A dental bridge is a false tooth, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. This is called a 'fixed bridge'. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as with removable partial dentures.

Bridges can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, but will last as much as ten years or more.

If you have missing teeth, you should discuss this procedure with Dr. Tom. If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position. Additionally, spaces from missing teeth can cause your other teeth and gums to become far more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

CROWNS

Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age, fillings and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking or breakage of your teeth. Chewing patterns play a big role as well. Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of your affected tooth and add strength, durability and tooth stability.
Dr. Tom will usually be able to spot problem areas in your mouth that might lead to tooth damage and a need for crowns.

In some instances, crowns are used to replace a missing tooth. These crowns are anchored to the teeth on either side, with a bridge section connecting the two crowns. Instead of bridges, single tooth dental implants may be used that eliminate the need for supporting crown

Dental veneers, sometimes called 'tooth veneers', can be used to correct both tooth color and shape problems. Tooth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the more common causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea or cigarettes. People who drink significant amounts of cola soft drinks can experience similar staining.

Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to tell Dr. Tom.

Porcelain or plastic Veneers, are placed over the front teeth to change color or shape of the teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too big, or have uneven surfaces. It is quite common for people to have imperfect teeth; oddly shaped teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, teeth with small holes in them, or an inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have an odd appearance. Veneers solve such irregularity issues and create a durable and pleasing smile

ZOOM 1 HOUR TEETH WHITENING
(In Office)

Zoom 1 Hour Teeth Whitening can get your teeth up to 10 shades whiter!

The procedure is simple. First, a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. Then, our Zoom clinician applies the proprietary zoom whitening gel - designed to be used specifically with the Zoom light. The light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up the stains and discoloration.

During the procedure time you can relax and listen to music. The gel is applied for three 15 minute sessions. Actual treatment time is about an hour.

You go home in about an hour with your whiter, brighter smile!

OPALESCENCE
(Home Bleaching Trays)

CUSTOM WHITE

Impressions will be taken of your teeth that will allow for custom trays to be made for your bleaching procedure. The Opalescence Gel is placed in thin comfortable trays and fitted over your teeth. The Gel is broken down and oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching out the discolored areas. The structure of the tooth is not changed, but color of the tooth is simply made lighter and whiter.

Periodontal disease - advanced erosion of gum tissue and, eventually, the surrounding bone - affects 15% of the population and 20% of those over age 65. It is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque - a sticky film of bacteria - to build up on teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. In fact, smoking can even jeopardize the success of treatment. Depending on the extent of the gum disease, treatments can range from professional deep cleaning and medications to surgery. While periodontal disease can be treated, more importantly, it can be prevented. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups, and quitting tobacco use are the best defense against periodontal disease.

Gum inflammation can also damage tissues. Scientists now understand that inflammation causes or complicates many diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Inflammation from gum disease has been linked to diseases in three possible ways...

- Bacteria from the mouth may travel to other parts of the body, causing inflammation.
-Local inflammation in the gums may spark inflammation throughout the body.
- You may have a genetic predisposition to diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. If you get one, you're more likely to get another.

ATTENTION: EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Make sure your gum tissue is healthy. Research shows that even mild gingivitis during pregnancy can cause pre-term birth and low birth weight for your baby. Frequent dental cleanings and check-ups are a must for expectant mothers.

Tooth loss is a common problem that no one looks forward to. If you lose one or more teeth, you have a number of options, one of which is dental implants. You owe it to yourself to be informed about these options.

Dental implants are fixtures of titanium which are surgically implanted into your jaw. The implant is an anchor for a naturally-appearing false tooth or a set of false teeth. Implants are great for replacing missing teeth. Implants are not only used to replace one tooth, but also for people missing most, if not all, of their teeth. Implants are increasingly being used to replace certain types of bridges and removable partial dentures. Ask Dr. Tom about your implant options.