Composite Fillings
We use only metal and BPA free composite filling materials to fill cavities, replace amalgam fillings, restore broken teeth, and improve esthetics. On occasion, when the decay is deep into the tooth and close to the nerve, we place a thin layer of a specialized, medicated liner at the deepest part. This gives the tooth the best chance of healing from within and avoiding a toothache or abscess.
Same Day Crowns
Sometimes a tooth needs a little more help than a filling can provide. In this instance, we opt for a more durable inlay, onlay or crown (commonly called a cap).
We are proud to offer Same Day, “metal-free” restorations *
Beautiful, strong, conservative restorations can frequently be done in one visit, thanks to CEREC (CEramic REconstruction). In fact, a tooth with a CEREC restoration bonded into place makes the tooth as strong as before it ever had decay or a filling!
We find this technology ideal for conserving as much of the original tooth structure as possible. The restorations are made from a variety of biocompatible materials and have characteristics similar to normal, healthy enamel with respect to hardness, expansion and contraction.
The result is a beautiful, compatible, natural-colored restoration that can be completed in one dental visit!
- LOOKS like natural teeth
- FEELS like natural dental enamel
- CONTAINS no metal
- CREATES strength and durability
* While, technically, some composites and ceramics may include small amounts of benign metals, we are comfortable calling them “metal-free” to distinguish them from mercury, nickel, steel, gold and other “wholly metal” restorations. For more information see Jess Clifford’s helpful paper “Should I Be Worried About Aluminum in Fillings and Crowns?”
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth reaches the point of no return it is time to consider having it removed. Abscesses, fractures and re-infected root canals are the most likely reasons to need an extraction. See our Surgical Protocols above for more detailed info about what actually happens during an extraction appointment.
Once a tooth has been removed, with rare exception, it should be replaced either immediately or within 4-6 months to avoid the complication of the other teeth shifting.
Dentures, Bridges and Implants
With a single missing tooth, there are several viable replacement options. In order of less to more invasive there are partial dentures, composite bridges, conventional bridges and implants.
The partial dentures we use are always metal free and provide a pleasantly esthetic solution.
Composite bridges can be done in a single visit and are minimally traumatic to the teeth they are bonded to. Due to strength issues, it is typically better to keep composite bridges closer to the front of the mouth to minimize forces applied during chewing.
Conventional bridges are a durable and esthetic single tooth replacement option. They look, feel and function like a natural tooth but require special care to keep clean and require aggressive grinding on the tooth to which they are bonded.
Finally, implants are an excellent choice to replace missing teeth. They provide the most lifelike option when it comes to how they look, how they feel, how they function and how they are cared for. We prefer the non-metal zirconia implants over titanium. Zirconia implants tend to integrate better with the soft tissue around them and create less of a burden on acupuncture meridians and the immune system.
When a patient is missing multiple teeth, either a partial denture or implant supported bridges are the best replacement options.
If all of the teeth are missing, complete dentures are the best option to restore an entire smile.
Sleep Apnea
An obstructed airway during sleep is bad news for optimal health. With our 3D CBCT x-ray, we can quickly and easily screen for a deficient airway. We then confirm the presence of sleep apnea with a take home sleep test. Every take home sleep test includes a report form a board certified sleep MD.
Once a diagnosis is reached, sleep apnea can be treated many ways. In our office, we use a specialized mouth guard that holds the chin forward and keeps the tongue out of the airway during sleep.
Laser Dentistry
It cuts, it kills and………..it heals! Our high tech Fotona Lightwalker is the high performance sports car of dental lasers. It allows us to gently remove bacterial decay and place fillings with no anesthetic shots. We can use it to perform gum and jawbone surgeries and then stimulate healing with infrared light therapy. We can calm sore jaw joints and even perform cosmetic procedures like lip plumping, wrinkle smoothing and spider vein removal.