Services Offered
Dental Cleanings & Exam
Dental cleanings by our hygienist typically last 1 hour and also consist of a thorough exam by one of our dentist after. A dental cleaning and check-up exam is recommended at least every 6 months for patients that have excellent dental hygiene.
Periodic dental exams may include:
Reviewing and updating medical history, including information about heart problems, pregnancy, diabetes and medications, which may have an impact on your oral health
Evaluation of gum tissue
Checking biting, chewing and swallowing patterns
X-rays or examination of teeth to detect decay
Educational services may include:
Tooth brushing and flossing instructions
Nutritional counseling
Recommendations for future treatment: when to return for follow-up hygiene treatment, periodontal (gum) concerns or restorative options
Evaluation of self-care effectiveness
Resin Fillings
A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. They are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping discolored teeth. Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.
Prices vary, but composites can cost up to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.
Zirconia Crowns, Veneers, & Bridges
A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth, yet still maintaining a natural tooth look. Crowns should last approximately five to eight years, but with proper oral care, can last even longer. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to restore a tooth when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a procedure done to save the damaged or dead pulp in the root canal of the tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the canal. The canal is filled with a rubberlike substance called gutta–percha or another material to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed, with possibly a post and/or a crown made of porcelain or metal alloy. This enables patients to keep the original tooth.
Implants
When a tooth is lost due to injury or disease, a person can experience complications such as rapid bone loss, defective speech, or changes to chewing patterns that result in discomfort. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and health.
Dental implant systems consist of a dental implant body and dental implant abutment and may also include an abutment fixation screw. The dental implant body is surgically inserted in the jawbone in place of the tooth's root. The dental implant abutment is usually attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw and extends through gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Nothing beats a bright smile. While every smile is beautiful, we can help you bring your dream smile to reality. From porcelain veneers, bonding, or teeth whitening, it can significantly change how a person views themselves. It will give them the confidence boost to smile more and spread happiness around them. Life is short, smile while you still have teeth!