just improving your oral health — you’re improving your whole-body health. When dental problems cause pain or interfere with chewing or speaking, they can have a negative impact on your daily life. Cleveland Clinic’s experienced dental specialists can help you restore oral health and function, giving you something to smile about for years to come.
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