What is a dental restoration?
A dental restoration is a material used artificially to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma.
What is a dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings are the removal of plaque and tarter deposits that have built up on the teeth over time.
What is Scaling and Root Planning or deep cleaning?
The objective of scaling and root planning is to remove or eliminate the etiologic agents under the gum line which cause inflammation, dental plaque, and calculus, which helps to establish a periodontium that is free of disease.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During the procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
What is a Bridge?
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The tooth on each side of the bridge are called anchoring teeth, they are prepped so that crowns can be placed on them as well as a 'pontic' tooth in place of the tooth/teeth that has been lost.
What is a Crown?
A dental Crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth covering it to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance.
What is a dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium metal screw that is placed into the jaw bone. It acts as an anchor for a false tooth or a set of false teeth.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
- Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, inflamed, and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. It is reversible with professional treatment and improvement on home care.
- Periodontitis can result from untreated gingivitis. Bacteria can creep down under the gum line and can irritate the gums. The bacteria and toxins can breakdown the bone and tissue that support the teeth, this then forms a pocket. As the disease progresses these pockets can become deeper as the bone is destroyed. Without treatment these teeth can eventually become loose and may become un-savable. Periodontitis is not reversible but may be maintained with professional treatment and proper home care.
- Some Risk Factors for periodontal disease
- Increased risk of stroke
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of stomach ulcers
- Increased risk of pre-term birth
- Increased risk of complications of diabetes mellitus
- Slower wound healing
- Increased risk for pulmonary infections
What are Dentures?
Dentures are a prosthetic device that is made to fit your mouth to replace missing teeth.
What is a Partial?
Partials are partial dentures that are made to replace a few teeth. Most partials are fabricated with metal and acrylic are made to attach to other teeth.
What are Inlays/Onlays?
Inlays and Onlays are conservative alternatives to full coverage crowns. The difference between these and normal fillings are these have to be fabricated at a lab. And inlay is when material is bonded within the center of the tooth. An onlay is when the damage includes one or more cusps or points of the tooth or full coverage of the biting surface.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a thin shell that is designed to cover the front of the tooth. It can change the size, color, and shape. They can be made from materials such as porcelain or resin composite.
What are Sealants?
Sealants are a thin plastic like coating that is placed over the chewing surface of the tooth. These are usually placed on molars and pre-molars.
What kind of Whitening do you have?
We can do whitening through Bleach trays or Crest White Stripes, Professional Strength. For bleach trays we make a mold of your teeth and then we make trays that specifically fit your teeth. Then you are given a gel to put in the trays to be worn for a period of time. These trays will last from months to years if taken care of properly. The Crest White Strips, Professional Strength, are strips that you put on for a period of time and then dispose after use.
What do you recommend for Good Oral Hygiene?
We recommend brushing your teeth (with an electric tooth brush if possible) twice daily for two minutes each time, and flossing one time a day. We also recommend seeing your hygienist for your regular cleaning at least 2X a year, or every 6 months, and working with your dentist/hygienist team on what is best for your oral health.
