COMPOSITE BONDING

What is Composite Bonding?
Composite Bonding is one of the most conservative, versatile and affordable ways to esthetically restore a multitude of dental cases. Your dentist uses this natural-looking, synthetic material to:
1. Restore cavities in front and back teeth
2. Replace old or unattractive "silver fillings"
3. Improve or changed the color of permanently stained or discolored teeth

How is Composite Bonding Done?
Decay (if present) is removed and a protective coating is place inside the tooth.  Then the tooth is etched with a mild acidic solution.  This roughens the enamel surface and allows the bonding materials to adhere.  A shade of filling materials is chosen that matches your natural tooth.  This tooth-colored bonding resin is shaped to match the contour of your natural tooth.  Sometimes the dentist uses a special light to help the material harden.  The surface of the composite is then trimmed and polished to achieve a natural luster and appearance.

What are the Advantages of Composite Bonding?
Appearance
Strength
Tooth conservation
Reduced anesthesia required
Reduced time
Economic

ROOT CANAL

What is a Root Canal?
Root Canal therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the tooth.  It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed.

Why do I need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons.  The most common are:
1. Trauma- a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
2. Physical Irritation-deep decay or a very large filling.

Here's how your tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment.
1. First, the tooth may be isolated with a piece of rubber dam.
2. We then carefully remove the diseased pulp.  The root canal area inside your tooth is
cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
3. A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the tooth until the next visit.
4. At the next appointment we sterilize the inside of the tooth, to remove the bacteria
5. The root canal and pulp chamber are permanently filled and sealed
6. Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing function

Care Following Treatment
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you should be aware of the following considerations.
1. Discoloration-You may notice that endodontically treated tooth (particularly a front tooth) has undergone a change in color
2. Brittleness-A non-vital (endodotically treated) tooth is more brittle than  a vital one, and is more susceptible to fracture.

Our goal is to help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime
"We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and we will make every effort to save your!"

DENTAL IMPLANTS

What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are made of various bio-materials, usually titanium.  These are surgically placed into the jawbone to anchor permanently replacement teeth.  Replacement teeth are then attached to the part of the implant that projects from the gums.

Why do I need Dental Implants?
When teeth have been removed, several problems occur.  The remaining teeth shift, rotate and become crooked, causing a bad bite and making it difficult to chew food properly.

Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I feel confident when I smile, speak or eat?
2. Do I hide my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or missing teeth?
3. Are my teeth loose and need to be stabilized following treatment for advance gum
disease?
If any of these situations apply to you, implants ma be the optimal solution.

How do Dental Implants work?
Dental implants replace the form and function of missing teeth.  They support replacement teeth in the same way that your tooth roots support your natural teeth.  Various replacement options are available.

Dental Implants: A Three-step process
1. The first step is the surgical placement of the implants into the bone.
2. The second step is the surgical exposure of the top pf the implants and attachment of the abutments to the implants.
3. The third step is the restorative phase.  The restorative dentist will take impressions of your abutments, teeth and jaws.

What are the Risks of Dental Implant Surgery?
The risk of dental implants surgery are similar to other oral surgical procedures, which
include bleeding and infection.

What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace your missing teeth and help elevate your sense of self-confidence
when you chew, talk or eat in public.

What is the Recovery Period?
The recovery period will vary among individual patients, but may last one to two weeks; you may experience slight pain, bruising or swelling in the area of the surgery.  Postoperative pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed by the surgeon to aid the healing process.

Dental implants require a time commitment from three to nine months.  They may also require additional oral hygiene home care for optimal maintenance.  Finally, dental implants require a much greater financial investment than a removable bridge or conventional denture.