DENTAL CARE SERVICES

Dental Implant

- A dental implant is in effect, an artificial tooth root which resembles a screw in shape. When a dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, it bonds with the natural bone there over a period of several months. After that, it can support an artificial tooth which is known as a crown, and it becomes a very solid, reliable tooth, very much like the other original teeth in a patient's mouth.

Denture Stabilization

- This process involves adding implants to the mouth in order to ensure that dentures remain firmly in place. Without these implants, it would be possible for dentures to move around inside the mouth and to create an uncomfortable condition for the patient when chewing food. Denture stabilization prevents any slippage or movement of the dentures, and makes chewing and digestion much more reliable processes.

All-on-four Dental Implants

- When a patient needs a full mouth restoration, with all of the teeth on top or bottom being replaced, it is possible to do this with just four implants on either the top or bottom. The implants will usually be sturdy titanium inserts, and these will bond with the bone of the jaw. Then all the replacement teeth can be supported by just these four implants in the mouth, using a special technique that will often last a lifetime.

Dental Bridges

- Bridges are so called because they literally bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The actual bridge is comprised of at least two crowns, those being placed on either side of the gap where the missing tooth is. Then an artificial tooth is inserted into the gap to close up the opening, and it will be supported either by an implant or by the natural teeth in the surrounding area.

Bone Grafting/Sinus Lift

- A sinus lift is one of the most popular types of bone grafts, and is generally required by patients who have experienced significant bone loss in the area of the upper jaw. The aim of this kind of grafting is to grow new bone in the maxillary sinus where the gum line of the upper jaw anchors the teeth. This then allows for dental implants to be emplaced in the new bone growth.

Dental Bonding

- Dental bonding is typically used to repair minor cracks or chips which a patient has sustained. A soft composite resin is used so it can be shaped as desired, and then polished to the same surface as other teeth. After this, a special light is used to harden the resin, so it becomes a permanent part of the tooth, and looks just like all other teeth in the mouth.

Dental Crowns

- These are a kind of cap which can be placed over a tooth to prevent it from being damaged. This is usually necessary because the specific tooth has already become damaged in some way, or it is simply unsightly and in need of cosmetic improvement. The crown will restore normal size, appearance, and function to the tooth, so it has the same appearance and capabilities as all other teeth in the mouth.

Dentures

- Dentures are replacements for some number of missing teeth, and they can be either full dentures or partials. Full dentures are required when all the teeth on the upper or lower side are missing, and partial dentures are used when there are still some natural teeth in place. Dentures can be emplaced in the mouth about 10 weeks after all the natural teeth have been removed, and the gums have had time to heal.

Gum Reconstruction

- Gum reconstruction is generally necessary when gum recession has taken place in a patient's mouth. This recession involves having the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth and bone to potential damage, and increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. During gum reconstruction, some tissue is usually cut from elsewhere in the mouth and grafted on to the exposed area, so it can provide protection to the tooth and bone once again.

Invisalign®

- Invisalign® braces are non-traditional braces which are made of clear plastic, and therefore generally more desirable than metal braces. The process of Invisalign correction involves using a whole series of plastic aligners in succession, each one gradually shifting teeth into a desired position. The number of aligners needed will depend on how severe the misalignment is, and how much correction is necessary.

Orthodontics

- Orthodontics is a specific area of dentistry which deals with misalignments of the teeth, and the processes used to accomplish straightening. There are a great many reasons for misalignments of the teeth, as well as over-crowdedness and spacing problems. All these situations can be handled through orthodontics, and after a period of straightening, most problems can be overcome and completely resolved.

Porcelain Veneers

- Veneers are generally used to cover up discolored teeth, gaps between teeth, and chips or cracks which may have occurred to prominent teeth. They are thin coverings which adhere to the teeth, and provide significant cosmetic improvement, thereby assisting the patient to have a better smile. Porcelain is the most popular material used to make these veneers, due to its sturdiness and excellent appearance.

Teeth Whitening

- To make teeth look whiter and more appealing, some kind of bleaching agent will often be used, for instance carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching action breaks up stains into smaller pieces and causes them to dissipate, thereby imparting a more natural, whiter look to the teeth. While it will not work on all stained teeth, it can be very effective on teeth which are basically colored yellow.

Children's Dentistry

- Children's dentistry applies to youngsters from the age of infancy up through the teen years. A dentist specializing in this area is fully capable of providing care for children's teeth and gums. Dentists who offer pediatric dental care have undergone special training which qualifies them to work with young people, and to understand their special dental needs.

Deep Cleaning

- This process is sometimes referred to as either periodontal scaling or root planning. It is a non-surgical process which involves cleaning of the outer surface of roots below the gum line. It is generally necessary when the level of tartar buildup has reached the point where infection has occurred, and its removal is necessary.

Laser Dentistry

- Laser dentistry is a special branch of dentistry which uses lasers to treat many common dental problems. It can completely replace the need for using drills, and is therefore much more comfortable for patients. It is used most often in treating gum disease, tooth decay, hypersensitivity, and the whitening of teeth.

Oral Surgery/Tooth Extractions

- Any kind of surgery which is performed in or around the mouth is considered to be oral surgery. There are a number of types of oral surgery, including tooth extractions, root canals, and removal of tumors. These types of procedures can be performed by periodontists, endodontists, and prosthodontists.

Root Canals

- Root canals are performed so as to save a natural tooth. It aims to remove infection from a root canal, and to prevent re-infection in the same area. During this surgery, the infected pulp is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned, then it is re-filled and sealed against any further infection.

Sedation Dentistry

- Sedation dentistry is used when a patient has a powerful fear of dental procedures, or when a great deal of dental work must be done all at the same time. A patient might be mildly sedated, moderately sedated, or have a general anesthesia administered which caused them to be completely unconscious. Only when a patient is mildly sedated will he/she be able to walk away immediately after the procedure.

Sleep Apnea

- This condition involves persistent waking up by a patient, because he/she is unable to get enough oxygen while breathing at night. Sleep apnea has a strong connection to dentistry, since a mal-formation of the upper jaw is often involved. To overcome the condition a breathing machine can be used at night, and lifestyle changes are usually necessary, so the patient can lose weight.

TMJ

- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one which connects your jawbone to your skull, and acts something like a sliding hinge. When you have some kind of disorder involving the TMJ, it can cause discomfort or pain in the joint itself or those muscles which work with it. All this can result in the jaw becoming locked or having extreme difficulty with chewing.