General Dentistry

Crowns/Inlays/Onlays   When additional support is needed for natural tooth structure, a crown, inlay, or onlay might be required. A variety of materials are available for these restorations including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or metal. These restorations restore the structural integrity to the damaged tooth. The term “crown” is synonymous with the term “cap” and covers the tooth structure visible above the gum line. An inlay or onlay fit into the tooth much like a large filling, but in one solid piece. All of these restorations are created in a dental laboratory; therefore, two appointments are required to complete the procedure.  The first visit involves preparing the natural tooth, taking an impression for the laboratory, and then placing a temporary over the remaining tooth structure for support. The final restoration is adjusted and cemented at the second visit.

Bridges   This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics. It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.

Full Mouth Reconstruction   Some patients need full-mouth reconstructions to restore total oral function and an attractive smile.  Our dental office has the ability to handle complex full mouth rehabilitations.  Many times the full mouth rehabilitations are done for cosmetics, but more often they are completed to restore missing teeth, tooth function and speech.  Full-mouth reconstruction can include, but is not limited to, patients with multiple missing teeth, extensively damaged teeth, bite abnormalities, crooked or crowded teeth, advanced gum disease, the inability to chew properly, and compromised teeth and facial esthetics where there is caving-in of the lips and cheeks.  Full-mouth reconstruction restores the teeth and the bite and the proper support of the facial structures.  Full-mouth reconstruction can include a combination of dental implants, tooth bonding, veneers, fillings, crowns, dentures and removable or fixed bridges.  Our goal is to rebuild a smile that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

Sealants   Sealants are a preventive measure used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing.  In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which will develop cavities over time.

Non-Surgical Gum Treatment   The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care, however, it may be possible to return them to a healthy state.

Dentures   There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have been lost. A denture can replace lost bone and gum tissue contours, thereby supporting areas of the face or jawbone that may have a caved-in appearance.  There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to.  Often implants can be used to further stabilize dentures and bring enhanced cosmetics as well as dramatically enhanced function of denture appliances.

Root Canal   Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, involves relieving tooth pain by removing the nerve tissue located in the center of the tooth and root. This is not a surgical procedure and no gum tissue is affected. Access to the tooth is obtained by drilling through the biting surface of the tooth or dental restoration to expose the nerve. Unlike the past, newer methods of anesthesia are available to minimize discomfort and most root canals can be completed in one visit. The final root canal is filled with a rubber-like material and medicated cement. The opening of the tooth is closed with a temporary filling and an additional 1 or 2 visits is required so that a crown or filling can be completed to protect the structural integrity of the tooth.  Once a root canal is finished, it is essential to have the final restoration completed promptly. This ensures that the root canal is not exposed to bacteria from breakdown and leakage at the edges of the temporary filling.