Bonding
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns may be used to:
· Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
· Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
· Restore a fractured tooth
· Attach a bridge
· Cover a dental implant
· Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
· Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. 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 material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take approximately 1 hour and may include necessary x-rays. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, polishing and a dental examination.
Scaling: This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar.
Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
· Complete Dentures: This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
· Partial Dentures: A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jay. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.
Extractions
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
· Severe decay
· Advanced periodontal disease
· Infection or abscess
· Orthodontic correction
· Malpositioned teeth
· Fractured teeth or roots
· Impacted teeth
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.
Gum Treatment
The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth. All these structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.
Breath Control
Halitosis is sophisticated word for "bad breath". Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.
Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.
Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.
· Bad breath may be caused by the following:
· Poor dental hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
· Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease
· Respiratory-tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
· External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco
· Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
· Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we discover that systematic problems are the cause, we may refer you to your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a periodontist, a doctor specialized to treat gum disease.
Filings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair and where the filling is needed. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:
Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.
· Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are tolerant to wear. However, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.
· Composite (plastic) resins are custom made to match the color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 5 years.
Implant Restoration
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal root form that a periodontist or oral surgeon positions into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more costly than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally can last 20 years or more. They may be a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help prevent problems before they develop.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
· Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
· Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
· Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
· Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
Root Canal
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 all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to destroy the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention possibly painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth.
Sometimes, however, 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 tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the nerve canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
Nightguards
Custom designed nightguards are made of hard plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
If you have decided a guard is right for you, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.
The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In 4 to 6 weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that less tooth material is removed. Veneers or crowns are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.
Cosmetic Contouring
Cosmetic Contouring is a simple procedure in which the teeth are reshaped with finely ground diamonds. Contouring is used to quickly enhance the appearance of your teeth by giving the sense of uniformity and alignment.
With cosmetic contouring, the rough or uneven tooth edges are simply buffed and polished away with finely ground diamonds.
It is a fast and economic way to augment your smile, and an excellent finishing touch to improve the shape of your teeth following other treatments including porcelain veneers and bonding.
Candidates for cosmetic contouring are those with small chips or fractures in your teeth, minor crowding, and sharp or uneven tooth lengths.
Whitening
Takes 10 Years Off Your Smile For A New, Gleaming Look!
You don’t have to feel self-conscious about your smile anymore. While stains and other discolorations may make you worried about smiling, there is a simple solution that is safe, effective and highly affordable. With professional teeth whitening, you will always be able to smile brightly and with confidence.
Who Needs Teeth Whitening?
Adults with noticeable stains can greatly benefit from teeth whitening. Essentially, it all comes down to personal preference and the desire to have a beautiful smile. Over time, teeth naturally discolor and begin turning to an off-white shade. In many cases, teeth can become yellow or even brown as one ages. This discoloration can also be provoked by coffee, tea, wine or soft drinks. With teeth whitening, it is possible to bring back that youthful white appearance you once had. In some cases, whitening makes teeth whiter than they ever were before!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening will allow you to smile proudly and with confidence. You will feel safe and smile proudly knowing that your teeth are looking their best and ready to shine. An indirect benefit is that you may actually take better care of your teeth after having professional whitening done. When your teeth look their best, you will have more incentive to brush and floss more often to help them maintain their glamour.
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Products
Go into a supermarket or drug store and you will see multiple products that claim to whiten your teeth. While these products promise a perfect smile, they often leave you disappointed with minimal results. There is also a risk of damaging to your gums with incorrect use or. At Gwinnett Family Dentistry, you can be guaranteed a stunning result and take comfort knowing that our professional procedure involves the safest and most effective means possible.
Gwinnett Family Dentistry uses a precise dropper to cover your teeth with a premium mixture of whitening agents, along with fluoride and potassium nitrate to help minimize sensitivity. This specialized solution will give you amazing results within the hour, and the added compounds will not only decrease tooth sensitivity but also increase enamel strength and help prevent cavities as well.
At-home products from supermarkets may seem alluring, but they can sometimes cause more harm than good. The only positive is that they can be done at-home. Lucky for you, Gwinnett Family Dentistry offers their professional-grade gel for at-home use!
Use Professional Whitening Gel At-Home
This gel is made with the same high-quality ingredients as the in-office treatment. The only difference is that you can apply it yourself any time you wish! With either pre-loaded trays or customized bleaching trays, you will be on your way to pearly white teeth immediately! This at-home gel allows you to whiten your teeth while watching television, doing chores, and even while you’re sleeping. This safe and effective gel will give you the smile you’ve always wanted without having to leave the house.
How Long Until Results?
If you choose to whiten your teeth with products from the supermarket, the results you are hoping for will likely never come. However, if you choose to whiten your teeth professionally with Gwinnett Family Dentistry, it will only take about an hour of your time. The fast-acting solution works quickly to restore whiteness and vitality to your teeth, leaving you with a fresh, clean and truly bright smile.
If you choose the at-home professional gel it may take up to a week to see good results. You will be provided with detailed instructions from your Gwinnett Family Dentistry to ensure you are performing this procedure yourself safely.
When’s the Best Time to Have the Procedure?
If you have an hour of free time, then you have time to get your teeth whitened! Don’t wait any longer to get your sparkling white smile back. With Gwinnett Family Dentistry’s safe, modern and highly effective procedure, your teeth will be perfect for any upcoming event. Plus, getting your teeth whitened before an important event can give you the added confidence to make it truly memorable. If you are going to a wedding, interview or a reunion, then feel your best by having a perfectly white smile!
There has never been a better time to whiten your teeth. You no longer have to let stains hinder your beautiful smile. With Gwinnett Family Dentistry you will have the best professional whitening treatment done at an affordable cost. You can also have the treatment customized to use at-home for your convenience. A bright smile is just a phone call away and Gwinnett Family Dentistry’s is always ready to help!
Remember that Gwinnett Family Dentistry offers professional whitening treatments, so call today to schedule your next appointment at a Gwinnett Family Dentistry.
Sealants
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
Emergency Dental Care
Emergencies always happen at the most inconvenient times. Especially tooth pain, which seems to happen when we least expect it. Such as, when you are heading out of town for vacation, on your way to a special event or trying to get through your work day. Don't worry! The experts at Gwinnett Family Dentistry are here to help you with your dental emergency.
1. We will assess your level of pain, how long you've been in pain and whether or not the pain is keeping you up at night.
2. Then get you scheduled for an appointment with one of our highly qualified dentists.
3. We will take an x-ray of the area bothering you and one of our gentle dentists will perform an exam to diagnose the source of your pain.
Tooth pain can mean many different things. It does not always mean that Endodontic treatment (a root canal) or extraction is necessary. Although teeth that need this treatment can cause tremendous discomfort. If it is determined that one of these services is necessary, we have a dentist on staff that specializes in Endodontic treatment and extractions. We will schedule you an appointment to see him and assess what we can do to control the discomfort prior to your visit with the specialized dentist. However, if you need a filling, crown or bridge we can typically start treatment the same day! If due to infection or other unforeseen circumstances we cannot complete the services in the same day, we will appoint you for another day that fits your busy schedule. At this time your expert dentist will assess what is necessary to curb your discomfort until we are able to complete treatment.
Sometimes patients have dental emergencies, yet have no pain. This can mean that you have:
· Chipped a tooth.
· Lost a filling
· Lost crown
· A mouth sore, etc.
If this is the case, we still want to see you as soon as possible. At times, these happenings can start out pain free but then get to a painful level very quickly. We never want our patients to be in pain, especially if it is preventable by having services completed prior to this pain beginning. Occasionally, we can recement a crown for you as long as the crown still fits and the tooth structure underneath is healthy. This can be done without numbing or drilling many times! It is important to note that leaving these "minor" emergencies untreated can result in a bigger problem. We always recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible, if you chip a tooth or lose a restoration.
If you are already a Gwinnett Family Dentistry patient, call our office and we will get you in as soon as possible. If your dentist is not available to see you right away, we will contact him/her to see the necessary steps to take to get you out of pain. Not a patient of Gwinnett Family Dentistry? Contact us immediately and we will get you scheduled for our next available appointment. Call us at 770-921-5100. You may also contact us via email at office@gwinnettfamilydentistry.com.
Oral Cancer Screening
Part of Gwinnett Family Dentistry’s advanced patient care includes detecting and preventing a large variety of oral diseases which can be potentially life-threatening or cause permanent damage. The compact yet powerful VELscope Vx is the most innovative tool available for assisting in the discovery of oral abnormalities, including soft tissue abnormalities, oral cancer and pre-cancer, as well as bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
How does VELscope Vx work? This important exam for discovering any possible oral tissue problems is non-invasive and requires no unpleasant stains or rinses in your mouth. A Gwinnett Family Dentistry professional simply uses the specialized VELscope Vx instrument to shine a blue-spectrum light into the mouth, thereby showing recognizable patterns within the tissues. The safe blue light enhances the contrast between healthy and unhealthy areas that have been disturbed due to disease or trauma.
By using the VELscope Vx, your dental team can see any potential problems that often cannot be seen with regular white light nor with the naked eye. We can conduct the entire, safe and simple exam alongside the routine inspection of the soft tissues around your teeth in less than ten minutes, and the results are immediate.
Sure, we love to help our patients have beautiful smiles. Just as important, though, is the early detection of oral diseases that could impact your entire life. Part of our philosophy is to utilize the latest technology available for our patients’ best oral health. We look forward to helping you attain yours too.
