- Teeth Cleaning
- Periodontal Cleaning
- Teeth Whitening
- Cosmetic Bonding
- Root Canals
- Crowns and Bridges
- Dentures and Partial Dentures
- Implant Restorations
Teeth Cleanings- A teeth cleaning, or prophylaxis, is a preventative procedure to remove soft and hard plaque (tartar) from the teeth to prevent tooth decay. Plaque accumulates on the teeth as we eat on a daily basis. Over time small amounts of soft plaque become hard and adheres to the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth use the plaques on the teeth as energy to weaken the tooth and create cavities. It is recommended to have a cleaning at least every 6 months.
Periodontal Cleaning- This procedure is a specialized cleaning designed to remove plaque and tartar underneath the gum tissue to treat gum disease. Individuals who have gum disease require this type of cleaning due to the presence of advanced inflammation, tartar, and bleeding of the gums. Additionally, patients with active gum disease are recommended to have cleanings performed every 3 months.
Teeth Whitening- This procedure serves to make teeth whiter and more attractive. In our office, we use a system of custom made bleaching trays to make the bleaching process safe and efficient. An impression of the teeth is made and a stone model is used to make custom bleach trays. Each patient is given the trays, stone models, and a supply of bleach gel. The bleach trays can be worn during the day or used during sleep at night.
Fillings- Dental fillings are restorative materials that are used to return teeth back to their proper shape and function following the removal of tooth decay. Filling materials include amalgam or “silver” fillings or composite resin (tooth colored) fillings.
Cosmetic Bonding- This procedure is used to improve the cosmetics of teeth that are stained, misshaped, or out of alignment. Tooth colored filling material is applied to the teeth and polished to achieve a very natural and cosmetically pleasing result.
Root Canal Treatment- A root canal treatment is a procedure to treat the nerve of the tooth which is located inside of the root and crown of the tooth. This treatment eliminates the bacterial infection from the tooth and seals the root of the tooth to prevent further bacterial contamination. Often times, a tooth that has received a root canal will need to have a crown afterwards.
Crowns and Bridges- A crown, or “cap” is a fixed restoration that covers the entire tooth or implant. Crowns can be made with metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. Crowns are recommended when a tooth has broken, or a large cavity threatens the strength of the tooth. By encircling the entire tooth, a crown can provide strength to the tooth. Crowns and bridges are cemented into place and are not removable from the mouth.
A bridge is a restoration that replaces missing teeth by using the teeth on both sides of the missing spaces as anchors. The anchor teeth are crowned and connected to tooth shaped restorations that sit on top of the gums in the spaces where teeth are missing.
Veneers- Veneers are cosmetic restorations that cover the outside portion of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are used to correct teeth that are stained, badly shaped and angled, teeth that have spaces between them, and teeth that are chipped. Veneers are made with a thin layer of porcelain applied to the outside of the teeth. Veneers are cemented into place and are not removable from the mouth.
Extractions- Extractions are the removal of teeth. Extractions can be performed when a tooth is severely decayed, abcessed, or broken.
Dentures and Partial Dentures- Dentures and partials are removable dental prosthesis that serve to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are made from acrylic and are held in the mouth by fitting closely to the gums and bone. Partial dentures replace some, but not all, teeth. Partials have wires that wrap around the remaining teeth to hold it in place. Both dentures and partials are removable from the mouth.
Implant Restorations- An implant restoration is a crown, bridge, or denture that is made to fit over an implant, rather than a natural tooth. An implant is a titanium post that is placed into the bone and serves as an anchor for a dental restoration.