Bonding

Bonding is a method used to disguise imperfections in front teeth that are cracked, chipped, misshapen, or too short—making them more uniform and attractive. A tooth-colored composite is applied to the tooth’s surface and sculpted to fit the tooth, creating natural-looking results. Bonding can also be used to lighten teeth that cannot be whitened by bleaching.

Bridges

A bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces missing teeth and creates a more attractive, gap-free smile. One type of bridge consists of crowns placed on either side of a gap (where a tooth is missing) to connect the replacement tooth or teeth to them. Another type of bridge consists of the wing-like appendages, which attach the replacement tooth to the adjacent teeth.

Cleaning

The main purpose of regular cleanings is to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth. Fluoride application, flossing, and tooth-polishing are also part of routine cleanings, as is instruction on proper brushing and flossing from the dental hygienist.

Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that covers the natural tooth to just below the gum line. For teeth that are cracked, decayed, or otherwise damaged, a crown will strengthen the damaged tooth and restore a normal, healthy appearance to it. Part of the original tooth is removed in order to make room for the crown, and a mold is taken to ensure the crown will fit it perfectly. Made of tooth-colored porcelain or composite, the crown (or cap) is bonded to the original tooth for a permanent fix.

Dentures (Partial and Full)

A removable appliance of artificial teeth that replaces missing natural teeth. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Gum Disease

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is the single most common cause of tooth loss in adults. It is an inflammation of the gums and other supporting structures that surround your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, which is a colorless, sticky film composed of undigested food particles mixed with saliva and bacteria that forms on tooth surfaces. Plaque irritates the gums, making them red, tender, swollen, and susceptible to bleeding. Plaque left in the mouth will eventually harden and turn into tartar, which sticks to teeth around the gumline.

The gums then gradually recede from the teeth and small pockets form between the teeth and gums, which become traps for more plaque. And as the pockets deepen, it becomes impossible for you to clean the plaque out yourself. If this condition continues without treatment, the surrounding bone structure can eventually be destroyed. That’s why it is essential to catch gum disease in its early stages: when it’s treatable and before it does serious damage to your teeth.

Recent research has linked gum disease to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, and pregnancy complications including babies with low birth weight. The potential impact of gum disease on your general health is reason enough to practice proper oral hygiene (including regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups).

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are natural-looking restorations used to fortify teeth damaged by decay or wear. An inlay is like a filling but instead of going inside of the tooth, an inlay lies on top of the tooth within the cusps on the chewing surface.

An onlay is more extensive and covers more than one tooth, usually the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Onlays can be made of metal, porcelain, or composite. They provide more strength than fillings, but are more conservative than full crowns.

Implants

A dental implant is a metal rod (usually made of titanium) that is surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. This rod serves as a substitute tooth root and as an anchor for permanent restorations including crowns, bridges, or dentures that can be placed over it. Implants are very secure and stable. Over time, the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant (through osseointegration).

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is procedure performed to save an abscessed tooth. When a tooth becomes badly infected, the nerves and blood vessels are damaged. Left untreated the infection will cause pain, loss of the original tooth, and will spread to surrounding teeth. But root canal therapy can save the tooth and prevent further infection.

During the procedure, the damaged or dead pulp in the root canal of the tooth is cleaned out and disinfected. Then the root canal is sealed and the tooth is filled to prevent further decay. Finally, a permanent crown is usually placed on the tooth to strengthen it.

Sealants

A sealant is a thin, clear resin substance applied to the teeth’s biting surfaces to help prevent decay.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored filling are an attractive alternative to unsightly metal fillings. Using tooth-colored resin, the dentist bonds this material to the tooth to prevent further decay. These fillings are also safer and more durable than traditional metal fillings.

Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a super-thin, semi-translucent layer of porcelain that is permanently bonded to the tooth surface to improve the size, shape, and color of your teeth. Often used to cover teeth that are broken, crooked, chipped, misshapen, or permanently discolored, veneers create a more uniform and attractive smile.

Whitening

During whitening (or bleaching), a chemical solution is placed on the surface of your natural teeth to remove stains or other discolorations. The result is whiter, brighter teeth. We offer a variety of in-office and take-home treatments to suit your needs.