We take the necessary time to thoroughly evaluate your dental health. Our comprehensive exam includes X-rays, a clinical examination, cancer screening, a periodontal exam and an esthetic evaluation. We want our patients to enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile for many years to come!
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States.
During your exam we will check your neck, lips, tongue, gums, cheek lining, floor of mouth, and roof of mouth for any lumps, sores, red or white patches, or growths. Screening for changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be treated early and successfully.
Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70 - 80% of oral cancer cases. Other factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include poor dental and oral hygiene, and chronic irritation (such as from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Some oral cancers begin as a white sore or as a mouth ulcer.
Dental X-ray examinations provide valuable information that helps to evaluate your oral health. With the use of X-rays (radiographs) we can look at what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Because many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we examine your mouth, an X-ray examination is necessary.
Radiographs can help reveal:
A dental cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing. A prophylaxis is the routine type of cleaning and is performed on patients who are in good periodontal condition.
A debridement is a more extensive cleaning, which involves the removal of excessive amounts of plaque and tartar from your teeth. It is required when tooth structure is so heavily covered with plaque and tartar that we cannot examine for decay, infection or gum disease
Debridements are performed with hand instruments and an ultrasonic device. This tool uses water and high-frequency vibrations to loosen and remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
Debridement is usually the first phase of periodontal treatment.
Scaling and root planning is a non surgical procedure which removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from gingival (gum) pockets because aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to spread and cause the advancement of periodontal disease.
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing these grooves, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
Sealants are easily applied and the process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth. The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will either harden automatically or with a special curing light.
Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.
New technological advancements in dentistry have allowed us to do white (composite resin) tooth-colored filling as an alternative to amalgams.
The bonding procedure is usually completed in one visit. The first step is to remove the decayed or unsightly portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a liquid or gel and a bonding agent is then applied. This will allow the composite resin to be placed in the prepared tooth. The resin is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully-sculpted, natural-looking restoration.
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments.
Over time our teeth become discolored or stained from smoking, coffee, tea, dark sodas, and some foods. We offer a safe inexpensive way to brighten your smile.
The procedure for whitening is very simple. Upper and Lower impressions are taken to create a model of your mouth, and custom bleaching trays are made. The bleaching solution is placed in the trays and worn a few hours each day. In about 7-10 days your teeth will look lighter and brighter.
Veneers can cosmetically create the uniform, white, beautiful smile you've always wanted!!
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain that are custom made for shape and color. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and are the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions. Veneers are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
A crown provides full coverage for a tooth and can restore the tooth to its normal shape , size, appearance, and function.
Benefits of a crown:
A bridge is a permanently cemented prosthesis constructed to replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth on either side of the existing space are used to anchor the bridge to restore functionality as well as esthetics. We are now able to construct beautiful porcelain over metal as well as full porcelain and resin-based, metal-free bridges. We have many choices and options to create the best individual results for each patient.
A root canal is a relatively simple procedure involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!
Inside each tooth is the pulp that provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth; it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected, and you could lose it.
The procedure includes:
An extraction is the procedure of removing a decayed, fractured, or periodontally-involved tooth under local anesthesia.
Once it has been determined that a tooth (teeth) needs to be extracted, anesthesia is given to numb the area. The local anesthesia does not remove the pressure sensation, but will numb the area from pain during the extraction. Once the tooth (teeth) is removed, gauze is placed to bite on. This will decrease any bleeding. Post-extraction instructions and prescriptions will be given.
Please give the office a call if there are any concerns.
Post extraction instructions:
Dentures are great options when replacing missing teeth. Dentures are removable appliances that are taken out at night. They are custom made and can replace one missing tooth or all missing teeth. Dentures will take some time to get use to, but they are natural looking and comfortable and will give you back your beautiful smile.
There are many types of dentures:Invisalign is a great new system of straightening teeth without the use of conventional braces. A series of clear plastic aligners are utilized to create tooth movement. Invisalign is recommended for orthodontic situations with mild to moderate spacing or crowding. They are virtually undetectable, easy to use, and comfortable to wear.
Dental implants are appliances that replace the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new teeth look, feel, and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.