Services

What is a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning, often called a prophylaxis, is a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums done by a dental hygienist. It involves removing plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth using special tools. The hygienist also polishes your teeth to remove stains and smooth their surfaces. Dental cleanings are important for preventing cavities, gum disease, and keeping your smile bright and healthy. They're usually painless and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean!

What is a "deep" cleaning?

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more intensive procedure aimed at treating gum disease or periodontal disease. It's necessary when there's a buildup of plaque and tartar deep below the gum line, causing inflammation and pockets to form between the gums and teeth.

During a deep cleaning, the dentist or hygienist carefully removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from these pockets, both above and below the gum line. They also smooth out the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth properly. This process may require local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Deep cleanings are crucial for stopping gum disease from progressing and helping to restore gum health.

What is a filling?

A filling is a treatment for fixing a cavity in your tooth. When you have a cavity, it means there's a small hole or damage caused by decay. To fix it, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and then fills the space with a special material. This material, often a tooth-colored composite resin or sometimes metal, restores the tooth's shape and function. It prevents the cavity from getting bigger and helps you chew comfortably again. Fillings are durable and blend in with your natural teeth, so they're hardly noticeable once they're in place.

Tooth whitening at home involves using custom-made trays and a special whitening gel. You fill the trays with the gel and wear them over your teeth for a specified amount of time each day. The gel contains a bleaching agent that breaks down stains on the enamel, making your teeth look brighter over time. This gradual process allows you to achieve a whiter smile from the comfort of your home.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. It involves placing a small titanium post into your jawbone, which acts like a tooth root. Once the post is securely in place and the bone has healed around it, a crown (artificial tooth) is attached to the post. This results in a new, fully functional tooth that looks and feels natural. Implants are very durable, can last a lifetime with proper care, and help maintain the health of your jawbone by preventing bone loss where the tooth is missing.

How does it compare to a bridge?

In comparison, a dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by using the teeth on either side of the gap as supports. These neighboring teeth are reshaped to hold crowns, and the artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to these crowns, effectively bridging the gap. While bridges are a quicker and less invasive option than implants, they do require altering the adjacent teeth and do not prevent bone loss in the jaw. Bridges may also need to be replaced after several years. Implants, on the other hand, provide a long-term solution without impacting surrounding teeth.

How can botulinum help with pain?

Botulinum toxin, commonly known for its cosmetic use in smoothing wrinkles, can also be an effective treatment for certain types of facial pain, including TMJ disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding). When used medically for facial pain, Botulinum toxin works by relaxing the muscles involved. Here’s how it can help:

1. Muscle Relaxation: Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes the muscles that can cause pain when they are overly tense or in spasm. By relaxing these muscles, Botulinum toxin can reduce the strain and stress in the jaw and facial area.

2. Pain Relief: By decreasing muscle tension, Botulinum toxin can significantly reduce pain levels. It can be especially beneficial for people who experience chronic jaw pain or frequent headaches due to teeth grinding.

3. Decreased Teeth Grinding: For those who grind their teeth, botulinum toxin can help by weakening the muscles enough to reduce the grinding, without affecting your ability to eat and speak.

4. Prevention of Wear and Tear: By controlling the muscle activity, botulinum toxin can help prevent the excessive wear and tear on the teeth and the jaw joint that is often caused by grinding and clenching.

Overall, Botulinum toxin offers a non-surgical, minimally invasive option that can be quite effective in managing pain and reducing the physical stress on the jaw and facial muscles, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Trauma management 

Root Canals 

Extractions

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to treat gum recession, where the gum tissue has pulled away from the tooth, exposing the tooth's root. During the procedure, a small piece of gum tissue is taken from another part of your mouth or a donor source and attached to the area with gum recession. This helps cover the exposed root, protect it from further damage, and reduce sensitivity. Gum grafting can also improve the appearance of your smile by restoring a more natural gum line. After the procedure, proper oral care and regular dental visits are important to maintain the health and stability of the gums.

What is a denture?

A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. It's made of acrylic resin and sometimes metal, custom-designed to fit comfortably over your gums. Dentures can be partial, replacing a few missing teeth, or complete, replacing all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Partial dentures have clasps that attach to your natural teeth for stability, while complete dentures rely on suction and adhesive to stay in place. They restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Over time, adjustments may be needed as your gums and jawbone change shape. Regular care, including daily cleaning and occasional adjustments by your dentist, helps maintain the fit and function of dentures for optimal comfort and longevity.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that is badly infected or decayed. It involves removing the damaged or infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), cleaning and disinfecting the inner chambers, and then filling and sealing the space. This helps eliminate pain, prevents the infection from spreading, and preserves the natural tooth. After a root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it and restore its function.

What is a tooth extraction?

Dental extraction, commonly known as tooth extraction, is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed for several reasons, such as severe tooth decay, infection, crowding, or damage beyond repair. Before the extraction, the dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable throughout the process. Then, using specialized tools, the dentist gently loosens the tooth and carefully removes it from the socket. After extraction, a small amount of bleeding is normal, and the dentist may place gauze over the extraction site to help control it. Depending on the case, the dentist may recommend options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures to replace the extracted tooth and restore normal function and appearance. It's essential to follow post-extraction care instructions provided by your dentist to promote healing and prevent complications.

What is clear aligner therapy?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic that gradually shifts your teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to eat, brush, and floss. They are nearly invisible when worn, which makes them a popular choice for adults and teens who prefer a more discreet option for straightening their teeth. Treatment with Invisalign involves wearing a series of aligners, each worn for about two weeks, until your teeth are aligned correctly according to your treatment plan. Regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist are necessary to monitor progress and receive new sets of aligners.