Services & Technologies

In order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses state-of-the-art technologies in all our procedures. These new technologies allow us to detect dental concerns at early stages, treat your dental issues with precision, and provide stunning and customized restorations. Our premium dental software system maximizes your time and our office efficiency. When you visit our office you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced in dental care.

BONDING

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Tooth bonding can also be used for teeth fillings instead of amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.

BRIDGES

A bridge is one treatment option available to patients to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth to regain proper function. Missing teeth can adversely affect your ability to chew and speak properly. It can also affect the alignment of your remaining teeth. Lastly, missing teeth can be unsightly and negatively impact one’s appearance. Bridges can be fabricated out of gold, porcelain to metal or all porcelain. The type of material is dependent upon the patient’s bite and esthetic concerns.

• • Procedure for bridges (normally two visits)

The teeth adjacent to the space are prepared. We then take an impression or scan of this area. This information is then sent to a laboratory where they will fabricate the bridge. After we take the impression or scan, we place a temporary bridge over the prepared teeth. The temporary will resemble the final bridge, so you will leave your appointment confident that you can eat and smile without a missing tooth.

At the second visit, approximately 2-3 weeks later, we will remove your temporary bridge and try-in your new permanent bridge. We will ensure proper fit, occlusion and esthetics. After we are certain the bridge fits properly, we will make sure that you are happy with the way it looks as well. Once we know you are happy, we cement the bridge with permanent cement, leaving you with the smile you want.

CROWNS

A crown is a covering that fits over an original tooth that has become decayed, damaged or cracked. There are many reasons for teeth to become decayed, damaged or cracked over time. Many times the damage to a tooth cannot be properly taken care of with a simple filling. In this case, we will recommend a crown to restore your tooth to proper function, health and beauty.

• • Procedure: (normally two appointments)

At the first appointment, we begin by preparing the tooth. In doing so, we will remove all decay and fractures. Once the tooth is prepared, we will take an impression or scan of your tooth. This information will be sent to our laboratory so that a crown can be fabricated. After the impression or scan has been taken, we will make a temporary crown. You will leave with your tooth restored, confident with knowing that your tooth is intact and able to function properly.

At the second visit, we will remove your temporary crown and try in your permanent crown. We will take every measure to ensure that the fit and look of your crown meets your expectations. Once we determine that the crown looks and fits great, we will cement the crown with permanent cement. You can now treat this crown like a natural tooth. You will be able to eat, brush and floss this tooth like every other tooth in your mouth.

INVISALIGN / INVISABLE BRACES

Invisalign is a way to straighten your teeth without braces. This system utilizes a series of clear aligners that straighten your teeth without unsightly metal brackets or wires. They are very comfortable to wear and can be removed to eat, brush your teeth and floss as well. This allows you to maintain good oral hygiene without the hassle of metal braces in the way. Too often patients, especially adults, forego any orthodontic treatment that they may need or want because they think their only choice is traditional metal braces. Braces are unattractive and difficult to maintain. They can also occasionally be painful. Now there is a great alternative: Invisalign.

Procedure

Impressions are taken of the upper and lower jaws. A full set of digital x-rays are taken as well as a series of photographs. That’s it! You decide what you want the final outcome to look like. We submit all of this information to Invisalign. A computer fabricates clear custom aligners that fit over your teeth. A series of aligners move your teeth over a period of time to your desired final position. The aligners are worn for approximately 3 weeks at a time. The computer will determine how many aligners it will take to complete your case. The aligners are easily removed from the teeth. This allows the patient to eat normally and to practice good, routine oral hygiene. The aligners are so clear, they are barely noticeable. Once you are happy with the final results, clear final retainers are made to maintain the position of your teeth.

DENTAL CLEANING

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take about an hour. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.

Scaling: This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar.

Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.

DENTAL IMPLANT

Dental implants were first introduced to the world of dentistry over half a century ago. Over the past decade or two, dental implants have become more widely accepted by dentists and patients alike. This is because the procedure of placing and restoring implants has been greatly improved and there is a greater awareness to the benefits of implant dentistry.

A dental implant is in many cases, the best option to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. When a tooth has been removed, the bone in this area will resorb over time, leaving the patient with bone loss. Implants stimulate bone which ultimately maintains the level of bone in the area. The versatility of dental implants allows us to restore patients in several different ways. Patients that are missing one tooth can have this area restored with a single implant and a crown. Patients that are missing a few teeth can have this area restored with multiple implants and a bridge. Patients that are missing all of their teeth can have several implants placed. Those implants would then be restored either with dentures that would attach to the implants or with bridges that would be permanently cemented into place over the implants.

Procedure

The surgical portion of implant therapy is the actual placement of a dental implant into the jaw bone. The implant site is anesthetized and the tissue is opened. The implant is then placed into the jaw bone and the tissue is then sutured shut over the implant. This procedure is relatively painless. The implant will then be left to integrate in the bone for the next 3-6 months. This is when the implant essentially “will fuse” to the bone. During this period of time, a temporary tooth or teeth may be fabricated to regain esthetics and function.

After a 3-6 month healing period, we can then restore the implant. The tissue is removed from above the implant and an abutment is screwed down into the implant. The abutment rises above the tissue. An impression is taken of the abutment and sent to our dental laboratory where the permanent restorations will be fabricated. The final procedure will be to cement the crown over the abutment. Now you can smile and chew with confidence.

DENTURES / PARTIAL DENTURES

A denture is a removable prosthetic appliance that replaces missing teeth. Dentures help patients regain function and prevent facial muscles from collapsing. With today’s advances in denture making, they can be made to look natural giving patient s confidence when eating and speaking. Dentures can easily be removed and cleaned.

There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are made when someone is missing all of their teeth in one or both arches. An upper complete denture fits over the roof of the mouth while the lower is horseshoe shaped and fits over the lower jaw. These are custom-made. Complete dentures may take a while to get used to and may require several appointments to adjust them to fit comfortably in the mouth. Occasionally adhesive still may be necessary to hold the dentures in depending on the patient’s mouth.

Partial dentures are made when a patient is missing some of their teeth. A partial denture clasps to existing teeth to hold the denture in place. This also can be easily removed.

Procedure

• Impressions are initially taken of the upper and lower jaws as well as other measurements. This information is relayed to the dental laboratory.
• Next, there will be a try-in phase where we will check to make sure your final dentures will fit properly. Then we will have another try-in to make sure your teeth occlude properly and you are happy with the esthetics of the teeth.
• Finally, your dentures are delivered.
• Dentures will need to be relined from time to time to regain comfort and proper fit. This is because the tissues and bone in the jaws change over time.

Dentures should be removed every night and soaked in water so they don’t dry out. There are several cleaners that can be added to the water to help keep your dentures looking as new as possible. Dentures should be brushed and cleaned daily just like natural teeth. This helps prevent staining and build-up from forming on the dentures. As always, if you have a question, please call.

DIGITAL X-RAYS

We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they’re ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.

ELECTRONIC CLAIMS

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

EXTRACTIONS

Unfortunately, we encounter situations where a tooth simply cannot be saved. Although we make every attempt to save teeth, sometimes, the only option is to remove a tooth. Once we determine a tooth needs to be removed, we inform the patient and discuss the procedure, as well as post -operative instructions, thoroughly. If the patient has any compromising medical conditions, we will discuss the necessary treatment with their physician prior to rendering any treatment. Once the patient is cleared for surgery, we anesthetize the area thoroughly. Many times a tooth can be removed completely intact, but in instances when this is impossible, we will cut the tooth into smaller pieces and then remove them. The remaining socket is then irrigated with Peridex, an antibacterial solution, to aid in healing and post-operative pain. Occasionally, the socket may require a packing and sutures to promote clotting and healing. After surgery, we will determine whether or not antibiotics and/or pain medication will be necessary. At this time, we will review post-operative instructions which will include:

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 fill 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. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

• • Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.
  • Composite (plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. They may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
  • Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

PERIODONTAL (GUM) TREATMENT

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one’s teeth. All 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. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign 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 root planing 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.

INTRAORAL CAMERA

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.

With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.

INTRAORAL SCANNER

Trios Scanning Technology

We have implemented Trios scanning technology into our office armamentarium. Now, crown, dentures, and partials can be scanned utilizing a wand to capture 3D images as opposed to taking messy and uncomfortable impressions. This drastically improves accuracy and reduces turnaround time for crowns, bridges, and partials.

NIGHTGUARDS / MOUTHGUARDS

Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are also recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.

If you have decided a guard is right for you, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you. In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles for your guard. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.

NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL THERAPY

The periodontal status of our patients is one that we take very seriously. Your oral condition affects more than just your mouth. Infections that originate in the oral cavity can have serious consequences affecting the rest of your body. Also, there is evidence of a correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease. Therefore, it is very important for patients to practice good oral hygiene especially if there is a history of heart disease.

Studies have shown that approximately 80% of the adult population is affected with gingivitis or some form of periodontal disease. That means roughly 20% of the population has what we consider “a healthy mouth”. Those figures are astounding. We carefully check for, diagnose and treat periodontal disease in our office on every patient. Although, periodontal disease cannot be cured, we will work diligently to get your mouth as healthy as possible.

Many times a patient’s periodontal disease can be treated in our office. We have a very stringent soft tissue management program that is tailored specifically for each patient. We will thoroughly explain your periodontal condition and treat accordingly. Many times this will require more frequent re-care visits. We are dedicated to do everything we can to improve your oral condition and get it as healthy as possible.

Procedure

Depending upon the severity of your disease, local anesthesia will be delivered to allow you to have your periodontal treatment completed comfortably. We will clean any tartar, plaque and bacteria that reside below the gum line. We will irrigate with antibacterial rinses below the gum and deliver antibiotics, “Arestin”, into infected pockets to help eliminate deep pockets and gum infections. We will then schedule you on a strict follow-up basis to constantly monitor and treat your periodontal condition. Occasionally, a patient’s periodontal condition is too far advanced and aggressive for us to treat here in the office. In these situations, we will refer you to a skilled and competent periodontist to treat you and get your periodontal condition under control.

PAPERLESS CHARTING

Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

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.

SEALANTS

Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because they’re too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don’t want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.

TELESCOPIC LOUPES

The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.

VENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are esthetically pleasing.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.

TOOTH WHITENING

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is “how can I get my teeth whiter?” Many people will notice that their teeth have become discolored or stained over time. There are many reasons for this including drinking coffee or tea, smoking or eating certain foods. We can now brighten your smile easily and harmlessly without having to spend a fortune. We offer two basic ways to whiten your teeth, Zoom 2 and Take Home Whitening trays.

Zoom 2

Zoom 2 is an “in-office” procedure. This option is performed in our office by a dental professional and takes only a couple of hours. We make sure you are comfortable and then we isolate your teeth using a barrier. A desensitizer is applied to the outer surfaces of your teeth. Then we apply the whitening solution to your teeth. An ultraviolet light is directed at your teeth to speed up the whitening process. This is left on for 15 minutes at a time. The cycle is then repeated 3 more times. This will give you a white, bright smile within a few short hours.

Take Home Whitening Trays

The second option for whitening is with take home whitening trays. We take impressions of your teeth and then make custom trays for you. The trays are thin and flexible. You will be given whitening gel in syringes to deliver into the trays. Depending on the percentage or strength of the gel, you will wear the trays for either a couple of hours or overnight. After a few weeks, you will notice a dramatic change in the appearance of your teeth.

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or “third molars” that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.