• ANTIBIOTIC PREMEDICATION
• BLEACHING
• BRIDGE
• BRUXISM
• CLEANING (PROPHY)
• COMPOSITES
• COSMETIC DENTISTRY
• CROWNS
• DEBRIDEMENT (DEEP CLEANING)
• DENTAL IMPLANTS
• DENTURES
• DENTURE CLEANING
• DRY MOUTH
• EXAMS
• EMERGENCY VISITS
• EXTRACTIONS
• GUM DISEASE
• HOLISTIC DENTISTRY
• ORAL CANCER
• PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
• ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
• SOLOPONTIC (MONODONT)
• TMJ TMD
• VALPLAST
• VENEERS
• XRAYS
• MOBILE DENTAL EQUIPMENT
ANTIBIOTIC PREMEDICATION
Premedication with antibiotics is necessary for some dental procedures in individuals that have either an artificial heart or valve replacement or joint replacement. Individasuals that have compromised immune systems and heart valve disorders or joint issues may also require antibiotic premedication. Individuals undergoing chemotherapy may also be a candidate antibiotic premedication. It should be noted that a decission to premedicate lies with aBLEACHING
Bleaching is a technique used to lighten the color of natural teeth. Generally most methods of bleaching will not change the color of porcelain crowns or tooth colored filling materials. There are several methods of bleaching. Over the counter bleaching kits will lighten natural teeth 1 to 2 shades. Office whitening procedures utilizing custom made trays will lighten teeth further and the results last for a longer period. The office procedure involves taking upper and lower impressions and construction of custom trays to hold the bleaching material. Depending upon the type of bleach used individuals must wear the trays for minutes to hours. Judicious use of bleaching materials do not harm natural tooth structure. If old crowns or tooth colored filling materials are in place they may require replacement to match the lighter bleached shades.BRIDGE
There are two types of bridges, fixed bridge and rwemovable bridge (removable partial denture). In this section we will discuss only the fixed bridge. This type of bridge requires that natural teeth be present on either side of a space of one or more teeth. The natural teeth are prepared under local anesthesia to receive the bridge. The bridge is cemented in place and not removable thus feeling very much like natural teeth. Gaps of missing teeth can often result in changes to the bite and movement of teeth adjacent to the gap. Two or nore missing teeth can also alter the shape of the face. With the advances in dental materials used to construct a bridge replacement of missing teeth can result in a very natural look.BRUXISM
Bruxism is an acquired habit, also known as tooth grinding or clenching, that can do damage to the teeth and/or the joint responsible for opening and closing the lower jaw. Often in cases where tooth grinding has been long standing teeth can wear sustantially. This can result in loss of teeth, changes in the bite and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). TMD is discussed in a separate section and can be a serious condition. Although this habit is difficult to stop there is a relatively simple dental procedure to reduce the effects of bruxism. A night guard constructed of an acrylic material is molded to fit either the upper or lower jaw. The acrylic appliance protects the teeth against wear. Click here for tooth grinding video.CLEANING (PROPHY)
Many of our patients have not seen a dentist for a long time or have difficulty with their home oral hygiene. Our office provides oral health instruction to the patient and staff to improve the patients oral care and oral health. Using our portable operatory with water and high volume suction we are able to clean, rinse, polish, and fluoridate teeth as needed.COMPOSITES
A composite (white) filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Utilizing our portable operatory, high-quality composite restorative material, and a portable curing light, we are able to provide the same quality restoration as in a fixed-office.COSMETIC DENTISTRY
By dfinition cosmetic is a superficial measure to make something appear better or more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry may involve many simple to more complex dental procedures. It may be simple tooth witening, improving the shape of teeth or masking discolored teeth. The goal is to improve facial shape, tooth shape and overall smile improvement. Cosmetic procedures may vary from placement of veneers or crowns or simple reshaping of teeth. This is an are of dentistry where artistic ability, mechanical skill and a thorough knowledge of anatomy are an absolute requirement for the dentist to master. View Veneer VideoCROWNS
A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to restore a tooth when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. With our portable operatory we prepare the teeth using the same high quality handpieces (drill), suction, and air-water spray as that found in a traditional fixed office. Impressions are taken and safely transported to a lab specializing in fabricating this type of restoration. View Video For CrownsDEBRIDEMENT (DEEP CLEANING)
Many of our patients have not seen a dentist for a long time or have difficulty with their home oral hygiene. Our office provides oral health instruction to the patient and staff to improve the patients oral care and oral health. As needed, for someone with heavy build-up and/or deep pockets we can provide a deep cleaning using local or topical anesthetic, water powered cleaning instruments, and specialized scalers for deeper pockets. We also have staff trained in the perio protect specialized treatment system that utilizes mouthtrays and highly specific anti-microbial medication to treat advanced perio conditions.DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The implant is surgically placed in the jaw. Once the implant integrates to the bone a replacement tooth is attached to the implant resulting in a restoration of function and aesthetics. One advantage of implants is that replacement of a tooth or teeth does not involve altering the adjacent teeth. Implants have been sucessfully utilized as a alternative to bridgework since the 1980's. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning are essential to long term success of the implant. As with bridgework facial deformities associated with tooth loss can be corrected.DENTURES
Dentures have been in existence since ancient times. There is evidence that the Egyptians attempted to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. George Washington was known to have worn dentures. Dentures are divided into two categories, full and partial. Generally a full denture is constructed of an acrylic or vinyl material. Partial dentures can be constructed of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal. Both types will restore function. Partial dentures are utilized in situations where limited finances are a concern.DENTURE CLEANING
Dentures can be cleaned on-site using a portable ultrasonic cleaning machine and specialized denture cleaning solution. The solution in water cleans tartar and debris using high powered ultrasonic vibrations.DRY MOUTH
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when the salivary glands do not work properly. The salivary glands help keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.EXAMS
We are concerned with preventive care, which includes a comprehensive oral exam, home care instructions, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and routine checkups. Home care instructions involve proper methods of tooth brushing, flossing and interproximal brushing. Interproximal brushing is accomplished with a small roung brush that is capable of cleaning between teeth.EMERGENCY VISITS
We provide emergency dental service usually within 24 hours and often in the same day. If the patient is memory impaired and a responsible person is involved we will require prior approval. Please call our office with any questions or prior approval. There are fees involved with emergency exams. There may also be additional fees if treatment is involved.EXTRACTIONS
Simple extractions are performed on-site by some of our HomeCare Dentist dentists. These are done only after adequate xrays are taken and the dentist has consulted with the patient' physician, RP (family) and patient for consent. Post-op instructions are provided to the facility, RP and patient as indicated and follow-up exams or services are provided.GUM DISEASE
Gum disease, or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. If not treated it often results in the premature loss of teeth. Treatment involves proper diagnosis and correction of the causes, most often local irritants such as dental plaque, malposed teeth, improperly placed dental fillings or crowns. There also can be a systemic and \ or hereditary comonent. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis. With early diagnosis and treatment by a dentist loss of teeth can be prevented. It is worthy to note that periodontal disease is the major reason for loss of teeth in adults.ORAL CANCER
Your dentist could very well be your number one soldier in the fight against oral cancer. Statistics show in about 10 percent of patients, dentists notice a problem area even before the patient notices. During a regular dental checkup, your dentist will examine your entire mouth, searching for a flat, painless, white or red spot or small sore. Other signs of oral cancer can include:
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Two tests can determine if a trouble spot is cancerous. A brush biopsy is a painless test performed on areas that look harmless or do not have a clear cause. This test can detect potentially dangerous cells in the early stages of the disease. A scalpel biopsy, which requires local anesthesia, is usually performed on suspicious areas.
Remember to schedule regular checkups for everyone in your family. Two visits per year are recommended for general care. If, between visits, you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, call your dentist immediately. Together you and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer.
Back To ServicesPREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
We are concerned with preventive care, which includes a comprehensive oral exam, home care instructions, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and routine checkups. Home care instructions involve proper methods of tooth brushing, flossing and interproximal brushing. Interproximal brushing is accomplished with a small roung brush that is capable of cleaning between teeth.ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal or endodontic treatment is a dental procedure that is performed when the normally live soft tissue associated with the tooth becomes compromised. The inner portion of a tooth consists of live soft tissue (pulp) that lies within a central canal. Deep decay or traumatic injuries can cause the live tissue to undergo irreversible changes, that may cause pain or infection (abscess). The standard treatment for this condition is root canal (endodontic) therapy, which involves removal of the involved soft tissue and replacing it with a filling material. Teeth have varying numbers of canals, usually 1 to 4 canals. Treating a tooth with root canal can prevent tooth extraction. Replacement of an extracted or missing can be a very costly treatment. Therefore, root canal treatment is a desirable form of treatment. Often we find that patients are concerned with pain that they might have heard about involving root canal treatment. Generally root canal treatment does not involve pain and can be performed with little or no discomfort.SOLOPONTIC (MONODONT)
The Monodont Bridge® offers fixed single tooth replacement for a fraction of the cost of any current fixed bridge options. The patented, FDA registered prefabricated stainless steel component allows the dentist to provide a quality, affordable, fixed bridge for some patients. In two appointments we are able to finalize this mini-bridge with minimal preparation and chairtime. The first appointment requires an impression and the second appointment requires the placement of two composite restorations to hold the bridge in place. This treatment is easily and quickly performed using our portable operatory.TMJ TMD
TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint is located just in front of the ear. It is the joint involed in the opening and closing of the lower jaw. TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder is a dysfunction of that joint. Symptoms of the disorder are as follows, but not limited to: pain in the joint, neck, shoulders, back, face, head, eyes, jaws, teeth and ears. Ringing in the ears also known as tinnitus, difficulty opening or closing of the jaw and limited range of motion of many joints and headaches may also be symptoms. In severe cases TMD can de a debilataing disorder. The cause of TMD can be related to trauma, tooth disorders, loss of teeth and stress resulting in grinding or clenching of the teeth. Treatment includes accurate diagnosis, followed by exercises, construction of TMJ appliance, possible reconstruction of the bite and sometimes surgery. Sometimes no treatment is required in the case of a traumatic injury. TMD is a dental disorder and is generally treated by a dentist with special knowledge and training.Some of the causes of TMJ/Grinding, Clinching include:
Some of the bite, tooth, or jaw alignment problems that contribute to TMD are:
TMJ Symptoms
Some of the symptoms or signs of TMJ may be surprising, but patients with a TMJ disorder may suffer from the following:
How are TMJ Diseases and Disorders Treated?
Reversible Treatments
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the Nation Institutes of Health, TMJ treatments should be reversible whenever possible. That means that the treatment should not cause permanent changes to the jaw or teeth. An example is a removable orthotic or custom night guard treatment.
Removable Orthotic or Night Guard Treatment
A night guard alleviates the majority of TMJ pain. The night guard (or orthotic) can be worn only at night, however in some instances our patients receive so much relief they prefer to wear it during the daytime as well. This oral appliance can be fitted by simply taking impressions and having our lab create your custom fitting appliance.
Advanced Treatment
In cases where an orthotic or night guard do not elimate pain due to TMD restorative treatment to correct the bite or surgical intervention may be necessary'
Back To ServicesVALPLAST
Valplast partial dentures have no metal clasps and are light weight. The material is translucent, so the patients own gums show through, giving a very natural appearance. Another great advantage of Valplast is its resistance to breakage, as it is surprisingly strong relative to its size and weight. No preparation of the teeth is needed (unlike a traditional metal framework partial denture) and impressions are taken using high quality impression material and then transported to our Valplast partial denture lab. All appointments are done on-site including follow-up adjustment appointments until the patient is comfortable and satisfied.VENEERS
Veneers are constructed of porcelain or composite material. Generally they are utilized to change the shape of teeth, close spaces between teeth, mask discoloration or whiten teeth. The advantage of veneers is that they require very little removal of tooth structure (as opposed to crowns). Veneers are one of the methods that a dentist might use to significantly improve a smile. View Video For VeneersXRAYS
Radiographic, or X-ray, examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination. Our office utilizes the newest, state of the art portable xray machines. These radar gun sized machines use less radiation than a traditional xray machine and produce the same high quality images as those in a fixed office.MOBILE DENTAL EQUIPMENT
In 1998 there were no options to purchase mobile dental equipment. At that time we developed equipment that could be transported to Assisted Living facilities so that we were capable of treating residents. Since that time we have improved upon the equipment and are proud today to say we truly have state of the art equipment that permits us to perform many of the procedures listed above.