Review of procedures - a simple description in laymens terms
Cosmetic
Tooth whiteningWhitening lightens stains or discoloration and can be performed on living teeth or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
Bonding/Recontouring
The use of modern composites allows us to restore chipped, cracked, miscolored or misaligned teeth by rebuilding the surface.
Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers bond custom-made tooth-shaped shells to correct or hide discoloration, damage or misalignment. See before and after page for some examples.
Restorative
CrownsWhen a tooth is fractured, has a large, old filling, or is severely damaged by decay we may recommend the placement of a crown, or cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the procelain-fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown.
Bridges
When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. When tooth loss occurs a bridge is one way to replace those missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring teeth.
Implants
Another way to replace missing teeth is by using dental implants. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone, and a protruding post, which is outfitted with an artificial tooth. Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture or secure a fixed denture. The process requires surgery and may take up to a year to complete.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults and is mainly painless. The disease is defined by a loss of bone and other supporting structures from around the roots of the teeth. Regular dental visits are essential to timely diagnosis and treatment. Early and moderate periodontal disease may exhibit few, if any, symptoms. Warning signs of advanced periodontal disease may include red, swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, exposure of roots in the mouth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up. Gums may be red and/or sore, and bleed upon touch or probing. An anti-microbial mouth rinse may be prescribed.
Periodontitis
This more severe type of infection, if left untreated, irreparably damages the bone and supporting tissues. Your gum separates from the tooth and the bone level deteriorates.
Restorative
Fillings
Our patients are given the choice between amalgam (silver) and composite (plastic) filling materials. Amalgam is a material which has been used for many years in dentistry and is the most inexpensive material. However, amalgam can weaken the teeth because it does not bond to tooth surfaces and expands with age which can cause teeth to crack. It also contains mercury which many people feel is physiologically detrimental. Composite is mercury free and is tooth colored. Composite bonds to the tooth therefore strengthening it. Composite can be done without removing excess tooth structure. Teeth may be sensitive to chewing for a short time. Composite takes longer to place than amalgam and is 45% more expensive. We feel composite is a far superior material.
Partials
Partials are an option to replace missing teeth and improve chewing function. They are a removable appliance made of metal and acrylic with plastic teeth.
Surgery and Endodontics
While Dr. Janssen will do some oral surgery procedures she chooses to refer root canals to the local specialists.Root Canals
Inside your tooth's hard outer shell is a nourishing pulp of blood vessels and nerves. If your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay or dies, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Deep tooth decay or an injury, can cause serious damage and infection to the pulp. A root canal or endodontic treatment cleans out the infected pulp chamber and repairs the damage. These teeth often need a crown after completion of a root canal to restore the tooths strength.
For more specific details please refer to the ADA web site or e-mail doctor directly.
