Diagnostic & Preventive
A hygienist will then bring you back to a treatment room for your visit. In order to completely evaluate your oral health, we take bite-wing x-rays annually and a panoramic x-ray every three years. The panoramic radiograph allows us to see both the maxillary and mandibular jaws as well as your sinuses. In addition to a cleaning, the hygienist provides topical fluoride to children and to adults when indicated. The hygienist will also review your home care and give further instruction if needed. At every cleaning appointment, you will be examined by the dentist. In an effort to maximize your home care, we offer the Sonicare rechargeable toothbrush for purchase at our cost.
Restorations
Composite (Tooth-colored) Fillings: We do not do any amalgam (silver, metal) fillings. We restore all cavities with a resin-based composite filling material. This material can be bonded to the tooth. Because of this we are able to restore a tooth by only removing the decayed portion and leaving more of the healthy tooth structure than we would if we were using amalgam. Crowns: If too much of the tooth structure is damaged, it may be necessary to restore your tooth with a crown. This is a restoration which completely covers your tooth. Crowns can be made of many different materials (gold, porcelain fused to metal, all-porcelain). The material we choose depends on what is best for each situation. Veneers: A veneer is a thin porcelain restoration which is bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers can be used to close spaces; lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear; provide a uniform color, shape, and symmetry; or make crooked teeth appear straight.
Endodontics
(Root Canal) In situations where the nerve of the tooth is exposed to bacteria, either though trauma or decay, root canal therapy may be indicated. This treatment typically takes two visits. On the first visit, the canals are accessed and measurements are taken to determine the length of each canal. Rotary titanium files are then used to simultaneously clean and shape the canals. The canals are irrigated with an antibacterial solution. Finally a sedative paste is put into the canals and the temporary filling is put in the tooth. On the second visit, the paste is removed; the canals are dried and filled with gutta-percha, a natural thermoplastic polymer of isoprene, and sealer. A temporary filling is again place in the tooth. The final restoration for the tooth will either be a composite filling of a full coverage crown, depending on the specific situation.
Periodontics
Periodontics deals with the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth. This includes the bone, gingiva (gums) and ligaments. Obviously, your periodontal health is very important in maintaining your teeth. At every cleaning visit, we perform a thorough periodontal evaluation through probing. If the results show signs of disease, further treatment such as scaling and root planing under local anesthesia may be indicated. If you require surgical intervention, we will refer you to a specialist.
Dentures
If you are missing many or all of your teeth, you may opt to replace them with a partial or full denture. There are many ways in which we can fabricate dentures for you that look like natural teeth. We also offer denture repair services in which most repairs can be returned in the same day.
Implants
Implants are used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. An implant consists of three parts: a titanium screw is inserted into the bone; the abutment is screwed into the implanted screw; the crown is cemented onto the abutment. The time it takes from the initial surgery to cementing the final crown is approximately 4-6 months.
Bridges
If you are missing a tooth between two stable teeth, a bridge may be a viable option. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns. The bridge is then cemented onto these teeth.
Oral Surgery
We perform all our extractions under local anesthesia. If you would prefer to see an oral surgeon, we have good relationships with several in the area.
Teeth Whitening
We offer two ways in which you can get a whiter, brighter smile! The first is with the Zoom! Weekender Kit. We will take impressions of your teeth, from which we make molds. Using these molds, we are able to make custom whitening trays. You wear the trays when it is convenient for you, either during the day or at night. The second system is Beaming White. This is an in-office whitening system done under the supervision of a trained hygienist. You can also combine the two systems for the highest effectivity.
Perio Protect
The Perio Protect Method® is a minimally invasive, comprehensive gum disease treatment. It is backed by technology, and the results are proven through research. perioprotect.com
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (860) 668-4431.