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Our Procedures
The world of dentistry is changing all the time. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to bring our patients dental health using the newest procedures. The information below can help you understand our most common dental procedures.
Braces
Brackets, wires and/or other appliances used to correct tooth alignment. Tooth position correction can be used to create better aesthetics, prevent unnatural tooth wearing and allow better home care and hygiene.
Bridges
A bonded/cemented dental prosthetic that involves supporting a replacement tooth between two healthy teeth.
Calculus
Occurs when plaque calcifies on the teeth. Calculus is a hard substance that acts an irritant by wedging between the tooth and gum. Left untreated calculus can eventually lead to periodontal disease.
Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Bonded Fillings)
An alternative to silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are made from a light cured resin material. The advantages of composite fillings include aesthetics that can easily be color matched to adjacent teeth and can be less traumatic to the teeth long term.
Crowns
A tooth cap made of all porcelain or porcelain fused to a metal substrate that is bonded or cemented on top of a prepared tooth.
Dentures
A set of artificial teeth that is removable from the patient's mouth.
Fluoride
A chemical substance known to strengthen teeth enamel making the teeth less susceptible to decay. There are two ways fluoride makes its way to teeth: ingestion of food or fluoridated water and/or topical application made directly to the surface of the teeth by the dentist or hygienist.
Gingivitis
Stage one of early periodontal disease characterized by inflamed gum tissue which may bleed easily when touched or brushed. Untreated, gingivitis can lead to chronic periodontal disease and the instability and eventual loss of your teeth.
Impacted Tooth
A tooth that is blocked by an adjacent tooth thus preventing it from erupting through the surface of the gum. An impacted tooth may push other teeth together or damage the bony structures supporting the adjacent tooth. Often, the impacted teeth must be surgically removed.
Onlay
A large porcelain or gold restoration placed when a substantial part of the tooth is lost due to cavities or fracture.
Root Canal
The process required when the inner pulp of the tooth is irreversibly damaged and must be removed. The steps include removing all of the inner pulp from the chamber of the tooth, cleaning and smoothing the inside of the root canals and the filling of the canals with an inert material. Finally, a crown is placed on top of the tooth.
Root Planning
The procedure of removing plaque and/or calculus off teeth below the gum line or on the root of the tooth.
Sealants
A substance applied to the biting surface of teeth to protect the teeth from decay.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, has become extremely popular over the last several years. It's a great way to improve the whiteness of your teeth and is non-invasive. In-office and home whitening techniques are available. Both utilize forms of peroxide (hydrogen or carbamid) to remove stains
TMJD/TMD (Temporalmandibular Join Dysfunction/Temporomandibular Disorder)
The temporalmandibular joint is a complicated joint formed where the lower jaw bone attaches to the skull. TMD refers to general class of disorder affecting the bones and muscles of this region. Symptoms range from tenderness and swelling to headaches and neck and back aches. Generally, a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is opened or closed is evidence of some form of one of the disorders.
Veneers
Veneers are a thin shell made out of porcelain or composite material that cover the outside surface of the teeth. A veneer can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discolored teeth, chipped teeth or can be used to close spaces between the teeth. A veneer is fabricated by the dentist chair side or in a dental laboratory, depending on the materials used.
