There has been a tremendous growth in the number of services offered in dentistry over the years, and we provide a significant number of these for our patients. Many of the changes that have occurred most recently have been in the area of cosmetic restorations available to help us provide you with a beautiful smile. Peridontal (or Gum) treatment has also changed considerably, and this can also dramatically affect the esthetic outcome in many situations.
Below are a few of the more common procedures that we perform on a regular basis in our office.
Dental Maintenance Prophylaxis – This refers to the regular cleanings that are necessary to help you keep your mouth in a healthy condition.
Periodontal Scalings and Root Planings - These procedures are performed when the gum tissues are getting into more serious trouble. This is a situation where patients require a more vigorous and definitive cleaning of their teeth, and is performed to properly smooth and debride the roughened root surfaces of teeth in various stages of periodontal disease.
Teeth Bleaching – Is a procedure that can enhance the appearance of the natural teeth. It will not, however, lighten a restoration such as an old crown, veneer, or bonded composite resin. Old restorations that are not esthetic may require replacement to achieve the result that you may be seeking.
Restoration of Teeth Damaged by Decay – If the decay is not too extensive, the tooth probably can be restored with a white composite filling. If the damage to the tooth is more extensive however, a crown that covers and protects the tooth may be needed. There are very many different materials available to do this. The more common materials are all porcelain crowns, or a combination of porcelain baked on top of a metal coping, which is called a “porcelain to metal” crown. And then there is the most time tested material of all, gold. While these are done primarily in non-esthetic areas, they are still considered to be the most biocompatible and best functioning restorations available.
Restorations in the “Esthetic Zone”- There are a very large array of materials for esthetic restoration, and they fall into the categories of either full coverage all porcelain crowns, or porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are more conservative restorations than full coverage crowns, and are the desirable way to restore a tooth if the existing tooth structure allows it.
Restorations of Implants – We use a team approach when implant restorations are required. After the implants are placed by a surgeon, our office will place the restoration once proper healing has occurred.
Periodontal Therapy - This may involve periodontal surgery to remove diseased gum tissue or possibly place bone graft materials to help your body regenerate lost supporting bone around your teeth.
Root Canal Therapy – This procedure is done in instances where the pulp (the hollow inner core of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue) of the tooth is damaged, usually from decay. Of all the procedures in dentistry, this one has perhaps generated some of the greatest anxiety among dental patients. Fortunately, this procedure has become as comfortable as any other dental procedure, and the anxiety associated with this or any dental procedure has been greatly diminished. Patients will attest to the fact that modern dentistry is done very comfortably.
Nitrous Oxide – Is also available to help patients with their appointments if needed.