2010

Procedures

We strive to provide our patients with the most positive dental experience possible, combined with personalized care in a modern, comfortable environment. This is achieved through our ongoing commitment to continuing education in the latest in dental materials and techniques. We cater to individual patients with utmost concern for their dental health, as well as their overall health. We take the time to educate and inform our patients, and offer treatment options tailored to their individual needs and desires.

Following are some of the procedures we offer:

All-Porcelain Restorations

Porcelain restorations are stronger than composite fillings and more conservative than crowns since less natural tooth is required to be removed during the treatment. They are bonded to the teeth to create a tight fit and restore the tooth’s strength. Porcelain inlays and onlays wear better than composite fillings, and since these materials closely match the composition of natural tooth structure, they are the closest things we have to replacing enamel that has been damaged by decay.

Same Day Crowns

Same Day Crowns and other conservative all-porcelain restorations are possible in one day thanks to Cerec 3-D technology. Cerec is the best system available for fabrication of all porcelain dental restorations in one visit. For our patients, this means only one appointment (instead of at least two), fewer shots, and no temporary fillings or crowns (which may come off at an inconvenient time). You have better things to do with your time than to return to the dental office to complete a procedure.

Custom Shading

Custom shading is possible to match individual characteristics of teeth. Some people have multiple colors or shades in their enamel and we are able to duplicate those characteristics to provide a match that would blend beautifully with their natural teeth.

Composite Fillings/Bonding

Composite fillings and tooth bonding are among the most affordable ways to cosmetically correct damaged and flawed teeth. Composites can be used to fill cavities, restore broken, chipped or discolored teeth, and to fill in gaps between the teeth. Composite fillings are practically invisible.

Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain, custom made to fit precisely over the front of existing teeth. Although they are thin, veneers become very strong once bonded to teeth. Veneers are used to whiten the appearance of teeth, close spaces, fix broken/chipped teeth, and correct misshapen or misaligned teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of the enamel to create a whiter, brighter smile. Over time, teeth may darken or become discolored. Smoking, coffee, tea and certain fruits can stain teeth. After determining the exact cause of your tooth discoloration, we can recommend a whitening regime to meet your specific situation. Occasionally, teeth may be discolored in a way that limits the effectiveness of teeth whitening. In those instances, porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative.

Implants

Implants are biocompatible fixtures that are surgically placed into the bone to provide a secure foundation for artificial teeth or bridges. Dental implants are a long lasting alternative to removable dentures and bridges that affect adjacent teeth. They provide natural looking and natural feeling results. Healthy gums and adequate bone structure are necessary for successful implants.

Bridges

Bridges are cemented restorations that replace missing teeth. It is necessary to have teeth (or implants) on both sides of the space for a bridge to be possible. A bridge is stable in the mouth and feels like natural teeth. By filling the gap caused by missing teeth and stopping the movement of other teeth, a fixed bridge is an excellent option, providing chewing ability and heading off jaw joint problems that might be expensive and time consuming to fix.

Dentures

Dentures are sets of artificial teeth intended to replace some or all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Since the shape of the jaw bone affects the fit of the denture, the addition of dental implants can dramatically improve the comfort and stability. When teeth are missing, dentures are necessary to keep facial muscles and lips from sagging, and to allow proper speech and eating.

Invisible Braces

A great way to straighten misaligned teeth is with invisible braces. Straightening teeth is accomplished with a series of removable, clear trays that are hardly noticeable. Often, treatment is quicker than conventional orthodontics and because the trays are clear, people will only notice straighter teeth. There are no brackets or wires.

Sealants

Sealants are protective coverings for teeth. They fill in the groves where cavities often start and prevent the bacteria that cause cavities from getting into those groves. Sealants are a great preventive measure to keep young teeth healthy.

Digital Radiography

Digital Radiography significantly reduces radiation exposure (up to 90%) while enhancing diagnostic ability. The images can be immediately viewed on a computer monitor, and can be enlarged, rotated, focused, and even colorized to aid diagnosis.

Periodontics

Periodontics is the dental specialty involved with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. The disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, this infection can lead to tooth loss. Affecting one tooth or many teeth, it begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. Persistent bad breath may also accompany these symptoms. If periodontal disease is present, non-surgical options such as cleaning the root surfaces, flushing the areas with antibiotics or special rinses, and oral medications are available. We work with exceptional periodontists (gum specialists) when surgical interventions are necessary.

Athletic Mouthguard

A professionally fitted athletic mouthguard can prevent injury during physical activities. It is estimated that over 5 million teeth are lost annually in sporting activities in the United States. Mouthguards are essential equipment for athletes of all ages who participate in sports. When carefully fitted, they provide a cushion protecting the teeth and mouth. They also absorb the shock of a blow to the jaw significantly reducing the risk of concussion.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy (endodontics) is generally the only option to save a tooth that has severe decay that exposes the nerve (pulp) or has become infected. These teeth often have chronic pain from contact with hot and cold liquids or pain from pressure or biting down. The diseased pulp tissue is removed and the cleansed and disinfected canals are filled. A permanent restoration is then completed on the tooth to prevent leakage.