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The Best Way to Restore a Large Cavity

No one likes to hear that they have a cavity but if one does develop, it’s important to treat it as early as possible with the right method. There are two main ways that a cavity can be restored: fillings or crowns. When it comes to large cavities, crowns are often the better option.

Why Choose a Crown Instead of a Filling? 

Restoring a cavity requires the removal of the infected or decayed tooth material. Smaller cavities can be treated with fillings since there is enough structure left to support the tooth. However, for large cavities, significant removal of the tooth material is needed to successfully clear away all the decayed matter. If the tooth does not have enough structure on its own, a filling might actually weaken the tooth and not give it the strength it needs. This could cause the tooth to crack or completely chip away, leading to larger complications

The Benefits of Crowns 

Fillings work just like their name sounds. A composite material is placed into the grooves of the teeth to seal off the inner layers and strengthen a cracked or decayed tooth. While fillings are a beneficial treatment, they aren’t always the best option for larger cavities. Instead, a dental crown might be needed. Rather than filling in a hole or deep crack in the tooth, crowns fit like a cap over the tooth’s surface. This gives the remaining tooth the structure and support needed to hold pressure when biting or chewing. Since crowns completely cover the tooth, they also have a better seal to keep out cavity-causing bacteria. 

Is a Filling or Crown Right for You?

The best way to determine whether you require a crown or filling is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will evaluate the size of the cavity and how much healthy tooth material remains. After this examination, they will recommend the best course of treatment to restore the tooth. 

If a crown is necessary to properly restore your tooth, there are several options available. Porcelain crowns can be used on any tooth while gold crowns are often used on the back teeth, especially for people who grind or clench their teeth. Porcelain fused to metal is another option that gives the restored tooth strength while blending into the surrounding teeth. These options will also be discussed in greater detail at your dental examination.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are noticing discoloration or tooth sensitivity, these might be signs that you have a cavity. We encourage you to schedule an appointment today at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics in Reno, NV. Our friendly team of dentists is here to help you restore a healthy, beautiful smile.

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Margin Decay

Although crowns are a reliable tool for tooth restoration, the teeth are still susceptible to decay and damage over time. One type of decay that is indirectly caused by crowns is margin decay. Luckily, with early diagnosis and treatment, the teeth can be protected and your beautiful smile restored.

What is Margin Decay? 

Tooth decay is a breakdown of the tooth’s enamel caused by harmful bacteria that feed on sugars and carbohydrates left on the teeth. As the bacteria eat through the tooth material, a cavity forms. Cavities and tooth decay can form on any tooth as the result of improper brushing techniques, a sugary diet, and frequent snacking. Margin decay is a specific type of tooth decay that forms where the tooth meets the crown (the margin). A crown is a cap placed over the tooth to strengthen it after cavity removal or the repair of a cracked tooth. With early diagnosis and treatment, the crown and tooth can be restored to prevent further damage.

How Does Margin Decay Form? 

One of the most difficult places to access with a toothbrush is the margin between the crown and tooth. Food and bacteria can easily get stuck in this narrow area and without the right toothbrush, it is difficult to remove. It’s necessary to treat margin decay as soon as possible because it develops quickly, penetrating through the enamel into the deeper layers of the tooth. If bacteria reaches the soft pulp layer (dentin layer), containing the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, there is the risk of a serious infection.

How is Margin Decay Treated? 

Margin decay can be diagnosed with a thorough dental examination at our office. During the exam, your dentist will assess the severity of the decay to develop an effective treatment plan. If the decay is newly developed and can be easily reached, your dentist will carefully remove the damaged tooth material and place a filling to support the tooth. More advanced margin decay may require a filling or crown replacement to re-seal and strengthen the tooth.

There are several options for crowns and fillings at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics. Your dentist will provide you with all your options and can help you determine the best choice for your specific needs, depending on the type of tooth being treated and the amount of damaged tooth material that is removed. 

Schedule an Appointment

If you suspect margin decay, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics in Reno, NV. Our skilled dental team will provide a thorough assessment of your teeth and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

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Failing Resin Fillings

Patients are often surprised to hear that their fillings won’t last forever. Although composite resin fillings can last for decades, they are not permanent and will wear down over time. Here is what patients should know about resin fillings and what to do if the filling fails.

What Are Resin Fillings?

Tooth fillings can be made from a variety of materials, such as gold, silver, porcelain, or resin. They are used to restore cracked or broken teeth and re-strengthen teeth after removing a cavity. At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we offer composite resin fillings, which are made from a tooth-colored material that blends seamlessly into the tooth, providing a great cosmetic finish. 

What Does It Mean When a Filling Fails? 

Fillings have earned their name because they fill in cracks or deep grooves in teeth. This seals off the underlying layers of the tooth and strengthens it for proper biting and chewing. A failed filling no longer has proper sealing, which means the inner layers of the tooth and its roots are exposed to bacteria. Bacteria exposure can cause an infection and further tooth decay if the worn-down filling is left untreated.

What Causes a Resin Filling to Fail? 

Resin fillings wear down or crack over time because of biting force and pressure. Although less common, the resin material can also shrink after placing it. Shrinkage creates a gap between the filling and the teeth, creating an opening for bacteria. As the resin shrinks, it also pulls on the tooth structure, placing stress on the tooth that can damage it over time.

How to Repair a Failed Resin Filling

If a tooth filling breaks down, repairing it as soon as possible is important to keep the tooth protected. Repairs can be done with the placement of another filling or a crown. First, the existing filling material must be removed to examine the tooth’s inner layers and check for signs of infection. The tooth will be cleaned if needed, and then a new filling will be placed.

Dental crowns serve a similar purpose but are placed like a cap over the tooth. We offer crowns made from porcelain, composite resin, and porcelain fused to metal. At your appointment, your dentist will discuss these options with you and examine your tooth to determine the best course of treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we specialize in various restorative, cosmetic, and general dental services. If you are experiencing signs of a cavity or have an existing filling that is beginning to wear, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today at our office in Reno, NV.

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How CAD/CAM Technology Can Improve Your Dental Restoration Experience

One thing that keeps many people from going to the dentist is outdated tools and techniques. If you’ve ever had to get a restoration in the past, you may have had to make an impression to create a “map” of your teeth. Although this allows your dentist or orthodontist to make restorations, it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Thanks to newer technology, you no longer have to make impressions. Called CAD/CAM technology, this new tool allows our team here at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics to provide a more enjoyable experience. Here’s what to know about CAD/CAM and dental restorations.

What is CAD/CAM?

CAD/CAM stands for “computer-aided design” and “computer-aided manufacturing.” It works by creating a 3D, computerized scan or image of the area with a specialized camera, allowing your orthodontist to have a complete picture of your teeth and the appropriate restoration. Once your orthodontist has this computerized scan, they can use it to then create your restoration with extremely precise and detailed accuracy. We use CAD/CAM technology to custom-design a variety of tooth-colored restorations like crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and more. Because CAD/CAM technology is so advanced and precise, it’s often the best way to restore a healthy, beautiful, natural-looking smile.

The Benefits of CAD/CAM Technology

There are many different benefits of CAD/CAM technology over traditional impressions. Some of the biggest benefits include:

  • It’s extremely precise and accurate
  • Less tooth preparation is needed for restorations, leaving more healthy tooth structure intact
  • Scans can be completed in a single appointment, even when more than one tooth is involved
  • Tooth-colored materials can be used to create a more natural-looking smile

In short, CAD/CAM technology allows your restoration process to be smoother, quicker, and more effective than traditional methods.

Your CAD/CAM Restoration Procedure

Your CAD/CAM scanning process can be completed in a single appointment at our Reno, NV office. To begin, the area will be numbed so that you’re comfortable. A rubber dam may be used to protect your mouth. Once you’re ready, the tooth will be reshaped with specialized tools and any decay will be removed. Next, a specialized reflective powder is applied to the tooth to allow the contours to stand out when the scan is taken.

CAD/CAM computers use a specialized optical infrared camera to take a digital image. This image records the tooth’s exact dimensions, as well as the surrounding area. Then, this image can be used to design the restoration using advanced computer software.

Once the appropriate material is chosen for your restoration, it’s placed in a milling machine which shapes the restoration according to the custom dimensions programmed into the machine. Once the restoration is created, it’s then prepared and placed with cement or bond. Finally, your orthodontist will check the restoration to ensure your bite is healthy and appropriately aligned – making any necessary adjustments and polishing your restoration to a beautiful shine.

Schedule an Appointment

At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we use advanced CAD/CAM technology to help make your restoration process easy. To learn more and meet with our team, contact us today by calling or filling out our online form.

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What Causes Amalgam Filling Failure

A commonly made misconception is that your silver amalgam filling will last forever. Amalgam fillings are highly durable but are not meant to last forever. You can typically expect the average amalgam filling to last fifteen years in the mouth before needing a replacement.
Overall, amalgam fillings are very strong but will eventually fail and must be replaced with a new filling. Amalgam fillings are made with a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, tin, and zinc. Since amalgam fillings are made with metals, they are sensitive to force, temperature, and traditional aging.

What causes an Amalgam Filling to fail?

Many conditions in your mouth may cause your amalgam filling to fail, including how long the amalgam filling has been in your mouth, traditional wear and tear of the filling, the naturally occurring moisture in your mouth, and intense temperature changes in the mouth.

Fillings are forced to endure an intense amount of force. This happens through biting food, clenching the teeth, chewing gum, and even grinding the teeth. Over time, your amalgam fillings color can change from silver to black due to corrosion and their edges start to wear down. Corrosion of the filling will not affect the strength or functionality of the filling; however, it can cause further issues. Since dark fillings conduct temperatures differently, you are more likely to experience swelling of the filling that can compromise your tooth health.

Temperature changes in the mouth can cause the filling to expand and contract. This can cause tension on the tooth the filling is attached to, initiating microfractures and small gaps within the amalgam filling and the tooth.

Amalgam fillings swell, break down, and oxidize when they absorb the naturally occurring moisture in the mouth. Expansion of the filling can generate a wedging effect to begin with the tooth and the filling which can cause fractures in the tooth and in severe cases, may break off part of the tooth structure. Expansion of fillings can also cause lifting of the fillings surface, forming a gap where the filling and tooth were once attached. This allows bacteria, food, and even additional decay to develop on the tooth.

Replacing the Filling

After discovering a failing amalgam filling, replacing it with another treatment as soon as possible is essential to protect your tooth’s health. Several treatments are available for tooth decay, including dental fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. Dental treatments are crafted from a variety of different dental materials leaving you with many options. It is best to consult with your dentist in order to find the best form of restoration for your dental concern.

Schedule a Consultation

It is important to maintain routine dental exams up to twice a year in order to examine the health of your mouth and teeth. A dentist may notice issues that are hard for you to detect on your own. If you are interested in an appointment, contact us to schedule an appointment with South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics in Reno, Nevada.

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Diagnosing Periodontal Disease: What to Know

Periodontal disease is a common term that your dentist might use during an appointment. Although it may sound scary, periodontal disease is actually very treatable and can be prevented with the right steps. Here is what to know about periodontal disease and its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a type of infection that affects the teeth and gums. It can be serious, even causing you to lose teeth – in fact, it’s the number one reason that adults lose one or more teeth – because it damages the ligaments and bones in the jaw. Periodontal disease is a more advanced form of gingivitis, and periodontitis is the most advanced form of periodontal disease (or its later stages).

What are the Symptoms?

You may have periodontal disease if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
  • Soft, tender, or swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums or gums that pull away from the teeth

Although these are more obvious signs of periodontal disease, it’s still possible to have no or very few noticeable symptoms. Hence, it’s very important to see your dentist regularly and be screened for signs of periodontal disease.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that can cover the teeth (especially in hard-to-reach areas). Plaque is colorless and sticky – it constantly forms on your teeth when you eat or drink. Although you can’t see it, it can be detected by special tests from your dentist. When plaque isn’t removed by brushing or flossing, it can harden into tartar, an even more significant danger to your oral health.

Plaque can damage your teeth because it allows bacteria to invade the gums and bones in your jaw. Once the bone begins to deteriorate, it will not come back – this can leave the tooth loose and in need of removal. Bacteria can also damage the bone and soft tissue, even infecting the tooth and internal structures themselves if left untreated – these internal structures include nerves and blood vessels. Thus, in advanced stages, periodontal disease can put your whole-body health at risk of infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

The most effective way for your dentist to diagnose periodontal disease is by taking X-rays. This helps determine how much bone has been lost and how advanced the progression is. Your dentist will also perform a perio check with a small probe – this very thin probe is inserted into the gap between each tooth and its surrounding gums (called the sulcus). By measuring the depth at which the probe can be inserted, your dentist can see how much bone has deteriorated around each tooth. For example, a measurement of more than 3mm can indicate that bone has been lost in that particular area and periodontal disease may be present.

If your dentist finds that you have periodontal disease during an examination, you’ll discuss your treatment options and how you can adjust your oral health habits accordingly. This can include brushing and flossing more often, avoiding sugary drinks and foods, and seeing your dentist more often for professional cleanings. In some cases, it’s best to remove teeth that are in the later stages of periodontal disease and replace them with a fabricated restoration. Our team will recommend the most appropriate options based on your diagnosis.

Schedule a Consultation

At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we are here to help you restore a healthy smile and enjoy good oral health for years to come. To meet with our team, contact us online or call our Reno, NV office.

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Why Consider A Single Tooth Implant?

Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing a single missing tooth. Implants are made of two parts – a small titanium post that is inserted to replace the natural roots of the tooth, and a custom-made crown. Here’s what to know about single tooth implants and how our team at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics can help.

What Problems Are Caused By a Missing Tooth?

Missing teeth (even a single one) can cause many compounding problems. These can include joint pain, grinding, clenching, shifting, difficulty removing plaque and bacteria, and bone loss in the jaw.

Bone Loss

Normally, when you chew, your teeth transmit chewing forces through the roots and stimulate the jawbone. This keeps the bone healthy. When a tooth is missing, the bone no longer has this stimulation and begins to shrink, along with the gums.

Shifting

A gap in your teeth can change the way your teeth bite down and the force they experience when chewing. If a gap is present, the neighboring teeth can begin to shift and extrude from the socket, causing many other problems.

Difficulty Cleaning Teeth

When your teeth begin to shift because of a gap, it can create places around the teeth that are difficult to clean. This can allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate, causing decay and periodontal disease.

Grinding and Clenching

Changes in your bite because of a missing tooth can upset the chewing forces on your remaining teeth. This can cause grinding and clenching, possibly leading to problems in the jaw joint such as TMJ.

Single Tooth Implant Diagnosis and Treatment

The single tooth implant process begins with a thorough examination by our team. This examination will include your medical history so we can create a complete picture of your oral health. We will check the health of your jaw and surrounding tissues, which may include x-rays or scans. Then, an impression and bite registration will be taken to get an accurate model of your mouth. Once we have the above information, we will discuss whether a single tooth implant is best for you.

Dental implants require a series of visits that will include evaluation, implantation, and fabrication of your new crown. Although the process may have multiple steps, dental implants are very long-lasting and can be a valuable step in maintaining good oral health.

The Benefits of a Single Tooth Implant

The biggest benefit of a single tooth implant is that it replaces the natural missing tooth. Because it is anchored into the jawbone, it functions just like a natural tooth when you talk or chew. The custom crown is even made to blend in with your natural smile so it’s undetectable. Finally, dental implants can keep your smile healthy by preventing shifting, bone loss, jaw problems, and decay.

Schedule a Consultation

At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we can help you learn more about your options with tooth implants during an appointment. To meet with our team, contact us online or call our Reno, NV office.

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Failing Amalgam Fillings

Dental fillings may fail for a number of reasons, but fixing them is not typically a big issue. That’s not necessarily the case for amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings can release a small amount of mercury vapor when they fail and that can lead to certain health risks in some patients. Even removing the filling can release a small amount of mercury vapor but it can be necessary to ensure your tooth is protected and you maintain good oral health.

What are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings, commonly known as silver fillings, are actually made of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. They are typically about half mercury while the rest is a combination of other metals. They are durable and when properly taken care of, can last for years. But in some situations, they can start to wear down, chip, or even begin to leak and may need to be removed or replaced with another filling.

What Causes Amalgam Fillings to Fail?

There are a variety of reasons for amalgam fillings to fail including:

● Extreme temperature changes in the mouth which can cause the metal to expand and contract and lead to a fracture in the tooth
● Filling may wear down due to chewing and everyday wear and tear
● Moisture in the mouth can cause the filling to swell
● Excessive grinding or blunt force
● Regular or excessive smoking and drinking
● Recurrent decay or decay that occurs under the filling

When an amalgam filling fails, the tight seal between the filling and the tooth is broken which allows bacteria to become trapped there. This bacteria can eat at the tooth enamel and the tooth structure and lead to decay. If you’re experiencing any sensitivity, inflammation, discomfort, or pain in a tooth with an amalgam filling, call us to schedule an appointment at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics today.

Replacing the Filling

If your filling is in good condition and there is no decay beneath the filling, removal of the amalgam filling is not recommended or even necessary. Why? Because removing the filling may result in losing some of the tooth structure and increase the risk of mercury vapor being released during the removal process.

If the filling is failing or worn down, then it can be moved and replaced with another filling, inlay, onlay, or crown that is made up of a different dental material. After one of our staff at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics examines the filling in question, we can recommend the best solution for your situation.

The removal of failing amalgam filling is especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, nursing mothers, children, and anyone who is allergic to mercury. It can also harm those with neurological impairments or kidney dysfunction.

Schedule A Consultation

Are you struggling with an amalgam filling that is worn down or chipped? Now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics. Our dentists can help determine what the problem is and have a new filling placed in no time. Whether it’s a filling or another issue, we are dedicated to ensuring you have the best oral health possible.

To schedule a consultation today, please call our Reno, NV office at (775) 413-2976 or use our online scheduling form.

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Extracting Wisdom Teeth: What You Need To Know

Wisdom teeth removal involves the extraction of your third molars, or the four permanent teeth located in the back of the mouth in both your upper and lower jaws. These teeth often erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, and most people have all four wisdom teeth.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not cause any issues at all. However, sometimes they grow in at an angle or are partially impacted in the jawbone or underneath the gum tissue. This can result in a range of issues such as pain, gum disease, tooth decay, and cyst development around the teeth.

Benefits of Having Wisdom Teeth Removed

Having your wisdom teeth extracted can be very beneficial, as it can prevent dental problems in the future, including periodontal disease, tooth decay, the risk for infection, and cysts in the jawbone. If you are already experiencing discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, extraction can help to alleviate any pain almost immediately.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Prior to your procedure, you may be offered nitrous oxide to help ensure that you are relaxed. We will then numb the area with an anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable. During this procedure, you may feel some pressure when the tooth is removed, but you should not feel pain. If you do feel any discomfort, we will stop the process and give you more anesthetic.
In cases where the wisdom teeth have not yet erupted through the gums, we will first make a small incision. An instrument known as an elevator will be placed next to each tooth to loosen it. Forceps will then be used to grip and remove the teeth.
For some people, their tooth’s roots are curved or anchored tightly into the socket. In these cases, we may need to cut the tooth into sections to remove it. If any incisions are needed, they will be stitched up once the tooth is fully removed.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Following the removal of your wisdom teeth, we will provide you with specific aftercare instructions. It is important that you follow these guidelines, especially during the first 24 hours, to ensure optimal results. These instructions will cover how to relieve pain and minimize swelling, as well as how to control any bleeding and prevent dry sockets (a dislodged blood clot).
While there may be some discomfort following a wisdom tooth extraction, you should not experience severe pain. If you do, please contact our office as soon as possible for an assessment.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Recovery time may vary from person to person following wisdom tooth removal, but most people are comfortable after 3 to 4 days. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 to 72 hours, and rest as much as you can for the first couple of days. Also, remember to take any medications you a prescribed such as antibiotics or pain relievers.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction in Reno, NV, please contact South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics. You can reach us by phone at (775) 413-2976 or fill out our online contact form.

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How to Treat a Cracked Tooth

If a tooth cracks, it often needs to be protected to prevent further breakage and damage to the surrounding area. Crowns are the best way to protect cracked teeth and strengthen the tooth.

How Do Teeth Crack? 

Teeth can crack in a variety of situations. Pressure placed on the teeth from chewing, clenching, and grinding weaken the teeth over time and cause them to lose strength. Tooth decay that breaks down the structure of the tooth can also make it more susceptible to cracking. Additional pressure from chewing on ice, un-popped popcorn, and hard candy can fracture or crack these weakened teeth.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth 

If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a cracked tooth:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • sensitivity to overly sweet or sour foods
  • Sharp pain when you chew
  • Intermittent pain that comes and goes rather than constant

When Should I See My Dentist

Some teeth might look cracked because of hairline cracks that develop over time, but these do not always need treatment. A diagnosis is the best way to determine whether you have a cracked tooth, the severity of the crack, and the necessary treatment. You should schedule an examination at the earliest sign of a cracked tooth since these cracks grow quickly and can lead to larger problems like tooth decay if they reach the tooth’s nerve.

At your appointment, we will start with x-rays. X-rays do not always reveal a crack so we may also need to analyze your bite. Both of these diagnostic procedures are quick and painless. If a crack is discovered, we will discuss your options for crowning the tooth.

Treatment for Cracked Teeth

A crown is often the go-to treatment for cracked teeth. These small oral appliances sit over the chewing surface of the tooth like a cap to restore the tooth’s appearance and function. A cracked or weakened tooth could be further damaged or become decayed. Crowns come in gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. Your dentist will determine the best crown for you depending on the area of the mouth that the cracked tooth is in. If the crack has extended further into the tooth and damaged the tooth, a root canal or tooth extraction might be needed.

Schedule a Consultation

Going to the dentist is not something many people look forward to, but you can rely on our warm and considerate staff to make your experience a positive one. If you suspect a cracked tooth, it is important you do not wait to take action. Schedule an appointment today with our expert team at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics for tooth repair in Reno, NV.

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825 S Meadows Pkwy Reno, NV 89521

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info@southmeadowsdental.com

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