Comprehensive exams are an essential part of our relationship with you! We gather information from digital x-rays, intra-oral pictures, gum disease screenings, and oral cancer exams to help you make informed decisions about your oral health. We believe seeing is believing, which is why we will always share the information we gather and work collaboratively with you toward your goals. Never a lecture!
Dental emergencies happen. We understand! When they do, call us right away. If your emergency occurs during business hours, we will do everything we can to see you that day, especially if you are in pain. If you have an emergency after hours, call our office for contact information so we can assess your situation and determine the best course of action. Your comfort is our priority!
Here are a few tips about what to do if a tooth is knocked out:
Our patients are our neighbors and friends, and their general health is just as important to us as their oral health. This is why we check each and every patient for gum disease at every preventive visit. Gum disease has been linked to heart attack, stroke, and other health conditions, which makes early diagnosis important for overall health. When signs of gum disease are present, we will discuss treatment options with you and work collaboratively to restore your mouth to health and protect your body.
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining a healthy mouth for life! Each hygiene visit includes a thorough dental cleaning and doctor examination. Your comfort is always top priority when you are in our care. We will always listen to your needs and provide you with a comfortable, personalized experience.
Dental x-rays are a powerful tool that allow us to evaluate areas of the teeth, bone, and gums that cannot be seen during a visual exam. Maintaining current x-rays can save you money, aggravation, and discomfort by allowing us to find conditions while they are still small and can often be easily repaired.
Digital X-rays
We offer digital x-rays which provide many advantages. Digital x-rays allow less radiation exposure for patients and do not require chemicals for processing, which is better for the environment. In addition, they offer clearer and more accurate images thus giving us the opportunity to take a more comprehensive approach to your care. These images are stored electronically for easy comparison at each visit.
Panoramic X-rays
Panoramic x-rays let us look at your whole jaw and help us assess your TMJ, plan orthodontic treatments, detect abnormalities, and more. The panoramic x-ray is also digital, allowing you to view your images right in our computerized treatment room.
Did you know that oral cancer often goes undiagnosed until it affects another area of the body? When caught early, the survival rate of oral cancer is highest. For this reason we offer oral cancer screenings at every preventive visit, which includes an intra-oral and extra-oral head & neck exam.
Our patients’ comfort is our number one priority. We listen closely to fears and concerns and work to ensure each patient is at ease. Many of our patients tell us that since they have experienced our compassionate brand of dentistry, their nervousness has completely disappeared.
We offer custom-made mouthguards for protection while participating in sports and for defense against clenching and grinding. When worn during athletic activity, mouthguards protect teeth and decrease the risk of concussions. For people who grind or clench we offer custom guards to be worn while sleeping. Grinding and clenching can do a lot of damage to teeth over time and nightguards can help protect teeth, prevent headaches, and help you get a better night’s sleep.
Both types of mouthguards are designed and created just for you, making them comfortable and easy to wear.
In addition to a solid oral hygiene routine at home that includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, we recommend regular applications of fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps reduce the incidence of decay and sensitivity. We offer topical fluoride treatments to children and adults at every visit. We can also provide take-home fluoride options so you can receive its maximum benefit. We will discuss how fluoride treatments can help you and create a personalized schedule to follow.
Dr. Boucher is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the only non-profit professional association dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine. She received the designation of "Qualified Dentist" by the AADSM in 2017, and has begun the journey toward board certification with the AADSM Mastery Program.
Dr. Boucher helps treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, an effective treatment that is covered by most insurance plans. AADSM membership provides Dr. Boucher with access to educational resources and practice management tools that help her better serve University Hills Dental patients by providing the highest quality of care in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. For more information about AADSM, visit www.aadsm.org.
Dr. Boucher is also a member of the Wisconsin Sleep Society, which provides educational and scientific resources to Sleep Professionals like Dr. Boucher in the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Sleep Society promotes increased awareness of sleep medicine and sleep disorder treatments and provides education in sleep disorders and sleep medicine.
From simple fillings to more complex treatment, we are here to help you. We offer the latest treatments and the most innovative technologies. If you have been looking for a way to find the care you need at a pace that feels comfortable, talk to us about how we can help develop a treatment plan that is just right for you.
When a tooth is decayed, chipped, or fractured, we use tooth-colored fillings to restore health and function. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite material which are color-matched to your other teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are strong, long-lasting replacements to the older mercury-containing amalgam fillings.
Finally, an alternative to drilling and filling. This new method of treating tooth decay may make the pain, and expense, of traditional treatments obsolete. SDF is a fast, low-cost, no-needle, no-drill alternative to treating cavities. SDF can also be used to treat sensitivity.
Learn more about Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) »
Crowns are a protective covering for a tooth that has been compromised by decay, fracture, or root canal treatment. Crowns are custom made to match your other teeth in size, shape, and shade. Crowns look and feel like natural teeth and are a reliable way to prevent tooth loss when a tooth is damaged.
Missing teeth can be replaced by a series of connected crowns known as a bridge. A bridge does the work its name describes – it uses a series of crowns to fill a gap. One or more crowns fill the space created by the missing tooth or teeth while two supporting crowns are bonded to the teeth on either side of the space. The result? A beautiful, reliable replacement that will return you to full function.
Partial dentures are an option for replacing missing teeth, especially if they are missing in more than one area. Partial dentures fit similarly to a retainer. They are easily taken in and out for cleaning or as desired. Custom fitted to your mouth and custom matched to your other teeth, there are a couple of options available to replace missing teeth and get you smiling with confidence.
The Valplast® flexible partial is lightweight, comfortable, and typically a bit more cost effective than traditional partials. Valplast® is a very popular option with many of our patients.
A second option is a traditional partial which is made from high-quality acrylics and porcelains. Custom designed to match your natural smile, a traditional partial will restore functionality to your mouth. Traditional partials often lasting longer than Valplast.
Our team understands there are many considerations to take when you’re thinking about replacing missing teeth. We are happy to spend the time needed to help you make an informed decision that is best for you.
For people who need to replace a full arch of teeth, full dentures are a reliable option. Full dentures are typically made of acrylic and are custom designed for the best fit and appearance for you. We know this process can be both exciting and challenging so we will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Dental implants are a surgical replacement option for missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post that is placed in the bone and acts just like your natural root. A porcelain crown is then placed on top of the post just like the crown of your natural tooth. These tooth replacements can replace one—or all—of your missing teeth, reliably, comfortably, and beautifully.
Our team works with a team of specialists who will complete the surgical portion of the implant process. Following a healing period, you will return to our office to have the implant crown added to create a natural-looking, fully-functional tooth. The advantages of dental implants are many and include longevity, natural function, and ease of cleaning.
When the need arises for a tooth to be extracted, Dr. Boucher will evaluate the condition and circumstances carefully and decide the best course of treatment for you. Many extractions can be done in our office, and in the case of surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, you will be referred to a trusted specialist who will care for you. Dr. Boucher will discuss all conditions and options with you and help you make the best decision.
Inlays and onlays are custom-designed porcelain restorations designed to match your natural tooth color. An inlay will generally be used to replace a corner of a tooth or area across the chewing surface of your tooth. An onlay generally covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth. These restorations are used for various conditions including large cavities.
Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that are color- and shape-matched to your teeth and then permanently bonded to the fronts of your smiling teeth. They produce a dramatic result and are a permanent cosmetic treatment. If your teeth are cracked, chipped, worn down, deeply discolored, or uneven, ask us about veneers. Your smile will thank you!
We offer take-home whitening trays to whiten and brighten your smile. Take-home whitening is the most effective and long lasting way to whiten your teeth. Our take-home system includes custom-fabricated trays to perfectly fit your teeth. You also receive whitening gel and a storage case for your trays.
When it comes to straightening your teeth, there is an alternative to traditional braces—Invisalign. It’s so easy to use, and we think you will love the freedom Invisalign offers!
Invisalign provides the same results as the brackets and wires of traditional braces but is removable and virtually invisible. Invisalign treatment utilizes clear, BPA-free plastic aligners custom designed for you.
The aligners are comfortable and easy to use. We recommend wearing them 20-22 hours a day for the best, most efficient result. You are able to take them out to eat, brush and floss, and they can also be removed for special occasions or public performances.
When you start your smile transformation, you will receive a few sets of aligners at a time and change them out every two weeks. We will track your progress approximately every six weeks and provide you with the next set of aligners at each appointment. You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy your smile transformation will be!
To schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation, please call our office at 608-238-8228.
Dr. Liberty Boucher is proud to maintain memberships & foster affiliations with a variety of professional organizations not only in dentistry and oral health, but also with a commitment to the treatment of sleep apnea.
In addition to the above, Dr. Boucher is a member of the Wisconsin Sleep Society, the Chicago Dental Society, and the local Spear Education Study Club.
© 2016, University Hills Dental