What We Do

Fillings:

Restoring a decayed tooth is most commonly accomplished by removing the decay and placing a filling. In our office fillings can be amalgam (silver) filling, composite (white) fillings, or gold fillings. There are times when the conditions in your mouth allow any of the three to be acceptable but there are times when one choice has definite advantages over the other. We will always discuss the pros and cons with you.

Crowns:

When a tooth has a large area of decay or has fractured a crown becomes necessary. The tooth is made a little shorter and a little skinnier and a crown is made that covers the entire tooth down to the level of the gum tissue. They are either all porcelain, or porcelain on precious metal (additional strength), or gold. We never use base metals for crowns. Base metal crowns have nickel in them which is a major contributor to metal allergic reactions. Often so much of the tooth is missing that a buildup or post will be required to make the tooth under the crown strong.

Bridges:

When you are missing a tooth one of the options for replacement is a bridge. Here we have crowns on the two teeth on either side of the space and a “fake” tooth replacing the missing tooth. This is permanently in your mouth and is not removable. The teeth look like individual separate teeth.

Partial denture:

People sometimes refer to these as bridges also but they are really a partial denture. They most commonly have a metal framework and attach to existing support teeth. They are removable.

Full denture:

When a patient is missing all their teeth a full denture can be made to replace them. Over the years a denture can wear out and need replacement. Also over the years your mouth can change and the denture no longer fit correctly. Sometimes a relign can be done to make a properly fitting denture that has become loose fit tightly again.

Root canal:

When the nerve in a tooth dies it needs a root canal. A root canal involves opening into the common chamber of the nerve, measuring to the tip of each tunnel in each root, enlarging the tunnel, sterilizing the tunnel, and filling the tunnel. When the infection is removed the tooth should feel comfortable and function just like the rest of your teeth. Teeth that have received root canal treatment often need crowns for strength.

Scaling and root planeing:

If you have heavy calculus on your roots or pocketing around your teeth then you have an active infection in your gums. The material and infection needs to be removed. Our hygienists do this with scaling and root planing. It can be done under anesthetic or without depending on how it feels to you. Our objective is to see healthy gums after treatment with pocket depths shrinking. When you require this treatment you will most likely need to be very careful with your gums. More frequent cleanings and attentive home care are important.

Oral Surgery:

There are times when a tooth needs to be removed. It may be that the decay is just too large to repair or the tooth may have fractured down into the root. Often 3rd molars need to be removed because of lack of space.

Implants:

When a tooth is missing it is also possible to replace it without using other neighboring teeth. An implant is placed into your jaw and firmly attaches to your bone. A crown can be fit to the implant so it looks as natural as your other teeth. Implants can also be used to stabilize a denture for a more comfortable bite.

Periodontal Surgery:

When bone loss results in pockets around your teeth that are just too deep to control any infection we can reshape your gums and bone to improve tissue health. Sometimes it is just a single tooth or occasionally the entire mouth. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in America. Our goal is to prevent it. When necessary surgery may be required.

Your comfort is important to us:

We have a number of techniques to get you numb. You never need to feel any discomfort. We offer “laughing gas” for all of our procedures. There are times when a pre-medication like valium is helpful for nervous patients. We have CD’s with a nice variety of music to listen to while time passes. Pillows, blankets and a reassuring touch can help make your appointment comfortable and relaxing.