Dental X-rays are one of the most important part of your regular dental treatment. Your dentist uses the specialized imaging technology to look for hidden tooth decay – also called cavities – and can show dental issues such as abscessed teeth, dental tumors, and cysts.
Additionally, your dental X-rays allow your dentist to see the condition of prior dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and bridges. And, too, your dentist will be able to look for possible bone loss as a result of periodontal gum disease and find hidden tartar build up.
In addition to diagnostics, your dentist may choose to perform dental X-rays in order to check for bone density as part of preparing you for dental implants, which require an adequate density in order to support the implants.

Like old fashioned dental X-rays, digital dental X-rays are used by your dentist to take images of your mouth, including tooth structure and your jaw bones. In order to take the digital images, your dentist – or a dental technician – will place a small sensor in your mouth, carefully positioned. This small sensor is connected to the processing computer by a very thin wire.
Your dentist or the dental tech inputs the command for the the X-ray machine to send a X-ray through your teeth and into the sensor, effectively taking a photo of your tooth or teeth. The sensor captures the resulting image and sends it through the wire to the computer. Then your dentist will reposition the sensor and take additional digital X-rays until all of your teeth have been X-rayed.
With digital dental X-rays, your dentist or other dental professional is able to immediately see your teeth and jaw bones. This means that assessment and diagnosis is virtually instantaneous.

Many dentists are now using digital dental X-rays, which have many benefits for you, as the patient. Among some of the many benefits for you, are:
· A reduction in the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the X-ray process.
· No need for dental film or processing chemicals in order for your dentist to be able to see the images.
· An almost instantaneous ability to see the X-ray images, which means, if you’re in pain, you’re not waiting for the images to be processed and then viewed.
· Your dentist is able to use color contrast in viewing and manipulating the X-ray image, in order to see all of the details in the image.
When you’re looking for a dentist, you would be well served to choose one who offers digital dental X-rays. The benefits are immense, the process is simple and painless, and you’ll be able to see the images when your dentist reviews them with you.

Though many advances have been made in the field of dentistry, loss of teeth is still an ongoing problem In the United States, 26% of adults between the ages of sixty-five and seventy-five have lost all of their teeth. Currently, there are a number of options available for people who have lost their teeth. One of the most versatile and affordable is a set of removable dentures.
Standard Full Dentures
Standard full dentures are ones that comprise a full set of upper and lower teeth. This type of denture uses suction to stay in place. They are made of a pliable material which makes suction easy. However, it is for this reason that standard full dentures require routine visits to the dentist. Being pliable, the dentures are susceptible to shrinkage, thus creating an ill-fitting prosthetic that will result in the atrophy of the jawbone.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a limited number of teeth, and not an entire set. Partial dentures are a single piece fitting that is supported by the remaining teeth and gums. They are much more secure than standard full dentures, and are more comfortable.
Cosmetic Dentures
Cosmetic Dentures, as you can imagine, are made to look as natural as possible. Unlike standard dentures that use a heat curing process which leads to dentures that become ill-fitting over time, cosmetic dentures are made from a special acrylic base that eliminates the possibility of the denture shrinking and warping.
Furthermore, some cosmetic dentures achieve a natural appearance through the use of implants. Implants are installed in the mouth so that the dentures have something to hold onto. The cosmetic denture will either rest on or snap onto the implant. What this does is allow the denture to stay in place without the chance of it moving around, which makes the denture more comfortable than a standard one.
The loss of teeth and some of the expensive treatment options available need not prevent you from continuing to lead a healthy and happy life. Removable dentures are a suitable course of treatment for many people. You deserve to give yourself the best treatment possible. If you live in or around and need a consultation for dentures, give us a call today.

A crown (cap) is a restoration that is placed on teeth that have lost a lot of their structure. There are various types of crowns, ranging from full porcelain to full metal. Your dentist will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each kind for you.
The process of making a crown includes a number of steps, beginning with preparing and taking impressions of the tooth/teeth involved. A temporary crown or bridge is then placed on your teeth. Meanwhile, the impressions are sent to the lab where a mold of the teeth is poured and the work begins. The completed work is sent back to the office; after inspection and any necessary adjustments, it is cemented onto your teeth.
If you have any questions about dental crowns and bridges and you live in or around , give us a call today!

Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.
If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials. Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture.
If you have any questions about root canal treatment and you live in or around , give us a call today!

During the last 30 years, dental implants have become a desirable alternative to other methods of replacing missing teeth. Excellent success rates and a range of available options give dentists a variety of new ways to treat and replace lost teeth.
Your dentist can evaluate your case and tell you if you are a candidate for dental implants. Structurally, a dental implant is a titanium-based cylinder that replaces the missing tooth root. After a period of time, other parts are placed on the implant to enable your dentist to eventually place a crown (cap) on the implant. Implants can also be used to support full or partial dentures, dramatically improving denture retention and stability.
Most patients with adequate bone mass can have implants, although it varies among individuals. Typically an x-ray and CT-scan are performed to determine if you have enough bone to place the implant, as well as to verify the size and kind of implant that should be placed.

When compared to fixed bridges and removable dentures supported by other teeth or gum tissue, implants offer numerous advantages:
1. Better esthetics:
Since implants are placed in the gum similar to the way a natural tooth is supported, they offer a more realistic and natural look compared to other alternatives.
2. Reduction of bone resorption:
When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone structure gradually recedes. Placing an implant in that empty space significantly reduces the speed of bone resorption and provides stability for this valuable tissue.
3. Retention:
Patients who have experienced removable full or partial dentures know that keeping their dentures in place is always a challenge. Dental implants offer a great improvement to denture retention for all patients. In some cases the denture can be secured to a group of implants with special screws that stabilize the denture completely.
4. Preserving natural tooth structure:
Often the preferred method of replacing a single missing tooth is a bridge. Bridges require extra preparation for the surrounding teeth to ultimately connect 3 or more teeth. This negatively impacts your health by making the task of retaining your teeth more difficult and by often requiring the destruction of existing tooth structure to create room for the new bridge. An implant is mostly an independent unit and does not negatively affect the adjacent teeth.
Do you live in or around ? For more information please call our office to schedule your consultation.

When considering tooth fillings, one of the options available are composite fillings which are made from durable plastics that are similar in color to natural teeth. Because the composite fillings are tooth-colored, they look more natural and are less noticeable compared to other types of fillings.
Another benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they are compatible with sealants allowing your dentist to perform both procedures in a single sitting preventing further decay. There are other advantages to composite, tooth-colored fillings, most importantly the capability of bonding to tooth structure. Also in many cases they can be repaired by addition of more composite material.
Speak with one of our doctors to find out which kind of filling is best for you.
If you live in or around , call or schedule an appointment today.

When you meet someone, your smile is the first thing they see. We have all seen people who smile and laugh, yet cover their mouth because they are not happy with the way their smile looks. A vibrant white smile not only helps make a positive impression, but it makes you feel better about yourself and your appearance.

There are a number of things that cause stained teeth, and it is difficult if not impossible to avoid them all. Aside from the aging process, coffee, tea, soda, red wine, smoking, and certain foods are a few of the common culprits of teeth stains. This is why many people choose to whiten their teeth. With tooth whitening, you can turn back the clock and transform your smile.
How does it work?
Tooth whitening is a simple and short procedure performed at your dental office. Not only is it safe, but the results are immediate and long-lasting. One 30-60 minute session of Tooth whitening is all it takes to brighten your smile up to eight shades.
1. Your lips and gums are covered so that only your teeth are exposed.
2. Your dentist applies the whitening gel and uses the specially designed light on your teeth. Together, the light and gel gently break up and remove any stains and discoloration.
3. This is repeated 2-4 times in 15 minute increments.
After the procedure, you can purchase touch-up trays to maintain your new smile. Then, you are finished and can enjoy a brighter and whiter smile!

Do you live in or around ? Make an appointment today for your Teeth Whitening.

Sport Guards are plastic mouth piece to protect your teeth during sport activities to prevent damage due to trauma.

Night Guards on the other hand, are use to protect people's teeth that have a grinding, clenching or bruxism habit while they are asleep. Many time people are not aware that they have these habit but signs and symptoms can be teeth, fillings, crowns breaking or fracturing often. Wear on the enamel of teeth and possible sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Excessive trauma from these habit can even lead to TMJ dysorder and pain around the jaw joint.

Snore and Sleep Apnea Appliances come in different types and designs with similar function. They attempt to shift or reposition your tongue or lower jaw to open up the airway and prevent or reduce your snoring or sleep apnea. In severe case, it is best to still consult with your general physician and perform a sleep study to determine if another appliance would better suit and benefit.