Cosmetic Dentist Procedures That Will Make You Smile

If you have teeth you are unhappy with, modern cosmetic dentists make it easier than ever before to attain the smile you have always wanted. If you need a self-confidence boost, want a more attractive smile, or are concerned about health risks due to crowded teeth, we can help. We provide a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures with the ability to improve your teeth. Learn more about the services we offer and how we can give you your best smile.

Teeth Whitening:

We offer in-office and at-home whitening solutions that range in effectiveness and simplicity. We have options that can suit any budget while still providing you with whiter teeth by eliminating stains and discoloration. A simple teeth whitening cosmetic dentists can provide you with surprising results.

Dental Bonding:

If you have chipped or cracked teeth or a single discolored tooth, we can provide you with dental bonding, which covers injured teeth and imperfections with a malleable solution that is permanently hardened after being placed in the correct area. This option will quickly and easily fix small dental imperfections.

Dental Contouring:

Dental contouring can be employed to align and reshape crooked or misshapen teeth. We will gently buff areas of each tooth to create a more attractively shaped structure.

White Fillings: 

If you have metallic fillings and would like a tooth-colored update, we can remove your dated fillings and replace them with a more attractive option. Our white fillings will blend in with your tooth color perfectly and look natural when you smile.

Dental Veneers: 

Our veneers are thin, porcelain shells bonded to the fronts of your teeth. They effectively cover discolored, misshapen, and oddly spaced teeth and also improve the look of jagged or chipped teeth edges. Veneers are customized for your individual needs and attractively cover dental flaws, improving your appearance drastically.

Dental Implants:

If you have missing teeth, you should consider receiving our dental implants instead of getting traditional dentures. Dental implants last forever, look and feel more natural, and are created to match surrounding teeth. Our implants are planted into your jawbone for a permanent foundation.

Dental Bridges: 

If you don’t want a removable dental replacement, but prefer to avoid the cost and procedure of dental implants, dental bridges are an excellent option. A fabricated tooth is held in a gap by two crowns placed over abutment teeth. This is a more permanent option than dentures and provides a natural looking replacement.

These are only a few of our most common cosmetic dentists can improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Most of our treatments are minimally invasive and do not cause discomfort during or after the process. We use appropriate anesthetics as needed to offer you the most comfortable visit possible. You will be pleased with your improved smile and quick results. Our quality materials, products, and procedures provide long-lasting and beautiful teeth resilient to staining and wear.

Learn About Professional Teeth Whitening Brands

If you want information on professional teeth whitening brands, we encourage you to call and schedule an appointment. Things are changing all the time with companies releasing new and improved products. Visiting our office allows us to provide you with the latest updates. Still, there are a few things you should know about whitening your teeth before you do so.

The Process

When you whiten your teeth, you can do so using an at-home whitening kit or with laser whitening. We recommend using the at-home kit. Regardless of how you whiten your teeth, the solution will typically contain some level of peroxide. The type of peroxide in the solution and its chemical makeup, in general, will influence how effective it is for whitening teeth. Most products you buy in the store will only remove the surface stains on your teeth. While they will make your teeth look better, they will not turn yellow teeth bright white. On the other hand, a professional-grade whitening solution penetrates the enamel and begins the process of oxidization. This is where the molecules inside your teeth begin to reflect less light and appear colorless. Your smile will look bright white as a result, and your teeth will no longer be yellow. This is the type of solution we use in our office.

The Application

When comparing professional teeth whitening brands, you should also consider how the solution is applied to the teeth. Some whitening kits have you brush on the solution using a pen, but the results from this are not significant because the solution will not remain on your teeth long enough. Whitening strips are a better option, but they can still slip out of place, and many people find them to be inconvenient. We recommend you use a kit that uses whitening trays. This way, a solution is placed in the trays for you to then secure around your teeth and wear for thirty minutes or so. The only challenge with this option is that if you buy a kit from the store, the trays will not be designed for your teeth, but for anyone who buys the products. This creates a risk of leakage or the trays slipping out of place. For this reason, we suggest you use professional teeth whitening brands sold by our office. We will begin by having you come in for an appointment, where we make an impression of your teeth. Using that impression, we will then create customized trays designed to fit you perfectly. As a result, the whitening solution will remain in place, not leak out, and the process will be entirely comfortable. Simultaneously, since the solution is professional-grade, you will see the best possible results.

Ways to Keep Your Dentures in Excellent Condition

If you need dental prosthetics, dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth, whether you need to replace one or several. Fortunately, the dentures of today have improved significantly upon the older models and are now more comfortable and more secure than ever. You even have options between ones that are removable or affixed. We can make sure they look completely natural and feel good to wear. Then it is up to you to keep them in good condition. If you do, they could last for five years or longer.

Here are a few tips to try at home:

Handle them carefully. It is possible for your dentures to break if dropped. Be sure to keep them in good condition by handling them carefully and resting them on a clean towel once you have taken them out. You want to avoid accidentally dropping them or knocking them off the counter, since this could cause them to break or chip.

Brush daily. You need to keep your dentures clean just like natural teeth. To do so, use a soft toothbrush and brush gently with water. Be sure to avoid a brush with hard bristles and do not use traditional toothpaste, since both can cause them to become scratched.

Use a special dentures cleaning device. There are small cleaning devices that can be used to clean your dentures so they can be sparkling and white. All you need to do is place them inside with the special cleaning solution. The device works using ultrasound technology, though it cannot replace daily brushing.

Soak them nightly. It is important to keep your dentures moist, and to do so, remove them nightly and place them in either a soaking solution or water. Which one is right for your dentures will be based on the type of dentures you wear and whether or not they have metal clasps. We will give you specific guidance when you come into our office.

When you visit our dental office, we can provide you with further instruction regarding how to keep your dentures in excellent condition. Our goal is for you to maintain the ability to smile with confidence, eat your favorite foods, and speak clearly – all things a well-fitting prosthetic can provide. During regular appointments, we will examine your gums and check to see how well your dentures are fitting. These regular examinations are important since it is possible for your jawbone to change, causing your dentures to no longer fit properly. Since the process of resorption naturally occurs after tooth loss, your jaw can essentially shrink, and as it does, your dentures can become loose. If this is the case, you could develop sores or have the inconvenience of having your dentures slip out of place. We can help to prevent this by discussing your other options like fixed dentures or even dental implants. To learn more about the prosthetic solutions available to you, call and schedule an appointment today.

Emergency Dentist  >  Dental Fillings

Common Questions Answered About Periodontics

Have you heard of the term "Periodontics"?  If not, you are like many of our patients. This area of dentistry focuses on the health of the gums. It is not widely known, and so most people go about their oral hygiene routine without ever thinking about it. In fact, if you were to ask most people what oral health issue they were concerned about, the most common answer would be cavities. It is rare for people to think about their gum health, but this is actually one of the most important functions of a dentist – keeping your gums healthy.

The majority of adults will experience red and swollen gums at some point in their lifetime with many adults getting gingivitis or more serious periodontal disease. It normally occurs when plaque and tartar get trapped underneath the gum tissue, on top of the tooth. Since this area is impossible to clean at home, it remains there, causing immense irritation. The gums respond by swelling, bleeding and becoming uncomfortable. They may also start to recede or pull away from the teeth, creating pockets in the gum tissue.

What is the risk of my gums receding?

Since gum recession exposes the lower structure and roots of your tooth, these areas can become infected. When this happens, you can experience bone loss, your teeth becoming loose, and eventually tooth loss. Statistically, gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss so if you don’t want to end up wearing dentures, you need to pay attention to the health of your gums.  Periodontics is focused on gum health so we can often prevent tooth loss down the road.

If my gums are receding, how can they be treated?

The first thing we need to do is clean the area by removing the bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This is done with a deep cleaning that is sometimes completed in four separate appointments to ensure that you remain comfortable. If the disease is isolated to one area, that will make it faster. Once the irritant (plaque) has been removed it becomes time to work on the gums themselves. There are several ways to restore the gums, and since every patient is different, periodontics can make a specific recommendation during your dental exam.

What you can do at home.

If you want to prevent the need for a deep cleaning or restorative gum procedure, you should be careful to brush your teeth in a circular motion, moving the plaque towards the center of your mouth and away from your gums. Flossing is also an important tool in fighting gum disease since plaque can become trapped in between the teeth. In our dental office, we understand that some of our patients do not enjoy flossing. There are flossing tools that you can purchase to make the job easier. They sell them at the local drugstore. Those that still do not want to floss should consider using an electric toothbrush since they can do a better job of getting your teeth clean than a traditional toothbrush would. Additionally, keeping regular teeth cleaning appointments is one of the best defenses you have against gum disease.

Call Us if You Need an Emergency Dentist

As an emergency dentist, we understand that it is impossible to control when you will have a dental emergency.  Even those who are fastidious about oral health can still end up in a car wreck, hurt while playing sports, slip and fall down, etc., all of which can lead to a damaged tooth and dental emergency.  In fact, according to the National Fall Safety Institute slip and falls account for 9 million trips to the emergency room every year.  With that in mind, you truly never know when you may need emergency dentist care.  Fortunately, we are here when you do.  Regardless of how you hurt yourself or how damaged your teeth are, give us a call.  If we do not answer, we will get back to you right away so that you can receive the dental care that you need.

Solutions Offered by an Emergency Dentist

As an emergency dentist, we offer extended hours that are far beyond what you can find with a traditional dentist.  Many local dentists restrict their hours of operation to Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm.  While this works for many people, it can make it difficult for those with busy work schedules or a dental emergency to get the care that they need.  As a result, many people seek dental care from the emergency room of a local hospital.  This is unwise because general physicians are not trained in how to diagnose or treat dental problems.  They can triage the problem and provide medication, but that's it.  This leads to repeat visits because the health issue is never actually addressed.  When you visit our dental office, your experience will be entirely different.  Even though we are available 24 hours a day, we still provide the same comprehensive dental care that you can receive during normal business hours.  This means that we can examine your teeth, take x-rays, diagnose the problem and provide you with immediate care.  If you have damaged your tooth, we may restore it with a bonding procedure, dental veneers, or dental crowns.  If you have lost a tooth, we can try to save it or provide you with a denture, dental bridge, or dental implant as a replacement solution.  Finally, if your tooth is infected, we can typically save it by performing a root canal.

When you visit our dental office, you can be confident knowing that you will receive the highest quality of dental care from a team of experts.  We are equipped to handle whatever your dental needs may be.

Tips for Staying Healthy

If you want to decrease the chance that you will ever need an emergency dentist, it is important to take care of your teeth and gums. While you cannot prevent most accidents, if you play sports you can decrease your risk for getting injured.  We recommend that you wear a mouthguard while playing or practicing sports so that your teeth will not be damaged if hit.  Simultaneously, if you receive ongoing dental care, the chance of you developing a sudden toothache will also be reduced.

Teeth Whitening  >  Family Dentist

Your Gorgeous Dental Veneers Can Last for Years to Come

Dental veneers have made their mark on the world of cosmetic dentistry by providing customers with a great way to replace tooth enamel that has become damaged, discolored, or otherwise unattractive. For many people, this is a long-term solution since the veneer will be cemented in place and hence is not something that can be removed very easily. As a result, many of our patients want to know how long dental veneers typically last without needing to be repaired or replaced. The answer to this question is usually at least 10 years, but there are a sufficient number of factors that come in to play, which can influence that number in either direction. There have been numerous studies on this exact issue as many cosmetic and other dentists want a clear answer on how long their patients can expect dental veneers to last. One study conducted on the longevity of dental veneers found the following. In 96 percent of the participants, we found the veneers lasted a minimum of five to six years. This group was overlapped with a second group of 93 percent, whose dental veneers lasted between 10 and 11 years. A third significant group found that their dental veneers lasted between 12 and 13 years, accounting for 91 percent of the studied population. After 13 years, we found a small drop off in longevity, with only 71 percent of the participants reporting that their dental veneers lasted between 15 and 16 years. Even with these kinds of odds, it is relatively safe to say that your dental veneers will last at least 10 years as long as you take good care of them.

When considering dental veneers, in terms of longevity, it is important to look at the whole picture. This means that you have to be willing to understand that there is a great deal of human interference that can cause the veneers to fail earlier than they should. The two leading causes of failure, as recorded in studies, have a direct correlation with how people treat their teeth. Teeth are not tools and should not be used as such, since treating them in this calloused manner can damage the enamel and cause the dental veneer to fracture or crack. We have found that in more than 45 percent of cases where the dental veneer failed, there was a fracture involved. This means that the person was doing something with their teeth that they should not have been or were placing undue pressure on the tooth. Additionally, there is 28 percent of dental veneers that failed because they had a crack, again a manifestation of some kind of physical trauma placed on the veneers. It is up to you, as the user, to ensure that you are not putting undue pressure on either your teeth or your dental veneers.

The other area where you can impact how long your dental veneers last is by making sure that you have great oral hygiene. In up to 20 percent of cases, we find that bad oral hygiene leads to veneer loss.

Dental Bonding  >  Teeth Whitening

The Dental Evolution of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is an incredibly popular, cosmetic-improvement technique. Billions of dollars are spent annually on teeth whitening solutions. Teeth whitening is a necessary improvement because white teeth lead to better social interactions and more respect at work, but you may wonder how teeth whitening became so popular. We have researched to provide you with a brief history and evolution of teeth whitening.

Just like some forms of dental braces started with the ancient Egyptians, so were some forms of teeth whitening. During the time of the Egyptians, wine vinegar and ground up stone were used to remove stains and whiten teeth. They used tree branches to apply the solution. In ancient times, the whiter your teeth were, the wealthier you appeared to outsiders. Ancient Romans also whitened their teeth, but they used urine. The ammonia in the urine bleached the teeth. They eventually realized this was toxic, so they discontinued use. Both of these practices not only whitened teeth but also ended up damaging the teeth and making it necessary to remove them.

Before it was universally realized that dental enamel can be bleached, many people wrongly suspected it was a layer of grime that turned their teeth yellow. This resulted in metal files being used on the enamel. This obviously led to poor dental health and decay because protective enamel was being ground down. It was also very painful. Before modern times, if a tooth became infected or decayed, it was pulled instead of repaired. So, attempting to whiten teeth often led to the eventual demise of the teeth.

In the 1980's, it was accidentally discovered that hydrogen peroxide whitened teeth. Originally, hydrogen peroxide was used as an oral antiseptic for gums. Dentists noticed that the peroxide also whitened the teeth when a gel was created that held the hydrogen peroxide on for a longer period. After this, scientists and dentists have continued to develop the perfect teeth whitening solution that includes some form of peroxide. Today's teeth whitening does not damage teeth when used appropriately.

Now you can receive teeth whitening from many methods. You can buy whitening strips, rinses, and toothpaste over the counter. These options are incredibly affordable, but they are also not nearly as effective as professional teeth whitening. You can visit a dentist for teeth whitening that creates better and faster results. Most dentist offices offer at-home professional teeth whitening and in-office professional teeth whitening. Depending on your needs, budget, and how much extra time your schedule allots you, you can request either one. To have the most successful teeth whitening treatment, you should visit our office first for a thorough cleaning and stain evaluation. There are different types of dental staining that require different forms of teeth whitening. Depending on what your needs are, we can provide you with an appropriate teeth whitening technique.
To learn more about the history of teeth whitening and the best options now available today, visit our office. We can give you a brighter smile and whiter teeth that last.

Dental Bonding  >  Cosmetic Dentist

The Importance of a Dental Bridge

If you need a tooth replacement, you should learn more about the importance of a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a popular and viable option for anyone who needs a replacement tooth or replacements for more than one tooth. Continue reading to learn how dental bridges can benefit your dental health.

What is the purpose of a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can keep your smile in good working condition and keep it attractive. A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. If you have a missing tooth or more than one, you could face detrimental dental structure damage, in addition to the following:

• You could be more at risk for periodontal disease, a serious form of gum disease that causes gum recession and tooth loss.
• The alignment of your teeth can begin to shift, causing crooked and weakened teeth. This will also affect your smile and facial structure.
• When your other teeth begin to change position, they may become loose and fall out.
• You will have an increased risk of tooth decay and tooth damage due to the extra work the other teeth will be doing to make up for the lack of a tooth or teeth.
• You will most likely also experience discomfort in your teeth and gums from the extra pressure they are receiving without a tooth in place.
• You could suffer speech impediments since you are not used to speaking with missing teeth.
• You may not be able to eat your favorite foods due to lack of chewing power.
• 
  

A dental bridge can combat all of these issues and more. Dental bridges will provide support for other teeth, giving you more chewing strength, and you will be able to speak naturally again. Since dental bridges include the use of crowns for an anchor, the teeth that are covered with crowns will have increased protection from decay and damage.

How does a dental bridge stay in place?

Unlike most dentures options, dental bridges are fixed teeth replacements that will stay in place unless removed by a dentist. Dental bridges are secured by healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The support teeth are called abutment teeth. The abutment teeth will be covered with strong, tooth-colored crowns that will work as an anchor for your realistic-looking artificial tooth that will be placed in the space of your missing tooth. We can also provide dental bridges for people who are missing more than one tooth, as long as a few strong, healthy teeth are available to be used as anchors. Dental bridges can also be placed on dental implants for an extra durable and permanent tooth replacement.

The process of receiving a dental bridge will take two to three visits in most cases, so we are able to make the perfect bridge fit for your dental structure. A properly fitted dental bridge will last you for years. To learn more about the importance of a dental bridge, give us a visit.

Seeing the Family Dentist: Advantages for Your Family

Visiting the family dentist comes with many inherent advantages. There is no doubt, not even in our minds, that visiting the family dentist, or any dentist for that matter, is not something people look forward to doing. That being said, we have found that among families willing to visit the dentist on a regular basis, the visits are often quick and easy. This is because a family who comes in for regular maintenance often finds that they require little or no serious work on their teeth. The more often we can examine and clean your teeth, the less likely you are to have a serious plaque buildup or have another problem become severe before we catch it. These are just a few benefits to having a family dentist. It is interesting to note that families who come in to see the same family dentist often tend to keep each other more accountable when it comes to oral hygiene, which again contributes to better teeth.

On the dentist side of the equation, we find that being a family dentist provides us with one of the key tools we need in the event that additional work is needed: trust. Family doctors have been using this advantage for years. With a relationship built over time, and often with many generations of the family, a family service provider has the ability to be more of a confidant, someone the family trusts when they need a treatment. Think about it from the perspective of a visit for a procedure. Should you be one of those people who does not have a family dentist to get oral care, you will be in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by people you do not know, and then facing the prospect of the dentist chair and equipment. This is literally the perfect way to build up anxiety. On the other hand, when you have a family dentist, you are familiar with the dentist and the office, you have come in by yourself or with other family members, and since you are a regular at getting your teeth examined or cleaned, it is no big deal to have a procedure done.

Families need two distinct things, which a family dentist is able to provide. First, families need the advantage of scheduling together. No family wants to be running all over the countryside with a variety of needs to a variety of providers. Unfortunately, when it comes to families, there are often different needs, and so we have gone ahead and brought most family dentist services in-house. Now, whether you need an extraction, a cleaning, x-rays, a braces consultation, refitting of dentures, or any other general dentist procedure, we can do it all in our own clinic. This saves you time and effort. Speaking of time, we wanted to ensure that when families come in, we serve as many of the family members as possible, to save the family from repeated visits for the same issues to the family dentist. Working with our streamlined scheduling allows your family to have appointments that work together to maximize each visit.

Teeth Whitening  >  Periodontics

The Types of Dental Crowns Available When You Need a Restoration

What Are Dental Crowns and Why Do I Need Them?

A dental crown is commonly described as a tooth-shaped cap permanently placed over a tooth, usually for one or two reasons: either to protect and reinforce a tooth that is structurally compromised, or to improve its appearance by changing its shape, color, or size.

After being cemented into place, the crown will totally encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, thus becoming the new outer surface of the tooth. Made of resin, ceramic, gold, or an alloy of different metals, dental crowns can restore a broken tooth or one that has been severely worn down. They can also effectively protect one that is weak, decayed, or cracked. They may also be used to hold a bridge in place or to improve the appearance of severely discolored teeth. Different types of dental crowns may be used on damaged or decaying baby teeth to save them.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are either temporary or permanent. Permanent crowns are made from several different materials, such as stainless steel, gold or another alloy, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic.

Whereas permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory, temporary crowns, usually made of acrylic or stainless steel, can be made in a dentist's office. These crowns are used as transitory restoration until a permanent crown is constructed.

•     Metal Crowns: Because metal withstands wear and tear better than most other materials used to make crowns, they rarely chip or break and can last longer. The different types of metals used in crowns include gold alloy, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Additionally, since the metal is thin, less tooth structure is required to be removed. However, because of the metallic shine, many, if not most, people opt for metal crowns only for their molars that are out of sight.
•     Stainless steel: Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and usually used as a temporary measure. In other words, a stainless steel crown protects the tooth for a short time while a permanent crown is being made. Stainless steel crowns are often fitted over a baby tooth to protect it from further decay for several reasons. They don't require multiple dental visits to place and are more cost-effective than custom-made crowns. Also, when primary teeth come out to make room for permanent ones, stainless steel crowns come out naturally with them.
•     Porcelain & Metal: Porcelain, fused to metal, can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth. Next to ceramic, porcelain crowns look most like natural teeth. In some cases, especially if gums recede, the metal on the underside of the porcelain dental crown can show through at the gum line. Another drawback of this type of crown is that the porcelain portion can chip or break, making these dental crowns a good choice for back teeth.
•     Resin: Resin dental crowns are less expensive than other crown types. However, they slowly wear down over time and are more prone to chips and cracks than the porcelain and metal combination crowns.
•     Ceramic & Porcelain: Ceramic and porcelain dental crowns are not as strong as porcelain and metal crown combinations and can wear down opposing teeth more than all-metal or resin crowns. On the other hand, they have a more natural appearance, and the color can be closely matched to adjacent teeth, making them a good choice for front teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are obviously more suitable for people with metal allergies.

To discuss these options in further detail, call to schedule an appointment.

Dental Bonding  >  Dental Veneers

How All on Four Dentures Compare With Dental Implants

When you are determining the best method of dental replacements, you should consider how all on four dentures compare with dental implants. When you are missing more than one tooth, it is important to choose dental replacements that offer you the function and appearance you desire. Missing more than one tooth can be inconvenient and detrimental to your dental health. When you choose a replacement that offers function and support for your dental structure, you can preserve the remainder of your dental structure for many years to come. This will allow you to have the best dental health possible, as well as an attractive smile to enjoy.

What are all on four dentures, and what can they do for me?

• They are permanent teeth replacements that look and feel like natural teeth.

• They are cared for by brushing and flossing, like you would do normal teeth.

• They never have to be removed and do not need to be cemented into place.

• They fit comfortably in your mouth with a natural appearance and function.

• They allow you to consume all your favorite foods again, including feeling the texture and temperature.

• They help maintain a shapely, attractive, and healthy facial bone structure.

• They give you back your beautiful smile.

What is the difference when all on four dentures compare with dental implants?

All on four dentures are very similar to traditional implants. The procedure is basically the same, except you will receive only four implants on the top and bottom rows of your teeth, and they will be inserted at a different angle. With traditional implants, you would need over six implants to receive a full set of replacement teeth. The all on four dentures method is less invasive and requires less chair time and recovery time.

When we put in all on four dentures, we place them in a design that allows for more support in a small surface area. Using the natural support of your jawbone structure, the procedure does not require any bone grafting or alterations like traditional implants would. Ultimately, all on four dentures will save you time and money, and require fewer dentist visits and less recovery time. You will also not experience any discomfort or sensitivity, as we take great precautions to make our procedures as comfortable as possible for our patients.

Are all on four dentures a better option than other dental replacements, like dental bridges or dentures?

Yes. All on four dentures are the best alternative to these other dental replacements. All on four dentures restore the full function and aesthetic value of your dental structure. You will never have to worry about dentures falling out of place or needing to have crowns replaced for dental bridges.

All on four dentures are cost-effective and attractive. When you decide to receive all on four dentures, you will visit our office for a consultation to discuss the full procedure and what you can expect out of your new set of teeth. You will love the look and feel of your brand new, permanent teeth.

Family Dentist  >  Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Care Tips From Our Kids Dentistry Office

As a kid's dentist, the largest challenge we face does not come in the form of some rare disease, or in children's special developmental needs. The largest problem, that a kid's dentist faces is the idea that children do not need to visit the dentist on a regular basis until there is a problem. The same parents that are incredibly diligent about visiting the doctor, getting shots, and going in for regular checkups tend to forget that much of your health begins in the mouth. In a recent study, children of or under the age of one were studied. The study found that 89% of children studied had seen a pediatrician in their lifetime, but only 1.5% of these kids had been to see a kid's dentist. This is an alarming statistic, and it contributes to a growing number of cases of childhood decay, also known as pediatric dental disease. We have found that in children between the ages of two and five, decay can be found at a rate of 25%. It jumps to 50%  between the ages of twelve and fifteen; half the children in middle school suffer from pediatric dental disease. This is completely preventable with the right kind of care and early dental visits.

As a kid's dentist, we are able to build on the work we start early in a child's life to ensure that they have fewer problems as they age. Holistic preventative medicine allows your child come in for a quick fifteen minute checkup and cleaning instead of painful, emergency dental treatment. 

Additionally, we have found that parents who chose to spend the money on preventative care tend to spend less in emergency care later on. The ratio of savings is quite significant; parents who spend $1 on preventative care save up to $50 in emergency costs later in the child's life. In addition to the monetary savings, you save time. Each year, school-aged children in the United States miss 2.26 million days of school because they are in the dentist chair for emergency or restorative care. This is a completely avoidable situation. By following the 2-2-2 rule and bringing in your child for early care, you can ensure your child with have comfortable and healthy teeth.

The 2-2-2 rule is simple and should be followed by parents and children alike. Brush your teeth at least two times per day, for a minimum of two minutes each time, and visit your dentist at least two times per year for cleaning and maintenance. Children should begin receiving care before their first birthday or when they receive their first tooth.

Dental Office  >  Dentist

Dental Fillings Are Essential After Treating Cavities

We complete dental fillings every single day. They are the single most used procedure, with everyone from children to grandparents needing to get cavities repaired at some point. When you come in for dental fillings we believe that you should leave with one and an assurance that the tooth will not easily experience decay again. To do this, we will carefully remove all the decay, and then we will work to remove any of the enamel that may have become damaged by the decay.  Finally, we will fill the hole that has been created, also known as the cavity.

Many of our patients, except our very young ones, know that decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth which forms a thin film of plaque over the teeth. When sugary or starchy foods are introduced, this bacteria secrets acids. These acids eat at the tooth until a cavity is formed. What most people don't realize is that your teeth actually fight against decay and are able to make minor repairs to themselves using calcium and phosphate in the saliva, water, and fluoride. It is only when the tooth is depleted of these essential minerals, after repeated assaults by the acids on the enamel, that the bacteria is able to create a cavity and a need for dental fillings.

When it comes to dental fillings, we are always interested in improvements in technology that will make them better for patients. If you remember, it was not that long ago that most fillings were made of metal which made it obvious which teeth previously had cavities. We now offer white dental fillings that can be used, allowing us to inexpensively repair more prominent teeth while also giving you the clean white look that so many patients craved. The science behind dentistry continues to evolve. In 2012, the University of Maryland Dental School came up with a new cavity filling system that was designed to fill the cavity, but also to kill any residual bacteria that may have survived the cleaning, and was also said to help the tooth regrow some of the tissue that had been lost in the fight to the bacteria. The use of silver nanoparticles, in addition to ammonia, made the primer, the bonding agent, and the filling itself involved in the process of killing off any bacteria that remained.

While this particular method remains in clinical trials, it is an example of the kind of innovation being tested in laboratories across the country with the goal of making dental work less necessary. If we are able to help the natural order of enamel in re-growing and regenerating itself, combine that with a system that kills all bacteria, and provide you with the means to avoid cavities in the future, it will be a huge accomplishment for the dental world. In our dental office, we will continue to watch as this new technology develops and to provide you, our patients, with the best possible dental care.

Dental Bridge  >  Dental Crowns

What to Eat After Your Tooth Extraction

We perform tooth extractions on a regular basis for those that are needing to have their wisdom teeth pulled.  This third set of molars can create a variety of problems since most people do not have enough room in their mouth for them.  If you have worn braces, wisdom teeth can move your teeth out of alignment.  If they grow in crooked, they can be uncomfortable.  If they are impacted, they will be difficult to clean.  Regardless of what challenges you are having, we can remove them by either pulling them out directly or performing oral surgery.  Both of which will be done under anesthesia so that you can remain comfortable the entire time.
After your tooth is extracted, your gums will be sensitive and your jaw and face will feel sore.  Simultaneously, you are likely to experience some swelling.  When you do, an ice pack and ibuprofen can be used to reduce the swelling and help you to feel more comfortable.  For the first few days, you will need to be careful with what you eat and avoid anything that is hard or crunchy and can scratch your gums.  This means no chips, crackers, toasted bread or anything that is hard and abrasive.  You will also want to stay clear of anything that is too difficult to chew, requiring significant force.
While you will need to adjust your diet, it is important that you continue to eat a healthy diet that is full of essential vitamins and minerals along with protein. This requires some creativity, but it is essential for giving your body the tools it needs to recover quickly.  Here are some foods that we suggest you try after having tooth extractions.

• Oatmeal.  You can eat oatmeal or cream of wheat after having oral surgery.  Use whole milk instead of water so that you receive more protein. 
• Eggs.  Scrambled and hard boiled eggs are good for you, easy to make and easy to chew.  They are incredibly soft and can be eaten throughout the day. 
• Smoothies.  Blending up your food into a delicious smoothie is an excellent way to get servings of your favorite fruits and vegetables.  Add in some protein powder and yogurt for a more balanced meal or snack. 
• Cauliflower.  This is a popular vegetarian alternative to meat.  Once cooked, cauliflower is very soft and it holds flavors well, making it perfect to sauté with your favorite spices. 
• Sweet Potatoes.  A superfood, sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to make. Bake it in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then eat it. They taste fabulous and are perfectly soft, making them easy to eat with a meal or as a snack.
• Tofu.  You can eat tofu with your dinner as a substitute for your standard meat dish. 
• Single snacks.  Since crackers and chips are off of the menu, buy single servings of pudding, applesauce, and yogurt to snack on.  
• Soup.  Throw your favorite veggies into a pot and make a homemade soup. You will get the nutrition that you need and the veggies will be soft enough not to irritate your gums.

After your tooth extractions, you will need to restrict your diet for a few days but once the swelling goes down, you should be able to resume your normal diet.  We will provide you with more detailed instructions when you come in for your appointment.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office

Reasons To Consider Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is probably the simplest and most cost-effective procedure to correct small cosmetic problems. You are very possibly one of those people who takes very good care of your teeth, i.e. you have adhered to a strict oral hygiene routine, have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis, etc. However, your teeth are still subject to some small issues. For example, one or two of your front teeth may be slightly crooked or have a gap between them. You may chip a tooth, or notice that they are not quite as white as they used to be.  In this case, dental bonding is probably the simplest and most cost-effective of all possible procedures that correct small cosmetic problems. While bonding cannot withstand the pressure that dental veneers and crowns can, and is, therefore, usually done on front teeth, it is one way to make the problem tooth (or teeth) look new again without breaking the bank.

What is Dental Bonding and How Is It Done?
In a nutshell, dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite material that is applied to the tooth, sculpted into the right shape, then hardened with a curing light. It is called bonding simply because the material 'bonds' to the natural tooth and improves its appearance. Bonding can used to fill in gaps, cosmetically repair small chips, and change the shape and color of the tooth, even making it look longer if necessary. We also use dental bonding to protect a partially exposed root of a tooth caused by receding gums. We also can use bonding as a more cosmetically preferable alternative to silver fillings in a small cavity.

We will first use a shade guide to carefully select the resin that will closely match the shade of your natural teeth. After which a phosphoric acid solution is applied to the surface of the natural tooth. This acid performs the same function as roughing up the surface of any object that is to be painted. This step is closely followed by the application of the adhesive, then the putty-like resin. We will then carefully mold and shape the resin until it looks exactly as we want it to, and then harden it with a curing light. The final steps are to smooth any rough edges that might be present, then polish the resin so that it matches the sheen of your natural teeth.

Advantages and Disadvantages
Dental bonding is completed very quickly, the entire procedure taking no more than between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. This is a considerably shorter time than dental veneers that have to be shipped from a laboratory after being made from an impression. Additionally, crowns and veneers require much more enamel to be removed from the surface of the natural tooth than does dental bonding.

Under normal circumstances, dental bonding will not need to be repaired for several years. However, because the material used is not as strong as that in crowns and veneers, you will need to avoid doing anything with your teeth other than what they were intended to do, i.e. eat. Chewing on ice, biting your fingernails or opening bottles with your teeth can cause the resin to chip.  Especially in the first 48 hours, it is also imperative to avoid eating or drinking anything that will stain the resin. This includes red wine, tea, and coffee. In order to keep your teeth looking as good as they can, you should continue to have them cleaned professionally on a regular basis.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening

Dental Crowns Have an Important Role in Restorative Dentistry

We use dental crowns on a frequent basis.  If you think of dental crowns and an image of a silver tooth pops in your head, it is time to learn about the new and improved version.  Silver amalgam crowns still exist and many patients enjoy using them.  They are durable and can last for a long time.  However, they stand out when you smile and are not a good solution for any of your front teeth.  This has made many people shy away from crowns as a restorative solution.
However, the modern dental crown looks nothing like this.  In fact, it is created using a tooth-colored material that mimics your natural teeth.  This way, when it is placed, it will blend in seamlessly, and you will not be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the crown.  It looks that fantastic.

Dental Crowns as Restorations
Given how natural crowns look, they are being used in restorative dentistry all of the time.  We like them because a crown is a cap that surrounds your tooth entirely.  That means that you can bite down with force and not have to worry about causing further damage if your tooth was previously cracked or chipped.  You can also smile without worrying about someone knowing that your tooth was chipped a few weeks ago.

Dental Crowns in Cosmetic Dentistry
Since crowns look completely natural, they are also an excellent solution for simply improving the appearance of your smile.  We can place a crown on the two teeth that have a gap in between them and use the crowns to close the gap.  We can also use them to change the overall shape or size of your teeth if they are too small or too large.  If you have teeth that are dark or severely stained, we can also cover them up with this solution.  Some teeth can even be made to appear straight once a crown is in place.  If you have something that you do not like about your teeth, you can probably have it corrected with a crown because the solution is incredibly versatile. As a bonus, a crown surrounds your tooth like a cap so that nothing can touch it directly.  If your teeth are feeling sensitive due to enamel erosion, this is a way to protect them so that you can go back to eating all of your favorite foods without irritation.

This solution can work very well for all of your oral health problems.  In fact, we can even create a dental bridge to replace missing teeth by placing a dental crown on each of the two teeth that are surrounding the missing ones.  They will serve as anchors to support the bridge so that you can have a smile that is perfectly restored.

If you have amalgam crowns in your mouth and are tired of how they look, we can replace them with tooth-colored ones as well.  To learn more about this versatile solution, call and schedule an appointment today.

Teeth Whitening  >  Dental Veneers