- Dental ExaminationWhether you are new to the greater Rochester area or simply seeking a fresh start when it comes to your dental health, it usually starts with a phone call. We realize that, for some, this can be a difficult first step to take. You may have enjoyed a trusted relationship with a previous dentist and harbor anxiety about placing your trust in the hands of another, or have lived with the disappointment and discomfort of past dental treatments and have become frustrated, discouraged, or even fearful to revisit the dentist. Or you may simply not have taken the time to get in for a routine cleaning and exam for too long. Regardless of your circumstance, our knowledgeable and experienced new patient coordinators will take the time to listen to your needs, address any questions and concerns you may have, and help to work within the confines of your schedule to arrange your first visit.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOur six hygiene rooms employ the same digital technology and latest in preventive oral cancer screening, patient educational tools, ZOOM! tooth-whitening, sonicare and prescription strength preventive products, even Bio-Lase soft tissue lasers for painless and conservative non-surgical periodontal treatment. Our hygiene wing also employs its own sterilization center, again ensuring we not only meet OSHA standards for healthcare providers but exceed your every expectation for cleanliness and sterility.
- Teeth CleaningIn every medical field, doctors make note of a patient's "chief complaint", that driving, primary concern or complaint that motivated them to make an appointment. That may simply be the need for a dental cleaning and check-up. However, when it comes to the dentist, anxiety over past treatment, anticipated treatment or insecurity about one's appearance or condition often makes it difficult for patients to effectively communicate their "chief complaint." Occasionally this complaint involves multiple concerns, which can feel overwhelming. At Elmwood Dental Group, we know that addressing OUR idea of your needs without first understanding YOUR past experiences, hopes and goals does not lead to the comprehensive care you deserve. We often find ourselves asking patients "If you were to leave our office today having completed your dental treatment, what things must we have accomplished for you to be leaving 100% satisfied".....and we listen.
- Fluoride TreatmentTypically beginning at age 2, we provide education for childron and parents, as well as dental cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, any fillings needed, and orthodontic screening. When it comes to any necessary dental treatment, although we do accept some insurance, we are NOT a fast paced insurance driven office and, therefore, take whatever time is needed to make your child comfortable. Laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide) can provide a very safe and effective means to reduce some children's anxiety. We also work very closely with several well respected local orthodontists if and when it's time for braces and regularly provide wisdom tooth extraction for your teens.
- Dental Sealants
- Fillings
- VeneersOne of the most common complaints we hear is from folks who feel they have to hide their teeth and simply want a beautiful, confident smile. At Elmwood Dental we believe in the power of that confident smile and we know how to create it! Veneers are an option for many. This conservative cosmetic dental procedure involves the placement of a porcelain "shell" on the front surface of the tooth in order to re-shape (if needed), mask color or shade, a misshapen appearance, or a chip or fracture of the tooth.
- CrownsFollowing cementation of your custom fabricated crown any symptoms you experienced following the initial appointment may return, typically to a lesser extent. Again, contact your Doctor immediately if you feel more than mild sensitivity or if it is constant. We encourage you to return to your normal diet 12 hours after your "delivery" appointment, although you should always be wary of eating anything extremely hard (Brazilian nuts) or sticky (saltwater taffy).
- BridgesThe second “fixed” option to replace missing teeth is the dental bridge. Like the name implies, a dental bridge consists of a minimum of one bridge “abutment” on each side of the missing tooth, which supports a “pontic” – the prosthetic tooth which is positioned comfortably over the gums to replace one or more missing teeth.
- Restorative DentistryDr. Alex has a special interest in aesthetics and restorative dentistry. He has published an article in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and ACP messenger. Dr. Alex is currently working on manuscripts for future publications on the accuracy of different intraoral scanners marginal and internal gap of restorations.
- Root Canal TreatmentWhen anesthetic has been used, your lips, cheek and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. To prevent injury, avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. Depending upon the condition of the tooth, and extent of work necessary to restore your tooth, it is normal to experience hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your initial appointment. We refer to this as pulpitis and, in rare cases, it can result in your future need for root canal treatment. If the pain is more than mild or remains constant, please notify your doctor immediately. Your gums may be sore for a few days as well. If necessary, rinse three times a day with warm salt water to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Deep CleaningPeriodontal Therapy is accomplished by removing the plaque and tartar through a deep-cleaning method known as scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing eliminates rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria gather, and promotes re-attachment of the gums to the tooth root where there was once bone. Adjunctive medications may be recommended to help reduce the bacterial load below the gums (subgingivally) including mouth rinses, painless laser periodontal therapy and localized antibiotics (this infection, after all, is caused by bacteria). Because it is impossible to regenerate the bone lost in this process, the goal in treatment is to maintain it and prevent future bone and tooth loss. Following a diagnosis of periodontal disease our standard recommendation is that patients have more regular "periodontal maintenance" every three to four months.
- DenturesAt Elmwood Dental, we understand that no two mouths are alike, and that our denture patients deserve the smile and confidence that is unique to them. Whether you are considering dentures for the first time, or are a long-time denture wearer, our denture specialists are certified Prosthodontists, who have advanced training in the replacement of missing teeth. They will meet with you to discuss the best way to create an ideal reconstruction of your smile.
- OverdenturesOverdentures are dentures that cover dental implants and attach to them with the use of a snap attachment. In this video we'll show you how an overdenture treatment is completed.
- Dental ImplantsAs a Prosthodontist, Dr. LaMar limits his practice to the replacement of missing teeth, and the restoration of severely compromised teeth. He has developed the Hybridge Implant Protocols, which have significantly reduced the time and expense of dental implant treatment.
- Oral SurgeryMeanwhile, at 1950 Clinton Ave S., the Elmwood Dental Group Family Practice, we continue to provide the same comprehensive family dentistry that established us as Rochester's first choice in dental care. Always accepting new patients, both adults and children, we provide a wide range of quality comprehensive care. From childhood education to oral hygiene and fillings, root canal therapy, oral surgery and esthetic dentistry, we do it all! And by working closely with our partners next door at the Implant and Restoration Center we, are able to offer predictable, comprehensive, compassionate care to meet every patients needs – all under one multi-faceted roof. If you are unfamiliar with our office, we invite you to explore our website, read our reviews, and plan your first visit! As always, if you have any questions or feedback, or wish to arrange an appointment please, Contact Us at any time. Until then, keep smiling!
- Tooth ExtractionsThe removal of impacted or otherwise harmful wisdom teeth to prevent future complication or relieve discomfort is another common reason for tooth extraction and a service regularly provided by Elmwood Dental.
- Bone GraftingAs a Diplomate of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), and a member of the International Congress of Implantologists, Dr. LaMar lectures on topics of implants and bone grafting procedures and is the Surgical Educational Director of the LaMar Training Center and the Rochester Dental Implant Network.
- Orthodontics
- Invisalign OrthodonticsYou will meet Dr. Comfort for a consultation where you will both evaluate your teeth and talk about any problems or goals you have for your smile. If Dr. Comfort feels that you are a candidate for ClearCorrect, we will take a digital scan (instead of impressions), photos, and x-rays of your teeth so that ClearCorrect can manufacture your custom teeth aligners. A prescription will then be written for your custom aligners and sent to ClearCorrect. Prior to starting the ClearCorrect clear teeth aligners, you will meet with Dr. Comfort for a follow up appointment to review the full dental treatment plan including how many trays you will need, the projected duration of the treatment, and what the end result should look like. Similar to Invisalign®, you will wear ClearCorrect aligners for around 22 hours a day.
- BracesWith ClearCorrect invisible braces, Dr. Comfort can straighten your teeth using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get a straighter, healthier smile.
- Teeth WhiteningBleaching or teeth whitening is another type of cosmetic procedure used to brighten the appearance of a person's teeth. Over time, the mineral composition of a person's teeth changes and they become darker, thus whitening can be a conservative approach to creating a younger appearance of one's smile. It can also be used to remove staining that has accumulated through the years due to different diets, smoking or even some antibiotic therapies.
- Cosmetic DentistryCosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improving dental esthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance.
- General DentistryA Florida native, Dr. Melissa Baleno attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology as well as Doctor of Dental Medicine. She practiced in Orlando, FL prior to relocating to Rochester. Dr. Baleno has completed a residency in Advanced General Dentistry and is a standing member of the American Dental Association and New York State Dental Association.