Services

Family Dentistry

Family dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing comprehensive dental care for individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Our family dentists are trained to treat a wide range of dental conditions, including preventive care, restorative care, and cosmetic dentistry. We also provide education and counseling on oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits.

Benefits of Family Dentistry

There are many benefits to choosing a family dentist for your family’s dental care.

Convenience: Family dentists offer a wide range of services under one roof, so you can get all your family’s dental care in one place. This can save you time and money.

Personalized care: Family dentists take the time to get to know you and your family’s dental needs. They will develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Established rapport: Family dentists build relationships with their patients over time. This can make it easier for you to feel comfortable and at ease during your dental appointments.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on improving the aesthetics of teeth, gums, and the overall smile.

Through a variety of procedures, cosmetic dentists aim to enhance the appearance of teeth, address imperfections, and create a more attractive and confident smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures encompass a wide range of procedures designed to address various dental concerns and enhance the overall smile.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a popular procedure that lightens the color of teeth, removing stains and discoloration caused by food, beverages, and aging.

Various teeth whitening options are available, including professional in-office treatments and at-home whitening kits.

Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth to restore its shape, size, or color.

Bonding can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and even lengthen the appearance of short teeth.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on restoring the function, structure, and aesthetics of teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or lost. Through a variety of procedures, restorative dentists aim to repair or replace damaged teeth.

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Crowns: Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a weakened or damaged tooth to protect it from further damage, improve its appearance, and restore its functionality. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.

Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth by anchoring them to the adjacent teeth or implants. Bridges restore chewing ability, prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, and improve facial aesthetics.

Dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.

Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and supporting bone structures. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace a few teeth.

Comprehensive Exams

Comprehensive Exams are the cornerstone of oral healthcare, encompassing a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services designed to maintain optimal oral health for individuals of all ages. General dentists are trained to address a broad spectrum of dental concerns, from routine cleanings and examinations to more complex restorative procedures and cosmetic treatments.

Essential Services Provided

General dentists play a crucial role in preventing and treating a variety of oral health conditions, including:

Preventive care: Regular checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Diagnostic procedures: Oral examinations, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to identify and assess dental issues early on.
Restorative care: Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged or decayed teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding to enhance the appearance of teeth and improve overall smile aesthetics.
Periodontal care: Scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and other treatments to address gum disease and protect the supporting structures of teeth.

Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel.

Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth – and they can be made the same color as natural teeth, as well.

Dental crowns can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth for patients who have had any one of the following:

Tooth decay
A cracked tooth
A broken tooth
A dental bridge (the crown can hold the bridge in place)
Misshapen or discolored tooth

You may also need a crown if you’ve had a root canal, because during the root canal, your dentist will scoop out the infected part of the tooth and leave the thin outer parts of the tooth in place. This leaves the tooth weak and susceptible to breakage, but a crown can protect your tooth from that. Crowns are also used on dental implants to make the implant look as realistic as possible.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are among the most commonly required forms of adult dental work. A dental bridge is a form of cosmetic dentistry that will improve one’s smile and bite. To be a candidate for a dental bridge, the existing tooth must be permanent as an adult tooth. Learn more about what is required for dental bridges for adult patients seeking a local dentist.

Dentures

Missing teeth can impact not just your smile, but also your ability to chew and speak clearly. Dentures offer a reliable solution, replacing missing teeth and restoring lost function. There are two main types: complete dentures and partial dentures.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are used when all teeth in an upper or lower jaw, or both, are missing. They are custom-made to fit snugly against the gums, with a base that resembles gum tissue and replacement teeth crafted from acrylic or porcelain. Complete dentures improve chewing and speaking ability, and can enhance facial appearance by supporting the cheeks and lips.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures, on the other hand, are for individuals with some remaining natural teeth. These removable appliances fill in gaps created by missing teeth, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting and improving bite function. Partial dentures typically consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, often with metal clasps that secure them to the natural teeth.

Both complete and partial dentures require a visit to a dentist or denturist for fitting and adjustments. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring daily cleaning and soaking overnight. With proper care, dentures can last for several years.

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure to safely remove a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Dentists typically recommend extractions as a last resort when a tooth cannot be saved through restorative treatments, or to resolve underlying issues that threaten surrounding oral health.

Why You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Severe Decay or Trauma: Extensive cavities, deep cracks, or physical injuries can compromise a tooth’s structure beyond the point where a crown or filling can fix it. Extracting the damaged tooth stops decay from spreading and relieves pain.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth frequently lack the space to erupt properly, becoming trapped under the gums or bone (impacted). These partially emerged teeth are difficult to clean, making them highly susceptible to recurrent infections, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth.
Advanced Gum Disease: Also known as periodontitis, advanced gum disease permanently destroys the tissue and bone structures supporting the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose, requiring removal to prevent the further spread of infection.
Overcrowding: If a patient has a smaller jaw that cannot accommodate all of their teeth, teeth may become twisted or overlap. Extracting one or more teeth creates necessary space to allow the remaining teeth to straighten and align properly.

The procedure is highly routine and typically performed using local anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort.

Following a brief period of soft-food consumption and proper socket care, the extraction site heals, effectively resetting the foundation for a healthier smile.

Digital X-Rays

Dental radiographs, commonly known as dental x-rays, are extremely useful for the diagnosis of different ailments that could endanger the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Of course, these services are not just exclusive to adults. It is an extremely common need to view the healthy development of teeth and gums for children, particularly those that have not yet crowned above the surface. Children are at a much higher risk than adults of developing tooth decay, especially around the time they are losing their baby teeth and trading them in for their adult biters and molars.

X-rays, in general, are great for:

Identifying whether there is enough space, primarily when there are incoming teeth for the child
Estimating whether baby teeth are being shed in an appropriate amount of time to make room for the stronger, adult teeth.
Monitoring tooth decay.
Diagnosing cavities and tooth decay to stop the problem from developing further.
Periodically used to examine more dangerous issues, such as tumors, injuries and to plan further treatment.

Why does my Child Need Dental X-rays?

Your child will need periodic X-rays to maintain and monitor their oral health. The AAPD has approved the use of radiographs in children and it is mainly used for the first time when a child is nearly 6 years of age. This is the time that they will start losing their first baby teeth, and it is an important tool to examine whether their teeth are growing without risk of injury, decay, or stunting.

The frequency of the x-ray will depend on the risk of tooth decay, usually.

How is my Child Kept Safe?

It is a common misconception that x-rays are more dangerous for children than they are for adults. However, with this in mind, we understand that your child’s safety is the top priority, so precautions are taken to minimize exposure to radiograph radiation.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair tooth decay and restore the tooth’s function and appearance. Several types of filling materials are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some of the most common types:

Amalgam Fillings

Composition: A mixture of metals, primarily silver, tin, copper, and mercury.

Advantages: Durable, long-lasting, and relatively affordable.

Disadvantages: Not aesthetically pleasing, can cause tooth sensitivity, and contains mercury, which some people may have concerns about.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composition: A tooth-colored material made of plastic resin and glass particles.

Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing, bonds directly to the tooth structure, and can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth.

Disadvantages: Less durable than amalgam fillings, may require more frequent replacement, and can be more expensive.

Gold Fillings

Composition: Pure gold or a gold alloy.

Advantages: Extremely durable, long-lasting, and resistant to wear and tear.

Disadvantages: Expensive, requires multiple dental visits, and may not be aesthetically pleasing to some.

Ceramic Fillings

Composition: Porcelain or ceramic material.

Choosing the Right Filling

The best type of filling for you will depend on several factors, including:

The location of the decay.
The extent of the damage.
Your personal preferences.

Intra Oral Cameras

Intraoral cameras, small handheld devices resembling a pen, have significantly transformed modern dentistry by providing dentists and patients with a detailed, magnified view of the oral cavity. These cameras, equipped with a tiny lens and a built-in light source, capture high-resolution images or videos of teeth, gums, and other oral structures. They display these images in real-time on a monitor, allowing both the dentist and the patient to see clearly what’s happening inside the mouth.

One of the primary benefits of intraoral cameras is their role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. They enable dentists to detect subtle issues like small cavities, hairline fractures, early signs of gum disease, and plaque buildup that might be missed during a traditional examination using only mirrors and probes. This early detection allows for prompt intervention and less invasive treatments, potentially preventing more complex and costly procedures later on.

Furthermore, intraoral cameras are invaluable for patient education and communication. By visually demonstrating dental conditions on a screen, dentists can explain diagnoses and treatment plans more effectively.

Implant Restorations

Restoring dental implants involves attaching replacement teeth, like crowns or bridges, to the implants themselves.

This creates a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.

The team effort: The restoration process typically involves a dentist and a prosthodontist (a specialist in restoring teeth). They work together to design and place the perfect prosthetic teeth for your smile.
Customization is key: The replacement teeth are custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth for a seamless look.
Strength and stability: Unlike traditional dentures, implant restorations are secured directly to the jawbone, providing exceptional strength and stability when biting and chewing.
Long-lasting solution: With proper care, dental implant restorations can last for many years, offering a reliable and durable replacement for missing teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners have revolutionized the field of teeth straightening, offering a virtually invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. This system utilizes a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays designed to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions.

The Invisalign treatment process begins with a comprehensive consultation with a dentist or orthodontist. During this visit, digital scans or impressions are taken of the patient’s teeth to create a 3D model of their dental structure. This model is then used to map out the planned tooth movements and design a series of customized aligners.

Each aligner in the series is crafted from a smooth, BPA-free plastic material known for its comfort and durability. Patients wear a new set of aligners for approximately one to two weeks, with each set applying gentle, constant pressure to the teeth, meticulously guiding them towards their ideal placement.

Invisalign offers several distinct advantages over traditional braces. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and image-conscious individuals who desire a more discreet treatment option.

Dental Emergencies

A pediatric dental emergency is any situation involving significant pain, trauma, or infection that requires immediate professional intervention to preserve a child’s oral health. Recognizing these signs early can prevent long-term complications, such as permanent tooth loss or the spread of infection.

When to Seek Immediate Dental Care

You should take your child to an emergency dentist immediately if they experience any of the following:

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: This is a critical emergency. If possible, rinse the tooth without touching the root and try to reinsert it into the socket, or store it in a container of milk. Treatment within one hour offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
Severe or Persistent Toothache: Intense, throbbing pain that prevents a child from sleeping, eating, or concentrating often indicates deep decay or a serious infection.
Facial Swelling and Fever: Swelling in the gums, cheek, or jaw, especially when accompanied by a fever, is a “red flag” for a dental abscess or a spreading bacterial infection.
Broken or Severely Cracked Teeth: Visible damage that exposes the inner pulp or nerve endings causes extreme sensitivity and requires urgent stabilization.

Sedation

Oral sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is a valuable tool employed in dentistry to promote patient comfort and facilitate dental procedures. It utilizes medication administered orally, typically in pill form, to induce a state of relaxation and anxiety reduction.

The Process

During oral sedation, patients remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues from the dentist. However, they may experience a sense of detachment from the surroundings and slurred speech. Additionally, oral sedation often leads to amnesia, where patients have little to no memory of the procedure itself.

Medications

Common medications used for oral sedation belong to the benzodiazepine class, such as triazolam or lorazepam. These medications act by calming the central nervous system, specifically targeting areas associated with fear and anxiety. The dosage of the medication is carefully calibrated based on the individual patient’s needs and medical history.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation offers several advantages. It is a minimally invasive technique, with the medication taken orally rather than requiring intravenous (IV) administration. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with needle phobia. Furthermore, oral sedation effectively reduces anxiety and gag reflex, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently and comfortably.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are permanently bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for people who want to enhance their smile.

Types of Veneers

There are two primary types of veneers:

Porcelain Veneers: These are the most popular type of veneer, known for their durability, natural appearance, and resistance to staining. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.

Composite Veneers: These are made from a tooth-colored resin material. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers, but they are also less durable and more prone to staining.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Improved Appearance: Veneers can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile by correcting a variety of cosmetic dental issues.

Durability: Porcelain veneers are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care.

(Zoom!) Teeth Whitening

Zoom is a professional, in-office teeth whitening system known for delivering rapid, noticeable results. Performed under the supervision of a dental professional, the procedure can brighten your smile by several shades in just a single appointment, typically lasting about an hour. The process involves several steps: first, a protective barrier is placed over the lips and gums to shield the soft tissues. Next, a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel is carefully applied to the teeth.

The key to the Zoom system is a specialized LED lamp, which is directed at the teeth to activate the gel. This light-activation accelerates the breakdown of the hydrogen peroxide, allowing oxygen to penetrate the enamel and dentin to bleach away stains and discoloration. The whitening gel is applied in multiple 15-minute intervals throughout the appointment.

After the session is complete, a fluoride gel is applied to the teeth to help reduce sensitivity. To maintain your new, brighter smile, dentists also provide patients with a take-home kit that includes custom-fitted trays and a lower-concentration whitening gel for touch-ups.

While Zoom is a safe and effective treatment, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, with temporary tooth sensitivity being the most common.

Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, isn’t just about swollen gums and bad breath.

This chronic inflammatory condition, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and even systemic health problems.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease thrives in bacterial plaque and tartar. These sticky deposits build up around teeth and irritate gums, triggering inflammation. As it advances, gum pockets deepen, creating breeding grounds for bacteria, further escalating.

Treatment

Early Intervention: In the early stage, called gingivitis, prompt action is key. Brushing, flossing religiously, and regular dental cleanings can halt the advancement and even reverse some damage.

Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning involves meticulous removal of plaque and tartar, both above and below the gum line.

Medications: In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate stubborn bacterial pockets.

Mouthguards

While helmets protect the skull, a mouthguard is specifically engineered to shield the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues from the high-velocity impacts common in sports like basketball, soccer, and hockey.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three main types:

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These are the gold standard. We take a precise 3D scan or physical impression of your teeth to create a guard that fits like a glove. Because they stay securely in place, athletes find it much easier to breathe and communicate during play.
Boil-and-Bite Guards: These are thermoplastic shells softened in hot water and molded at home. While better than nothing, the molding process often thins out the material in critical areas, reducing its shock-absorption capacity.
Stock Guards: These are pre-formed and generally ill-fitting. They often require the athlete to keep their jaw clenched to hold the guard in place, which is both distracting and less effective at preventing injury.