We provide a complete range of services for the whole family from checkups and fillings to the most sophisticated cosmetics dentistry. We love children and specialize in apprehensive patients. In the case of emergency, you will always be seen on the same day.
- All treatment rooms have TV and headphones for your relaxation and comfort.
- Nitrous Oxide (sweet-air), oral sedation available.
- Digital Radiography
- Strict sterilization procedures are followed to exceed the accepted guidelines of standards for infection control to assure our patients’ safety, the safety of our staff, and office cleanliness.
We use disposables wherever possible and have a closed water system for optimal cleanliness.
Are you happy with the color of your teeth? Even though it is natural for teeth to take on a yellowish hue, this may not be pleasing. Staining and discoloration of teeth also results from coffee, tea, smoking, tetracycline and life.
Whitening teeth through bleaching is effective, safe and convenient when supervised by the dental professional. For these reasons it is the preferred method of whitening. The process takes about two weeks and can be done at home after your dentist has selected the proper treatment and provided you with complete materials and instructions.
For certain patients with severe discoloration, better results may be obtained by bonding or laminates. Bonding involves applying a compound to the surface of the teeth that makes the teeth much more attractive.
Zoom! vs. Nite White Home Tray
When you want your teeth whiter right now, Zoom! is your answer. The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades in a little over an hour while you relax at our office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. The Nite White Take-Home Whitening System uses a revolutionary patent-pending gel to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in three nights. And you may go even lighter with additional applications. Start on Friday and by Monday you’ll have a whole new smile.
Another option for improving the color and appearance of your teeth is laminate veneers. This process involves applying pre-formed laminate "fronts" to discolored or misshapen teeth. An advantage is that the laminate can be polished better than bonding compound and there is less shaping to do after the laminate has been placed.
Laminates are a solution for filling gaps between teeth, fixing the appearance of twisted teeth, broadening your smile and providing sculptural enhancement of your smile. Cosmetic contouring of your teeth may best be achieved through a combination of laminates and bonding.
A combination of these procedures also may help you if you have misaligned teeth or have been grinding your teeth.
Aesthetic Tooth Colored Fillings
White fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from tooth-colored materials that restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. A composite filing usually requires only one visit during which the tooth is prepared and restored. An advantage of composite fillings compared to the dental restorations is that less of the healthy part of a tooth must be removed to hold a composite filling in place. This is due to the ability to adhesively bond composite materials to teeth.
The procedure for a composite filling may take a little longer because after the decay is removed, the tooth must be kept totally isolated from saliva. The dentist carefully applies an adhesive followed by several thin layers of the tooth-colored composite. Once the filling is in place, it is chemically hardened (cured) for less than a minute with a special light.
Composites are preferable for obvious cosmetic reasons, but if the decayed area is large or is subject to heavy chewing pressure, your dentist may recommend another type of material or restoration.
Other types of white fillings include composite inlays as well as porcelain inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth that are badly damaged by decay or wear. They may be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth when aesthetics are of concern.
First, the tooth is prepared by removing damaged tooth structure. The remaining tooth is shaped to receive the inlay or onlay. The dentist next makes an impression of the tooth, the opposing teeth and the bite. A model is prepared and from that model the inlay or onlay is custom made. At a subsequent visit, the inlay or onlay is checked for fit before the dentist cements it to the tooth. Inlays and onlays generally require two office visits.
You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in the newly filled tooth for a few days or up to a week. If the sensitivity continues beyond that time, contact your dentist.
Some white filings may be more expensive than other dental materials, but most patients find these natural looking restorations well worth the additional cost. White fillings, like other dental materials, may require periodic replacement. If the edge of the filling eventually pulls away from the tooth, bacterial can get between the filling and the enamel and may eventually cause decay. Tooth decay over time may develop elsewhere on the tooth. Regular dental checkups are important because they allow the dentist to detect a problem in the early stage.
Are you curious about how modern cosmetic dentistry techniques can change the appearance of your smile? If so, take a look at our before-and-after computerized smile preview. The "before" photo is an actual digital photo that we take. We then edit the image so to create an "after" picture that simulates the types of cosmetic changes that we can likely achieve. It helps to illustrate the extent of changes possible, allows you to discuss the case and relay specific preferences to us prior to the treatment.
Prevention and Early Detection
are key
in avoiding costly and painful dental treatment. Prevention begins with the
control of plaque and calculus, the main cause of decay and gum disease.
We will provide you the necessary information and advice required to help you
maintain a preventive program for healthier teeth. Aside from your regular
check-ups and cleanings, we would like to see you as infrequently as
possible.
If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) become infected or inflamed, root canal treatment is often the only way to save the tooth.
Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care because they don't have any teeth. Denture wearers require regular check ups and maintenance to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance.
For people who have lost teeth, implants provide artificial teeth that look more natural and feel more secure. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or support a bridge, full dentures or partial dentures.
The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss; however, there are situations in which extraction is the only course of treatment.
Does your jaw feel stiff or do you have difficulty opening your mouth wide? Are your teeth sensitive to cold drinks? Do your jaw muscles feel tired in the morning? You may be grinding your teeth at night (a medical condition called bruxism) or you may be clenching your teeth, which can be just as harmful. People with nighttime grinding habits may wear away their tooth enamel ten times faster than those without abusive chewing habits. Eventually, your teeth may be worn down and destroyed.
In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint and shoulder pains, treating bruxism and clenching is cost effective compared to ignoring the condition and exposing teeth the continued grinding. Without treatment, crowns (caps), bridges, implants and dentures are often needed to repair or replace worn and damaged teeth.
You're not alone. 44 million Americans suffer from chronic clenching and grinding resulting in tooth damage.
We offer a simple solution -- It's called the NTI Plus! The NTI Plus protects your teeth from chips, cracks, and wear. You've invested a lot in your smile, protect it.
The NTI Plus is a small, simple device that fits securely and comfortably on your upper or lower two front teeth while you sleep.
White NTI Plus is made of a safe, very clear, hard thermoplastic material. It's non-porous so it won't stain or absorb odors. It's non-allergenic and easy to care for...Simply brush it with your toothbrush and water each time you remove it.
Regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. During the dental visit, the dentist examines the child's mouth for tooth decay and growth or development conditions that may pose a problem in the future.
How often should a child see a dentist? Children's needs differ, and your dentist is best able to suggest a schedule of visits for your child. The frequency of dental visits will partly depend on your child's eating habits; how clean the teeth are kept; past treatment needs; whether your child drinks fluoridated water; and other factors that can affect your child's susceptibility to dental diseases.
Professional dental services, such as fluoride treatments and the application of sealants that prevent tooth decay, can save money and reduce the need for further dental treatment.
Set a good example for your child by brushing your own teeth twice a day, flossing once, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Root Planning
The goal of scaling and root planning is to eliminate the source of periodontal infection by removing the plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces from the gum line. When you have active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because it generally removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line only. To keep you comfortable, we usually numb you before root planning begins. With instruments, we carefully remove the tartar from around and beneath the gum line and then smooth the root surfaces. This removes the source of infection and helps the gums heal. As they heal, your gums will tighten around your teeth. We may schedule scaling and root planning over several appointments so that we can promote comfort, check the healing, and help you fine tune your home care efforts.
Ultrasonic Scaling
Ultrasonic scaling is one the most effective procedure for treating periodontal disease and ultrasonic scaler consists of a wane, small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small and quick vibration with combination with water flow thoroughly remove tartar while decreasing the number of bacteria below the gum line. Removing tartar and bacteria are crucial in controlling periodontal disease. Periodontal disease and infection of the teeth, gum and bone that surround the teeth begins when plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria builds up. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. The buildup of plaque and tartar dramatically increases the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth that can result in deepening spaces between the tooth and gum called pockets. The bacteria also trigger your immune system to produce enzymes that destroy the bone around your teeth which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Ultrasonic scaling has many benefits over using hand scaling alone. These include more efficient removal of plaque and tartar, less need for hand removal of stubborn deposits, and greater comfort for you.
Arestin
As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment that helps us to control the infection in your mouth called Arestin. Arestin is used together with scaling and root planning to significantly reduce the depth of the infective pocket and prevent the progression of the disease. A cartridge filled with Arestin and antibiotics in powder form is administered. After scaling and root planning, we apply the powder to your periodontal pockets where it combines with the moisture in your mouth and adheres immediately to the infected gum tissue. The individual powder particles release a controlled steady flow of the active ingredient called aminocycline, a potent antibiotic. The medication helps fight the periodontal infection for at least twenty one days. There are some cases in which Arestin may not be right for you: the active ingredient is in the tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline, if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are under the age of eight. You should also know that Arestin is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone is lost, no medication will bring it back. If periodontal therapy is successful, you will still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for your oral exams. Arestin is an important part of the overall periodontal therapy program that we have designed for you to restore health to your gums.
Atridox
To fight periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment called Atridox. A cartridge filled with Atridox, and an antimicrobial gel containing antibiotic is used. We apply the antibiotic directly over the spaces between your teeth and gum. It then flows deeply into the periodontal pocket and hardens into a wax like substance. As it disintegrates, it releases the antibiotic over a seven day period. During this time, the antibiotic attacks the bacteria that is causing your periodontal condition, dramatically reducing their numbers. There are some cases in which Atridox may not be an option for you: the active ingredient in Atridox belongs to the tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline; if you are pregnant or nursing or under the age of eight. Scaling and root planning treatment may not be necessary with each application of Atridox, but we'll still use these treatment as needed to keep your periodontal disease under control. You should be aware that Atridox is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone loss has occurred, no medication will bring it back. For periodontal treatment to be successful, you will still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for your oral exams. However, Atridox is an effective additional method for us to use to eliminate bacterial infections and prevent further destruction of bone and connective tissue.
Periostat
When we are working to control periodontal disease, we may use a prescribed and effective medication called Periostat which contains the active ingredient doxycycline hyclate. It suppresses the enzyme that destroy bone and fibers that hold the teeth and gum firmly in place. We usually prescribe Periostat for a number of months, and will give you specific instructions about how and when to take the medication. There are some cases in which Periostat may not be an option for you: the active ingredient in Periostat belongs to tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline; if you are pregnant or nursing or under the age of eight. If you are taking other medication, let us know so we can confirm that Periostat is right for you. Also, Periostat is not a cure for Periodontal disease. Once bone is loss, no medication can bring it back. Periostat works most effective when used in combination with scaling and root planning procedures. You will still need to be thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for oral exams. However, Periostat is an important medicine that we can prescribe to help stop the ongoing damage caused by Periodontal disease.
The PST Genetic Test determines if you are at risk for severe periodontal disease (gum disease), rapid disease progression, and tooth loss. This DNA test detects variations in the interleukin-I genes. The test is performed using a sample of your cheek cells easily collected on a soft brush. Whether or not you currently have periodontal disease, your PST results will help your dentist and hygienist develop the best treatment plan for you.
One third of the population snores
It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping. Spouses and family members are often disturbed during their sleeping cycle by a snoring family member. More important, snoring can kill you according to a UCLA School of dentistry study: the struggle for breath can result in soaring blood pressure which can damage the walls of the carotid arteries and increase the risk of stroke. Fortunately, using the Silent Nite snore prevention device, dentist can now provide most persons with cost effective relief.
What causes snoring
During sleep, the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax and make the breathing airway smaller. This decreases the airway space and increases the velocity of air flowing through. As the velocity of air increases passing through a smaller passageway, soft tissues vibrate. This vibration causes "noisy breathing" and is generally referred to as snoring. Other studies have also shown that excess body weight, heavy alcohol consumption and other sedatives increase the severity of snoring. This condition may be corrected and alleviated by surgical procedures. However, your dentist now can provide an affordable, non-invasive, comfortable and effective solution such as Silent Nite for the majority of the snorers.
How does Silent Nite prevent snoring
The Silent Nite device positions the lower jaw into a forward position by means of special connections that are attached to transparent flexible upper and lower forms. By bringing the jaw forward it increases the three dimensional space in the air tube and reduce the air velocity and soft tissue vibration, thereby reduce snoring.
Invisible Braces
FDA-approved Invisalign is the “invisible” way to straighten your teeth without wearing conventional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move your teeth. Because you remove your aligners before you eat and drink, there are no food restrictions or problems with flossing or brushing. This technology is also more comfortable, avoiding the mouth abrasions that can be caused by the metal and wires of conventional braces. And this technology is also more convenient, since you are likely to spend less time in the doctor’s office getting adjustments.
How do these “invisible” braces work?