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Teeth Whitening
This is an elective procedure usually requested by patients who want their teeth to appear whiter. Tooth whitening can help remove discolorations caused by aging of the enamel, antibiotics, fluoride, coffee, tea, tobacco stains, etc.
A more accurate description of our whitening treatments would be "bleaching" since we use hydrogen peroxide concentrations to effect the color change. Our ZOOMTM whitening system intensifies this process with the application of light.
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Tooth Colored Fillings
Also known as composites or porcelain fillings, the dental filling we use allows the dentist to restore cavity decayed or damaged teeth with a strong, durable material while providing a tooth-like, natural white appearance.
Composite resin materials will often require much less preparation and thus less structure of the tooth being removed. They've proven in many instances not to weaken affected teeth nearly as much as the older type mercury fillings.
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 Bonding
This is a technique we can use to repair chipped, cracked or damaged teeth. Bonding is actually any method of attaching a particular dental material to your natural teeth. Bonding is largely a non-invasive and painless procedure.
Considered restorative dentistry, teeth surfaces are prepared then composite bonding resin is sculpted onto them in order cover up, fill and offer protection to the defect. The putty-like material is added in layers and shaped as desired.
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 Crowns
Sometimes called "caps", dental crowns are used to enclose a damaged tooth and restore its functionality. They're also used to protect cracked, broken or decayed teeth. Crowns come in ceramic, gold and metal-free porcelain material.
Our dentist first prepares the tooth's surface then sends a molded impression to a dental lab. A temporary, fitted crown protects the tooth until the permanent crown arrives where it's later bonded to the tooth with a dental adhesive.
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 Veneers
Veneers are thin ceramic shells of a teeth-like material which is attached to the surface of your teeth. Dental veneers can conceal and cover over worn enamel, misalignment problems, fill spaces between teeth, or hide cracks and chips.
A cosmetic dental enhancement, veneers can transform badly formed and unattractive teeth into a perfectly shaped, natural looking smile. Of the two types, porcelain and composite veneers can solve most cosmetic dental issues.
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 Implants
A method for tooth restoration, dental implants are essentially artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth due to decay, accidents, birth defects, etc. Implants are effective when tooth loss leaves no alternative for replacements.
An implant will look nearly identical to a real tooth. This is due to the implant binding to the bone of the jaw and becoming a solid anchor for a crown added later after the implant has healed -- a process requiring about 3 to 6 months.
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 Dentures
Both partial and full dentures are dental appliances which replace missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain. Partials can also co-exist with other dentures to restore normal chewing ability.
Your new dentures will at first feel a bit awkward and require you getting used to them. As time passes, dentures will need to be adjusted periodically to fit the patient properly, or remade because of normal wear, or gum positioning, etc.
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 Periodontal Care
Gum disease, or periodontal disease affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. The condition is usually preceded by a bacterial infection known as gingivitis. Advanced stages damage both teeth and connecting bone leading to tooth loss.
Proper dental hygiene to remove plaque and regular cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease. Our dentist will evaluate any harmful disease present, then recommend a treatment for you based on the extent of the damage diagnosed.
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 Root Canals
When damage due to decay has progressed past the point of saving a tooth, it is often pulled to save the patient any further pain or discomfort. A root canal will prevent the necessity for an extraction and the permanent loss of a tooth.
An infected nerve or a tooth showing discoloration, or one with irritation and swelling in the surrounding gums might indicate you need a root canal. The procedure first cleans infection from the roots and pulp, then seals the tooth.
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