Technology
Every important new tool we have incorporated into our practice has been to improve safety, comfort, and diagnostic capability for our patients. Let us tell you about what these new technologies mean for you.
Communications and E-Mail Confirmation
One of the technological innovations we've pioneered is our e-mail confirmation system. I've had so many patients tell me just how effective it is and how much they appreciate it.
With this system, you'll receive an e-mail message 30 days before your appointment reminding you of the date and time of your next visit. Then, four days prior to the appointment, you'll receive a second confirming e-mail and if you prefer even a text message , just to make sure. If there are any questions about your appointment you can simply respond by e-mail and let us know. Or you only need to click on CONFIRM to let us know that you are coming. It's another way we've found to keep the focus of the practice on your convenience.
Doctor/Patient Imaging System
First, as you may know, digital radiography is a new X-Ray technology that eliminates film. When you have X-Rays taken in our office with the award winning DEXIS system, you won't have to wait for X-Ray film to be developed. You'll immediately see a digital X-Ray image on a large-screen computer, very near the chair you're sitting in. There's no waiting for film to be developed, so you don't waste your time.
But even more important, digital radiography exposes you to up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film X-Rays do. It's much safer than the old technology. And with this important new tool, you'll be involved in treatment planning much more than before. The large images, combined with tools that enable me to highlight potential problem areas on the screen so you can see them, enable you to understand just what I'm talking about.
In my practice, you're directly involved in treatment planning, so you know just what to expect.
Preventive Dentistry - Why are dental cleanings necessary?
Professional dental exams and dental cleanings are to your teeth what tune ups are to your car. You get things checked out, cleaned up and tweaked for better performance. If all’s not well, you’ll be clued into problems you probably had no idea about or thought would never happen to you. But just like it’s easy to tune out a tune up, it’s also easy to delay a teeth cleaning. However, if you postpone, be prepared: Without regular dental cleanings, you can bet that a film will build up on your teeth that even the most vigorous brushing won’t remove. In fact, that film is actually plaque — bacteria that creeps into crevices and cusps, eventually causing cavities and gum disease. With a dental teeth cleaning, your dentist can hang up plaque and save you money in the long run. And did you know? A dentist can detect signs of up to 120 other diseases during a routine dental exam -- which usually precedes a dental cleaning.
Reasons to have dental cleanings:
- To prevent Oral Cancer - According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone. If diagnosed early oral cancer is highly curable.
- To prevent gum disease - Gum disease is an infection in the tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. A dental cleaning every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and could reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
- To detect potential problems early - Your dentist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth and gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.
- To prevent bad breath - Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath.
- To have a bright and white smile - Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry includes, but is not limited to, fillings, sealants, bonding, crowns and bridges and encompasses the dental specialties of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics.
Composite Resin Fillings
White fillings are the same as composite or porcelain dental fillings. A “white” cavity filling can be made of composite resin (glass or quartz plus resin) or porcelain. Unlike silver (amalgam), these cavity filling materials mimic your natural tooth color, making them virtually invisible. Good-looking as they are, not every cavity is a perfect match for a white tooth filling; only small to medium-sized cavities are. As for their strength and durability, a white dental filling can last 7-10 years; not as long as silver, but you’ll get plenty of mileage for your money.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a false tooth, or pontic, that literally “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. Unlike dentures which are removable, dental bridges are permanently fused to dental crown-covered abutments (e.g. natural teeth, dental implants or a combination of the two) on either side of the gap. The typical bridge consists of a porcelain or ceramic-covered metal substructure. The covering can be matched to the natural coloring of your teeth, making dental bridges an ideal choice for people interested in an undetectable dental restoration.
Dentures and partial dentures are removable replacement for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. They are finely crafted, custom fitted, appear natural and provide a perfect smile.
Root Canals
There are tiny canals within your tooth that may become infected. This leads to the pulp inside your tooth also becoming diseased. Either your dentist or an endodontist performs the root canal procedure. The canals are then filled and the tooth receives either a filling or crown.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth, which have broken, or have been weakened by tooth decay or a very large tooth filling. The crown fits right over the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes also known as caps.
- • Porcelain bonded to precious metal: This is what the majority of crowns are made from. A precious metal base is made and porcelain is then applied in layers over it.
- • Porcelain: These crowns are not as strong as bonded crowns but they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.
- • Porcelain and composite: Porcelain and composite resin materials can sometimes look the most natural. However, these crowns are not as strong as bonded metal crowns.
- • Precious metal (gold and palladium): These crowns are very strong and hard-wearing, but are usually used at the back of the mouth where they are not visible.
Dental Bonding
Bonding can be used to lighten any stains you may have, close up minor gaps and can be used to correct crooked teeth. Basically, bonding will cover any natural flaws applying a thin coating of a plastic material on the front surface of your teeth. After this, your dentist will apply a bonding material and sculpt color and shape it to provide a pleasing result.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening of the teeth is performed for patients who desire a brighter smile. Tooth whitening can be performed to reduce discoloration and staining, or simply to provide the patient with a whiter, brighter smile. We are currently using the Zoom II Bleach System (as was used on the tv series, “Extreme Makeover”). Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening. You can learn more at www.zoomnow.com.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers, porcelain or plastic, are placed over the front teeth to change the color and shape of your teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too large, or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth, either chipped, crooked or other imperfections. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and beautiful smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium which are surgically screwed into your jaw bone. The implant is an anchor for a naturally-appearing false tooth or a set of false teeth. The success rate of dental implants depends on where the implants are placed and their purpose. It is important that you have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth for the implants to attach to. In some cases a bone graft is required if there is not a sufficient amount of bone. Implants are increasingly being used to replace certain types of bridges and removable dental partial dentures.
Orthodontics and Invisalign
We offer both traditional braces and Invisalign for our patients. For children and young teens we often suggest traditional braces to straighten a smile and ensure proper jaw alignments. Treatment times range from 12 to 24 months, depending on orthodontic needs. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear aligners that you wear regularly and as your teeth move into position you will upgrade to the next aligner until your treatment is complete. They are removable so you can take them out to brush your teeth and eat. They are also a great way to discreetly straighten your teeth. Length of treatment ranges from 6 to 12 months. Learn more at www.invisalign.com.