General Treatments
Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal functioning shape. Materials used for fillings include gold, composite resin, amalgam.
Amalgam vs. composite fillings:
The major difference between composite and amalgam fillings is the material used. Dental amalgam is a blend of several metals, including mercury and silver. Resin composites are made from ceramic and plastic compounds. (Many people prefer this type of filling because it does not contain mercury. Also, because it is tooth-colored.) Resin fillings generally will cost more than amalgam, which can make the cost of the service higher than for a comparable amalgam filling.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. A dental implant is a surgical post/component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skill to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. We work along with Periodontists and Oral Surgeons for the placement of implants.
Crowns
A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It’s also used to cover a dental implant. Crowns can be made using a variety of materials. At Dental Excellence the doctors will discuss with you your best options. A crown usually requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit the tooth with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal. The subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you will have a new beautiful functional tooth.
Bridges
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth and can be permanently attached to natural teeth. Your dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. A bridge will replace missing teeth by attaching to adjacent natural teeth. Bridges can help support your lips and cheeks and prevent sagging and hollow cheeks. At Dental Excellence bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. Your doctor will discuss what material is best for your dental health.
Tooth Extractions
Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most importantly to remove teeth which have become un-restorable through tooth decay, periodontal disease or dental trauma. Usually only a local anesthetic is needed. Some teeth can be more difficult to remove for a variety of reasons, and it may be necessary to refer you to an oral surgeon.
Non-Surgical Root Canals
This relatively simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. The pulp is soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. Root canals are sometimes needed because the inside pulp tissue becomes infected. The most common causes of pulp inflammation or infection are a cracked or chipped tooth, a deep cavity or filling, or other serious injury to the tooth. All of these conditions can allow bacteria to enter the pulp. If left untreated the tissues around the root of the tooth can become infected, and pain and swelling often result. Even if there is no pain, bacteria can damage the bone that holds the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed. You shouldn’t worry if your Dr. recommends root canal therapy. Root canals are common procedures and can help save your tooth from extraction.
Laser Therapy
Diode lasers provide quick, precise soft-tissue therapy with minimal or no bleeding, swelling, or post-operative pain. They have a broad range of applications, which are used in restorative dental procedures, and periodontal therapy. Its use enhances placement of contemporary dental materials and enables soft-tissue corrections both for restorations and natural dentition.
Dentures
Among our services provided are full dentures and partial dentures.
A partial denture is a removable appliance to take the place of missing teeth in the presence of some natural teeth. We offer a variety of types of partials. The most common are flexible (Valplast) partials, traditional partials (metal), and precision attachment partials. Flexible partial dentures have the advantage of not using metal. The clasps are made out of a material comparable to pink nylon. If this type of clasps are visible, of course this coloring makes them look like gum.
We also make traditional partials with metal. This type of partial is sometimes adaptable if dental conditions change. We also make precision attachment partials. The Doctors at Dental Excellence can discuss the best options for you.
Dental Excellence also offers a variety of full dentures that may or may not be supported by implants. The removable implant appliance has the advantage of easy cleaning. The fixed implant supported full denture is much more difficult to clean, but has the advantage of staying in the mouth 24/7. For full dentures, whenever possible, we like to use a little cutter bar that is called a VO posterior. This makes for a very efficient chewing apparatus. This is a top-of-the-line option that is used by permission of the patient.
Sealants
Sealants are a thin plastic coating that is applied on the chewing surfaces of teeth that are most susceptible to decay. We do sealants on six year and twelve year molars. This allows an individual to make it into the adult years with teeth that have not required restoration resulting in a stronger and longer lasting tooth.
