|
| |
Laser
cavity detection - back
to top
One of the most significant
advancements in dental diagnosis has been the advent of
the laser cavity detector. Traditionally, dentists have
used a sharp instrument called an explorer to try and
detect cavities on the biting surface of back teeth and
on those flat surfaces of all teeth that are readily accessible.
This method of cavity detection, aside from being uncomfortable,
is about 50% effective in diagnosing decay. Laser cavity
detection is easy, comfortable and is about 90% effective
in detecting cavities. It is also possible to detect cavities
at their earliest stages of development, allowing for
early treatment and minimally invasive procedures. |
 |
| |
 |
Laser
cavity removal - back
to top
Dental lasers are one of the
true up and coming innovations in dentistry. Today‚s
dental lasers are incredibly remarkable instruments. In
most cases, these devices make it possible to remove decay
without anesthesia. No more shot! As a bonus, no sound
of the drill! This is an actual laser device that vaporizes
decayed tooth structure. We use the Erbium:YAG laser,
one of the most effective lasers on the market for decay
removal. The future of dentistry is dental lasers. |
| |
Implant
tooth replacement - back
to top
The standard of care in dentistry
for tooth replacement is dental implants. Implants allow
teeth to be replaced without grinding down teeth on either
side of a missing tooth, which is what is required for
traditional bridgework. This extremely conservative approach
to tooth replacement has an incredible track record of
success. Implant dentistry has been used in this country
for over 25 years and the number of implants placed has
increased every year since their introduction, making
it one of the fastest growing treatments in dentistry.
It is now possible to place an implant and a temporary
tooth at the same visit, meaning that you never have to
go without a tooth. We can even give a denture wearer
a bridge the day after they receive their implants. Imagine,
going from a loose lower denture to a firmly secured bridge
in 2 visits! |
 |
| |
 |
Micro-invasive
dentistry - back
to top
Micro-invasive dentistry is
the detection and treatment of decay at its earliest inception.
Utilizing laser cavity detection, cavities can be diagnosed
at their earliest stages of development. Used in conjunction
with the dental laser, cavities can be detected and treated
before they develop into significant problems. Early detection
means small fillings, which gives a tooth its greatest
chance for being retained in the mouth for life. This
treatment is usually performed painlessly, without anesthesia.
This type of treatment is especially helpful when treating
children, but adults can benefit too. Cosmetic tooth colored
fillings are used to fill the cavities, making them virtually
undetectable. |
| |
Cosmetic
Smile Enhancement- back
to top
Cosmetic smile enhancement is
the ability to alter and improve an individual‚s
smile. There are several techniques which range from cosmetic
whitening to all porcelain crowns. All porcelain crowns
are the closest replacement dentistry has to offer to
the esthetics of real teeth. Many individuals can receive
porcelain veneers, sometimes as thin as a fingernail,
in order to change a person‚s smile from a source
of embarrassment to a source of pride. Studies have shown
that people with beautiful smiles are more successful
and more confident than those with embarrassing smiles. |
 |
| |
 |
Cosmetic
fillings - back
to top
Historically, when a patient
went in to have a filling, they received a silver or gold
filling. Today, those metal fillings are a thing of the
past. Silver and gold fillings discolor teeth or make
them look dark, dramatically affecting a person‚s
smile. Today, tooth colored fillings are the standard
of care. The materials used today come in a wide variety
of shades, so matching a patient‚s tooth color can
be easily attained. We even have special shades that mimic
the translucent nature of front teeth. |
| |
Sedation
dentistry - back
to top
Sedation dentistry is the best
thing that ever happened to the dental-phobe. We can comfortably
treat the anxious patient in a way that allows them to
have their treatment performed without knowing they‚re
having it done. Utilizing a board certified anesthesiologist,
you can be treated in just a few appointments. This is
the safest method for sedation dentistry and allows the
most fearful patient to finally get the treatment they
need to keep their teeth. |
 |
| |
 |
In-office
whitening - back
to top
In-office whitening is a great
way to get the results you want in the shortest time possible.
This treatment involves jump-starting the whitening process
in the office using a special whitening gel and an enhancing
light that quickly lightens the teeth. No anesthesia is
required. This process is followed up with a take home
system that is included in the treatment. |
| |
Digital
radiography - back
to top
Digital x-rays are quickly
becoming the method of choice for dental professionals.
This specialized method of taking x-rays is the safest
technique used in dentistry today. The radiation exposure
to the patient is 90% less than traditional x-rays.
This level is so low, a lead apron is not even required.
These x-rays can then be magnified so that the detection
of even the smallest cavity is possible.
|
 |
| |
 |
Comprehensive
treatment planning - back
to top
Every patient that comes into
our office receives a comprehensive treatment plan. This
is usually presented in a private consultation session
with one of our doctors. This is typically preceded by
a comprehensive examination that typically includes: oral
cancer screening, head and neck exam, TMJ screening, gum
health screening, intra-oral pictures, intraoral charting
and digital x-rays. This is the best method possible for
detecting current and future dental health problems and
for mapping out a plan to help you keep your teeth for
life. |
|
|
|
