Bridges
A bridge is a single appliance that is generally attached to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fits in the gap where the missing tooth was. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns (see crowns) and an impression or mold is taken of the prepared area. This mold is used to create a gold or porcelain (tooth colored) bridge. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the teeth, effectively creating the appearance of a new tooth!
Root Canals
Inside each tooth is a pulp chamber that contains the nerves and blood supply for the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected due to decay or injury to the tooth, the pulp must be removed from the center of the tooth and the canals of each root. Once the infected pulp is removed, the remaining chamber is filled with a rubber-based material to seal it off.
All teeth that have had root canal therapy must be protected with a tooth-like artificial covering know as a crown (see crown section). This is because teeth that have had the pulp removed are more susceptible to fracture. Root canal therapy is an excellent way to save a tooth that would otherwise die and need to be removed.
Whitening
Come in to have custom whitening trays made! They are specifically designed to fit your teeth and to be used continually! Ask about our fantastic prices! Whitening trays will be made from models of your teeth. p You will then place a special whitening gel in each tray and wear the trays in your mouth for several hours per day. (many patients wear their trays after dinner and before bed). A significant change in tooth is usually seen in just four to six weeks.
Crowns
A crown (often called cap) covers the tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. Decay is removed from the tooth and an impression is made of the prepared surface. The impression is then sent to the lab for fabrication. The prepared crown is then cemented on the prepared tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is responsible for about 70 percent of adult tooth loss. It is characterized by swollen, inflamed gums surrounding the teeth. Plaque, a sticky substance that forms in the mouth from food, saliva and bacteria gets inside the space between the gum line and the tooth. If not removed, plaque hardens into a substance called calculus or tarter that is very difficult to remove. Eventually, the bacteria in the plaque and tarter eat away at the fibers that hold the gums to the teeth, creating deep pockets. As bacteria spreads, the pockets become deeper until the bacteria finally eat away the bone that holds the tooth in place. Gum disease is diagnosed through a process that measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Pockets that are greater than 3 millimeters re considered hazardous and will generally require treatment.
Gum disease is treated by carefully removing the bacteria and substances that form in the pockets around the teeth. The removal of this material occurs on a microscopic level and requires great skill. Our dental team has had advanced training regarding how to effectively remove of the bacteria.
This process of removing the bacteria usually requires several sits to our office. Once the bacteria has been removed, the pockets must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis by a certified dental hygienist. Otherwise, the bacteria will return.
Cleanings + Exams
Routine preventative is vital not only to improve your oral health, but your overall health as well! We recommend you come in for cleanings and check ups twice a year. Bring your kids in to see us as well! Professional cleanings performed by a certified dental hygienist form the foundation for preventing gum disease and tooth decay. In a professional cleaning, your hygienist will:
- Remove plaque from the teeth! Plaque is a sticky substance that forms in the mouth from food, saliva and bacteria. Plaque sticks to teeth and causes tooth decay and gum disease.
- Remove calculus above the gum line “Calculus is plaque that has hardened on the tooth surface and is difficult to remove. (Calculus below the gum line indicates gum disease and requires a different procedure to remove it.)
- Polish and remove stains from the teeth
- Dental examinations help to diagnose disease before it becomes hazardous to your health. In addition, regular examinations can save you money by alleviating problems while they are small and before they become expensive to repair, or in some cases, impossible to repair. Your dental examinations generally include the following:
- Oral cancer screening
- Gum disease evaluation
- Visual examination of tooth decay
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays to see cysts, tumors, invisible decay and other problems that cant be seen by the naked eye
- Evaluation of status of current restorations (fillings and others)