Treatment & services

Yes! We do offer nitrous oxide to our patients. We use nitrous oxide to help patients who are nervous - to have a better, more comfortable experience. There is no charge to our patients. We want our patients to have a good experience with us and not an extra expense.

If baby teeth become diseased or decayed, it can lead to pain and infection. It can also make it difficult for a child to eat a well-balanced meal if they have a mouth full of cavities. Having untreated cavities can also increase the amount of decay causing bacteria in the mouth. As the permanent teeth erupt, they are at increased risk for developing cavities because of the higher bacteria count. Baby teeth also hold space in the mouth for the erupting permanent teeth. If the baby teeth become decayed or are taken out before they should be, the permanent teeth often become crowded and will likely need braces to straighten their teeth in the future.

If you have a tooth that is broken, chipped or fractured, you should come in to see the dentist as soon as you can. Otherwise your tooth can be damaged further or become infected, possibly causing you to end up losing the tooth.

When cavities break through the enamel surface of your teeth, the cavity will probably get bigger unless you fix them with fillings.

The dentist will numb your mouth when you come in to have your cavities filled. He will drill the cavity out of your tooth to prep it. The filling will then go in the tooth and needs to harden. You will probably feel some pressure when a filling is being placed. Once the filling is set, they can last for a very long time. They sometimes need to be replaced if they get worn down or broken.

In recent years there has been some controversy about the safety of the mercury that is used in dental fillings. We can assure you that amalgam (silver) fillings are not only safe, but they are very strong and durable.

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, have been safely and effectively used for over 100 years. In spite of the controversy, several public health agencies, like the ADA and the FDA have confirmed the safety of amalgam fillings for dental fillings.

One of the reasons that amalgam fillings have been so widely used is that they form a very stable repair for teeth that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, like the molars. However, since the aesthetics of our teeth are very important, we also use the tooth colored composite fillings, in teeth that are noticeable when you smile. We will talk to you about the benefits of both the amalgam and the composite fillings, so that you can decide which one will fit best for you. You can choose to do either type of fillings, since they are both good options.

Filling teeth is one of those essential services that we provide to keep your teeth functional and healthy. One of the best ways to avoid getting cavities and the need for fillings is to follow a regular routine for dental health care. By monitoring your oral health with regular exams and cleanings, we can stay ahead of problems and treat them before they become big and cost more to fix.

Sealants can help to protect against cavities that can form in the natural grooves and cracks of teeth. Children from about 6-12 years old can benefit from having sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of their back teeth. Adults can also have sealants done to protect their teeth if they do not have fillings in them already. The dentist or the assistant will place the sealants in teeth. It is painless and they can last for about 2-4 years.

Teeth are treated everyday with root canal therapy. A root canal is a treatment that is done to repair and save a badly damaged tooth or an infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth, cleaning out and disinfecting the tooth and then filling it and sealing the canals. The common causes for the tooth getting infected are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity and repeated dental treatment to the tooth, or trauma. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning out the canals inside the root of the tooth.

Symptoms of an infection can vary greatly, so it is not always easy to tell whether or not you may need a root canal. Sometimes discoloration of the tooth may occur, making the tooth appear shadowy or darkened. You may also feel a dull throbbing pain or pain when you bite down. However, there are sometimes when you do not feel any pain from an infection. An absence of pain may indicate that the nerve has died, which would mean that a root canal may be needed.

Some people may be unaware of a tooth infection for a long period of time. Sometimes the only way you can tell if a tooth has an infection is with dental x-rays and other methods of examining the tooth. If you need a root canal don’t delay your treatment. A dental infection that is left untreated can result in the loss of a tooth.

Having root canal therapy done on your tooth doesn’t always hurt. In fact, most patients do not have any pain with having a root canal done. Some patients may experience some tenderness, which can be normal. Anesthetic is used just like any dental procedure and you are numb for the entire procedure. After treatment, there is a healing period of the bone surrounding the tooth that will typically last between 3-10 days. Discomfort is typically reported to be mild to moderate lasting only a couple of days.

Patients who have one or more missing teeth might benefit from a dental bridge. A bridge utilizes crowns that are attached to healthy teeth and serve as anchors for prosthetic teeth that are adjacent. It is the most natural way to fill in the spaces in your mouth left by missing teeth. If left unfilled, this space can cause other surrounding teeth to drift out position. This can cause the teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease that can cause further tooth loss. Fixed bridges can correct an altered bite and improve your chewing ability and speech.

Benefits of a bridge – the bridge will be a custom fit to blend in with your smile. Your bridge will also help to restore functions such as chewing that can be difficult with having missing teeth. Keeping the anchor teeth clean with consistent brushing and flossing, is going to be the key to ensuring the longevity of your bridge. Combining good home care and having regular dental check-ups will help your bridge last for many years.

A crown is needed on a tooth for any of these common reasons:

The tooth has a large filling already in place, and new or recurrent decay.
Typically there is not enough good tooth structure left to place a filling in the tooth and a crown must be placed on the tooth.
A crown is needed to protect a tooth that has had a root canal done,
Because root canaled tooth are more brittle and more likely to fracture.

A crown is done to protect a weak tooth from fracturing.
To hold a cracked tooth together and to seal it from decay.
If you have a discolored tooth.
Improving cosmetic appearances.
Large damage to a tooth from decay.

To support the replacement tooth or teeth when a bridge is placed.

Restores and maintains the natural bite.

Stores sell many different types of whitening products. You can also get take home gels and trays made at the dental office, which is the best way to whiten your teeth. If you would like to try over-the-counter teeth whiteners look for products that are ADA approved. You can also check with your dentist for advice on which whitening products will work.

Safety is often a concern with patients who are considering whitening their teeth. Whitening your teeth is definitely safe and won’t cause your enamel to breakdown.

Some of the side effects that patients experience when whitening their teeth is sensitivity and injuries to the soft tissues. These side effects can easily be avoided by choosing to work closely with the dentist to whiten teeth, rather than using over-the-counter products that can be purchased at your local grocery store.

The products that the dentist offers are going to be stronger and you’ll achieve better result. They are also formulated to reduce and even eliminate sensitivity. Using over-the-counter products cannot offer these same benefits.

We will make you custom fit whitening trays that are customized just for you. This will ensure that they fit snuggly against your teeth. This is going to help eliminate excess whitening gel from leaking during whitening and causing injuries to your gums and other soft tissue. If you would like to learn more about options for a whiter smile, contact out office.

There are many different ways that patients can improve their smiles. Ultimately, the best choice for you should be determined, based on the current state of your smile, and what your aesthetic goals for the future might be. One way to improve your smile is to do crowns and veneers to cover over problem teeth; by covering them with a material, like porcelain that looks like a real tooth. The teeth are shaped and used for a base to build on, and then attached with special cement. Talking with the dentist, he can tell you about some options.

Another way is by teeth whitening. This is one of the most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Unlike the whitening kits that you can find in the stores, professional teeth whitening is customized just for you.

Professional teeth whitening can have dramatic effects on the appearance of your smile. White teeth are associated with youthfulness, so whitening can give you a younger, healthier appearance. Professional whitening is known for being more effective than the drug store kits. They can whiten your teeth several shades quicker. Whitening your teeth is fast and long-lasting, and you can touchup your teeth when you feel it is needed.

A dental implant is used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. The procedure involves multiple steps and treatments with more than one doctor. First is the placement of a titanium implant into the bone, by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. The second and third steps will be done in our office. The second step involves placing the titanium abutment in the implant to bring it above the gum line. The third step is to fabricate a crown that will cover the abutment. When you are all done, you will have a solid tooth that looks and functions like a real tooth that cannot get a cavity.