Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning by a dentist or registered dental hygienist. A routine cleaning is called a prophylaxis (prophy) and takes between 45 to 60 minutes. The frequency of a prophy is personalized for each patient based upon their needs and is usually every 3, 4, or 6 months. Routine hygiene visits prevent excess plaque build-up, which if left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. These cleanings usually involve scaling around each tooth to remove plaque and tarter, polishing, flossing, and oral hygiene instructions.

Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand or with ultrasonic scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve the best results, both ultrasonic and manual scaling techniques may be used for a cleaning.

For patients who have bone loss around their teeth, deeper periodontal pockets exist and more than a routine prophylaxis is required. See Gum Treatment.

Nightguards and Athletic Biteguards

Nightguards (Occlusal Guards) are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite and minimize discomfort in the facial muscles and jaw joints (TMJ’s).

Athletic Biteguards are custom designed and made of flexible plastic. They are molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Athletic guards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports where the mouth may get hit.

DIAGNOdent

Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods. Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.

INVISALIGN

The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

The Invisalign System works begins by first creating a series of trays that will each moving your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.

As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. However, Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.

Oral Hygiene Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These include:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss at least once daily.
• Eat a well balanced diet and limit snacks between meals.
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Insure that children under 16 years of age drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated community.

Brushing should be done in a gentle motion with the toothbrush positioned at the gumline at a 45 degree angle.

Flossing is important to clean between your teeth and below your gums. We recommend flossing with a woven or waxed floss. For those that have difficulty using their fingers to floss, floss-aids are available.

Implants / Bridges / Partial Dentures

Often, a patient has lost one or more teeth that require replacement. There are several options to replace those missing teeth.

Not replacing missing teeth can result in shifting of remaining teeth, destabilization of the bite, and further tooth loss.

Partial dentures are anchored to remaining teeth but have inherent mobility when chewing. They do come in and out of your mouth.

A fixed bridge is anchored to teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth. These adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns and act as bridge retainers. It sometimes involves preparation of an otherwise perfectly healthy tooth.

Dental implants are the ideal treatment for missing teeth. They allow you to keep a one tooth problem a one tooth problem. Implants are man made titanium tooth roots that are placed in the bone by an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist. Believe it or not, it is a relatively painless procedure. After the implant has fused to the bone, our office will restore the implant with an abutment and crown. Implants can also be used to stabilize and better retain partial dentures and complete dentures.

LASER DENTISTRY

Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums. The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

Soft Tissue Laser
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enabled the dentist to treat our patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.

Hard Tissue Dental Laser
Hard tissue lasers are used to remove old fillings, repair cavities, and prepare teeth for bonding. As with soft tissue lasers, they dramatically minimize discomfort and allow the dentist to treat teeth with more precision.

Digital X-Rays

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

Composite Bonding

Dental bonding is used to close spaces and to repair chipped or broken front teeth. It is recommended for smaller spaces and repairs.

Dentures

Complete Dentures restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. They are custom created to resemble natural teeth and positioned into the mouth to replicate where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum colored plastic base. They are anchored by metal or tooth colored clasps onto the natural teeth thus preventing shifting of these teeth and providing some retention.

Both complete and partial dentures have inherent movement. However, both can be supported by implants which limit the mobility of these prostheses as well as give added retention.

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 unnecessary paperwork. 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.

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.

Sealants

Often times, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one tooth brush bristle into them. These grooves will develop cavities over time.

Preventative dental procedures like sealants decrease the risk of cavities by sealing these narrow grooves.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening or bleaching is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. There are three methods of whitening teeth on the market: In-office bleaching, bleach trays, and whitening strips.

Studies have shown that in office bleaching may only “jump-start” the whitening process and that after seven days, there is a rebound in color as the teeth rehydrate. Most people who have in-office bleaching must also use take-home trays. The following is a link to an NPR report on in-office tooth bleaching: A Simple Formula for Whitening Your Teeth by ALLISON AUBREY

Our office offers tray whitening that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Bleach trays also provide you with the convenience of “touch-up” when needed.

It is not recommended that children under the age of 18 use dentist fabricated trays to bleach their teeth. The nerves in young teeth are very large and bleaching can result in immense sensitivity. For young people between the ages of 12 and 18, and adults who have generalized tooth sensitivity, we recommend whitening strips that have a lesser concentration of bleaching material.

E-Mail Appointment Reminders

We use an e-mail appointment reminder system that will e-mail you five days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment. Please click the “confirm” button at the bottom of the e-mail. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, we ask that you call the office directly during business hours. If you do not respond to the e-mail message our office staff will contact you to confirm your scheduled visit. Additionally, two hours prior to your appointment time, you will receive a text message. If you do not wish to receive texts, there is an “opt out” option at the end of the first text you receive. Failure to notify our office of a cancellation may result in a charge. See our missed appointment policy for more information.

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.

Fillings

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by caries (decay) to its normal function and shape.

Tooth decay is removed with a high speed handpiece, the area is cleaned, and then filled with filling material. The filling helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

Our office uses Composite Resin filling material which is made to the exact color of your teeth, creating a more natural appearance.

Veneers

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a porcelain facing is placed on the front and edge of the tooth. Thus, much less tooth structure is removed than with a crown, which wraps around the entire tooth. Veneers are recommended for teeth that are malformed, badly broken, have very large fillings, or are severely stained. They can be used as an alternative to braces to correct malpositioned teeth as well.

Because veneers are made in a dental laboratory, the procedure involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the teeth are minimally prepared, an impression is made, and temporaries are cemented to the teeth. The veneers return from the lab in approximately 2-3 weeks at which time they are tried in the mouth and cemented. Laboratory fabricated veneers are very esthetic and natural in appearance.

DIGITAL IMAGING

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.

Crowns

A tooth may require a crown for several reasons. Some of those are:
Fractured or cracked tooth
Large restoration
A tooth with a root canal

A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape, and alignment.

Periodontal (Gum) Treatment:

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth are 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 an unhealthy periodontium include gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, and loose teeth.

With proper gum treatments it may be possible to return the gums to a healthier state. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning with root planing done using local anesthetic and local antibiotics.

If the gum disease gets too severe, a referral will be made for surgical treatment by a gum specialist, a Periodontist. This is why it is important to have gum disease treated at the first sign of a problem.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
  
• Advanced periodontal disease
  
• Infection or abscess
  
• Orthodontic correction
  
• Malpositioned teeth
  
• Fractured teeth or roots
  
• Impacted teeth
  

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment (also referred to as endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity or crack reaches all the way to the tooth nerve. (Regular cleanings, checkups, and x-rays prevent and detect problems early). Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may also cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs the pulp (nerve and blood supply to the tooth) 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.

Our office will perform root canal therapy on teeth that have one canal. These are usually the front teeth. We refer teeth with two or more canals to a root canal specialist called an endodontist.

HALITOSIS

Halitosis is sophisticated word for “bad breath”. Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasional or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.

Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.

Bad breath may be caused by the following:

• Poor dental hygiene – poor oral hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
  
• Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease
  
• Respiratory-tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
  
• External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco
  
• Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
  
• Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
  

Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we discover that systematic problems are the cause, we may refer you to your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a doctor specialized to treat gum disease called a periodontist.

AIR ABRASION

Air abrasion is a drill-less and more gentle approach to remove decay from the teeth. An air abrasion unit is a small instrument that blasts a fine stream of air and particles onto the teeth to spray away decay. The small particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda and aid in cleaning the tooth surface. Air abrasion allows for decay to quickly be removed while conserving healthy tooth structure. The particles and decay are then suctioned out of the mouth.

Air abrasion is gentle because it generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration. In addition, it reduces the need for anesthesia, making it an ideal choice for children and those who experience dental anxiety.

TMJ Treatment

TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. It is the joint between the temple area of the skull and the mandible (lower jaw). Problems in this joint may be caused by a mal-alignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension brought about by clenching or grinding (bruxing) of the teeth.

Problems associated with this complex joint include headaches, earaches, difficulty or soreness in opening and closing the mouth, popping of the jaw, and pain in the jaw muscles.

The most common treatments for Temporal-Mandibular Disorder (TMD) can include replacing missing teeth, orthodontia, bite adjustments, and occlusal guards (nightguards). These guards are made of acrylic and fit either the top or bottom teeth. Usually worn at night, the guards aid in preventing clenching or grinding which exacerbate TMD Symptoms.

ORTHODONTICS

Orthodontics is the art of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. Most commonly it involves the use of braces to move teeth into their proper positing. In this method, brackets are bonded to the teeth and arch wires are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces.

Floride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth -- attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

CEREC

CEREC is an acronym for Charismatic Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth with beautiful custom ceramic crowns in a single visit, completely eliminating the need or multiple appointments over a several week period. The process can create a ceramic dental crown, inlays, onlays or veneers using a variety of technologies including 3D photography and computer-aided design and manufacturing known as CAD/CAM (see below). Using an intra-oral camera, a photograph is taken of the tooth and the picture is loaded onto the computer. Using Computer Aided Design technology, the dentist is able to design the restoration and transform the image into a three-dimensional model. This valuable program then allows the dentist to easily calculate the appropriate restoration shape and size to create near perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine then creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision. The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful and custom designed and produced restoration, made entirely to fit your mouth. CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for over 20 years.

Sedation Dentistry for Dental Anxiety

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer some solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.

Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas” is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. The patient can bring him or herself to this appointment because the effects of nitrous oxide are 100% reversible in the office.

Oral Sedatives
This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered. Oral sedatives require that the patient have someone bring him or her to the appointment and that no food or drink be ingested the day of the procedure.

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. 

A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.

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.

COMPUTERIZED

Our office uses computerized shade matching to make restorations that perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. Old methods of shade matching can be inaccurate and inconsistent. Our shade matching system is a small hand-held device that captures tooth hue, value and chroma to create precise color matches. With this technology, you can be confident that your restorations will beautifully match your natural teeth.

AQUA ABRASION

Aqua abrasion is a new cutting and polishing systems that works in the same fashion as air abrasion. In addition to removing decay and preparing restorations, it can be used to effectively clean and polish the teeth through a fine stream of water that is sprayed onto the tooth surface. The aquabrasion system can replace the drill in many dental procedures and it quickly removes decay while conserving healthy tooth structure. Its gentle nature can eliminate the need for local anesthesia in many procedures.

CAD/CAM CHAIRSIDE RESTORATION SYSTEM

Our office utilizes CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for “computer-aided design” and “computer-aided manufacturing”. This technology allows the dentist to use an intra-oral scanner inside your mouth to take a digital scan of a tooth that has been prepared to receive a crown. Using special software, the data from the scan is used to generate a design (CAD) for a custom crown. This program will also generate a custom blue print and guide lines to manufacture the new crown (CAM). This software, paired with a state-of-the-art milling machine, enables our office to create precise and custom crowns, inlays and onlays in one single dental visit.

LUMINEERS

LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. These contact lens-thin “smile shapers” can be applied to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.

Our team has taken numerous advanced training courses on this procedure. To see if you are a candidate, call our office for a complimentary consultation.

Click here to learn about LUMINEERS.