Our Services
Below is a list of services we provide. You may click on any of the services for a short description of the treatment.
Preventive
Dental cleanings are the gentle removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth structures. They are intended to removal irritants from the teeth. Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque and having the teeth polished to remove stains and further buildups of plaque that are not removed when regular tooth brushing is performed.
Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in water and many foods. Fluoride builds up teeth’s strength against the acids that cause cavities and tooth decay. The ADA (American Dental Association) encourages fluoride treatment, stating that professional fluoride treatments are beneficial and are best utilized as part of a comprehensive preventive program in the dental home.
Dental sealants are a safe resin material applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. Sealants fill in the crevices of a tooth and “seal” off the tooth from cavity causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans yearly. We use the latest technology to detect changes in oral tissue consistencies and/or lesions. A UV light is shined into the mouth to detect unhealthy tissue. Healthy tissue looks lighter under the light while spots of bad tissue appear dark. With early detection, cancer may be caught before it has time to spread, potentially saving lives.
Dental Cleanings are a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Diagnostic
A comprehensive examination is a thorough evaluation of your oral-facial structures from both a functional and esthetic approach, which does two basic things:
- Gathers information that will be of value in diagnosing any problem in the head and neck region, including the teeth and gums.
- Allows you time to get to know the staff, completely understand your dental condition and all options of therapy or treatment, if necessary.
Why is a comprehensive exam important?
In order to successfully treat any existing dental problem, or intercept a developing one, the cause(s) of the problems must be discovered. Also, before any restorative dentistry (e.g., fillings or crowns) can be started, detailed planning for long-term success is mandatory.
What does a comprehensive exam include?
- Medical History: A complete and thorough medical and dental history is taken. Any previous x-rays or records are reviewed.
Your chief complaint(s), previous dental experiences, and treatment goals are discussed. Please bring as much information (e.g., current medications and records from past dentists) as possible with you to your first appointment. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Examination: A detailed palpation of the muscles of the face and neck, and the TMJ itself. The relationship of your jaws to each other, as well as your range of motion are evaluated. Any previous trauma or treatment to your TMJ is discussed. - Imaging: All necessary radiographs (x-rays) and photographs are taken to properly diagnose your case.
- Occlusal Examination: Impressions and models of your teeth may be made to more closely evaluate your teeth and bite.
- Periodontal Examination: Using precise measuring instruments, your gums and bone underneath are evaluated for their relative health. In doing this, we will determine if gum disease is present and whether you need to be referred to a periodontist (gum specialist).
- Esthetic Examination: A “smile analysis” may be performed if multiple restorations (e.g., crowns) are needed on your front teeth. This would include several photographs of your face, smile, teeth, and bite. Measurements are taken to evaluate the symmetry and harmony of your teeth and compared to your facial profiles. The possibilities for tooth whitening are evaluated and discussed, if desired.
Benefits of a comprehensive examination.
- You will have a complete understanding of the condition of your teeth, gums, and TMJ, and the reasons why they are in that condition.
- If restorative/esthetic dentistry is being planned, you will have a very good idea of what is possible from a dental perspective and desired by you.
- An organized and detailed plan and sequence of therapy will be proposed of your desired restorative/esthetic care.
- By finding the cause of the problems and the possible solutions, you will be able to make a more informed decision about your dental care.
When should I have a comprehensive exam?
- As a new patient.
- Before any major dental work is started.
- If you are a patient in our practice but have not been seen in the last three years.
An X-Ray is an image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation. Dental X-Rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. Latest technology now allow for digital X-Rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent, and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.
Restorative
After cavities are cleaned, a composite filling is used to “patch up” the cavity that bacteria leave behind when they infect the tooth. Composite fillings are safe and shaded to match the color of the tooth.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Milling (CAM) offers advanced treatment options with less waiting time for a restoration. Depending on the procedure(s) being performed, your dental restoration(s) may be able to be placed on the same day or next day instead of the usual wait of one to two weeks or more. Using a special scanner, the office can take a digital impression without using traditional trays, improving patient comfort. The restoration(s) is then designed using advanced computer 3D technology that can analyze the interaction of the new restoration with your other teeth. A new crown is milled out of a solid piece of tooth colored material providing excellent durablity. Advancements in materials and technology have provided many options for great restorations that can both look great, provide superior strength compared to other restorations, and reduce the need for multiple visits to the office.
Bridges replace missing teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. A false tooth is held in place by being attached to a neighboring tooth. In order to fabricate a bridge, crowns are made for the teeth on either side of the space and a false tooth is placed in between the crowns, as a support.
Dental implants are the replacement of tooth roots in the mouth. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium, which are placed in the jawbone. The anchors begin to fuse with the bone over a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.
Once the implant sites have healed and the implant posts have been attached, our office will create and place custom made restorations such as crowns, bridges and dentures on the already placed dental implants to complete your new smile.
Once the implant sites have healed and the implant posts have been attached, our office will create and place custom made restorations such as crowns, bridges and dentures on the already placed dental implants to complete your new smile.
An extraction is the process of removing a tooth or tooth parts. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then rocked back and forth until it is removed from its socket.
Aesthetic
Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth. There are two different ways to achieve a desired whiter smile, In-Office Bleaching and At-Home Bleaching.
In-Office Bleaching usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue. A bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and a laser light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
At-Home bleaching requires an impression of the teeth to be taken to make a customized mouth guard to hold the whitening gel, containing carbide peroxide, against the teeth. Once the mouth guard is made, it is worn for a period of time, as instructed by our office. The amount of time may vary from a couple hours a day, or all night, for up to four weeks or longer, if desired.
Click on the button below for more information regarding the types of Whitening available.
Information Regarding Teeth WhiteningCosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth. To place a veneer, a very small amount of the original tooth enamel must be removed. Afterwards, an adhesive layer is placed between the slightly prepped tooth and the veneer. The veneer is then hardened with a curing light.
An inlay or onlay is a partial crown restoration that can be placed when there is not sufficient tooth structure to support a filling, but not quite large enough to require a crown. They are made of a composite or porcelain that aesthetically replaces the missing tooth structure.
Orthodontics
Using transparent aligners that have been custom made for your teeth, MTM Clear Aligners correct small imperfections in your smile, such as crowding and gaps. A set of aligners will be created to slowly change the position of your teeth, leaving you with a beautiful smile at a fraction of traditional braces.
Removable Prosthetics
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. There are two types of dentures, complete (full) and partial dentures.
Complete (Full) Dentures are made after all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. The denture includes an acrylic base that is custom made in the dental laboratory and are made to look like natural gums, which sits over the gums or can be anchored to dental implants.
Complete (Full) Dentures are made after all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. The denture includes an acrylic base that is custom made in the dental laboratory and are made to look like natural gums, which sits over the gums or can be anchored to dental implants.
Removable Partial Dentures are made only when a few teeth need to be replaced. The removable partial denture either attaches to crowns on either side of the denture or to a metal framework that is attached to the teeth on both sides of the partial denture. Partial dentures can be removable or they can be anchored in place by attaching them to dental implants. Removable partial dentures can be supported in place by attaching them to dental implants when wearing them during the day.
Removable Appliances
A removable acrylic appliance intended to relieve temporomandibular joint pain and other effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism). Usually worn at night to prevent grinding during sleep.
Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that maintains an open, unobstructed airway in the throat when worn during sleep.
Pedodontic
Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque and having the teeth polished to remove stains and further buildups of plaque that are not removed when regular tooth brushing is performed.
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at the office. It is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam or varnish form.
Sealants protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants are placed on the biting surfaces of premolars and molars to seal the grooves and pits of the teeth. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed from the tooth, it is filled with this composite material and left to harden immediately afterwards.
Click on the link below for helpful information on making your child’s dental experience a positive one.
Helpful Hints for Children Dental TreatmentA dental crown is a restoration that covers or caps a tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling won’t be effective. In order to effectively place a crown, tooth structure may be taken away to help create an esthetically pleasing fit.
Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.
Root canals involve treating decay within the inside of the tooth. If the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is damaged it will gradually decay if left within the tooth. The process involves removing the pulp, cleaning out the root canals, and packing the canals with material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for it to exfoliate (or fall out on its own naturally).
Click on the link below for helpful information on making your child’s dental experience a positive one.
Helpful Hints for Children Dental TreatmentA dental extraction is the removal of extremely decayed or broken teeth. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then rocked back and forth until it is removed from its socket.
A habit appliance is useful to help stop a thumb or finger habit and/or to help re-train an improper tongue position or swallowing pattern. It is necessary to place an appliance to minimize the harm and distortion the habits or tongue posture can have on teeth. Most habit appliances are banded for adhesion to the back molars and are not removable.
Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.
Many sports require the use of mouth guards to protect children’s teeth while they are playing. Using impressions of your child’s mouth, we will create a unique mouth guard for your child to use during activities. Our custom made mouth guards provide superior protection and the most comfortable fit for your child’s mouth.
Breathing nitrous oxide produces a pleasant state of relaxation. While breathing nitrous oxide, you may notice some of the following conditions:
- Tingling of the hands and feet
- Numbness around the mouth
- A floating feeling
- Calmness
- Relaxation
- Heaviness of the limbs
- Warm sensation
Nitrous oxide sedation is not to be used if you have any of the following conditions:
- Moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema, chronic bronchitis,
chronic asthma) - Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (nose breathing obstructed due to common cold)
- Severe and poorly compensated cardiac disease
- Pregnancy
Before using nitrous oxide sedation, a meal should not be consumed at least 4 hours before your appointment.
Even though the recovery time from nitrous oxide sedation is within 5 to 10 minutes, you are advised not to drive for 30 minutes following the use of the nitrous oxide.