Check Ups

Checkups are usually recommended every six months depending on oral health and typically are performed in conjunction with a cleaning, hygiene instructions and fluoride application.  During a checkup, our doctors will perform a surface exam of your teeth, soft tissue screening, and evaluation of your bite.  X-rays are consulted annually to help the doctor see through the teeth, between the teeth, and below the surface.

Composite Fillings

A filling is recommended to restore defects caused by small areas of breakage or decay.  In our office, only composite filling material is used.  Composite is  a tooth-colored mixture of plastic and glass that is bonded to the tooth and seals out bacterial well as long as it is in good condition.  Like any material, composite can chip, stan, and fracture over time and the integrity of its seal must be monitored and maintained to avoid new decay in the future.  Amalgam fillings, made of mercury and other metals, have not been placed in our office since 2007.  Placement of amalgam fillings requires more aggressive removal of tooth structure and does not result in a sealed margin.

Pediatric Dentistry

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends the first dental visit when the first tooth appears (usually around six months of age) or by the first birthday.  Our doctors are comfortable with babies and will perform a “knee-to-knee” exam while Mom, Dad, or other caregiver holds the baby/toddler. As Baby grows, it is important they feel comfortable in a dental setting and that we not force them to complete any tasks they are not ready for or comfortable with.  By age three, they are usually comfortable sitting in the dental chair. We will show them our tiny mirror, soft toothbrush, water squirter and suction straw before we use them. We will allow them to touch and smell everything and won’t proceed until they’re comfortable.  Moms, Dads, other caregivers, and siblings are always welcome in the room during treatment unless they are creating anxiety for the patient. Early loss of primary/baby teeth due to decay and infection will compromise the alignment of your child’s permanent teeth.

Tooth-Grinding

Tooth-grinding, or bruxism, is very common and often related to stress.  Some people grind their teeth in their sleep, some while awake, and some grind day and night.  Many people who have wear patterns that indicate grinding are not aware of grinding.  Our doctors will evaluate the teeth for signs of wear that cannot be attributed to normal tooth wear from chewing food.  If excessive wear is discovered, a plastic night guard will be recommended.  Although we call them “night guards”, they can be worn day and/or night.  We fabricate the guards in-office by taking a digital intraoral scan and 3D printing them.  It takes us a few days to fabricate the guards, which are very adjustable in tightness,thickness and width to make them comfortable.

Tooth Whitening

We recommend three types of tooth whitening that are safe and effective:

Crest White Strips, Disposable Trays, and Custom Trays.

Crest White Strips are strips of plastic wrap with dots of bleaching gel on them that wrap around the front 6 teeth only. For most people, they work well and are the only product available in stores that will hold the bleaching gel on your tooth surfaces long enough to be effective.

Disposable bleach trays.  We sell these sets of wax trays in the office.  They extend farther back than Crest White Strips but not fully like Custom Trays. Wear them for 30 minutes then discard. The kit includes 10 upper and 10 lower trays.

Custom Trays.  We take a digital impression of your teeth and fabricate custom trays for you that treat every natural tooth.  Custom trays come with bleaching gel that you place sparingly into the trays and wear either for 30 minutes during the day or while you sleep.  Custom trays work best because they hold the bleaching gel against the tooth surface best.  If your trays don’t fit after getting a new crown, we’ll replace them at no cost. Bleach for a few days until you’re happy with results, save the remaining gel for a touch-up and when you need more, we sell refill gel at the office. Invisalign trays can be used as Custom Bleach Trays.

Keep bleaching gel off the gums as it can cause temporary color change and sensitivity in gum tissue. As with any bleaching product, teeth can become temperature sensitive after bleaching. If that happens, discontinue bleaching until sensitivity subsides and try again later.  Bleaching gel lifts surface stains; it does not lighten the internal color of the tooth. Fillings and crowns will not lighten with bleach.  Results vary. If whitening does not get the desired results, ask us about other options.