 |
We
are a full service office offering:
Regular
check ups lead to early detection of:
Prevention is key to a healthy smile
Composites (Tooth Colored
Fillings) top
Until recently, dentistry has restored teeth with a silver alloy material.
Although it has been a good restorative material, technology has advanced
in the use of composite fillings. Composites are made of a resin-like
material that bond to the tooth. These fillings are strong, stain-resistant,
and natural looking.
Teeth Whitening
top
Teeth whitening involves the placement of a bleaching solution on the
teeth to eliminate stains and discoloration to brighten your smile. Bleaching
is a safe and effective process that is done at home. Our at-home system
should not be confused with over-the-counter products. The custom fitting,
flexible plastic trays hold the bleaching gel snugly against the teeth.
The length of time necessary to whiten teeth depends on the amount of
discoloration and some teeth can be harder to bleach than others. Bleaching
does not change the color of fillings or crowns and it is not advised
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Porcelain Veneers
top
Porcelain veneers (also known as laminates) are tooth shaped porcelain
shells adhered to the surface of a tooth. They are cast in a lab and are
used to correct or camouflage severely discolored, damaged, misaligned,
or poorly shaped teeth. Veneers are bonded onto the teeth and blend with
the remaining tooth structure so that a natural, esthetic appearance is
achieved.
Crowns and Bridges
top
When there is damage to a tooth and it no longer has enough structure
to hold a filling, a crown restoration may be done. The crown (also referred
to as a cap) is a dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the
entire top of a tooth. Crowns are used to cover teeth that have been weakened
by decay, chipped, discolored, or misaligned. Crowns may also be required
after root canal treatment. The most common materials used for crowns
are precious metals, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. A crown can
also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of
teeth. Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal
position, for patient comfort, ability to chew and cosmetic reasons. This
can be achieved with a fixed bridge or a dental implant.
Implants
top
Teeth will drift into a space that is created by missing teeth. To prevent
teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss, one option
would be a dental implant. A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement
for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. As
the body heals for approximately six months after the surgery, the bone
fuses to the implant. The implant is then used to anchor a crown, bridge,
or denture. Dental implants can improve the quality of life for many people,
however, x-rays must be taken to evaluate substantial bone support. Dental
implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth.
Periodontal (Gum)
Treatment top
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime is possible by taking
proper care of them. Gum disease, or more correctly called periodontal
disease is an infection of the gum tissue and supporting bone structure.
This disease is caused by bacteria that form plaque in the mouth. In the
early stage, plaque is invisible and relatively harmless. However, when
left to accumulate, it can lead to harmful bacteria that grow and harden
into calculus. Periodontal disease could be present even without any noticeable
symptoms.
The first phase is called gingivitis and is characterized by gum tissue
that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush,
floss or dental instrument. Gingivitis is the most common periodontal
disease, affecting 90% of the population. Gingivitis can be reversed with
proper oral hygiene consisting of daily brushing, flossing, a healthy
diet, and regular visits to your dentist and hygienist.
The second, third, and fourth phases consist of advancing stages of periodontal
disease. This is different from gingivitis because the infection causes
eventual tooth loss. The treatment is more involved at these stages, usually
consisting of a special cleaning with anesthesia and sometimes gum surgery.
The earlier that periodontal disease is detected and treated, the better
the chance of restoring the health of your mouth and saving your teeth.
Endodontics (Root
Canal Therapy) top
When a tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure during chewing it
is a good indication that root canal therapy may be necessary. When a
tooth becomes infected internally, the dentist will remove the inflamed
pulpal (nerve) tissue. The canal(s) of the tooth are carefully cleaned,
disinfected, and sealed. It may take more than one appointment before
the tooth is ready to be restored with a protective filling or crown after
the root canal therapy has been completed.
Orthodontics (Tooth
Alignment) Including Invisalign top
An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion meaning “bad bite”.
When the relationship of the jaw bone and teeth are not proportional in
size or there is too much or too little space between teeth, orthodontic
treatment is required. This problem can be inherited or developmental.
Developmental malocclusion can be caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting,
accidents, or early tooth loss. Many people believe orthodontic treatment
is done for cosmetic reasons, however, the main reason is to improve overall
health. When teeth are not in alignment it is difficult to chew food properly,
have adequate digestion, and good dental hygiene. Malocclusion also stresses
the jaw joints and associated muscles which can lead to headaches and
migraines.
Orthodontic treatment is not just for children. Many adults are now experiencing
the joy of a healthy appearance. There are different techniques that can
be used to achieve better occlusion. The two main methods are: bonding
traditional braces (metal or porcelain brackets) to the teeth or Invisalign
(custom-made nearly invisible aligners).
To learn more about Invisalign click
here
Headache and Migraine Prevention
top
Frequent headache and migraine symptoms can be associated to dental problems.
Some of these dental problems include sensitive or cracked teeth or fillings,
poorly fitting crowns, improperly placed fillings, or a damaged nerve
of a tooth. Headache relief can sometimes be achieved by adjusting the
teeth to a proper bite relationship.
Another dental health problem that triggers chronic headaches is Temporomandibular
Joint Dysfunction (TMJ or TMD). This disorder is an imbalance in jaw relationship
and muscular contractions. Please see our summary of TMJ for more detailed
information. TMJ disorder develops for multiple reasons. The most common
reasons are clenching or grinding the teeth which may result in headache
pain. Clenching while sleeping can interrupt sleep cycles which can interfere
with the ability to have healthy interactions with others. One of the
treatment options for chronic headaches is the use of mouth splints such
as NTI (Tension Suppression System).
To learn more about NTI (Appliance for Headache Relief) click
here
Cavities
top
Dental cavities continue to be a major reason for dental treatment. Plaque
is a soft, sticky bacteria, and when left on teeth, changes into a fermentable
carbohydrate and then to an acid. The acid causes cavities (tooth decay).
Untreated tooth decay can spread and destroy tooth structure rapidly.
Radiographs (x-ray films) are used to help find hidden areas of tooth
decay usually located between teeth or along the root surface under the
gums. If a tooth is decayed, it should have a filling or a crown.
“Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” is rapid and severe destruction
of baby teeth that occurs when baby nurses on a bottle (filled with milk,
juice, or sugar based formula) for long periods of time.
Periodontal (Gum)
Disease top
During an office exam, a measuring stick called the periodontal probe
is used to detect the absence or presence of gum disease. One warning
sign of gum disease is when gums bleed during brushing. Other symptoms
may appear as red, swollen or tender gums, gums that have pulled away
from the teeth, pus at the gum line when the gums are pressed, teeth that
are loose or changing position, constant bad breath or bad taste in the
mouth. Regular dental check ups and good dental hygiene of daily proper
toothbrushing and flossing is the best prevention to gum disease. Please
see our summary of periodontal disease for further information.
Oral Cancer
top
The cause of oral (mouth) cancer is unknown, but several factors such
as smoking, using chew (smokeless tobacco), and excessive alcohol consumption
are associated with the irritants that can change the healthy tissues
of the mouth. A cancer screening (exam) of the head, neck, and mouth area
should be done regularly by the dentist and hygienist to check for early
signs and symptoms. The exam checks for lumps, masses, growths, red or
white patches, or reoccurring sore areas along the lips, gums, cheeks,
palate, tongue, and throat. Cancer of the mouth may appear as red, speckled
(mixed red and white), or white lesions that do not rub off. Radiographs
(x-ray films) are also essential for the complete examination and detection
of mouth cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early detected
cancers are highly curable through the use of surgery, radiation therapy,
or chemotherapy (the use of cancer fighting drugs).
Temporomandibular Joint
Disorder (TMD also referred to as TMJ) top
The temporomandibular joint is the most complex joint in the body. It
permits different types and degrees of jaw movement including hinge, and
gliding action. The symptoms of jaw disorder (TMJ) are pain in or around
the ear that may spread from the ear to the face, tender jaw muscles,
clicking or popping upon opening the mouth, pain or difficulty opening
or closing the mouth, a jaw that locks or gets stuck, or constant headaches
and neck aches. Some conservative treatments include: relaxation training
(biofeedback), physical therapy (including moist heat, cold compacts,
and muscle massage), diet modification (eating soft, non-chewy foods),
the use of drugs (muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, anti-anxiety
agents), or the use of a clenching suppression device such as an NTI.
Please refer to the link under headache and migraine prevention to learn
more about NTI (Appliance for Headache Relief).
Premature Tooth Loss
top
The two major effects of premature tooth loss are drifting or shifting
of teeth, and changes in the natural structure of the face. If teeth are
not replaced, facial collapse can occur. As the mouth loses its shape,
the lips may appear thin and flattened and the chin may move upward and
forward. The mouth becomes sunken and cracks or sores may form around
the corners of the mouth. Implants, bridges, or removable partials and
dentures can be made to help and improve proper function and appearance
of the mouth.
Nutrition top
A balanced diet consisting of the five major food groups (dairy, meats,
vegetables, fruits, and grains) including essential vitamins and minerals
is vital to a healthy smile. Consumption of too many sugars and starches,
and snacking between meals can lead to a large increase of tooth decay
(cavities). Drinking plenty of water helps to balance metabolism and flush
out the mouth of any potential cavity producing foods.
Fluoride
top
The decline in the rate of dental decay in the general population is related
to the use of fluoride. Fluorides, both systemic (taken internally) and
topical (applied on the surface of teeth) increase enamel resistance to
dental decay. Fluoridation can be found in community water systems, and
fluorides are contained in toothpastes, gels, mouth rinses, and natural
substances such as tea.
Sealants top
Dental sealants (clear or white resin bonded fillings) provide a barrier
in the enamel pits of teeth where the toothbrush has difficulty cleaning.
A sealant penetrates the tooth enamel layer and shields the surface along
chewing surfaces of molars that have deep groves and are prone to decay.
After etching the tooth surface, a resin material bonds to the tooth and
seals off the deep pits and grooves; like a protective plastic coating.
Sealants are used only on biting surfaces of teeth and are not applied
over decay (cavities). Sealants are used widely in children’s newly
formed adult molars. Proper sealant placement helps prevent tooth breakdown
as the tooth further matures into adulthood.
Mouthguards
top
Mouthguards offer protection from sports related injuries to the mouth
and are highly recommended by the American Dental Association, American
Dental Hygienists Association, and the Academy for Sports Dentistry. All
mouthguards are not equal in quality, and poor fitting guards can create
more injury than help. An ill-fitting mouthguard can produce gagging,
and interfere with breathing and speech. Custom-fabricated mouthguards
prepared by dentists are made over a stone cast, and are molded to fit
an individual’s bite. Mouthguards should be inspected periodically
to determine any distortions or problems occurring through wear. Mouthguards
should be cleaned and stored properly. They may be brushed with toothpaste,
rinsed with mouthwash or cold/lukewarm water, and stored in a plastic
container when not in use.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
top
Salivary glands are important structures in the mouth that produce saliva
which is needed for speaking, tasting, chewing, swallowing, and digesting.
When Xerostomia (dry mouth), or salivary gland dysfunction occurs, rapid
deep decay (cavities) can occur. Large doses or use of multiple prescription
medications can decrease saliva flow. Radiation treatment for head, neck,
and mouth cancer also increases the risk of dry mouth. Certain medical
health issues such as: Sjorgren’s syndrome, viral infections, and
many immune-suppressed illnesses (arthritis, lupus, and HIV) produce salivary
gland dysfunction. In severe cases, along with dry mouth, dryness in the
eyes and nose are also a major concern. In these cases, there is an increased
risk of developing Oral Candidiasis (a sore, blistery mouth and tongue),
and Anti-fungal agents should be prescribed. The use of fluorides and
artificial saliva agents can help relieve and prevent more advanced symptoms
associated to dry mouth.
|
