The Labratory will fabricate a natural looking tooth.  During this time, a temporary crown is worn.  The permanent crown is delivered and adjusted as needed on the final visit. 

DENTURES / PARTIALS
There are different types of dentures, but they share the same common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or extracted due to decay and bone loss. The entire mouth is thoroughly examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will be removed and which ones will remain.  The loose teeth are then extracted.  When bone loss around the roots of teeth are great enough to loosen or fall out, it's time for dentures.  Dentures are custom tailored to go over or around the remaining teeth.

Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly. 

There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth.  Once accustomed to the dentures, normal functionality and appearance return.  Often implants can be used to further stabilize the dentures.

IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone.  The bone grows around it forming a tight connection which slows or stops bone loss.  Once the implant is stable in the mouth, the dentist works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantage over bridge work because it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support. 

Implants can also be used as support of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding in the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth.  Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating.  Best of all, they don't have to be taken out all the time.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT-Our office provides a rotary Root Canal Therapy technique which will eliminate multiple injections while reducing your time in the office.

Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach the nerve. Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early. Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged. Once this occurs the nerve becomes infected and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone.  This is also known as an abscess.  By the time the nerve is infected it must be treated and cannot heal on its own.  It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous and very painful. Symptoms that the nerve has become infected may include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or sweets.  There may also be swelling, pain when biting, pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected nerve of the tooth.  Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled to prevent further infection. Usually, a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

If this issue goes untreated, the only other treatment would be to extract the tooth.

BRIDGES
This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth.  The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name.  A bridge replaces the missing tooth for functional and cosmetic purposes.  Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science.  The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic.  The choice of material depends on the requirements for strength, wear, and esthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward which creates a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support and without it, they start to fall.  As this worsens the bite changes in response to the daily pressures endured.  The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem.  This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw.  The difficulty of treatment increases as the neglect continues.  

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENTS
This oral appliance can be beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea and simple snoring.  Sleep apnea can be a life threatening medical condition caused by a portion of the airway collapsing which causes obstruction.  There is a decrease in oxygen saturation as normal breathing ceases.  Once at a critical level, the low oxygen will trigger the body to attempt to breathe.  This will create negative abdominal pressure and eventually a loud snoring sound that can be mistaken for simple snoring.  

Simple snoring is caused by the vibration of tissues in the posterior oropharynx during sleep.  In simple snoring, there is no drop in oxygen saturation or change in cardiac rhythm.  

The standard treatment for sleep anpea or simple snoring is an oral sleep appliance that will create possitive airway pressure.  The splint will move the lower jaw into position allowing the posterior airway to remain clear.  This operates much like CPR techniques.  

A full upper and lower impression is taken and sent to a labratory in order to fabricate a one piece appliance that is comfortable and easy to wear.  The simplicity of the device is durable with no moving parts to wear out or break.