General and Cosmetic Care
An attractive, healthy smile can be the most eye-catching feature of your face, and more beneficial than many people realize. It is a symbol of vitality, health, success, youth and friendship. Your smile is significant in your personal business and social contacts. So it's important that you are happy with the appearance of your smile.

Bonding
This cosmetic procedure can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. When bonding, tooth-colored resin materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains, close front-tooth spaces, and repair accident-induced cracks or chips. Bonding also is used to protect exposed tooth roots that result from gum recession and to fill small cavities.

Bridges
A bridge is an option to replace a missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name.

Crowns
Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as make for a nice smile.

Dental Implants
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set; the dentist then attaches the replacement tooth to the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work in that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support.

Dentures
There are several types of dentures, but they share one common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss around the roots. Co-ordination of the extraction of the teeth and then the fabrication, and insertion of the dentures are Important to your comfort and appearance.

Digital Radiology
Digital radiography is the use of digital or computerized x-ray systems. This system allows the user to take x-rays in a matter of seconds and can be reviewed immediately on a computer monitor. Digital radiography uses 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays and allows the diagnosis of any conditions existing on your teeth, gums and bone. This technology allows the user to zoom in and out of questionable areas, colorize and clarify images, and to diagnose even the most difficult problem areas.

Fillings
Fillings are done to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure with an appropriate dental material. Most teeth can treated with bonded tooth colored composite resin fillings. Caught early enough, cavities can be treated easily and painlessly. Untreated decay can lead to pain and/or infection, and the tooth would need further treatment.

Invisalign
Invisalign treatment consists of a series clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of pressure to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)
Nitrous Oxide is a inhalant dental anesthetic which makes dental treatment more comfortable. The effect is a sedate feeling, but you may still require local anesthesia for complete comfort. After treatment you will be given oxygen to breathe for about five minutes to dissipate the effects of the nitrous and return you to a normal state.

Non-Surgical Gum Treatments
The gums, ligaments, and bone supporting your teeth are referred to as periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the stability of the teeth. Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. With the proper care it may be possible to return them to a healthy state. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents.

Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is necessary when the nerve of the tooth is traumatized by decay, previous deep restorations or a blow to the mouth. The nerve becomes infected which then extends through the root tip and continues to destroy the surrounding bone. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. The treatment is to clean out the infected nerve and disinfect the canals of the tooth.

Once the infection is resolved, the canals are filled with an inert dental material to prevent further infection.

Veneers
Veneers are thin custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. They may also cover teeth that are chipped or worn.

Tooth Whitening
Also called bleaching, tooth whitening is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses passive tray whitening.

Sealants
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time. So, the dentist will apply a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.