|
Call us at (978) 927-5247 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DENTAL CLEANING
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take only between 45-60 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent disease by removing plaque, calculus and stain from tooth structures. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling and polishing.
Scaling: This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar.
Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows certain dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently. To achieve best results in some cases, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
SNAP-ON SMILE
Snap-on smile is an inexpensive alternative to Lumineers, veneers and/or partial dentures. Snap-on smile uses a high-tech dental resin to make it very thin, yet extremely strong. It fits right over your own teeth to give you a beautiful, natural looking smile - even if you have stains, chips, gaps or missing teeth.
At your first visit, the dentist will examine your teeth and decide if you are a candidate for Snap-on Smile. If you qualify, we will discuss whether you wish to have Snap-On Smile for your upper or lower arch or both. The dentist will then take an impression of your teeth. There is no pain, no shots and no drilling involved! Since each Snap-On Smile is custom made, the dentist will send your impression to the studio to have yours made just for you.
At your second visit, approximately 3 weeks later, the dentist will fit your Snap-On Smile and make any minor adjustments needed. You will then be shown how to pop your new smile in and out, plus how to keep it looking good.
Remember, you can eat with it, drink with it, and wear it all day, except while sleeping.
ORAL HEALTH EXAM
Many patients expect "just a cleaning" when they come in to see the hygienist. At each cleaning, both the hygienist and the dentist also do an oral health exam.
The following comprise the exam done at each cleaning appointment:
IMPLANT OVERDENTURES
Implant overdentures are quickly becoming the standard of care for people with complete dentures. People with lower dentures especially benefit from implant overdentures. Just as with implant restorations, metal "roots" are placed in the jaw bones. Usually, depending on the patient, 2-4 implants are needed to support a denture. The implants act as stabilization and are completely covered by the denture. Sometimes, existing dentures can be used to fit over the implants and other times new dentures must be made.
Patients prefer implant overdentures to dentures without implants because the dentures lock into place and there is never a need for denture adhesive.
VELSCOPE
Oral cancer claims three times as many victims as cervical cancer. That's why we're pleased to announce that we now have a VELscope Oral Cancer Screening System. A screening is fast, painless and affordable. Ask us about this new life-saving technology!
GURU BY DENTRIX
Guru transforms patient education. Personalized treatment plans are shown on our monitors above every patient chair. Guru provides animations that can educate patients about their treatment options with a visual format that helps patients understand. No patient should accept a treatment if he or she does not understand it or why it is necessary. Patients who wish to learn more about their options at home can receive emails which will enable patients to research our recommendations and share treatment decisions with family members.
CLEAR CORRECT
ClearCorrect is an invisible alternative to metal braces. With ClearCorrect, we can straighten your teeth using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth. Not every patient is a candidate for ClearCorrect. Our dentists will help you decide if they're right for you with a free consultation.
NIGHTGUARDS AND ATHLETIC BITEGUARDS
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are also recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
If you decide a guard is right for you, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you. In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles for your guard. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.
DIAGNOdent
Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods. Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.
INVISALIGN
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
The Invisalign System works begins by first creating a series of trays that will each moving your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.
As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. However, Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.
ORAL HYGIENE CARE
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
IMPLANT PLACEMENT AND RESTORATION
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal root that is surgically positioned into the jaw. Once the implant is in place and the bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement crown is attached to the metal root. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth. They are also a more favorable approach than a bridge because they preserve bone height and do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. At our office, we will take a 3D x-ray of the area to determine eligibility. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
LASER DENTISTRY
Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat gums. The benefits of laser dentistry are increased accuracy and minimal bleeding. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.
Uses for Soft Tissue Laser:DIGITAL X-RAYS
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.
BONDING
Bonding is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, to close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. The procedure involves adhering tooth colored composite resin material to the front of the tooth. First, the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. Then, a gel is applied to etch the tooth surface and a primer/bonding agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Next, the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. As a last step, the composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish.
DENTURES
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available- partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
Complete Dentures - This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patient's mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth.
PAPERLESS CHARTING
Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.
INTRA-ORAL CAMERA
We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intra-oral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.
With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intra-oral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.
SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. Our hygienists will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque. Sealants have been proven to be the most effective treatment to prevent cavities on the biting surfaces of teeth.
WHITENING INCLUDING ZOOM!
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients. Our office offers two methods of whitening: in-office whitening and tray whitening.
In-office whitening is an ideal procedure for anyone wanting immediate results. Because the entire procedure takes place in our office in about an hour, it is the perfect choice for busy individuals. First, a protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. A special light-activated gel is then applied to your teeth and a special light or laser is used to enhance the action of the agent. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.
Tray whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment you can use in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth. First, we will take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whiten your teeth. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays. The whitening gel trays should be worn 30-60 minutes up to twice a day. At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling. Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.
AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT REMINDER
Patients can choose to get email or text message confirmations of appointments and easily confirm at their convenience. Patients who do not want an email or text can simply opt out of this service and confirm over the telephone. After appointments, patients who elect to get email messages will get an email survey concerning their visit. Patients' opinions are very important to us and we want to hear from you. We are committed to a quality dental experience for everyone.
TELESCOPIC LOUPES
The dentist and hygienist perform most of their dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called telescopic loupes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.
FILLINGS
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:
VENEERS
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding.
The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed. However, not all teeth are candidates for veneers.
DIGITAL IMAGING
We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.
ELECTRONIC CLAIMS
Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. Our patients benefit because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to
Both functionally and cosmetically, a bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Periodontal disease affects oral bones and gums. New research has shown that periodontal disease can exacerbate systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. While most people have mild gingivitis and can get regular dental cleanings as described in our other link, as soon as bone loss occurs, the gum disease becomes "periodontitis." Periodontitis must be treated differently from gingivitis since a patient's mouth is no longer cleansable with just a toothbrush and floss.
Patients with periodontitis usually have to come in for for root planing and scaling, also called "deep cleanings." At our office, we usually anesthetize the areas before starting the cleaning to avoid pain. Although it is not possible to regrow bone in these areas, the periodontal treatment is necessary to eliminate the active disease and maintain the current bone levels. Patients will have to return every 3 to 4 months for maintenance visits. More elderly patients lose teeth from periodontitis than from cavities.
Sometimes, depending on the degree of periodontitis, we refer our patients to periodontists who specialize in treating the gums and bones in the oral cavity.
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, extractions are sometimes necessary. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to an oral surgeon specialist.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction. Pain can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to the pulp (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early). Also, sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point that it needs root canal therapy. Once the nerve is damaged, the pulp becomes infected, and the infection can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone causing an abscess. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Infected pulp must be treated and cannot heal on its own. An infection can weaken the entire immune system and is very dangerous, not to mention very painful.
Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a dental checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a post, core build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
HALITOSIS
Halitosis is the sophisticated word for "bad breath". Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.
Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.
Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.
Bad breath may be caused by the following:
Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we discover that systemic problems are the cause, we may refer you to your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a doctor specialized to treat gum disease called a periodontist.
AIR ABRASION
Air abrasion is a drill-less and more gentle approach to remove decay from the teeth. An air abrasion unit is a small instrument that blasts a fine stream of air and particles onto the teeth to spray away decay. The small particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda and aid in cleaning the tooth surface. Air abrasion allows for decay to quickly be removed while conserving healthy tooth structure. The particles and decay are then suctioned out of the mouth.
Air abrasion is gentle because it generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration. In addition, it reduces the need for anesthesia, making it an ideal choice for children and those who experience dental anxiety.
TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Two bones, cartilage and five muscles involved in the area all can contribute to complications.
Problems in this area can cause:Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. No one solution is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontics is the art of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. Most commonly it involves the use of braces to move teeth into their proper positing. In this method, brackets are bonded to the teeth and arch wires are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces.
CEREC
CEREC is an acronym for Charismatic Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth with beautiful custom ceramic crowns in a single visit, completely eliminating the need for multiple appointments over a several week period. The process can create a ceramic dental crown, inlays, onlays or veneers using a variety of technologies including 3D photography and computer-aided design and manufacturing known as CAD/CAM. Using an intra-oral camera, a photograph is taken of the tooth and the picture is loaded onto the computer. Using Computer Aided Design technology, the dentist is able to design the restoration and transform the image into a three-dimensional model. This valuable program then allows the dentist to easily calculate the appropriate restoration shape and size to create a near perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine then creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision. The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful and custom designed and produced restoration, made entirely to fit your mouth. CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for over 20 years.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.
Nitrous Oxide SedationOral Sedatives
This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.
WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
COMPUTERIZED
Our office uses computerized shade matching to make restorations that perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. Old methods of shade matching can be inaccurate and inconsistent. Our shade matching system is a small hand-held device that captures tooth hue, value and chroma to create precise color matches. With this technology, you can be confident that your restorations will beautifully match your natural teeth.
AQUA ABRASION
Aqua abrasion is a new cutting and polishing systems that works in the same fashion as air abrasion. In addition to removing decay and preparing restorations, it can be used to effectively clean and polish the teeth through a fine stream of water that is sprayed onto the tooth surface. The aquabrasion system can replace the drill in many dental procedures and it quickly removes decay while conserving healthy tooth structure. Its gentle nature can eliminate the need for local anesthesia in many procedures.
CAD/CAM CHAIRSIDE RESTORATION SYSTEM
Our office utilizes CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for "computer-aided design" and "computer-aided manufacturing". This technology allows the dentist to use an intra-oral scanner inside your mouth to take a digital scan of a tooth that has been prepared to receive a crown. Using special software, the data from the scan is used to generate a design (CAD) for a custom crown. This program will also generate a custom blue print and guide lines to manufacture the new crown (CAM). This software, paired with a state-of-the-art milling machine, enables our office to create precise and custom crowns, inlays and onlays in one single dental visit.
LUMINEERS
LUMINEERS BY CERINATE are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. These contact lens-thin "smile shapers" can be applied to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.
Our team has taken numerous advanced training courses on this procedure. To see if you are a candidate, call our office for a complimentary consultation.
Click here to learn about LUMINEERS.GALILEOS CONE BEAM X-RAY
Taking dentistry into the next dimension
Sirona's GALILEOS 3D imaging solution with new Cone Beam technology goes far beyond traditional diagnostics and treatment capabilities. A large volumetric 3D image is created in a single 14 second 3D scan that provides the highest resolution with the lowest radiation dose. Familiar panoramic views are automatically generated and presented in the new GALAXIS software, an advanced extension of Sirona's renowned SIDEXIS XG imaging software. The imaging unit and its software work in complete harmony to provide a fully integrated workflow from diagnosis to treatment. With this technology, we can see the amount and position of bone in an area for an implant and link it with our CEREC machine to design the implant crown! We can view extra canals for teeth that need root canals, we can view oral pathology, and we can evaluate the oral cavity in a way that was never before possible.
COMPUTER ASSISTED ANESTHESIA
Milestone Scientific's award-winning STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System combines patented, state-of-the-art computer-controlled injection technology with the dentist's training to achieve more precise injections, improved drug delivery and materially enhanced patient comfort levels.
With this device, the needle does not look as intimidating, only one tooth becomes numb (not the tongue, cheek and whole jaw), and the onset of the anesthetic is immediate. No more waiting to become numb! This technology is great for people afraid of injections and people who do not like their whole mouth feeling numb after the visit!
STERILIZATION
For our safety and yours, we maintain sterilization and cross contamination processes using standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Our sterilization methods are the most current because infection control is very important to us.