Invisalign®is an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces. It is a series of clear, custom-fit removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth to slowly straighten them. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but they are virtually invisible. Because Invisalign® trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

The Invisalign® system begins in the dentist or orthodontist’s office with taking molds to design a your trays. Patients switch trays every two weeks to gradually shift the teeth. The system requires a visit to the office every six weeks so that treatment can be monitored. Once treatment is complete, a patient will likely be given a retainer to maintain the smile.

The cost of Invisalign® varies according to the complexity of the case. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign® to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.

Porcelain fillings, called inlays or onlays, are created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, they resist staining, and they cost about the same as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

Who doesn’t want a brighter smile?

Are you embarrassed by stains? Are you simply hoping to restore your smile’s brilliance? No matter your reasoning, it’s widely known that a beautiful smile can mean everything for your confidence and the impression you make. You deserve to be proud of the way you look.

ZOOM Whitening

Zoom! Whitening is a great alternative to the tray whitening system. Zoom! works by bleaching the teeth, lightening discolored teeth. We perform Zoom! Whitening in our office in about one and a half hours. Following the procedure, you will leave the office with a brighter and whiter smile.

The procedure begins by covering the lips and gums – exposing only the teeth. We then apply a whitening gel which is designed to work with the Zoom! AP light. The light and gel work together to break up stains and discolorations. The gel will be applied in three, 15 minute sessions, leaving you with a whiter and brighter smile!

Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure in which a thin layer of porcelain or composite material is placed over the outside of the tooth. They are used to improve esthetics or help with tooth damage. Veneers are usually only performed on the front part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. Because of that, the direct technique is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers are fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. The veneers are back from the laboratory after two or three weeks. The temporaries are removed, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth.The laboratory-fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are esthetically pleasing.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less of the tooth material has to be removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are not recommended for patients who have large fillings or little tooth structure. They are also typically recommended for the restoration of front teeth.

Snoring can be much more serious than it seems! More than just “so much noise” it may actually be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA happens when the tongue, jaw or even simply the weight of the neck causes the airway to be closed off. This results in the patient stopping breathing periodically through the night and can have severe impact on overall health over time. Both Snoring and Sleep Apnea are often successfully treated with custom dental appliances or CPAP, however, the involvement of a sleep specialist is required to ensure an accurate diagnosis if OSA is suspected.

Severe sleep apnea may also require the help of a sleep specialist. We will walk you through a thorough consultation process to help you decide on the very best option for your unique situation.

Potential health effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Drowsy driving
• High blood pressure
• Increased stroke risk
• Weight gain

People who are at a high risk for OSA may also have the following:

• Obesity BMO>35
• Type 2 diabetes
• History of stroke
• High blood pressure - more than 2 meds
• Pulmonary hypertension

Symptoms:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Loud breathing during sleep
• Dry mouth or throat
• Headache
• Irritability

Please let us know if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms we can help you initiate the process with a simple evaluation and discussion of your concerns. If we believe that sleep apnea is a likely diagnosis we will help you meet a qualified sleep specialist conveniently located in our building for a complete and thorough evaluation of your airway and sleep patterns and presentation of your options. There are many ways of treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea including dental appliances, which we are equipped to help you with, CPAP, and, in some severe cases, surgery. We will walk you through the consultation process and help you decide what is best for your unique situation.

Dental emergency? We’re here for you!

Severe pain or discomfort in the jaw, gums or teeth can often become unbearable. We offer same-day emergency dental services and appointments to provide immediate relief and long-term dental solutions!

If you are suffering from severe pain or discomfort don’t hesitate to call us! Our accommodating team will help you schedule an emergency exam as soon as possible. We’re here to help!

Teeth clenching and grinding can damage teeth and be harmful to one’s long-term oral health. Night guards are recommended to protect patients who clench or grind their teeth during the night. These custom-designed appliances can be used as part of treatment for a variety of disorders including bruxism and TMJD. They are made of durable plastic and molded to comfortably fit the shape of your teeth.

Custom-made oral appliances can also be used as part of treatment for conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. In general, plastic appliances can be used to correct a variety of problems.

If you clench or grind your teeth in the night or are experiencing any concerns about your mouth, teeth, or jaw, call us today. Let us help you determine if night guards are right for you.

Custom-designed mouth guards are made of durable plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouth guards are recommended to protect the jaw, tongue, cheek lining and teeth during physical activity and sports such as lacrosse, football, basketball, boxing or other activities where your mouth might get hit. Depending on growth and activity level mouth guards generally last between 2-10 years, and can help prevent broken teeth and serious injuries such as concussion.

Custom-made oral appliances can also be used as part of treatment for conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. In general, plastic appliances can be used to correct a variety of problems.

If you are active in athletics or experiencing any concerning experiences with your mouth, teeth, or jaw, please let us know. If any kind of guard or appliance is a good option for you, we will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fit product for your specific needs.

Good oral hygiene is a must. The loss of a single tooth can have major impact on overall oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth needs to be removed. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced gum disease
• Infection or abscess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

The dentist may suggest an extraction after careful examination and treatment. X-rays are used to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone before extracting the tooth. Based on the degree of difficulty, a dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to ensure the best experience for you..

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, but it can be minimized with painkillers and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. Discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks.

If you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

A filling is a way to restore a decayed tooth back to its normal shape and function. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, then clean the affected area and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.

Tooth-colored resins, or Tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture. They can be used on either front or back teeth, and are a good choice for people who expect their fillings to look more natural. Additionally, because they are bonded to the tooth structure they work to reinforce the filled tooth better than metal fillings do. For these reasons we exclusively use Tooth-colored materials when restoring teeth with fillings.

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. We will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, the location of the filling and the cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

Gold fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider gold as the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.

Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are also well-tolerated. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.

Composite (plastic) resin fillings are custom-made to the exact color of the patient’s teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While these white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. They may not be ideal for larger fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.

Porcelain fillings, called inlays or onlays, are created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, they resist staining, and they cost about the same as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth, so there should be no noticeable change to appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve a smile!

Complete Dentures

This restoration method is used to restore smile and mouth function if all teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created and natural looking. They are fit in the patient’s mouth to take the place of the original teeth. Complete dentures are generally removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture is used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, partials help restore better functionality to the mouth. As with complete dentures, it is possible to have more permanent option cemented into place.

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the real teeth on either side for support--hence the name. Bridges are a perfect option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. Bridge materials include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all-ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

Crowns

Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown, also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens the tooth, but it can also dramatically improve the tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.

Crowns may be used to…

• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly-shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

The health of primary or baby teeth can Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Saepe necessitatibus, odio autem, vitae quidem tempora, debitis modi, asperiores nihil mollitia sint fugiat in delectus corporis. Quis ut quas, adipisci vel!rformed without having to use local anesthetic, making the treatment even easier for your child.

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Dental care for the whole family. Healthy smiles and healthy lives start here!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "dental home" for your child by the time they are 1 year old. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.

At our practice, we adapt all treatments and services to meet your child’s needs. Whether it’s sedation options, special equipment or our overall gentle touch, we do everything in our power to help your child have a great dental experience. But proper dental care for your child is not only about fun. Dental needs are different for baby teeth and developing mouths. Our comprehensive exams include preventive care and oral hygiene instruction designed specifically for your child’s needs. We are invested in your child’s future health as much as you are!

Enjoy the ease of having one dental home for your whole family.

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly-chipped, discolored or crooked teeth, often for cosmetic purposes. The process comprises placing a white filling on your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Bonding can also be used in place of regular amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings, because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver of the amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and breaks more easily than other cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.

If your bonding does break or chip, please let us know. We can generally patch or repair bonding in one visit.

Overdentures, also known as implant-supported dentures, are dentures that are attached to implants in the jaw. An overdenture is used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Overdentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is used to describe dysfunction or disorders related to the joint. “Temporo,” refers to the temple area of the skull; “mandibular,” refers to the lower jaw; and “joint” is essentially where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a trauma, misalignment of the teeth, or excess muscle tension. The two bones that meet at the jaw are buffered by cartilage and five different muscles, so TMJ can cause a variety of troubles.

Common TMJ symptoms:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, and more. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If TMJ is left untreated and reaches extremes, surgery may be required to repair the badly damaged joint.

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for reasons like injury or periodontal disease. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown.

While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework, because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

Implants require healthy gums and adequate bone. A patient must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the procedures involved in dental implants.

Sealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry. Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay. To apply sealants, a plastic material is applied to the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants can help prevent cavities from forming in these deep grooves.

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take only 25 to 30 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.

Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. Both electric and manual scaling methods can be combined to achieve the best results. Polishing completes the cleaning, making the surface of the teeth smooth and minimizing future plaque build-up.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as "laughing gas," is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. The nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and produces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide is designed to make procedures easier for nervous patients and has been effective for many years.

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Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is an excellent option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. It is simply taken in pill or liquid form and ingested at a set time before treatment. The drug produces a calming effect to make the visit to our office a much less stressful experience. Oral sedation is simple, safe and has very few side effects.

Ask us about our sedation options.

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IV Sedation

A variety of forms of dental sedation are used to help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. There are multiple levels of sedation to ease every level of anxiety, and IV sedation is the perfect option for patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist.

IV sedation is commonly referred to as “sleep dentistry”. It will be as if you fell asleep, and you won’t remember the procedure. A specific set of drugs are administered via IV for the duration of the procedure or procedures, and you will be carefully monitored to ensure your safety. Often reserved for oral surgery, IV sedation is also available to those with intense dental anxiety and phobia. It makes dentistry easy.

If you feel that IV sedation is the best option for you, set up a consultation today! We are happy to answer any of your questions.

Orthodontistry is the art of using special appliances to straighten and align the teeth and bite. Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment. In this method, arch wires are threaded through brackets that are bonded to the surface of the teeth.The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "Tooth-colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces. Invisalign is another popular option for teeth alignment.

We cover the basics at our practice. Ask us today about what we can do to help you get a straighter, more beautiful smile.

Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaw. They usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, they cause problems and require removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in the mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so that the patient is asleep during the procedure.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, the patient is given gauze and bites down softly for a recommended amount of time to limit any bleeding. Some pain and swelling may occur, but it will usually go away after a few days.

Please call our office if, after following post-op instructions, you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.

Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is used to save an infected or damaged tooth and avoid having to remove it. A root canal becomes necessary when a neglected cavity reaches all the way to the pulp at the center of the tooth, causing the pulp to become infected. Regular cleanings and checkups detect and prevent problems early on.

Trauma can also cause deep damage to the nerve of a tooth. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected, and it begins to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful.

Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) is filled to prevent any further infection. Crowns are usually recommended to cover and restore a tooth after root canal therapy.

We cover all of the most common dental needs by providing dental cleanings, tips to maintain oral health and fillings to keep teeth healthy and functional. All treatment, basic or specialized, is fit to your specific needs and performed as gently as possible. Our general services include:

• Dental Hygiene
• Orthodontics (Braces)
• Implants
• Cosmetics
• Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)
• Restorative
• Pediatric
• Periodontics
• Oral Surgery

The foundation for one's teeth is formed by the gums, ligaments and bone around the teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium becomes unhealthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of a problem. However, with proper gum treatment it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. Treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done after a local anesthetic has been used to ensure your comfort. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that bleed whenever you brush or floss
• Persistent bad breath that isn't helped by oral hygiene or mouthwash
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Feelings of pain and discomfort around the gums
• Teeth that suddenly appear longer (this can mean that your gumline is receding)

Of course, it's important to remember that in some cases, periodontal disease can show only very subtle symptoms or even none at all. That's why attending regular check-ups are crucial to maintaining your oral health!

"How can you help me?"

In the earliest stages of periodontal disease, regular cleanings should be enough to prevent any damage from being done. Dr. Alcorn is always happy to share techniques and tips with patients on how to improve oral hygiene and keep your smile looking great!

If your specific case has progressed to a more advanced stage, we may need to provide a special cleaning called scaling and root planing. During this therapy, we'll clean tartar, plaque, and toxins from above and below the gum line, as well as clear away hard build-up on root surfaces. This will help your gum tissue heal.

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for reasons like injury or periodontal disease. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown.

While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and won't ever decay. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework, because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

Implants require healthy gums and adequate bone. A patient must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the procedures involved in dental implants.

Many offices utilize electronic claims processing. This means that rather than being sent through the mail, a dental claim is sent electronically to an insurance company with the click of a button. We can submit information more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits patients because the turn-around time on claims is faster, and fewer claims are returned or denied.

We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf. Please let us know if you have any questions about the e-claim process.

We have a genuine concern for your overall health and well-being. It’s because of this that we invest in state-of-the-art oral cancer screening technology to ensure your health for life.

Did you know that in the United States, one person dies every hour from oral cancer? Oral cancer has a cure rate of more than 80% - if it is detected and treated early. The mortality rates are high because diagnoses come too late. Very few patients are properly screened by their dentists. At our practice, we perform an oral cancer screening with every exam. We utilize an advanced cancer screening technology so that we can detect problems early on. Five minutes could save your health. It could save your life.

Symptoms include:

• Unexplained bleeding
• Numbness, loss of feeling, or pain in sections of the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Ear pain
• Persistent sore throat
• Development of white, red or speckled patches in the mouth
• Swelling, thickening, lumps, bumps, rough patches and growths

Oral cancer typically affects:

• Front 2/3 of the tongue
• Lining of the cheeks and lips
• Floor of mouth under the tongue
• Roof of the mouth
• Gums
• Small area behind the wisdom teeth
• Minor salivary glands

Although these areas are visible to the doctor during examinations, we need a more thorough look to be able to detect the beginnings of abnormalities.

Oral cancer is typically treated first with surgery and also with the help of oncologists. Each case varies. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please call our office to schedule a screening and consultation.

We hope to catch things before they become a real problem, and we need your help! Be sure to come in for every 6-month checkup for preventive care. Especially in the case of oral cancer, prevention is your best option.

Intraoral cameras, cameras about the size of a pen, help dentists see the condition of teeth and gums more clearly. This advanced technology allows us to zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings to provide a more detailed view. The full-color images are sent to a computer screen, making it easy to see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Patients are also able to watch the whole process because the images are displayed on screens in treatment rooms.

A panoramic x-ray provides a very broad view of teeth, jaw, sinuses, jaw joints and nasal areas. They are not designed to find cavities like other x-rays. Rather, they reveal problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities and fractures, infections, cysts or tumors. Because of this, they are a staple technology in any oral or maxillofacial practice. Panoramic x-rays provide an accurate and trusted diagnosis so that the most viable treatment plans can be executed.

Digital radiography uses an estimated 40-90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Digital x-rays use a digital image capture device in place of traditional film, sending an image immediately to a computer. The result is a highly-detailed image of the mouth, and its contrast and resolution can be enhanced to more easily diagnose dental problems and determine the very best treatment for each case.

This means more safety and better accuracy for you.

You deserve to be in the loop when it comes to your dental care. There are a variety of computer programs available to help patients better understand conditions, procedures and treatment options. Our office invests in patient education software because we want you to feel confident in every dental decision you make. This investment helps us clearly communicate--and it helps you learn more.

Popular programs include GURU and DentalMaster, among many others. If you have any questions about the program we use, we’re happy to point you to the website. If you have any further questions about your oral health and procedures, don’t hesitate to ask us.

Laser dentistry is an important advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease. Hard tissue lasers are used to repair cavities, remove old fillings and prepare teeth for bonding. Soft tissue lasers are used on gum tissue. They are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. Lasers can even be used for teeth whitening.

Laser dentistry works by directing an invisible energy beam on problem areas and allowing for efficient treatment of decayed teeth, enamel and gums. The biggest benefit of laser dentistry, by far, is that it can reduce pain and minimize use of anesthetic. Dental procedures can become much more comfortable for you! Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

If you ever have any questions about the equipment we use at our office to enhance the quality of your experience, don’t hesitate to ask.

Paperless charting means more efficiency and more accuracy. An office that has “gone digital” records x-rays and charting with the aid of the computer and keeps all patients’ dental records electronically. Additionally, it cuts back on paper use. With traditional paper charting, information can be lost in translation from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by standardizing charting methods, making it easy to understand dental charts, view up-to-date information and keep records accurately. When needed, this method also allows dental offices to more easily share information with other healthcare providers.

If you have any questions in regards to your records with us, please let us know.

The name really gives it away. Computerized shade matching makes it possible for restorations to perfectly match the color of the patient’s natural teeth. Old methods of shade matching can be inaccurate and inconsistent. The computerized system uses a small hand-held device that captures tooth hue to create precise color matches. This technology ensures that restorations match well and look natural.

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