If an infection has reached the pulp of a tooth or if it is affected by severe trauma, a root canal may be needed. The pulp is the living tissue inside of a tooth. In order to save the tooth and restore dental health, the pulp, bacteria, nerves and any decay must be removed. The result space is then filled with medicated material. This restores the tooth to its full function, and saved the tooth from dying. It can also prevent more costly problems down the line.

Many risk factors can contribute to a patient developing gum disease. This includes: genetics, smoking, pregnancy, stress, poor nutrition, puberty, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults and can result in jaw bone deterioration. If your gums appear red, swollen or are tender to the touch, you may have gum disease.

We use gentle, soft-tissue laser treatments to treat infected pockets in your mouth. This can help restore healthy gums and remove the disease. There are many advantages to this treatments including minimal bleeding, and reduced trauma to patients.

Extracting permanent teeth that are significantly damaged can, in some cases, help return you to optimal health. After discussing your various treatment options with your dentist and deciding on an extraction, you and your doctor will determine the best way to replace the tooth. This prevents problems with the surrounding teeth.

If you have a tooth or teeth in an advanced stage of tooth decay or severe damage, a dental crown may be your best option. Like fillings, implants or bridges, dental crowns restore aesthetics, strength and function to your teeth. A dental crown can be made from several materials and covers the remaining tooth structure. The material used depends on the area of your mouth being restored.

Dental implants provide a great restoration option for patients who are missing teeth due to decay or extractions. The implants consist of metal frames or posts which are surgically inserted into the bone beneath the gums. To be a viable candidate for dental implants, you must have sufficient bone structure to support the posts.

Once the posts have been placed, they fuse to the jawbone. When the posts can effectively support replacement teeth, custom crown or prosthetics will be mounted, which improves the function and aesthetics of your teeth and mouth.

For patients who want to restore a natural looking, healthy smile after losing teeth, dentures may be a good option. Complete dentures are used for patients missing all of their teeth. Partials are available to those who retain some of their natural teeth. Dentures restore beauty, function and health to a patient’s smile. They are custom made to fit comfortably and snugly within your mouth, and can help restore the ability to speak and eat. In addition, properly placed dentures help prevent facial sagging.

If you have lost teeth due to decay, injury or gum disease, a dental bridge can be utilized. Bridges are devices used to replace missing teeth and are attached to adjacent natural teeth. Bridges can be permanently attached or removable. They prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, which can result in pain and discomfort.

Dental sealants are an effective, preventive treatment to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist applies a plastic film to the chewing surface of teeth. This creates a protective barrier on your tooth enamel and prevents food particles, plaque, acids, and bacteria from penetrating the tooth’s surface. Sealants can last several years before it needs to be reapplied.

Dental amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years. Like composite fillings, amalgam fillings are used to restore a tooth after decay. Amalgam restorations last almost double the time of composite fillings–between 10 and 12 years. In addition, they provide you with a low cost, strong and durable filling option.

Both Amalgam and Composite Fillings are considered safe and effective for tooth restorations.

If you have silver/mercury fillings and are looking to achieve a more natural looking smile, composite fillings may be a great option. In addition to strengthening your teeth, composite fillings also aid in preventing broken teeth in the future. The composite material we use has many advantages over silver fillings including: being carefully matched to your existing tooth structure and added stability.