FILLINGS/RESTORATIONS

While we offer both amalgam (silver) and resin composite (tooth-colored) fillings, composite fillings have surpassed traditional amalgam for the treatment of cavities. They offer valuable aesthetic and health benefits to patients in need. We utilize high-quality composite resin, which offers several shades that can be precisely matched to your natural tooth enamel. The conservative nature of composite resin allows our doctors to preserve a more healthy dental structure. We strive to create virtually invisible cosmetic results.

CROWNS & BRIDGES

Crowns
Crowns, also known as “caps”, are usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth.Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.

Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Additionally, Crowns serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. They are fabricated by preparing the teeth adjacent to the missing space and bonding them in place. Bridges are referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Root canals are performed when a cavity reaches all the way to the pulp/nerve of the tooth, leading to an infection. A root canal cleans out the infected pulp and the canal is filled to prevent further infection. Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain. After the root canal, a filling or crown is done, leaving a restored tooth that can last almost as the original tooth.

Many people associate root canal therapy with dental discomfort, but the reality is root canals are meant to alleviate pain, not cause it. This is because treatment is designed to remove infected tissue from inside the root canal, irrigate it of any residual oral bacteria, then replace removed tissue with material that protects your tooth from future infection. We’re happy to go over each step of the root canal process beforehand to ensure you are fully informed on how the procedure works.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Ideally, tooth extractions are the last treatment option we recommend because of how many other services there are available to us that save natural teeth. Sometimes, however, due to severe decay, infection, or fractures, teeth must be extracted or removed. We can do this in the office, often the same day as your exam or emergency visit.

We have nitrous oxide/laughing gas available for such procedures. Be sure to let us know prior to your appointment if you would like or require laughing gas for your procedure. See the Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas section for more information.

DENTURES

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. These are removable prostheses that can be fabricated using a variety of materials. Dentures can either be partial dentures, meaning they replace SOME teeth in one arch, or complete dentures, meaning they replace ALL teeth in that arch. They are a more affordable option for restoring your appearance and hiding missing teeth. These are custom devices that either replace some or all the teeth while restoring your smile and mouth function.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

A dental implant is currently the “gold standard” for replacing a tooth or a number of teeth that are missing due to injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing.

Dental implants are a multi-step process. We do not place the implant posts at our office. Instead, we work with a number of Periodontists and Oral Surgeons in the surrounding areas who will place these for our patients. Once the implant has successfully healed and integrated into the jawbone, the implant restoration (i.e crown, bridge, etc.) is completed at our office. Our doctors are experts in restoring implants with crowns that look and feel like natural teeth.

DENTAL SEALANTS

Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. They are a thin coating of material placed on the biting surface of the tooth, with no drilling or numbing needed. They are especially used in children once their 6 year-old molars (permanent/adult molars) have erupted. These sealants help prevent cavities in the grooves and pits increase the longevity/life span of the permanent molars.

TMJ OR GRINDING TREATMENT

If you’re suffering from jaw pain, clicking, grinding or other symptoms of TMJ or bruxism, we can help! One of our doctors can make you a custom dental appliance like a mouthguard that can help relieve your symptoms in a simple, effective way.

SNORING APPLIANCES

Oral appliances work by pushing or pulling your lower jaw forward. By doing this, your tongue is kept in a position that does not block your airway. This reduces the risk of snoring or that your tongue may obstruct your airway during sleep. These appliances can also be used, in conjunction with other therapies, to help treat sleep apnea.

NITROUS OXIDE/LAUGHING GAS

We have nitrous oxide/laughing gas available for patients and can be used safely during the majority of dental procedures. Be sure to let us know prior to your appointment ifyou would like or require laughing gas for your procedure.

EMERGENCY DENTISTRY

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency — don’t wait. Give us a call and we’ll fit you in as soon as possible, perform a full dental exam, and get you the treatment you need.