You’ve found Your General Dentist in St. Joseph.

Especially important for new patients, a comprehensive dental exam is Dr. Bratton’s opportunity to get an in-depth understanding of your overall oral health, your individual preferences as a dental patient, and any long-term goals you might have in terms of the appearance of your teeth. A comprehensive exam may result in a recommended course of treatment that Dr. Bratton will map out with you for your consideration. X-rays may be taken, if needed, and a cleaning performed if necessary.

Dr. Bratton and our expert hygienists are highly skilled at probing for signs of oral cancer of the cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, floor and roof of your mouth, looking for visual evidence and feeling for suspicious lumps or growths. Should oral cancer be suspected, Dr. Bratton will refer you to a specialist who can more thoroughly diagnose the condition and suggest a course of treatment.

Bratton Dental Co. uses the latest x-ray technology available:

Digital x-rays that allow Dr. Bratton to immediately show and explain your images.

Panoramic x-rays that provide a wide view of the entire structure of your teeth rows.

Cephalometric x-rays that provide a view of an entire side of your head; used to assess various situations, including broken teeth or jaws, impacted teeth, and jaw position.

TMJ 3D x-rays that use cone beam technology to produce detailed, three- dimensional images of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding muscles to zero in on the TMJ/TMD condition.

Our friendly and skilled hygienists take your oral health seriously. Using state-of-the-art Cavitron dental tools, they perform thorough plaque removal, and intraoral cameras ensuring no tooth surface is left untreated. If you have concerns about discomfort, rest assured that our hygienists are certified to provide local or topical anesthesia for a pain-free experience. Following your dental cleaning in St. Joseph, they offer expert guidance on effective brushing, flossing techniques, and other vital aspects of at-home dental care. Trust us to maintain your smile’s health, leaving you with a fresh, clean, and confident feeling after each visit.

Teeth are what people think of most when it comes to a dental visit, but just as important to your oral health is the condition of your gums. Should you show signs of gum inflammation, or advanced gingivitis gum disease, recommendations may include adding periodontal home care to your routine with mouth rinses, an electric toothbrush, and a Waterpik. Advanced infections may require the use of Arestin, a topical antibiotic.

You’ve probably heard of fluoride in toothpaste commercials all your life. What does fluoride do? It strengthens the enamel of your teeth to make them less vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. Performed for both children and adults, your dental hygienist may recommend fluoride treatments in St. Joseph on an as-needed basis. It’s a simple procedure in which a fluoride varnish is applied to the teeth.

Mouthguards are dental appliances that protect teeth from trauma. Bratton Dental Co. offers two types of custom-made mouthguards: sports mouthguards to protect kids from getting their teeth damaged during those weekend games, and night mouthguards for anyone who needs to contend with ‘sleep bruxism’—a condition in which the teeth are involuntarily clenched or gnashed together while asleep. Bruxism can lead to the pain and stiffness associated with TMJ/TMD.

Children who grow up with oral care as a priority are more likely to maintain good habits. Dr. Bratton’s philosophy of community-focused dentistry includes children as young as 6 months, by which teething has usually begun. Dental Care for children in St. Joseph may include topical fluoride treatments and dental sealants that put a bacteria-fighting barrier on the surface of teeth. Please note that children with special needs are very much welcome at Bratton Dental Co.

If you wake up with unbearable tooth pain, painful swelling, or have an accident that knocks a tooth out your mouth, contact us immediately and we’ll get you in to see Dr. Bratton as soon as possible—on the same day, if we can. If you’re not sure what counts as a dental emergency in St. Joseph, call us and tell us what’s going on. We’ll either set up an appointment, give you some home care instructions, or possibly even tell you to go straight to an emergency room.

Experience the exceptional benefits and comfort of laser dentistry at our St. Joseph practice. Dr. Bratton harnesses the power of laser diode technology to address various oral concerns with precision and care. When dealing with loose gum tissue or bothersome lesions, laser dentistry eliminates the need for incisions, ensuring a minimally invasive procedure. This approach not only safeguards surrounding tissues but also accelerates the healing process, promoting quicker recovery. Say goodbye to the discomfort of traditional methods and embrace the gentle, efficient, and patient-friendly laser dentistry solutions in St. Joseph offered by Dr. Bratton. Your oral health and well-being are our top priorities.