Your First Visit
What should I expect at my exam and cleaning appointments? Your initial visit will consist of a visible examination of the teeth and gums. Dental x-rays, or radiographs, will be taken to check for cavities between the teeth where the dentist cannot fully visualize with sight alone. Other types of x-rays may be taken to […]
Continue Reading...General Dentistry and Cleanings
General dentistry encompasses a broad range of diseases and disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region. Everyone should see a general dentist for routine oral health examinations, twice-yearly cleanings, and treatment of routine oral health complications, such as minor tooth decay. General dentistry is as much about prevention as it is about treatment. Patients who […]
Continue Reading...Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are resin coatings applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. […]
Continue Reading...Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings – also known as tooth-colored fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam (silver) fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically […]
Continue Reading...Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth that have died or have badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it dies or becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth […]
Continue Reading...Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns (also known as caps) are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or attached to dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place […]
Continue Reading...Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are more extensive than dental fillings but less so than caps and crowns. They are typically formed in a dental lab and are made of gold, porcelain or resin depending on the patient’s needs and aesthetic goals. An inlay refers to a restoration that is formed to fit […]
Continue Reading...Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth. Dentists usually make every effort to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be […]
Continue Reading...Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are made of surgical-grade titanium and essentially replace the root of the missing tooth, or teeth. After placement, the surrounding bone grows and fuses to the implant thus making the implant a permanent anchor within the jaw. Once healed, the implant, or implants, can then be […]
Continue Reading...Removable Dentures
Dentures are removable tooth prosthetics designed to look and function like natural teeth. For thousands of years, some form of denture has been used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, although today’s dentures are much more advanced and easier to care for. Most dentures are composed of replacement teeth attached to plastic […]
Continue Reading...Partial Dentures
Like a bridge, partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps where one or more teeth are missing. But unlike a bridge, partial dentures are fully removable by the wearer. Partials are affordable alternatives to other types of dental prosthetics and are custom-made to blend in with each patient’s natural teeth. It takes […]
Continue Reading...Orthodontics using Clear Correct
Clear Correct is an orthodontic appliance system used to inconspicuously treat crooked and crowded teeth in adults and teens. This modern take on braces features a system of clear aligner trays that are worn at all times with the exception of during meals and when brushing or flossing. The trays are custom fitted to the […]
Continue Reading...Cosmetic Dentistry
Your smile is the first impression that others have of you, so it makes sense that you would want it to be bright, white and healthy. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, more than 99 percent of all American adults believe that a smile is an important asset for social situations. Perhaps that […]
Continue Reading...Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening procedures are used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile – sometimes by several shades in a single session. According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening procedures have become some of the most popular esthetic dental treatments among patients throughout the country, including. Professional teeth whitening services can be performed in […]
Continue Reading...Veneers and Laminates
Dental veneers – also known as laminates – are used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of one or more teeth. Veneers are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that are customized for a desirable color and shape. They are bonded to the surface of the teeth to reshape broken, misshapen or irregular teeth, as well […]
Continue Reading...Occlusal Nightguards
A bite guard is a dental appliance custom-fit to a patient’s teeth. Bite guards serve varying purposes and are often recommended for use in patients of all ages. It is important that bite guards be professionally fit, rather than purchased over the counter, as this ensures maximum comfort and protection during wear. Professional dental guards […]
Continue Reading...Sports Mouth Guard
Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of sports mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted […]
Continue Reading...TMJ Treatment
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking […]
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