Initial Oral Examination
As the most important procedure, your initial oral exam includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal probing, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. We will also take a series of x-rays including bitewing x-rays and/or a panoramic x-ray to ensure a proper diagnosis. Our digital X-ray system helps minimize radiation compared to conventional chemical X-rays.
We work with an implant specialist to replace missing teeth with implants including crowns and removable prostheses.
Scaling and Root Planning
Scaling and Root planning is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease. It cleans between the gums and teeth down to the roots. It is also known as deep cleaning. Typically cleaning precedes other restorative treatments.
Composite Resin Filling
A composite resin, also known as white fillings, is a tooth-colored filling that is used today to restore damaged or decayed teeth with better cosmetic results than traditional "silver" fillings.
Crowns and Veneers
You can have a new smile with all-porcelain crowns on the front teeth. For the back teeth, we recommend porcelain fused to metal crowns for better durability and longevity.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by deep decay or infection. In order to save the tooth pain-free the nerve, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the space is filled with medicated materials, sealer. Then tooth can be restored to its full function with a filling or a crown.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that pulling a bad tooth is the best solution, but in fact a missing tooth can cause more problems to adjacent/opposing teeth in the future.
Extraction
At times a tooth has to be pulled due to severe bone loss(loose tooth), infection(swollen face), poor restorability(broken tooth), etc. There are treatment options for missing teeth to restore cosmetic and function which include implants, bridge, and removable dentures.
Implants
Implants are one of the permanent restorations for missing teeth. An implant is surgically placed into the bone mimicking the root of a tooth. Then a crown is cemented on top of the implant after proper healing. Healing time depends on the characteristic of the bone, the location of a missing tooth, and other factors like smoking, diabetic, etc.
Bridge
A bridge is the other permanent restoration for missing teeth. Adjacent teeth are shaped down and work as anchors. The solid crown will be attached to the crowns of the adjacent teeth. Then the whole piece is cemented with permanent cement. The length of the bridge, the number of teeth involved can vary.
Removable Denture
The most economic restoration option for missing teeth. It consists of a main frame and acrylic teeth for missing teeth. It is removable and wearable. It stays in the mouth by either suction or clasps depending on how many teeth are missing.
Mouth/Night Guards
Mouth guards protect teeth from sport injuries and night guards protect teeth from grinding and TMJ(Jaw pain).