Air Abrasion
As opposed to the dreaded drill, the air abrasion technique utilizes a thin blast of baking soda or a mixture of aluminum oxide and silica to remove decayed portions of the tooth. This technique is significantly less invasive than the drill which also means that anesthesia is often not required.
Bonding
Dental bonding can be used in several ways, the most common of which are the repair of small chips in the tooth, tooth whitening, and in place of metal fillings. While metal amalgam fillings are commonly used after cavities, composite white fillings are far less noticeable and therefore preferable if the area being filled is towards the front of the mouth.
Bridges
Used to replace missing teeth, bridges are bonded or cemented to the neighboring teeth so as to keep your surrounding teeth in place, reduce stress on the jaw, and properly support your facial structure.
Crowns
Typically used on teeth that have become worn, chipped, or partially decayed, a crown is essentially a cap that is placed on the remaining portion of the healthy tooth so as to maintain its natural look. Crowns are typically used to repair very large cavities or after root canals. Crowns can also be used to enhance the strength of the tooth for a filling. With state-of-the-art CEREC technology, we are able to more efficiently design your crown, create your crown from porcelain right on the spot, and bond your crown to your tooth all in one day.
Dental Implants
If you are missing a tooth, dental implants can be an aesthetically pleasing way of restoring your smile. Typical dental implants consist of titanium root with a porcelain crown. Recent advancements in implant technology have provided us with metal-free options such as Z Systems zirconia implants and CeraRoot ceramic implants as allergen-free tooth replacements systems when combined with a porcelain crown.
Dentures
Dentures are available in two different types, partial or full. Partial dentures are used to replace one or more teeth that are missing from the mouth while full dentures are used when all of the teeth of the mouth have fallen out or been extracted.
Digital X-rays
Through these state-of-the-art images, we are better able to see your teeth, note areas of concern, as well as diagnose any issues. Digital x-rays are also far more safe and time efficient than other, older forms of x-ray imaging.
Extractions
Extractions can be required for a number of reasons. Baby teeth that have not fallen out prior to permanent tooth eruption, excess decay, infection, and impacted wisdom teeth are all common issues that require tooth extraction.
Fillings
Fillings can be used for two primary purposes, (1) to fill in the area that was once occupied by a cavity, or (2) to restore a tooth to its healthy and natural appearance. For the former, we will use what is known as a direct filling. These fillings will be composed of porcelain, dental composites, or gold if they are located on the tooth’s chewing surface. These materials are harder and better able to withstand significant wear. For tooth restoration, indirect fillings are performed. If the area to be filled is located on the front teeth, we will use a more natural looking material such as ceramic or composite resins.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss, can be devastating if left untreated. If you notice any signs of the disease, including red and bleeding gums, space between the gums and teeth, and loose teeth, come see us immediately. Depending upon the severity of the issue, there are a number of treatment options from simple root planing and scaling to grafts and osseous surgery.
Laser Dentistry
With the use of lasers, we are able to more quickly and painlessly perform a number of different dental procedures from cavity detection to gum reshaping. Laser treatments have many advantages such as increased precision, decreased need for anesthesia, as well as a diminished risk of bacterial infections following the procedure.
Lumineers
Able to conceal tooth discoloration and minor chips, Lumineers are easy to apply and require very little reduction in the natural tooth. The procedure is far less invasive than the typical veneer.
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
Snoring, which is usually caused by the relaxation of the throat tissue and muscles and the subsequent constriction of the airways, can negatively impact both the quantity and quality of both you and your family’s sleep. Mandibular Advancement Devices act as snore-guards which open up the air passage and allow for gentler and easier breathing.
Night-guards
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, commonly occurs at night and can lead to painful headaches and jaw discomfort. Extreme bruxism can, if left untreated, result in tooth damage or loss. To correct the problem, we can make custom night-guards to prevent grinding.
Root Canals
When the inside of the tooth becomes diseased or damaged, we will most likely recommend a root canal in an attempt to save your natural tooth. During the procedure, the endodontist or general dentist will remove the affected tooth pulp, clean and seal the area, and fill the tooth with composite.
Routine Oral Exams and Cleanings
Every six months, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that both children and adults receive a dental cleaning and exam. At each regularly scheduled appointment, we will clean the teeth of plaque and check for decay and signs of gum disease.
Sedation Dentistry
General anesthesia and other forms of sedation are desired by some patients. Local anethesia are typically used to numb the specific area for most major dental procedures, including cavity filling and root canals. New technologies, such as The Wand® STA and OraVerse, can be used to make the experience more pleasant. Drs. Kauftheil and Diba take great pride in making all dental procedures as gentle and pain-free as possible, and they are both noted for treating previously phobic dental patients.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing while sleeping. The condition can be quite serious in and of itself and can also lead to other health conditions including high blood pressure and stroke. Treatments can range from behavioral modifications to surgery if the problem is severe.
Snap-On-Smile
For a non-invasive and removable smile, Snap-On-Smile is the solution. This natural looking appliance is custom made to be literally snapped onto the teeth and can be used to cover gaps and discoloration.
TMJ/TMD Treatments
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) affects many people and can cause jaw pain, headaches, and problems with bite. The treatments for the condition vary depending upon the severity and can include everything from lifestyle changes to oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Tooth Whitening
Common techniques for whitening your teeth include Zoom, Daywhite, Nitewhite, and Lumibrite. Whitening procedures usually take about half an hour and will leave you with a whiter smile for up to six months.
Veneers
Able to cover chips, discoloration, and gaps, veneers are often made of porcelain and appear very similar to your natural teeth. Your typical veneer will require more than one office visit to complete as a model must be taken of your tooth and the veneer made based on these specifications. However, one-hour Cerinate veneers are also available for those looking for a quick and affordable fix in one office visit.