Education

1.Crown & Bridge

Crowns are semi-permanent restorations that replace a single tooth.

Bridges are semi-permanent restorations that replace multiple adjacent teeth.

Both crowns & bridges are used to cover implants or tooth structure that has been removed due to tooth decay or nerve damage. Both are made in a lab from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal material. Because they are custom-made, they are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.

Procedure

A tooth is reduced in size to accommodate a crown, either from decay or nerve damage. The tooth structure that has been removed will be replaced with a fluoride releasing material called build-up. Then an impression is taken and sent to a lab to recreate a crown. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect the remaining tooth structure from fracture. The finalistic crown is cemented on with dental cement.

Care Instructions

It is extremely important to floss in the area of the crown to prevent debris and plaque from gathering around the restoration.

2.Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are performed when the nerve of a tooth is dying or has become infected. The nerve, which contains blood vessels, is located in the canals of a tooth. Depending on the tooth depends on the number of canals a tooth has. The nerve may become so necrotic that a pocket of pus may form at the gum, much like a pimple.

Procedure

A small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the canals where the deceased nerves are located. The necrotic tissue is then removed and canals are sterilized to remove all infected tissue. Then gutta percha is placed in the canals to prevent infection and fracturing. Most patients experience no pain or discomfort from this procedure. After a root canal the tooth will need a crown.

3. Crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a procedure in which a dentist exposes more tooth structure so that it can be covered with a more permanent restoration such as a crown.

4.Dentures & Partials

Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth. Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture or partial improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

This procedure is a series of five or more appointments consisting of impressions, shade and shape selections, try-ins, and adjustments until the patient is fully satisfied with the appliance.

5.Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. As the disease worsens, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are destroyed. Over time teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Treatment in the early stages can help prevent tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque that has formed on your teeth. If teeth are not cleaned well the plaque will start to irritate the gum and cause it to become inflamed. Pockets are formed around the tooth where the bacteria can collect. Pockets become a home for the bacteria and can only be removed by a dental hygienist.

6.Implants

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

Implants are a two-step process in that the implant has to be placed & heal before a crown can be cemented or screwed to it.