A comprehensive evaluation involves an inspection and palpation of the head and neck as well as an oral examination to detect any abnormalities. The oral exam involves reviewing each tooth, measuring pocket depths and noting the bite. Radiographs are utilized to detect unseen problems such as cavities, periodontal disease and infection.

A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal on a cleaner and smoother root surface.

Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth.  At Home Bleaching requires an impression of the teeth to be taken to make a customized tray. This tray is used to hold a whitening gel, containing hydrogen peroxide, against the teeth. The tray is worn for a period of time, usually 30 minutes/ day, as instructed by our office. 

A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers the outside of a severely decayed tooth. Dental crowns can be completed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepped (shaved down) and an impression is taken. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is being made. During the second visit, the permanent crown is fitted and then cemented into place as a permanent restoration. Our office does same day, 1 visit crowns, with the use of CAD/ CAM technology.

A bridge replaces missing teeth utilizing the adjacent teeth to help support it. In order to fabricate a bridge, crowns are made for the teeth on either side of the space and a false tooth is placed in between. 

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth. First, a thin layer of enamel is removed, then an impression is taken of the veneer preparations and sent to the dental lab. After one week,  the returned veneers will be tried and bonded onto the teeth. 

Dental implants are the replacement of tooth roots in the mouth. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium, which are placed in the jawbone. Once placed, the implants begin to fuse with the bone over a period of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.

 A tooth that cannot be saved with restorative materials may need to be removed. Before removing your tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia.  Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. There are two types of dentures:

Complete (Full) Dentures are made after all the teeth in the mouth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. The denture includes an acrylic base that is custom made in the dental laboratory and are made to look like natural gums, which sits over the gums or can be anchored to dental implants.

Partial Dentures are made only when a few teeth need to be replaced. The partial denture either attaches to crowns on either side of the denture or to a metal framework that is attached to the teeth on both sides of the partial denture. Partial dentures can be removable or they can be anchored in place by attaching them to dental implants.

CAD/CAM is an acronym that stands for Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAD technology is used to help the dental team visualize and plan dental procedures and desired outcomes. It can also help patients visualize the desired outcome, providing a valuable communication tool.  CAM technology allows for the fabrication of  precise shapes and sizes of dental restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges. This technology provides patients with durable, esthetic, well-fitted single or multiple tooth restorations in a highly efficient process.

The first step in using CAD/CAM technology is tooth preparation. Next, a digital impression is taken that sends the prepared tooth’s exact dimensions into a computer. Afterwards, the computer software creates a virtual restoration replacement part for the missing areas of the tooth. The software then sends the virtual restoration data to the milling machine, where the replacement part is carved out of a solid block of ceramic or composite resin. The restoration is adjusted in the patient’s mouth and cemented or bonded in place.

Lasers allow for many dental procedures to be performed with no noise, little pain, and fewer appointments. Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light.

Benefits of laser dentistry over traditional methods include:

• Reduced heat and vibration
• Little or no need for anesthetic
• Faster treatment time
• Increased rate of retention
• Less post-operative complications
• Faster recovery and healing

Dental treatments performed with lasers include:

• Reshaping of gum tissue
• Biopsy or removal of soft tissue lesions
• Removal of tooth decay
• Debriding infected gum tissue pockets
• Root canal therapy
• Correction of ankyloglossia (tongue-tied)