Services

Diagnostic (Finding your Dental Problems and Needs)

For all new patients, our office provides a complete examination to include, but not limited to, cavity detecting x-rays, Panorex (full mouth x-ray to evaluate teeth and jaws for pathology), clinical examination of all hard and soft tissue, oral cancer screening, jaw muscle and joint evaluation, occlusal (bite) evaluation, medical and dental history review, smile evaluation, along with an in-depth discussion with the patient about their concerns and questions regarding their mouth, health and smile.

Computerized charting and diagnosis for periodontal (gum) disease is performed in our office. The "Florida Probe" was developed at the University of Florida and is used to aid our hygienist to accurately and comfortably measure and record the health of your gums.
New Laser cavity detection system, Diagodent laser "sees" into the tooth and can find decay not visible to the naked eye. Early detection of decay makes possible easier treatment decisions about less invasive procedures such as sealants or shallow bonded fillings to stop decay from becoming deep and possibly damaging the nerve.

Preventive (Improving your Dental Health)

Dental Hygiene Visits - Healthy patients generally have their teeth cleaned by our Registered Dental Hygienist every 6 months. During this visit the Hygienist will remove plaque, stain, and tarter build-up above and below the gum line. This will brighten your smile, but more importantly, help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. During this visit the hygienist will discuss your level of dental health and inform you on things you can do to improve caring for your teeth and gums at home. Brushing and flossing techniques, diet, the various types of toothpastes and mouthwashes to use, and any other concerns you may have about such things as gum line sensitivity and disease prevention may also be discussed.

Other procedures performed at this visit include cavity detecting x-rays which are taken once a year to detect possible cavities between the teeth. Your medical history will be updated at this time to allow our office to note any changes in your overall health. Any new medications that you may be taking will also be discussed since this may affect your dental health.

A fluoride treatment will be done to help strengthen your teeth and help prevent decay, all children and adults are given a pleasant tasting fluoride treatment at every hygiene visit. Since most insurance companies do not pay for fluoride treatments for adults, this service is provided at no charge for all of our adult patients.

Periodontal Screening (PSR) is done for all adult patients to evaluate any changes in the health of your gum tissue. This allows for early detection of gum disease.

Our office uses the Diagodent cavity detection laser on every patient to detect any signs of early decay. The doctor will then follow with a complete re-evaluation of your dental health. This includes a clinical examination of your teeth and gums, cancer screening, bite evaluation, smile evaluation, review of x-rays taken and any other concerns you may like to discuss with the doctor. Children's growth is examined and any orthodontic needs that may be discovered are then discussed with the parents.

Restorative (repairing damage by cavities, wear, and fractures)

Restorations (fillings) are now done with bonded tooth colored filling material. This filling material is as strong as the old silver metal fillings, but has the advantages of being bonded to prevent leakage. These restorations do not darken and stain your teeth like silver amalgam fillings did.
"Air Abrasion" technology can be used to treat small, shallow cavities. About 95% of patients require no anesthesia for this treatment. This "no shot, no drill" technique uses our Kreative Mach 5 unit which removes the decay with a tiny stream of air and abrasive powder, painlessly and quietly. A white bonded filling is then placed to restore the tooth.
Laser Dentistry is the newest technology to remove decay from a tooth. For most teeth, our laser treatment is not felt by the patient, allowing a "no shot, no drill" type of Dentistry. http://www.waterlasedentistry.com/
Porcelain crowns (caps) are used to cover and protect broken, discolored teeth. Crowns restore a tooth when it is not strong enough to hold a large filling. Crowns protect a weak tooth from fracturing or restore an already fractured tooth. A crown will restore the tooth's proper shape, size, and function. Ideally, an esthetic crown will appear to be a normal, attractive tooth that looks like it has not had any dental work done on it.

Cosmetic Dentistry (Improving your smile)

Smile Analysis: Talk to us about your concerns. Do you think your smile could be improved? Do you have discolored teeth, spaces, worn teeth, rotated teeth, or just a smile that does not look right??
Whitening: Whitening your teeth has become predictable and comfortable. We offer two types of tooth whitening. Ask us to evaluate your teeth if you want a brighter smile.
Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. They are used to correct color, length, shape, rotations, spaces, wear and aging of the smile. This "smile make-over" can dramatically improve your appearance.
Bonding: By using tooth colored material that is bonded to your teeth, minor to moderate improvements to your teeth can be achieved. Teeth that are chipped, broken, stained or have spaces between them can be esthetically improved.
White Fillings: Removal of old, metal fillings that have discolored your teeth can be replaced. Bonded, tooth colored filling material restores the beauty and natural appearance of your teeth.
Enamel Contouring: Small flaws in the shape of your front teeth, such as small chips, uneven wear, or different lengths can be eliminated by minor reshaping of the enamel. This small change can improve the overall appearance of your smile.

Endodontics (saving the infected or injured tooth)

Also known as Root Canal Treatment, this procedure allows the doctor to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. This treatment is done when the nerve in the tooth has been damaged by deep decay, a crack in the tooth, or accidental traumatic injury to the tooth. Untreated, this could lead to infection, pain, swelling and eventual tooth loss.

After local anesthesia is used to make the procedure comfortable, the dead nerve tissue is removed through a small access preparation in the biting surface of the tooth. The space in the tooth where the nerve was (the root canals) is then completely cleaned, sterilized and then filled and sealed. This procedure usually takes about 45 minutes. After, the tooth is restored and protected with a porcelain crown.

Pedodontics (children's Dentistry)

Parents are encouraged to bring their children for their first dental cleaning at about the age of 3. We try to make this a fun adventure for our young patients by using gentle and encouraging words, cartoons on our ceiling mounted televisions, and balloons and sticker rewards to get them to look forward to this easy, but important step.

Mild, pleasant tasting fluoride treatments are used to prevent future decay, along with brushing and flossing instructions with parents to improve health and prevent decay. We also provide diet counseling with parents so to limit decay promoting foods. Treatment of decay is very important to prevent early baby tooth loss that could possibly lead to crowding of the permanent teeth. A bite and jaw development evaluation is provided on older children each visit to determine if and when orthodontic (braces) intervention might be necessary.

Prostodontics (Replacement of Missing Teeth)

Missing one or more teeth will decrease your chewing function and put more stress on your jaws and other teeth. This commonly allows the other teeth to shift, causing more problems with your bite. Teeth that have tipped or drifted are hard to clean, making decay and gum disease a concern. Eventually, more teeth may be lost. Loss of teeth also cause shrinking of the jaw bone and this can change how the cheeks and lips are supported which may result in a more aged looking face.

Fixed Bridgework: A bridge replaces a missing tooth or multiple teeth using crowns (caps) on adjacent teeth that support pontics (artificial teeth). The bridge work is cemented to the natural teeth to restore chewing function and the natural appearance of the smile and face.
Removable Partial Dentures (RPD): A partial is a way of replacing multiple teeth when fixed bridgework is not feasible due to the number and position of the missing teeth. While more economical than fixed bridgework, RPD's must be removed after eating to clean the natural teeth to prevent decay. Must be left out at night to let supporting teeth and tissue rest.
Complete Dentures: Dentures are a way to replace teeth when all teeth have been lost, usually from gum disease or trauma. Dentures are supported by the patient's gum tissue and jaw bones and often limits chewing in some patients to softer foods. Must be removed at night to allow the supporting tissue to rest.

Orthodontics (braces and appliances)

Our office offers free orthodontic evaluations. At the time of the appointment, the tooth position, jaw relations and other developmental problems are discussed and examined. The needs and different treatment options may also be discussed.

Appliance Therapy: Appliance therapy is used to correct jaw relationships without the need for extractions (tooth removal) to aid in straightening the adult teeth. Early, interceptive care of some younger patients may make later orthodontic treatment of their adult teeth easier and more successful.
Braces: Braces are used to correct crowding, rotations, spaces, and overbites. Monthly visits determine an average treatment time of 18-24 months. Adult treatment is common for cosmetic reasons and to improve the function of the teeth. Uncorrected bite problems may lead to wear and possible loss of teeth.
We offer easy in office payment plans without finance charges.

American Orthodontic Society

Periodontics (Treatment of gum disease)

Our hygiene department uses the latest non-surgical treatments for gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) that can affect some patient's teeth, roots, and gums. Periodontal disease, left untreated can lead to loss of one or all of your teeth. From original screening, to complete computerized examination (CPEX), we can diagnose and recommend a treatment that is appropriate for your level of disease.

For mild to moderate gum disease, we can comfortably complete treatments in our office to improve and maintain your gum health. For more severe levels of periodontitis, we will work with a local Periodontist (gum specialist) to coordinate treatments.

Implant Dentistry

Implants are used to replace a single or multiple number of missing teeth without involving the other teeth (as in fixed bridgework). Titanium alloy implants are placed to support porcelain crowns or bridges in the areas of missing teeth. Implants are often used to eliminate the need to wear Removal Partial Dentures (RPD) for patients with numerous missing teeth.

Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry is the newest and most exiting field of Dentistry, our new "Biolase" Dental Laser will allow in many procedures a "no shot, no drill" type of Dentistry. Many new FDA approved procedures can now be done with our laser. Ask us for more details.

http://www.waterlasedentistry.com/

Pre-Natal Dental Care

For our expectant mothers we recommend a visit with our Dental Hygienist for a routine dental cleaning in the 1st and then 6 months later in the 3rd trimester. Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the gum tissue, generally causing an increased tendency towards gingivitis. Professional cleaning by our hygienist and excellent home care can minimize the discomfort and any permanent damage to your gums. Other aspects of your dental health and possible needed dental care will be discussed. We routinely communicate with your obstetrician to ensure good health.