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Procedures

Our Procedures

A great smile is an invaluable asset. It makes a statement about you and never gets outdated. It is the focal point of your face and has functional as well as esthetic importance. That’s why it is important to take care of and maintain it for years to come.

Crowns

We are doing same day crowns, now:

Whenever a tooth is missing more than 50% of the tooth structure, we will suggest a crown.  Teeth with root canal treatments and cracked teeth are also candidates for crown.  A crown, also known as a cap, is a restoration that completely covers a tooth.  It helps to protect the tooth, in order to prevent further damage and decay.  Crowns also can be used to make a tooth look nice and healthy.  In most cases, the crown is prepared and placed in one day.  We no longer need to take impressions and you don’t have to wear a temporary crown.  We remove any old filling material and decay, we take a digital impression, we make your crown, and then cement the permanent crown.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment so that we can help you have a healthy, happy, and good looking mouth.

fillings

When a small amount of tooth structure is missing due to decay, wear, or chipping, sometimes a filling is used to repair the damaged tooth. The filling material that we use in our office is tooth colored and is called a composite resin. After preparing the tooth, an adhesive is used to bond the composite filling to the tooth. The filling is placed and sculpted to replace the tooth’s original form. We check the filling to make sure there aren’t any rough edges, and that it fits with the opposing tooth when biting. Sometimes after the numbness wears off, you may find that the bite feels weird. If that’s the case, please call our office, so that we can adjust the filling.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the procedure used to straighten teeth. Clear aligners (Invisalign) or traditional brackets may be used to accomplish this. Depending on how much straightening needs to be done, treatment can take 6 months to 2 years. Orthodontics is not only a cosmetic procedure. Sometimes when teeth don’t fit together well, damage can be caused to the teeth, gum tissues, and joints. Having a healthy bite can help to preserve teeth to last a lifetime. There is no age limit on straightening teeth.

Root Canals

When a tooth becomes infected, the soft tissue inside of the roots become inflamed. Because the tooth is hard, a build up of pressure occurs causing pain. This can cause the cheeks to swell up. A root canal relieves the pressure by removing the soft tissue inside of the tooth. Once the inside of the roots are cleaned and all of the infected tissue and bacteria is removed, the tooth roots are sealed up. After a tooth is treated with a root canal, a crown is necessary to protect the remaining tooth structure.

Bridges

A bridge can be used to replace missing teeth. Crowns are placed on the teeth in front of and behind the space and a fake crown is in the middle. The bridge is one piece that’s all connected together, and cemented to the remaining teeth. The teeth are prepared for the crowns to hold a bridge, an impression is taken, and the patient leaves the office with a temporary bridge. The impression is sent to the lab, where the bridge is fabricated. If the bridge includes front teeth, we ask the patient to go to the lab, so a custom shade can be done. This helps the bridge to match the remaining teeth. Bridges are a very fast way to replace teeth, and they aren’t something that you don’t have to take in and out. They can be difficult to clean under. Bridges are not very conservative, because the teeth adjacent to the space have to be shaved down. In many cases, a bridge is a great option to replace a missing tooth. Because it’s not removable, it’s very easy to chew with.

Veneers

Veneers are primarily used to improve the look of teeth. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is cemented to a tooth. Veneers are used to give the appearance of straighter or whiter teeth. Often times the teeth do not need to be shaved down. After preparing the teeth for the veneers, an impression is taken, and a lab makes the veneers. We like to send the patients to the lab for a custom shade. When a custom shade is done, it’s difficult to teeth the difference between the teeth with veneers and the natural teeth. Once the veneers are fabricated, they are cemented to the teeth.

Partial Dentures and Full Dentures

Veneers are primarily used to improve the look of teeth. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is cemented to a tooth. Veneers are used to give the appearance of straighter or whiter teeth. Often times the teeth do not need to be shaved down. After preparing the teeth for the veneers, an impression is taken, and a lab makes the veneers. We like to send the patients to the lab for a custom shade. When a custom shade is done, it’s difficult to teeth the difference between the teeth with veneers and the natural teeth. Once the veneers are fabricated, they are cemented to the teeth.

Periodontal Treatment

At the initial exam and cleaning appointment, the health of your gums are evaluated. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to plaque and tartar buildup. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissue. Gingivitis can usually be treated with a regular cleaning, and brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease is when the bacterial infection becomes deeper, and the bone holding in the teeth starts to recede. The first step in treating periodontal disease is a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing or a deep cleaning. This treatment generally takes 2 appointments. During the first appointment the upper right half and the lower right half of your mouth are anesthetized. The tartar is then cleaned from underneath the gum tissue. We also use a laser to kill the bacteria and to decrease discomfort following treatment. We may also prescribe antibiotics and special mouthwashes to help treat this infection. Periodontal disease is a serious infection that can cause tooth loss. Diabetics and immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to periodontal disease. Having your teeth cleaned, and regular brushing and flossing can help you live a longer life.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is used to replace missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. They can also be used to hold dentures and partials in place. Once a tooth is removed, a bone graft is often placed. A dental implant looks like a screw, and it’s placed into the jaw bone. I know that sounds painful, but most of my patients report that there is very little pain associated with this procedure. After the implant is placed, it’s left to heal for 3-4 months. This gives the surrounding bone time to grow and stick to the implant. This process is called osseointegration of the implant. After the implant is tested, and there is no mobility, it’s time for the next 2 steps. A piece called an abutment is attached to the implant to hold a crown. The crown is then cemented or screwed onto the implant. Implants are a great way to replace teeth.

What is Botox?

How does it work? Botullinium Toxin A is an injectable medication that therapeutically reduces the strength of specific muscles. Typically, this means a reduced appearance of wrinkles and headaches or migraines stemming from muscle tension.

I've heard about Botox. Why do dentists administer Botox?

In conjunction with appliances and at-home physical therapy, dentists utilize Botox to alleviate jaw pain, migraines, and headaches as a part of our patients’ healthcare team.

I'm really busy. Do I need to make a separate appointment for Botox?

Please allow a few moments for assessment and photographs. We can have a treatment plan ready for you shortly. Typically, Botox treatments can easily be added to the end of your appointment.

I’ve had difficult dental issues. I have not experienced one second of pain throughout my years of treatment. They have shown incredible ability to also be so gentle.

Wylene Carol

Office hours

Monday 7:00AM – 3:30PM
Tuesday 7:00AM – 3:30PM
Wednesday 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM- 3:30PM
Friday 7:00AM – 2:00PM

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