• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  
  
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  
  
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  
  
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  
  
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  
  
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  
  
• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment.  The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe.  Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays.  These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  
  
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  
  
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  
  
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  
  
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  
  
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Composite Fillings
  
  
  A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.
  There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth with. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
  
  Following are the some of the signs and symptoms suggesting you may need composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth.
  
  
• Closing space between two teeth.
  
  
• Cracked or broken teeth.
  
  
• Decayed teeth.
  

• Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
  
  A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
  
  Following are the some of the signs and symptoms suggesting you may need Porcelain Crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth.
  
  
• Cosmetic enhancement.
  
  
• Decayed teeth.
  
  
• Fractured fillings.
  
  
• Tooth has a root canal.

• Porcelain Fixed Bridges
  
  A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
  
  Following are the some of the signs and symptoms suggesting you may need a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth.
  
  
• Maintain facial shape.
  
  
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  
  
• Restore chewing and speaking ability.
  
  
• Restore your smile.
  
  
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
  

• Tooth Whitening
  
  Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.
  
  Following are the signs and symptoms suggesting you may need tooth whitening –

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
  
  
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  
  
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
  
  
• Yellow, brown stained teeth.

• Periodontal Disease
  
  Periodontitis is the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the bone around teeth which may lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth if untreated. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that adhere to and grow on tooth surfaces (microbial plaque or biofilms), particularly in areas under the gum line. Periodontitis is very common in most populations but the severe forms of the disease are less common. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
  Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
  
  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth. Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
  Following are the signs and symptoms suggesting a periodontal disease –

• Occasional redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard food (e.g. apples) (though this may occur even in gingivitis, where there is no attachment loss)
  
  
• Occasional gum swellings that recurs
  
  
• Halitosis, or bad breath, and a persistent metallic taste in the mouth
  
  
• Gingival recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth. (This may also be caused by heavy handed brushing or with a stiff tooth brush.)
  
  
• Deep pockets between the teeth and the gums (pockets are sites where the attachment has been gradually destroyed by collagen-destroying enzymes, known as collagenases)
  
  
• Loose teeth, in the later stages (though this may occur for other reasons as well)In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:
  
  
• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  
  
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
  
  
• Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.
  
  
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  
  
• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
  
  
• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
  

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!

• Dentures & Partial Dentures
  

• Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
  
  
• Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
  
  
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
  
  
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

• Root Canal Therapy
  
  Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. 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 removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
  Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  
  
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  
  
• Severe toothache pain.
  
  
• Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  
  
• Swelling and/or tenderness.
  
  
• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  
  
• Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  
  
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.

• Referrals
  
  If we are unable to meet your complex needs we will be more than happy to provide appropriate referrals to an orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist, implantologist as needed.