Bonding
We believe it is our responsibility to protect our patients, our environment, and our community. Here are some steps we have taken to create a safer and healthier environment for our patients.
For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?
Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:
- To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To change the shape of teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
Treatment of Gum Disease
Gum disease is another term for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a condition in which build-up known as plaque and tartar (calculus) have infected the teeth and their supporting gum and bone structures. Plaque is a slick film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on the teeth all the time as you eat and drink through the day. Plaque becomes tartar when left in place for more than twenty-four hours. The two together actively destroy tooth, gum, and bone tissue.
Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red, inflamed gums that bleed easily. This early stage of periodontal disease is reversible by the introduction of daily flossing and brushing. Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis is allowed to advance. The supporting structures of the tooth, the gums and bone, can become irreversibly damaged. Periodontitis can result in the loosening and sometimes loss of teeth.
Periodontal disease can affect more than just tooth loss. Additionally, current research suggests that the inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease may affect other systemic diseases like stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even result in an increased risk during pregnancy. Fortunately, good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits are easy ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.
The following is a list of symptoms that suggest the presence of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding Gums: Gums should never bleed, even with vigorous brushing or flossing.
- Loose Teeth: Often caused by weakened periodontal fibers, the muscle tissue that binds teeth to the bone.
- New Spaces Between Teeth: This may be suggestive of bone loss.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Often caused by too much bacteria in the mouth.
- Tender or Receding Gums: Bacteria can cause an uncomfortable inflammation of the gums, eventually creating a loss of gum tissue around the tooth.
- Pus on Teeth and Gums: Pus is a sign of serious bacterial infection.
Although it is important to be aware of the above symptoms, it is possible to not know that you have periodontal disease. This is why it is important to maintain your oral health with regular cleanings and exams.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, relieving the patient from the hassle associated with partial or complete dentures. They are artificial roots and teeth that are custom crafted for your dentition and surgically placed into the jawbone by a dentist or periodontist—a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. Though made of titanium for strength, dental implants look very natural and often enhance the patient’s smile. Strong, stable, and durable, dental implants will last many years, though they sometimes require re-tightening or replacement due to normal wear.
What can dental implants correct?
- Missing teeth
- Joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into vacant spaces
- Cosmetic problems with one’s smile
- Problems with chewing, speech, and digestion
- Misaligned facial tissues
What’s the procedure for getting dental implants?
Getting dental implants requires a number of visits over several months. The dentist and specialist will work together and take x-rays and impressions, or molds, of the jaw and teeth to gather information about bone tissue, gum tissue, and available spacing for implants. After surgical placement of the implant, healing and proper bone integration can take up to six months.
Once the integration is complete and the mouth is fully healed, the dentist will mount the artificial teeth. Stability of your bite is important for long term health of the implant. It is possible multiple appointments may be necessary to establish the appropriate bite depending on how many implants were placed and restored.
The dentist will provide care instructions when the treatment is complete. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits all aid in the life of your new implants.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures are a removable appliance designed to replace missing teeth and their surrounding tissue. They are designed to closely resemble your teeth and serve to complete the overall dental structure of your mouth, supporting both the normal function of your teeth and the natural beauty of your smile. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, both filling the spaces left by missing teeth and preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
Dentures can be combined with implants to create an even more stable and retentive appliance. Even patients with complete dentures require regular dental exams and oral cancer screenings. Dentures are very durable appliances that will last many years with proper maintenance, but keep in mind that they sometimes have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to ensure your long term oral health. Our ultimate goal is to secure the safety, health, and beauty of your teeth for a lifetime so you can always smile with confidence.
Dental Cleanings
During the cleaning, tartar and plaque are removed, and the teeth are polished to remove any remaining stains.
Oral Cancer Screening
The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer. Please let us know if you have noticed any swelling, ulcerations, change in your the way your teeth come together, or difficulty swallowing.
Nightguards
Nightguards are custom made appliances that protect your teeth from the trauma of grinding at night. However, not everyone grinds at night! Some people do just as much damage during the day. The physical damage done to teeth by grinding can result in an increased need for fillings and crowns, and result in tooth mobility, jaw pain, and headaches. Investing in an appropriate grinding appliance can save you from future dental pain and headaches.
Athletic Guards
Did you know that injury to a tooth today can result in lifetime of problems for that tooth down the road? Teeth injured during sports and recreational activities are at risk for fracture, root canal, and loss. A proper fitting athletic guard can protect your teeth, jaw, and the surrounding soft tissue.
Sealants
A sealant is a coating that is applied to the pits and fissures of teeth where plaque food and bacteria usually become trapped. If properly maintained sealants can help reduce the incidence of tooth decay. Our sealants are BPA and bis-GMA free.
Restorative Dental
Fillings
Fillings are used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, cracks, and minor fractures. Tooth colored fillings are called composite fillings. The tooth will be numbed, thoroughly cleaned of decay, and carefully prepared for the new filling. Once the tooth is prepared, the filling will be precisely placed, sculpted, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
Crowns
A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns are a good treatment option when the integrity of a tooth has been damaged to the point where fillings or other types of restorations cannot properly repair it.
Placing a crown will generally require two appointments. At the first appointment, the decay will be removed and the remaining surface will be shaped. A mold, or impression, will be taken of the tooth for creating your custom crown. A temporary crown will be made and cemented in place. This will function for you as a normal tooth for about two weeks while your permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory. Once the permanent crown is finished, you will return to the office to have your new crown placed. The high durability of crowns helps them to last many years, but they may eventually need to be replaced.
What can this procedure repair?
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Severely decayed teeth
- Cosmetic flaws
- Loss of tooth integrity due to root canals
