|
SERVICES
|
We are pleased to offer the following services and technologies to our patients:
ORAL HYGIENE CARE
 Maintaining
good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for
your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to
look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak
properly. Good oral health is important to your overall
well-being. Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and
flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In
between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each
of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay,
gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
-
Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
-
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
-
Use dental products which contain fluoride, including toothpaste
-
Rinse with a flouride mouth rinse if advised to do so
-
Make sure children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
-
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
-
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
The following are indications of good oral hygiene:
-
Your teeth are clean and free of debris
-
Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
-
Bad breath is not a constant problem
Back to top
DENTAL CLEANINGA
dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist
or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take
approximately 45 minutes. Cleanings should be
performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup.
Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth
decay. During your routine cleaning we will remove excess
plaque and polish your teeth.
HALITOSIS
Halitosis
is sophisticated word for “bad breath”.
Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or be a
persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is
bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates
perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the
mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by
something in the mouth.
Some
types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly
normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad
breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth. Bad breath may be caused by the following:
- Poor dental hygiene – poor oral hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
- Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease Respiratory-tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
- External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
- Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
Call
our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums
that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform a physical
examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we
discover that systematic problems are the cause, we may refer you to
your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may
recommend a specialized periodontist. Back to top
SEALANTS
Sealants
are used to fill narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be
adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth
structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because
the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even
one bristle into them. To avoid cavities developing over
time, the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy. Back to top
BONDING
Bonding
involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color
of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is performed to
repair damage caused by decay, to alter the alignment of the
tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for other cosmetic
purposes.
First
the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding.
A gel is applied so the resin will adhere to the surface of
the tooth. The composite is then placed on the tooth and the
bonding agent hardens with intense light. The last step is shaping and
polishing to give a lustrous finish. Back to top
FILLINGS
 A
filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal
function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a
filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material,
clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a
filling material. A filling helps prevent further decay by
closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
There
are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver,
plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine
which material is best, depending on the extent of repair, where in the
filling is needed, and cost. Each filling material is briefly
explained below:
- Gold
fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into
place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive
choice, many consider it the best filling material. Gold
inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20
years.
- Amalgam
(silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are tolerant to
wear. However, due to their dark color they are more
noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not
recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.
- Composite
(plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural
teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While white fillings may be
less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3
and 10 years and may not be ideal for large fillings as they
may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from
coffee, tea or tobacco.
- Porcelain
fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab
and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the
color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as
gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most
of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
If
decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown
(or "cap") may be recommended. Decay that has reached the
nerve may be treated through root canal therapy or through a procedure
called pulp capping. Back to top
|
|
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
 Crowns and
bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to
take the place of missing teeth. A crown (also referred to as a cap) is
used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only
strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a
tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.Crowns may be used to:
- Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
A
bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A
bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the
teeth on either side for support. This is an option for filling the
space created by a missing tooth. Bridge work is as much an
art as it is an exact science since it replaces a missing tooth both
functionally and cosmetically. The materials used may be gold alloys,
porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match
your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on
requirements for strength, wear, and aesthetics.
It
is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as
possible. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin
to shift inward. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is
missing they begin to "fall” and shift into the open spaces.
This may worsen the bite because of the changes in
pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as TMJ.
Bridges
and crowns are made by first taking an impression of your
mouth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your
crown or bridge will be custom made to fit your mouth and match your
natural tooth color. A temporary crown or bridge will be
placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is ready
and cemented into place.
Bridges and crowns are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and good oral hygiene. Back to top
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral
health and appearance. Although dentists will use every
measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still sometimes necessary
occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may
need to be extracted for the following reasons:
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Infection or abcess
- Orthodontic correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or roots
- Impacted teeth
After
careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a
tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will
take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the
tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of
difficulty, we may refer you to a specialized oral surgeon.
For
a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent
pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an
elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is
complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches. We
will then provide you with care instructions to alleviate discomfort
and ensure proper healing. Back to top
WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom
teeth are the last molars or “third molars” that
develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge
in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.
Wisdom
teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and
properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that
require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate
wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or
misaligned). Wisdom teeth may also grow in sideways, emerge
only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and
bone.
A
wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure.
The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or
use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.
After
the tooth is removed, we will provide care instructions to ensure
proper healing. Some pain and swelling may occur
but will normally subside after a few days.
You should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain,
swelling, bleeding or fever. Back to top
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
 Root
canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic
therapy) is made necessary when an untreated cavity reaches
all the way to this pulp. Treatment may also be
needed when deep restorations or trauma to a tooth cause nerve
damage. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can begin
to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is known as an
abscess). If the pulp is infected, not only is it
painful but it will require treatment as it cannot heal on its
own. Symptoms that indicate
the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to
hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a
bad taste in the mouth. However, sometimes no symptoms are
apparent and you may be unaware of any problem until
a checkup.
A
root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and
disinfect the canals of the tooth.
Alternate treatment would be to extract the tooth.
Once the infection is resolved, the canal is filled in to
prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is
recommended for restoring a tooth that has undergone root
canal therapy. Back to top
DENTAL IMPLANTS
A
dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing
one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any
other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that a
periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the
jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had
time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.
While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth
replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are
stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years.
They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do
not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To
receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to
support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent
oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the
long-term success of dental implants. Back to top
 DENTURES
A denture
is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding
tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including
partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when
some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to
completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble
your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your
appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
This
restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if
all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom
created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned to take the place
of natural teeth. Complete dentures are removable and may
require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and
mouth.
A
removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural
teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually
consist of replacement teeth attached go a gum-colored plastic base
which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture
acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place
using adjacent teeth for support.
New
dentures may feel awkward or loose for the first few weeks until the
muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place and you
are comfortable eating and speaking. Although this may require some
practice you will adjust and enjoy the benefits a full mouth of teeth
can provide.
Back to top
 NIGHTGUARDS AND MOUTHGUARDS
Custom
designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and
molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to
protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as
boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth
may be hit. Guards also protect the soft tissues of
your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are
recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a
way to protect their teeth and bite.
If
you have decided a guard is right for you, we will take an
impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a
custom fit guard. In most cases you can choose from a variety
of colors and styles. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.
Back to top
TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ
stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple
area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in
where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be
caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle
tension. Cartilage buffers the two bones and five muscles that meet in
this area, but any problems in this area can create
quite a bit of pain and biting difficulties.
Symptoms of TMJ include:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
Dental
treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth,
moving teeth, adjusting the bite and filling gaps between
teeth. There is no one solution that is right for all
cases. Occasionally a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent
clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated
and in severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged
joint.
Back to top |
 WHITENING
Tooth
whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and
therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and
discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either
way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal
for most patients. Our office offers two methods of whitening: in-office whitening and tray whitening.
 In-office
whitening is an ideal for anyone wanting immediate results.
The entire process takes place in our office in about an hour, making
it the perfect choice for busy individuals. In this process,
a protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft
tissue. A special light-activated gel is then applied to your
teeth and a special light or laser is used to enhance the action of the
agent - making your teeth whiter and brighter. As a final
step, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at
home touch-ups, and give you instructions for keeping your smile
bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for
years.
Tray
whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment you can use while in
the comfort of your own home. We will first take an
impression of your mouth to create customized clear whitening
trays for you to wear. Within a few days your trays will be
ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special
bleaching material to the trays. The whitening gel trays
should be worn 30-60 minutes up to twice a day. At the end of
this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing
short of dazzling. Occasional treatment can be used at your
convenience to maintain your new smile.
Back to top
VENEERS
Veneers
are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside
(visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only applied
to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or
smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The
direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the
outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to
as bonding.
The
indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the
veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the
first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the
teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers
are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the
veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are
usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic and are very aesthetic.
The
advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is
removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are
recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth
structure. Back to top
NITROUS OXIDE
Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas” is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. Nitrous Oxide is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Back to top
LUMINEERS
 Lumineers
are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently
whiter and perfectly aligned smile. Your LUMINEERS dentist can apply
these contact lens-thin "smile shapers" to teeth without any grinding
or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that
looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over
existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.
LUMINEERS
are contact lens-thin and are placed over existing teeth without having
to remove painful tooth structure (unlike traditional veneers.)
LUMINEERS is the painless, permanent cosmetic solution for stained,
chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.
LUMINEERS
can only be made from patented Cerinate porcelain unavailable anywhere
other than the Cerinate Smile Design Studio. In just 2-3 visits to your
LUMINEERS dentist, you can have a custom-made smile that is clinically
proven to last over 20 years - and it is completely reversible since
your natural tooth structure is still intact! Get your perfect smile
today! Back to top |
In
order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses
state-of-the-art technologies in all our procedures. These
new technologies allow us to treat dental cases with extreme precision,
detect dental concerns at early stages, and provide stunning and
customized restorations. When you visit our office you can be confident
that you are receiving on the finest and most advanced in dental
care. We proudly offer and use the following advanced equipment:
DIGITAL X-RAYS  In
our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays
using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays.
Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by
using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it
to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your
mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns
and determine the very best treatment for each case. Back to top
ELECTRONIC CLAIM PROCESSING
Our
office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather
than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent
electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button.
By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more
efficiently and with fewer errors.This benefits our patients because
the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned
or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance
company on your behalf. Back to top
 INTRAORAL IMAGING
We
use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to
help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. With
this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas,
cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The
full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a
computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much
earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are
displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being
worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental
procedures being performed. Back to top
TELESCOPIC LOUPES
The
dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of
funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful
glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine
details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye. Back to top |
|
|
|
|
> Dental Education
> New Patient Forms
> Refer Our Office
> Contact Us
|
