Orthodontics
Orthodontics refers to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dental and facial irregularities such as crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, protruding upper teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite. Braces and other orthodontic appliances are used to correct these "bad bites" or malocclusions by moving the teeth and jaw into proper alignment. Treatment is designed to help the patient both aesthetically (by improving the smile) and functionally (by improving the bite). Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment often enjoy greater self-confidence with their new smile.
 Orthodontic treatment can help patients of all ages, although treatment is most effective as soon as a problem is detected. Children should have an orthodontic exam before they turn 7 to detect and treat any problems early and to ensure optimal results. It is important to treat malocclusions before problems worsen or cause tooth decay, gum disease, surface wearing, stress on the gum and bone, jaw misalignment, headaches or face and neck pain.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may be required to diagnose or treat injuries and diseases in the mouth. Biopsies can determine the presence of oral cancer or tumors, which may then be surgically removed (excised). Tooth extractions prevent or treat damage caused by impacted wisdom teeth or crowding. Surgical contouring of the jaw or gum line can correct jaw alignment problems, TMJ, malocclusion ("bad bite") or other problems.
Pediatric Dentistry
 Dental appointments for children are important not only to evaluate tooth and gum health but also to educate the young patient in how to prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy smile throughout his or her life.
During a check-up we will evaluate:
- How many teeth are & should be present
- Loose teeth
- Cavities
- Gum health
- Bite & habit evaluation
- Tongue & speech
- Fluoride use
- Diet & health history
- Home care & prevention
We will also speak with the parent(s), guardian(s) or accompanying adult(s) about how to care for the child's teeth and also answer any questions they may have.
Periodontics
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. It has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health problems.
 Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that is brushed and flossed away with proper oral care. When left on the teeth, plaque produces toxins that attack below the gum line in the sulcus, a shallow v-shaped crevice between the tooth and gums. This causes the bond between teeth and gums to break down. In the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), gums may become red and swollen and bleed easily. In the more advanced stage (periodontal disease), teeth can loosen and fall out.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are essential in the prevention and early detection of gum disease – especially since you can have it without experiencing any warning signs.
Signs that you may have gum disease include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender, bleed easily or pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or separating teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
General Dentistry
 Comprehensive Dental Exams. Routine dental exams for new and current patients are an important part of maintaining oral health. Exams detect problems before you notice any symptoms. A dental "physical exam" consists of radiographs, diagnostic photography, study casts, full head/neck exam, and tooth, gum, muscle and jaw joint exam.
Whitening - Bleaching products brighten teeth that have been stained or darkened by food, tobacco use, injury or aging. In-office bleaching takes place over a series of one-hour appointments at the office. First, your teeth will be examined and cleaned to make sure there are no cavities, loose fillings, gum problems or other issues that may be exacerbated by the bleaching process. A custom-fit mouthtray will be made for your teeth. Then the bleaching gel is applied to your teeth in the tray.
Crowns - Crowns are used to strengthen and improve the shape, size or color of teeth. They can support broken or weak teeth or those with large fillings; provide a smooth, strong, attractively contoured surface for stained, misshapen or otherwise abnormal teeth; and aid in the implantation of bridges and other implants.
Bridges - Bridges are natural-looking tooth replacements which help maintain facial structure, reduce stress on the jaw and fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented to the existing teeth and do not come out. Removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned at home.
Dentures - Patients who have lost their natural teeth due to decay, periodontal disease or injury can suffer from related problems including further decay, difficulty eating and speaking, and drooping of facial muscles. Full and partial dentures replace the missing teeth both aesthetically and functionally, providing support and restoring the smile. Full (complete) dentures are used when all of the natural teeth have been lost, while partial dentures fill in the gaps between natural teeth. The gums, dentures and any remaining natural teeth will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent staining, sores and plaque build-up.
Tooth-Colored Restoration - Unsightly metal fillings can make an otherwise perfect set of teeth look unattractive. Now there are fillings specially designed to match the natural color of the tooth. Directly-bonded, tooth-colored resin fillings can make a tooth look like new, whether they are used for small areas of decay or to replace current fillings.
Root Canal Therapy- Root canals can prevent tooth loss when there is damage to the soft core of the tooth (the pulp). Despite its reputation as a painful ordeal, a root canal is actually not very uncomfortable. During the procedure, the damaged pulp is removed, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off, and a crown is bonded to the tooth to maintain strength.
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