1. Bonding and White Fillings
Bonding is a popular method to enhance the aesthetics of your
smile. Bonding can be used to correct cracks or gaps in teeth, as
a filling after a cavity has been removed, or to cover up stains or
discolored teeth.
A composite resin is used on the affected tooth or teeth. It is
molded and sculpted over an adhesive gel that is placed on the
tooth. After the resin has been applied an, LED light is used to
harden the resin, which is then polished to give you a fresh, new
smile.
Bonding is an obvious improvement over unsightly silver
amalgam fillings. With the advancements in dental technology,
bonding usually lasts for over 10 years. It is a safe, affordable,
and attractive solution for many dental problems.

2. Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your
existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the
area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold,
metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and
durable.
The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments
out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The
existing teeth are recon toured to provide a base for the bridge.
After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the
area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold
to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your
natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on
either end to place on the abutments and a optic, which is the
new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.
We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the
lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the
abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing
than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has
been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. It
will be placed on the abutments and the dentist will then use an
adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.
The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few
days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again.

3. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your
bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat
whatever you want with no issues.
If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it
replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth,
it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as
well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an
appointment today to restore your smile.
Crowns
Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more
susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration and
others. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can
help you recover your smile. If your dentist notices that a tooth
is decayed or seems weakened/cracked a crown may be

4. necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems
with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding will not be
sufficient.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or
a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a
porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the
shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and
appear just like one of your natural teeth.
The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits to the dentist.
On the first visit the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the
enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be
given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that
you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been
reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding
teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new
crown can be made so that it fits in the spot created for it and
looks the same relative to the surrounding teeth. Before leaving,
your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your
permanent crown is ready.
The crown takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist.
At this time you will have another appointment to place and fit
the permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to
numb the area and the tooth will be placed using a cement to
ensure the tooth sets in place. When you look in the mirror, you
will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will
usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you

5. would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and
flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about
how crowns can help restore your smile.
Extractions
Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure.
Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to
protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it
means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through
the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in
unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin,
called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make
the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under
the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis,
to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes
swelling and pain in the area.
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause
problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can
range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at
once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a
local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth

6. will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general
anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure.
The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open to reveal
the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and
wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums.
Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be
simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this the tooth will be
broken up into pieces first before being removed. Depending on
the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close
the area. Soluble sutures are the best option, which will dissolve
on their own.
After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven
home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia.
You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while
after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the
surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked.
If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call
your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This
could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when
lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so
if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice
pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a
cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your
surgery. Some recommended foods are:

7. •
Gelatin
•
Pudding
•
Yogurt
•
Mashed Potatoes
•
Ice Cream
•
Thin Soups...and other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking
motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.
The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain,
bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing
properly call your dentist for a follow up.

8. Dentures
Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be
removed and put back into your mouth as you please.
Depending on each individual patient case, they may receive full
or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural
teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a full set of
dentures. There are two types of full dentures.
Conventional Full Dentures - This is when all the teeth are
removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures
are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal
completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed,
your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your
mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately
placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to

9. spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a
follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will
slightly change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will
need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.
Partial dentures are another option when not all of your teeth
need to be removed. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not a
permanent fixture in your mouth.
Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh
colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some
people say that it feels bulky or that they don't have enough
room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose.
These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little
while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak
with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like
your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable,
but it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.
Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for
them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and
food particles before removing your dentures. After they have
been removed you should place them directly into room
temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot
water because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are
delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so
you don't drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures
yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek
assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.

10. Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Health
Hygine.jpg While at our office, we make sure that you receive
the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is of
the highest quality. To ensure that you maintain great oral
health, this level of quality needs to extend into your personal
oral hygiene routine. We can help you establish a dental hygiene
routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white. If you have
any questions about your current hygiene plan please ask us.
Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your
gums are essential to oral hygiene as well. We can provide
periodontal cleanings and treatment, or refer you to one of our
recommended specialists. Please let us know if you have any
questions.

11. Extraction Site Preservation
When removing a tooth it is important to consider what will be
done with the empty space after that tooth is removed. Wisdom
teeth are in the back of the mouth, so that site will heal on its
own with no complications. If it is necessary to remove another
tooth, plans must be made. If a tooth is removed and nothing is
done with the extraction site, the jaw bone will degenerate and
change shape during healing and can cause your teeth to shift.
This can create problems in your bite and affect your ability to
speak and chew.
If you want to fill the space with a dental implant, a sturdy jaw
bone is necessary to install the implant. If you opt for a dental
bridge, the bridge must be molded and placed before the teeth
shift.
Your dentist is always open to a conversation on what you
would like to do with your extraction site before removing a
tooth. They will be able to make a recommendation and layout a
treatment plan. Make sure to schedule follow up appointments to
properly care for your extraction site.

12. Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They
use the existing tooth as a base and fit the inlay or onlay onto the
tooth. This is done to strengthen the tooth, restore its shape, and
prevent further damage. An inlay is done when there is no
damage to the cusps of the tooth and the inlay can be placed
right on the tooth. An inlay is used when the damage is a little
more extensive.
The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the
procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental
lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain, gold, or a
composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make,
so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that
time. During your next visit the inlay or onlay will be placed
into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look
natural and you or anyone else won't be able to tell the
difference.

13. TMJ
TMJ is
connects
temporal
chewing.
you pain
the acronym for temporomandibular joint, which
your lower jaw (the mandible) to your skull at the
bone. This joint controls many jaw functions, like
If the chewing muscles or the joint itself are causing
you may have temporamandibular disorder, or TMD.

14. TMD can be caused by stress, continual clenching of the jaw
muscles, or teeth grinding.
Some of the symptoms of TMD are:
Pain when opening or closing mouth
Trouble chewing
Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
Headaches or ear pain
Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
Teeth Grinding
Many of these symptoms can often be associated with other
health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it
is due to TMD. Teeth grinding is an especially problematic
symptom because it can lead to further problems. Prolonged
teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause enamel to wear off teeth
and expose dentin. This material is softer than enamel and more
susceptible to decay. Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink
may also develop from excessive teeth grinding.
If you suspect you may have TMD come in for a consultation.
We can help diagnose you and provide relief for your
symptoms. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short term
methods to provide relief for pain symptoms. A night guard can
be used to help prevent or lessen the effects of teeth grinding at
night. This can lead to a more permanent solution. In very
severe cases of TMD surgery may be required, but behavioral

15. treatments to change the way you use your jaw muscles are
usually enough to provide relief.
Night Guards
Many people are afflicted with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some
people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger
problem at night while you are asleep. Grinding your teeth can
damage enamel, wear down teeth, because jaw pain, or irritate
your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your
spouse's sleep if loud enough.
If you grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. The
night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by
athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth
while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort

16. and to allow for proper breathing. Your dentist will take an
impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a
dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up
to 10 years.
Protective Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment in contact
sports. They should be worn by athletes of all ages who
participate in sports such as:
Football
Hockey
Lacrosse
Wrestling
Basketball
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
…any sport where contact is a possibility.
Wearing a mouth guard helps prevent against structural damage
to your teeth and jaw and also helps prevent injuries such as
lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Mouth guards have
also been shown to help decrease the risk of concussions.

17. Mouth guards are available in most any sporting goods store, but
you should be careful when purchasing a mouth guard. Mouth
guards like this do not offer the best level of protection. They
are also usually ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
For the highest level of comfort and protection, you should visit
your dentist for a custom mouth guard fitting. A custom mouth
guard is created specifically for the optimal protection of YOUR
mouth. It is created with thin plastic that is hardened to protect
your teeth. The thinness of the custom mouth guard allows for
easy breathing and also allows for easy communication
(especially important for you star quarterbacks calling out the
signals).
See your dentist today for a custom mouth guard to protect your
teeth and ensure that you maintain the highest level of
performance on the field, court, or rink.
Post-Op Instructions
It is important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery
to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of
thumb, you should always wait two hours after surgery before
eating to let the anesthesia wear off. Trying to eat before this
could result in soft tissue damage because you are not able to
feel all of your mouth. The instructions found below are
guidelines. After your surgery the doctor or dental assistant will
give you full instructions on how to properly recover from
surgery.

18. Root Canal Therapy
You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few
days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth
where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the
area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material
properly sets. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat
any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an
increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the
medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call
your dentist immediately.
Crowns and Bridges
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you will first
receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the
permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and
eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up
on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged.
The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy
foods while you have the temporary in.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary
or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the
soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can
also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.
When the permanent crown or bridge is placed it may feel a
little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the
new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in

19. less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you
should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is
just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss
regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive.
You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few
days. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good
as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your
fillings last for a long time.
Scaling and Root Planing
After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore
and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with
warm salt water (1 tsp. salt/8 oz. water) 2-3 times a day. This
will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing
should be continued right after the procedure, but you should
brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you
experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a
cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving
medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the
surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to
experience pain or swelling after a few days contacts your
dentist.

20. Veneers
Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive
a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent
version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You
should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth
when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same
goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while
you have the temporary in.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary
or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the
soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can
also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.
When the veneer is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few
days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should
feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your
bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist
know. When brushing and flossing you should pay close
attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum
line.
Extractions
After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven
home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia.
You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while
after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the
surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked.

21. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call
your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This
could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when
lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so
if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice
pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a
cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your
surgery. Some recommended foods are:
Gelatin
Pudding
Yogurt
Mashed Potatoes
Ice Cream
Thin Soups
...and other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking
motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.
The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain,
bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing
properly call your dentist for a follow up.