FILLINGS
Silver fillings have been used for over 100 years in dentistry and they are still used today but on a much less frequent basis. The newer composite fillings are virtually invisible and are rapidly replacing the silver amalgam as the filling of choice. However, when indicated, the silver amalgam still has its place in modern dentistry..

Bonded fillings are tooth-colored and can be used to repair chipped teeth, close the small crevices in teeth and of course, fill cavities. Bonded or composite fillings are the fillings of choice when a patient does not want to show any restoration or fillings in their mouth. Studies have shown they are stronger and might be longer lasting than silver fillings.

CROWNS/CAPS
When a tooth is badly broken down or has too much filling material it becomes weak and is subject to fracturing, a cap or crown is the treatment of choice. The tooth is reshaped so that the dentist can place a very aesthetic new tooth over the worn out natural tooth. Caps or crowns may be constructed of all gold, porcelain or a combination of the two.

VENEERS
These wonderful thin layers of porcelain can be bonded to the front of teeth to lengthen, reshape or even straighten front teeth. Sometimes veneers are placed to close spaces, whiten teeth or just enhance your smile.

BRIDGES
When a tooth is lost for whatever reason it should be replaced. One possible way is with a bridge which connects to adjacent sound teeth with caps or a crown. If certain teeth are not replaced, many other teeth will shift causing a malfunction in chewing. Bridges can fit and look so perfect, that a person will think of them, as if they were a part of their own natural teeth.

IMPLANTS
Dental Implants are used extensively today to replace one of more missing teeth. A metallic post is placed into the jawbone and a very natural artificial tooth or teeth are placed or locked into the implant. Today implants are highly successful and when indicated, are usually the treatment of choice to replace lost teeth.

DENTURES
Dentures are used when all the teeth of the top or bottom jaw are lost usually from gum disease. When they are made properly, they will restore a patient’s natural looks and provide very reasonable function.

TOOTH WHITENING OR BLEACHING
These procedures are becoming very popular. As we age, our teeth naturally become darker or possibly our teeth were not as white as we had hoped. With today’s modern whitening techniques a patient can achieve the whiter teeth they are looking for, in two weeks or less.

ROOT CANAL
A root canal is indicated if decay and bacteria have gotten deep enough to infect the nerve of a tooth. This is usually accompanied by pain or extreme sensitivity to heat and pressure. Sometimes there is no pain but disease can be seen on the dental x-ray. Trauma or a blow to a tooth may cause injury to the nerve inside the tooth. Once the tooth is fully matured, the nerve inside the tooth is really not necessary. Should a root canal be required, it can be performed usually without any pain or discomfort. A root canal is the complete removal of the internal portion of the nerve chamber. The tooth will feel the same as it did previously, when it was healthy.

GUM DISEASE OR PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Most of the adult population in the US suffers from some degree of gum disease. If left untreated, the supporting bone of the teeth is lost. The teeth become loose and eventually are lost. Regular dental cleanings and proper home care are the keys to keeping this problem under control. During pregnancy any gum problem usually becomes worse. Swollen, bleeding gums are the usual signal. Pregnant women need to step up their preventative care during this important period of time. Perhaps an extra cleaning during those nine months would be in order. Today with many people having joint replacements it is vitally important to keep gum disease at a minimum as active disease could easily introduce bacteria into the blood system and cause serious problems.

SNORING & SLEEP APNEA
If it is just a case of simple loud snoring, a simple plastic device worn at night will cure most snoring problems. Sleep apnea involves some periods of breathing cessation. The dentist will work closely with an MD if both sleep apnea and snoring are co-existent.

CLENCHING/BRUXISM
Usually this problem is associated with sore muscles of the jaw, frequent morning headaches and neck aches. These problems can be successfully treated with a small, fitted plastic appliance and some other techniques we employ in our office. We see many more patients with these problems than we did as recently as 10 years ago.