Patient Services

Initial New Patient Visit

Dr. Herwig and his team are committed to providing comprehensive quality care, which begins with a complete evaluation of a patient’s current dental status and needs. This will include a full series of digital X-rays to check for decay, defective fillings, infection, and pathology. Periodontal probing and charting evaluate and monitor the gum and bone health, which is the foundation for good teeth. A complete cancer screening is one of the most important services we offer, and our digital laser decay detector assesses and discovers decay at early stages, which results in minimally-invasive treatments. Finally, the teeth are carefully cleaned and polished using a combination of hand and ultrasonic techniques to remove bacteria and stains. Two hours are usually scheduled for the complete adult new patient visit.

Emergency Visit

Toothaches and broken teeth can be unexpected and very disruptive, yet they require attention to determine their urgency and the extent of the damage. Dr. Herwig’s staff will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible to X-ray and evaluate the need for repairs or referral to a specialist. A temporary filling may be placed to keep the tooth comfortable until your scheduled appointment.

X-rays

Dr. Herwig was one of the first dentists in Dallas to begin using digital X-rays back in 1995. He made the change as a result of the 50 to 90-percent reduction of radiation exposure to his patients, in addition to the elimination of harmful chemicals and waste used in developing traditional film X-rays. The time saved using instant digital X-rays is also appreciated by all.

Cleanings

Periodic cleanings are important in maintaining and monitoring a patient’s oral health. The status of the gums and bone are checked, along with the condition of existing dental work. The teeth are cleaned and polished and X-rays are taken on an annual basis to aid in early detection of problems. A health history update is taken, and cancer screening is routinely performed.

Fillings

Dentistry and dental materials have gone through an explosion of progress in the last two decades, which have produced some incredible new filling materials and techniques. Dr. Herwig uses a combination of tooth-colored materials to rebuild decayed teeth and replace existing defective fillings. This rebuilding process includes a fluoride base and an enamel-like layer that, when activated with a bright light, turns hard to reinforce the tooth. Local anesthesia is normally administered, and the tooth may be sensitive afterwards. Usually, aspirin or ibuprofen will alleviate this, but some teeth may be slightly more sensitive indefinitely.

Crowns

Teeth that are broken or weak due to large fillings and fractures usually require something stronger than a filling to withstand the intense forces a tooth experiences during chewing. The solution is a crown made from cast gold or porcelain baked onto a cast gold base. The location of the tooth helps determine which material is appropriate. During the first appointment, all old fillings, decay, and weak tooth structure are removed. Then, a new fluoride base is placed, and the final trimming of the tooth is done. We place a temporary crown to keep the teeth clean and functional until the permanent crown is ready. Impressions of the teeth are taken for the lab to build the new crown. The second appointment is two to three weeks later, and the temporary crown is removed at that time. The new permanent crown is checked for fit, comfort, and appearance. Sometimes anesthesia is necessary, even though there is no drilling. The crown is then cemented and ready for use. Some sensitivity may remain due to the somewhat aggressive procedures on the tooth, but it will usually subside in time. Ibuprofen and aspirin offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory relief for these symptoms.

All-Porcelain Crowns

Traditional gold or meta- based porcelain crowns are very strong but not as natural looking as all-porcelain crowns, which have been used on front teeth for many years now. Recent technology has introduced all-porcelain crowns that can withstand the chewing force of back teeth. All-porcelain crowns look beautiful because they have no metal to create a black or dark edge at the gum line. Bridges to replace missing teeth can also be made of these new porcelains. In combination with the successful and beautiful porcelains used for laminate veneers on front teeth, all-porcelain crowns and bridges allow dentists to reconstruct teeth with functionally strong restorations that look naturally beautiful.

Nightguards

Nightguards, or bruxism splints, are removable acrylic appliances designed to reduce the wear and damage caused to teeth during nighttime clenching and grinding. Bruxing seems almost epidemic in today’s society, when compared to years ago, and requires attention to prevent further destruction of the teeth and entire oral system. Bruxing can cause significant wear, damage, and sensitivity in teeth.. The joints (TMJ) and muscles may also suffer damage. Symptoms like headaches, muscle spasm, limited range of motion, popping noises, and often intense pain can stem from bruxism.When properly treated, symptoms and future damage can be reduced or eliminated..

Bleaching

Tooth bleaching is a safe, easy and conservative way to lighten teeth. As if time were turned back, bleaching (or whitening) can make teeth appear years younger by removing stains caused by foods, smoking, or age. There is no evidence of irreversible sensitivity or damage with contemporary bleaching methods. Over the counter products offer some benefits, but have limited results. In-office bleaching can create dramatic results in about an hour. Home bleaching with custom-fit bleaching trays is convenient and effective. The most proven method of success is a combination of in-office bleaching with at-home follow-up. It is impossible to predict the extent of whitening because each patient's teeth are unique, but most patients can achieve results of eight to ten shades lighter. Some patients experience slight to moderate sensitivity on the teeth and/or gums, but this subsides after the treatment session ends..