Dental Cleaning
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects millions of Americans. It is a painless infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is the largest cause of tooth loss. Often, patients do not even know they have periodontal disease. Since it can lead to serious complications, like tooth loss, it is important that it is diagnosed and treated. Recent studies also suggest possible relationships between periodontal infection and heart disease, diabetes and increased incidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies. Recent studies have even indicated a relationship between periodontal disease and pancreatic and oral cancers. However, with regular cleanings and checkups Periodontal disease is 100% preventable. We provide comfortable, gentle hygiene cleanings, specifically to detect, deter and prevent gum disease. If we find a cause for concern, we may recommend a deep gum cleaning to remove bacteria below the gum line, smooth out surfaces where plaque builds up and eliminate bacterial infection.
Fillings
Even though there has been a reduction in tooth decay due to fluoride and better home care by patients, there is still a need for restoring teeth due to infection, decay, breakage, or grinding of teeth. An increasingly popular alternative to silver color amalgam fillings, are composite tooth color fillings. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are virtually invisible and our doctors can shade them according to the color of your teeth. This material can be used to replace older, broken down fillings or to restore new cavities. The material is made from acrylic and glass particles, containing no mercury or other metals and provides support to remaining tooth structure, and insulates against temperature changes. Your filling brightness can be maintained by simply practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding staining food and drinks such as coffee, soda, tea, etc and coming for routine dental cleanings.
Porcelain Crown and Bridges
Crowns are necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or has suffered from advanced decay and cannot be fixed with bonded filling material. Crowns are ideal for protecting a cracked, broken tooth or covering up tooth discolorations, or root canal treated teeth. A crown is a tooth shaped cap that fits over the remaining tooth structure to restore function and strength.
Bridges can be utilized when tooth loss occurs due to gum disease, decay, or injury. The loss of the tooth can create greater problems for your dental health if it is not corrected. The teeth next to the missing tooth (or teeth) can begin to move and result in pain, discomfort, and can lead to further tooth loss. Dental bridges are made of three or more porcelain crowns fused together to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, bridges are permanent and cannot be removed. Bridges are a great way to replace a missing tooth with minimal invasive procedures.
Veneers
Veneers are porcelain “coverings” that cover the natural tooth from the front surface only, maintaining your original bite. While similar to a crown, veneers are typically used for cosmetic reasons and placed on the teeth you see when you smile. Less natural tooth structure is removed during a veneer procedure verse a full coverage crown option.
Implant restorations
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (made of a titanium “screw” like device) that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. The placement of the dental implant is done by a referral to a specialist. The porcelain tooth is then attached to the implant in our office, by our dentist, in order to restore function, strength and esthetics to your smile.
Whitening
Your smile is often the first thing someone notices about you. Whitening your teeth is a great way to make your smile stand out. Many foods and drinks can stain the enamel on teeth. Teeth whitening programs use a consumer safe gel to remove the stains. Teeth whitening can be done with personalized trays at home or in the office. At home whitening typically takes up to two weeks to show results. In office whitening uses a stronger gel and will have same day results.
Dentures and Partials
Complete dentures are used to replace a person’s teeth when they are all missing. Removable dentures are designed to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. They are crafted to fit your individual mouth comfortably and snugly. We can create and place your custom complete dentures in just a few visits. Your dentures will be made to look and feel like natural teeth so that you can feel confident every time you smile.
Root Canals
Root canal therapy is needed when a cavity has reached the pulp (center) of a tooth causing an infection of the nerve, or when severe trauma has affected the tooth. Regular checkups with your dentist helps to avoid and prevent the need for endodontic therapy. But once the pulp has become infected, it must be treated to avoid further issues since it cannot heal by itself. Some signs that a pulp is infected include sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids, pain, swelling, or even a bad taste in the mouth. Root canals can be performed by our dentists. However, depending on the severity and condition of the tooth, our dentist may need to refer you to a specialist after the initial exam is complete.
Oral Surgery
An extraction is the removal of a tooth. There are simple extractions which are typically teeth that have broken through the gum or broken above the gum line that cannot be restored . A surgical extraction is when the dentist needs to cut the gums and tissue surrounding the tooth to remove it. There are also other types of extractions that require a specialist to remove the tooth. If that is the case, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon.
Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be very frightening and often painful. Prompt treatment is generally required to alleviate pain and ensure the patient’s oral and overall health. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call us immediately and we will schedule you in as soon as possible. Should you call during after hours, call our regular number and our voicemail will inform you of how to get in touch with us. For medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.