Comprehensive Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening
One of the most important parts of your dental visit is the oral cancer screening. The Oral Cancer Foundation predicts that over 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the overall prognosis will be. We will perform the oral cancer screening during your routine dental check-up. Our goal is to detect cancer in the earliest stages so that it can be treated quickly and efficiently.
Routine Exams and Cleanings
Oral health is more than just a beautiful smile. Studies show that the condition of your oral health is closely related to the health of your body as a whole. Untreated oral disease and poor oral health can have an impact on your quality of life and is linked to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Likewise, most systemic diseases have oral manifestations meaning that your dentist may be the first person to recognize and diagnose a major health problem.
Sealants
A sealant is a thin film bonded to the tooth surface to prevent tooth decay. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around a sealant, therefore protecting the tooth from developing decay.
Deep Periodontal Cleanings
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of teeth. In the early stages, patients may experience redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. However, if not treated, it can progress to tooth loss. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist are important to prevent and control existing periodontal disease. When detected and diagnosed, in most cases scaling and root planing is the first step to treat and control the disease. This treatment involves the removal of tartar and plaque from the teeth and root surfaces. In more severe and advanced cases, surgical treatment may be indicated, in which case we will refer you to a gum specialist with whom we work closely to provide the proper care that you need.
Root Canals
Endodontics, often referred to as root canal therapy, is performed when the nerve of a tooth has been compromised often resulting in pain and infection. To save the tooth, the infected nerve of the tooth is removed and thoroughly cleaned and sealed. The tooth can then be restored to mimic natural esthetics and function.
Extractions
There are times when it becomes necessary to remove a tooth due to severe dental decay, infection, or to aid in orthodontic treatment. We perform pain free extractions making sure you are completely comfortable throughout the treatment. For those with anxiety, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you relax.
Treatment of Headaches and Jaw Pain
If you have tension headaches, migraines, or sore teeth and jaws, this could be caused by clenching your teeth while sleeping. This clenching at night can lead to cracked teeth, jaw pain, and sore muscles in the head, neck and back. We can treat your symptoms with a small appliance called the “NTI”. The NTI is the first FDA approved device for the treatment and prevention of medically diagnosed migraine pain. The NTI works by reducing the force of clenching and thereby minimizing the source of pain with relief usually seen in a few days.
Night Guards
If you have signs of bruxism such as irregular wear of your teeth, we may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth and relieve any associated painful symptoms. A night guard is a custom made appliance that slips over teeth in one jaw and prevents contact with the opposing teeth. Bruxism is the term used to describe clenching and grinding of teeth. Grinding often occurs in your sleep and can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or teeth that are missing or crooked teeth. Because many people grind in their sleep, they are often unaware that they do it. Grinding can eventually cause damage to restorations, cracks in teeth, damage to the jaw joint, and tooth sensitivity. Regular dental check-ups are important so that damage can be detected in the early stages.
Clear Aligner Braces
ClearCorrect is the clear and simple alternative to braces. It’s a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them, each aligner moving your teeth just a little bit at a time. They’re practically invisible, so most people won’t even know you’re in treatment, they fit you perfectly, so they’re more comfortable than regular braces, and they’re removable, so you can eat whatever you like and clean your teeth normally. Ask us for more information about ClearCorrect and what it can do for you.
Restorative Dentistry
Partial and Full Dentures
If you have experienced tooth loss, dentures may be a cost effective and aesthetic option for replacing missing teeth. A denture is a removable appliance that replaces both the teeth and the surrounding tissues that support them. A complete denture replaces all teeth, while a partial denture replaces one or more teeth and fills in spaces created by missing teeth. Each denture is custom made to match to look and feel of your smile.
Bonding and Composite Restorations
A composite filling is a tooth colored material that is bonded to the natural tooth structure in order to restore decayed or fractured teeth. Composite is also used to cosmetically improve discolored or misshapen teeth. With the use of composite there is no risk of mercury exposure, as with amalgam or silver fillings, and the composite filling blends in with the natural tooth structure to make a much more aesthetic, nearly invisible restoration.
Crowns
When a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or weakened, a crown is a protective covering that strengthens the tooth and restores the natural contour. There are many different types of crowns ranging from full metal and gold crowns to all white porcelain crowns. We will recommend which type of crown is best for you.
Bridges
A bridge is a permanent, fixed option for replacing one or more missing teeth. By filling the space created by missing teeth, the bridge prevents shifting of neighboring teeth stabilizing your jaw and restoring your smile.
Dental Implant Restorations
Implants are the ideal option for replacing missing teeth. An implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the bone to mimic a natural tooth root. Once an implant has been placed, we will collaborate with the surgeon and place a beautiful new tooth-like crown on top of the implant that will perform just like a natural tooth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Over time teeth can yellow or brown due to staining from coffee, tea, tobacco, and other food and drinks we consume. For your convenience, we provide both in office and take home whitening options.
With our custom tray whitening system and professional strength whitening gel, you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. We will fabricate custom whitening trays that you can reuse to whiten your teeth at your own convenience.
Have a big event coming up and don’t have time to wait for results? Our in office tooth whitening treatment is fast and effective to accommodate your busy schedule. With the use of the Sapphire Whitening Crystal and light, it takes just 30-60 minutes to lighten your teeth several shades and achieve a whiter smile.
Whitening procedures are not a solution for all types of discoloration. After an examination, we can determine whether whitening is an effective and safe option for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a great solution to correct permanently discolored, misshapen and distorted teeth. A veneer is a very thin shell of porcelain or composite, most times no thicker than a fingernail, that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Once bonded to the tooth, the veneer increases in strength and is very durable. Due to their minimal thickness, veneers can be placed by removing little to no tooth structure providing a conservative, cosmetic option for a beautiful smile.