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We provide a full range of general dentistry services for our patients. |
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Preventive Care
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Gum Care
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Laser Detection of Cavities
It is our goal to help you maintain or improve your oral health.
To achieve this goal, the dental care that you and your family receive in our office always includes state of the art equipment that can benefit you in many ways. Among the newest technologies is a small laser instrument called the DIAGNOdent, which scans your teeth with harmless laser light searching for hidden decay.
Locating hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure (from the inside out) is a big problem in modern dentistry. The widespread use of fluoride supplements in dental materials, toothpastes and drinking water have made tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay. However, diagnosing cavities is more challenging because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth structure beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, the external surface of the tooth still appears to be healthy. X-rays and probing with an explorer are simply unreliable in detecting sub surface decay, particularly when the civility is in early stages. Fortunately, the new DIAGNOdent is a major breakthrough that allows the dentist to monitor tooth surfaces. The DIAGNOdent allows the dentist to locate hidden decay, and with treatment stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within.
This unique instrument provides instant feedback on the health of the tooth. A pen like probe simply glides over tooth surfaces constantly checking the health of the tooth. A number scale and an alarm signals the operator when there are signs of hidden decay. This new technology is completely safe and pain free.
We encourage regular dental check-ups, cleanings and home care. This will defend against major tooth repair in the future. New technologies take us a giant step forward to helping you achieve this goal!
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Restorative
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Fixed Bridge Work
When teeth are missing, there are usually several options for replacement. One option may be to place a fixed bridge. This procedure involves preparing the teeth adjacent to the space for crowns. The bridge is cemented or bonded into place and can not be removed at home.
There are different material options for bridgework. These include all porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and gold.
The fact that bridgework requires crown work on adjacent teeth can be a disadvantage, because these adjacent teeth may not need dental treatment. The fixed bridge requires threading dental floss under it to keep it clean. This takes more time for home care. Also, fixed bridges are generally more expensive than removable dentures to replace the missing tooth, or teeth. Advantages of fixed bridges include maintaining the natural dental arch form and supporting lips and cheeks. Also, the fixed bridge will function in chewing and speech much like natural teeth.
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Root Canals (Endodontics)
What is root canal treatment?
Every tooth has a nerve and blood supply in the center of the crown and the roots. If this tissue becomes seriously damaged or infected it must be removed to maintain the tooth. If the pulp tissue is not removed, a serious infection could result. An alternative treatment for this condition would be to extract the tooth.
Can I have root canal treatment completed at Glen Oaks Dental?
Yes, we complete endodontic treatment for most teeth, including molars. Sometimes we will refer to a specialist (Endodontist) if certain conditions exist. This would include severely curved roots, calcified pulp spaces or difficult access to complete treatment.
What appointments are needed?
During the first visit, the access opening is made through the top of the crown into the pulp space. The pulp tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped. Once the shaping process is completed a filling material is placed. This is the completed root canal treatment. A temporary filling or crown is then placed. It is imperative to return for the final restoration in a timely manner to avoid leakage of bacteria into the canal spaces.
Why do I need a crown after the root canal?
The majority of teeth, which have been treated endodontically, are not structurally strong enough to support a filling. The crown (cap) covers the entire tooth and prevents further fractures from occurring.
How long will I be able to keep my tooth?
Your restored tooth could last a lifetime if you continue to care for you teeth and gums. If you brush and floss regularly and eat a healthy diet, your teeth will remain healthy.
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Extractions
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Removable Dentures
When several teeth are missing from one arch, a removable partial denture may be a good option for replacement. The removable denture, as the name implies, should be taken out of the mouth for cleaning and at bedtime. Removable dentures are generally less expensive than fixed bridges, but are bulkier and generally take more time to adjust to. Some people never fully adjust and elect for other treatment options.
Removable dentures can be made from different materials, but most commonly have a custom metal frame with teeth and gum colored acrylic connected. The partials often have clasps that attach to some of the remaining teeth, or utilize precision attachments for a clasp-less design.
Repairs can be done if the denture teeth wear down or fracture. They can also be relined with new acrylic as tissue contour changes over time. Removable dentures can provide many years of use for many patients who are missing teeth.
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Implant Dentistry
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Bruxism/Clenching
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
Clenching or grinding the teeth is a common habit experienced by a large percentage of adults and can also affect children. This behavior is also know as bruxism and can lead to many different signs and symptoms.
Common symptoms include, headaches, earache, toothaches, waking up with tenderness to the face, jaw muscles and/or teeth and gums. The teeth can become very sensitive because of the traumatic forces that are applied while bruxing. Chronic bruxers often times will wear through the enamel outer surface and expose the dentin. We often will see “dentin cupping” on the biting surfaces. These areas look like pot holes on the tooth and can be very sensitive to temperature changes, sweet foods and pressure.
Many people are unaware that they are bruxers because they do it while they are sleeping. Sometimes their sleep partner is disturbed from the audible sounds. Bruxism can be an occasional and mild occurrence or severe and frequent.
During a routine checkup the dentist or hygienist may discover fractured or worn teeth, fillings or even porcelain crowns. The teeth may even become loose because of the traumatic forces. Another common sign that is discovered is scalloping of the lateral or side of the tongue. When people clench, their tongue pushes on the sides of the teeth. Over time a permanent indentation is made by the teeth.
What causes bruxism?
One factor that seems to play a critical role for people who clench or grind their teeth is stress. Using self relaxing techniques at home may help as well as a warm wet washcloth to the side of the face may help relax the muscles. Modifying chewing habits such as gum chewing or firm foods may be suggested. We also recommend that you discontinue using caffeinated products while you are trying to get the bruxism under control. Over the counter pain medications like Advil or Tylenol, can also help. Seeking care from a qualified behavioral therapist can also be very valuable.
What can be done?
Routine dental visits are important to discover the bruxism signs and symptoms early. If the teeth do not fit together properly, sometimes a bite adjustment can be done to eliminate the problem. An orthodontic consultation may also be recommended if severe malocclusion exists.
A nightguard or splint may also be indicated. These are made from a thin layer of plastic and fit over one arch like a sports mouthguard. These appliances are typically worn at night while sleeping. Some people may need it during the day as well. Nightguards help protect the teeth and any fillings or crowns from wearing down or fracturing. They also can reduce the stress placed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Once a splint is made, it should be evaluated periodically to check the fit and bite.
Bruxism is a common problem for many people and can be managed many times by your dentist. If you suspect that you have problem with clenching call your dentist.
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Facial Pain / TMD
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Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers
Veneers are thin custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. They may also cover teeth that are chipped or worn.
Veneers are made from composite resins, acrylic material, or porcelain. Placing veneers is often an irreversible process because a small amount of enamel is usually removed to accommodate the thickness of the shell. Anesthetic may be required depending upon the way the tooth is being prepared. The procedure requires just a few appointments.
Like any restoration, it is possible, over time, for the veneer to come off or for decay to develop. In that case, a new veneer may be required.
Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea, tobacco or certain childhood medications; front-tooth spaces; and accident-induced cracks or chips. Bonding is also used to protect exposed tooth roots that result from gum recession and to fill small cavities. Bonding usually lasts for three to five years. The bonding process involved in preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution, allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere.
Composite resins are plastic materials made of glass-like substances and resin. Various color resins are carefully blended to match the existing tooth and look completely natural. The resin is applied, contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural. Bonding may not require the use of anesthesia or drilling and can usually be completed in one visit.
Enamel Shaping
Enamel shaping is a process of shaping, or contouring natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw.
Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create harmony and balance in the mouth. The process, which is often combined with bonding, is usually quick and comfortable. No anesthetic is necessary when shaping the enamel and the results can be seen immediately. Enamel shaping should be approached with caution; however, because enamel cannot be replaced.
Keep in mind that this more conservative process cannot solve all problems. Crowded teeth may need braces. If so, your dentist may refer you to an Orthodontic Specialist.
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Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening, also called bleaching, is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored, stained, or have been darkened because of injury. It can be performed on living teeth that have had root canal treatment.
With home-use bleaching, your dentist fabricates a custom-fitted mouthguard that holds a bleaching gel. The mouthguard is worn daily or at night for about two weeks. The amount of time the night-guard is worn and the treatment duration may vary according to your needs and your dentist's recommendations. Although the effects of bleaching may last for several years, teeth can become stained again by beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, and berries. In this case, periodic touch-up treatments may be needed.
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Dentistry for Children
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Emegency Treatment
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Cracked Tooth?
When you bite down you feel a sharp pain. It quickly disappears and perhaps you ignore it. You avoid certain foods or chew only on one side of your mouth. Does this sound familiar? If so, you may have a cracked tooth.
What Causes a Tooth to Crack?
A tooth may crack due to:
- chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candy
- an accident, such as a blow to the mouth
- grinding and clenching your teeth
- uneven chewing pressure
- stress on a tooth
- loss of a significant portion of tooth structure through wear, large fillings, or other restorations
- exposure of tooth enamel to temperature extremes,such as eating hot food and then drinking ice water
- brittleness of teeth with root canal
How Can You Tell if a Tooth is Cracked?
If could be difficult. You may not even be able to tell which tooth hurts whether the pain is from an upper or lower tooth. A crack may appear as a hairline fracture, running vertically along the tooth. It often is invisible to the eye and may not show even on an X-ray.
You can help your dentist determine which tooth is causing the problem by noting when and where you have sensitivity to heat or cold, to sweet, sour or sticky food and approximately where the pain is when you are chewing.
Why Does a Cracked Tooth Hurt?
A cracked tooth may hurt because the pressure of biting causes the crack to open. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and a sharp pain results as the crack quickly closes.
Even through the crack may be microscopic, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains the tooth's nerves and blood vessels. If the crack irritates the pulp, the tooth may become sensitive to temperature extremes. If the pulp becomes damaged or diseased as a result of the crack, endodontic (root canal) treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.
How is a Cracked Tooth Treated?
Depending on the size and location of the crack, treatment may vary from bonding to a crown to hold the crack together. This may include endodontic treatment if pulp is involved. A severely cracked tooth may need extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Your dentist will determine the best treatment for you.
Tiny cracks are common and usually do not cause problems. Regular dental checkups are important. They allow your dentist to diagnose and treat problems in the early stage. If you continue to have pain, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and call your dentist.
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Nitrous Oxide
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