Advanced Dental Services & Technologies

TMJ Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small body part with a big name, as well as a big purpose – it serves as the connection between a person’s skull and lower jaw. Without it, you couldn’t chew food, speak properly, or even yawn. Unfortunately, severe jaw pain and chronic headaches can occur if the TMJ falls victim to dysfunction or strain in the nearby facial muscles. Dr. Lawton is capable of not only diagnosing the presence of a TMJ disorder, but providing effective therapies like occlusal (bite) adjustment and custom-made occlusal splints to restore harmony to the oral structures.

CEREC One-Day Dental Crowns

Traditionally, new dental crowns and other restorations require at least two appointments to create – one for the impressions and the design, and another for the final placement. CEREC technology cuts down on this time without cutting out any of the quality our patients deserve! You can walk into our Houston office with an incomplete tooth and walk out with a new, custom-made restoration with no waiting required.

Learn More About CEREC One-Day Crowns

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder that occurs when a patient is regularly experiencing interruptions in their breathing throughout the night, likely because of a blocked airway. If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a trained dentist like Dr. Lawton may actually be your best choice for successful, long-term therapy. Our practice offers custom-made oral appliances that help to reposition a patient’s jaw and/or tongue comfortably to prevent chronic blockage.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Most people know nitrous oxide by a different name – laughing gas. This mild sedative can be very helpful for patients who feel nervous or uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair. The process is simple: our team will cover your nose with a mask that administers the gas mixed with oxygen. After a few minutes of breathing it in, a strong sense of comfort and contentment should come over a patient that helps them fully relax during their procedure. Once our work is done and the mask is removed, recovery happens quickly. This means that patients can get back to work or drive themselves home without a lengthy wait.

Intraoral Cameras

Intraoral cameras are important diagnostic tools that can help both our team and our patients achieve a much clearer understanding of their unique oral health needs. This technology comes in the form of a wand that is inserted into the mouth that can capture high-resolution images of the teeth, oral tissue, and other oral structures. We can then display these images on a monitor in the operatory, effectively putting your smile up on the big screen! This visual aid will come in handy as Dr. Lawton explains any findings or areas of concern following your examination.

Digital X-Rays

X-rays are a vital part of diagnosing dental problems – after all, there is a lot of valuable information about your oral health that just isn’t accessible to the naked eye. Here in Houston, Dr. Lawton only uses digital radiography for a more comfortable and efficient process. There’s no need for darkrooms or hazardous chemicals, as images are developed instantly after capture. Plus, any radiation exposure is reduced by up to 80% for added patient safety.

Digital Impression System

We’re all used to the traditional process of having a dental impression made for restorative work – the patient sits still and tries not to gag while a tray of goopy material is pressed over their teeth. Thankfully, there’s a better method available at our practice. With CEREC technology, the impression process is simplified down to a few, no-contact scans of a patient’s mouth, and overall accuracy is improved as well. The result? Higher quality and longer-lasting smile improvements!

Soft Tissue Laser

When treating gum tissue for periodontal disease or aesthetic reasons, a gentle and precise touch is essential. That’s why Dr. Lawton uses his state-of-the-art soft tissue laser at every opportunity to deliver the ideal treatment experience. Unlike traditional scalpels, this technology can sterilize and eliminate unneeded tissue while preserving healthy structure, and common post-operative symptoms like bleeding or swelling are reduced to the absolute minimum. Laser procedures are so comfortable that many patients don’t require any local anesthesia.

3D Cone-Beam Imaging

When planning advanced treatments like root canal therapy, extraction, or surgical dental implant placement, Dr. Lawton does not want to leave anything up to chance. That’s why he utilizes 3D Cone-Beam Imaging technology, which creates panoramic, three-dimensional images of a patient’s oral structures in perfect detail. By dissecting these images beforehand, we can ensure a highly accurate and precise procedure.