Service overview
Our Services
Burlington Family Dental offers comprehensive dental care for your entire family, From Preventive care to advanced treatments, Dr. Hickson and our experienced team are here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
Burlington Family Dental Services
Same Day Crowns
CEREC same day crowns allow Dr. Hickson to design, create, and place custom dental crowns in one appointment without temporaries or multiple visits. Our in-office crown technology uses digital impressions and precision milling to deliver permanent ceramic crowns the same day for cracked teeth, large fillings, and root canal restorations. Same day crowns, also called CEREC crowns, are created using advanced CAD/CAM technology right here in our office - no temporary crown needed. The entire process typically takes just 2-3 hours, allowing you to leave with a permanent, beautiful crown in one visit. The high-quality ceramic material is extremely durable, matches your natural teeth perfectly, and with proper care can last 10-15 years or longer. You avoid the inconvenience of multiple appointments and get immediate relief and restoration of function.
Learn More →Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can't wait, and neither should you. Dr. Hickson provides prompt, compassionate emergency dental care for situations like severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, and soft tissue injuries. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day, often within hours, because we understand that quick action can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Our team will guide you through immediate care steps over the phone and get you in for treatment as quickly as possible. Whether your emergency occurs during office hours or after, we're here to help relieve your pain and address your urgent dental needs.
Learn More →Pediatric Dentistry
We love caring for our youngest patients and helping them develop healthy dental habits that last a lifetime. Dr. Hickson provides gentle, compassionate pediatric dental care in a kid-friendly environment where children feel safe and comfortable. We recommend that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Our pediatric services include gentle cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, cavity treatment, and education on proper brushing and flossing techniques. We make dental visits fun and positive experiences, so many children actually look forward to seeing us. Early dental care establishes a dental home, allows us to monitor development, and gives parents valuable guidance on caring for their child's teeth.
Learn More →Dental Extractions
While we always strive to save your natural teeth, sometimes extraction is the best choice for your overall oral health. Dr. Hickson performs both simple and surgical extractions with gentle technique and effective anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Extractions may be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged by decay or trauma, infected beyond repair, causing crowding, or impacted like wisdom teeth. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and minimal discomfort. Most patients find the procedure much easier than they expected, and we'll discuss tooth replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile's function and appearance.
Learn More →Root Canals
Root canal therapy saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or severe decay. Despite their reputation, modern root canals are comfortable procedures that relieve pain rather than cause it. Dr. Hickson uses advanced techniques and effective anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable throughout the treatment. During a root canal, we remove infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal them to prevent future infection. The tooth is then restored with a crown to protect it and restore full function. Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 95% and allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always preferable to extraction. Most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Learn More →Laser Dentistry
Burlington Family Dental uses state-of-the-art laser technology to provide more comfortable, precise, and minimally invasive dental treatments. Dr. Hickson employs advanced dental lasers for procedures including gum disease treatment, cavity preparation, soft tissue reshaping, treatment of cold sores and canker sores, and biopsies. Laser dentistry offers numerous advantages over traditional methods including less pain and discomfort, reduced need for anesthesia, minimized bleeding and swelling, faster healing times, lower risk of infection, and greater precision. Many laser procedures require little or no anesthesia, and patients typically report a more comfortable experience overall. Laser technology is safe for patients of all ages and can make dental visits easier for anxious patients and children.
Learn More →Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems. Dr. Hickson's skilled hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can't eliminate, especially from below the gumline and between teeth. During your cleaning appointment, we'll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the surfaces, floss between all teeth, and may apply fluoride treatment for added protection. The cleaning is followed by a comprehensive examination to check for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. Most patients benefit from professional cleanings every six months, though we may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease or other specific needs. Regular cleanings help you maintain a fresh, clean smile and support your overall health.
Learn More →Dry Mouth Treatment
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is more than just uncomfortable - it significantly increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections because saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria. Dr. Hickson provides comprehensive dry mouth diagnosis and treatment to improve your comfort and protect your oral health. We'll help identify the underlying cause, which may include medications, medical conditions, or other factors, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options include prescription saliva substitutes, medications to stimulate saliva production, fluoride treatments to prevent decay, and lifestyle modifications. We'll also recommend special oral care products designed for dry mouth and may suggest more frequent dental visits to monitor for early signs of decay. Proper management can significantly improve your quality of life.
Learn More →Oral Cancer Screenings
Early detection of oral cancer can save lives, which is why Dr. Hickson includes a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every regular dental examination. During the screening, we carefully examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, throat, and neck for any unusual lumps, sores, discoloration, or other abnormalities that could indicate cancer or precancerous conditions. The screening is quick, painless, and takes just a few minutes, but it provides invaluable peace of mind. When oral cancer is detected early, treatment is often more successful with better outcomes and fewer complications. We recommend screenings every six months for most patients, with more frequent screenings for those with higher risk factors such as tobacco use or heavy alcohol consumption. If we find any areas of concern, we'll coordinate appropriate follow-up care to ensure you receive prompt treatment.
Learn More →Bonding & White Fillings
Dr. Hickson uses tooth-colored composite resin for both dental bonding and fillings, providing beautiful, natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your smile. White fillings repair cavities while maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth, and they're completely mercury-free. Dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic procedure that can repair chipped or cracked teeth, close small gaps, reshape irregular teeth, cover stains or discoloration, and protect exposed tooth roots. Both treatments bond directly to your tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth than traditional methods and providing excellent strength and durability. With proper care, white fillings typically last 7-10 years or longer. The procedures are comfortable, usually completed in a single visit, and most dental insurance plans cover white fillings at the same rate as traditional silver fillings.
Learn More →Digital X-Rays
Burlington Family Dental uses advanced digital X-ray technology to provide safer, faster, and more accurate dental imaging. Dr. Hickson relies on digital radiography to diagnose cavities, infections, bone loss, and other dental issues that aren't visible during a visual examination. Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays - comparable to the amount of radiation you're exposed to during a short airplane flight. The images appear on a screen within seconds, allowing us to review them with you immediately, and can be enhanced and magnified for superior diagnostic accuracy. Digital X-rays are stored electronically in your patient record, making them easily accessible for future reference and simple to share with specialists if needed. We only take X-rays when medically necessary and use protective lead aprons to ensure your safety.
Learn More →Dentures
Dr. Hickson creates custom dentures that look natural and restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. We offer both full dentures (which replace all teeth in an arch) and partial dentures (which replace some teeth while preserving your remaining natural teeth). Modern dentures are carefully designed to complement your facial features and match your natural appearance - most people won't be able to tell you're wearing dentures. The denture process typically takes several weeks and multiple appointments to ensure proper fit and appearance. We'll take precise impressions, determine the proper bite and fit, and allow you to try a temporary version before creating your final dentures. With proper care, dentures typically last 5-10 years, and we'll monitor them at regular checkups to make necessary adjustments. We can also discuss implant-supported dentures for superior stability and retention.
Learn More →Night Guards
If you wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or have worn or chipped teeth, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. Dr. Hickson creates custom-fitted night guards that protect your teeth from damage and reduce strain on your jaw while you sleep. Unlike one-size-fits-all store-bought options, our custom night guards are precisely molded to fit your unique dental structure, providing superior comfort, protection, and durability. Night guards act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage and reducing strain on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Many patients experience significant relief from jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ symptoms after starting to use a properly fitted night guard. With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts 3-5 years and is a worthwhile investment in preventing costly dental damage.
Learn More →Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, and it's one of the most common oral health problems affecting adults. Dr. Hickson provides comprehensive periodontal care to treat and prevent both gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Early-stage gingivitis is completely reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care, but advanced periodontitis requires more intensive treatment. We offer scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth root surfaces to help gums reattach to teeth. Treatment also addresses the underlying causes and risk factors including smoking, diabetes, and inadequate oral hygiene. Research shows strong links between gum disease and serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, so treating gum disease is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Regular periodontal maintenance visits help keep gum disease under control.
Learn More →Jaw Pain (TMJ) Treatment
TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) causes pain, clicking, popping, limited movement, and difficulty chewing that can significantly impact your quality of life. Dr. Hickson provides expert diagnosis and treatment for TMJ problems caused by teeth grinding, jaw injury, arthritis, stress, or bite misalignment. We typically start with conservative, non-invasive treatments including custom night guards to prevent grinding, medications for pain and inflammation, physical therapy exercises, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Night guards are particularly effective for TMJ disorder when teeth grinding or clenching contributes to symptoms, as they cushion your teeth and reduce stress on the jaw joint. Most patients experience significant improvement with these conservative approaches. Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of your condition, but many patients notice relief within weeks. Early treatment can prevent TMJ disorder from worsening and provide faster, more complete relief.
Learn More →Ready to Experience Exceptional Dental Care?
Contact Burlington Family Dental today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Hickson. We're here to help you and your family achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
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