Services

Fillings

A Filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then replace the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost.

Crown, Bridge & Implant Restoration

Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A Crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.

Crowns may be used to:

• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

A Bridge is one method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. 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 made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or aesthetics.

Veneers & Cosmetic Bonding

A Porcelain Veneer is an ultra-thin shell of ceramic material which is bonded to the front of teeth. They are highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking. The wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in a pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Partial & Full Denture

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!

A removable Partial Denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.

A Complete Denture is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of the natural teeth. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Extraction & Minor Oral Surgery

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable.

Periodontal Care

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one’s teeth. These structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Recent research indicates a strong connection between the health of the gums and the rest of the body.

Uncontrolled periodontal disease is highly correlated with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that have pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be signs of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state.

If you’re having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a Deep Cleaning or Periodontal Therapy done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.

Root Canals

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

Invisalign Orthodontics

Invisalign is an alternative orthodontic treatment which uses a series of clear, removable teeth aligners as an alternative in select cases to traditional metal dental braces. The clear aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth, and can be removed to eating and for easy cleaning. When teeth are aligned properly, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. The comfortable aligners gently and gradually begin to move your teeth into the proper position. Invisalign is usually more affordable than traditional braces and may also be shorter in wear/use time. Call our office today to ask if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

Teeth Whitening

One of the simplest, safest, and easiest cosmetic dental procedures is Teeth Whitening. Teeth come in many shades and colors, but most people feel that whiter means healthier and younger. Teeth get darker with time as stains from coffee and other dark drinks, smoking, and food colors are soaked up by the tiny hollow tubules that make up the teeth’s enamel.

Dental whitening agents work by soaking into these same tubules and dissolving out the stains. We custom-make very thin rubber ‘trays’ that fit over your teeth and hold the exact amount of whitening gel needed to safely and effectively remove the yellow and brown colors. It doesn’t take long before your teeth have renewed whiteness and are brighter and more attractive.

Call our office today to schedule your appointment for customize teeth whitening trays.

Mouth Guards

A mouth guard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums. A mouth guard is most often used to prevent injury in contract sports, as a treatment for bruxism or TMD. Sometimes a mouth guard is used to prevent clenching or grinding that can contribute to other dental problems. Our office can fabricate a mouth guard which fits specifically to your mouth.

N20 Sedation

We understand that a visit to the dentist’s office can cause anxiety for some patients. We are pleased to offer N20 Sedation as an alternative dental operatory setting. This service can be made available for both children and adults. The doctor can review with you if this is a good alternative for you or your family member.