Because we care about staying up-to-date in the dental field.

 

American Dental Association

Academy of General Dentistry

American Association of Orthodontics

American Association of Periodontology

American Association of Endodontists

American Association of Prosthodontics

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

 

 

 

Questions to ask your dentist:

 

• Do you see emergency cases?

• Do you guarantee your work?

• Do you see children?

• Are you accepting new patients?

• Do you have before and after photos I can look at?

• Do you accept my insurance? Do you have payment plans?

• I dread the dentist. Can you help me?

• Do you do dentures, implants, cosmetic dentistry, fillings ...

• I need ____ treatment. Will it hurt?

 

Specialties to know about:

 

• Endodontics: the branch of dentistry dealing with the cause, diagnosis, prevention,and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, usually by removal ofthe nerve and other tissue of the pulp cavity and its replacement withsuitable filling material; pulp canal therapy; root canal therapy.
   

• Oral Surgery: Extractions, Wisdom teeth, Implant surgery
   

• Orthodontics: the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces.
   

• Pedodontics: the branch of dentistry dealing with the care and treatment of children's teeth.
   

• Periodontics: the branch of dentistry dealing with the study and treatment of diseases of the periodontium.

 

 

Veneers and Crowns:

 

Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of treatment to improve the looks, feel, and function of teeth. If you’d like to transform the appearance of your smile or restore a damaged tooth, the doctor will explain your options and help you decide the best one for your unique needs.

 

 

• Cosmetic Bonding: Dental resin tinted to match natural tooth color can be applied to one or more teeth in order to eliminate chips, close small gaps, and give teeth a more aesthetically appealing appearance. The resin bonds with natural structure and is polished to look and feel like your own enamel. Bonding offers a cost-effective alternative to porcelain veneers, but it doesn’t last as long. It’s a good option to improve the appearance of the teeth that show when you smile. 

 

• Veneers: Made from dental porcelain that reflect light like natural tooth enamel, veneers cover teeth to alter shape, size, and/or color. Custom veneers are designed by a dentist and handcrafted in a lab. They’re permanently bonded to teeth that have been altered slightly be smoothing away some natural enamel. Minimal-prep veneers require little or no alteration of tooth enamel and can be removed by the dentist to reveal your natural smile.

 

• Crowns: A dental crown is a covering in the shape of a natural tooth. It restores the form and function of a tooth damaged by fracture, severe decay, or wear. Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or metal. The location of your crown and the chewing forces it will endure dictate the type of material used. A crown delivers durable, long-lasting protection to preserve a damaged tooth.

 

 

Can you prevent gum disease?

 

Evidence continues to grow illustrating the link between oral and overall health. Numerous studies show that the bacteria that cause gum disease can gain entry to the body and spread throughout, damaging internal systems and contributing to a lessened quality of life. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) indicates that approximately 3 out 4 people have some form of gum disease.

 

Steps to Combat Gum DiseaseEarly-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be eliminated with a deep dental cleaning and effective brushing and flossing at home. Advanced cases of gum disease are often treated with topical antibiotic therapy. Severe cases of gum disease may require the services of a specialist called a periodontist. Here are a few things you can do to lessen your risk of gum disease:

 

• Brush as directed by the dentist, floss daily, and attend regular dental checkups and cleanings.

• Don’t ignore the warning signs of gum disease, which include bleeding when brushing, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, and red, swollen gums.

• Follow a good homecare regimen and keep your dental appointments.

• Read up on gum disease and talk to your dentist about reducing risk factors.

 

Options for missing teeth:

 

• Removable Partial Denture
  Traditionally this was a plastic appliance held in place by metal clasps or hooks. More recently, many ways to hide clasps have been developed, including clear or white clasps, flexible plastics with gum-colored clasps, and hidden snaps that connect to crowns or dental implants.

  • Advantages: Least expensive. Can replace multiple teeth with one appliance.

  • Disadvantages: Not as natural as other alternatives. Lower partials can be difficult to wear.

 

• Fixed Bridges
  A crown (cap) is placed on the teeth in front and back of your missing tooth with one or more replacement teeth locked into the crowns. When the crowns are cemented, the replacement teeth are cemented with them.

  One variation of fixed bridges are bonded bridges, which use porcelain veneers or metal plates glued (bonded) to the teeth adjacent to your space. Bonded bridges are not strong enough for many situations.

  • Advantages: Comfortable, natural biting. Many insurance plans may cover close to half the cost.

  • Disadvantages: You can still get decay (cavities) under the crowns, so you must be careful to keep crowns clean and check them every six months. More expensive than partials. Bridges typically last 10-15 years.

 

• Dental Implants
  Are artificial roots placed into the gum and bone tissue where your tooth once sat. Crowns, bridges, partials, and full dentures can be cemented or snapped onto implants. Titanium implants are made of the same material as artificial hips and knees and are well tolerated by the body.

  • Advantages: The most natural and comfortable tooth replacement technique.

  • Disadvantages: Cost. Requires surgery and a waiting period of several months, typically, before tooth replacements can be put on them. May need grafting to fit implants.

 

 

What is a root canal?

 

Inside every tooth is hollow canal that is filled with the same kind of tissue that is in your arm or any other part of your body. If you get a cut in your arm, bacteria can enter and produce an infection. Likewise, if bacteria get into the tissue inside your tooth (usually from a deep cavity or broken area) that tissue inside will also get infected.  Infections in teeth often spread into your jawbone and general system. That is what we call them an abscess. Classic signs and symptoms include pain and swelling, but extensive infections often occur without symptoms; before suddenly erupting into a severe problem.

 

How is Root Canal done? Once you clean infection out of your tooth, the infection that spilled into your jaw and body system will normally heal. To clean out the root canal infection, dentists use tiny pipe cleaner-like instruments and antibacterial solutions until they are completely clean and sealed.

 

Do Root Canals hurt? Unlike years ago, modern techniques make root canal fast, easy, very successful and virtually pain-free. Millions of teeth have been saved with root canals all over the world.