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As part of the routine checkups and cleanings, we also offer these services. Please click on the links below for more information.
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BONDING
Bonding is often a good option for repairing chips and small blemishes in the teeth. This simple procedure is pain-free and can generally be completed in a single visit. After the tooth is prepped for bonding, resin is applied to the problem area and molded to correct the imperfection. A special light is used to harden the resin and then the tooth is trimmed and polished to a lustrous finish.
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BRIDGES
Permanent Bridges are used for filling the space created by a missing tooth. The bridge is formed to look like the missing tooth, and takes its place in the mouth. The bridge is anchored to the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge materials range from gold alloys to metal alloy to porcelain bonded to an all-ceramic design. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or aesthetics.
Missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. Teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a series of problems. Teeth are interdependent for support, as a result, they will begin to "fall" when one is removed or lost. This in turn creates a change in the bite in response to the pressure. Eventually, this will result in problems with the entire jaw (e.g. TMJ). Continued neglect will result in the loss of additional teeth and likely, gum disease.
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COSMETIC DENTISTRY
This can be anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth.
At our dental office, a wide of cosmetic options are offered. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.
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CROWNS
Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile.
It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.
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DENTURES
There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly.
The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can used to further stabilize the dentures.
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FILLINGS
Fillings are done to remove tooth decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. Composite Resin fillings are tooth colored fillings that are made of a plastic dental resin and are strong and durable, making your smile look very natural. The resin is applied in layers and a dental light is used to harden the resin after it is applied. Your bite will be adjusted and your tooth polished. This is all done in one appointment. It is important to get any fillings completed that the dentist recommends in order to prevent further decay from developing.
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IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium man made root is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the man made root. This permanent solution has the advantage over bridge work because it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the man made root.
Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period for the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time.
We also offer mini dental implants. These implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants are used mainly to stabilize lower dentures. These implants can be placed in one appointment and be immediately used. The cost is 50-70% of standard dental implants. Call for a free consult.
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LASER DECAY DETECTION
Laser decay detection uses a small handheld laser to scan the surfaces of your teeth without using a probe. As the light goes along, any areas of decay show up. This is because healthy tooth material does not fluoresce (glow) under the special light. Decayed tooth material, however, shows up clearly. This allows us to see forming cavities months or years before they will ever show up on x-rays. This early detection makes it very easy to catch small problems long before they get a chance to become big problems.
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NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS)
This service is used to make other treatment more comfortable while you are at the dentist and has often been referred to as "happy gas". This is a type of anesthetic that is pain free. It is safe and has proven effective over a long period of time. You will be given a mask that allows you to breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through your nose and out through your mouth. In about 30 seconds to 4 minutes you will notice a more sedate feeling, and your cheek and gums may go numb. After this any needed local anesthetic is applied and treatment begins. Afterwards, you will be given pure oxygen to breathe for about five minutes to dissipate the effects of the nitrous and return you to a normal state.
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NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENTS
The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care, however, it may be possible to return them to a healthy state. This is where appropriate gum treatments come in. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we can take care of it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to get it treated at the first sign of a problem.
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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is made necessary when a cavity reaches all the way to the pulp. This is why regular cleanings and checkups are vital in detecting problems early. Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that 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. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy in order to strengthen the compromised tooth.
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SEALANTS
Dental sealants can play an important role in helping to prevent tooth decay in some locations on your teeth. The placement of dental sealants involved your dentist bonding a plastic coating into the grooves of your tooth. The net result is a smoother tooth surface, one which is less likely to trap food and plaque and one that is easier to clean with your toothbrush.
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TMJ TREAMENTS
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. When this joint is compromised the patient could endure one or more of the symptoms listed below.
Symptoms of patients with TMJ:
- 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, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a special mouthpiece, called a splint, is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
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VENEERS
BEFORE
AFTER
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are 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 esthetic.
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.
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WHITENING
This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. This involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn for about 30 minutes. The entire process takes 3-4 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays should be used every several months. It is important that the patient has is up to date on their regular cleaning and checkup to insure that any current plaque or staining is removed first. If you have sensitive teeth make sure you mention this to your dentist before having this procedure done.
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X-RAYS
This is a focused beam of X-Ray particles through bone which produces an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This gives the familiar black and white images that doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems. X-rays are a necessary part of the diagnostic process, and not to use them could lead to undiagnosed disease or treatment. Without an X-ray of the whole tooth, and supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no real way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take X-rays using 50-70% less radiation versus conventional X-rays. This digital technique also allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.
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