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Fillings
Pre-procedure instructions
Eat Before Your Appointment: We recommend you eat a light meal before your appointment, as you may feel numb for a few hours afterward.
Take Your Medication: Continue to take any regularly prescribed medications as usual. If you are on blood thinners, please let us know in advance.
Ask Questions: We are here to help you feel confident and comfortable. Please feel free to ask any questions you have about the procedure before we begin.
What you need to do after the procedure
Wait for the Numbness to Wear Off: Avoid eating or chewing until the numbness from the local anesthetic has completely worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Sensitivity is Normal: It is common to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few days after the procedure. This should subside quickly.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine. This will help keep your new filling clean and prevent future cavities.
Contact Us if Needed: If you experience severe pain, swelling, or notice that your bite feels uneven, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
What to expect
A dental filling procedure is a straightforward process to restore a tooth damaged by a cavity or fracture. We'll ensure your comfort from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
Numbing the Area: We will begin by numbing the area around the tooth to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Removing Decay: Using a specialized drill, we will carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
Shaping the Tooth: The tooth is then cleaned and shaped to prepare it for the filling.
Applying the Filling: The tooth-colored filling material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. We will then shape and polish the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth.
Root canal treatment
Pre-procedure instructions
Eat Before Your Appointment: We recommend you eat a light meal before your appointment, as you may feel numb for a few hours afterward.
Take Your Medication: Continue to take any regularly prescribed medications as usual. If you are on blood thinners, please let us know in advance.
Ask Questions: We are here to help you feel confident and comfortable. Please feel free to ask any questions you have about the procedure before we begin.
What you need to do after the procedure
Following these simple instructions will ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Wait for Numbness to Wear Off: Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the numbness from the anesthetic has completely worn off to avoid accidentally biting your tongue or cheek.
Avoid Chewing on the Tooth: Until your tooth is fully restored with a permanent filling or crown, avoid chewing on it to prevent fracture.
Manage Discomfort: It is normal to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days. You can use over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine. Be gentle around the treated tooth to keep it clean.
Schedule Your Follow-up: Please schedule your follow-up appointment to get the tooth permanently restored. A final restoration is essential for the long-term success of the root canal.
Contact Us if Needed: If you experience severe pain, swelling, or have any other concerns, please call our office immediately.
What to expect
A root canal is a common and highly effective treatment designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore the health of your tooth.
Numbing and Isolation: The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to ensure you are completely comfortable. A dental dam will then be placed around the tooth to keep it clean and isolated from saliva.
Accessing the Root: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp and nerves inside the root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping: We will use specialized instruments to meticulously clean out the infected pulp and bacteria from the root canals. The canals are then shaped to be ready for the filling material.
Filling the Canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed with an adhesive to prevent future infection.
Placing a Restoration: After the root canal is complete, a temporary or permanent filling will be placed. In most cases, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore its full function.
Extractions
Pre-procedure instructions
Be Honest About Your Health: Please inform us of any medical conditions you have, especially heart conditions or diabetes, and list all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
Disclose Blood Thinners: If you are on blood thinners (anticoagulants), notify us in advance. You may need to adjust your medication before the procedure as directed by your physician.
Take Your Medication: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed before your appointment.
Eat Beforehand: It is a good idea to eat a light, nutritious meal before your appointment unless advised otherwise.
What you need to do after the procedure
Proper aftercare is essential for a fast and comfortable recovery. Following these instructions will help prevent complications.
Control Bleeding: Keep the gauze pad firmly on the extraction site for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down for another 30 minutes.
Manage Swelling: Apply a cold pack to the side of your face for 10-20 minutes at a time, taking breaks in between. Do this for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Pain Management: Take any prescribed pain medication as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used as needed.
Diet: Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid hot liquids and using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot.
Avoid Irritation: Do not smoke, spit forcefully, or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. After that, you can rinse gently with warm salt water.
Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss your other teeth, but be very gentle and avoid the extraction site for the first day.
Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours to help the healing process.
Contact Us: If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or a fever, please contact our office immediately.
What to expect
We perform this procedure with precision and care to ensure your comfort. Here's a general overview of what will happen:
Numbing the Area: We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, gum, and bone, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure.
Loosening the Tooth: Using specialized instruments, we will carefully loosen the tooth in its socket. You may feel some pressure at this point but it won't hurt.
Removing the Tooth: Once the tooth is sufficiently loose, we will gently remove it.
Post-Extraction Care: A sterile gauze will be placed on the extraction site to control bleeding and encourage clotting.
Dental implants
Pre-procedure instructions
Take Your Medication: If prescribed, take any antibiotics or other medications exactly as directed before your appointment.
Eat Beforehand: We recommend you eat a light, nutritious meal before your surgery.
Arrange a Ride: Due to the nature of the procedure, you will need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home.
Disclose Medical Conditions: Inform us of any medical conditions you have and list all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
Disclose Blood Thinners: If you are taking any blood thinners, please let us know in advance, as you may need to adjust your medication before the procedure as directed by your physician.
What you need to do after the procedure
Proper aftercare is crucial for the success of your dental implant. Following these instructions will help ensure a smooth healing process.
Pain & Swelling Management: It is normal to experience some pain and swelling for a few days after the procedure. Take prescribed pain medication as directed and apply a cold pack to your face for 10-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between, for the first 24-48 hours.
Diet: For the first few days, stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids. Avoid anything hot, hard, or crunchy. You will gradually return to your normal diet as you heal.
Oral Hygiene: You can brush and floss your other teeth as usual, but avoid brushing the implant site directly for the first 48 hours. After that, be very gentle. You may be advised to use a special mouth rinse.
Avoid Irritation: Do not smoke or use a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and disrupt healing.
Rest: Rest is a key part of healing. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48-72 hours after the surgery.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These are essential for us to monitor your healing and ensure the implant is integrating properly.
Contact Us: If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or have any concerns, please contact our office immediately.
What to expect
A dental implant is a permanent solution for missing teeth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. The procedure is performed with precision, focusing on your comfort and a successful long-term outcome.
Surgical Placement: The implant, which is a small titanium screw, is gently placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing.
Healing Period: The implant is then left to heal and fuse with the bone, a process called osseointegration. This can take several months. If you're short on time, i.e. need a quick fix, please let us know so we can customize the plan accordingly.
Placing the Restoration: Once the implant has fully integrated, we will attach a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant, completing your new smile.
Scaling
Pre-procedure instructions
Brush & Floss: While our cleaning will be very thorough, please make an extra effort to brush and floss your teeth before your appointment.
Inform Us of Sensitivity: If you have any tooth sensitivity or have experienced sensitivity during past cleanings, please let us know so we can make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
What you need to do after the procedure
Your teeth will feel incredibly smooth and clean, and following these simple tips will help maintain that feeling.
Avoid Staining Foods: For the first 24-48 hours, try to avoid highly staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries to maintain the clean feeling and brightness.
Maintain Your Routine: Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine. This is the most important step for preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
Sensitivity is Normal: It is common to experience some mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a day or two after a deep cleaning. This will subside on its own.
Contact Us: If you experience any persistent pain or have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
What to expect
A professional scaling and polishing, also known as a dental cleaning, is an essential part of maintaining excellent oral health. It is a simple, non-surgical procedure that leaves your mouth feeling incredibly clean and fresh.
Plaque & Tartar Removal: We use specialized instruments to meticulously remove plaque and hardened tartar from all surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline.
Polishing: After all deposits are removed, we will polish your teeth to smooth the surface, which makes it harder for plaque to stick to them in the future.
Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay.
Teeth whitening
Pre-procedure instructions
Schedule a Cleaning: We highly recommend getting a professional dental cleaning one to two weeks before your whitening appointment. This ensures a clean surface and allows for the best possible results.
Inform Us of Sensitivity: If you have tooth sensitivity, please let us know in advance. We can provide a desensitizing toothpaste to use for a few weeks before your appointment.
Eat Beforehand: It's a good idea to eat a meal before your appointment, as you will need to avoid certain foods and drinks for a while afterward.
What you need to do after the procedure
To ensure your results last as long as possible, follow these simple guidelines.
Avoid Staining Foods & Drinks: For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, dark sodas, and tomato sauce.
Use a White Diet: Stick to a "white diet" of non-staining foods like chicken, rice, potatoes, pasta, and milk.
Manage Sensitivity: Some temporary tooth sensitivity is common. It should subside within a day or two. You can use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help.
Maintain Your Routine: Continue to brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain your oral hygiene and the brightness of your new smile.
Touch-ups: You may consider periodic touch-up treatments to maintain your results over time.
What to expect
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. We offer a professional-grade treatment that delivers superior results compared to over-the-counter products.
Initial Assessment: We will first examine your teeth to ensure you are a good candidate for whitening and discuss your desired shade.
Preparation: Your lips and gums will be protected with a special barrier to prevent irritation.
Application of Whitening Gel: The professional-strength whitening gel will be carefully applied to your teeth.
Activation: A special light may be used to activate the gel, enhancing its effectiveness and speeding up the whitening process.
Final Results: The gel is removed, and you can immediately see a noticeably brighter smile.
New denture
Pre-procedure instructions
Be Open About Your Needs: Share any specific concerns or goals you have for your new dentures. This helps us create a solution that is perfectly tailored to you.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about the process, materials, or what to expect. We are here to help you feel informed and confident.
What you need to do after the procedure
Proper care is essential for maintaining your new dentures and your oral health.
Initial Discomfort: It’s normal to experience some discomfort or sore spots initially. This is temporary as your mouth adjusts. Please contact us for an adjustment if needed.
Speaking & Eating: Practice speaking and eating with your new dentures. It may feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, you will adapt quickly. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces.
Daily Cleaning: Clean your dentures every day with a soft brush and denture-specific cleaner. Do not use regular toothpaste.
Handling Your Dentures: Always handle your dentures over a folded towel or a sink full of water to prevent breakage if they are dropped.
Overnight Care: Remove your dentures at night to allow your gums to rest. Store them in water or a denture cleaning solution to keep them from drying out.
Regular Check-ups: Continue to visit our office for regular check-ups. We will monitor the fit of your dentures and check the health of your gums.
What to expect
Getting a new set of dentures is a process that restores your smile and your ability to eat and speak with confidence. Our team works with you every step of the way to ensure your new dentures fit comfortably and look natural.
Initial Consultation: We'll begin with a thorough examination of your mouth and discuss your goals. We'll take impressions and measurements to ensure a custom fit.
Trial Fittings: You'll try on a wax model of your dentures to check the fit, appearance, and bite. This is a crucial step to ensure your dentures are perfect before they are fabricated.
Delivery: Once the final dentures are ready, we will make any final adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. We'll also provide instructions on how to care for them.
Follow-Up: We'll schedule a follow-up appointment to check for any sore spots and make further adjustments if needed.
Crowns and bridges
Pre-procedure instructions
Communicate Your Goals: Feel free to share your aesthetic preferences and ask any questions you have about the process. We want to ensure the final result meets your expectations.
Disclose Health Information: Please inform us of any medical conditions you have and all medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Address Sensitivity: If you experience any tooth sensitivity, let us know so we can make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
What you need to do after the procedure
Your new crown or bridge is a long-term investment in your smile. Following these simple steps will help ensure its longevity and a healthy mouth.
Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: For the first 24 hours, avoid chewing on the newly placed crown or bridge, especially if a temporary restoration was placed.
Manage Discomfort: It is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your new restoration just as you would your natural teeth. For a bridge, use a floss threader or a special flossing tool (like a water floss) to clean underneath it.
Contact Us if Needed: If your bite feels uneven or if you have persistent pain, please contact our office immediately for an adjustment.
Regular Check-ups: Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential for monitoring the health of your restoration and the surrounding gums.
What to expect
Crowns and bridges are custom-made restorations that can restore both the function and appearance of your smile. We meticulously craft and fit them to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Tooth Preparation: We will first prepare the tooth or teeth by carefully shaping them to accommodate the crown or bridge.
Impressions: A precise impression of your teeth is taken. This impression will be sent to a lab where your custom crown or bridge will be fabricated.
Temporary Restoration: We will place a temporary crown or bridge to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent restoration is being made.
Final Placement: Once the final crown or bridge arrives from the lab, we will check its fit, color, and bite before cementing it securely in place.
Patient education
How do I prepare for my first visit?
We want your first visit to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here are a few things you can do to prepare:
Bring a List of Medications: Please bring a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
Be Prepared to Discuss Your Goals: Think about your oral health goals and any questions or concerns you have. This will help us create a treatment plan that is perfectly tailored to your needs.
Arrive Early: Arriving 5-10 minutes early will give you plenty of time to check in and fill out any necessary paperwork.
If you have any questions before you arrive, please don't hesitate to give our office a call.
Words my dentist may use
The best "dental-speak" is no-speak at all. Your dentist should always explain everything to you in a clear, simple way, avoiding jargon and complicated terms.
However, if you're curious about some of the language we use, here is a glossary of common dental terms and what they mean.
Plaque: A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.
Tartar: Also known as dental calculus, this is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. It can only be removed with a professional cleaning.
Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
Perio: A common term used for periodontal disease, which is the advanced stage of gum disease where the gums and bone that support the teeth are damaged.
Filling: A restoration used to fix a tooth damaged by a cavity, restoring its shape and function.
Crown: A tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength.
Bridge: A dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth by connecting artificial teeth to crowns on adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Implant: A small titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth.
Endodontic Treatment: The proper term for a root canal, which is a procedure that saves a tooth with an infected or inflamed pulp.
I brush twice a day but still have cavities!
Here are a few common reasons why someone might still get cavities, even with a consistent brushing routine:
You're Missing Spots: The bristles of a toothbrush, no matter how good, can't reach every surface, especially between your teeth and under the gumline. These are the most common places for cavities to form. This is why flossing is so important, as it cleans the surfaces your brush can't reach.
What You Eat and Drink: The frequency of your meals and what you consume can also contribute. Sugary and starchy foods and drinks create an acidic environment in your mouth that wears away your tooth enamel. Frequent snacking, especially on these types of foods, can be a major factor.
Your Tooth Anatomy: The deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth can trap food and bacteria, making them difficult to clean even with a good brushing technique.
Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to cavities due to the natural composition of their saliva or the shape of their teeth.
The best way to combat cavities is with a multi-pronged approach: regular brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and consistent visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Why do I need a graft with my implant?
Bone grafting is often needed for dental implants when the jawbone is not strong enough or thick enough to support the implant. The implant needs a solid foundation to fuse with and be stable, much like a house needs a strong foundation to be built on.
A bone graft may be necessary when there is bone loss after tooth extraction, advanced gum disease leading to damage of the supporting bone and when the sinus cavity may be too close to the jawbone.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can affect any part of your mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and throat. Early detection is key to a successful outcome, so it's important to know what to look for.
You should contact us immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
A sore or ulcer that does not heal within two weeks. This is the most common symptom of oral cancer.
Red or white patches in your mouth that persist and do not fade.
A lump or thickening in your cheek, tongue, neck, or any other part of your mouth.
Difficulty or pain with swallowing, chewing, or moving your tongue.
A tooth or denture that suddenly feels loose or becomes ill-fitting.
Numbness or persistent pain in any area of your face, neck, or mouth.