Root Canal Therapy is a treatment that allows a person to keep a tooth that is causing them pain, or is abscessed. Prior to root canal therapy, the only treatment for these types of problems was extraction (removal) of the tooth. This therapy removes the pulp tissue, establishes a seal, and allows the person to keep the roots of the tooth intact. This will allow for a crown to be placed in order to restore form and function.
Bonding is a common term used in place of tooth colored fillings, or restorations. Bonding is a technique sensitive procedure that allows the dentist to provide a patient with a very strong, yet beautiful restoration that is tooth colored. Many people refer to bonding for only their front teeth. Bonding on front teeth also implies covering teeth for cosmetic purposes. This can involve veneers which can be made of different materials. Usually hand-bonded veneers, made from composite material are referred to as bonding.
Extractions are the removal of teeth from the oral cavity. Extractions are considered simple or surgical. The art of extractions has everything to do with proper planning, which includes removal strategy, and post-operative management.
Dentures are the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the dento-facial complex that is missing teeth. Dentures require multiple appointments for proper measurements, and artistic, and functional adjustments. When beautiful dentures are delivered to a patient, the journey is not over. Some of the most critical appointments occur after the patient has been wearing the dentures. Adjustment appointments are critical in order to achieve a comfortable and properly functioning prosthesis. The highest compliment we receive is when family and friends of our denture wearers could not tell that our patients wear dentures. They just compliment them on their beautiful smiles.
Our office uses the Kor Whitening System from Evolve Dental Technologies. The principle behind whitening your teeth involves removing the stains that are embedded deep within the tooth structure, or the "nooks and crannies" of your tooth. This involves custom fitted trays that are worn at home for a short period of time, and an in-office procedure to insure that we obtain the best whitening result possible. The trays that are made at the beginning of the procedure are essential for a maintenance regimen of whitening to maintain the shade that is achieved for years to come. Feel free to call our office if you had any specific questions regarding the whitening process.
Implants are titanium fixtures (like screws) that are placed into the bone. Implants can then have specialized attachments that can allow a denture to be fixed to those implants, making it part of your mouth! There are many different variations to this type of prosthesis, so they need to be individually planned, and fabricated. If this sounds like something you would be interested in having done, please feel free to call the office with any questions you may have.
These are contact lens sized pieces of porcelain that are bonded (glued) to the front of teeth to change the color, shape, or alignment of your teeth. Veneers can change your smile very rapidly in one visit. If you have any questions about veneers, please feel free to contact our office.
Bridges are replacements for missing teeth. Bridges can be attached to existing teeth, or they can be attached to implants. If existing teeth are going to be used, then we prepare, or modify, the tooth structure to allow a bridge to be placed over the teeth. If implants, titanium fixtures, (like screws) are placed into bone, then attachments can be placed into those implants that will support a bridge to replace missing teeth. Every situation is unique, and requires special planning. If you are interested in planning to restore empty spaces in your mouth, or replacing current bridge-work that may be failing, feel free to call the office for more information or to set up an appointment.
Cosmetic restorations are another way of saying tooth colored fillings. Tooth colored fillings have been used in dentistry since the early 1980's. They have replaced amalgam fillings in most countries of the world. Tooth colored fillings are more technique sensitive, meaning that they are bonded (glued) into place. A seal is created, and the tooth actually looks, and feels restored to its original anatomy,and functionality. We strive to make every cosmetic restoration as close to actual tooth structure as possible. If you have any questions about cosmetic restorations, or tooth colored fillings, feel free to give our office a call.
Scaling and root planing is the initial treatment for a chronic illness called periodontitis. What is periodontitis? This is an inflammation of the supporting structures of teeth (gums, bone, and ligament) caused by bacteria. Some signs of periodontitis are bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or suddenly changing bite. The bacteria causing this disease process lives on the tartar underneath your gum tissue. The tartar needs to be removed in order to get rid of the bacteria, and scaling and root planing removes this tartar.Typically, scaling and root planing of the whole mouth can be performed in one session, using a special kind of local anesthetic that is applied to the gum tissue itself without injections! Your body heat turns the liquid anesthetic into a gel that will get areas of your mouth numb for 20 minutes at a time. If you have periodontal disease, or know that you need scaling and root planing, please contact our office so that we can assist you.
Laser Therapy is the use of laser to remove gum tissue, and kill bacteria. Laser Therapy is a viable alternative to periodontal surgery for many situations. Laser Therapy is much less invasive, and far more comfortable when compared to conventional surgery. If you have been told that you need extensive periodontal surgery, but you are seeking an alternate therapy, feel free to contact the office with your questions, and to set up an exam.
Emergency dental treatment is provided to our patients as their needs dictate. Most emergencies can be avoided by establishing a comprehensive treatment plan, and treating those areas most likely to create problems first.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning is the process of diagnosing, and prioritizing your dental and medical needs. Your teeth, gum tissue, bone, and muscles are all structures of the oral cavity that is a part of you. We are ultimately treating you in a way to give you great oral health all of your life. We do this for every patient who comes to us for treatment. When you have great oral health, that is a victory for all of us involved in your care!
