Regular Exams and Cleanings

Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your oral health. Most insurances have 6 months recall program.  During your regular exam, dentist will:

• Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
• Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
• Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
• Check any abnormal things in your mouth such as TMJ problem or tumors.
• Provide a thorough teeth cleaning and root planning.
• Give you personal hygiene instruction and so on.

Visiting our office every six months gives you the chance to talk with Dentist and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Regular exams are offered by appointment only, so please contact our practice today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.

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Bonding

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Tooth bonding can also be used for teeth fillings instead of amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonding fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, please let us know. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.

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Bridges

A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, restore chewing function and alleviate stress in your bite.

A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto supporting teeth.

The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

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Crowns

Crowns are not just a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth's shape but also strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong too.

Crowns are often preferable to silver amalgam fillings. Unlike fillings which apply metal directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

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Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays restore your teeth beautifully with custom-created porcelain or resin material or gold alloy. They are an aesthetic alternative to fillings and look exactly like the rest of your natural tooth. Inlays and onlays protect and restore large portions of the decayed tooth, much like a large filling. Inlays fill the tooth in between cusps, while onlays lay over the chewing surface of your tooth. We often recommend inlays and onlays because they are one of the highest quality options available. They preserve tooth structure, and are more durable than some of our other choices.

Restoring your teeth with inlays or onlays take two appointments. On your first visit, we carefully prepare your teeth, then take an impression and send it to a dental laboratory. There, a model of your teeth is made and used to create your inlay or onlay from porcelain, gold or resins.

On your next visit, the inlay or onlay is placed in your teeth, and are adjusted for a precise fit. Once that is achieved, we cement it, polish and check it one more time for the accuracy of your bite. Then the appearance and function of your teeth will be restored!

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Extractions

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so our dentist may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, the dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup for a simple one or may request another visit for this procedure such as wisdom teeth. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a "tooth socket," and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, the dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick for a simple one, it is important to share any concerns or preferences for wisdom tooth extraction with us.

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so this bad tooth should be removed. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

Your last molars, called the third molars or wisdom teeth, typically begin to come in (erupt) during the late teen years or early twenties. When they don't have room to grow in, or they're trapped in your jaw because they are tilted or rotated, they are impacted.

• As your wisdom tooth tries to erupt at an angle, it can push on the neighboring tooth, causing pain and possibly damaging the tooth.
• Food gets trapped next to the wisdom tooth, making the area a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
• An infection may develop around the impacted tooth, and this infection can spread into the face and jaw.
• Your jaw may become painful and the surrounding gums may swell and become tender.
• A fluid-filled sac called a cyst may develop around the impacted tooth; this can destroy a great deal of jaw bone.

Early removal can prevent problems
You can avoid the pain and possible damaging effects of an impacted wisdom tooth by having it removed early, before its roots are fully developed. We can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth with x-rays, and remove them as soon as we determine they will likely cause difficulties.

Our experienced dentists are ready to help you with your wisdom tooth extraction. Book your FREE consultation today!

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Fillings

Traditional dental restoratives (fillings) include gold, porcelain, and composite/amalgam. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.

Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins are usually more costly than the older silver amalgam fillings.

Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental restorations:

• The components used in the filling material
• The amount of tooth structure remaining
• Where and how the filling is placed
• The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
• The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth

The ultimate decision about what to use is best determined in consultation with our dentist. Before your treatment begins, our dentist will discuss the options with you.  To help you prepare for this discussion it is helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings: direct and indirect.

• Direct fillings are fillings placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include dental amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. It can be done during one appointment.
• Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. During the first visit, our dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, it will be cemented onto the prepared cavity and be adjusted it as needed.

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Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment

In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, you may save that tooth.

Inside each tooth is the pulp which is also called the “dental nerve”. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. If left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess.  Certain by-products of the infection can injure your jawbones and your overall health. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.

Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment, our dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. Then the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned and sealed. Often posterior teeth that have endodontic treatment should have a cast crown placed in order to strengthen the remaining structure. Then, as long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups so that the root(s) of the restored tooth are well maintained, your restored tooth can last much longer even a lifetime.

Most of the time, the anterior tooth root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure while posterior tooth root canal treatment is more challenged one. Our experience dentist can help you with most cases. Best of all, root canal treatment can save your tooth and your smile!

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Sealants

Sometimes brushing is not enough. Everyone has hard-to-reach spots in their mouth and brushing doesn't always fully clean those difficult places. When that happens, you are at risk of tooth decay. Using sealants on your teeth gives you an extra line of defense against tooth decay.

Dental sealant is a plastic resin that bonds to the deep grooves in your tooth's chewing surface. When sealing a tooth, the grooves of your teeth are filled and the tooth surface becomes smoother — and less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, tooth brushing becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.

Sealants are usually applied to children's teeth as a preventive measure during the years of most likely tooth decay. However, adults' teeth can also be sealed. It is more common to seal "permanent" teeth rather than "baby" teeth, but every person has unique needs. Our dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Sealants generally last from three to five years. However, it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact so if your sealant comes off or became discoloured, you must let us know.

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Veneers

There's no reason to put up with gaps in your teeth or with teeth that are stained, discolored, badly shaped, chipped, or crooked. Today, a veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct nature's mistake or the results of an injury and help you have a beautiful smile. Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, our dentist will usually do wax up to show you what it looks like after veneers. After your approval, our dentist will create a unique model of your teeth. This model is sent to the dental technician to create your veneers.

When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining. If you are a grinder, a nightguard is recommended to protect the beauty of your veneer.   

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Periodontal Services

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.

 Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Tobacco smoking or chewing
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and so on.
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Crooked teeth
• Fillings that have become defective
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives

Several warning signs that can signal a problem:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating (space may appear between teeth).
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.  Deep cleanings through the use of hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or laser is essential for the initial phase of therapy.

Other periodontal therapy could include treatments such as gum grafting, pocket reduction surgery, and cosmetic recontouring.

Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.  Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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TMJ TMD Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the name of the joint located on either side of your head, just in front of your ears. These joints connect your mandible (jawbone) to your temporal bone (skull). The TMJ, which can rotate and move forward, backward and side to side, is considered one of the most complex joints in the body. This joint, in combination with other muscles and ligaments, lets you chew, swallow, speak and yawn. When you have a problem with the muscle, bone or other tissue in the area in and around the TMJ, you may have a TMD.

TMD is a group of complex problems with many possible causes. Some conditions that can lead to TMD are teeth grinding and jaw clenching, misalignment of the teeth, trauma to the jaw and stress. It may result in chronic pain in the jaw, face, head and shoulders. Other common symptoms are headache, ear pain, and popping or clicking of the joint.

A complete dental and medical evaluation is often necessary and recommended to evaluate patients with suspected TMJ disorders. One or more of the following diagnostic clues or procedures may be used to establish the diagnosis. Damaged jaw joints are suspected when there are popping, clicking, and grating sounds associated with movement of the jaw. Chewing may become painful, and the jaw may lock or not open widely. The teeth may be worn smooth, as well as show a loss of the normal bumps and ridges on the tooth surface. Ear symptoms are very common. Dental X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scanning help to define the bony detail of the joint, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to analyze soft tissues.

Because TMD is a complex disorder, so is the treatment. The mainstay of treatment includes jaw rest, heat and ice application, medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory, splint therapy (mouth guards) and correction of an abnormal bite.

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Night Guards

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is an involuntary grinding or clenching of your teeth, and usually occurs while you sleep. Grinding your teeth can create a great deal of force on your jaw, which can cause damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Most often the cause of grinding is stress related but can also be caused by the misalignment of your teeth. Some symptoms of grinding include sore jaw muscles, headaches and neck or ear pain. Although for most people it is the dentist that will see the wear on your teeth and warn you of grinding. If you have restless, interrupted sleep, a professionally made nightguard may be the answer to a full nights rest!

A night guard can help protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching and prevent further damage. A night guard is custom made to fit over your upper or lower teeth, preventing the teeth from grinding together and allowing your jaw joints to be positioned in the most relaxed state. Different types of Night Guards can be made based on your needs, whether you require TMJ therapy, grinding/clenching, or even have sleep apnea. Ask our experienced dentist which type is best for you.

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Dentures

There are two types of dentures: partial and full dentures. Both types are made in a dental lab, based on a mold of your mouth. Mini-Implants can provide long term denture stabilization if you need.

A partial denture is made up of one or more false teeth, and held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby teeth. You can take the partial denture out yourself, for cleaning and at night. A partial denture may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing.

A full denture is also called a "complete denture" or "false teeth." It can be used when all your natural teeth are missing. Remember, you need to care for a denture as carefully as you would look after your natural teeth.

If you have problems with your denture like unable to eat, denture shift or wander, MDI (Mini Dental Implant) is a good solution. More detail seen-MDI.

Keep your denture clean – Plaque builds up on a denture just like it does on natural teeth. Unless plaque is removed from your denture, it can spread to your natural teeth and gums, causing gum disease and cavities.

Remove your denture every night.

Soak your denture overnight – It can be soaked in a special cleaner (called denture cleanser), in warm water or in a half-and-half mix of warm water and vinegar. If your denture has metal clasps, soak it in warm water only. Soaking will loosen plaque and tartar, so they will come off more easily when you brush. Brush and rinse your denture before you put it back in.

See your dentist regularly – Your mouth is always changing, so your denture will need adjusting from time to time to make sure it fits well. If you have a partial denture, regular check-ups are important to make sure that your natural teeth and gums get the care they need.

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