|
Bad Breath Bonding Cosmetic Dentistry Deep Cleaning (Root Planing) Procedure Dentures Digital X-Rays Implants (Missing Teeth) Minor Orthodontics Porcelain Crowns and Bridges Preventative Care Prenatal Care Root Canal TMD Tooth Colored Fillings Tooth Whitening Veneers Bad Breath Are you afraid to get too close? Bad breath should not be ignored, as it could be the indication of more serious problems. The most common name for reoccurring bad breath is halitosis. Many causes of bad breath can be: tooth decay, periodontal disease, dry mouth, tobacco use, certain foods, and illness. Bad breath usually begins in your mouth, as bacteria breaks down food debris. These bacteria require an oxygen free environment, so they are usually found in the grooves of your tongue or between your teeth. The key to avoiding bad breath is by eliminating it at its source. This is why regular cleanings are important and if necessary antibacterial toothpaste and rinse are available and should be used. Bonding Bonding is a technique which uses a white filling material for cosmetic or structural changes of teeth. Bonding can close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshaped teeth, or whiten stained or dark teeth. A single tooth can be shaped and colored. Bonding can help protect teeth when they are beginning to wear and are chipped. Bonding can drastically improve your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry This can be anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it changed. The color, alignment, and spacing of the teeth are the characteristics that give an overall appearance. Any of these can be changed to give a stunning new look. Dr. Wallace’s office offers a wide range of cosmetic options. Some of these options include whitening, recontouring the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns. Deep Cleaning (Root Planing) Procedure Scaling and root planing is a procedure that is performed to remove plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. The procedure is normally performed over several appointments for the comfort of the patient. Local anesthetic is usually given before the procedure begins to keep you comfortable. A small scaling instrument is then used to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the top of the tooth all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. In order to allow your gums to heal and reattach to the tooth, we plane or smooth the root surfaces. To prevent infection, an antibiotic or alternative medicine will be placed in the pocket after it has been scaled and planed. Dentures There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss or extensive decay. Often implants can be used to further stabilize the dentures. Digital X-Rays We use state of the art digital x-rays and digital cameras to help with an accurate diagnosis of any concerns. Digital x-rays use less radiation to get a diagnostic picture of your teeth and they help the environment by eliminating the use of chemicals to process the film. Implants In replacing missing teeth, or providing a comfortable alternative to dentures, Dr. Wallace utilizes the latest advances in dental implant restoration. When permanent teeth are lost, implants are often excellent replacements esthetically and functionally regardless of the reason or number of teeth. After nearly 35 years of use, dental implants have a 90-95% proven success rate in appropriately chosen cases. An implant is a surgical grade titanium post that is inserted surgically into the jawbone below the gum surface. Once the implant is inserted, the bone forms a secure foundation onto the post, to which your new teeth are then attached and shaped to match your mouth. The number of teeth being replaced will determine the best kind of restoration for you. Implants can help replace a single tooth, or a full set of teeth. If you have been suffering with partial or full dentures, or are missing teeth, or feel you need teeth extracted, do not hesitate to call to be evaluated for implants. Porcelain Crowns and Bridges A tooth colored crown or bridge can be made of both porcelain and metal. With new technology it can also be made of all porcelain. All porcelain crowns and bridges maintain a translucency that makes them hard to tell from natural teeth. Due to the new porcelain crowns and bridges, the problem with dark lines from metal crowns and bridges is eliminated. As an alternative to an implant, a bridge can be fabricated to replace a missing tooth. The porcelain allows for a more natural looking tooth. Preventive Dental Care The basis of sound dental care is routine cleaning and maintenance. We customize cleanings on the basis of your periodontal, (gum tissue and bone), health. We utilize medicated gels along with prescription mouth rinses in problem areas if necessary. Ultrasonic scalers are sometimes used to make the procedure more comfortable and effective as well. Sealants should be used as part of a child’s total preventive dental care. Dental sealants are thin layers of resin which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars (back teeth). Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs in these surfaces. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces to prevent decay. Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. It is an easy three-step process: a special cleansing liquid is placed on the tooth and is washed off, a drying agent is used to ensure adhesion, and finally the sealant is painted on the tooth. A light is used to cure the sealant material so it forms the protective shield over the biting surface. One sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked regularly, and reapplied if they are no longer in place. Children and adults at high risk of dental decay may benefit from using additional fluoride products, including dietary supplements (for children who do not have adequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water), mouth rinses, prescription toothpaste, and professionally applied gels and varnishes. Prenatal Concerns Dental Disease During Pregnancy Many mothers have experienced gum disease, dental pain and/or tooth extraction during or shortly after their pregnancy. This is often seen as being a “normal” side effect of being pregnant. However, dental disease, which is an infection of the teeth and/or gums, is not “normal” for any patient. There are three basic events that happen during pregnancy which make the patient more susceptible to dental disease. First, hormonal changes may make the gums more susceptible to gum disease. Second, pregnant women tend to eat smaller, more frequent meals, exposing their teeth and gums to sugars and acids more often. Third, cravings for “junk foods” and inadequate oral hygiene pose an increased threat to the teeth and gums. Pregnant women should be advised to schedule a dental evaluation and receive preventive dental care. Personalized oral hygiene instruction should also be given to fight disease and promote overall good health for the mother and her baby. Root Canal Treatment Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. But sometimes, there are no symptoms. The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function. Most patients report that having a root canal treatment today is as easy as having a cavity filled. TMD The jaw joint is located in front of each ear. It is a complex joint that has many muscles controlling it. Many people experience severe pain in and around the joint for a number of reasons. The pain can be sharp in the area of the joint, or it may feel similar to an earache. It can be reoccurring and severe. With TMJ, muscle spasms in the neck, back and shoulders can occur. Persistent grinding or clenching of the teeth can cause TMJ. This causes the muscles to be over worked and in turn they get fatigued and go into spasm. This is when the pain begins. An appliance can be made to wear over the teeth that will allow the muscles to rest and reduce symptoms. If these symptoms persist, it is important you do not ignore them because they can get worse. Tooth Colored Fillings Dr. Wallace mainly uses tooth colored fillings because they are durable and appear more natural. Amalgam (mercury, silver) fillings can absorb moisture and expand and contract with heat and cold. As the filling ages it can fracture your tooth, which may then require a crown. Corrosion allows leakage of bacteria along the edges of the fillings, causing decay underneath. This leakage often gives a dark or unnatural appearance to the tooth. Tooth colored fillings can be made of porcelain or composite resin, which is bonded directly to the tooth, restoring it to near its original strength and function. Both can be custom-colored to precisely match your teeth, so when porcelain or resin fillings are in place, they are extremely natural looking. Tooth Whitening Everyone loves a bright, white smile. Today there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the color of your teeth. Some whitening procedures are done in our office with one visit. Other whitening agents can even be purchased over-the-counter. However, over-the-counter whitening agents will not whiten your teeth as quickly or as effectively make your teeth whiter in about an hour. The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The proprietary Zoom II Whitening Gel is applied, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care and maintenance your smile will sparkle for years. (Whitening trays are included with the Zoom! system for maintenance) Veneers What is a veneer? A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that bonds to the tooth to improve the color or shape of the existing tooth. A veneer generally covers the front and top edge of the tooth. Veneers can be used for many different purposes: to close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshaped teeth, or whiten stained or dark teeth. Veneers can also protect teeth that are chipped or beginning to wear. How do we restore teeth with veneers? It takes more than one appointment to restore teeth using veneers. During the first appointment, we shape and roughen the teeth. We then take impressions of your teeth so we can mold veneers that perfectly fit your mouth. During the second appointment, we clean and polish the prepared teeth. The veneers are then adhered to the teeth with an adhesive. The bond is then hardened with a high intensity light. Once bonded, the veneers are part of your teeth. They are extremely strong and result in a beautiful and natural looking smile. |
|
Wallace Family Dentistry |
|
|
General, Family & Restorative Dentistry |
405-340-0411 |
