Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fracturing your jaw is one of the most common breaks you can have in your body. Whether it’s a sports injury, car accident, or fall that causes the fracture, you’ll want to have a physical exam as soon as possible. Visiting an oral surgery specialist about a broken jaw ensures that your teeth and jaw receive expert treatment, too.

If you think you’ve broken your jaw, apply ice to the area until you can visit your doctor. Pain alone isn’t a guarantee of a fracture; your oral surgery specialist will need to take x-rays to examine the bone.

If the fracture is stable, treatment may only involve wiring the upper and lower teeth together so that the bones or joints can heal properly. When the condyles at the joint are fractured, oral surgery specialists use elastics to keep the jaws together, removing them after 10-14 days.

Having a wired-shut mouth may feel inconvenient and does require eating through a straw for a couple of weeks, but you can avoid surgery if your fracture is stable.

If the broken bones are not stable, oral surgery may be necessary. The oral surgery specialist places a small titanium plate across the bones so that they can heal properly. Patients take antibiotics and usually recover in about six weeks.

Years ago, orthodontic treatment was only for kids over the age of 11 or 12. But today’s orthodontists now treat children as young as eight years old. Called interceptive, or phase I orthodontics, braces in early childhood can reduce time in braces later on and correct problems before they become more serious.

Children’s baby teeth have a big impact on the health of their permanent teeth. That’s why it’s so important to catch major issues with baby teeth before permanent teeth erupt!

Since kids can start dental exams as soon as their first tooth comes in, your dentist or orthodontic specialist can track any issues that may warrant phase I orthodontics. A consultation at around age seven with an orthodontic specialist will evaluate your child for these conditions:

• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Missing or diseased baby teeth
• Wide gaps between teeth
• Severe overcrowding
• Mouth breathing
• Protruding teeth
• Severe bite issues
• Problems with jaw, facial, or teeth symmetry

If your child needs phase I orthodontics, treatment may begin at age eight and may continue in a less invasive, phase II treatment. Dentists use a variety of treatments with young children, which may include both removable and non-removable appliances, such as space maintainers, bands, palatal expanders, and braces.

For most patients, we recommend twice-yearly visits for cleanings and examinations. If you are currently being treated for a particular concern, we may recommend that you visit us more often. 

When it comes to TMJ or TMD, prosthodontists offer expertise because they specialize in complex cases. This includes the jaw.

The temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is what attaches your jaw to your skull. When this joint does not function properly or becomes temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), it can lead to pain and other issues including:

• Clicking in the joint
• Jaw bone and tooth erosion (the latter if you grind your teeth)
• Headache
• Jaw pain
• Locking jaw
• Difficulty chewing

A prosthodontist may address the issue by prescribing specific therapies including:

• Mouthguards
• Nightguards
• Surgery in rare cases

Get in touch with our office to learn more about TMD therapies today.

When you think of reasons to get orthodontics, you may envision a set of shimmering, straight teeth. Cosmetic improvements are definitely one of the most common reasons to get orthodontics.

But did you know that certain oral conditions can lead to more serious issues, which require increasingly costly, invasive treatments? The benefits of orthodontics even reach as far as your overall health.

The following are just a few benefits of orthodontic treatment:

• Improved self-confidence. When you feel like you need to hide your smile, it can affect your relationships and how you feel about yourself. Not only that, but a healthy-looking smile can make a good impression at work and in any situation when you need to feel confident.
• Healthier gums. Gums of misaligned teeth may harbor more bacteria. Periodontal, or gum, disease is a health concern that can affect your heart, too, and even contribute to stroke and diabetes.
• Decreased risk of tooth damage. Teeth that protrude further than other teeth are more at risk for chips and fractures.
• Less wear on teeth. Teeth that protrude or rub against over teeth due to jaw misalignment are worn down relatively quickly, weakening the tooth structure.
• Easier dental hygiene. When your teeth are aligned properly, you can more easily remove food particles by flossing and brushing.

When wisdom teeth don’t grow in correctly, they can cause problems such as misalignment of other teeth, infection, cavities, pain, and other oral problems. Oral surgery specialists routinely perform wisdom teeth extractions to prevent or treat these issues.

Studies show that young adults who have their wisdom teeth extracted heal faster and have fewer complications than adults over 35. Extracting the molars in your teens or early 20’s can prevent a number of problems later on.  

Here’s what you need to know about the wisdom teeth extraction process:

• At your wisdom teeth exam, your oral surgery specialist will take x-rays, create your treatment plan, and answer your questions. The length of the procedure varies based on how many teeth the doctor is extracting and whether they’re impacted. Your doctor will also review your medical history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for sedation.
• Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
• Your oral surgery specialist will numb the entire area with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
• Most people have soreness and swelling for two to three days. Your oral surgery specialist will give you specific instructions for ensuring a healthy recovery, including eating, brushing, and managing pain.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) take a lot of wear and tear. Besides chewing, swallowing, and talking, the joints can experience overuse from gum chewing, yawning, and teeth clenching and grinding. If TMJ symptoms affect your quality of life, an oral surgery specialist can diagnose and treat the problem.

If you experience headaches, neck or jaw aches, clicking or popping in your jaw, pain around your ear, sensitive teeth, or jaw pain when eating or yawning, you may have a TMJ disorder.

Here’s what can lead to TMJ pain:

• Arthritis is common in older adults and can also occur in your jaw joints.
• Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) tightens your facial and jaw muscles and puts stress on your temporomandibular joints. Bruxism can also cause extra wear on your teeth.
• Poor posture causes the muscles of the jaw, neck, and face to tighten, causing pain and other symptoms.
• Trauma to your jaw can lead to a TMJ disorder later on.
• Misaligned teeth may impact your bite and how your joints fit together.

As you can see, decreasing stress, taking care of your oral health, and wearing a night guard are all ways to prevent TMJ pain. If conservative treatments don’t give you relief, talk to your oral surgery specialist about TMJ surgery.

You probably see the words general dentist on local signs and online, but may wonder what that means.

Just like your primary care physician, your general dentist is your main point of contact for your oral health. General dentists provide most non-specialty services that patients of all ages need to stay healthy.

This includes preventive dentistry such as:

• Dental exams
• Cleanings
• X-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Mouthguards for sports
• Nightguards

General dentists also repair teeth that suffer from decay, fractures, or trauma. Restorative dentistry refers to:

• Fillings
• Bonding
• Dental crowns

Teeth replacement is a big part of general dentistry and is designed to keep your smile looking good and to make sure you can eat a healthy diet.

• Bridges
• Partial dentures
• Dentures

Since cosmetic dentistry is not a dental specialty, most general dentists are the ones who will be designing a beautiful smile and offering enhancements such as:

• Teeth whitening 
• Cosmetic bonding
• Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
• Porcelain veneers

If you have a dental question, need help or advice, your general or family dentist will be able to make treatment recommendations for you. If you require a trip to a specialist, general dentists usually have specialists in their professional network that they know and trust.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on aligning teeth and correcting the bite. Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended for children around the ages of 10 to 13 years when all of their permanent adult teeth have come in.

However, some kids can benefit from early orthodontic treatment divided into phases called interceptive orthodontics, which takes place earlier around the ages of seven to 10 years old. This type of treatment is ideal for children who suffer from:

• Crowded teeth or a narrow jaw
• Severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Complications from thumb or pacifier use

Interceptive orthodontics uses a variety of different treatments that can include placing brackets and wires, using a space maintainer or other oral appliance, or a combination of both. The goal is to utilize the child's growth to make room for adult teeth or correct bite alignment issues during the ideal time. Achieving these goals can often be much harder when growth has ceased. Interceptive orthodontics also makes the following phase of orthodontic treatment, which is typically just brackets and wires to align teeth, much more simple and straightforward. 

Your pediatric dentist will watch your son or daughter's oral development so they can discuss any concerns or recommendations for interceptive orthodontics with you in a timely manner. 

Orthodontic treatment can occur in a single phase or multiple phases. For some children, early treatment is essential in preventing or fixing more serious oral health issues. Other children benefit from more traditional treatment, after age 10 or 11. Known as phase II orthodontics, children must have all their permanent teeth before beginning this later phase.

Phase II orthodontics can treat all types of oral issues, including:

• Misaligned or protruding teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Jaws and bites that don’t align properly
• Malocclusion (poor bite)
• Difficulties with speaking, chewing, or eating

Phase II orthodontics often involves non-removable braces with brackets, but can also include appliances like space maintainers, palatal expanders, bands, and aligners. A retainer ensures that teeth don’t move after treatment ends.

Although metal braces are the most common type of phase II orthodontics in children and teens, adults often choose clear braces made of plastic or ceramic. Clear braces are “invisible,” which accommodate adults’ lifestyles better. Removable clear aligner trays are also a phase II orthodontics option for older teens and adults who have milder oral issues.

Phase II orthodontics may or may not include a phase I treatment phase. Your orthodontist specialist can help you decide the best course of treatment for your little one or yourself.

Root canals are common and effective procedures for resolving pain and saving teeth. An endodontist specialist has advanced training in root canal treatment and will ensure that your procedure is pain- and stress-free.

If you need a root canal, your tooth’s inner pulp may have an infection or damage. An endodontist will remove the infected inner pulp and seal the tooth to prevent future problems.

Most root canals follow this process:

1. Either your dentist or an endodontist specialist will diagnose the problem inside the tooth using an x-ray.
2. At your root canal appointment, the endodontist will numb the area with a local anesthesia. A piece of rubber prevents the rest of your mouth from exposure to bacteria.
3. The endodontist will access your tooth through a small hole in the top of your tooth.
4. The inside of the tooth, called the inner pulp, is cleaned out with special tools and an antiseptic solution, removing all bacteria and infection.
5. The endodontist will fill the root canals and seal the tooth.
6. You will usually return to your dentist for a dental crown or other tooth restoration.

Depending on your situation, a root canal takes about an hour to complete, not including the dental crown restoration. If the infection is chronic or the canals are difficult to reach, additional visits may be necessary.

Aesthetically pleasing orthodontic treatments are here to stay because more people are choosing to correct cosmetic and oral problems without detracting from their appearance. With clear aligners and clear braces, you can improve your smile while keeping your treatment invisible. You may even be able to combine the two treatments if needed.

Although your top priority is fixing your teeth and having the healthiest mouth possible, straightening your smile discreetly is probably a close second. Here’s how two popular invisible orthodontic treatments compare so that you can discuss them with your dentist.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are similar to metal braces and include non-removable brackets, wires, and sometimes rubber bands.

• Work well for any age group
• Can fix more severe oral issues and jaw misalignment
• Treatment time varies from one to three years
• Must take special care to remove food particles from brackets and avoid hard or sticky foods
• Brackets are plastic or ceramic

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are removable trays that you wear for a certain number of hours per day and require discipline to wear them consistently.

• Best for older teens or adults
• Can fix mild orthodontic issues
• Treatment time averages one year
• You remove the trays to eat and can eat whatever you want
• Made of plastic

Root canals are endodontic procedures that remove infection from a tooth’s inner pulp or deep canals. In certain situations, a root canal cannot remove all the infection or the infection returns. An endodontist specialist can perform a retreatment or apicoectomy in these cases to resolve the problem.

Both retreatment and apicoectomy are endodontic procedures that treat an infection after a root canal. However, retreatment is not a surgical procedure and more closely resembles a root canal. An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that an endodontist performs only if retreatment is not an option.

Retreatment - In this procedure, the endodontist specialist removes any existing restorations, such a dental crown, to reach the top of the tooth. The endodontist accesses the infected area through a small hole in the crown of the tooth, cleans out the infection and the previous root canal filling, and seals the tooth again.

Apicoectomy - A recurring infection of the dental pulp tissues or hard-to-reach canals may warrant an apicoectomy, which treats an infection at the tip, or apex of the tooth root. The endodontist specialist makes a small incision in the gum to remove the root tip and the infection and then fills and seals the area.

In both retreatment and apicoectomy, you need to return to your dentist for your final dental restoration.

Unless you’ve had a root canal, you probably haven’t heard of an endodontist specialist. However, endodontists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating many problems with a tooth’s interior tissues and roots. These specialists work closely with your dentist to help resolve tooth pain.

Endodontist specialists use a variety of advanced techniques to save teeth that are infected or damaged and replace missing teeth. Endodontists are dentists that have at least two years of additional training in diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canals and surgical procedures.

Root canals - When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected, diseased, or damaged, endodontist specialists may perform a root canal to save and protect the tooth.

Retreatment - In certain situations, an infection may return or persist after a root canal. An endodontist specialist can access the tooth through its crown to clean out the previous filling and infection and reseal the tooth.

Apicoectomy - If an infection persists at the tip of the tooth root, an endodontist specialist can access and remove the infection through a small incision in the gum.

Dental implants - Endodontist specialists are experts at replacing missing teeth using dental implants. The endodontist places a titanium post in the jawbone that provides a permanent, natural-looking solution and stimulates bone growth.

Dental implants are the gold standard for teeth replacement, providing a long-term, reliable solution. However, if the bone in your jaw is degenerative or genetically thin, the dental implant may fail. An oral surgery specialist can perform bone grafting in the area so that the dental implant has a strong support.

Bone needs stimulation to grow, and if a tooth is missing, the body begins to reabsorb bone in the empty space. This process can result in facial hollowness, changes to your gum line, and even misalignment of other teeth.

One of the main benefits of dental implants is that it stimulates bone growth in the area of the missing tooth. In this process, called osseointegration, the post of the dental implant fuses with the jawbone, causing new bone growth around the post and better oral health.

If you don’t have enough bone in the area of a missing tooth, an oral surgery specialist can perform a bone graft using your own tissue or a biocompatible synthetic material. The bone graft will stimulate new bone cell growth and allow you to benefit from a dental implant.

Bone grafting is a routine procedure that requires local anesthesia and sometimes sedation, if needed. An oral surgery specialist can tell you if you’re a good candidate.

It’s common to see areas of discoloration on your teeth after wearing brackets and wires for a prolonged time. If the discoloration doesn’t fade on its own after a few weeks or months, you can take advantage of professional teeth whitening at your dental office.

Here’s why teeth discoloration occurs during your orthodontic treatment:

• White spots around the edges of braces. White spots on your teeth are the result of demineralization on the tooth’s enamel. This can happen when plaque forms around the braces or when acidity in the mouth remains too high. Brushing thoroughly can help prevent these spots, but if they’ve already formed, ask your dentist about a remineralization paste to help repair the enamel.
• Yellowed or darkened areas on exposed teeth. Tea, coffee, red wine, dark berries, and other staining substances can stain or darken exposed areas of your teeth if not rinsed or brushed off soon after consuming them.

If you notice yellowed or darkened areas on your teeth after your braces come off, ask your dentist or orthodontist specialist about professional take-home teeth whitening kits. 

Customized bleaching trays deliver a safe, consistent amount of professional-grade teeth whitening gel to your teeth for a uniform, natural-looking color. Within just a few weeks, you can restore your newly straightened smile to a gleaming white.

We will determine the type of preventive care necessary for your child based on recommendations from the American Dental Association and your child’s unique needs. If you have concerns about certain types of treatment, call our office; we will be happy to discuss those with you.

Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gum line, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums – the beginnings of periodontal disease.

Since most of us don’t routinely analyze the insides of our mouths, you may wonder how you can detect the signs of oral cancer. In addition to oral cancer screenings with your oral surgery specialist, call the doctor’s office if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding in your mouth that doesn’t stop or a sore that doesn’t heal
• A lump or thickening in the lining of the mouth
• Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
• Red or white patches on the soft tissues in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing

Additional symptoms that may signal a problem include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and ear and/or jaw pain. Check your tongue, lips, gums, cheeks, teeth, face, and neck for changes, and call your oral surgery specialist if you have any concerns.

Factors that increase oral cancer risk:

• Tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol use
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Excessive sun exposure
• Fair skin
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Gender (men are more prone to oral cancer than women)

Prevention is always the best way to avoid oral cancer. Discontinuing tobacco use may be the single most effective way to lower your risk, even if you’ve been using it for years.

Absolutely not! You are never too old to have a beautiful smile. Call us today to find out what we can do to help you. We'd be happy to show you pictures of some of our other cosmetic transformations.

We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, porcelain crowns, bonding using tooth-colored composite, and even orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. All our dentistry is done with an eye toward aesthetics. We know that it's important that your teeth are both healthy and attractive. If you'd like to find out which of our services can help you meet your goals, call our office to schedule your consultation.

A fractured tooth is a tooth at risk. You may not even know a tooth is cracked or fractured, or you may feel pain or sensitivity when biting down or exposing the tooth to hot or cold temperatures. An endodontist specialist can diagnose and treat fractures in a tooth and damage to its inner pulp.

Treating fractured teeth is critical. With continuous pressure from chewing, the interior tissues of a tooth may be unable to heal, leading to irritation and even infection. These inner tissues, or pulp, include a tooth’s interior nerves, tissues, and blood vessels.

An endodontist specialist will treat a tooth fracture depending on its location and severity. A dental crown can usually protect teeth with small fractures above the gum line, and you can see your dentist for this type of restoration.

However, if the tooth has a crack below the gum line, you may need a root canal to treat the damaged pulp. Endodontists specialize in root canal treatment, preventing the fracture from spreading or even causing tooth loss. A dental crown completes the restoration.

If the tooth is severely damaged, an endodontist specialist may recommend endodontic surgery to save part of the tooth or an extraction. If the tooth needs extraction, your endodontist can discuss options for replacing the tooth, such as a dental implant.

Modern dental materials and technology have dramatically improved the appearance of dental crowns and bridges. The porcelain used in today’s crowns and bridges can be color-matched to blend perfectly with the shade of your natural teeth. With proper placement, your dental restoration should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

If the chip in your tooth is small and located in the right place, we may be able to repair it using dental bonding. Our doctor will perform an exam to determine if dental bonding can benefit you.

Small dental flaws, such as gaps between your teeth, can sometimes be fixed with cosmetic dental bonding. Bonding is a cost-effective treatment that is non-invasive and effective. To determine if your particular problem can be solved with dental bonding, call our office to schedule an exam.

Dental bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments available. Because it is non-invasive, requires less prep work on your tooth, and eliminates the need for a dental lab, it is very affordable for many of our patients.

Yes, a prosthodontist specializes in complex cases and restorative therapies. Additionally, a prosthodontist is well-versed in dental implant options.

A dental implant is a titanium post. This post is implanted in your jaw and fuses with bone over a period of months. When fusing is complete, a restoration tooth completes the process.

If you have multiple missing teeth, a few implants can often support an arch of restorations or an affixed denture.

In some cases, when bone loss is present, bone grafting in your jaw may be required for implant stability. Also, sinus lifts may be necessary in certain situations.

If you’re considering dental implants, contact our office today.

Dental implants are intended to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

One of the advantages of this is that you can brush them and floss them the same as you would with your regular teeth. While implants never get cavities (and never need root canals!), you still want to continue brushing and flossing to keep your natural teeth and your gums healthy.

While dental implants do tend to cost more than bridges or dentures, they are also the most life-like, stable, and functional replacement, closely mimicking the appearance and function of your natural teeth. They also last longer, which can save you money in the long run. Call our office today to schedule your consultation.

Absolutely! Prosthodontists specialize in complex cases, and they are experts when it comes to restorative teeth.

A denture fills in for complete tooth loss or extractions. It is an arch of artificial teeth. Further, a denture can be removable or affixed with a few dental implants.

A partial denture with restorations fills in for sporadic tooth loss, and it is custom designed to fit around existing teeth.

A bridge means restoration teeth that rely on adjacent teeth for stability and support. A dental bridge can sometimes rely on an implant, and it is not removable.

If you would like to schedule a prosthodontic consultation, contact our practice today. 

At first, your dentist may recommend that you wear your dentures to sleep. This will speed up your mouth’s adjustment to the dentures and allow you to quickly detect and correct any spots where the fit is uncomfortable. After your mouth has adjusted to the dentures, they may be worn throughout the day and removed while you sleep.

It will take your mouth some time to get used to the feel of dentures. After a few months, however, you will feel comfortable eating and speaking with your dentures in and experience little to no soreness or discomfort. If you ever do experience soreness or if your dentures aren’t fitting right, please let us know.

Yes. Today's digital x-rays are far safer than traditional radiographs. They emit less radiation, equivalent to taking a short walk in the sun. They also produce crisp and resizable images for your dentist, and this contributes to improved diagnostics and better treatment planning. Digital x-rays are also environmentally friendly compared to radiographs of the past. 

We will determine the type of preventive care necessary for your child based on recommendations from the American Dental Association and your child’s unique needs. If you have concerns about certain types of treatment, call our office; we will be happy to discuss those with you.

While our dentists can diagnose many conditions with a visual exam, we cannot always see what is happening beneath your protective tooth enamel or below your gumline. Digital dental x-rays make this possible and allow us to make an earlier diagnosis, potentially saving you time and money and allowing us to treat conditions before they become critical – or painful.

By offering digital dental x-rays, we have significantly improved the safety of the care we provide. Digital dental x-rays emit up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays and give us instant access to high-resolution images for proper diagnosis of conditions such as bone loss, decay, and infection.

The cost of dental x-rays is low compared to complex restorative dentistry, making them a good investment in your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Without them, we would only have part of the story when it comes to your health, and the rest would be left to chance.

If you have questions about the necessity, safety, or process of digital dental x-rays, we encourage you to call or ask at your next appointment. We are dedicated to providing quality dentistry that supports a healthy, comfortable smile, and we look forward to hearing from you.

As with all dental treatment, we personalize your dentistry to meet your health needs and will make recommendations designed to keep you healthy and comfortable. According to the ADA, for most patients, yearly x-rays are enough to evaluate your teeth, bone, and gums and identify any conditions that put your oral health at risk.

If you suffer from gum disease (periodontal disease) or you have a history of losing teeth, we may recommend x-rays more frequently. Conversely, if you do not have significant dentistry or a history of tooth decay, we may be able to schedule x-rays every two years if you remain healthy.

Here are some of the different types of x-rays commonly offered:

• Bitewing x-rays – checks for dental decay (yearly)
• Full mouth x-rays – examines the tooth structure from crown to root and assesses bone levels (every 3 to 5 years)
• Periapical x-rays – typically used for restorative dentistry or emergency dental appointments when an image of the whole tooth structure is needed (as needed)
• Panoramic x-rays – takes a comprehensive image of all of your teeth at once and includes your jaw joints, bone, and dental anatomy (every 3 to 5 years)

Every patient is different, and the timelines listed above are a generalization based on averages. We will adjust your x-ray recall schedule to ensure you always have up-to-date information regarding your oral health.

X-rays are a dentist's most important diagnostic tool. Often, problems start inside your teeth or beneath the gum line. By the time the problem is visible to the naked eye, it can be painful and more difficult to treat. Using x-rays taken on a regular basis, we can catch problems early and treat them quickly and comfortably.

If you are in pain, then you are having a dental emergency. Call us right away so that we can examine you, diagnose the problem, and create a treatment plan. Other signs that indicate the need for an emergency appointment include:

• A pimple-like lesion on your gum
• A broken or cracked tooth
• A foreign object lodged between your teeth
• Swelling in the gum
• A broken or lost dental restoration such as a filling or a crown

The goal of an emergency dental appointment is to address the immediate need, resolve your problem, and relieve your pain. If we believe further care is needed, we will schedule you a regular appointment to follow up and set up an appropriate treatment plan to prevent future problems.

Wisdom teeth, those final molars that arrive in your late teens or early 20’s, can cause a variety of problems in your mouth. Even if you never noticed your wisdom teeth erupt, it’s a good idea to visit an oral surgery specialist for a wisdom teeth evaluation.

Wisdom teeth often come in crooked or sideways because there’s simply not enough room in our jaws for four more molars. When this happens, your other teeth may shift, causing you to need orthodontic treatment later on. Crooked wisdom teeth can also damage nearby teeth by causing excessive wear and trapping bacteria.

Even if they don’t erupt, wisdom teeth may cause problems. When there’s not enough room for the molars to come in, they may remain under the gums. These impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, or misalignment of other teeth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also cause an infection.

Signs that you may have problematic wisdom teeth include tooth pain, sensitive or bleeding gums, headache or jaw ache, redness, or infection.

Having your wisdom teeth extracted can help you avoid these complications entirely. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that oral surgery specialists perform routinely to protect your oral health for the long term.

Both your pediatric specialist and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) state that your child's dental visit should be at one year of age, or at least six months after the first tooth comes in. There are many reasons to start dental care early on such as:

• It allows your pediatric dentist to begin monitoring your son or daughter's oral health and development so they can detect any concerns at an early stage.
• It helps your child acclimate to visiting the dentist and to understand that it's a safe and welcoming place.
• This is an excellent time to ask questions about your son or daughter's oral development so you can make the most of your routine at home.

You can prepare your child for his or her dental visits by talking about it beforehand in a positive way. Reading books or stories to them about visiting the dentist can also be helpful in preparing them for what's going to happen during their appointment. You might also consider bringing your child along with you to your cleaning and checkup so they can see what visiting the dentist is like. 

We are happy to help! Contact our office for more information on preparing your son or daughter for their first dental visit.

We welcome all ages in our office! We are happy to discuss your scheduling needs, so just give us a call and speak with our friendly front desk staff!

We know that convenience is important for today’s busy families. That is why we offer dentistry for the whole family including your children. We begin seeing kids at a young age to make sure they have a healthy dental foundation.

While metal braces have come a long way in comfort and appearance, adults and older teens have more aesthetic options that better suit their lifestyles. Clear aligners can fix many cosmetic dental problems and are virtually undetectable. Since the trays are removable, you can clean your teeth thoroughly and eat the foods you enjoy.

Your orthodontist specialist can tell you if you’d benefit from clear aligners. In general, you’re a good candidate for clear aligners if:

• Your oral issues are not severe. For example, an excessive open bite or underbite requires shifting the jaw using a more intensive treatment.
• Your jaw has stopped growing, and you have all your permanent teeth.
• You have the discipline to wear clear aligner trays for about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and clean teeth.

If you do have a severe misalignment issue, your dentist may be able to develop a treatment plan for you that includes both braces and clear aligners.

That doesn’t mean that less severe problems aren’t important enough to fix, however. Even slightly misaligned or overcrowded teeth can cause more serious problems if not treated. If you have any of these oral health issues, clear aligners might be perfect for you:

• Mildly misaligned teeth
• Minor bite problems 
• Protruding teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Overcrowding
• Malocclusion
• Overbite

Invisalign is a great option for both adults and teenagers. In fact, Invisalign has a product created specifically for teenagers – Invisalign Teen. If your teenager needs to have crooked teeth or other dental flaws corrected, call our office and schedule an appointment to discuss Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign has a number of advantages over traditional braces:

• Invisalign is practically invisible.
• Invisalign can be cleaned quickly and easily.
• No wires need to be tightened.
• You have fewer visits to the dentist.
• You remove the aligners to eat, so Invisalign doesn't limit the foods you can enjoy. 

We know that convenience is important for today’s busy families. That is why we offer dentistry for the whole family including your children. We begin seeing kids at a young age to make sure they have a healthy dental foundation.

As your pediatric specialist, one of our primary goals is to partner with parents to help them understand how they can help their children with brushing, flossing, and protecting their oral health. Many of the choices you are making each day affect your son or daughter's oral health such as their nutrition and home care routine. Offering children healthy snacks, a balanced diet, and assistance in using proper techniques for brushing and flossing will help your child achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Good oral hygiene habits begin before your infant's teeth arrive. Use a warm washcloth to remove bacteria from their gums after feedings. When they get their first teeth, start brushing with a soft bristle brush designed for infants.

As they progress, you can begin to use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth from ages one to three years, and a pea-sized amount when they reach are between the ages of three and six. If you have concerns about using fluoride toothpaste before your son or daughter can spit it out, you can look for xylitol toothpaste instead.

Consistent checkups with your pediatric dentist will also be essential for maintaining your child's oral health. They should visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup starting at age one. Contact our office for more information.

If your son or daughter is experiencing a toothache or any other dental emergency, we encourage you to contact your pediatric dentist first. It is best for your pediatric dentist to handle most dental emergencies since hospitals and emergency rooms are not equipped to repair or restore teeth. 

If your child has a toothache, it may indicate an infection in their tooth. It is crucial for your pediatric dentist to evaluate them as soon as possible since infections won't resolve without treatment.

For a broken tooth, contact your pediatric dentist as they may be able to bond the tooth back together. Even if that is a temporary fix, it will keep your child comfortable until their tooth can be restored.

If your child's tooth has been knocked out, it is essential to see your pediatric dentist immediately. If it's a primary (baby) tooth, they will determine if treatment is needed. If it's a permanent adult tooth, there is only a short window that your pediatric dentist has to save the tooth, so time is of the essence. Placing the tooth back in its socket is best to transport it if possible, or use milk to keep it moist and carry it safely to your dentist.

Even if you're unsure that your child is experiencing an actual emergency, contact your pediatric dentist for further instruction.

Many people feel fearful about visiting the dentist, and your child is not alone. Many adults who suffer from dental anxiety report that it's from a bad experience they had at the dentist as a child.

There are a few things you can do to help prepare your child for their dental visits:

• Talk about the dentist in a positive way. Even if you have dental anxiety, be careful not to project your fear onto your child.
• Read stories or color pictures about the dentist, and even role-play visiting the dentist with their stuffed animals or toys.
• Consider bringing your son or daughter with you to the dentist when you have your next appointment. This allows them to see what it's like at the dental office.

You can also speak with your pediatric dentist about solutions they offer for relieving dental anxiety at their practice. There are options for sedation dentistry such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that can help your child feel at ease during most types of procedures. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your pediatric dentist before your child arrives for their appointment so you can have an effective plan in place to create a positive experience.

Yes. A child who has a tough time sitting still will need additional support in getting used to the dental office. We can help them become familiar with the surroundings so that when it is time for their dental cleaning, they will be used to our office and the environment.

In its earliest stages, we can reverse gum disease by improving your hygiene routine and adding in an antimicrobial treatment. Once gum disease has progressed past a certain point, however, the disease is not reversible. We can still provide treatment that will stop the disease in its tracks and prevent further deterioration of your gum and bone tissue.

Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique.

Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:

• Don't smoke or chew tobacco
• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
• If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.

Porcelain veneers are considered to be a permanent restoration since they are bonded to the surface of your teeth. They are made of porcelain, a very strong material, so it is rare for them to chip or fall off. In the unlikely event that this does happen, however, the veneer can be repaired and bonded back in place.

Porcelain veneers have been known to last anywhere from several years to decades. Porcelain veneers are very strong and durable, but how long they last really depends on how well you take care of your teeth and your oral health in general.  Proper oral hygiene plays a very important role in the longevity of your dental veneers. In general, though, you will get the most out of your veneers if you treat them with the same care as your natural teeth.

Root canals are not surgical procedures, and the recovery time is about the same as a tooth filling. Most people even say the procedure affects them less than a tooth filling! When you have a root canal, your endodontist specialist will clean and seal the tooth to remove any infection.

Root canal treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your infection and the accessibility of your tooth’s canals. You should be able to drive or return to work right after your appointment.

Your endodontist will give you specific instructions for allowing your tooth to heal, but here are some general guidelines:

• Once the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. Some people have a sore jaw after keeping it open for an extended period. Use over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) to manage pain. If your endodontist prescribes a stronger medication, be sure to have someone drive you home or wait to take it until you’re home.
• You can eat after the numbness wears off, avoiding sticky or crunchy foods. If you have a temporary dental crown, it’s especially important to be careful about hard foods.
• Continue to brush and floss your teeth normally, though you may want to use care around the tender areas.
• Return to your dentist for your permanent restoration, if instructed to do so.

Understanding the process can often remove a great deal of the fear surrounding dental procedures. During a root canal, the goals of treatment are to stop the infection, prevent further damage, and relieve your pain.

We begin by making sure that you are numb and comfortable. The next step is to open your tooth. We then use special instruments to carefully and thoroughly clean out the infection from your tooth and remove the infected or damaged nerve. If necessary, we may place an antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infection.

The cavity in your tooth will be filled and sealed, and a crown may be placed. You may experience some soreness following the procedure as part of your body’s natural reaction to any type of perceived injury, but this will quickly fade and you will feel much better.
 

Learning that you need a root canal doesn’t seem like good news to most people. But catching a problem inside your tooth means it will get the treatment it needs, ending your pain and preserving the tooth. An endodontist specialist performs root canals to save infected, damaged, or diseased teeth.

Your teeth have several layers - the outer enamel, the hard dentin underneath, and the inner pulp, which contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. If damage, infection, or inflammation penetrates the inner pulp, the tooth is at risk.

An endodontist specialist may perform a root canal in these situations:

• Deep tooth decay
• Fractures, large chips, or cracks
• Disease or infection in the inner pulp

Signs that you might need a root canal include tooth pain when biting down, sensitivity to hot and cold, tooth darkening, tenderness or swelling in the gums, or a pimple-like bump on your gums.

In the root canal procedure, the endodontist removes the infected tooth pulp and seals the area. A dental crown protects the tooth and completes the restoration.

If you’re concerned about a tooth, call your dentist or endodontist specialist right away for a dental exam. Root canals are highly successful, common procedures that can put an end to your pain or sensitivity and restore your tooth.

When the interior of your tooth is infected, it can cause a lot of pain and is likely to damage the nerve. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infection and relieves the pain, restoring the tooth and allowing us to save it.

For most adults with no serious health issues, sedation dentistry is perfectly safe. We will review your medical history to determine if sedation dentistry is an option. You will be closely monitored throughout your visit to ensure you are safe and comfortable during sedation.

No. Most forms of dental sedation will leave you drowsy but conscious and able to voluntarily move and speak. Dental sedation will put you into a deeply relaxed state. You may find that time passes faster, and you may not even remember parts of the procedure when it is over, but you will be conscious the entire time.

Yes.

Six Month Smiles is a fast way to straighten your front teeth without traditional and bulky braces. Because Six Months Smiles concentrates on front teeth, the process is much faster. This represents an ideal therapy for older teens and adults.

The prosthodontist offers Six Month Smiles, which mean clear braces and tooth-colored wires to bring your teeth in line quickly.

Six Month Smiles correct the following:

• Gaps between teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Front bite issues

Following Six Month Smiles, you wear a retainer to help keep your teeth from shifting out of their new positions. Wear times may vary by patient.

Contact our practice to schedule a consultation.

One of the most well-known treatments for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which uses a machine to keep air moving through your airway while you are sleeping. While this treatment is effective, many people fail it for a variety of reasons. Another effective treatment is an oral appliance that is worn while you sleep. This device is customized to fit your mouth and holds your airway open so that you can continue breathing while you sleep.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are having trouble tolerating CPAP therapy, call our office for an evaluation to find out if an oral appliance is right for you.

Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition called sleep apnea. If you snore and also notice that you have trouble with daytime fatigue or drowsiness, mood swings, and headaches, call your physician to be evaluated for sleep apnea.

We can provide you with a comfortable mouth piece that will open up your airway while you sleep. More oxygen is allowed to enter the bloodstream, and both you and your significant other will rest easier.
 

If you are looking for solutions that address the health and wholeness of your smile, the answer is yes! Treatments like crowns, bridges, and dental implants enhance your appearance while protecting your oral health. Certain dental health problems can also affect your overall wellness, so it is important to work with your dentist to decide the best way to maintain a smile that is both healthy and beautiful.

The cost of a smile makeover really depends on the type and extent of work you need. There is a wide variance in the cost of services, ranging from complex procedures like dental implants to basic treatments like dental bonding. Depending on your situation, any of these types of procedures can have a dramatic impact on the appearance and health of your smile. But the cost can only be determined after your dentist decides which is the most appropriate for your specific needs.

We provide a number of different services that are designed to address your unique dental needs. Our dedicated team of professionals will work with you to develop a treatment plan that ensures your continued oral health and leaves you with a beautiful smile you can be proud of.

Full smile makeovers consider your oral health and the aesthetic appearance of your smile. A prosthodontist will put together a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both.

Depending on your situation, a full smile makeover may include combinations of:

• Deep cleanings
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Dental implants
• Dental crowns
• Porcelain veneers
• Professional teeth whitening

A full smile makeover is a way to restart your oral health with a clean slate and a dramatically enhanced smile—all under an inclusive treatment plan.

Aftercare includes regular dental exams and an optimal oral hygiene routine at home.

Get in touch with our office to schedule your smile makeover consultation today!

It is not possible to change the shade of any restorative dental material with teeth whitening. If you are interested in having your natural teeth whitened, this should be done before veneers are placed. Your veneers can then be matched to the shade of your whitened teeth.

While the whitening kits you can find at your local drugstore cost less than professional kits, the truth is that this is a case where you get what you pay for. Drugstore whitening kits are designed to be "one size fits all," which often translates to "one size fits none." The strengths are much lower than what you can get in a professional kit, meaning that you must use the product for a longer period of time and are still unlikely to get the results you can find in a professional product. Additionally, your results are not being monitored by the dentist you know and trust. 

Teeth staining can have several different causes. Some of the most common culprits we see include:

• Smoking
• Drinking staining beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine
• Eating staining foods like berries and curry
• Inadequate dental hygiene
• Certain health conditions
• Genetics

It shouldn't. 

Most professional whitening products contain an added desensitizing ingredient that protects even sensitive teeth and keeps you comfortable during the process. Additionally, the customizable nature of professional whitening treatments prevents the product from coming into contact with soft tissues like your gums, lips, and tongue. 

If your teeth are very sensitive, please talk to us so that we can help you determine whether whitening is appropriate for you.

Having headaches can be a symptom of TMJ disorders. In order to determine if that is the case for you, we can do an evaluation. If your symptoms are due to TMJ, we will provide treatment alternatives to help.

Symptoms for TMJ disorders can vary dramatically from one person to the next and can include facial pain, neck pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, clicking or popping joints, locking jaw joints, and your teeth not coming together correctly.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call our office and we will schedule an exam to determine if you have a TMJ disorder.
 

Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, which results in less healthy tooth removal. Amalgam fillings require additional drilling to provide anchors for the solid amalgam. Composite fillings are not as hard and inflexible as amalgam fillings, which means stresses caused from biting and chewing can be distributed more naturally and reduce the risk of your tooth cracking.

Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.