Dr. Tony L. Ratliff is from Fairmount, Indiana. He attended Purdue University before graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1994. Dr. Ratliff and his partners own five dental offices in central Indiana.
Dr. Ratliff has received advanced training in Sedation Dentistry and has been doing various forms of Sedation Dentistry for over 11 years. He now focuses much of his time on people who have dental anxiety or a fear of dentists.
"Sedation Dentistry is wonderful! Many of my patients would not have their dentistry done any other way. Patients take a little pill, become totally relaxed and usually drift off to sleep. We do our work and when they wake up they hardly remember a thing -what a concept." Dr. Tony Ratliff
Dr. Tony Ratlff practices cosmetic and general dentistry at Stony Creek Dentistry in Noblesville, Indiana with his wife Dr. Kathy Ratliff. Dr. Kathy Ratliff is an Orthodontists and specializes in Braces. They have three children.
Dr. Ratliff is member of the American Dental Association and the Indiana District Dental Society.
At indy SEDATION DENTISTRY we provide a full range of restorative, cosmetic and orthodontic services. In addition, we place a strong emphasis on preventing dental disease and educating our patients on the value of good oral health. Changing your SMILE can change your LIFE!
Preventive Dentistry - We are committed to preventing dental disease in all its forms. As partners in striving for your optimum dental health, we will educate you about the latest products, techniques, and information to help you prevent dental disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime.
A major aspect of preventive dentistry is the prevention of disease of the gums and supporting bone structure. Scientific research continues to support the direct relationship between gum disease and serious systemic diseases. The same bacteria that cause periodontal disease enter the blood stream and are directly associated with systemic diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and premature low birth weight babies.
Teeth Whitening - Many of our patients voice their concern about darkening teeth, perhaps because of aging, smoking, coffee or medications. Whitening teeth is a straightforward procedure to brighten your smile - relatively inexpensive, quick and safe. We custom design mouth tray, then get you started in the office showing you how to use the whitening gel. You take home the tray and whitening kit and lighten your teeth at home. Improvement is usually seen in 10 to 14 days. You'll notice a difference in no time - and so will everyone else.
Smile Design - A healthy attractive smile is an important facet of life. It has an impact on your health, self-esteem, and relationships both professional and personal. You may not like the shape or color of your teeth. Your concern might be gaps or missing teeth. Your gum line might be unusual. Each individual that comes to see us has unique concerns and the dentist will use the artistry of smile design and empress crowns and/or veneers to design the perfect smile just for you.
Bridges - Sometimes people lose teeth or multiple teeth in a row. If a span of teeth is missing, it can be bridged. The news about bridges is that, thanks to twenty-first century technology and advanced materials, they are more natural looking, longer lasting, and easier to place than ever before. Bridges, which have been used for hundreds of years, are the classic option for replacing up to four teeth missing in a row, whether it’s in the front of the mouth or on one side.
Veneers - Veneers are much like the facing on a fine cabinet or a fingernail applied by a manicurist. They are thin shells of porcelain applied to the outside of a tooth to change size, shape, color or alignment. They are strong, durable and offer the most solution to many cosmetic problems. Often treatment is completed in 2 or 3 visits. Some call veneers "instant orthodontics," the effect is so dramatic. Between us, we'll discover your concerns and design a solution that's best for you.
Tooth-Colored Fillings - Silver fillings are becoming a thing of the past. Strong synthetic resins are bonded to the teeth to fill small cavities and fix chips beautifully. Tooth-colored fillings also known as "bonding" are strong and durable. They restore teeth to their original natural appearance.
Periodontal Treatment - The most beautiful smile won't endure unless the supporting gum tissues are healthy. Gum tissue that is pink and firm helps keep your teeth strong, insuring the best possible long-term result. A thorough periodontal assessment is a key part of a good oral health evaluation. It helps us determine the condition of the underlying foundation before any dental care is initiated. Unhealthy gums will not support healthy teeth. Should problem areas be discovered, appropriate treatment will be recommended.
Porcelain Onlays and Crowns - It is now possible to use tooth-colored materials to restore teeth instead of silver fillings that were once used. These newer composite and porcelain materials are similar to natural tooth enamel, are wear resistant, and restore teeth to their original appearance. Porcelain onlays and crown not only bond to the tooth structure strengthening the teeth and making them more resistant to fracture, but also cosmetically blend into the existing tooth enamel. Usually treatment is more conservative because less tooth structure needs to be removed.
Sealants - Dental sealants are a coating of resin, applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This coating forms a barrier between your teeth and plaque: the sticky, decay-causing film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. Sealants make it harder for plaque to adhere to the small grooves in teeth. This, in turn, reduces your risk of getting cavities. Dental sealants appear to be most effective on newly erupted teeth. However, we evaluate each case individually to see if sealants are right for you.
Gold Crowns - On molar teeth we often recommend gold crowns because they have the longest clinical track record for replacing broken teeth or teeth that previously had large fillings. The fundamental reason for needing a crown is to preserve a tooth that is structurally compromised. A gold crown holds the tooth together and is one of your best bets for restoring the natural shape and strength of your tooth.
TMJ - The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that attaches the jaw to the skull. Often times, the bite becomes unbalanced and goes out of alignment, like the wheel on a car. Signs of misalignment include broken teeth, excessive tooth wear, loose teeth, facial muscles that hurt and TM joints that click or pop. TMJ disorders can often be treated by relaxing the muscles and realigning the bite. Establishing joint harmony and comfort will insure the best possible long-term aesthetic result.
Implants - A remarkable advancement in dental science, implants are permanent restorations anchored in the jaw, used to replace missing teeth. They can replace a single missing tooth or fully restore a segment where multiple teeth are missing. They are an attractive alternative to more traditional removable appliances, providing greater stability and security and giving the patient the natural feeling of their own teeth.
Orthodontics (Braces) - Orthodontics means more than a beautiful smile: it means a healthy smile, too. Also know as braces, orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with correctly positioned teeth, jaw bones, jaw joints and chewing muscles. Now people of all ages can enjoy healthier teeth and gums and a better bite for normal chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
Endodontics (Root Canals) - Endodontic (Root Canal) Therapy is the removal of the pulp tissue from the tooth. The pulp tissue refers to the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth. Endodontic Therapy may be necessary to save your natural tooth if the pulp tissue is irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep fillings, tooth fracture or trauma, or periodontal disease. Using the latest technology, dentists are able to complete endodontic treatment comfortably and in much less time than previously possible.
Natural-Looking Dentures - For people who are missing most or all of their teeth a partial or full denture may be appropriate to replace them. Although a fixed denture or bridge is usually the preferred method of replacing teeth, many patients will often choose a denture. The good news is that our dentists have had many years of experience making natural looking dentures. We can usually make your new denture in as little as three appointments.
Instant Orthodontics - There are times when wearing braces is the only option. However, there are many times when cosmetic dentistry can offer an alternative to years of orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth can be straightened, gaps can be closed, and crowded teeth aligned often in as few as two or three dental visits. If wearing braces is not the treatment you desire, perhaps instant orthodontics is for you. With beautiful empress veneers and crowns we can give you the smile you have always wanted.
It's All About Choice - Any number of these features can be combined to create a plan that's best for you. This is our concept of comprehensive care. We consider your health, your appearance and your personal goals. Once we've had the opportunity to examine you and discuss your concerns, we'll give you all the information you need to make a decision that's comfortable for you. Together, we'll create a care plan that will keep you looking and feeling your best.