Services

Restorations

There are three general types of dental fillings; tooth colored fillings, gold fillings and amalgam fillings. Deciding which filling is best depends on a number of factors, such as size and location of the cavity, patient history, cosmetic concerns and cost.

Dental X-Rays

We follow the guidelines developed by the ADA to help protect you. We use lead aprons and digital x-rays which also use less radiation.  The dosage of X-ray radiation received by a dental patient is typically minimal, equivalent to a few days of background radiation exposure from the natural environment.

Many oral diseases can’t be detected with a visual exam alone. Dental x-ray exams are valuable in providing information about your oral health such as:

• small areas of decay between the teeth or below fillings
• bone damage form a tooth infection (such as an abscess) or a cyst
• bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease
• developmental defects
• some types of tumors
• the effects of trauma
• the position of unerupted teeth in children and adults

Bridges

A dental bridge is a lab fabricated restoration which fills the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. Some bridges can now be made 'in-office' which shortens the amount of time you spend missing that important tooth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth reshaping, or contouring, is one of a few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked, chipped, cracked or even overlapping teeth. Ceramic and composite technology has advanced to the point where beautiful and durable dental work can be provided to patients.

Bonding

Bonding is a composite resin filling which can be placed on front or back teeth. Composites may be used for: restoring decayed teeth, making cosmetic improvements, changing the color of teeth or the reshaping of teeth. Bonding may cover stains, close minor gaps between teeth and correct crooked teeth. Basically, bonding may cover natural flaws by applying a thin coating of the plastic material on the front surface of your teeth.

Crowns

Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, aged fillings and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking or breaking of teeth. Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of the affected area and can add strength and durability to the teeth. We offer all porcelain crowns and fillings that are made 'in office' so that your tooth's needs are completed in just one visit.

Veneers

A veneer is made of porcelain and covers the front of the tooth to change the color and/or shape of the tooth. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth, including; small teeth, oddly shaped, chipped, crooked, teeth with small holes in them, or teeth that have an odd appearance. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing smile.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and are made of an acrylic resin which can incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures, Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures. These are finely crafted and custom-fitted. If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a pleasing smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling facial expressions and speech that require the support of your teeth and aid in chewing.

Extractions

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration.  Impacted or problematic teeth may be extracted, as well as some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontics.

Implants

Dental implants are fixtures of titanium which are surgically screwed into your jaw bone. The implant is an anchor for a naturally-appearing false tooth. Implants are great for replacing single or multiple missing teeth. It is important that you have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth for the implants to be placed.  If there is insufficient bone then bone augmentation may be done. Implants are increasingly being used to support crowns, bridges and dentures and can provide very good support when denture looseness has become a problem. Following successful placement of an implant by an oral surgeon or a periodontist, we can then restore lost function and esthetics with an implant crown. We are now able to offer implant restorations that are made 'in-office' which minimizes the time you spend without your tooth.

Root Canals

There are canals within your tooth that may become infected. This leads to the pulp inside your tooth also becoming infected. Either your dentist or an Endodontist, if you are referred, will remove any infection by performing the root canal procedure. The canals are cleaned and then filled and the tooth receives either a filling or often a crown to protect the tooth from breakage.

Once a tooth has had a root canal it no longer has feeling and needs to be maintained by good oral hygiene at home, regular care by your hygienist as well as regular dental exams.

Oral Health Appointment

While assessing a patient’s overall health, dental hygienists also look for problems such as caries (cavities) and peri­odontal (gum) disease and how this relates to overall health.

On this visit your teeth are professionally cleaned. To prevent and treat disease, the hygienist removes plaque (a stubborn film that contains bacteria), and calculus, both above and below the gum line.

To prevent caries, dental hygienists provide nutritional counseling, apply fluorides and sealants.  Because dental hygienists specialize in preventive oral health care, they educate their patients on oral health. They take diagnostic x-rays which helps in assessing the patient’s needs.  They also perform oral cancer screening.

Oral Cancer Screenings

We check for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and oral cavity.  When examining your mouth, your dentist or dental hygienist will look for any sores or discolored tissue, as well as consult with you about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

Scaling & Root Planing

If you are diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest a treatment called scaling and root planing. In this treatment, the plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the periodontal pocket. This treatment may require several visits. The tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. When necessary we may refer you to a periodontist. We also have a patient-friendly treatment of periodontal disease using the latest technology. Laser treatment can help healing diseased and infected gums which otherwise could lead to early tooth loss.

Sealants

A dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied to chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel by "sealing out" plaque and food where the contours of the tooth are more susceptible to decay.  They are placed when the six-year molars erupt and when the twelve-year molars erupt or whenever needed.

Whitening

Whitening of the teeth is performed for patients who desire a brighter smile. Tooth whitening can be performed to reduce discoloration and staining, or simply to provide the patient with whiter, brighter teeth.