Tooth restorations are the various ways your dentist can replace missing teeth or repair missing parts of the tooth structure.

Tooth structure can be missing due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration, or fracture of a tooth. Examples of restorations include the following:

• Fillings

The most common type of dental restoration. Teeth can be filled with gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic materials called composite resin fillings.

• Crowns

Tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, appearance, to hold a bridge in place or cover a dental implant.

• Bridges

False teeth that are designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be anchored on either side by crowns and cemented permanently into place.

• Implants

Replacement tooth roots. Implants are actually a small post made of metal that are placed into the bone socket where teeth are missing. The implant is covered with a replacement tooth called a crown.

• Dentures

Removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are made of acrylic resin sometimes combined with metal attachments. Complete dentures replace all the teeth; partial dentures are considered when some natural teeth remain and are retained by metal clasps attached to the natural teeth.

Our team of professionals are trained in dealing with the dental treatment of a special group of patients – from babies, toddlers, children to young adults (those under 18 years of age).

They place a significant importance on the maintenance of the primary teeth and in preventing tooth decay. They also monitor growth and development of the dentition and jaws.

They are trained in the care of special needs patients including those with significant medical, physical or mental disabilities.

Paedodontists also work closely with other specialists such as oral & maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists and prosthodontists to ensure a comprehensive and seamless approach to your dental treatment.

Your dental hygiene appointment involves the following:

• Oral, Periodontal and Dental Exam

At your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a health and dental history that we will review together. If you have dental insurance please bring it with you.

The examination will include a thorough examination of the oral tissues, an oral cancer screening, a measurement of the health of your gums and the recording of any existing restorations or enamel defects.

• Scaling and Root Planing

Your dental cleaning will involve the removal of harmful hard deposits on your teeth, also known as tartar.

• Dental Polishing

After scaling and root planing is completed, a polish is recommended to remove remaining plaque and surface staining.

• Fluoride Application

Fluoride is applied to the teeth after the polish to help mineralize the teeth and protect against cavities.

We also offer Zoom Whitening.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one’s appearance.

Do I need an orthodontic treatment?
Yes, If you have any of the following conditions:

• Overbite

Sometimes called “buck teeth” — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth

• Underbite

A “bulldog” appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back

• Crossbite

When the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally

• Open bite

Space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together

• Misplaced midline

When the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth

• Spacing

Gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth

• Crowding

When there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate

Oral Surgery can help in many cases including:

• Wisdom Teeth Extraction

poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness.

• Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws.

• Dental Implants

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

• Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants.

• Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck” and can not erupt into function. Patients frequently develop problems with impacted third molar (wisdom) teeth. These teeth get “stuck” in the back of the jaw and can develop painful infections among a host of other problems

• Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

Ask your specialist if you have one or more of the following Symptoms
Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care (see below), implants can last a lifetime.

Types of Dental Visits

Most people are familiar with the typical dental checkup visit. If the office has a dental hygienist, he or she will clean your teeth, do an evaluation and sometimes take X-rays. Then the dentist will check the X-rays and your teeth for signs of decay, check your gums for changes, and check for signs of oral cancer or other diseases.

From time to time, however, your dentist should do a more thorough exam. This is called a comprehensive examination. It includes a thorough look at your entire mouth, head and neck area. The dentist also will ask about your medical history, and you will get X-rays if indicated.

A comprehensive examination likely will be done the first time you visit a dental office. Even if you have had regular care under another dentist, your new dentist will want to become familiar with your health. This will allow him or her to notice changes or problems more easily during future visits.

An important part of every visit is updating your medical history. Your dentist will want to know if you’ve had any changes in your health or your medicines since your last visit.

Mention everything about your health, even if you don’t think it relates to your mouth. Many diseases can affect your mouth and teeth. Researchers continue to discover ways in which oral health is related to overall health. For example, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Research also suggests that periodontal infection can affect your blood sugar levels. It can make your diabetes harder to control. Other health conditions may require your dentist to change the type of anesthesia given.

Bring a list of all medicines you take, with dosages. Some medicines cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities. Your dentist also will want to check that any drug he or she prescribes doesn’t interact with drugs you are already taking.

What To Tell Your Dentist

Your dentist needs to know everything that may help him or her diagnose problems or treat you appropriately. Tell your dentist:

• Your fears — Many people have fears of the dentist that go back to childhood. Pain control and treatment techniques change constantly. The things you fear most may not exist any longer, or there may be new and improved ways of dealing with them. If you fear you have a particular disease or condition, let your dentist know. He or she can look for signs and either diagnose the problem or set your mind at ease. Often, just talking about your fears will take some of the edge off.
• Your overall health — Tell your dentist if you’ve been diagnosed with any diseases or are taking any new medicines. It is important to tell your dentist about all medicines you take. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Even diseases that seem to be unrelated to the mouth may require a different approach to dental treatments or prevention.
• Your dental health — Before the examination starts, tell your dentist if:
  • You think you have a new cavity
  • Your teeth have become sensitive
  • You feel lumps inside your mouth – Don’t wait to see if the dentist catches it or silently hope the dentist misses it. By telling your dentist your symptoms, you may help him or her make an early diagnosis.
• Gag Reflex — The gag reflex, located on the back wall of the throat, helps keep objects from going down your windpipe. If you have ever put your fingers too far back in your mouth and felt like gagging or throwing up, you’ve discovered the gag reflex. Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex. This makes going to the dentist very difficult. If you are one of these people, talk with your dentist about your concerns. You and your dentist or hygienist can work together to find ways to avoid gagging movements.