Routine Periodontal Care:

For our patients who have slight gum irritation and small amounts of plaque and tartar, we generally recommend a regular cleaning.  In many cases the amount of inflammation is severe and the bone around the teeth begins to diminish.  In these cases the patient may require a series of deep cleanings that extend under the gums to remove the debris and control the bacteria.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:

• Gums that bleed easily

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Receding gum line

• Persistent bad breath and/or bad taste

• Teeth that have become loose

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. In many cases periodontal disease is not painful and quietly destroys the bone holding your teeth in place.

Teeth Whitening and Veneers:

We offer our patients the option to whiten their teeth before beginning any complex cosmetic treatment to optimize the effect of the finished procedure. Whiter and brighter teeth can make all the difference in your smile and self-confidence. Typically, porcelain veneers are made to fit over your anterior (front) teeth. These restorations look and feel natural and can help to correct minor crowding, color and enamel irregularities.

Fillings:

Dental restorations (fillings) may last for many years before they need to be replaced. However, constant abrasion from chewing, grinding and clenching may cause a filling to wear, chip, crack, or even fall out. It is important to have regular dental examinations to keep track of your oral health and prevent a minor restoration failure from damaging the surrounding tooth structure. During your annual checkup your dentist can determine whether existing restorations are in good repair, or are in need of replacement. Replacing worn fillings in time prevents decay from corroding the tooth beyond repair.

Crowns

Crowns are placed when a tooth can no longer support a filling. In some cases extensive tooth decay around an existing filling may leave insufficient tooth structure once the decay is removed and your dentist may need to restore the tooth with a crown instead of a filling. Crowns can be made from several different materials depending on the situation: Porcelain/Ceramic, Gold, and Porcelain Fused to Metal. Each of these materials are used in our practice.

Back to Top

Implants:

One of the newest and best options for tooth replacement, when applicable, is an implant.  Dental implants are little titanium posts or ‘roots’ that are surgically inserted into the bone in place of the missing teeth and allowed to heal. After the implant has sufficiently healed, a custom porcelain crown is fabricated to fit over the post for a natural, healthy looking smile. Dental implants are among the biggest breakthroughs in modern dentistry. With implants, missing teeth can be replaced as "stand alone" crowns, eliminating the need for bridges and, in some cases, even eliminating the need for partial dentures! Used in tandem with complete dentures, implants provide a stabile, secure fit and natural look that ultimately creates a confident smile.

Complete and Partial Dentures:

For patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, these appliances can restore your ability to smile and eat normally.  We recommend that patients who wear a lower denture consider having two to three implants placed to help retain the denture more securely and comfortably.

Root Canal Therapy:

For some teeth that have infections or severe decay this procedure is necessary to cleanse the root of the tooth, removing the bacteria that cause inflammation and pain. For most people the mention of a root canal can cause anxiety do to the misconception that root canal therapy is an unavoidably painful procedure. However, root canal therapy is more often long and boring for the patient than painful. After a root canal the tooth becomes brittle and more prone to fracture and requires a crown to protect it from the every day forces that occur.

Extractions:

From wisdom teeth to teeth that are damaged beyond repair, sometimes the only option is extraction.  In most instances we can perform tooth extraction in our office but for patients who require sedation or more complex tooth removal we will refer you to a friendly oral surgeon with whom we work frequently.

Following an extraction it is important to follow the after surgery instructions you are given.  Smoking and physical activity are strongly discouraged for several days afterwards to prevent complications.  If you feel that you are running a fever or have excessive swelling, please call our office ASAP day or night.

Nitrous Oxide and Anxiety Management:

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is simply a colorless, sweet-smelling, nonirritating gas which you can breathe during a stressful procedure. Discovered in 1772, Nitrous Oxide induces a pleasurable and relaxed feeling. Nitrous oxide is a very safe and effective way to counter anxiety.  After five minutes or so of breathing in the gas, you should feel calm and warm feelings spreading throughout your body leaving you relaxed. People often get 'the giggles', hence the name laughing gas.  For those patients who have extreme anxiety, medications can be prescribed to take prior to the dental appointment.

Back to Top