SEALANTS FILLINGS - RESINS X-RAYS - RADIOGRAPHS GUM TREATMENTS ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS CROWN (CAP) IMPLANTS BRIDGE DENTURES - PARTIAL/PLATE WHITENING - BLEACH BONDING VENEERS - LUMINEERS© TMJ TREATMENTS COLD STORE TREATMENT ViziLite© CANCER DETECTION

SEALANTS

Sealant is a liquid filling material usually clear or white in color.  It is used to fill in narrow grooves on the top of a tooth that cannot be cleaned by brushing with a toothbrush.  These fine grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These grooves will get cavities over time.  Sealants are a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.   It is recommended on teeth that have not had a cavity yet and is usually applied at age 6-7 and again at age 12-13.

X-RAYS - RADIOGRAPHS

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. 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 up to 90% less radiation versus conventional X-rays. Coupled with computer monitoring, digital x-ray technology allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.

GUM TREATMENTS

The gums, ligaments, and bone (the periodontium) around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth.  Without these vital structures the teeth become loose and will fall out eventually.  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 or 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. Gum disease treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or "scaling and root planing" done with a numbing anesthetic.  Occasionally an antibiotic agent or laser debridement is necessary as well. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or removal of teeth. This is why it is important to get it treated at the first sign of a problem.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed to reach all the way to this pulp.  Regular cleanings and checkups can prevent and detect cavity 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, also. 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 crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

CROWN (CAP)

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.

 Tooth Replacement

IMPLANTS A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft 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 shaft.  This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support.    Also, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.  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 to acclimatize 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.

BRIDGE

This is one option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics. 

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues. 

DENTURE - PARTIAL - PLATE

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.

 Cosmetic Services

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.

We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.

WHITENING - BLEACHING

This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses several methods: In office bleaching, Custom tray whitening, and professional strength white strips.

In office bleaching involves the careful application of professional strength carbamide peroxide and a desensitizer to the teeth.  A special light is used to activate the gel and provide superior whitening power to other methods.   This process takes about 90 minutes to complete and can whiten teeth up to 10 shades.  Custom bleaching trays are then fabricated for home use to whiten more or for maintenance of the new brilliant color. 

The tray method 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 3 hours, or overnight. 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.

We carry Crest Professional strength white strips.  These are more powerful than the ones in retail stores and will whiten in less than half the time. 

BONDING

Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.

 Other Services

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. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.

Problems in this area can cause:

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 plastic mouthpiece 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.

We also offer the NTI-TSS device for TMJ problems and for Migraines.  This device is small and fits over the front teeth.  When worn properly it will help lessen or eliminate the pain associated with Migraines and TMJ problems.

COLD SORE TREATMENTS

Using a diode laser we can significantly shorten the length of a cold sore, aphthous, herpes or mouth sore breakout.  By painlessly shining a laser light over the sore the area feels better instantly and heals in record time.  Typically patients get relief in 3-6 days with laser therapy instead of the 2 weeks it takes for a typical mouth sore to heal.  Studies have even started to show decreased frequency of breakouts when laser light is used to heal herpes sores, theoretically eliminating the breakouts all together.  Since the process works best if done in the first few days of a breakout, we try to get you in the same day you call for laser therapy.