Visit Our General Dentist Office If You Have Severe Headaches

As a general dentist, we can help if you are experiencing severe headaches, neck, face, or jaw pain.  Around forty percent of the adult population suffers from headaches on a regular basis.  For most people, they are uncomfortable but can be solved with Tylenol.  For one out of every eight adults, the headaches are far more severe and can make it difficult to carry on with normal daily activities.  While most people don't think of a dentist when their head hurts, you should and here's why –
Headaches are typically caused by muscle tension.  The temporomandibular joint is what makes your jaw move and connects your lower jaw to your skull.  These muscles and joints are responsible for allowing you to chew and speak.  They are constantly used  including  to bite down over 2,000 times a day to swallow alone.  With constant use, if you start clenching or grinding your teeth, tension can be placed on these muscles and joints resulting in symptoms of a TMJ disorder.
People that suffer from even mild TMJ can have pain in their jaw that makes chewing uncomfortable or even difficult to open their mouth.  Many people also suffer from headaches, neck and face pain as a result of TMJ.  As a general dentist, this is something that we can help to address.
Not all cases of TMJ are ongoing.  Some people only experience symptoms during times of high stress, perhaps because the stress causing them to clench their teeth at night.  Others suffer on a daily basis and are often unaware of what is causing the problem in the first place.  In either case, we suggest wearing a removable oral appliance at night.  This is a simple device that is created based on an impression and measurements of your mouth.  It surrounds both your upper and lower teeth but is connected in such a way as to prevent your teeth from touching at night.  Without the ability to clench or grind your teeth, your jaw can relax while you sleep.  This solution is so simple, yet entirely effective because when your muscles and joints relax, you will wake up without tension and, therefore, without a headache.
If you aren't grinding your teeth at night, you may still be placing undue pressure onto some of your teeth or your jaw due to how you hold your mouth and jaw throughout the day.  Those with severely crooked teeth or those with damaged teeth are more likely to hold their jaw strangely, very often to prevent the damaged or infected tooth from being touched.  This can create further stress and tension because the jaw isn't allowed to remain in a relaxed state.  This too can lead to symptoms like headaches.  As a general dentist, if we see any infections or damage, we can treat them right away so that your mouth can return to good health.  By doing so, we can relieve some of the pressure you have been experiencing so that you can become headache-free.

Dental Office  >  Teeth Whitening Services

Why You Should Visit the Dentist As You Near Retirement

In our dentist office, we treat patients of all ages and have found that many people believe that as they age, they are stuck with a dated smile or lost teeth and dentures.  This is certainly not the case.  Modern dentistry has changed significantly, and we have a variety of solutions that can be used to transform your smile.  Whether you are nearing retirement or are already a snowbird, we can give you back your youthful smile and appearance.
Here are some of the ways that we can do so:

• Teeth whitening.  Many seniors don't like how their teeth look because they are yellow and dull.  This happens naturally with age and can be reversed by having a teeth whitening procedure completed.  Our solution can whiten your teeth by eight shades or more, which will dramatically improve your appearance and your smile.  Many of our patients find that once their smile has been whitened, they don't require any further dental work.
• Dental veneers.  In our dentist office, we use dental veneers for a variety of reasons.  They are an excellent restorative solution if a tooth has been cracked or chipped.  Simultaneously, they can be used to cover dark stains that won't come up, make teeth the same size and shape, close gaps, and correct other imperfections.  If you are nearing retirement and have issues with your smile that have bothered you for years – now is an excellent time to correct them.
• Dental crowns.  If you have any teeth that are infected or severely damaged, a dental crown may be a better solution for restoring them.  A crown surrounds your tooth like a cap, so it is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your tooth while preventing anything from actually touching it.  If you, like many people, had crowns in the past, we can replace the amalgam ones with ceramic crowns for a more natural looking appearance. 
• Dental implants.  It is common to lose one or several teeth with age.  Many people turn to dentures for a replacement solution and while this works, we have an alternative.  We can replace your missing teeth with dental implants that are as durable and natural looking as your old tooth.  By securing a titanium post to your jawbone, underneath your gums, a new root system is created for a tooth to be attached to.  This will replace your tooth while also strengthening your jaw – important for maintaining your appearance. 

In our dentist office, we can help your smile to stay healthy and beautiful as you age.  Since your oral health needs change with time, we recommend that you visit our dentist office for an exam every six months.  During these appointments, we will clean your teeth and gums to ensure that your risk of cavities and gum disease are reduced.  If we identify any health issues, we can treat them right away before they cause you any discomfort. Simultaneously, if there is something cosmetic that you don't like about your teeth, let us know so that we can work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

General Dentist  >  Dental Office

An Invisalign® Dentist Explains How Aligners Are Created

As an Invisalign dentist, we know that this is one of the most innovative and effective ways to straighten teeth. Through a gradual progression of trays, known as aligners, we will walk you through a process that starts in your current state and ends with perfectly aligned teeth. The process starts with an initial determination if you are eligible for this kind of treatment. Few people are ineligible, but we want to make sure that you are not one of the rare people on whom the treatment will not work. If there are any underlying conditions that could either delay the straightening process or hamper the progress, we will find out during the initial examination. One important distinction that needs to be made is that Invisalign is not designed to work on children. This product is for fully developed teeth in adults and teenagers, not for growing teeth as found in children.

Once the initial Invisalign examination concludes that you are a great candidate for the technology, we will proceed to take a number of measurements. These measurements are sent to the Invisalign  laboratory, where the technicians will fabricate your aligners. We will also be taking a dental impression of your teeth for use by the technicians. Using this impression, they will create a 3D model of your teeth, in their current condition, on their computer.

By scanning the impression and inputting all the measurements, the technicians can create a perfect 3D likeness of your teeth. They will use this model to formulate your entire treatment plan. Using computer animation, the laboratory will gradually and incrementally move your teeth into position. They do so along the same motion curve as the actual aligners will take so that they are noting the progress and adjusting accordingly. Since this entire process is based on the computer we, as an Invisalign  dentist, will have full access to the imaging. We will be giving instructions on teeth movement and making sure that the technicians are adjusting the treatment plan to be in keeping with where we want our teeth to end up. Once we are satisfied with the plan, we will give the go ahead for the laboratory to fabricate your aligners.

Aligner work on a principle of applied pressure and continuous growth. Each new set of aligners you receive is misaligned with your teeth for about 1/10th of a millimeter. When they are worn, they force the teeth to move into position so that the teeth fit the aligner. Since the aligner is straighter than your teeth, the teeth start to become straighter as well. Once your teeth fit the aligner perfectly, you will have achieved a 1/10th motion in the straightening of your teeth and are ready to move on to the next set of Invisalign aligners.

It is critical during this treatment that you wear your retainers at least 20 hours per day. Failure to do so can result in the teeth not moving the required amount, which will have a domino effect on future aligners and make the treatment less effective. As an Invisalign dentist, we can walk you through the process and help you to stay on track.

CEREC Dentistry: The Future of Dental Restorations

As a provider of CEREC dentistry, we are happy to brag about the latest technology being used in our office.  For patients that are in need of restorations due to a car wreck, sports injury or a health issue, we can complete the restoration in one convenient visit.  We understand that our patients are busy with lives full of meetings, school activities, sports, family obligations and all of the other little things that make up modern life.  This can leave very little time for trips to the dentist.  Moms may find this especially challenging when trying to also arrange for child care or pick-ups and drop-offs.  This is why we have found a faster way to complete restorations.

If your tooth is damaged, we recommend that you visit our office right away so that we can examine it and determine the best way to restore it.  If your tooth is cracked, chipped or the enamel has worn way, there is a good chance that we will recommend using a dental crown to restore it.  A crown surrounds the tooth like a cap so that nothing can touch the tooth underneath.  This makes it possible to save teeth that have been severely damaged while giving you the ability to bite down with force, without the fear of discomfort. 

The past…
Previously, those that needed a dental crown could benefit from this comprehensive solution but in order to get there, it would take at least two appointments.  On the first appointment, an impression would be made of the tooth and the surrounding teeth so that the dental lab could use that information to create a crown in the right size and shape.  Since each crown has to fit perfectly in order for your bite to correctly function, it would take the lab one to two weeks to finish it.  During that time, we would prepare the tooth by removing enough enamel so that when the crown was placed, the surrounding teeth would not be irritated.  Since there was a delay between tooth preparation and receiving the crown, we would place a temporary crown over the tooth in order to protect it.  CEREC dentistry has changed this part of the process.

Right now…
Instead of making an impression of the teeth and sending the information to the lab, we can now take digital images of the damaged tooth and mouth that can be uploaded into our CAD software.  The computer is then able to create the exact specifications for the crowns shape.  These instructions are then sent to a 3D printer for the crown to be created while you wait.  All of this is done using computer technology so that no human intervention is required.  This makes it possible to complete what was previously done in two weeks, in two hours or less.  In the meantime, we will still prepare your tooth. The difference is that we can immediately bond the permanent crown in place so that you don’t have to wear a temporary or come back in for a second step.  This makes CEREC dentistry the wave of the future and a convenient one at that. 

Laser Dentistry Can Be Used to Treat Your Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, laser dentistry is the most comfortable way to treat it.  Gum disease is a serious condition that impacts most people during their lifetime.  In many cases, the irritation is temporary and mild, going away after having your teeth cleaned professionally.  This is the best case scenario and one of the reasons why it is so critical to have your teeth cleaned twice a year.

Those living with gum disease that do not have it treated quickly may begin to experience significant discomfort.  Common symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums.  In this initial stage (Gingivitis) the gums may feel sore or sensitive while brushing and eating but not significantly influence your daily activities.  This is the best stage to have the condition treated because we can treat it by cleaning on, around, and under your gums.

Laser dentistry enables us to use a laser to break up the plaque and tartar that have formed underneath the gums.  Once tartar is on the tooth structure below the surface, it is impossible to remove it with regular brushing or flossing.  Either a traditional dental tool needs to get under the gums to scrape the plaque and tartar, which can be uncomfortable or a laser can be used to break it.  The laser is a non-invasive solution that can complete the treatment without the need for an incision.  One of the other benefits of working with a laser is that the surrounding teeth and tissue won’t be irritated.  This means that you can recover from the procedure quickly and without the prolonged downtime that can come from deep cleaning the gums the traditional way.

Removing the plaque and tartar is the first step in treating infected gums, and it is extremely effective.  Once the tartar has been removed, the gums can start to feel healthy and rejuvenated.  Many of our patients find that after this procedure, their gums start to look normal again, and there is no need for further treatment.  This is the best case scenario and the non-invasive natural of laser dentistry, makes this a real possibility.  Once the gums do recover, the swelling decreases, and they are secured to the tooth; the risk of other issues like bone loss is eliminated.

If you have sensitive gums that are swollen or look like they are receding, you probably have some form of gum disease.  When considering whether or not to have it treated, think of how important your gums are to your oral health.  The gums surround the tooth structure and the root system in order to protect them.  When gum disease is left untreated, the gums will start to pull back from the tooth (recede).  As a result, the tooth structure and roots will be exposed and susceptible to being attacked by bacteria and acid.  This can lead to infections and even worse – bone loss.  Many people have experienced tooth loss as a result and thanks to laser dentistry; this is something that you can prevent with minimal effort. 

Ask These Questions Before Seeing a Cosmetic Dentist

If you are visiting our cosmetic dentist office to discuss a smile makeover or what you don’t like about your smile, you are in luck.  We have a variety of procedures that we can use to transform a dull and ordinary smile into something spectacular.  Before we can get started, we will need to know more about you and what you are trying to accomplish.  As such, we recommend asking yourself these questions first:

How white do I want my teeth?  This is entirely up to you.  With our in-office whitening procedures, we can whiten by more than eight shades in one visit, transforming both smiles and confidence in the process.  It is, however, important that you know ahead of time how white you want to go so that you are pleased with the results. 

Is the right amount of gum showing?  When you smile, it is normal to see some of your gums.   However, some people have too much gum tissue, and that tissue needs to be surgically removed in order for the proper amount of teeth to show. 

Do my teeth look like the right size?  It is fairly normal for teeth to come in either too big or too little.  As a result, they can look like an odd size compared with a persons’ smile.  If your teeth look out of place, we have procedures that can help to change their shape.

Do my teeth need to be perfectly straight?  We have multiple ways to straighten teeth, but which one we use needs to be based on what your goals are.  If your goals are to deal with a few problem teeth, we can treat them while leaving the other teeth intact.  If, on the other hand, you mainly want to straighten all of your teeth, you may need more of an orthodontics treatment. 

Are there any other imperfections I want to be corrected?  Make a list of what you don’t like about your teeth and bring it with you to your appointment with a cosmetic dentist.  That way you can go over everything in detail and discuss the various methods for treating what you don’t like.  This will ensure that you and your dentist don’t miss anything. 

Modern technology has improved to the point where full smile makeovers are possible.  It is rare to find anything about your teeth or your smile that cannot be corrected with the skilled hand of a cosmetic dentist.  Even crooked teeth, broken teeth, stained teeth, and chipped teeth can all be fixed in a way that looks completely natural.  That is perhaps one of the best things about cosmetic dentistry.  When done correctly, you can’t tell that any work was done – it simply blends in.  In fact, many patients won’t even remember which teeth had issues that need to be corrected.  Ask anyone that has a tooth-colored filling which teeth had a cavity, and they are unlikely to be able to point it out.  To learn more about your options, call and schedule an appointment. 

A Painless Dentist Perfects The Art of Administering Anesthesia

As a successful painless dentist, one of the techniques we have mastered is the ability to give painless injections. Let’s face it, there is nothing quite as scary as the injections which must be given as part of local anesthesia. From a patient's point of view, the doctor or anesthesiologist, inserts a large needle into their mouth and proceeds to give them an injection in the gum or cheek. This is literally the stuff some people's nightmares are made of. Even for those without a phobia this is a daunting prospect and one that virtually all patients walk into the office dreading. A successful shot without pain and the subsequent numbing can do wonders to ensure that the patient continues to get the dental care the need regardless of the fear. A bad shot can have exactly the opposite effect. 

Being a painless dentist involves mastering the art of the anesthesiology. Knowing how much to give a patient, what kind of anesthesia to administer, and delivering this while alleviating the pain and fear of receiving shots are hallmarks of what we do every day. Our patients long told us that a painless start, keeping the injection comfortable, is what they would like to see, and we have since perfected it.

The perfect shot, of local anesthesia, begins with empathy. Some dentists have become extremely busy or have simply lost the ability to address a patient's fears. Taking the time to show empathy and demonstrate caring goes a long way to removing the fear a patient has, as well has it humanizes the dentist and makes the rest of the treatment easier as well. From making sure to address all your fears to ensuring that you are completely comfortable, our painless dentist seek to make your experience at the clinic truly stress-free.

Before we ever advance to the stage of giving you an injection, in the gum or check, we will ensure that your area is completely numb. If you have been to the dentist before you know, this is the stage where we dab your check or gum with a solution, and it slowly loses its sensation. This is known as topical anesthesia and is designed to take away all feeling from the area it affects. What this allows us to do is to give you a local anesthetic shot in the area, which lasts longer. Typically you will not feel any pain when we give you this injection as the topical anesthesia will work to ensure the absence of pain. We will let you sit with the solution doing its work for several minutes, or until you are completely numb. 

Once you are very numb, in other words, unable to feel the site, we will give you the local anesthesia through an injection, which you will not feel at all. Your painless dentist will ensure that you have sufficient amounts of the anesthesia in your system to last for the entire surgery and will monitor this carefully.