Services – Scott J. Lafont, DDS

DENTAL SERVICES PROVIDED

PREVENTION & WELLNESS

Preventative dental care is the preservation of healthy teeth and gums, as well as the prevention of cavities and oral diseases.

StoneCreek Dental Care, Alabaster, Al. follows the recommendations of the American Dental Association, which recommends you visit a dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, periodontal evaluation, and oral cancer screening. Dental x-rays should be taken when needed.

What Does A Preventative Exam and Teeth Cleaning Entail?

Our hygienists are thorough but gentle when cleaning your teeth and gums. During your cleaning, our hygienists gently remove this buildup, leaving your teeth smooth, clean, and polished. Their extensive experience gives them the skills to completely remove plaque without being rough on your teeth and gums.

The dentist will also examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are in their healthiest state, as well as check for any early signs of oral cancer. Preventative dental exams sometimes include dental x-rays, depending on your dentist’s recommendation.

Lastly, your hygienist will also discuss ways that you and your family can improve your oral hygiene regimen at home. We believe strongly in dental education for our patients – so much so that we have made it an underlying philosophy of our practice.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

Periodontal Disease Prevention

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, aka gum disease, is what we call an infection that affects the tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. When periodontal disease isn’t treated promptly, it can lead to the loss of teeth and bone. When Periodontal disease is present we will treat it here at StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster or collaborate with a Periodontist for your treatment needs.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), treats the gum tissue around your teeth when they become inflamed or infected. Sometime, surgical intervention is needed for advance periodontal disease.

How Do You Know If You Have Periodontal Disease?

You should call us for an immediate appointment if you notice any of the following signs of gum disease:

Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth
Red, tender, or swollen gums
Receding gums, aka shrinking gums around your teeth
Persistent bad breath
Loose teeth
New spaces appearing between your teeth

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

URGENT CARE & EMERGENCIES

Our emergency dentists at StoneCreek Dental Care in Alabaster, AL, understand that tooth pain can cause changes in lifestyle. That’s why we do our best to get you into our Alabaster dental office on the same day that you call us with a dental emergency. If you call us after regular office hours, one of our emergency dentists will be on call to advise you until you can be seen.

If you encounter any of the following dental emergencies, do not wait to call our emergency dentists in Alabaster AL:

Toothache
Dental abscess
Lost dental filling
Loose dental crown
Broken or cracked tooth
Knocked out tooth

Don’t put off a trip to the dentist! This can cause you to experience complications, including infection or increased damage to your tooth. If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, call our emergency dentists in Alabaster, AL, at 205-663-1280. We are here for you!

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY PROCEDURES

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the practice of repairing or replacing teeth, with the primary goal being to improve oral health and chewing function—and in many cases, these procedures also improve an individual’s smile. Restorative dentistry is performed by Alabaster dentists and is ideal for patients with cavities, tooth decay, damaged or broken teeth, or missing teeth. It is often confused with cosmetic dentistry, which is focused exclusively on improving the appearance of the mouth and teeth. However, restorative dentistry aims to correct oral health issues for long-term oral health, with any improvement in appearance being a secondary benefit.

There are six primary restorative dental procedures:

Implants
Crowns & Bridges
FIllings
Inlays & Onlays
Dentures & Partial Dentures

IMPLANT DENTISTRY

What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are small titanium or titanium alloy screw or post that are surgically placed into the bone at the site of a missing tooth or teeth. Over 3 to 6 months they fuse to the bone to create a stable and strong foundation that acts like the root of a tooth. Then either a dental crown, bridge, or full denture can be made and attached to the implants to replicate the missing teeth. Implants also help preserve the bone of the jaws that, without teeth, can atrophy over years of traditional denture use.

Single Tooth Implants

Individual teeth can easily be replaced with an implant and crown, which will look and function just as your natural teeth do. Individual implants can easily prevent the structural issues caused by missing teeth such as pain, misalignment, and difficulty eating.

Implants for Removable Prosthetics

An implant-retained removable prosthesis also called an Implant Overdenture is designed to look and act like your natural teeth, fitting securely in your mouth even as you eat and speak. These prosthetics differ from fixed prosthetic tooth replacement options in that these hybrid denture prosthetics can be removed and cleaned daily. They do not require as many implants to be placed and therefore can be a more cost effective option while still being an excellent and well liked tooth replacement option.

Implants for Fixed Prosthetics (Implant Bridge or Full Arch)

An implant-supported fixed prosthesis is designed to look and act like your natural teeth. It can be a fixed bridge of teeth in one area of your mouth to replace several teeth or a full arch of teeth to replace all of the teeth in either the top or bottom jaw. These prosthetics are anchored and fully supported by your dental implants. All on 4 or 6 implants are one of the top options for fixed prosthetic tooth replacement. This option requires good hygiene with your dentist and annual removal of the prosthetic by your dentist for deep cleaning, just like going to the dentist for routine cleanings.

Platelet Rich FIbrin?

PRF is processed to create a fibrin matrix. It is derived by collecting a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelets, growth factors, and other beneficial components from the rest of the blood. The resulting PRF is a gel-like substance that contains a high concentration of platelets, leukocytes (white blood cells), and cytokines.

Enjoy Unparalleled Care

Our dentists have considerable experience with dental implants in Alabaster, AL, and have performed the procedure hundreds of times to improve patients’ lives. We also utilize technology that ensures your treatment is tailored to your specific needs. We can complete your care in house at StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, or work with local surgeons, like WISE Oral & Facial Surgery.

When you see us for your initial exam and consultation, our dentist will discuss your options and answer all your questions. We ensure you understand all aspects of your treatment options, so you can make a fully informed decision on the best treatment path for your needs.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

CROWNS & BRIDGES

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as “caps,” are protective enamel replacements used to repair large cavities, broken teeth, or otherwise compromised teeth. They fit over an existing tooth, with a dentist removing some natural tooth enamel through shaving before placing the crown. They are used to restore both the form and function of a tooth. Crowns are also common following a root canal to restore function and prevent future loss of the tooth. At StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, AL, we offer various types of crowns that leverage different materials, such as gold, porcelain, metal, and zirconia (aluminum base with porcelain on top), with all-porcelain crowns being the most common.

What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge replaces a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth, bridging the gap between teeth. It is an artificial tooth with dental crowns on either side. To insert a dental bridge, a dentist must shave down the natural teeth on both sides of the gap, and then bond the bridge to the natural teeth. Abutments and pontics make up traditional dental bridges, with abutments serving as the connecting structures that support the dental bridge, and pontics being the artificial teeth filling the space left behind by the missing teeth. Beyond traditional bridges, there are cantilever dental bridges which involve a crown only on one end, a Maryland dental bridge that uses metal wings instead of crowns to secure the bridge, and an implant-supported bridge which is similar to a traditional bridge but rests on top of dental implants instead of natural teeth.

Call Us for your Crown & Bridge needs Today!

StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

What is Endodontic Treatment/Root Canal?

The most common endodontic procedure is typically done to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, which is the core layer of the tooth, or the canals holding the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Infection is mostly caused by deep cavities, fractures or cracks, repeated dental treatments or injuries.

If untreated, inflammation or infection could cause severe discomfort, abscess and eventual tooth loss. The symptoms, although different for each individual, include tooth sensitivity, recurrent throbbing pain, tooth discoloration, gum swelling or tenderness deep inside the bone. The symptoms are not always apparent, and an x-ray scan may be required for diagnosis. If the dentist notices any of the signs, they will recommend a root canal procedure to save the tooth, clear infection and alleviate pain.

The root canal treatment is performed by removing the infected pulp, meticulously cleaning the root canals and sealing them off. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, which means you will not feel any pain. The dentist will ensure you are comfortable before initiating the treatment. Generally, the root canal treatment requires a single dental appointment, but more may be necessary depending on your condition. Upon completion, the dentist will send an impression of your teeth to the dental lab so that a dental crown can be created to protect the treated tooth.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

OPERATIVE DENTISTRY/FILLINGS

What are Fillings?

Bacteria eating away at tooth enamel can lead to a hole in the tooth, which is what we commonly call a cavity. Small cavities are routinely repaired with fillings, which is when a dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth with a dental drill and fills the hole with a composite material. This process stops the progression of further decay by sealing the tooth structure. The most common filling material is composite filling, which is tooth-colored and easily matched to other teeth so that they remain unnoticeable. It’s not uncommon for fillings to be replaced after many years of wear and tear, especially if proper oral hygiene isn’t followed or dense foods such as hard candies are consumed regularly.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

INLAYS & ONLAYS

What are Inlays and Onlays?

In certain cases, a cavity is too large for a filling and too small for a crown, requiring an indirect filling. The two types of indirect fillings are inlays and onlays, and both are custom restorations that are permanently bonded into place. Inlays are very similar to fillings but focused within the cusps (bumps) on the tooth’s chewing surface. Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering more than one cusp, and sometimes called “partial crowns.” These alternatives are often used when the patient doesn’t have enough tooth structure to support a filling, but the tooth is not damaged or decayed enough to warrant a crown. Inlays and onlays are very durable, lasting much longer than fillings—often up to 30 years.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

DENTURES & PARTIAL DENTURES

What are Denture & Partial Dentures?

Dentures are a form of teeth replacement used when teeth cannot be restored through the less invasive processes detailed above. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, and partial dentures replace several missing teeth. Traditional dentures are positioned on top of gums and are removable, but patients can also choose implant-supported dentures, which are permanent. Instead of resting on top of the gumlines, implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants and provide more stability. Partial dentures are supported by the gums and remaining teeth. Partial dentures can have metal clasps or now flexible material with no metal present. Dentures are made from plastic with the process performed by a dental laboratory. Dentures are considered the last resort for tooth replacement since it involves oral surgery to remove multiple or all teeth. All other options to save teeth are exhausted before resorting to dentures.

Lastly, at StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, AL, we offer patients the best chance at long-term oral health, restoring a mouth to full function and fixing damaged teeth. Each option detailed above improves an individual’s ability to eat, speak, and chew, and eliminates chronic dental pain. While restorative dentistry differs from cosmetic dentistry, an improved and more confident smile is an added bonus to these procedures.

Call StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, AL, for a consult 205-663-1280

COSMETIC DENTISTRY PROCEDURES

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the overall appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile in general. Cosmetic dental procedures like restorative dentistry may also improve dental function. Services like teeth whitening, dental veneers, implants, and bonding procedures are common cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Detistry?

Who can benefit from cosmetic dental work? Cosmetic teeth can make up a beautiful smile for anyone. Learn more below.

Cosmetic dentistry can be beneficial for most individuals. Cosmetic dental services can transform smiles with teeth gaps, misshaped teeth, tooth misalignment, discoloration, fractures, and many other dental issues. Cosmetic dental services are typically performed after any active dental disease is eliminated, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

In addition to restorative dental procedures as describe above: Implants, Crowns, Fillings/Bonding, Inlays and Onlays can be used in Cosmetic Dentistry. Our Alabaster Dentist also perform the following procedures for Cosmetic Dentistry :

Teeth Whitening
Veneers
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
SureSmile Clear Aligners/Orthodontics

TEETH WHITENING

Professional Teeth Whitening Services in Alabaster, AL

Who doesn’t want a bright, white smile?

Unfortunately, your teeth can be stained by the foods and drinks you consume over the years, as well as through habits such as smoking. While brushing after every meal helps to remove stain-causing particles from your mouth, residual particles still inevitably remain on your teeth and gums. Over time, you may notice your smile becoming less vibrant, which can negatively impact your self-confidence.

The best part is you won’t experience any of the sensitivity that can happen from unsupervised over-the-counter products. You can use this tray system at home, along with 1-2 in-office visits. By the time your whitening is complete, you will be in love with your smile!

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

VENEERS

What are veneers?

Veneers are coverings that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. Technicians use high-quality dental materials, like tooth-colored composite or porcelain, to create them.

Dental veneers are cosmetic in nature. They can conceal a wide range of aesthetic imperfections, including chips, cracks, gaps, tooth discoloration and more.

How do veneers work?

Veneers cover the front surfaces of your teeth to enhance your smile. They work by camouflaging cosmetic flaws.

Who needs dental veneers?

Anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their smile can explore veneers. These dental restorations can camouflage:

Chipped or broken teeth.
Diastema (gaps or spaces in your smile).
Stains that don’t improve with teeth whitening.
Teeth that are too small.
Misshapen teeth.

It’s important to note that veneers are only an option if you’re free of extensive cavities and gum disease. If you have serious oral health issues, you should address those first before exploring cosmetic treatments.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

ESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING

What is Esthetic Crown Lengthening?

Esthetic Crown Lengthening is a surgical procedure in which gum tissue is re-contoured to expose more of the tooth. It is normally performed to improve the health of gum tissue or to prepare the patient’s mouth for a restorative or cosmetic procedure. This procedure can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or the entire gum line to expose a pleasant, aesthetically appealing smile.

Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits. The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening include:

Restoration of Damaged Teeth: Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, as can any trauma and/or decay. Where teeth have been broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damaged teeth.
Cosmetic Uses: Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short and also increase susceptibility to periodontal infections. Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and thus improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
Dental Crowns: Crown lengthening serves to provide more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown. This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once in place.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

Clear Aligners/Orthodontics

Our StoneCreek Dental Care, Alabaster clear aligner treatment offers a modern and effective alternative to traditional braces, utilizing custom-made, transparent aligners to straighten teeth discreetly and efficiently.

This method provides a beautiful smile and also enhances your overall oral health by:

Reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Simplifying oral hygiene routines as the aligners are removable so you can easily brush and floss.
Providing comfort with smooth plastic material compared to brackets and wires that can irritate the gums and cheeks.
Protecting your teeth from grinding and wear patterns throughout treatment.

Our tailored clear aligner solutions are suitable for all ages, focusing on minimizing treatment time and maximizing results.

Benefits of our StoneCreek, Alabaster clear aligners

Invisibility: Clear aligners are almost invisible, offering a discreet treatment option.
Comfort: Custom-fitted to your teeth, clear aligners provide a more comfortable experience than traditional braces.
Removability: Easily remove your aligners for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.
Effective treatment: Ideal for treating a wide range of dental issues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to achieving a perfect smile.
Cost-effective: A valuable investment in your oral health and aesthetics, with payment plans available to fit your budget. Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280

Temporomandibular Joint - "TMJ"

What is TMJ dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunctions are conditions affecting your jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. These conditions can cause several issues, including jaw pain, headaches and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

You might hear people call these conditions TMJ. But “TMJ” refers to your actual jaw joint, while “TMD” stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Another name is temporomandibular joint disorder.

You have two TMJs (temporomandibular joints) — one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. Your TMJs connect your lower jawbone to your skull and help with movements like chewing and speaking.

Between 5% and 12% of the general adult population have some form of TMJ disorder. The condition is twice as common in women. People between the ages of 20 and 40 are most likely to develop TMD.

Types of TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)

Healthcare providers classify TMDs into three categories:

Disorders of your jaw joints.
Disorders of your chewing muscles.
Headaches that result from TMD.

The first video represents a healthy TMJ, the second video is an unhealthy TMJ with a disc displacement.

Call Us Today! StoneCreek Dental Care Alabaster, 205-663-1280