DEFINITIONS

Diagnodent
Diagnodent technology uses a simple laser diode to inspect your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength against a known healthy baseline wavelength to reveal decay. How? First, we aim the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces to give us a benchmark reading. Then, we continue on around your mouth, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength. This light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed on a screen. Anytime the laser encounters a surface that reads differently than the healthy baseline value, it stimulates emission of fluorescent light of a different wavelength. A reading of 10-20 indicates some enamel softening, pointing to a potential problem area that merits close monitoring. A reading of 21-100 indicates a definite area of decay requiring a filling.

Intra-Oral Camera (IOC)
Using an intraoral camera allows you to see what the dentist sees, but enlarged 20 times or more. It also allows dental professionals to do more thorough and detailed exams as early warning signs are more easily seen, such as cracks and open margins. This allows for treatment before problems become painful or more invasive.

Crowns
Crowns are necessary when large fillings wear out, teeth become cracked, existing crowns fail, very large cavities are present and following a root canal. The procedure warrants local anesthetic to numb the area. An impression is taken prior to the procedure in order to make a temporary crown. The tooth is shaped and any decay is removed. In some cases the tooth will need a “build-up”; this is when a majority of the tooth is broken or decayed and will need to be restored structurally to support a crown. Once the tooth is prepared a temporary crown will be placed and worn for approximately two weeks. Our lab will fabricate a permanent crown from gold, porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain. The permanent crown will be delivered and glued in place when the tooth is comfortable and the fit is perfect.

Bridges
A bridge is designed to replace a missing tooth. When a space exists between two teeth it is necessary to fill the gap so that the teeth on either side don’t start to shift, tip out of alignment, or alter biting pressure. When a bridge is selected for treating a missing tooth, the two teeth next to the space are prepared under local anesthetic. An impression is taken prior to modifying the teeth, this is used to create a temporary bridge. The teeth are reduced and any decay is removed. Once the tooth is prepared a temporary bridge is made. Impressions are sent to our dental lab and a bridge (essentially 3 crowns in one unit) is made. The materials used are gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Two weeks following the appointment the permanent bridge is cemented in place. Special cleaning instructions will be given in order to access under the replacement tooth.

Veneers
This cosmetic option is a thin porcelain laminate that is placed over the top of a slightly modified tooth. The porcelain laminate is created to change an unwanted smile line with imperfections such as: gaps, discoloration, crowding, and twisted and/or turned teeth. A consultation is done to discuss the patient’s desired look. Once a plan is in place impressions are taken and precise working models are made and sent to our lab. Our dental lab will fabricate a “wax-up”, a model of what your teeth will look like when the veneer is placed. This can be done before any permanent modifications are done to the tooth. When the patient is satisfied with the color, shape and length then the lab will make a porcelain version that will be permanently placed. This will be done in two appointments: one, to prepare the teeth and two, to place the permanent veneer. A two week period is between the appointments and temporary veneers will be worn. You won’t believe the magic that can be done with this technique.

Onlays
Onlays are an alternative to placing a large filling or may be used as a conservative approach to treating a tooth that almost needs a crown. To prepare a tooth for an onlay a technique similar to a crown preparation is used. The area will be numbed to make the procedure comfortable. Any existing decay or failing restorative material will be removed. Impressions are taken to fabricate a temporary onlay and to send to our dental laboratory so that a permanent onlay can be made. Onlays may be made out of porcelain or gold. Normally we fabricate our onlays in office with our CEREC machine, which saves you time in the chair, as this is done in one appointment.

Tooth Whitening/Zoom
Our Extra Comfort Whitening System is available only through your dentist. It provides a safe and effective tooth whitening system that predictably removes internal stains from teeth. We use a carbamide peroxide gel that has been used as an oral antiseptic for many years. This can be done in office with one procedure, called Zoom Whitening, or the patient can use take home bleaching. When used as directed by your dentist, the procedures are safe and effective and whitening occurs immediately, or in the case of take-home, in days. While results last for years, it may need to be touched up from time to time. Refill syringes are available for a minimum fee.