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Bonding
Bonding is a quick, painless in-office procedure to repair cracks, chips, gaps
between teeth or cover stained teeth to enhance your smile. Bonding can often be
done without anesthesia if there is no decay or pulp exposure. The bonding
material is developed in many shades allowing the dentist to accurately match
the shade of your natural teeth. The composite resin forms a durable, stain
resistant surface that is later smoothed and polished to give it a natural
appearance and feel.
Bonding can be used to:
- Protect exposed roots of teeth
- Repair cracks, unevenness, chips
- Close spaces between your front teeth
- Reshape crooked or misshapen teeth
- Replace old or unattractive silver fillings
- Whiten stained teeth
- Stabilize loose teeth
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Fillings
New advances in bonding, resins and ceramics have made tooth-colored fillings that are strong and lasting a reality. Dental amalgam (silver), is an economical option that is safe for most people except those few who have true allergic reaction to it. In some cases, amalgam can contribute to tooth fracture, however.
With all of the questions about amalgam, many wonder if they should have their silver fillings replaced. Removal of these fillings can cause structural damage to your teeth, depending on the filling's size, and might cause unnecessary expense.
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Crowns
Crowns are prescribed when a tooth or teeth are too badly decayed or broken to be easily restored with a filling. Crowns are normally needed for teeth that have had root canals. Crowns are also placed on dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Crowns can be made entirely of gold for the very back molars or porcelain fused to a gold substrate for strength and beauty. With new technology, crowns can be made entirely from high-strength ceramic and porcelain for beautiful cosmetic results. Our office uses the services of top lab technicians that artistically re-create the look and feel of natural teeth.
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Root Canals
Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth.
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. But sometimes, there are no symptoms.
The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.
Most patients report that having a root canal treatment today is as easy as having a cavity filled.
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Bridges
Over time, the space left by one or more missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to drift and tilt into the space while the tooth opposing the space on the upper/lower arch may begin to erupt. This shifting can cause imbalances with the bite that can lead to headaches and TMJ problems. The spaces may also be difficult to keep clean, resulting in localized gum disease and decay.
Unless a dental implant is recommended to replace the missing tooth or teeth, a fixed or permanent bridge is an excellent alternative. The teeth adjacent to the space are shaped in a manner similar to a tooth needing a single crown, impressions are taken, a temporary bridge is placed, and 2-3 weeks later, the permanent bridge arrive from the lab for final cementation.
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Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material which are bonded to the front of the teeth. This procedure can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or reshaping a smile.
The porcelain systems used for veneers have improved dramatically in recent years, allowing us to create realistic translucency and shade for a natural appearance.
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Preventative Care
We believe that an unhurried, thorough examination is crucial for optimal dental care and good communication. Use of modern technologies allow us to better diagnose dental diseases and disorders while enabling patients to better assess their needs for themselves.
Our goal is to listen carefully so that we can understand your concerns and needs. We spend as much time as required to explain the best treatment options appropriate to your specific case. Lastly, an explanation of fees, insurance co-pays, (if applicable), and all payment options are discussed and reviewed.
You are invited to make a consultation appointment to make sure that you are comfortable with the doctor, staff and our facility. At this time you may tour the office, meet the doctor and the staff with no obligation or pressure to discuss your concerns or needs. You may look at our uses of technology and inspect our state-of-the-art sterilization area and protocols used to ensure safe dental care.
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Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic material) that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue.
The dentist must perform surgery to anchor the artificial root into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. Medications may be prescribed for soreness
The process can take up to nine months to complete. Technology, however, is trying to decrease the healing time involved. Each patient heals differently, so times will vary. After the screws and posts are placed surgically, the healing process can take up to six months and the fitting of replacement teeth no more than two months
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Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are considered "impacted" or unable to erupt when they have no place to go or grow. They may grow in sideways (which can destroy your second molar), only partially come through the gum causing a bacteria trap resulting in recurrent infections or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone forming a fluid filled sac (cyst) or tumors that destroy the jaw or teeth.
Wisdom teeth can be considered not functional if they are:
- Badly decayed
- Have gum disease
- Cause pain
- Move other teeth out of alignment
- Interfere with your biting
Benefits of early removal of wisdom teeth, around the age of 16 or 17, can help you to avoid future problems. At a younger age:
- Tooth roots are not fully developed
- The surrounding bone is softer
- There is less chance of damaging nerves
- There is less surgical risk
- Healing is generally faster
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Impacted wisdom teeth can come in a variety of ways.
Digital X-rays
We use state of the art digital x-rays and digital cameras to help with an accurate diagnosis of any concerns. Digital X-rays use less radiation to get a diagnostic picture of your teeth and they help the environment by eliminating the use of chemicals to process the film.
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Dentures
Natural appearing dentures must take into consideration not only the proper arrangement of the teeth, but also the contours of natural tissue. Our dentures are designed to have the appearance of natural healthy tissue.
Our denture appliances are also designed and personalized with the individual shape and characteristics of both masculine and feminine tooth anatomy, proper lip support and the design of a pleasing smile line. Because the translucency and shade of denture teeth is also critical for optimum results, we offer hand sculpted teeth and no additional cost.
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Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is used for its calming effect. It's a colorless, almost odorless gas that is combined with oxygen, then administered to you through a small mask that covers your nose. It can help to relax you, ease your fear and make you feel more comfortable during your dental treatment.
Nitrous oxide also helps increase your tolerance for lengthy dental procedures, and while it doesn't make any part of your mouth numb, it can decrease your perception of discomfort. There are a few situations where we can't use nitrous oxide, such as if you are pregnant or have an inner ear infection.
Nitrous oxide for child
Nausea is an occasional side effect of nitrous oxide in children. If you anticipate that your child will need nitrous oxide, please ensure that they have little or no food prior to treatment. Be sure to tell us if you child:
The effects of nitrous oxide
Within just a few minutes, you will notice its effects
- Mild tingling in your hands and feet
- Warm sensations throughout your body
- The feeling of drifting or floating
- A "disconnection" from what is going on around you
- A dreamlike state
The more deeply you breathe through your nose, the more you'll feel the effects of nitrous. We can also adjust the levels to make you more comfortable. Your normal reflexes will all be intact, and you will be able to communicate with us during your treatment. Nitrous oxide is not a replacement for a local anesthetic; the area in your mouth that will be affected by the treatment will still need to be numbed.
When we turn the nitrous off, and you are receiving pure oxygen through your mask, the effects of the nitrous will quickly subside. You can safely drive after your dental appointment.
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Whitening