Examination

A dental examination includes many things–and not just teeth! We recommend coming into our office once every six months to keep up with your dental health. If you have children, try to get them in for their first appointment as soon as possible. If it’s been a long time since your last cleaning, it’s never too late to start loving your smile. We offer care in a judgment-free and relaxed manner. 

What happens during the procedure?

The appointment will begin with a professional cleaning. This is performed by a licensed registered dental hygienist who uses special instruments to clear away heavy tartar buildup and surface stains. Your teeth are then polished and carefully flossed before the gums are checked for signs of inflammation or infection. We perform a thorough medical history to better understand you and your treatment decisions. We will examine the head and neck area and the soft tissues of the mouth, and tongue, looking for any irregularities. Finally, we will examine the teeth to look for any cavities and create a treatment plan to address all dental and patient concerns.

Dental X-Rays

X-rays allow us to look between and inside teeth to find cavities, infection, impacted teeth, bone loss, and problems with the nerves. For children, x-rays allow us to monitor the development and growth of permanent teeth. We make every effort to take x-rays only when necessary, keeping patient exposure and cost to a minimum.  Digital Imaging drastically reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional films. 

Treatment Planning

Treatment Planning involves taking your medical history, dental findings, and personal dental needs, forming a step-by-step plan for addressing all your concerns. While unforeseen complications may change the plan, we’ll give you an overview of the cost and number of appointments it will take to satisfy your needs.

Dental Cleanings and Exam

Regular cleanings are the cornerstone of good dental health and help prevent future problems. Dental cleanings remove tough, stuck-on plaque and tartar from teeth. Tartar can harbor bacteria and is impossible to remove with brushing and flossing. Our cleanings will remove the tartar from your teeth and polish them to a smooth surface.

Mouthguards/Occlusal Guards

Occlusal guards help to protect your teeth from grinding while sleeping.  The purpose of these guards is to prevent your teeth from being severely damaged. Mouthguards are custom-made to fit each patient for maximum comfort. Sports mouthguards can be fabricated to help protect teeth during contact sports.

Flouride Treatments

Fluoride is commonly found in dental products, like toothpastes and mouthwashes. It is designed to protect and strengthen a person’s teeth, making them less prone to developing cavities. Regardless of the amount of fluoride that you use each day, we offer professional treatments that can add further protection for your smile. Fluoride treatments are great for adult and pediatric patients alike.

Why treatment might be recommended?

There are a few reasons for needing fluoride treatments. First, you might benefit from treatment because you’re more susceptible to decay or you drinking water does not contain fluoride. For others, it’s a way to strengthen their teeth along with using other methods and products at home.

Sealants

Sealants are thin, clear protective coverings that can be applied to the back teeth. They are meant to prevent cavities and deep staining that would otherwise occur if they weren’t in place. Most sealants have the ability to last for years before they will need to be replaced.

What happens during the procedure?

The sealant procedure is quick, simple and done within minutes in our office. We first clean and then dry the back teeth. A clear liquid varnish is then brushed over the chewing surfaces. These sealants are then dried and cured with a bright light. The process is then repeated for any other back teeth that need this type of protection. It is important that you still brush and floss your teeth normally, since sealants do not protect the front teeth or between the back teeth after they have been placed in our office.

Dental Whitening

Many things can discolor your teeth, such as coffee and smoking. Whitening may be able to help lighten this staining and brightening your smile. 

While a general dentist can perform all phases of dental care, a referral to a specialist is sometimes necessary. Dental specialists receive additional training in a variety of fields and have honed their expertise on a specific dental skill. Examples include Endodontists (root canals), Periodontists (gums and bone), Oral Surgeons (extractions, head and neck issues), and Orthodontists (tooth movement).

Crowns

A dental crown is a type of restoration that is designed to fit over a damaged or compromised tooth. If a tooth has fractured, broken or has been recently root canaled, we may recommend that it be crowned. Crowns both protect the tooth from further damage as well as restore its size and shape. You can expect the restoration to last for many years before it’ll need to be replaced.

What happens during the procedure?

The first step is to numb the area of the mouth that needs the crown. A local anesthetic will be administered to make the appointment more comfortable for you. The tooth is then shaped appropriately so that there is enough room for the restoration. We take digital impressions and use these to make a new crown. You will come in for a second appointment so that the final crown can be placed. You can expect the restoration to last for many years while providing you with a full and healthy-looking smile.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are surgically placed titanium screws that replicate the root form of missing teeth. Implants bio-integrate with the bone in your jaw to become strong and stable. After successful integration, the implant is restored with a crown to replace missing teeth, support bridges, or help retain dentures. A specialist places the implant while the crown, bridge, or denture is fabricated by the general dentist. Dental implants function like our natural teeth and allow patients to speak and eat normally. They are comfortable in the mouth, and do not cause gum or mouth irritation. Implants provide long lasting results, and if cared for properly, they can last a lifetime.

What happens during the procedure?

The dental implants process requires multiple appointments in our office and a specialist’s office. We require a consultation with each patient to discuss any goals, and to determine the best treatment plan. Once we are ready to begin the implant process, the first step involves placing the implant into the bone. After this step is complete there is a healing process that must occur over a period of months.

The healing period allows the implant time to fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to function like a natural tooth root in the mouth. For the implant to remain sturdy, and provide the required support, the patient must have enough bone present in the jaw. If necessary, bone grafts can be done by a specialist to provide the additional support that is needed.

Once the healing process is complete, the patient returns to our office to complete the implant process. Custom crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. 

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a restoration that helps to replace one or more missing natural teeth. The bridge attaches permanently to adjacent teeth, so it won’t need to be removed and cleaned like a prosthetic appliance. Bridge work is specifically made for each patient, providing a natural and realistic appearance. Most fixed bridges can last for many years before they’ll need to be replaced completely.

Who is a candidate for a bridge?

For the bridge to fit properly and securely, it’ll need to be placed over two adjacent teeth. In general, the larger the bridge, the less secure it will be. We may recommend implants to hold a bridge if we feel it wouldn’t be secure enough on its own.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb one area of the mouth. We then shape the adjacent teeth. This will help to make room for the new fixed bridge. Digital impressions are then taken and will be used to create both a permanent bridge. You’ll go home with the temporary one in place and will need to come back for a second appointment for delivery of the permanent. The temporary bridge is removed and the permanent one placed securely using a dental-grade cement. We polish and adjust the new bridge and provide you with instructions on how to brush and floss around it.

Denture or Partial Denture

Dentures are removable devices used to replace many missing teeth at once. Complete dentures replace all of the upper or lower teeth while partial dentures replace a few missing teeth. For maximum security, dentures can also be held in place using implants.

What happens during the procedure?

We start the denture process by taking impressions of both your gums and teeth. We then send these impressions to a dental lab where your new appliance is created for you. You will need to remove the denture nightly to keep it looking its best and to clean it properly. Most dentures can last for about seven years or longer depending on how well they are cared for during that time and how rough you are when wearing the prosthetic.

Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures involve a series of implants that are placed to hold the denture securely in your mouth. Many denture wearers complain that their appliances slip and fall out throughout the day, or the fit of the denture looks unnatural and is uncomfortable for them. In order to eliminate these problems, we can place several implants and make a denture that snaps into place over them. Your overdenture is a great way to restore your smile and get away from the creams, gels and adhesive strips that you’ve been using for years.ic.

All-on-4

All-on-4 technology refers to placing at least four strategically planned implants to keep a denture in place.   All of the implants can be placed in one or two appointments at an oral surgeon’s office.  The procedure helps your denture to fit more securely and prevents the need for creams, adhesive strips and gels. The procedure is safe, easy and most implants heal fully in about six months.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is a common cosmetic procedure that can be done comfortably in our office. Unlike other treatments, bonding typically doesn’t require any type of anesthetic to complete. Bonding uses a material known as composite resin to carefully fill in gaps, spaces and chipped areas for a beautifully finished smile.

 What happens during the procedure?

We start by slightly buffing the tooth in need of bonding work. This helps the composite to stick onto the tooth better. We match the color of the resin before placing it on the tooth itself. From there, the resin is shaped and smoothed before being cured with a bright dental light. Bonding can be brushed and flossed around normally to keep the teeth healthy.

Tooth Extractions

A severely decayed or heavily broken tooth may be beyond saving. In these situations, removing the affected tooth is in the best interest of the patient’s comfort and prevention of infection. We do our very best to provide a comfortable experience and create a plan for restoring the missing tooth.

Why are extractions needed?

Extractions are often performed when there is no other way to save a tooth. Some teeth are simply an issue to your oral health, so it’s best to remove them before they’re allowed to cause issues with shifting, infection and intra-oral damage. Some of the reasons you may want or need an extraction include:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Loose or severely decayed teeth
• Teeth that are cracked or broken below the gum line
• Stubborn baby teeth

What happens during the procedure?

We first provide you with anesthetic to numb the tooth area. Once you’re comfortable, we will remove the tooth. We may place sutures if they are needed to close the gums. We have you bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding. We provide our patients with important aftercare instructions that must be followed.

Dental Filings

Composite or “tooth-colored” fillings are used to treat cavities; they are made of a mixture of glass particles and acrylic. Composite restorations blend in with your natural teeth and can be placed in a wide variety of situations.

Amalgam or “silver” fillings are mixtures of metal, which are compressed into cavities. Amalgam restorations are extremely durable and highly resistant to moisture contamination.

What happens during the procedure?

We first numb the area of the mouth needing the filling. The decay is removed from the tooth completely. The next step is to prepare the tooth for the new composite filling. We do this by applying an etching gel into the small hole, washing it away and then packing the hole with resin. The resin is cured and hardened with a special dental light. We can place multiple fillings in the same area, and we recommend coming in for treatment as soon as it’s found that you have a cavity.

Dental Filings

Composite or “tooth-colored” fillings are used to treat cavities; they are made of a mixture of glass particles and acrylic. Composite restorations blend in with your natural teeth and can be placed in a wide variety of situations.

Amalgam or “silver” fillings are mixtures of metal, which are compressed into cavities. Amalgam restorations are extremely durable and highly resistant to moisture contamination.

What happens during the procedure?

We first numb the area of the mouth needing the filling. The decay is removed from the tooth completely. The next step is to prepare the tooth for the new composite filling. We do this by applying an etching gel into the small hole, washing it away and then packing the hole with resin. The resin is cured and hardened with a special dental light. We can place multiple fillings in the same area, and we recommend coming in for treatment as soon as it’s found that you have a cavity.

Root Canals

Sometimes trauma or a cavity can affect the nerves in the root of the tooth—this can lead to pain, swelling, and discomfort. The treatment for this scenario is root canal therapy. The affected nerves inside the tooth are removed and the canal is then disinfected and sealed with a rubber material to prevent re-infection.

What happens during the procedure?

The process starts with local anesthetic, which is used to numb an area of the mouth. We then work to remove the decay from the tooth and take out the nerve tissue. The canals of the tooth are cleaned thoroughly and filled so that they do not become re-infected. Some teeth require a crown after root canal therapy as well. The root canal procedure takes about an hour in our office and allows you to leave pain-free.

Clear Aligners/Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of clear retainers, which are used to move teeth. The retainers move the teeth progressively to straighten and align your teeth, much like traditional braces. While Invisalign can solve many orthodontic problems, it is not always appropriate for every case and your dentist must perform an evaluation.

The clear aligner trays are worn anywhere between 20-22 hours a day. The time worn each day depends on the patient’s treatment plan and the level of correction needed. Clear aligners are easily removable for drinking and eating.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

• The clear aligner trays can be easily removed for eating and drinking.
• There are fewer food restrictions compared to other treatments.
• The clear aligners can be easily cleaned or rinsed.
• The clear aligners are smooth and comfortable, and do not cause any gum or mouth irritation. The clear aligners are easy to remove to play sports or a musical instrument
• This treatment builds confidence and improves self-esteem.
• Clear aligners are a discrete treatment and have no brackets or wires.

Veneers

Dental veneers are esthetic facing made from either porcelain or composite resin material. They are bonded to the teeth. Veneers match the shade and color of your natural teeth, giving patients that perfect natural looking white smile. Typically, veneers are used for patients that have misshapen, stained, uneven, or chipped teeth. Veneers are not permanent, but they are durable, and last between 10-15 years. The life of veneers depends on how much wear and tear they face over time.

What happens during the procedure?

Veneers typically take more than one appointment in our office. We require a preliminary consultation to discuss each patient’s goals, and to determine a customized treatment plan.  When patients return to our office, a portion of the tooth enamel is removed to prepare the teeth for the veneers. Molds of your teeth are taken and are sent out to a lab to prepare the veneers. Once the veneers are ready, our team ensures the veneers fit properly. We also check the color to ensure they match perfectly with your natural teeth. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned to ensure the veneer adheres properly to the tooth’s surface. A special cement material is used to place veneers on the teeth. An ultraviolet light is used to harden and help set the veneer quickly. The veneer process takes a few weeks to complete, and patients should expect multiple appointments. Once the veneers have been placed, we require patients to return to our office for a follow up visit. This is to ensure the veneers are still looking and feeling great. Veneers are a less extensive procedure, and are not invasive, making this a great choice for many patients seeking a bright white smile.

What types of Veneers are available?

• • Porcelain
  • Composite
  • Zirconia 
  • Lumineers
  • Teeth Whitening

We offer an at home whitening kit. This option allows patients to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home. Custom trays are made in our office that are used alongside the whitening gel kit we send home. Patients place the whitening gel in their custom trays and wear them for a specified amount of time. This method also produces amazing results, and patients can notice whiter teeth after just a few treatments.

After whitening patients may experience some sensitivity, but this should subside after a few days. If needed, patients can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help alleviate any sensitivity after whitening. Overall, the process is simple and works quickly to give patients a beautiful white smile.