Teeth Whitening
     This procedure is performed to lighten the color of natural teeth. It can remove stains that have accumulated over the years, as well as change the original color of darkened teeth. There are currently two procedures we use to lighten the teeth, one done at home and the other done in-office. The in-office procedure is done mostly for just a few teeth, or in time-constraint cases. It uses a more concentrated version of the bleaching solution which is used in the at-home procedure. We have done thousands of these procedures, achieving a visible difference that can last for years, with no damage to the teeth or gums.

Dental Implants
     These can be used to replace single or multiple teeth, or to help anchor removable dentures. They are the ideal replacement for I to 3 missing teeth, often resulting in a full return to normal chewing ability. Implants are also used in cases of multiple missing teeth and can be used to create a non-removable solution for someone who has lost all their teeth. For those patients currently wearing removable dentures, implants can often be used to help stabilize their existing dentures. While implants are the best that dentistry has to offer, not all patients are candidates for them. This service requires a careful examination and screening process, but the results are well worth it.

Fillings
     There are two common types of fillings, composite resin (white) and amalgam (silver). The advantages of the white filling are: tooth color match, adhesion to tooth structure and usually less cold sensitivity. The disadvantages are: increased cost, increased time to place and the need for a totally dry placement area. The main advantages of the silver filling are: easier placement, lower cost and 100+ years of proven durability, The disadvantages are: color and questions about safety, which is unproven as of this time.

Inlays and Onlays
     These procedures can sometimes be done in place of a filling or a crown (cap). They can be done in tooth-colored material, gold or silver metal. The main advantage of these procedures if done in place of a crown, would be the conservation of tooth structure. That means less of the tooth would have to be cut away as part of the procedure. These restorations offer good fit and shape, beauty, strength and longevity. They cost more than fillings and less than crowns.

Crowns and Fixed Bridges
     These restorations are done when there is not enough original tooth structure to support a filling. Most of the time teeth that have received root canal will need a crown. A fixed bridge is a series of linked crowns. These are commonly done in the replacement of missing teeth, as well as to strengthen teeth that may be weakened due to gum disease. Both crowns and fixed bridges get cemented in and are not removable.

Removable bridges
     Also commonly known as removable partial dentures, these are used in the replacement of missing teeth. They can be made of dental acrylic (white/pink) only, or in a combination with metal for strength and support. These dentures rest on the gum areas and clip onto the remaining teeth to help hold them in place. Removable dentures are the least expensive and least natural way to replace missing teeth. Alternatives to these could include implants or fixed bridges.

Extractions
      We perform the removal of most adult and deciduous (baby) teeth using local anesthesia (Novocaine). Patients having impacted teeth or those requiring to be put under anesthesia will be referred to an oral surgeon.

Root Canal Therapy
     This procedure involves the cleaning and filling of the central pathway of the root system. Root canal is most commonly performed when decay (cavity) has reached the pulp, consisting of the nerve and blood supply to the tooth. Occasionally trauma or extreme sensitivity, which is often caused by deep fillings or gum-recession, will necessitate the need for root canal treatment. After root canal a tooth will always need some form of restoration, most commonly this is a post and core followed by a crown.

Post and Core
     Only teeth that have had root canal will receive a post and core. If a tooth is missing a significant amount of tooth structure after root canal, it will need this restoration prior to a crown. An in-office, one-visit procedure is often done, but occasionally a lab-made, two-visit post and core will need to be made. A post and core is always covered by a crown.

Periodontal (Gum) Treatment
     It is estimated that 3/4 of the adult population has some form of periodontal disease, and this disease is responsible for a very high percentage of teeth being lost. Unfortunately, there are very few signs alerting you of early or moderate gum disease. Among them could be family history, bleeding gums, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Unless you floss your teeth every day, there is a better than good chance you have this disease. Forms of treatment may include: regular cleanings, deep cleaning with anesthesia, prescription mouthrinses/pills (new) and surgery. Flossing daily with proper technique is absolutely necessary in the prevention of periodontal disease, as well as the maintenance of health after any treatment.

Nitrous Oxide
     Commonly referred to as sweet-air or laughing-gas, this inhaled gas has a relaxing effect but does not render the patient unconscious. While it is used mostly on anxious patients, it is perfectly safe for children. Within five minutes of turning this off, a patient is fully functional and able to drive themselves home. The only precaution is a patient should not eat for at least two hours prior to using nitrous oxide. This agent is used during many procedures to relax the patient and decrease responsiveness to pain.

Nightguards
     Many patients clench or grind their teeth, most commonly during sleep. The result of this habit is sensitive teeth, muscle aches or jaw pain. A number of patients destroy their natural teeth and the replacements they have after years of these habits. A custom made nightguard is worn in the mouth to prevent the wearing of the teeth and the related side-effects.

Cosmetic Veneers/Laminates
     These are most often done to change the shape and/or color of the front teeth. The laboratory-made porcelain restorations are the most beautiful and more costly option. One-visit handmade veneers can also be done chairside by the dentist, resulting in a quick and cost-effective cosmetic change.

Desensitize teeth
     Millions of patients have teeth that are sensitive, especially to cold or sweet food and drink. There are new desensitizing agents we can use that are often as simple as brushing a liquid on the sensitive tooth or teeth. Results are usually immediate and can last for years. This is a very common problem that can often be easily remedied.