Letrish Thomas, Dr.
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Letrisha A Thomas DDS PC
2600 Forum Boulevard Suite B2
Columbia, MO 65203
About
Letrish Thomas, Dr.
We are here to provide comprehensive and caring dental care to you and your family and are always open to see new patients who want superior dental care. We have experience treating patients from all dental backgrounds and make every effort to make your appointment as informative and comfortable as possible.
Primary Specialty
Dentist
Gender
Female
Services
Cleanings and oral hygiene- It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your smile looking good and your mouth and body feeling good as well. In order to maintain good oral hygiene you should:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily
Limit snacks and sugary/acidic drinks between meals
Visit your dentist for professional cleanings and oral exams twice per year
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Scaling and Root Planing- The process of removing dental plaque and calculus (tarter) that causes inflammation and bone loss. This is a deep cleaning for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. The patient is given local anesthetic on the side of the mouth we are working on so either a dentist or dental hygienst can get below the gums to clean out plaque and calculus (tarter) that is harboring bacteria and encouraging disease, thus helping the patient get to a disease free state. After SRP, patient will have periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months at dentist discretion.
Sealants- A coating placed in narrow or deep grooves and pits of a tooth where a toothbrush can't reach. This protects it from becoming cavitated due to food getting trapped in these deep spaces.
Fillings- The process of removing damaged tooth structure and decay from a tooth and replacing it with a filling material. We use composite filling material which is a tooth colored resin (plastic) material placed in a tooth after we remove decay (cavity) from the tooth. This helps keep bacteria out of the tooth.
A filling may become too large and compromise the strength of the tooth, in this case the tooth will need a crown (also referred to as a "cap").
A filling can become too close to the nerve of the tooth and the tooth would then need to be treated with a root canal.
Root Canals- The process of removing infected pulp (blood vessels and nerves) from the tooth to eliminate infection and prevent bacteria from invading the tooth further. You are numb during this procedure and most patients have little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Most teeth require a crown after a root canal to protect the tooth.
Extractions- While the dentist will make every effort to save a tooth there are instances when a tooth may need to be extracted (pulled). Some reasons your tooth may need to be extracted:
Severe decay
Infection or abcess
Fractured tooth or root
Advanced Periodontal disease
Orthodontic correction
Impacted teeth
Crowns and Bridges- Crowns and bridges are used to restore and strengthen a damaged tooth or replace missing teeth. Crowns (aka "caps") can be used to cover damaged teeth and restore strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are often used:
To prevent a weakened tooth from fracturing or restore an already fractured tooth
Replace a large filling where little tooth structure remains
To restore a dental implant
To cover and protect a tooth that has had a root canal
To cover a discolored or malformed tooth
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth by using the teeth on either side of the space for support. Crowns and bridges can be made of a variety of materials, talk to your dentist about which one is right for you.
Veneers-A procedure to cover only the portion of the tooth seen when smiling or talking. These can be direct or indirect. Direct method involves bonding composite resin to the tooth in the office. Indirect involves taking impressions after preparation of the tooth then placing a temporary covering over the tooth or teeth. In approximately 2 weeks the veneers return from the laboratory, the temporary is removed and the veneer is bonded onto the tooth. The laboratory fabricated veneers can be made of porcelain or pressed ceramic for a good esthetic appearance.
Partials-This is a removable option to replace missing teeth. It can be metal or resin based, which will depend on various factors your dentist finds in your mouth. Talk with your dentist about your options.
Dentures-This is an option to replace all teeth in your mouth. While all attempts will be made by the dentist to maintain natural teeth, there are cases when having your natural teeth removed and dentures made to replace them is better for you. Talk with your dentist about your options.
In office teeth whitening-We offer Sinsational Smiles, an in office whitening procedure that takes 20 minutes. You also get a take home portion to continue whitening at home if you desire. Most people see 1-2 shades difference immediately but results will vary by individual. Talk with your dentist about whether in office or at home whitening is right for you.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily
Limit snacks and sugary/acidic drinks between meals
Visit your dentist for professional cleanings and oral exams twice per year
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Scaling and Root Planing- The process of removing dental plaque and calculus (tarter) that causes inflammation and bone loss. This is a deep cleaning for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. The patient is given local anesthetic on the side of the mouth we are working on so either a dentist or dental hygienst can get below the gums to clean out plaque and calculus (tarter) that is harboring bacteria and encouraging disease, thus helping the patient get to a disease free state. After SRP, patient will have periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months at dentist discretion.
Sealants- A coating placed in narrow or deep grooves and pits of a tooth where a toothbrush can't reach. This protects it from becoming cavitated due to food getting trapped in these deep spaces.
Fillings- The process of removing damaged tooth structure and decay from a tooth and replacing it with a filling material. We use composite filling material which is a tooth colored resin (plastic) material placed in a tooth after we remove decay (cavity) from the tooth. This helps keep bacteria out of the tooth.
A filling may become too large and compromise the strength of the tooth, in this case the tooth will need a crown (also referred to as a "cap").
A filling can become too close to the nerve of the tooth and the tooth would then need to be treated with a root canal.
Root Canals- The process of removing infected pulp (blood vessels and nerves) from the tooth to eliminate infection and prevent bacteria from invading the tooth further. You are numb during this procedure and most patients have little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Most teeth require a crown after a root canal to protect the tooth.
Extractions- While the dentist will make every effort to save a tooth there are instances when a tooth may need to be extracted (pulled). Some reasons your tooth may need to be extracted:
Severe decay
Infection or abcess
Fractured tooth or root
Advanced Periodontal disease
Orthodontic correction
Impacted teeth
Crowns and Bridges- Crowns and bridges are used to restore and strengthen a damaged tooth or replace missing teeth. Crowns (aka "caps") can be used to cover damaged teeth and restore strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are often used:
To prevent a weakened tooth from fracturing or restore an already fractured tooth
Replace a large filling where little tooth structure remains
To restore a dental implant
To cover and protect a tooth that has had a root canal
To cover a discolored or malformed tooth
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth by using the teeth on either side of the space for support. Crowns and bridges can be made of a variety of materials, talk to your dentist about which one is right for you.
Veneers-A procedure to cover only the portion of the tooth seen when smiling or talking. These can be direct or indirect. Direct method involves bonding composite resin to the tooth in the office. Indirect involves taking impressions after preparation of the tooth then placing a temporary covering over the tooth or teeth. In approximately 2 weeks the veneers return from the laboratory, the temporary is removed and the veneer is bonded onto the tooth. The laboratory fabricated veneers can be made of porcelain or pressed ceramic for a good esthetic appearance.
Partials-This is a removable option to replace missing teeth. It can be metal or resin based, which will depend on various factors your dentist finds in your mouth. Talk with your dentist about your options.
Dentures-This is an option to replace all teeth in your mouth. While all attempts will be made by the dentist to maintain natural teeth, there are cases when having your natural teeth removed and dentures made to replace them is better for you. Talk with your dentist about your options.
In office teeth whitening-We offer Sinsational Smiles, an in office whitening procedure that takes 20 minutes. You also get a take home portion to continue whitening at home if you desire. Most people see 1-2 shades difference immediately but results will vary by individual. Talk with your dentist about whether in office or at home whitening is right for you.
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