The Steps We Take When Creating Your Dentures

Dentures are an excellent replacement option for people who have lost a few or all of their teeth. The dentures process is simple, direct, and can be completed efficiently. We can have dentures created for your specific needs that look attractive when placed in your mouth. Our dentures will provide function and aesthetic value to your dental structure. They will also preserve your current facial bone structure, which could begin to deteriorate without the proper support system that teeth or dental replacements provide.

Dentures Impression
At your dentures appointment, we will first examine your gums and any remaining teeth that you may have to ensure dentures are the right option for you. We will make one or more impressions of your gums and any healthy teeth that may still be present in your mouth. The purpose of an impression is to create a mold that will be used in the creation of your dentures. The more precise the impression we obtain is, the better your dentures will fit. We will also take measurements of your dental structure and make notes on your bite and how your gum ridges align. During this time, we will also help you determine which color of dentures you think is best for you.

Dentures Creation and Fitting
In most cases, we will receive a wax appliance for you to bite into as a first step to trying on your dentures. This will give you a preview of how your dentures will fit into place and allow us to make necessary adjustments so that your dentures fit securely. Once we receive your finalized dentures, we will call you back in for another fitting session. If the customized dentures fit securely, we can cement them into place as desired. If adjustments need to be made at this point, we will perform final tweaks before we send you home with your dentures.

After Receiving Your Dentures
During the first few days or weeks of wearing your new dentures, you may notice that it is challenging to speak without a lisp. This common side effect will subside more quickly if you speak often and allow your mouth to get used to your dentures. Slight irritation as your gums and tongue get used to your dentures is normal. If irritation becomes more severe or you notice that your dentures have begun to slide around or fall out of place, then you need to come back into our office for additional adjustments. Your dentures should fit comfortably in your mouth, allowing you to eat and speak without any lingering issues. We want your dentures to feel and look natural so that you can truly enjoy your replacements.

Following the uncomplicated dentures process, you will have a new and improved smile. You will have teeth that function properly, and that give you a reason to smile. If you have any problems after your dentures are placed, please don’t hesitate to let our office know so we can fix the problems. Your dentures experience should be a good one from the beginning to end.

Dental Veneers Fast Facts That You Should Know

Before you get dental veneers, you may be interested in learning more about this great dental service. When it comes to covering flaws, veneers are a wonderful product that creates amazing results. You will be impressed with how much better your teeth will look once you have your veneers placed. Veneers can cover many dental flaws with minimal effort. For a few more important and quick facts about them, continue reading. 

• A veneer is a very thin, normally porcelain shell that is adhered to the fronts of your teeth to cover flaws. 
• Dental veneers can cover and improve shaping and contouring issues, discoloration or spotting, chips or gaps, misaligned or crooked teeth, awkward lengths, and a variety of other imperfections.
• Veneers are normally made of porcelain or composite materials depending on your specific needs. 
• Before your veneers are placed, we will gently etch the surface enamel of your teeth to create a better base for the adhesive. Once your enamel is prepared, we will adhere temporary veneers while your new ones are created in the lab.  Once ready,  the dental veneers will be bonded to your teeth with a long-lasting dental glue.
• Veneers normally last 15-20 years, sometimes longer. This length will range depending how well you care for your veneers and your surrounding gums and teeth. 
• They can be easily replaced if they become damaged or worn. 
• Dental veneers can be placed in as little as one dental visit or as many as three visits depending on what type of veneers you choose. 
• Before we can place your veneers, you will need to have a dental check up and allow us to fix any cavities and remove any dangerous infections. 
• The veneers placement is a minimally invasive and highly effective cosmetic solution. 
• You should not get veneers if your teeth are still developing or if you are suffering from ongoing periodontal disease. 
• Dental veneers are customized to fit only your teeth and improve the exact flaws you discuss with us. 
• Veneers are very natural looking and not easily scratched, stained, or damaged.
• The veneers procedure is not reversible unless you plan to have another cosmetic or restorative procedure completed to cover your vulnerable teeth due to the removal of enamel before veneers are placed. 
• Regular flossing and brushing can be done once your veneers are placed. No extra care outside of the avoidance of biting your fingernails or grinding your teeth is required. 
• Normally local anesthetic application is all the pain relief that is needed for a veneers placement. You will not experience discomfort during the procedure.
• The cost range of veneers varies depending on the location of treatment and severity of dental imperfections. 
• Dental veneers from our office should blend in perfectly with your other teeth. 

Now that you have learned some fast facts about how convenient, efficient, and affordable veneers are, we hope you consider visiting our office to learn more. The benefits of dental veneers are endless, and the results are attractive and natural looking. For all your dental veneer needs, we can help.

An Emergency Dentist Can Help You in a Time of Need

As a family dentist providing emergency dentist care, we will be there for you in your time of need. If you have a dental emergency, we will not ask you to wait for weeks to schedule an appointment but will work to schedule you for immediate care.  While open during business hours, we can get you in right away so that you can feel better. Listed below are a few common reasons you may want to visit our office as soon as you can.

Q: How can a family dentist save my chipped tooth?
A: Besides being an esthetically unappealing addition to your smile, a chipped tooth can also cause a large amount of discomfort. For an immediate fix and relief from discomfort, our dentist office can help.

Our quick dental bonding is the most commonly used solution for a chipped tooth. As a family dentist providing emergency dentist care, we can place a composite resin material over the open surface and harden it to a perfect shape and a durable consistency. For a smaller chip, you may just need a minor enamel shaping to buff out the uneven area, creating a smooth, natural-looking surface. For a larger chip or more extensive damage, we can apply a thin veneer to create a natural looking, attractive tooth once again.

Q: How can a family dentist replace my lost tooth?
A: If you have lost your tooth and are having trouble getting an appointment for a long-term fix, our dentist office can help. There is a variety of options available to replace missing teeth. Regardless of the number of teeth that need replacing, we can create dentures, a dental bridge, or even place an implant as needed. A dental implant is our most permanent option available.

Q: How can you treat my painful cavity?
A: Some cavities are small and don't cause any discomfort. In this case, a quick fluoride treatment or small filling may do the trick to prevent further decay. If your cavity has already gotten to an uncomfortable stage, we can help by treating it right now. We will first remove the existing decay, and then will fill in your tooth with a strong and durable filling. Our filling options vary in color and strength, but our most requested filling type is our composite resin. This filling is tooth-colored and provides long-term protection against further tooth decay.

If your cavity is beyond filling repair, we can perform a root canal or tooth extraction if needed. We try to avoid these options in most cases because we like to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. As a family dentist providing emergency dentist care, we can also provide you with a resilient, personalized crown that will cover your existing tooth and prevent more damage.  Whether your tooth and gum problems are large or small, we are prepared to help at any time. We will give you the care and attention you deserve when you need it most. Since we provide treatment during business hours, we do our best to leave room in the schedule for patients with a dental emergency and we can also provide you with suggestions for how to stay comfortable while waiting to come in.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office

Visit Our Cosmetic Dentist Office For These Procedures

Our cosmetic dentist office can transform your smile from dull to brilliant. No matter what your particular needs are, we know how to help. Some of the most common treatments we employ are listed below to provide you with insight regarding our viable methods.

Fillings: If you need a filling to remedy a cavity, we can provide you with a tooth-colored filling that will look natural against the color of your tooth. Our fillings are durable and will protect your vulnerable teeth from more damage for years to come.

Bonding: In our cosmetic dentist office, our dental bonding is made of a similar material as our composite resin fillings, but it is used to fill in chips and cracks in your teeth to improve esthetic value. If you have a minor imperfection that you would like covered, dental bonding is an attractive and long-lasting solution that requires minimal chair time. Our bonding solution is also tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural tooth color.

Crowns: We use crowns to cover damaged teeth that are too impaired to be fixed by a filling or bonding. They cover your entire tooth for the most protection against decay and further damage. We can offer you attractive, natural-looking crowns that match your other teeth. While natural looking, they are so durable that can withstand immense pressure and are stain resistant.
Teeth Whitening: To brighten a dull smile, our cosmetic dentist office can give you a thorough teeth whitening strategy that can be implemented as needed to achieve the white shade you desire. A whitening can transform your smile in a simple, but effective way.
Dental Veneers: Our veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells that can be applied to the fronts of your teeth as attractive coverage for crooked or discolored teeth. Veneers are long-lasting and are a minimally invasive way to cover up dental flaws and to restore teeth that have been damaged in an accident.

Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a semi-permanent replacement for missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, our dental bridge provides fabricated teeth that match your other ones. The bridge will fit into the gap created by your former teeth. The false teeth will be secured in place by two crown anchors attached to your strong existing teeth.

Dental Implant: A dental implant will be your most attractive and permanent replacement option. Our cosmetic dentist office will secure a titanium rod into the root opening that was left by your former tooth. This rod will be attached to the replacement tooth to hold it in place. With time, the titanium rod will graft with your jawbone to create the most permanent solution to a missing tooth.
For all your esthetic dentistry needs, our cosmetic dentist office can help. We can provide you with comprehensive care so that no imperfection is left unrefined. You will be pleased with the timely, durable, and attractive solutions we can provide for your dental needs.

Signs You Need to See a General Dentist

It can be hard to visit a general dentist when life is so busy, but it should not be neglected. Visiting a general dentist can provide you with long-term protection against tooth decay and gum disease. If you have any of these questions, it may be a sign that you should see a dentist soon to receive care.

Q: Why are there white spots on my teeth?
A: Many people ignore spotting on their teeth, but white spots can be a sign of enamel wear and decay. If you have white spots on your teeth, you should visit our general dentist office.  We will evaluate the damage and provide proper preventative or restorative solutions. By seeing a dentist, you will avoid worse damage to your teeth.

Q: My teeth are stained— is there anything I can do to make them whiter?
A: Teeth staining is very common. Teeth become discolored and dull with age, and it can be hard to keep up with whitening. A professional whitening performed in our general dentist office can help your teeth stay white longer. We will select the right bleaching solution for the shade of white that you prefer.

Q: Why do I have a sharp pain in my tooth when I eat and drink?
A: Tooth discomfort or sensitivity to different food temperatures is often a sign of tooth decay. The thinner your enamel becomes; the more susceptible your nerves are to having sensitivities. As a general dentist, we can treat your cavities and provide you will relief from these symptoms.

Q: What is gum disease and how will I know if I have it?
A: Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease. This disease is a result of plaque and tartar build up in your gums. This buildup creates a great environment for bacteria growth. Gum disease can lead to long-term problems like tooth loss and receding gums. These symptoms are a good sign you may have gingivitis and/or periodontal disease: inflamed and bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and general pain in your teeth and gums. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit our dentist office as soon as you can to receive treatment.

Q: Why are my gums receding?
A: Gum recession needs to be checked out immediately. Gum recession may be the result of periodontal disease or another serious infection. Brushing your teeth too vigorously can also give you receding gums. Whatever you think the reason may be, we can treat your gum disease or show you how to brush your teeth correctly, without damaging your gums.

All of these problems are common and can happen to anyone. Visiting our general dentist office regularly can make your chances of infection and decay minimal. Take the initiative and visit us if you have any of these symptoms or if you have noticed any other abnormalities. Becoming familiar with your teeth and gums and seeing a dentist can help you avoid future problems.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office

Dental Implants: More of Your Questions Answered

The concept of dental implants has been around for a very long time. Just because they have a long history does not make dental implants any less modern. As a matter of fact with the improvements, they have made over the years, and with the additional benefit of modern science, dental implants are becoming the way of the future concerning dental prosthetic devices.

Some of our patients, especially those that have a prosthetic device that they are already using, are concerned about making the switch and wonder what the benefits are. The advantages are numerous and start with the fact that dental implants are based on the fusion of organic tissue with a device that is actually inserted into your jawbone. When an implant is inserted into your jaw, by a skilled oral surgeon or dentist, it becomes an integral part of the body and is more secure and stable than any other device. Additionally other devices have made advances but are still depending on older ideas like using adhesives or dental cement. Finally when you get dental implants, you get the strongest, most durable and best looking prosthetic device available.

The permanence of dental implants makes people want to have all of their questions answered before they proceed with getting them installed. We truly enjoy taking the time to sit down and go over all of your questions. There are a few more common questions that we feel could be answered outside of a sit-down session.

How long does a dental implant last? 
The answer to this question is a little bit more complex than a simple number. Numerically implants can last anywhere from seven to thirty years or longer. The reason this span is so vast is because it is influenced directly by other factors. The ability of your jawbone to sustain the implant, gum diseases, and infections, and accidents can all shorten the life span. Good oral hygiene and diet can help increase the life of the implants. Treating implants like regular teeth is the best way to improve their life cycle.
How often do implants fail? 
The reality is that all solutions have a failure threshold based on different factors. With implants, they are typically successful between 93% and 98% of the time, meaning that there is a very small, minuscule, in fact, chance your implants will not take or fail during the installation.
Will it take long to recover?
To ensure such a high level of success, we do our dental implants installation in phases. Between each of the phases, you will have the opportunity to rest and recover for between ten and fourteen days. After you return from the recovery, we will inspect the work we have done, make any minor changes that may be required and then proceed to the next step. This careful and deliberate schedule not only ensures a higher success rate but also shortens your final recovery time to less than two weeks after all of the procedures have been completed.  While we know that this is a longer process than other replacement solutions, it is also the most durable and natural looking result.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening

The Shade of Your Dental Veneers is Essential to Your Smile

The choice of dental veneers over some of the other cosmetic dental procedures is reached for a number of reasons. First, however, a patient has to decide that they want to improve their smile. As it so happens, there is not much we cannot fix esthetically in your mouth today. With the rapid advancements in technology, we have the tools at our disposal to fix any nature of unsightly problems that range from teeth that are crooked and misaligned to teeth that are badly stained and simply need new life through whitening. Our patients typically chose dental veneers to cover up badly stained teeth or to replace missing enamel. As such, the most common reason for choosing veneers is still the fact that people want to have the brightest and whitest smile they possibly can. If you decide that you want to use veneers to have permanently whiter teeth, you will need to make the next important decision.

Dental veneers are virtually a permanent solution. This immediately poses a question - what color do you want your teeth to be for the next several decades? Most of us do not ever get to choose the natural color of our teeth which makes this decision slightly more challenging than it sounds. A few years ago patients were limited to a palette of 16 colors and you would have to pick a shade that was the closest match to your unaffected teeth. As you can imagine, this was not a very exciting prospect. After all, when you want your smile to be brighter and whiter, there is literally no fun in picking a shade that looks exactly like your old teeth. With advancements in technology, we now can do things like bleach your teeth before picking the shade so that all of your teeth, including your veneers, will be bright and white. Essentially you have more choices now.

While color is important, there is another factor to consider when you are getting dental veneers. This is the opacity or the translucency of the veneers that are placed over your teeth. Teeth are not solid. One of the most beautiful elements of natural teeth is the way that they allow natural light to pass through them. This gives the effect of a lighted smile and is something we will want to mimic very closely with your veneers. Having a solid block of veneers, that completely shields the light will cause your teeth to look plastic and fake. Instead, we will work with the translucency to ensure that the right amount of light passes through the veneer so that you have a radiant smile. As you are selecting the color and transparency of your veneers, you should keep in mind that they will not age or stain like natural teeth. Whatever you chose today is what you will have for years to come.

When using dental veneers to improve your smile, we can also address things like gaps, crooked teeth, damaged teeth, a loss of enamel and dark stains.  Once done, this solution will ensure that your teeth are bright, white, and beautiful.