Our Services
Below are descriptions of some of our most common services:
Initial Oral Examination
Your first visit at our office is very important in establishing your oral health baseline. We will perform a complete oral examination which includes an oral cancer screening, periodontal evaluation, an analysis of your occlusion (bite) and a thorough examination of your teeth, their supporting structures and of the oral anatomy.
Radiography
Our office uses only state-of-the-art digital x-rays. These x-rays allow us to see images instantly instead of the 5-10 minutes that is usually required. Since the images are taken with and stored in a computer, no chemicals are needed, making the equipment environmentally friendly. They are easily copied to send to other dental specialists or insurance companies. And most importantly, digital x-rays reduce radiation to the patients by 80-90%.
The Preventive Program
Both natural teeth and teeth with restorations survive best in an oral environment that is clean and where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our dental hygiene program is designed to preserve teeth that have been restored and manage periodontal disease. At the initial visit with our hygienist, oral hygiene instructions are reviewed and are reinforced at subsequent recall visits.
Dental Fillings
Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, include porcelain and composite. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. Symptoms of the infection are generally acute dental pain or sensitivity to hot, cold or percussion. If you experience any of these symptoms, we will most likely recommend root canal therapy to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.
Crowns & Caps
The terms dental crowns and caps are synonymous. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance. Crowns are fabricated in a laboratory and are made either of porcelain baked onto a metal substrate, all-porcelain, or many of the new ceramic materials that have been developed.
Bridges & Dentures
A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. There are two basic types of bridges. A fixed bridge which remains in your mouth at all times and is supported by your natural teeth. Removable bridges (partials and full dentures) are removed from the mouth several times a day for cleaning and rest on the gum where the missing teeth are being replaced.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During your consultation visit, we will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Tooth Whitening
Our in-office state-of-the-art Zoom bleaching system will make your teeth whiter and brighter.
Extractions
When tooth removal is necessary, we can perform extractions using local anesthesia.
Gum Treatment
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. We will evaluate your progression of periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment. Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket, they cause infection and damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth. If the disease is caught in the early stages (known as Gingivitis) and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings may be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings. However, if the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, where the infection has caused bone loss and diseased pockets have formed, your treatment options may include scaling and root planing, bone surgery or gum therapy.
Invisalign
Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted - without braces. We will be happy to discuss whether Invisalign would be an appropriate treatment for you. Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. These retainers are worn 23 hours a day and are changed every two weeks. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective in treating many orthodontic cases that previously required braces.
Mouth Guards
Whether you are an athlete or casual sports participant, you should wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, a bite guard will reduce symptoms of TMJ problems. We custom make mouth guards in both soft and hard materials.