Restorative
Fillings / Crowns
To treat a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth will be removed and then the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed will be "filled". Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding). There are three common types of filling material.
- White (Composite) Fillings are ideal for fixing small to medium sized cavities. They are good for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.
- Silver (Amalgam) Fillings and Gold Inlay Fillings, while common in the past, are now rarely done due to their dark metal color and lack of bonding to tooth. They require more tooth removal to be properly placed than do other more natural looking options.
- Hybrid Ceramic Onlay/Inlay Fillings are more durable than composites, benefit from bonding to the tooth, and are very natural looking. These are the ideal choice for the larger size fillings. *** Emax and Zirconia are the two main materials used for permanent crowns and onlays, which can be custom made in-office same day/visit using our CEREC CAD/CAM system.
Root Canals
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, the diseased pulp is removed. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.
Extractions
Extractions (with bone grafting when needed) are performed on a case by case basis for several reasons including tooth fracture, loose baby teeth, wisdom teeth, teeth with severe decay, and in some cases for orthodontic treatment.
Missing Tooth Replacement
- Implants - Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They may be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. During the procedure, a titanium post is inserted under the gums/within the jaw bone. This implant functions as a tooth root. Soon after, it is used to hold a single crown, multiple crowns, or even snap fitting to a denture. We use 3D imaging to evaluate and plan implant surgeries, which makes it very safe, predictable, and fast to place.
- Bridges - A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and literally "bridges" the gap where one or more teeth used to be. The bridge is attached to surrounding teeth for support. This option may not be a good idea in most cases, but only in certain cases it may be a good choice.
- Partial & Full Dentures - Dentures are removable appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth and help restore your smile. Dentures do not function exactly like natural teeth do, but with time and patience one can learn to use them properly. If you've lost several or maybe all of your natural teeth, then replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. For example, dentures can make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth... things that people often take for granted.
Cosmetic
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
- In-Office Whitening - Involves a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel. Once the gel is applied to the teeth, the bleaching process begins. Then after 2 or 3 applications and you're all done in just about an hour's time vs. 7-9 days worth of home bleaching. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the tooth enamel to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unharmed and whiter.
- Custom at Home Whitening Trays - moderate concentration peroxide gel is placed into custom made dental trays to bleach the tooth enamel. Usually this is done for 30 minutes per day... for 7-9 days in row. Alternatively, "one size fit all" tray kits w/ pre-loaded gel can be made available for patients... which makes it even simpler for the patient to get started.
Cosmetic Bonded Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-crafted "shells" of tooth-colored ceramics, designed to cover at least the entire front side of teeth. After being permanently bonded onto the teeth, they are very strong. Veneers can be an option for correcting severely discolored, fractured, decayed, or even crooked teeth in some cases.
Invisalign Orthodontics
Invisalign is a great option to correct misaligned teeth. It uses a series of clear removable aligners that move your teeth. The aligners are changed every week or so until your teeth arrive to the final position. Comfortable and practically unnoticeable while wearing, these aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual. Then just clean your teeth and put them back on. So many cases are now being done with Invisalign, instead of metal braces...for teens and adults alike.
Bonding/White Fillings
Bonding uses natural tooth shade hybrid ceramic or composite filling material to reshape or fix a chipped tooth to provide a more esthetic result. It usually conserves natural structure and in some cases it is a great short term option to veneers.
Preventative
Comprehensive Oral Exam
During the comprehensive oral exam we survey the mouth as a whole (visually & with periodic xrays) and recommend treatment options if needed. We also perform a simple oral cancer screening. And of course, we like to review oral hygiene and make recommendations where needed.
- Regular Cleanings - We will remove plaque (bacteria/food debris film) and calculus (tartar) to leave slick/clean teeth plus promote healthy gums. Usually, this will remove superficial stains from coffee, tea and smoking. (In cases of more severe gum conditions... we also offer scaling and root planing (aka: deep cleaning) - we work with patients closely in these cases to get them to a healthier, more stable condition that can be maintained.)
- Digital X-rays - Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping your dentist detect damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
- Sealants - Sealants are plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants are generally placed on children's teeth.