- Dental ExaminationBad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Flossing between teeth and brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals and at bedtime will usually take care of most of the problem. Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash could also assist in eliminating mouth odor. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.
- X-rays
- Teeth CleaningTeeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque (soft deposits) and calculus or tartar (hard deposits) from teeth. This helps combat cavities (dental caries), gingivitis and periodontitis. Each person's oral condition determines the type of cleaning needed and is the core element in developing a complete program of oral hygiene.
- Dental SealantsDental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. This is a tool for younger patients who are working to develop adequate home care habits.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeSometimes cavities happen. Restoring a tooth can help rebuild a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires restoration (a filling), the decay is removed from the tooth, the affected area cleaned and then the cleaned out cavity restored with a man-made material. This can be either tooth colored composite resin or silver colored amalgam. The restoration also helps deter further decay by closing off cracks and spaces where bacteria can enter with adequate home care and routine dental visits.
- VeneersA veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer: composite and porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.
- CrownsCrown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods which are cemented into place. A crown is used to "cap" or completely cover a tooth to protect a natural tooth structure from fracturing with adequate home care and routine dental visits.
- Bridges
- Dental BondingDental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately bonds the material to the tooth to restore or improve your smile.
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot canal is a term for a dental operation called endodontic therapy, where the pulp and nerve of a tooth are removed with the goal of elimination of infection and protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. This is often coupled with full crown coverage to protect the tooth from fracturing and potentially losing the tooth altogether.
- DenturesDentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clipping onto teeth or dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures, depending on whether they are fixed onto implants to stay seated at all times or removable with the ability to remove and seat at will. Newer removable materials also allow for more comfortable fit as well.
- Dental ImplantsA dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement procedure that helps individuals to replace teeth that have been lost or removed due to various circumstances. The implant procedure typically starts with insertion of a titanium pin (usually by a specialist), which has a "roughed up" surface, into the jawbone; titanium is used because of its unique ability to be fused to bone, allowing for a solid setting for the replacement crown. The restoration of the implanted root is then performed to give the appearance and function of a tooth in the mouth.
- Tooth ExtractionsA dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
- Teeth WhiteningTooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. In the absence of decay, whitening is achieved by using "bleaching" products to whiten stained and discolored teeth or simply to enhance a dull smile. While temporary sensitivity can be experienced, tooth whitening is considered a safe and relatively painless procedure for most patients under the care of a dental professional.