Our Dental Services

Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is one of the most popular areas of cosmetic dentistry. Even subtle changes to shading can make someone look years younger. Several factors can contribute to the darkening of teeth, including the effects of age, certain foods and drinks, smoking, and medications.

A process in which whitening involves placing a bleaching gel in contact with the teeth, causing oxidation of stains and subsequent lightening. There is a wide variety of systems available, ranging from those done in the dental office to dentist supervised at-home systems. We offer both systems in our office, the in-office system we use is the ZOOM2 whitening system as featured on the show "Extreme Makeover" - the whitening process takes about an hour. Results from temporary bleaching vary for each individual and require occasional touch-ups to maintain the teeth at their current shade.

Permanent whitening is much more predictable than the above method. In permanent bleaching, the teeth are actually veneered or covered with porcelain laminates. With this method, even the darkest of teeth can be lightened, and the final resultant shade can be as white as you like. See Gallery to see the results.

Bonding

The application of tooth-colored filling material (composite) to the teeth has been practiced for many years. Recent advances have increased the strength, durability, and longevity of these restorations. Outstanding effects can be achieved through bonding, including tooth lightening, closing spaces between teeth, making teeth appear straighter, repairing chips and small cracks. The bonding material can be molded and shaped to the desired results. It is then carefully smoothed and polished to give the appearance of natural tooth structure.

Veneering - Laminate Veneers

Of all the methods available today for changing and improving the look of your smile, laminate veneers and crowns are among the most popular and successful with our patients. We pride ourselves in providing fine non-metallic and as natural-looking restorations as possible. The process involves removing a small amount of tooth structure, to make room for the veneers. This is usually done in the front part of the teeth. The dental laboratory fabricates the veneers from impressions and after placement look like natural teeth. Advantages of porcelain veneers over bonding include increased longevity and resistance to staining.

Laminate veneers are porcelain covers that are bonded to the front tooth surface of a tooth, to improve position, shape, and tooth color. They make a dramatic, immediate difference to your smile and appearance. Common problems that can be satisfactorily treated with veneers include discolored teeth, midline spaces (the gap-toothed look of the two front upper teeth), or chipped, malformed, or improperly positioned teeth. Most treatments are accomplished with local anesthetic and generally take about 3 weeks and 2 appointments.

The durability, looks, and simplicity of application make it easy to see why veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today.

Crowns

When a tooth is beyond repair with a filling, we may recommend the use of a crown in order to save the rest of the natural tooth. Crowns are designed to match the natural bite and feel of the original tooth. With proper care, they can last for years without the need for replacement. Crowns may also be used like veneers for cosmetic reasons, to improve the overall look of the mouth, smile, and teeth. Modern porcelain crowns as shown in the photo yield a very natural and healthy look to not only the tooth, but the gums are also healthier.

Inlays and Onlays

This procedure may be indicated when some remaining tooth structure is intact and partial damage has been caused by cavities, failing fillings, or fractures. Like crowns, they are often made of porcelain to match the natural bite and feel of the original teeth. They are esthetically very pleasing restorations that blend with the remaining tooth structure. With proper maintenance and care, inlays and onlays can last for years without the need for replacement.

Can A Tooth Be Replaced?

You can diligently floss and brush your teeth and still lose a tooth, to gum disease or accident. If this happens, the tooth should be replaced in order to restore your smile, regain your chewing, and prevent other teeth from shifting.

There are three main types of artificial teeth, and each one is designed for a particular situation. They are dental implants, removable dentures, and fixed bridges.

A fixed bridge is a replacement that is cemented to the adjacent teeth and cannot be removed.

Together you and your dentist can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

Can A Tooth Be Replaced?

You can diligently floss and brush your teeth and still lose a tooth, to gum disease or accident. If this happens, the tooth should be replaced in order to restore your smile, regain your chewing, and prevent other teeth from shifting.

There are three main types of artificial teeth, and each one is designed for a particular situation. They are dental implants, removable dentures, and fixed bridges.

A dental implant is made by surgically placing one or more small metal posts beneath the gum into the jawbone. In a few months, when they are attached to the surrounding bone, they are exposed and have the artificial tooth or teeth attached to them.

Together you and your dentist can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

A removable denture replaces all of the lost teeth in the arch with one appliance. The denture is held in place by clasping some of the remaining teeth - or by suction where none of the natural teeth are left.

Together you and your dentist can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Today, with modern dentistry, root canal treatment has become a common form of treatment for diseased (abscessed) teeth. Most of the time, this form of treatment is indicated on teeth that have been damaged by cavities, fractures, cracks, or heavily filled teeth in preparation for restorative treatment.

Here's how it's done

In healthy teeth, the interior of the tooth is filled with tissue (pulp). Once the tooth is injured, cracked, or decayed, it is necessary to open the tooth and clean out the infected tissue in the center. This space is then filled, and the opening sealed. During the procedure, the area around the tooth is frozen. Sometimes difficulties may be encountered during or after root canal treatment. This may require the use of medication or involve further treatment. A crown or cap may be necessary to protect the tooth once the root canal treatment has been completed.

Teeth that have had root canal treatment can stay as healthy and last as long as other teeth. In most instances, you won't be able to feel or see a difference.

Together you and your dentist can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

Intra Oral Magnification

Working in a small area (the mouth) and looking at small items (teeth) is difficult from a vision standpoint. We believe that you cannot fix that which you cannot see. Our doctor wears customized surgical telescopes, which magnify the mouth 3.0 times. This magnification and extra lighting allows us to take our dentistry to a higher level.

Intra Oral Computer Imaging

Our office, committed to being on the cutting edge of technology, has installed a digital imaging system. This video imaging system allows us to capture multiple images varying from full facial views to close-up views of a single tooth. This new technology allows our patients to see their mouths as we see them.