Crowns 

Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We are renowned for our quality of work and the outstanding results we are able to achieve. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your own natural teeth. It is not unusual for our dental restorations to last 20-30 years because we use reliable state-of-the-art techniques and high-grade materials - this is as permanent as dental treatment can get.

How long does it take?

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially we will remove all any decay, shape the remaining tooth structure and then fit you with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal. On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, try on the new crown and adjust if necessary. Finally we will cement the permanent crown in place so you have a new, beautiful, natural-looking tooth.

What are the key benefits?

Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth. Looks completely natural. Fixes smile concerns. Corrects functional chewing problems.

When is a crown needed?

Crowns (and bridges) are very reliable long-term solutions for major dental problems caused by accident, disease or wear and tear. High-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold are excellent choices where damage has caused loss of teeth, teeth have broken from excessive stress/wear or old fillings have deteriorated so much that replacing them is no longer an option. Placing crowns on back (molar) teeth relieves the pain many people develop from cracks due to the force of chewing and allows for a more comfortable return to full dental function. Older fillings on front teeth can both weaken and cause ‘appearance’ problems such as discoloration, staining and/or chipping. Porcelain crowns are very effective in these cases. Crowns also prevent tooth breakage and fracture of teeth that have been root canal treated. Crown techniques can correct even the most severe dental problems making your smile appear new again.

Bridges 

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and maintaining proper positioning of your remaining teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily always occur as you age but when you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper alignment and avoid major jaw dysfunction and pain. Fortunately there are excellent options for correcting tooth loss.

What is a bridge? A bridge (sometimes called a fixed partial denture) replaces missing teeth – it attaches artificial teeth to your adjacent natural teeth. Bridges are made by either placing crowns on the adjacent teeth with the artificial teeth attached in between or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the adjacent teeth. Bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. They offer more stability and comfort than a removable partial denture. Why do I need a bridge? Functionality and appearance are the most important reasons for wearing a bridge. Teeth are designed to complement each other. Your teeth support your lips and cheeks and affect many daily functions including eating and speaking. A missing tooth may cause your mouth to sink inwards, your chin and/or nose to protrude more, your face to appear older than it really is and shifting of your remaining teeth which could lead to periodontal disease and more tooth loss. Missing teeth affect speaking clearly and concisely and can also cause speech disorders.

Dental health is another important reason for a bridge. Unusual stresses placed on your gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing cause a number of potentially harmful dental disorders such as an increased risk of gum disease. Missing teeth should be replaced to avoid long-term and ultimately un-repairable damage to remaining teeth, gums and jaw alignment.

How is a bridge attached?

The attachment procedure for a bridge usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment we will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. A fixed bridge joins the false tooth to the crowns of the adjacent teeth spanning the open space just like a regular automobile bridge does. Your natural teeth act as an anchor and supply the strength and support needed for normal, natural-looking dental function. Since the bridge must be custom fabricated to ensure proper alignment with the surrounding and opposing teeth, impressions of the existing teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge is custom made to your own contours. You leave our office with a temporary bridge in place until the permanent is made. Upon returning, we will remove the temporary bridge and permanently cement your new one in place. Now you can eat and smile with confidence knowing that you look your best.

How do I take care of my bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and the surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support and strength. Your dental professional will be happy to demonstrate the best way to brush and floss once you have a bridge in place.

Dentures    

If you have lost some or all of your teeth, whether from tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury, partial/full dentures can replace your missing teeth and let you smile comfortably again! With improvements in dental implants (see Implants) and other techniques in recent years, removable dentures are not as common as they once were. However conventional removable partial or full dentures can still be a very effective solution for many people who suffer from complete or partial tooth loss. Your dental professional can evaluate which options for tooth replacement are available to you and answer your questions about risks and benefits.

Are there different kinds of dentures?

Yes there are - depending on how many teeth you have remaining and what the condition of your bone and gums are:

A full denture replaces all of the teeth in either the upper or lower arch of your mouth and can be supported by implants.   A partial denture is recommended when you still have some natural teeth remaining to anchor the denture to but a bridge or implant support is not an option.

The timing of the placement of a denture is also very important:

• A ‘conventional’ full/partial denture is made and fit after teeth are extracted and the gums and bones have healed. This usually requires a few visits for fittings over several weeks.
• ‘Immediate’ full/partial dentures can be placed immediately after the tooth removal so you do not have to be without teeth during the healing period however relining or rebasing of the denture may be required as the gums and bone shrink throughout the healing process.
• For more stability you can elect to have implants surgically placed to support your denture.

How Many Appointments Are Needed For A Denture?

Several appointments are usually necessary. We will discuss with you the estimated time required in order to make your new dentures and provide a proper fit throughout each step of fabrication. We take great care and pride in providing our denture patients with very high-quality, esthetically attractive, well-fitting and natural looking dentures (whichever type you choose).

What Special Care Do Dentures Require?

Denture success depends on a good fit, a well-made denture, and on following the advice of your dentist. Denture wearers gain confidence about how their dentures feel and look as they adjust to them over time. They usually learn to speak and eat more confidently than ever before. When you have dentures regular appointments with us and a good daily cleaning routine can help you lead a healthy and natural lifestyle. Even with the best of care however it may be necessary to have dentures relined or remade after several years. This is because the boney ridge in your mouth that the dentures rest on goes through natural changes over time causing the dentures to become loose and/or fit improperly.

Each morning and evening you should brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush. This removes plaque and stimulates proper blood circulation in the tissues. A balanced diet is also very important. Your dentures are custom fit precisely to you and usually will not require the use of an adhesive unless there is not enough bone to support the denture. In an emergency, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable but prolonged use can mask infection and/or cause bone loss in the jaw. During your regular check-up appointments we will examine the denture and your mouth to determine if the denture still fits properly, identify sore spots and determine if repair and/or replacement is necessary.

How Long Should I Wear My Denture?

We provide detailed instructions about wearing and caring for your removable dentures. During the first few days you may be advised to wear your removable dentures most of the time even while you sleep. The muscles of your cheeks and tongue need to learn how to keep the denture in place. The new dentures may feel a bit loose and awkward for a few weeks and it is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. Two or more follow-up appointments with us are generally needed once you receive your denture. After the initial adjustment period and once you become accustomed to the denture you will be instructed to remove them before going to bed each night. This allows your gum tissues to rest and promotes good oral health.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

Over time dentures will need to be relined or completely replaced due to tissue changes and normal wear.

• Bone and gums can recede or shrink. This can also cause your jaw to align differently.
• Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause sores and infection.

If you are experiencing problems with the fit and comfort of your old dentures we can determine whether they need to be repaired or replaced. Regular dental check-ups will help identify these types of problems before they cause discomfort and affect your dental health.

Implants

Implants are another way to replace missing teeth. An implant is a metal rod embedded into your jawbone and is topped by an implant crown that looks like a natural tooth. When missing teeth are replaced by an implant supported tooth, the overall enhancement to your quality of life is even more significant than with a bridge or a partial/full denture and more permanent. You have no limits on the types of foods you can eat (unlike with bridges or dentures), you eliminate messy denture adhesives and your speech, comfort and appearance are as natural as they can possibly be.

What is the implant process? The first step to an implant process is to determine whether your gums and bone structure are adequate to support the implant rod and tooth. We can refer you to a qualified specialist in implant surgery who will evaluate the benefits of implant placement for you. If you are a good candidate for an implant, surgery is performed in the specialist’s office to place the implant rod. During healing the bone grows around the implant to firmly hold it in place. Once healing is complete, we place a connector (abutment) on the dental implant and fabricate the implant crown. What are the advantages of implants? An implant is as close to a natural tooth as possible. Adjacent teeth are not affected by the implant procedure. Implants may decrease or help prevent shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss. Strategically placed implants can replace multiple teeth. Implant teeth are more permanent and natural looking than dentures. You care for implant teeth just like your natural teeth – no adhesives or removal is necessary.

Bonding

Bonding is a process whereby your existing teeth are restored using a composite resin material. If your teeth are chipped, cracked, discolored or misshapen, bonding may be an easy alternative to improving your smile. We can close small gaps between teeth, fill cavities caused by decay and protect tooth roots that are caused by gum recession.

How does it work?

If bonding is determined to be the best option for you, the affected tooth will be lightly etched on the surface and then the bonding liquid is added. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by your dentist. The resin is trimmed, smoothed out and polished to a natural appearance.

What are the advantages of bonding?

• Most often bonding can be completed quickly and comfortably in one dental visit.
• Bonding typically lasts three to five years before needing repair.
• The appearance of chipped, cracked and misshapen teeth can be substantially improved with bonding.
• The composite resin in tooth-colored so your teeth look attractive and natural.

When is bonding not advised?

Your dental professional will evaluate whether bonding or another alternative is recommended for you. Issues such as the size of your repair, which teeth are involved (front or back) and excess chewing pressure could have an effect on the success of the bonding treatment. Because bonding material is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it may chip or need to be replaced periodically. Careful home and professional maintenance is necessary as well as avoiding acidic foods & berries, chewing ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy, smoking, coffee, tea, etc. which may cause staining and other damage.

Veneers

Veneers are a thin shell usually made out of porcelain that is bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Unlike crowns which cover the entire tooth, veneers are generally used for cosmetic improvement and are especially good options for discoloration, poorly shaped structure or to eliminate large gaps between teeth. Placing veneers require a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to detail. We place veneers routinely and design each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of your smile. Veneers are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.

Are veneers natural looking?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

After a thorough examination your dental professional will determine if dental veneers are the best option for you. Teeth must be healthy and free of decay and active periodontal disease. If you grind your teeth or clench, your dentist may recommend a dental nightguard to help minimize the stress on your teeth.

What other considerations are there?

Veneers typically require less removal of tooth enamel than crowns however the process is not reversible once the enamel is removed. Even though high quality porcelain is used and bonded to your existing tooth with the most advanced and proven materials available, the veneer is somewhat brittle. Avoid nail-biting and chewing on hard objects. DO NOT use your teeth as tools to open items and like all dental restorations it is possible over time that wear and tear will require replacement.

Sealants

The chewing surface on all molars and pre-molars for both children and adults contain deep grooves called pits & fissures that help grind your food when you chew. Regular brushing and flossing help to remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of your teeth but toothbrush bristles cannot reach deep enough to adequately remove the bacteria. Sealants protect these areas in between professional cleanings.

Aren’t sealants just for kids?

Sealants are generally recommended early in life to protect children’s pre-molars and molars. The chewing surfaces of our teeth are most susceptible to cavities due to deep pits and grooves however adults can also benefit from sealants for the very same reason. Surveys show that the majority of cavities are caused by food particles and bacteria that have not been removed adequately through normal brushing Research has shown that 95% of us have a chance of experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of our teeth at some time in our life. Sealants protect our teeth by ‘sealing out’ plaque and food and are recommended as a preventive step for children as well as any adult who is at high risk for cavities. During your next visit ask your dentist about how sealants can help you.

How are sealants applied?

Application of sealants is easy and only takes a few minutes. A dental sealant is a thin plastic film that is painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities. Your dental professional will clean the tooth of all existing bacteria and decay and then rough up the chewing surface with a solution that helps the sealant stick to the tooth. Once the dentist ‘paints’ the sealant on, it bonds to the tooth and hardens with the help of a special curing light. Sealant treatment is painless and does not require any anesthesia.

How effective are sealants?

Studies have proven that properly applied sealants are 100% effective in protecting the tooth surface from cavities. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around the sealant. Sealant protection is reduced or lost when part, or all, of the bond between the tooth and sealant is broken. Your dental professional will examine your sealants during your regular cleaning visits to determine if they are still protecting you adequately and recommend replacement as needed.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants could break or come off when chewing on hard or sticky foods such as candy, ice, gum, etc. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. The risk of decay decreases significantly after a sealant is applied. During your regular dental visits your dentist will check the condition of your sealants and recommend reapplication when necessary.

Are sealants covered by insurance?

Insurance benefits for sealants are pre-determined by the limits of the policy that has been purchased for you. Companies are starting to recognize that sealants are a proven preventive technique and making them available more often. Sealants can help reduce future dental expenses and protect teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment. Our staff will be happy to check with your insurance policy on sealant coverage.

Invisalign

Invisalign® is the clear alternative to metal braces – no one will know you are wearing them unless you tell. As is the case with traditional orthodontics, Invisalign® enhances your smile by moving teeth into their optimal cosmetic position and does this without unsightly metal brackets and wires. Invisalign® aligners are comfortable to wear and do not require you to change your busy lifestyle. Because aligners are easy to remove you can continue to eat all of your favorite foods along with brushing and flossing normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How does Invisalign® work? Invisalign® uses 3-D imaging technology to design aligners custom made for your unique condition. Each aligner is worn for two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series. The aligners gently nudge your teeth into position until the ultimate result is obtained Am I a candidate for Invisalign® treatment? Our qualified professionals will evaluate whether Invisalign® is a good choice for you based upon your own individual condition and potential results. Invisalign® is designed to be used on adults and teens but is not intended for use on children due to the possibility of non-compliance. Invisalign® is also not intended for the most difficult of cases where traditional metal brackets and wires allow more control. Call us today to schedule a FREE consultation! What are the advantages of Invisalign® over traditional metal braces? Inivsalign® aligners are virtually invisible. Most people won’t be able to tell that you even have them on and they are more comfortable than traditional wired braces No metal or wire is used with Invisalign® which eliminates cut lips and cheeks common with sharp metal braces Aligners are removable so you can eat, brush and floss normally Because no metal or wire adjustments are necessary throughout your treatment, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair with Invisalign®

How long does Invisalign® treatment take?

Most Invisalign® cases take less than a year to move the teeth into their optimal position

Will I need to wear a retainer at the end of my treatment?

Yes. Just as is the case with traditional metal braces, your teeth will have a tendency to move back to their original position unless some type of retention is used. A retainer is usually worn only at night (while sleeping). A permanent retainer can be bonded to the teeth if necessary

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a process that lightens discoloration and removes stains from the enamel and dentin of your teeth. We offer two gentle and safe ways to whiten:

• ZOOM® in-office teeth whitening takes a little over an hour and provides immediate results. The special formula ZOOM® gel interacts with the ZOOM® light to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration.
• • An alternative to ZOOM® in-office teeth whitening is custom-fitted take-home whitening trays. Worn overnight, the whitening trays are specially designed for you only and are used with a mild solution at home at your convenience to gently whiten your teeth over a number of days.

Why can only a dentist get my teeth their whitest?

The powerful whitening solutions that we use can only be prescribed by a dentist. The teeth whitening systems you can purchase over the counter do not contain the safe and effective potency of the solutions we use nor do they ensure that your gums and teeth are protected from inadvertent damage by improper application of the solutions.

Prior to beginning treatment, we will examine your teeth and gums to determine whether you have any untreated cavities, tooth decay, unhealthy teeth or any other contra-indications for teeth whitening. Then, depending on which procedure you choose, we will either take an impression of your teeth to make our custom-fitted take-home trays or begin the ZOOM® in-office procedure at your convenience.

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes of tooth discoloration. The most common include closed corpuscles due to aging; stains caused by coffee, tea, red wines, colas, tobacco, red sauces, etc.; trauma bruising, tetracycline (antibiotic) markings; excessive fluoride usage, and nerve degeneration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Almost anyone can benefit from teeth whitening. However there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. Tooth-whitening is most ideal for patients who have healthy, un-restored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile. People with yellow or yellow-brown teeth tend to whiten best. Multi-colored teeth, especially if stained due to tetracycline, do not whiten easily. In addition, fillings, bondings, veneers and crowns do not bleach and may need to be replaced to match the lightened teeth once the whitening is completed.

We will conduct a thorough oral examination of your teeth and gums to determine whether you are a viable candidate for either of our two teeth whitening systems. Neither whitening procedure is known to harm the teeth or gums and significant whitening can be achieved in the majority of cases.

Do I need a cleaning prior to whitening?

Yes, a professional cleaning should be done just prior to the whitening process to obtain the optimum results. We will remove extrinsic stains and calculus (tartar) deposits that could hinder you from obtaining the best results possible. Also, a professional cleaning will remove any irritants that may lead to gum sensitivity during the whitening process. After the cleaning, you can give your teeth and gums the best chance of being their healthiest by maintaining good oral hygiene daily, including flossing.

How long does whitening take?

If you choose the ZOOM® in-office procedure, it will take a little over an hour. You will also be provided with custom-fitted take-home trays so that you can do your own touch-ups as needed

If you select the custom-fitted, take-home teeth whitening process, generally 10 days of 3-4 hours a day usage is needed and then touch-ups are recommended as needed.

How white will my teeth get?

Everyone presents with different circumstances so this is a difficult question to answer. There are many factors to consider including the cause of staining, the degree of darkness, the color of the stain and your compliance with the process. Also, we should note that occasionally some teeth don’t whiten evenly. The biting edges and the sides of your teeth may whiten more quickly than the rest of your teeth because your enamel is thinner in these areas and responds better to the whitening process.

Root Canals

Root canal therapy is necessary when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, infection or traumatic injury. The pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth) is unable to repair itself so in order to save the tooth, the decay, bacteria, nerves and the pulp are removed during root canal treatment. The roots of the tooth extending down into the bone are cleaned out and the resulting space is filled with medication to help eliminate bacteria.

Many patients believe that extracting the tooth is the only option however a missing tooth can cause significant problems in chewing, speech and jaw alignment. When a missing tooth is not quickly replaced the adjacent teeth may shift causing them to become crooked or crowded. Today’s root canal therapy is the preferred method of retaining your natural teeth and is highly successful - usually lasting a lifetime.

What are the signs that root canal therapy is needed? An abscess (or pimple) on the gums Sensitivity to hot and cold Severe toothache pain Sometimes no symptoms are present Swelling and/or tenderness Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth) Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip Injury or trauma to the tooth What happens during root canal therapy? Root canal therapy generally requires one appointment and can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a root canal specialist). Once the tooth is numb, an opening is made on top of the tooth so that the pulp, nerve tissue, decay and bacteria can be removed. The canal(s) are then filled and sealed to prevent further infection. A temporary filling is placed in the opening until a crown can be constructed to restore the tooth back to its’ full form and function.

Will I be in any pain?

If you have been in pain or had any sensitivity prior to the root canal it may be caused by an infection or damage to the pulp. The root canal therapy itself does not cause any pain however your tooth may still be a little sensitive after treatment. This will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has begun to heal.

Are there special instructions after a root canal?

Generally you will need to schedule for crown placement shortly after root canal therapy. A crown protects the tooth from re-infection and fracture. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the long-term success of your root canal treatment.

Velscope

VELscope® is a revolutionary hand-held device that uses a narrow band high energy blue light & viewing filter. This direct visualization helps your dental professional immediately differentiate between normal and abnormal pre-cancerous/cancerous cells by identifying suspicious areas not evident under traditional white light or by the naked eye, potentially providing for earlier cancer detection.

Facts about oral cancer!

• Oral cancel (cancer of the mouth, tongue, cheeks and gums) affects 34,000 Americans every year.
• 1 person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day.
• 25% of the people diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors.
• Of the people diagnosed with oral cancer, 50% will not live beyond 5 years.
• Early detection of oral cancer is highly curable if diagnosed and treated early and raises the survival rate to 80%!

Do I need a VELscope® screening if I don’t smoke?

While oral cancer is traditionally associated with tobacco usage, more and more oral cancer is striking young people via the human papilloma virus (HPV-16 or HPV-18), those that consume alcohol and adults over age 40. As a result, health care experts recommend annual oral cancer screenings for all adults aged 18 and older. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, screenings are recommended every six months. Without yearly screening oral cancer is discovered in the late stages only about 70% of the time, and often that is simply too late

How long does the test take?

The VELscope® screening test is non-invasive, safe and painless. It only takes about 2 minutes as part of a regular hygiene check-up but gives you the edge in fighting oral cancer early on.

What if we find something?

In most cases the VELscope® screening will indicate that there is nothing to worry about. It is possible however that some suspicious areas could be revealed. In that case we will monitor the suspicious-looking areas to determine if there is another cause for the result such as cheek biting or irritation from dentures/braces. If the area does not improve, we may recommend further examination and evaluation by an oral surgeon