|
OUR SERVICES
|
 |
Bonding/White Fillings
Bonding or white fillings refer to materials called composite resins. These resins are used as an alternative to amalgams (silver fillings) and veneers. Bonding is an excellent cosmetic option for those patients who do not want the look of silver in their mouths and do not want the expense of veneers. Bonding can be used on teeth that are decayed, cracked, or stained.
Procedure
The bonding procedure is usually completed in one visit. The first step is to remove the decayed or unsightly portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a liquid or gel and a bonding agent is then applied. This will allow the composite resin to be placed in the prepared tooth. The resin is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking restoration.
Back to top
Bridges
A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent:
- Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems are resulting in periodontal disease.
- Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
There are three main types of bridges, namely:
- Fixed bridge- this is the most popular and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place.
- The “Maryland” bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler that is attached to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-coloured composite resin that matches existing tooth color.
- The Cantilever bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.
A bridge is one of the few options that you have when deciding how to deal with a missing tooth or teeth. The replacement of these missing teeth is necessary in order to maintain the proper mouth functions. Tooth loss can affect the way you eat, speak, and the alignment of other teeth in your mouth. It can also lead to further tooth decay and periodontal disease.
How it works
A bridge, by definition, is a link or connection between two permanent structures. A dental bridge is very similar in that it connects natural teeth on either side of the gap. This connection or bridge acts as your new tooth, closing the gap and restoring your smile. Bridges are often constructed of gold or metal foundations with porcelain fused to the foundation. This ensures that the bridge will support the normal functions of the mouth.
Procedure
The procedure begins with preparation of the natural teeth, or abutments. We will shape the abutment teeth so that the ends of the bridge will fit comfortably on each one. The next step is to take an impression of the area. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or unattractive tooth.
During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. This bridge will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new bridge feels exactly like your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the bridge into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.
Back to top
Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns are a natural-looking way to cover a tooth that has been damaged by trauma or decay. Porcelain very closely resembles natural tooth enamel and can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth. By using a crown to completely cover a tooth and protect it from further damage, crowns may spare you the expense of having to undergo more involved procedures if the tooth is left untreated.
There are many reasons we may recommend a crown for your treatment. Large amount of decay, a cracked potion of a tooth, or a tooth weakened by a root canal are some of the most common indications for a crown restoration.
A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable.
Types of Crowns
If we decide that you are in need of a full crown, there are a few different options for the repair of your tooth. These options include a full porcelain crown, a porcelain fused to metal crown, or a full gold crown. We will discuss these options with you and help you determine which of these options is the most appropriate for your situation. You can be comfortable in knowing that your new tooth will be virtually unnoticeable and will flawlessly complement the rest of your smile.
Procedure
The treatment plan for a patient receiving a crown involves:
- Numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it.
- Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.
- Making an impression of your teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes one to two weeks).
- Making a temporary crown out of acrylic resin and fitting it onto the tooth during the interim period when the permanent custom-made crown is being created.
- Applying the permanent crown (when received from the lab) by removing the temporary crown and fitting the permanent one onto the tooth.
- After ensuring that the crown has the proper look and fit, the dentist cements it into place.
Although the majority of crowns are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.
Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.
Back to top
Dental Cleanings/ Periodontal Health
Good dental hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing patients with quality preventive care and cleanings. We also educate patients about dental hygiene so they can properly take care of their teeth and prevent future dental problems. By identifying tooth and gum problems in their earliest stages, our dentists can treat the affected area and prevent common problems like receding gums or tooth loss.
In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or nightguards to protect against bruxism & TMJ.
If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend more frequent scaling intervals in order to prevent bone loss and help you to keep your natural teeth.
Scaling & Root Planning
Scaling and root planning is a non-surgical procedure in which the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from gum pockets, because bacterial toxins, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar irritate the gums and contribute to bone loss. This bone loss can result in loose teeth and the need for extractions in the future.
Bad Breath Treatment
Your dentist can help you to prevent and treat bad breath. He/she will consult with you on how to avoid this embarrassing problem and what steps to take to eliminate an existing case of halitosis.
Causes for bad breath include the breakdown of food particles in your mouth, bacteria buildup or mouth dryness. See us for regular professional cleanings, one very important element in keeping your mouth free of bad breath.
Back to top
Tooth Whitening/Bleaching
There are several whitening options available.
- Take Home Whitening - Take home whitening products typically come in a gel which is dispensed into a tray or mouth guard. These trays are made by the dentist to fit your teeth precisely. Usage may vary depending on the product. Some products are used twice a day for approximately 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks
- Non-vital Teeth Whitening - Very often teeth that get infected and need root canal treatment will discolour due to seepage of blood products into the tooth substance. These teeth can be whitened by placing the bleaching solution inside the tooth after the root canal has been performed.
Not all patients are candidates for tooth whitening. The appearance of existing fillings, veneers and crowns will not be altered by this process.
Back to top
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a beautiful and natural looking way to give you a completely new smile. If your teeth are stained, damaged, or misshapen, porcelain veneers may be the answer for you. By bonding a wafer-thin layer of porcelain to the front surfaces of teeth, our cosmetic dentists are able to conceal chips, discoloration, gaps and other aesthetic flaws. And by shaping veneers to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, our dentists are often able to correct misalignment, which might otherwise require braces or other orthodontic treatments. Porcelain is a brilliantly white, yet natural-looking material that reflects light in much the same way as natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin casings of ceramic that are bonded to the front of the patients' tooth to create a new smile. Porcelain veneers are placed over the front of teeth that appear too small or large, slightly discoloured, or simply are not cosmetically pleasing to the patient. For many patients, teeth may have chipped, become discolored, or are slightly crooked. For the majority of these patients, porcelain veneers can prove to be the perfect solution.
When placing porcelain veneers, we pay close attention to the patients surrounding teeth and design each veneer to complement the overall smile. The result is a beautiful, attractive new smile.
If cared for properly, your veneers will last you a long time. We ensure that your new veneers are constructed of the most durable porcelain materials available.
Procedure
The procedure begins with the preparation of the tooth. This entails removing the discoloured or unsightly portion of the tooth and meticulously shaping the tooth in preparation for the new veneer. Once we have shaped the tooth, we will take an impression. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While the new veneers are created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or incompatible tooth.
During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. The veneers will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process will be to bond the new veneers into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.
Back to top
Dental Implants
A dental implant is designed to replace a single tooth. It involves a titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone. As a long-term solution to missing teeth, dental implants are an amazing advancement in the field of restorative dentistry. The result is a strengthened bite, a great looking smile, and the freedom and confidence that come with having a complete set of secure, natural looking teeth.
Dental implants are becoming more popular in dentistry for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.
Benefits
- The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.
- The implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
- Your new implants will be aesthetically pleasing.
- You will no longer have pain when talking or eating.
- The implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.
Procedure
The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant restores this section of the tooth, serving as an anchor in the jawbone.
The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. After application of a regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the implant is placed into the jawbone. The tissue is then sutured closed. There is usually not much discomfort with this procedure. The process can take from 1-3 hours.
This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant (a process called osseointegration). A removable crown may be used during this time to allow for proper chewing and preserve a cosmetic appearance.
The next step in the process is to expose the top of the implant and attach an abutment to the tooth. This is part of the implant that will support the final crown.
Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.
Back to top
Dentures
If you’re missing teeth and looking for a comfortable and natural looking solution, dentures may be an excellent choice for you. Dentures are a great long-term investment in your dental health, lasting up to ten years with proper care. Dentures also help patients with pronunciation and chewing difficulties caused by missing teeth.
Soft-lined dentures help our patients achieve a new level of comfort. They also help improve the health of your gum tissue by absorbing pressure caused by chewing. With the same great benefits of standard hard-lined dentures, soft-lined dentures have helped many patients at our office perform everyday activities with increased comfort and confidence. These patients have found that soft-lined dentures leave them free to enjoy their lives without the hassle and inconvenience of denture pain.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. We will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.
How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. We will determine which of the three types of dentures described below is best for you.
Conventional Full Denture
A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.
Immediate Full Denture
An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (the dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.
Partial Denture
A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.
How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your dentist.
How Long do Dentures Last?
Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.
Here are tips for caring for your dentures:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
- Don't let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you're not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
- Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
- See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself as this can damage them beyond repair.
Back to top
Extractions
Unfortunately, a tooth can become diseased, damaged or injured enough to require its removal. If this happens, we are able to provide you with treatment by highly experienced dentists.
We can also discuss your options for tooth replacement. Here, you’ll get all the care you need from the professionals who know you best.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction, please let us know right away.
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can't expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time and some have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding.
What To Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. The following tips will help speed your recovery.
- Bite gently on the gauze pad periodically, and change pads as they become soaked with blood. Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat-such as a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out-for the following 2 or 3 days.
- Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
Eat soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
- Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
- After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
- Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully. Your dentist will remove the stitches after a few days, if needed.
- The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
Swelling
If swelling occurs, you can place ice on your face for ten minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.
-
Pain & Medications
- If you experience pain, you might use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Eating
For most extractions, make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.
Brushing & Cleaning
After the extraction, avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the extraction site.
Beginning 24 hours after the extraction, you can rinse with salt water (one teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged and the healing is significantly delayed.
Following the postoperative extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain that usually doesn't appear until three to four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry.
The doctor will apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to soothe the pain.
Healing
After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. However after 1- 2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.
Replacing Teeth With
Back to top
Root Canal (Endodontics)
More commonly known as root canal therapy, Endodontics can relieve the pain caused by diseased or injured pulp tissue in the center of the tooth. Many times, this tissue cannot repair itself and root canal therapy is required. We use local anesthetics that will make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far.
Process
The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the affected area. The next step is to open an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working length of each canal. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown. This entire procedure is often completed in two visits.
Why do I need a root canal?
There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth.
Signs/Symptoms
-Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.
-Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth
-Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth
-Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night
-A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood
-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another
Back to top
Inlays/Onlays
Inlays and onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns. These partial crowns are utilized when there is still a healthy enamel portion of the tooth. An inlay or onlay is a like a puzzle piece that will be fitted into the remaining portion of the tooth to help increase its strength. This piece is usually crafted out of porcelain or gold, but can also be made of a composite material. We will make the determination as to which restoration will work best in your specific situation.
An inlay is used when there is not damage to any of the cusps of your tooth and is essentially place within these cusps. An onlay is used when there is slightly more extensive damage to the tooth structure. This type of restoration is placed over at least one of the cusps on the tooth.
Procedure
When we have decided to go ahead with an inlay or onlay, we will set aside 2-3 appointments for the entire process. Although the majority of inlays and onlays are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.
The procedure begins with the removal of all decay in the tooth. Once we have removed the decay, we will take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or incompatible tooth.
During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. The inlay/onlay will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new restoration feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the inlay/onlay into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.
Back to top
Occlusal (Night) Guard
Occlusal Guards, also called bite guards or nightguards, are intended to reduce the effects of bruxism and/or grinding your teeth. It is a custom-made plastic appliance that comfortably fits over your upper teeth. The guard takes two appointments, one to take an impression of your teeth and a second visit to ensure a comfortable fit and make any necessary adjustments. The guard is made of a durable plastic that protects your natural teeth and dental restorations from harmful wear down and/or chipping of teeth.
Most people only brux or grind their teeth at night and need only to wear the guard while sleeping. However, all patients are different, and we recommend you wear the protective guard as instructed. At no time should you experience soreness in muscles or joints around your face or ears, regardless of whether or not you are wearing the guard. After each use, you should clean the guard with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any plaque that may have accumulated and store in a dry place.
Back to top
Invisalign
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.
Find out more here: http://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works
Back to top
|
