Services
Diagnostic & Preventive
Regular dental exams, cleanings, and necessary x-rays are essential to prevent or diagnose the development of tooth decay and gum disease as well as detect oral cancer at an early stage. Some patients are under the impression that if they don't have any pain, everything is okay. Unfortunately, this belief may lead to a false sense of security. By the time you experience discomfort, the disease process may be quite advanced, requiring more extensive dental treatment.
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Our digital x-ray system provides improved diagnostic ability, while using significantly less radiation over traditional film. We can also easily show patients where problems exist since x-rays are viewed on a large computer monitor, not on small film.
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Sealants provide increased resistance to decay in newly erupted permanent molar and bicuspid teeth by filling in grooves on the biting surface where accumulated food and plaque is more difficult to remove.
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Topical application of fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and is especially effective in children whose newly erupted teeth are very susceptible to decay.
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Occlusal guards (custom made, hard acrylic mouth guards) protect teeth and supporting bone from the effects of teeth grinding or clenching in induvidual who have this habit.
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Although oral cancer can appear in patients of any age, those forty and above are at increased risk for oral cancer, just as they are for many other types of cancer. Also, individuals who use tobacco and alcohol products increase their risk for the development of oral cancer. When detected at an early stage, treatment of oral cancer often has an improved long term prognosis.
Crowns & Veneers
Crowns cover the entire tooth and are generally used to restore teeth which have been significantly weakened or damaged by decay, fracture, and large restorations or have had root canal treatment. Crowns can also close spaces between teeth and correct misshaped or discolored teeth. With increased interest in cosmetic dentistry, there has been a trend to offer patients metal-free, natural looking all cermic crowns. These all ceramic crowns transmit light like natural tooth structure and do not have the grey metal show through along the edge of the crown.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain which are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth, primarily for the cosmetic correction of chipped, misshaped, or discolored teeth. Although veneers are great for closing gaps between front teeth and can correct minor tooth misalignment, they are generally not a replacement for orthodontic treatment.
Fixed Partial denture (Bridge) me.
Fixed partial dentures, also known as bridges, restore missing teeth with the support of natural teeth at either end. Teeth used to retain a fixed partial denture must be prepared to accommodate crowns. This type of prosthesis is cemented in place and is not removable.
Implants
In the past, when people lost teeth, there were only three basic treatment options available for restoring them; fixed partial dentures (bridges), removable partial dentures, and complete dentures. With the development of dental implants, it may now be possible for each missing tooth to be restored with an individual implant and crown, closely replicating the form, function and aesthetics of the lost tooth. Dental implants also help to preserve bone which is normally lost following tooth extraction. In addtion to supporting individual crowns, implants may also be used to support fixed bridges and dentures, or help retain removable dentures.
Implant treatment is normally divided into two major phases; surgical and restorative. When a patient elects to have implant treatment, we may take intraoral photographs and impressions for study models which will be used in treatment planning and fabrication of temporary restorations. You will then be referred to a surgeon who will consult with you, prepare the site for implant placement and schedule a surgical appointment when your implants will actually be placed. Following implant placement, there is normally a healing period of 3-6 months during which the implants integrate with the surrounding bone. Following the healing period, you will return to our office to begin the restorative phase of treatment during which teeth are placed on your implants.
Fillings
Dental fillings are generally classified into two categories--direct and indirect. Direct fillings can commonly be completed in a single appointment and the materials utilized are usually either composite (tooth colored resin) or amalgam (metallic). Indirect fillings generally require at least two appointments since the restoration is made by a dental laboratory. Indirect fillings are most commonly made of porcelain or gold. Tooth colored restorations have become very popular, but we still provide metallic fillings for those patients who desire them.
Removable Dentures
Removable Partial Denture
Removable partial dentures generally consist of artificial teeth attached to pink plastic bases, which are supported by a metal framework. This denture has metal clasps which wrap around available natural teeth, providing anchoring.
Complete Denture
Complete dentures consist of artificial teeth set in a pink plastic base. Complete dentures do not provide the same amount of retention and stability as partial dentures since there are no remaining natural teeth to provide anchoring.