BRIDGES: Bridges are nonremovable replacements for missing teeth. Modern dentistry offers a wide range of materials in bridgework. Traditionally, bridges are made of porcelain fused over metal. (Think of the kitchen sink.) Newer non-metal containing materials such as Targis-Vectris or Empress can also be used for those who prefer no metal in their mouths. Of course, all gold restorations are also available. There are cases where one material might be preferred over another. A discussion of the options is part of our presentation of the treatment needed.

CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY: Guiding the development and preserving the health of children’s first teeth helps in the development of healthy, well positioned permanent teeth. We offer sealants to strengthen weak areas of the teeth and make them immune to decay. Fluoride treatments are another way to strengthen the teeth of children. Fillings in children’s teeth, just as in adult teeth, may be tooth colored, if desired.

CLEANINGS: We use both ultrasonic and hand instruments in our cleaning procedures. The water used in our ultrasonic cleaner is distilled and is pleasantly flavored with mouthwash. We offer a selection of flavors for our polishing paste.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY: The term “cosmetic dentistry” covers a vast field of techniques and materials. In general, all the techniques and materials used are designed to restore dental health and appearance in a manner that is pleasing to the eye. In this list are described specific techniques such as crowns, veneers, tooth whitening, tooth reshaping, tooth colored fillings (sometimes called composite or compomere fillings), tooth colored inlays and bad breath management. (You can’t see it ... but you know when it is present!!!) Please refer to the listed items for a more comprehensive description.

COSMETIC RESHAPING: Very often, all that is needed to improve a smile is reshaping worn or uneven teeth. By simply smoothing cracked or rough edges and harmoniously blending each tooth with the others, a new smile can be created. Best of all it’s painless and no anesthetic is required.

CROWNS: Crowns are permanent coverings over individual teeth that helps restore them to their ideal shape, color and function. As in the case of bridges, crowns may be made of many materials. Crowns are usually needed when teeth are so badly broken down that there isn’t enough tooth left to hold a filling.

GUM TREATMENTS: Gum treatments are needed when there is too much gum disease present to be cured by a simple cleaning. Gum treatments are also called deep cleaning or root planing. Gum treatments are the first step in the attempt to manage gum disease. They are usually done with an anesthetic over a number of visits. Since these treatments reduce red, swollen, foul smelling gums, it would be reasonable to consider them a part of cosmetic dentistry.

IMPLANTS: Implants are pieces of metal that are embedded in the bone in order to eventually support a replacement for one or more teeth. Many denture wearers have finally found comfort by using implants to hold their dentures in place. In our office we use the team approach to implants. Our periodontist (gum and bone specialist) places the implant and we fabricate and place the replacement.

INTRA-ORAL CAMERA: One of the most difficult things for a patient is understanding what is going on in their mouth when there is no way to see it. The intra-oral camera helps the dentist and the patient to see things 20-25 times larger, thus catching problems early before they become a major problem. Because the intra-oral camera enables us to see much better, there is less need to “poke around.” All this makes for a more comfortable, informative examination.

LASER DIAGNOSTICS: An exciting new instrument called “Diagnodent” utilizes laser technology to aid in the diagnosis of dental decay. Decay can now be found without the annoying picking and probing of the teeth that we usually associate with a dental check-up. The laser light is shined on the tooth and the instrument reads any decay. It’s that easy.

NITROUS OXIDE: Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas.” It may be used for all procedures to reduce anxiety during treatment. When used with earphones for your favorite music and some premedication sedation, dental procedures can be pleasant. Nitrous oxide used alone has the advantage that immediately upon the patient’s dismissal from the office, he or she can drive a car, return to work, or continue on with their normal activities.

ORAL SURGERY: Oral surgery includes many procedures, the most common of which is tooth extraction. Our office performs many extractions of wisdom or impacted teeth. Consultation is invited on individual cases. Procedures such as tissue trimming and biopsies are also done.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS: Root canal treatments are necessary when the nerve of the tooth is dead or dying. We use the latest technology for root canal treatments which reduces the need for X-rays. Newer anesthetic techniques along with new instruments have made root canal treatments more pleasant than you can imagine.

THE WAND: The Wand is a computerized method of numbing the teeth. It is now possible to numb only the tooth being treated while avoiding the annoying numbness of lips, cheeks and the tongue. By limiting the area of numbness, patients are better able to return to work, eat and speak ... and there is no drooling!

TOOTH WHITENING: Tooth whitening is also known as tooth bleaching or tooth lightening. There are several ways of whitening teeth. We use a home system in which the patient is provided with a delicate tray that fits over the teeth and holds the material that does the whitening. The tray is usually worn during periods when the patient is not eating or required to speak. The length of time it takes to whiten the teeth depends on many factors. Among them are the darkness of the teeth and habits such as smoking or tea drinking. We customize the procedure to each patient’s needs.

TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS AND INLAYS: There are many names given to tooth colored fillings. They are also known as non-mercury fillings, non-metal fillings, composite fillings and white fillings. As our experience with these new materials increases we are finding that they may not provide the length of service our patients have the right to expect. An alternative to placing the tooth colored material directly into the tooth as a filling is to make the filling out of mouth, in the laboratory, and then cementing it into the tooth. This is called an inlay and provides a much more durable restoration. Inlays are usually preferred when a great deal of tooth is missing. It provides a cosmetic, long lasting alternative to a filling.

VENEERS: Veneers are delicate covers that are placed over the front of the teeth in order to restore their shape and improve their color. They are similar to artificial nails that are placed over natural nails. They may be made of plastic or porcelain. When suitable, veneers provide a conservative way to improve the function and appearance of teeth. Unlike a crown, veneers require that only the front surface of the tooth be reduced in size.