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| GENERAL TREATMENTS Clinical research has shown that over 90% of people may experience some form of tooth decay or gum disease. To protect the overall your health, when tooth decay occurs, it is very important to remove the decay and repair the tooth. In addition, missing teeth also need to be replaced. With gum disease, the bacteria attacking the teeth can spread throughout the body. This not only leads to tooth loss, but there have also been links to heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. In this section, we will take a look at various procedures used to treat decayed teeth and gum disease. Restorative procedures used to replace lost or missing teeth will be reviewed
COSMETIC DENTISTRY Modern cosmetic dentistry is a cost-effective way to improve your appearance. With today’s most advanced dental technology, a bright, healthy smile can be attained and increase one’s self confidence. Today, many general treatments can be considered cosmetic. Replacement of gray, silver fillings, repairing chipped or damaged teeth, and the closing of large spaces between teeth can be treated with the latest tooth-colored materials. These can be in the form of composite (white) fillings, porcelain inlays and onlays, veneers, bonding, or porcelain crowns and bridges. In this section, the cosmetic dental options reviewed can transform your smile into a healthy, beautiful smile. |
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| Teeth Cleanings and Prevention | |
 Maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile is truly an investment. Regular dental exams, professional teeth cleanings, and daily home care are the basic methods for prevention of active gum disease and tooth decay. By making regular appointments with the dentist, you will have areas of your mouth examined for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and TMJ disorders. If a problem arises, the time and cost will be far less than waiting until the symptoms of pain develop or when a tooth breaks. Regular professional teeth cleanings will remove any hard, build-up on your teeth that would not be able to be removed by you. The dentist can review any problem areas with you to prevent future gum problems or cavities. By taking care of your mouth, you will avoid costly treatments. Dental X-rays Dental X-rays are very important in diagnosing areas which cannot be seen visually. This includes diagnosing current symptoms as well the following:
Fluoride treatment Studies have shown that repeated tooth exposure to fluoride decreases the rate of cavities. During your teeth cleaning appointment fluoride application can be completed. In addition, prescription fluoride rinses are available and will help prevent cavities. Regular brushing and flossing are needed for fluoride to be most effective. Back to the top |
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| Gum (Periodontal) Disease | |
 Gum disease occurs when bacteria attacks the structures surrounding the tooth – the gums and underlying bone. Plaque, a sticky white substance, attaches to the tooth in the space between the tooth and the gum. If it is not removed, it hardens into a substance, calculus, (tartar) and becomes very difficult to remove. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria from the plaque and calculus, attacks the gum and underlying bone. Consequently, the gums become swollen, bleed easily, and are inflammed. The bacteria slowly eat away at the gum and underlying bone progressing from gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, to causing eventual tooth loss. Gum disease has been linked to many diseases, including heart disease. The treatment of gum disease involves removing the bacteria causing the problem and may be coupled with the use of a local antibiotic. This may involve a few visits, but it can easily and effectively remove and kill germs that cause periodontal disease. Careful brushing and flossing as well as regular periodontal maintenance appointments are required to keep the bacteria from returning and maintain a healthy mouth. Back to the top |
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| Composite (White) Fillings | |
 For those of you who do not like the gray discoloration from silver fillings, composite fillings offer a simple solution for you. They are composed of a powdered glass and plastic resin and do not contain mercury. Composite fillings are used to restore teeth when small to moderate-sized cavities are present and are also used to replace old, chipped silver fillings. They are tooth-colored, and also, look and feel like your own teeth. The treatment can simply be completed in 1 visit and a brighter smile can be seen! Other alternatives: inlays and onlays Back to the top |
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| Inlays and Onlays | |
 An alternative to restoring teeth with silver fillings or treating small to moderate-sized cavities, are inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are custom made in the dental laboratory and will require 2 visits. Consequently, their fit, contour, and strength will be better than the composite fillings completed in 1 visit. They can be fabricated from any of these materials: porcelain, composite, or gold. A complimentary consultation will be needed to determine which treatment is best-suited for you! Other alternatives: composite fillings Back to the top |
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| Root Canal Therapy | |
 Occasionally, a tooth will have extensive decay (cavity) or pressure sensitivity when biting that affects the nerve of the tooth In addition, the tooth may have moderate to severe pain from hot and cold liquids. When this occurs, the nerve of the tooth, has become infected. The treatment for this involves removing the nerve from the tooth- “root canal therapy”. The area is then filled with a rubber-based material. This treatment can be completed in 1-2 visits and in most cases relieves the symptoms of pain. Since the nerve and blood supply is removed when a root canal is performed, the tooth is susceptible to fracture. Therefore, the tooth will need to be protected with a crown(see crown and bridge section). If a root canal is not performed, the tooth will continue to degenerate and the infection will continue to grow. The tooth will eventually need to be removed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office for a consultation to review your options. Other alternatives: dental implant, bridge, or removable partial denture Back to the top |
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| Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) | |
 Teeth can become discolored by numerous processes – aging, caffeine, smoking, trauma, and tetracycline. Discolored teeth may weaken a person’s self-confidence. Today’s procedures offer quick ways to whiten discolored teeth and make you smile bright and beautiful! We use take-home gels to be placed in custom-made trays for you. These gels remove stains safely from the enamel. Depending on the nature of the stain, the duration of the teeth whitening procedure varies. Now you will be able to have that beautiful smile you have always wanted to have in just a few easy steps. Come see what we can offer you! Back to the top |
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| Porcelain Crowns and Veneers | |
 For those of you who want a smile makeover with a conservative approach, porcelain veneers may be for you. Porcelain veneers are also utilized for the replacement of chipped teeth, worn teeth, and can correct misaligned teeth. Now you may ask: what is the difference between crowns (caps) and porcelain veneers? Porcelain veneers are composed of a wafer-size thickness of porcelain. They cover the front and side aspects of the teeth. Like crowns, they are fabricated of natural-looking porcelain. The indication for porcelain veneers vs. crowns with smile correction is dependent upon the degree of tooth wear and tooth misalignment. In some cases, a combination of veneers and crowns are used. Porcelain veneers, crowns, and bridges are all custom-designed for you. A thorough consultation is needed for each individual. We invite you to come in for a complimentary consultation. Other alternatives: bonding Back to the top |
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| Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) and Complete Dentures (CD) | |
 If you are missing multiple teeth and want to restore your smile so that you are able to function naturally, dentures may be for you. There are multiple types of dentures depending on the number and proximity of missing teeth. When there are teeth remaining, the denture is called an “RPD.” These dentures have clasps that attach to the teeth for stability and support. Because the clasps can be visible on RPDs, implants and/or crowns and bridges are usually a better aesthetic choice. In addition, crowns and bridges are cemented together to the implants of the teeth and therefore, are not removable. Unlike crowns and bridges, partial and complete dentures are removable on a daily basis. If no teeth are present, a complete denture is needed. A person’s remaining bone level, that is present in the mouth, is the prime source of support and stability. If the support is inadequate (i.e. the dentures still move and don’t stay in place), implant-supported dentures offer a great solution to add stability to loose dentures. Implant-supported dentures can only be removed by the dentist. To have implants placed, one must be a qualified candidate. We invite you to come in for a complimentary consultation to determine whether dentures are an option for you. We will review other options so that you can make an informed decision on your treatment of choice. Other alternatives: Bridges; Implant-supported dentures Back to the top |
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| Dental Implants | |
 If you would like to improve your self image and restore natural tooth function because a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth are missing, dental implants provide another alternative for tooth replacement. With dental implants, a 2-stage procedure is required. The actual implant acts as the “anchor” for the tooth. Once the implant is placed, it must integrate into the jawbone and act as the root of the tooth. It usually takes 3-6 months for new bone to form around the implant. After this occurs, a permanent restoration – either a crown, bridge, or complete denture – can be placed. If you are a qualified candidate, the success rate for dental implants are usually 90% or greater. Implants will restore your smile to one that functions naturally and looks great! We invite you to call us for an evaluation to see if you are a qualified candidate for dental implants. Other alternatives: Bridges, Removable Partial Dentures, Complete Dentures Back to the top |
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| Bonding | |
 If you are embarrassed or bothered by chipped teeth or gaps between teeth, composite bonding may be for you. Composite resin are a tooth-colored material that can dramatically change your smile. Composed of a powdered glass and plastic resin, the material is placed directly onto the tooth. A shade is chosen to match the tooth and the material is sculpted to look and feel like your own tooth. The treatment can be completely in just 1 visit and a stunning smile can be obtained. Other alternatives: Porcelain veneers; porcelain crowns Back to the top |
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| Crowns and Bridges | |
 If you have heavily worn teeth, fractured or cracked teeth, or want to correct slightly misaligned teeth, crowns or “caps” may be the solution for you. Not only can crowns help renew your smile, but they also protect teeth and restore them to their natural function. Crowns are made of durable, natural-looking porcelain and cover the entire tooth. Although individual cases vary, crowns can usually be completed in as few as 2 visits. In addition, if you have single or multiple missing teeth, bridges may be used for tooth replacement. They are composed of natural-looking porcelain and look just like crowns, except that a bridge is composed of crowns that are connected together and are cemented as one piece. Now you can have the same function as your natural teeth and also have a terrific smile! Other alternatives: Implants, Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) Back to the top |
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| Orthodontics and Invisalign Technology | |
For those of you who are bothered by crowded teeth, large spaces between teeth or misaligned teeth, orthodontics offers a practical way to change your smile. Orthodontics involves the movement of teeth. With many of today’s advances in technology, teeth can be moved without braces. The “Invisalign” technology is a form of orthodontics where custom aligner trays are fabricated. Each tray is transparent, fits over your existing teeth, and is changed every 2- 3 weeks as your teeth move. They are removable and comfortable so you can eat, drink, brush and floss as usual. A thorough consultation is needed to see if you are a qualified candidate. Please call us for a complimentary consultation to see if you are a qualified candidate for Invisalign Technology.
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