Dental Services & Restorative Care
Your smile helps you to project an image of self-confidence and high self-esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your appearance.
Good oral health means good overall health. Consider the dentist an added insurance policy. By visiting the dentist regularly, you get an oral-health physical that can help you prevent illness, identify potential issues, and save you money.
Dental Fillings and Sealants
A dental filling is a treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, chips, tooth decay, cavities, or damaged surfaces of the teeth. While fillings from years past have traditionally been silver, we now use a white composite material that not only blends in with your natural teeth but also strengthens the affected tooth.
Tooth sealants are a white acrylic material that is placed over the tooth to prevent decay. Sealing can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be used to correct tooth discolorations caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. This type of damage can be caused by smoking, drinking coffees, teas, and sodas, for example. Using the latest in tooth whitening technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a whiter smile.
We offer one-hour inhouse whitening, custom trays for athome applications, and convenient readymade trays. Our whitening systems also include a desensitizing agent to reduce or eliminate sensitivity often caused by whitening.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an excellent option for those with gaps in the teeth, teeth that are severely stained, poorly shaped, or crooked. The porcelain is placed on top of your teeth and looks very natural. While thin, the material is durable and resistant to coffee, tea, and even cigarette stains.
Current research shows that porcelain veneers have approximately a 93% success rate over 15 years. If you think you may be a candidate for veneers, make an appointment. Dr. Gum will talk you through the process and answer your questions to determine if veneers are right for you.
Inlays and Overlays
Gold, porcelain, and composite resin are used to construct tooth inlays and overlays. An inlay, similar to a filling, is used inside the edges of the tooth. An overlay is similar to the inlay, but it extends out over the sides of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and overlays. Currently, porcelain has become the most popular material due to its strength and color, which can better match the natural color of your teeth.
Tooth Extractions
From time-to-time, it may be necessary to pull (or extract) a tooth. It is essential to consider your other teeth and the structure of your mouth when removing a tooth. Dr. Gum will make an assessment and make recommendations for the best long-term options for you.
After you get home, you may experience some pain and bleeding from the extraction. If you experience bleeding, place moist gauze over the empty socket and bite down firmly for 45 minutes. For pain and swelling, put a bag of frozen vegetables covered in a washcloth on the affected area of the cheek for 20 minutes. Rotate 20 minutes off, then 20 minutes on for relief. You also may take over-the-counter pain relief medications such as Tylenol® or ibuprofen.
Be careful not to chew on the side of the extraction for 24 hours. Also, it is best to avoid alcohol and hot liquids. To keep the mouth clean, avoid brushing on the side of the extraction for a day or so and avoid commercial mouthwashes.
Root Canal
A root canal is a simple treatment that can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for permanent restorative work. When the center of your tooth, known as the pulp, gets infected by decay, chipping, or cracking, it can cause swelling, sensitivity, and pain. Root canals are performed to alleviate the pain. The root canal is a non-surgical procedure that removes the infected pulp and cleans and seals the area from further damage or infection. Dr. Gum will assess the affected area, and give you counsel on whether a root canal is a good option for you. In 90% of cases, root canals are successful treatments for guests.
Dental Bridges
One of the ways you can replace the loss of a tooth is a bridge. This structure attaches new artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth. Bridges are permanently secured in your mouth to act as natural teeth and maintain the proper formation of your mouth.
The attachment procedure may take more than one appointment to complete. Impressions of your teeth are made with a mold or a computer scan to ensure proper fit.
Dental Crowns
Another option for missing teeth is the dental crown or “cap.” Some applications for crowns are: preserving a cracked tooth, repairing a broken tooth, or restoring a tooth that is severely decayed. The crown is a long term viable solution made of high-grade porcelain and encases the affected tooth. The fitting of a crown can be done in one appointment using our Cerec machine.
Partial Dentures
Missing teeth can lead to shifting of the remaining teeth causing crooked teeth, making it difficult to brush and floss, allowing bacteria to settle and cause additional problems. A good option for replacing multiple missing teeth is the partial denture. Partial dentures are a removable dental appliance and use clasps or crowns for attachment. There are many different materials and attachments options. Dr. Gum will review your situation and make the best recommendation for you.
Clear/Transparent Braces
Many people do not want metal braces for a variety of reasons. We can provide an inconspicuous, removable orthodontic appliance that serves as an alternative to traditional braces. We prefer Clear Correct, which offers a high-quality product and is a lower-cost alternative to its national competitors.
Clear Correct is an option for adults needing an alignment, but do not want a mouth full of metal braces. If you are interested in clear aligners, Dr. Gum will talk with you and conduct an assessment to determine what type of alignment appliances are best suited for you and your teeth.