Professional dental cleanings can prevent or treat the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. Periodontal disease (Gum disease) can start as mild gingivitis and develop to more severe periodontitis if not treated timely. The severity of the disease determines the type of cleaning, which can be a simple prophylaxis, a gross debridement, or scaling and root planning (deep cleaning).
Whitening can be an option if you feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle. But it doesn’t work for all teeth discolorations, caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury. The treatment options can be In-Office Bleaching (usually requires only one office visit), or At-Home Bleaching (We provide you with a custom-made tray and bleaching solution for home use)
Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural. Ultimately, the best dental filling is no filling. Prevention is the best medicine.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped or crooked teeth. You may need to avoid some foods and beverages that may stain or discolor your veneers such as coffee, tea or red wine. Sometimes a veneer might chip or fracture. But for many people the results are more than worth it.
Root canals are used to repair and save your tooth when it is severely damaged by cavities or trauma instead of removing it. By saving your tooth, we help you keep your natural smile, so you can continue to eat your favorite foods and maintain your overall health. Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural tooth!
Crowns are intended to restore teeth to their normal shape and size. A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. It’s also used to cover a dental implant. Crowns are commonly made of porcelain, a combination of metal and porcelain, or zirconia. Regardless of the material recommended for the specific needs of the patient, the ultimate goal is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.
An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma, or crowding. If you need an extraction, we will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, you will be advised of what post extraction regimen to follow. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. New tissue will slowly fill in the bone where the tooth root was through the formation of a blood clot.
Dental implants are a good option if you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don't want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge. Your health is more of a factor than your age. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. Bridges replace missing teeth with artificial ones bonded to adjacent teeth, or even implants. Depending on which type of bridge your dentist recommends, its success depends on the foundation. So it’s very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong.
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. Types of dentures:
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Conventional dentures are made and placed in your mouth after removing remaining teeth and tissues have healed, taking several months.
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Immediate dentures are inserted on the same day of dental extractions, but may need to be relined or remade after tissue healing.
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Overdenture fits over prepared and protected natural teeth or Implants, improving retention.
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to gum-colored plastic bases, and a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth. Crowns on your natural teeth are sometimes needed to improve the fit of a removable partial denture.
Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct teeth that are crowded, protrusive, spaced too far apart, meet in an abnormal way, or do not meet at all. In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. Correcting these problems can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth.
Sedation dentistry is the process of relaxing the anxieties by administering a medication such as a pill, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Patients who are anxious, nervous, or scared of dental visits may request sedation for a variety of dental care from a regular cleaning to wisdom teeth extractions. In-depth past medical history is needed before a patient can be sedated. Not all patients are able to be sedated. However, there may be other techniques to help a patient receive the necessary dental treatment in a safe and comfortable manner.