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Patient Education

Crowns

Crowns are also known as caps. They are used to restore damaged teeth, such as those that are broken or chipped, are overly sensitive. They are also used for teeth that can no longer support new fillings and to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are malformed, permanently discolored, or malpositioned. Crowns may be used in association with bridges to replace missing teeth.

Made from natural-looking porcelain, crowns immediately improve the overall appearance of your smile. Crowns come in a variety of shades, so we choose a color that blends in with your natural teeth. Where once people had to endure unsightly, painful teeth, dental technology has stepped in to provide strong, durable crowns to improve your smile and your health.

Fitting a crown usually requires two appointments. During your first appointment, the tooth receiving the crown will be numbed.  Once your tooth is numb, it is then reshaped so that the crown will fit securely over it. Once the tooth is the proper shape, we make an impression of it. This impression is sent to a top-quality dental lab, where a crown is custom built to fit on top of your existing tooth and the teeth surrounding it.

When the impression is made, we will put a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until the crown is ready. This temporary crown is inserted using temporary glue that holds it in place, but allows it to be easily removed when your permanent crown is ready. 
Please brush, but do not floss, this tooth between your first appointment and your second one. Your temporary crown is made so it can be treated like a regular tooth. However, even with the best of care, a temporary crown can come out. If this happens, please put a drop of Vaseline on it and replace it in your mouth. Even if you have to go a couple of days without the temporary crown, it will not create a serious problem. Simply, call our office the next business day, and we will re glue it for you.

No sedation is needed for your second visit. At this appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and glue your new crown in place. The glue used on the permanent crown is very strong and lasts for years. We will also check your new crown to make sure it fits properly and feels comfortable in your mouth.

Unless you encounter a problem, follow-up care will be provided at your regular dental check ups every six months. If you do encounter a complication with your crown, call our office and let us know what has happened.

In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the interest for cosmetic dentistry.  We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence.  Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Cosmetic Dentistry options

  • Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.
  • Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
  • Improve or correct bites.
  • Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.
  • Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
  • Replace missing teeth.
  • Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.

Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory.  They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.

Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile.  They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.

As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

  • Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
  • Crooked teeth.
  • Misshapen teeth.
  • Severely discolored or stained teeth.
  • Teeth that are too small or large.
  • Unwanted or uneven spaces.
  • Worn or chipped teeth.

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure.  The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer.  A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.

On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond.  Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.

You will receive care instructions for veneers.  Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.

Composite fillings

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  Amalgam (mercury fillings) was the filling of choice used by most dentist until most recently. The disadvantages of silver amalgam fillings are that the silver was visible and interrupted the whiteness of your smile.  In addition, amalgam is known to actually damage your tooth in the long run by expanding and contracting with heat and cold. Therefore, as the filling ages, tooth fractures can occur. Amalgam is also known to leak over time, which allows new decay to develop.  Because of this we have chosen to be a "mercury free" practice and only place composite (tooth colored) fillings.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.  They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

  • Chipped teeth.
  • Closing space between two teeth.
  • Cracked or broken teeth.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Worn teeth.

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment.  While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary.  The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed.  If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection.  The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.  Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient's smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore a patient's confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the "post" that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete.  After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

Bruxism


Bruxism is a dental condition defined as "to grind the teeth, a clenching of the teeth, associated with forceful jaw movements, resulting in rubbing, gritting, or grinding together of the teeth, usually during sleep." At certain times, almost everyone clenches or grinds their teeth. However, in some people this clenching and grinding can be excessive and causes adverse side-effects. If left untreated, excessive bruxism can cause the following problems: Premature tooth wear

  • Tooth breakage
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Gum line recession
  • Bone loss
  • Loose teeth
  • Sore jaw and face muscles
  • Headaches
  • TMJ problems
  • Lack of restful sleep

We can help you determine why you are encountering increased bruxism. Sometimes it is due to the improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth. In other cases, it may be a result of increased stress. Whatever the cause, we can help you find a treatment that will prevent permanent damage to your mouth. In some cases, the teeth can be realigned to so they fit together properly. In other cases, we can make a custom mouth guard for you to wear at night to prevent your teeth from grinding together.

 

SEDATION

We know no one likes to experience pain during their procedure, so we have several ways to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We have three levels of sedation available that can help you during your appointment. Call us today to find out what level is best suited to your needs.

  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Oral Sedation
  • IV Sedation


Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas, used as a relaxing agent during your procedure. It is not an anesthetic, so you will need a local anesthetic in conjunction with the nitrous oxide. The gas gives you a feeling of euphoria, eliminating much of the anxiety associated with dental procedures. It is mixed with oxygen, making it a safe procedure for all ages--children as well as adults. 
One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that it doesn't remain in your body once we stop giving it to you, so you are able to drive yourself to and from your appointment.

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is generally used with a person who is moderately stressed--many people find this method of sedation very helpful during their procedure. You will take a pill for relaxation, such as Valium, one hour before you come to your appointment. Oral sedation can be mixed with nitrous oxide (see below) for an even greater effect. 
As the pill causes you to relax all over, you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. 

IV Sedation
IV Sedation is the most effective method of relaxation for dental procedures. A drug is given to you through an IV in your arm, which causes you to relax. You won't become unconscious during the procedure, but you'll find that most of the time you won't remember what took place. We place you on monitors while you are using this method of sedation, to make sure that you are relaxing properly during the procedure.