Services
Guided Biofilm Therapy
Plaque, a sticky film teeming with bacteria, constantly forms on our teeth. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar, which can irritate gums and contribute to gum disease. Traditional dental cleanings rely on scaling and polishing instruments to remove this buildup. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) offers a more targeted and comfortable approach to achieving a clean, healthy smile.
What is GBT?
GBT is a systematic method for managing dental biofilm, the scientific term for plaque. It utilizes a combination of advanced technologies and treatment protocols to achieve optimal results.
Is GBT Right for You?
GBT is a suitable option for most patients, especially those with sensitive teeth or gum concerns. However, it might not be appropriate for everyone. Your dentist can assess your individual needs and determine if GBT is the best course of action for your oral health.
Digital Dentures
Digital dentures are dental prostheses created with the help of scanners, software, mills and printers.
Unlike conventional dentures made with manual impressions, digital dentures leverage a trio of technologies including intraoral scanners, design software, and 3D printing/milling machines. Intraoral scanners take digital impressions of your mouth, eliminating the need for uncomfortable putty trays. This scan creates a highly accurate 3D model of your gums and remaining teeth.
Design
Design software allows dentists and technicians to meticulously design the denture base and tooth placement on the digital model. This virtual environment facilitates fine-tuning the fit, aesthetics, and bite for optimal comfort and function.
Finally, the design is translated into reality using 3D printing or milling machines. These machines create the denture with high precision from biocompatible resin materials.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel. Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth – and they can be made the same color as natural teeth, as well.
This means that dental crowns can be hard to distinguish from natural teeth, and if you have a tooth-colored crown, no one will be able to tell. It’s important to get your dental crown installed by a professional, to ensure it will last as long as possible.
Who Needs Crowns?
Dental crowns can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth for patients who have had any one of the following:
- Tooth decay
- A cracked tooth
- A broken tooth
- A dental bridge (the crown can hold the bridge in place)
- Misshapen or discolored tooth
General Dentistry
General dentistry is the cornerstone of oral healthcare, encompassing a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services designed to maintain optimal oral health for individuals of all ages. General dentists are trained to address a broad spectrum of dental concerns, from routine cleanings and examinations to more complex restorative procedures and cosmetic treatments.
Essential Services
General dentists play a crucial role in preventing and treating a variety of oral health conditions, including:
- Preventive care: Regular checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Diagnostic procedures: Oral examinations, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to identify and assess dental issues early on.
- Restorative care: Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged or decayed teeth.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding to enhance the appearance of teeth and improve overall smile aesthetics.
- Periodontal care: Scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and other treatments to address gum disease and protect the supporting structures of teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
You want to love the way your teeth look, don’t you? We all do. And with cosmetic dentistry services you can have that! Cosmetic dentistry services can make your teeth whiter, straighter and more beautiful than they’ve ever been.
If your teeth have been damaged, chipped, cracked or stained, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry services.
Who Benefits from Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry can make your teeth beautiful again by eliminating stains, covering up chips and cracks, and by filling gaps left by missing or unusually spaced teeth.
You could be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry if:
- You have healthy teeth and gums. Problems like tooth decay and gum disease often need to be addressed before cosmetic dentistry services are performed. If you don’t address these problems before getting cosmetic dentistry, your efforts could be wasted. Your dentist will let you know if your oral hygiene is healthy enough to support the cosmetic services that interest you.
- You have good oral hygiene habits. Do you brush your teeth twice daily? Floss once per day? See the dentist every six months or as often as recommended by your dental professional? If so, then you may be a good candidate for procedures like tooth whitening or dental implants. If you don’t take care of your teeth as you should, you may need to make changes to your oral hygiene routine before seeking other services.
Implant Restoration
Dental implants are a popular and effective method for replacing missing teeth. They offer numerous advantages over traditional bridges and dentures, including improved durability, function, and aesthetics. This article explores the different types of dental implant restorations, the process involved, and some essential considerations.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implant restorations can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even all teeth in an arch. The type of restoration chosen will depend on the number of teeth missing and the patient’s specific needs.
Type of Restoration
- Crowns Used to replace single missing teeth. The implant acts as an artificial root, supporting a custom-made crown that closely resembles a natural tooth.
- Bridges Used to replace multiple missing teeth. Implants are placed on either side of the gap, and a bridge is fixed onto the implants, restoring both the function and appearance of the missing teeth.
- Dentures Used to replace all or most teeth in an arch. Implant-supported dentures provide a stable and secure fit, eliminating the slipping and discomfort often associated with traditional dentures.
Simple Extractions
A simple dental extraction is a routine procedure performed by dentists to remove a visible, non-impacted tooth. Unlike surgical extractions, which involve incisions and bone removal, simple extractions are less complex and require minimal recovery time.
When are Simple Extractions Needed?
Several reasons can necessitate a simple extraction.
Some common scenarios include:
- Severely decayed or fractured teeth: When a tooth is too damaged for restoration through fillings, crowns, or root canals, extraction becomes necessary.
- Loose teeth: Teeth that are excessively loose due to gum disease or periodontal issues may need removal to prevent infection and further bone loss.
- Overcrowding: In cases of impacted wisdom teeth or overcrowded teeth causing misalignment, simple extraction can create space for proper tooth positioning.
- Infection: If a tooth infection cannot be resolved with antibiotics or root canal treatment, an extraction might be the best course of action.
The Simple Extraction Process
A simple extraction is typically an in-office procedure performed by your dentist.
Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
- Consultation and Anesthesia: During the initial consultation, your dentist will examine the tooth and discuss the extraction process. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.
- Tooth Loosening: A dental instrument called an elevator is used to gently loosen the tooth by widening the socket slightly.
- Tooth Removal: Once loosened, forceps are used to grasp the tooth and remove it from the socket.
- Socket Care: The dentist will clean the socket and may place gauze to control any bleeding. In some cases, stitches might be used to close the gum tissue.
Root Canal
When a toothache strikes, the mere mention of a root canal can send shivers down the spine. But don’t let fear lead to tooth loss. A root canal is often a tooth hero, restoring health and function while preventing the need for extraction.
The Root of the Issue
Inside each tooth lies a delicate pulp chamber, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When infection or inflammation strikes this pulp, pain, sensitivity, and swelling can ensue. A root canal addresses this by removing the diseased pulp and cleaning the root canals, preventing infection from spreading and saving the tooth.
The Process
- Numbing the Area: Local anesthetic ensures a comfortable experience.
- Accessing the Pulp: A small opening is created in the tooth’s crown.
- Removing the Pulp: Delicate instruments extract the inflamed pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: Root canals are meticulously cleaned and shaped.
- Filling and Sealing: A biocompatible material securely fills and seals the canals.
- Restoring the Crown: A crown or filling protects the tooth and restores its function.
Dispelling the Myths
Painful Procedure?
Modern techniques and anesthetics make root canals no more uncomfortable than a filling.
Last Resort?
Root canals are often the best way to save a tooth and prevent further complications.
Long and Drawn Out?
Most root canals can be completed in one to two appointments.
Periodontal Scaling
Periodontal scaling, also known as prophylaxis or deep cleaning, is a non-surgical dental procedure used to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup from below the gum line. This buildup can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis (inflammation) and, if left untreated, periodontitis (severe gum disease) which can damage the jawbone and even lead to tooth loss.
When is Periodontal Scaling Needed?
Regular dental cleanings typically involve removing plaque and tartar from above the gum line. However, periodontal scaling is necessary when these deposits accumulate below the gum line, which is an area not easily reached with regular brushing and flossing.
Signs that you might need periodontal scaling include:
- Bleeding gums: This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and can occur during brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
- Receding gums: Gums that pull away from the teeth create pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
- Persistent bad breath: This can be a sign of gum disease and needs to be addressed.
- Loose teeth: Severe gum disease can weaken the bone supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth.
The Periodontal Scaling Process
Periodontal scaling is typically performed by a dentist or dental hygienist in one or more appointments, depending on the severity of gum disease. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation and Anesthesia: During the initial consultation, your dentist will assess your gums and determine the extent of gum disease. Depending on the severity, local anesthesia may be administered to numb the area around the
