READ ABOUT OUR COVID19 PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS
Our office is full service for any of your dental needs. There are some procedures we do really well and may need some explanation. You’ll find each procedure and it’s description on this page.
Initial Exam and Cleaning
Dr Chronister believes in building a foundation of care with a careful, detailed examination, then a well thought-out treatment plan. We don't practice one-size-fits-all dentistry. Every routine exam includes a careful head and neck cancer exam to make sure all your tissues are normal and healthy. Our cleanings emphasize patient education: Clean a patient's teeth and they are clean for a day, teach them how to brush and floss, and they are clean for a lifetime.
Fillings
Dr Chronister hasn't done any silver/mercury fillings since 1987 and has done only tooth-colored, adhesive fillings since. We use only the latest, best materials and techniques to assure your fillings will serve you well.
Crowns and Bridges
Dr, Chronister is striving to minimize use of metals in his patients. He currently uses computer-milled Zirconia crowns on back teeth and similarly made Lithium Dicilicate (e-Max) crowns on front teeth. We also offer the time-proven quality and reliability of gold, for patients that prefer gold.
Root Canals
Most root canal treatments are simple and have minimal discomfort. Dr Chronister does root canal work on all front teeth and most back teeth. Occasionally, if a tooth appears to have complications, he has a good working relationship with the root canal specialists in town and will make a referral to make care you get a good outcome.
Teeth in One Day
This is a general term for a procedure in which failing old teeth are removed, implants placed, and permanent implant-supported bridgework all happens in one sitting. There are numerous specific methods and brands that can be used. Please call for a consultation to find out the details.
Dentures and partials
Dr Chronister is a member of the American Prosthodontic Society, which is the world's largest professional organization that studies this type of dentistry. He has a special interest and enjoyment of denture work.
Even though he is not a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr Chronister frequently receives referrals from other dentists in town to do denture work.
Orthodontics
Dr Chronister does minor tooth straightening using retainers, but for full braces, he utilizes the services of orthodontists, such as Dr Scott Edmonds, who has special training and great skill in the field.
Pedodontics (children's dentistry)
Dr chronister welcomes children, but limits his treatment of kids to cleanings, check-ups and minor filling work. If there is any major work needed, he refers to the best children's specialists in town.
Oral Surgery
Dr Chronister does minimal surgical procedures, such as simple extractions. For all multiple extraction situations, or any other surgical procedures, he works with all the oral surgery offices in town for major surgery and implant work.
Periodontics (gum disease treatment)
Dr Chronister provides full range of care to prevent and treat early stages of gum disease, but for advanced gum disease, he refers to local periodontists.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr Chronister enjoys brightening patient's smiles with tooth whitening and cosmetic bonding. This procedure involves sculpting new color and contours on the front teeth using a tooth-colored ("white") putty (composite resin) that hardens to enamel-like strength. This can be done in one appointment to correct and beautify discolored and misalligned teeth.
TMJ treatment
TMJ syndrome is a dysfunction of the jaw joints that causes popping, clicking, tightness, limitation of movement and pain the the jaw joints. Although this is a very challenging condition to treat, and often has no complete or permanent cure, Dr Chronister's patients have enjoyed good results with his treatment of this syndrome. This typically involves creation of an acrylic appliance to wear over the teeth, a full bite analysis, and in some cases, minor reshaping of the chewing surfaces of the teeth if warranted to allow the teeth to fit together properly.
Snoring and sleep apnea
There is a large body of evidence that a properly-fitted oral appliance that positions the jaw open and forward can help hold open the airway while a person sleeps. This reduces the constriction of the airway that causes snoring and sleep apnea. The "gold standard" for sleep apnea is still CPAP (a breathing machine), but for minor cases, the oral appliance can work well. Dr Chronister has had experience treating many patients with such problems.