Procedures

Preventative Dental Care & Cleanings
Dental Exams & Cleanings

It is vital that our patients understand the importance of routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Such examinations not only help prevent the onset, progress and recurrence of certain dental conditions and diseases of the mouth, but can also suggest to the dentist the possibility of a myriad of physical ailments. That is why our dental examinations include a thorough health history review, blood pressure monitoring, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, diagnostic X-rays, as well as a thorough examination of existing restorations and tooth decay. Medical conditions including GERDS (gastro esophogeal reflux desease), diabetes, TMJ (causing migraine headaches), and certain cancers can be diagnosed as part of a regular dental check-up. Concerns of women who are receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy to help with calcium absorption, can be addressed by our doctors at this time.

Professional dental cleanings which are performed by one of our Registered Dental Hygienists will remove plaque, which is a sticky film of food, saliva and bacteria.. If this plaque is allowed to build up, it becomes calculus or tartar. By having regular dental cleanings, patients will eliminate tartar build up and prevent the possibility of periodontal disease.

Dental X-rays

Diagnostic X-rays, both conventional and digital, are employed by this office. These are very important and their required frequency varies with different patients' medical and dental health conditions and history. Dental X-rays produce very low radiation levels and we take every precaution to minimize radiation exposure to our patients and staff members. The walls of any operatories where X-ray units are in use are lead lined, lead aprons are used to shield the patient's body, and state of the art X-ray equipment and film greatly reduces exposure time. X-rays might reveal to the dentist bone loss, decay between teeth, cysts or abscesses, and many other problems hiding inside the tooth or even below the gum line.

Home Care

Our dental hygienists are very involved in informing their patients of the importance of good home care in the maintenance of their healthy smiles. This includes instruction of proper brushing techniques and suggestions on the correct use of the many dental aids that now exist to regulate and control specific dental conditions and problems

Cancer Screening

We do a thourough evaluation of the oral mucosa to ensure that all of our patients are made aware of any signs of abnormal tissue. Oral cancer should be identified and treated as early as possible for best results.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

BP monitoring is provided as a courtesy to our patients. We like to keep an eye on their health and advise them if their pressure is high or low.

Sterilization

To protect the health of our patients and staff, we very thoroughly and carefully adhere to the standards recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA), the Center for Disease Control(CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) with regard to sterilization techniques and the control of infectious elements within the office.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY & RESTORATIONS

See our Smile Gallery and notice the amazing results that can be attained given our professional expertise and the latest technologic advances. Below are a few procedures used to restore your smile in a way that is both physiologically and aesthetically effective.

Composite Fillings

Most of us are familiar with silver (amalgam) fillings used to repair decayed or cracked teeth. While still an option, composite fillings are tooth colored and therefore offer a more aesthetically pleasing result when restoring teeth that are most visible. Additionally, this type of filling material actually bonds to the tooth, strengthening it and decreasing sensitivity. Composite fillings are often used to close gaps between teeth, repair teeth that have chipped, cracked or broken, build up worn teeth and repair areas of decay.

Porcelain Crowns

The new porcelain crowns are replacing the need for conventional porcelain fused to metal crowns. A porcelain crown is a very durable type of restoration that can restore total function to a damaged tooth, while offering a remarkably pleasing appearance. Porcelain crowns may be an option for teeth that very large fillings or areas of decay, have broken or chipped, or have had root canal therapy. Basically, the porcelain crown totally encapsulates the patient's damaged tooth, which has been prepared by the dentist to receive it. A color shade is selected to most closely match existing teeth, and the crown (or cap) is shaped to accurately create the tooth size, shape and anatomy.

Porcelain Fixed Bridges

This type of dental restoration is so named because it creates a bridge which is anchored between two existing healthy teeth, filing in the space left by a missing tooth (or teeth). The new all porcelain fixed bridges are replacing the old standard of porcelain fused to metal bridges. There is no nickel, gold or silver in a porcelain fixed bridge, as these have been replaced by zirconium. As with porcelain crowns, porcelain bridges are most acceptable because of their durability and aesthetic appeal. Obviously, by filling the space left by missing teeth, the patient has a better smile. Also, fixed bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting, allow for proper oral function (speaking and chewing), and their permanence is more convenient than out-dated removable dental appliances.

Porcelain and Acrylic Veneers

In this age of "amazing make overs," veneers have gained much attention for the cosmetic potential they offer. Undoubtedly, veneers create the opportunity for beautiful transformations. Your cracked, discolored, misshaped, uneven teeth can become uniformly white and perfectly shaped. Additionally, unwanted spacing between teeth can be eliminated. In order that the end result be anatomically correct and consistent with each patient's unique facial structure, our dentists have taken extensive training in this ever changing technique.

Veneers are of two types, acrylic or porcelain. Each of these involves custom made, thin pieces of durable material, that are bonded over the patient's teeth, which have been prepared to receive them. Acrylic veneers are able to be fabricated in this office, and so, can usually be inserted in a single office visit. Porcelain veneers must be made in an outside dental laboratory, and therefore require additional time before they can be permanently bonded to the teeth. Your dentist will advise you as to which type of restoration is most suitable to your specific situation.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a very permanent restorative technique which allows for a natural looking and extremely functional solution to specific dental problems. The implant is actually a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The dental implant provides a securely fixed point onto which the tooth restoration will later be attached. Implants may be used for one or more teeth. Our dentists are highly trained in the latest innovations in this very state of the art technique.

Dentures

Dentures may be appropriate for patients with extreme problems or extensive tooth loss. A removable appliance, the denture replicates missing teeth and the surrounding gums. Dentures may replace all teeth (complete), or may replace only missing teeth (partial), which allows for normal oral function and prevents teeth from shifting.

Well fitting dentures, either partial or complete, require several appointments to assure the most accurate and comfortable fit. Our dentures are customized to accurately fit each patient's needs, both functionally and aesthetically.

Teeth Whitening

A white, bright smile is very important for a healthy appearance, and we have various treatment options for our patients who want to make their smiles as white as possible. We offer at-home teeth whitening care, which includes customized bleaching trays and necessary bleaching and rinsing solutions. Additionally, this office is an official BriteSmile Associated Center, which allows patients to see remarkable results in just one office visit. Simple home follow up will help to retain this outcome.