Services

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental Implant Restoration


Dental implants are artificial roots that provide a foundation for tooth restoration. With dental implants, missing teeth can be replaced with crowns, bridges, or dentures. The replacement teeth look great and allow you to eat and chew normally. Additionally, dental implants can preserve facial structure by preventing the bone loss that typically occurs when you have missing teeth.

What is a dental implant?


A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Implants are typically made of 100% titanium, which is an extremely biocompatible metal. The cells in your jawbone will actually attach to the implant, which fuses it directly to the bone. The implant is connected to a small post that serves as the foundation for tooth restoration.

How are dental implants used?


Implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or groups of missing teeth. These artificial roots are used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures that look and feel natural.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants ?


If you’re interested in dental implants, contact your dentist for a consultation. In general, dental implantation can be performed on patients with good oral health. Medical conditions, including diabetes, cancer, and periodontal (gum) disease may need to be treated before dental implant surgery.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implantation. This could involve x-rays to verify that you have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant. Based on the results of your examination, your dentist will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Can dental implants fail?


Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry. Studies have shown that the average five-year success rate is 85% to 95%. However, there are never any guarantees.

Implants can fail if the bone doesn’t attach to the surface of the implant. This can occur if the bone is soft or if the implant is unstable. Other reasons for failure include post-surgical infection and poor oral hygiene.

Smoking depletes important nutrients and reduces blood flow, which can affect the healing process. This means that smoking is one of the greatest risk factors in dental implant failure. If you are a smoker, consider quitting before dental implantation.

If an implant fails, it can typically be replaced, as long you have enough bone and tissue to support the implant.

What happens during a dental implant procedure?


The entire implant process takes place over the course of a few months. If your dentist has determined that you’re a good candidate for dental implantation, the process is started when your dentist first places the implant.

In most cases, implants can be placed using local anesthesia. When you’re sufficiently numb, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum and insert the implant. More than one implant can be placed at once. In complex cases, your dentist may recommend general anesthesia in a hospital environment.

The healing process usually takes 3 to 6 months. A temporary restoration can be used during this period, so you’ll be able to eat and speak normally. You will need to attend regular follow-up visits to ensure that the healing process is progressing as planned.

After healing is complete and the implant has attached to the bone, your dentist will place a post that will be used to support the restoration. After taking impressions, your dentist will permanently restore your teeth using crowns, bridges, or dentures. Your new smile will look as beautiful as it did before you ever lost your teeth – or even better!

How do I care for my dental implants?


Your dentist will recommend regular checkups to examine your implants and restorations. Excellent oral hygiene practices are essential to maintain implant function. Brush your teeth and floss twice daily to keep your teeth, implants, and restorations healthy and free of plaque. Your dentist will work with you to develop a care plan that will allow you to maintain your new smile for life.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY


Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin layers of ceramic that can be used to create natural-looking dental restorations. Veneers have become popular in recent years because they can solve a variety of dental issues. Patients who wish to achieve a more beautiful smile can use veneers to change the position, shape, size, and color of their teeth.

Why choose veneers?

Dental veneers are stain resistant and natural looking. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction and can be used to fix a variety of aesthetic abnormalities, including:

  • Discoloration due to root canal therapy, medications, excessive fluoride, or stained composite resin fillings.
  • Chipped, broken, or worn down teeth.
  • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth.
  • Teeth with spaces between them.

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers, schedule a consultation with your dentist. You must have healthy teeth and gums to qualify for veneers.

Your dentist will need to remove a layer of enamel before attaching the veneer . This procedure is irreversible. While veneers can last up to 10 years, they will eventually need to be replaced. Carefully consider your options before electing to undergo the procedure.

The only way to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers is to consult a cosmetic dentist. After evaluating your dental history and current oral health, your dentist can help you make an informed decision.

How are veneers attached?

After the initial consultation, the dental veneer procedure can usually be completed in two office visits. To begin, your dentist may administer a local anesthetic before reducing the enamel. The amount of tooth enamel removed will vary in each case, but it’s typically 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters.

Next, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth that will be sent to a dental laboratory. The turnaround time for veneers is typically 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime, your dentist may fit you with a temporary veneer.

When you return for the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary veneer and clean the surface of your tooth. Next, the veneer will be bonded to your teeth using special cement. Once the veneer is securely attached, your dentist can remove the excess cement and trim the veneer as needed.

You will usually need to return for a follow-up appointment in 1 to 2 weeks. At that time, your dentist will examine your bite and evaluate your gums to see how they are responding to the presence of a veneer.

Does veneer placement hurt ?

veneer placement doesn’t typically cause pain. You dentist may use a local anesthetic while reducing the enamel. The attachment process doesn’t usually involve any discomfort. Some patients with new veneers experience increased sensitivity that disappears after several weeks.

How many veneers should I get ?

veneers are meant to enhance your smile. The number of veneers you need depends on how wide your smile is. Most people show 6 to 12 teeth when they smile. On the other hand, patients who wish to fix a single chipped tooth will only need one veneer. Choose the number of veneers based on your cosmetic goals and budget.

How do I care for my veneers ?

veneers are very durable. With proper care, they can last 10 years or more. While veneers are stain resistant, it’s best to avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, try to brush your teeth immediately afterwards.

veneers are more delicate than your natural teeth. To prevent unnecessary damage, avoid chewing hard items. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can fit you with a night guard that will protect your veneers from chips and fractures.

If you have veneers, it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups. Brush your teeth and floss at least twice per day in between professional cleanings. Your dentist can help you develop an effective oral health care plan that will keep your veneers looking their best.

CROWNS AND BRIDGES

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Teeth that have been severely damaged by disease, decay, or injury cannot be restored 0using traditional fillings. Dental crowns and bridges can be used to restore missing or seriously damaged teeth. These restorations completely cover the affected tooth structures, bringing back healthy oral function and improving the appearance of your smile.

What are dental crowns ?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged tooth. Crowns can improve the appearance, shape, and alignment of your teeth. They are typically made of porcelain, metals, metal alloys, composite resin, or a mixture of these materials.

What are dental bridges ?

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Traditional bridges are composed of one or more false teeth anchored to dental crowns on each side of the gap. The false teeth are typically made of porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth.

What are the different types of dental bridges ?

There are three types of dental bridges commonly used in dentistry

Traditional bridges

First, crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth. The bridge, which contains one or more false teeth, attaches to the adjacent teeth for support. Traditional bridges are used in a majority of cases.

Cantilever bridges

This type of bridge only supports the false teeth on one side. Cantilever bridges are only suitable for areas that don’t experience significant wear and tear.

Resin-bonded bridges

False teeth are fused to a metal framework that is bonded to your existing teeth. This type of bridge is generally only used on the front teeth.


What are the advantages of dental crowns and bridges?

  • Restore and maintain your natural bite.
  • Keep your teeth in the proper location.
  • Prevent further dental decay and disease.
  • Restore full oral health function.
  • Improve your ability to chew and speak.
  • Enhance your appearance and smile.

Am I a good candidate for dental crowns or bridges?

If you’re interested in dental crowns or bridges, contact your dentist to schedule a consultation. Patients with severely damaged teeth may be good candidates for dental crowns. If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health to determine the best treatment option.


How are dental crowns made?

During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth for the crown. After numbing the area using local anesthetic, your dentist will reduce your existing tooth to make room for the restoration. Next, you dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory.

At the end of your first appointment, you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown that will protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being built. After receiving the crown, your dentist will check the fit before attaching it using dental cement. The final crown will be shaped and polished to match the natural look of your teeth.

How do I care for dental crowns and bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges should be treated like your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene practices are essential, because you can still get cavities under a crown. Be sure to brush your teeth and floss twice daily to prevent oral health problems. If properly cared for, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime.

How are dental bridges made?

The procedure for placing a dental bridge is similar to crown placement. Your dentist will examine the adjacent teeth to determine if they can support a dental bridge. In most cases, your dentist will place dental crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory. The dental laboratory can use the impressions to fabricate a bridge that will fit comfortably between the support teeth. During this process, you may be fitted with a temporary bridge. When your bridge is ready, your dentist will confirm that it fits before attaching it to the support teeth using dental cement. Once in place, your dentist will shape and polish the bridge to give the restored teeth a natural appearance.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Endodontic Treatments and Root Canal Therapy

Endodontic treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy, is a common dental procedure performed on approximately 14 million people every year. Many people are afraid of root canals, but endodontic treatments can relieve pain and save your natural teeth. If performed correctly, the procedure is relatively painless with a quick recovery time.

What is endodontic (root canal) therapy ?

Deep cavities and injuries can cause an infection that damages the pulp of your tooth. Pulp is the technical name for the network of nerves and blood vessels responsible for the formation of dental tissues. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone and tissue surrounding the tooth. Endodontic therapy can eliminate the infection by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent future infections.


How do I know if I need root canal therapy ?

Teeth that require endodontic treatment don’t always cause pain and discomfort. Low-grade infections can go undetected, which is why routine dental screenings are important. However, some patients may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain when chewing or biting.
  • Throbbing pain that can lessen or intensify.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
  • Gum tenderness and swelling.
  • Pain when chewing or biting down.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for an evaluation. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate treatment.

Is endodontic therapy painful?

Most people say that endodontic therapy doesn’t hurt more than a regular dental filling. After treatment, most patients can return to their normal daily activities. If you need a root canal, it’s likely that you’re already in serious pain. Many patients report that endodontic therapy actually reduces oral pain and discomfort.

What happens after endodontic treatment?

After undergoing endodontic therapy, your teeth may be sensitive for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Your gums may be slightly sore or inflamed. It’s best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth for a few days to minimize irritation. Pain or discomfort can usually be controlled using over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to take care of any remaining infection. Continue following your regular oral hygiene routine. If you experience any problems after endodontic therapy, contact your dentist.


How long do root canals last ?

In general, root canal therapy is successful in over 90% of cases. You can make your root canal last longer by completely restoring your tooth with a permanent filling or crown. It’s important to maintain your teeth with a robust dental hygiene program. You can still get a cavity in the restored tooth, even after endodontic treatment. However, you will not feel any pain, because the nerves have been removed. Therefore, it’s important to schedule routine dental screenings to determine if your teeth are healthy.

How much does endodontic therapy cost ?

The cost associated with root canal therapy depends on the severity and location of the infection. In general, endodontic therapy is less expensive that tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant.