OUR SERVICES

Porcelain Laminate Veneers are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing and beautiful smile. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. Porcelain veneers allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color.

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

Historically, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that needs to be removed plus the tooth will tend to darken with age. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to tooth colored fillings which are a stronger, safer and more natural looking alternative to silver fillings.

Dental bridges are devices used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical dental bridge consists of a pontic (filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding crowns (abutments). Once complete, this dental bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems and may spur periodontal disease.

Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp which provides the tooth with nutrients and nerves. This pulp extends down to the tooth root. If the pulp becomes infected or injured, the tooth’s nerves die and often, without endodontic treatment, i.e., a root canal, the tooth dies as well. Root canals are designed to save such damaged teeth. During the procedure, a small opening is drilled into the tooth’s crown and pulp chamber, diseased pulp is reshaped or removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed with a crown.

For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than either bridges or dentures. Dental implants serve as the artificial root to which new teeth are bonded. They are typically constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively attaches to bone. The procedure to insert dental implants typically involve three steps: the implant insertion stage, osseointegration (the period of healing for the jawbone), and the attachment of the restoration or new tooth.

Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth’s nerve. We can create custom bleaching trays and a whitening gel which are substantially stronger than over the counter products.