Regular dental visits are essential to make sure oral health problems — from tooth decay to oral cancer — are detected and treated in a timely manner. At our office, your oral health is our paramount concern. We want to make sure your teeth stay healthy, function well and look great! From regular cleanings and exams to advanced restorative treatments, all of your routine dental needs can be met right here.
Services we offer include:
- Bonding, to repair small chips or cracks
- Bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile. This procedure usually can be accomplished in a single visit. Bonding is often performed in order to fill in gaps or change the color of your teeth. It typically only entails one office visit, and the results last for several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration such as crowns. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.
- Crowns & Bridgework, to replace large amounts of lost tooth structure and/or missing teeth
- Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures because they are semi-permanent and bonded to existing teeth or implants. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Porcelain, gold alloys, or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances.
- Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.
Crowns are also used to prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns can also serve an aesthetic use and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
- A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression or scan is then made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed crown. The impression or scan is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. A temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.
- Caring For Your Crowns: With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.
- Dental Implants, for the longest-lasting tooth replacement (Implant restoration only)
- Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures. Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic. An oral surgeon will prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth. After your implant is placed, Dental Designs will coordinate with your oral surgeon and will take an impression or scan of the area to make a new crown (tooth) that will attach to your newly placed implant, giving a natural restored tooth appearance.
- Fillings
- Composite fillings - Composite fillings are a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles that produce a tooth-colored restoration. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam (silver filling). Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. In teeth where chewing loads are high, composite fillings are less resistant to wear than silver amalgams. It also takes longer to place a composite filling.
- Ionomers - Glass ionomers are tooth-colored materials made of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities, particularly those on the root surfaces of teeth. Glass ionomers can release a small amount of fluoride that help patients who are at high risk for decay. Glass ionomers are primarily used as small fillings in areas that need not withstand heavy chewing pressure. Because they have a low resistance to fracture, glass ionomers are mostly used in small non-load bearing fillings (those between the teeth) or on the roots of teeth. Resin ionomers also are made from glass filler with acrylic acids and acrylic resin. They also are used for non-load bearing fillings (between the teeth) and they have low to moderate resistance to fracture. Ionomers experience high wear when placed on chewing surfaces. Both glass and resin ionomers mimic natural tooth color but lack the natural translucency of enamel. Both types are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response.
- Oral Cancer Screenings, to detect disease at a curable stage
- Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the lowest survival rates, with thousands of new cases being reported each year. Fewer than half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever cured. Moreover, peoplewith many forms of cancer can develop complications - some of them chronic and painful - from their cancer treatment. These include dry mouth and overly sensitive teeth, as well as accelerated tooth decay. If oral cancer is not treated in time, it could spread to other facial and neck tissues, leading to disfigurement and pain. Older adult over the age of 40 (especially men) are susceptible to developing oral cancer, but people of all ages are at risk. Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the tongue appears to be the most common location. Other oral structures could include the lips, gums and other soft palate tissues in the mouth.
- Warning Signs:
In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. In many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, making even self-diagnosis difficult.
Here are some additional warning signs:
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
- Unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won't heal.
- Lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.
- Orthodontic Treatment, to move teeth into the right position (Invisalign Clear Aligners only at this practice). Please click on the link to be redirected to our Invisalign page.
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy, to prevent tooth loss
- Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping. Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay. Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable. If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur. Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called scaling and root planing, involves cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. A small instrument called a "scaler", or an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure. However, not all instances of scaling and root planing successfully reattach the tooth to the gums. Additional measures may be needed if the periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing, which may require the use of a specialist called a Periodontist.
- Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman's body that promote plaque production.
- Porcelain Veneers, for repairing larger chips and cracks, and reshaping teeth
- Teeth that are badly stained, shaped, or crooked may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or that are chipped (possibly by injury), discolored (tetracycline, staining, or rooth canal), oddly shaped, unevenly spaced, or crooked. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding and highly resist permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking. Veneers are usually made by a dental lab technician working from a model provided by your dentist. Veneers are usually irreversible because it's necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the shell.
- Typically, veneers entail at least three appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. During the tooth preparation visit, the teeth are prepared and the surface enamel is reduced to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. During the same visit, a mold or scan is taken from the teeth and sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. During the final "bonding" visit, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a special light, causes a catalyst to be released, hardening the cement. During a two-week period of adjustment that follows, you may notice a change in the size and shape of your teeth. It is important to brush and floss daily. Porcelain veneers are reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It's not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of porcelain veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth.
- Professional Teeth Cleanings (Prophylaxis), to maintain good oral health
- Prophylaxis is a procedure where the teeth are cleaned by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, calculus, and other bacteria from the surface of the teeth. This typically occurs twice annually, but may be required more frequently (3-4 month intervals), depending on the health of the gums tissues and other health factors.
- Removable Dentures, to help you smile again
- A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
- Complete dentures, sometimes referred to as "conventional" or "immediate", are for candidates who have lost all of their teeth.
- Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and make the models of the patient's jaw during a preliminary visit. An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over times, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly.
- A partial denture is suitable for this who have some natural teeth remaining. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
- Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement eeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps. Crowns on your natural teeth may be required to improve the fit of a removable partial denture
- A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.
- Root Canal Treatment, to save an infected tooth
- Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root. All teeth have between one and five canals. Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems. A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems including pain and sensitivity as the first indications of a problem. However, inside a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess. Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.
- Procedure: Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown. Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as it's healthy original.
- Sealants, to protect children's teeth from decay
- Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth. Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants are best suited for permanent first molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and second molars, which erupt around the age of 12. Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Because of this, children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65% of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.
- Application: Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light. Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child's regular checkup.
- Teeth Whitening, to brighten a faded or discolored smile
- Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco. Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth's enamel by a certain protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.
- One type of stain—caused by traumatic injuries, medications and fluorosis—actually begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing doesn't help. Another type of stain—one that can be more easily attacked by brushing, flossing and rinsing—is caused by external factors such as foods.
- More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains. Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be somewhat effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth's enamel. Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products also are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case). Professional over-the-counter whitening is available in our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years.
- TMJ/TMD Treatment and Bruxism, for chronic jaw pain
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Dysfunction can lead to pain and discomfort (TMD). Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking and locking of the jaw joint are some of the symptoms.
- Common treatment: Occlusal Guards or Physical Therapy
- Bruxism is a condition where a person grinds, clenches, or gnashed their teeth. It can happen when awake or asleep. Sometime a person may not be aware that they are grinding in their sleep, but may wake with tenseness in the jaw, headaches or tooth problems. Over time, this can cause damage to tooth structures, including tooth breakage and gum recession.
- Common treatment: Occlusal Guards
- Occlusal Guards (sometimes referred to as Nightguards), cushion your teeth from the force of clenching and prevent the teeth from grinding together, preventing headaches, damaged teeth, and inflammed gums.
- Tooth Extractions, when a tooth is hopelessly damaged or decayed
- When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be pulled, or extracted. Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases, a patient who has tooth pulled experiences little or no discomfort, and only minor bleeding.
- Wisdom Teeth:
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back corners of the upper and lower normal adult mouth. Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth; in most cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper bites, and other problems.
If wisdom teeth are causing a problem, this could mean that they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful, as well as harmful to your oral health. Symptoms are easy to spot: severe discomfort, inflammation, and some kinds of infections.
Many people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid future serious problems. In general, the lack of the four wisdom teeth does not hamper one's ability to properly bite down, speak or eat.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth:
- Facial swelling
- Infection
- Pain
- Gum swelling
- In both of these cases, Dental Designs will evaluate your need for a possible tooth extraction and recommend the correct oral surgeon to treat your specific need for extraction.
Emergency Dental Treatment
If you have a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room. We can treat a variety of traumatic dental injuries, including teeth that have been chipped, moved, or knocked out entirely. Please call our office for assistance.