RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Our office offers both the amalgam(silver) fillings, or the more popular white porcelain fillings. Both restorations are very durable, but white fillings are mercury free, bond to tooth structure so there is less potential for fracture, and look just like your healthy teeth. Older silver fillings that present as gray or black, and look like rotting tooth when we smile, can easily be replaced with white fillings, causing those dark areas to disappear! Crowns and bridges are sometimes needed to properly restore the teeth. A crown, or cap, is utilized when a tooth has a very large cavity that cannot be fixed using just a filling. The crown covers the tooth completely giving it maximum protection even under heavy chewing conditions. Fractured teeth are often crowned so they do not break down further, and are restored to their proper size and shape. Crowns are very cosmetic and can make teeth that are rotated, dark, or protruded, appear healthy and normal.
Bridges are used to fill spaces where teeth were lost. A bridge is where the tooth on either side of the space is crowned and a false tooth sits in the space. They can be used in the front, or the back of the mouth where strength is so important. Filling spaces prevents teeth from drifting which can throw off the bite and the jaw, or prevent the over extrusion of opposing teeth which may be lost over time as a result. A bridge can give you back a beautiful, complete smile. All of the materials we use are up to date, durable, kind to the tissues, and very aesthetic!
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Many options are available to improve your smile. We give our patients the opportunity to choose the treatment they are most comfortable with. There is never any pressure to agree to a particular procedure, and we understand everyone has a budget they need to stay within. Teeth Bleaching is a very easy, safe, effective, and affordable way to brighten your smile. The difference is amazing!! The take home method of bleaching, whitens the inside as well as the outside of the teeth so they stay whiter for years not weeks or months. The faster in-office bleaching only whitens the surface and rebound yellowing can occur just weeks later. Also, the concentrated fast bleaching materials may cause damage to the enamel surface. Store bought bleaching materials, like the strips, are less concentrated so they can be sold in the store, but are too weak to make much difference. Decide to have your bleaching at your cleaning appointment and get $25 off the already low price.
Veneers can be a conservative way to cover discolored teeth, and never stain over time. They are porcelain shells that require little tooth preparation, and look incredible! Veneers are also used to straighten teeth, and fill narrow spaces, like the opening many people have between their two front teeth. Cosmetic bonding is also available. Bonding covers the teeth to make them appear whiter, and is a more affordable alternative to veneers. Bonding can stain, and are less durable, but look great, and are fabulous for younger people whose mouths are still developing.
ROOT CANALS
When the pulp, or tooth nerve, is damaged, or infected, it is important to remove the nerve by doing a root canal, so the tooth can be saved. The nerve can go bad from trauma to the tooth, or a deep cavity. Many believe that the root canal procedure hurts, but it really doesn't. There can be some post-operative tendernous, but this is often not severe. You may be surprised at how easy the prcedure really is! If you are experiencing a throbbing, dull ache in a tooth then you likely need a root canal. sometimes a nerve can go bad and never have symptoms. If a bad nerve is left untreated, an abscess can form that will eat away bone beneath the tooth, and cause swelling. These infections can be serious, and should be attended to immediately.
EXTRACTIONS
Sometimes despite our best efforts, a tooth cannot be saved. If a tooth that is infected is allowed to stay in the mouth it can lead to extreme health problems. The blood that travels through the jaw bone picks up infection and carries it throughout the body. This weakens the body's defenses against illnesses, and can result in a dangerous infection of the blood. Locally, the tooth's infection can penetrate through the layers of tissue in the head region resulting in possible damage to the brain, or even death. Typically, infected teeth will cause swelling, but not always. Facial pain, headaches, and malaise can all result from hopeless teeth. We know that the thought of having a tooth extracted is a scary one, which is why we take extra care in being sure you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. With our many years of experience extracting teeth, along with the most up to date instruments, when it is over you may find yourself saying, "It's out already?".
PERIODONTICS
The number one cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease. Infectious bacteria gather beneath the gums and create an inflamatory response that eventually leads to bone loss. This process is often painless until it becomes more advanced and the damage is already severe. If left untreated, teeth become loose, gums become painful, and ultimate tooth loss results. The most common type of bone loss is horizontal bone loss where the bone level cannot ever be brought back to it's original level. That is why it is so important to identify the disease early. We are very thorough about diagnosing perio disease, and treating it from a conservative approach. We place a high priority on keeping you comfortable throughout any gum treatment. Often a "deep cleaning" known as a scaling, can bring the gums back to health in as little as one visit. Recall cleanings should be every 3 - 4 months to maintain the health of the gums. This is a benefit under most insurances. In addition to tooth loss, there are a number of serious health problems that may result from periodontal disease. A significant increase of heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, diabetes, and other life threatening complications may result. Periodontal disease is easily treatable, and the earlier it is discovered and addressed, the less likely you are to experience it's many dangerous complications.
PARTIALS AND DENTURES
When we lose teeth we also lose our ability to chew. Inadequate chewing leads to problems with the digestion of food which can ultimately result in digestive tract problems, and poor nutrition. Having teeth is also important in maintaining a desirable appearance. The teeth support our facial features for a more youthful result. And, of course, a nice, full smile is something that gives us confidence and self esteem. We are experienced at making dentures that fit and feel terrific, without looking fake. We utilize quality materials that are durable and lifelike. If there are multiple missing teeth, partials are an affordable alternative. Conventional partials use a metal framework to clip onto the teeth, while our very cosmetic Flex Partials have no metal at all and snap to place. We can help you decide what is best for your situation. With temporary healing dentures, and immediate dentures that are placed at the time of your extractions, you will never walk out of our office without teeth. Dentures are very durable, but they can still break. We can do almost any repair same day so you can go on with your life with confidence.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
When a tooth, or multiple teeth, are lost, the most favorable way to restore the space is most often with implants. An implant is a small metal cylinder that is placed in the bone. The implant is coated with a material that promotes bone growth around it so it stays strong in place. After the implant heals, we build a tooth, or bride, on top of it to fill the space. Implants look just like your natural teeth, and are permanent in the mouth. Not having to cut down the teeth on either side of the space, like in a bridge, makes the implant a more conservative restoration. Also, when a tooth is missing, the bone in that area begins to dissolve away, but with an implant the bone is preserved and stays at its original level. Yes, implants are a little more expensive, but they are about 98% successful, and will save money on replacements, like a failed bridge, and won't contribute to the weakening, or destruction of adjacent teeth, that would be reduced in the case of a bridge. Implants are also great for supporting dentures. Lower dentures especially can be very loose fitting, as there is little jawbone available to support them. The tongue can cause them to flip up, and speaking and chewing can be difficult. Two Locator Implants placed in the lower jaw will allow the denture to snap into place and hold strong, so you can feel comfortable and confident. They can also be used on the upper, and the esthetics are great! Just ask us about implants if you have a space, or denture that could benefit from them.
