Stain Removal/Cleaning
The regular removal of stain, plaque and tartar is absolutely essential to the
long- term health of teeth and gums. This service is provided by the dental hygienist.
Bleaching
Bleaching can be an effective technique for lightening teeth. It will not, however, alter the appearance of existing fillings and crowns.
Micro abrasion
This can be used to remove blemishes on the surface of the teeth, provided they are not too deep.
Aesthetic Contouring/Bonding
This technique can be used to alter the shape of worn or chipped teeth—providing the damage is not too great. Composite (plastic) materials are used to mask defects and close spaces. The results are instant, but be prepared to replace the plastic restorations as the material wears. Better long-term alternatives involve porcelain veneers or crowns.
Inlays
When the cavity is large, an inlay is needed for strength. These restorations are fabricated by a dental lab and require a second appointment at the office for insertion. The inlays are made of gold or porcelain.
Veneers
These are thin porcelain "tooth fronts" which are bonded onto the tooth. Only minimal tooth reduction is needed. Veneers can be used to correct aging smile lines, close spaces, change the colour of teeth and straighten crooked teeth instantly.
Crowns ("Caps")
These are used when a tooth is heavily filled or was previously treated with a root canal treatment. Crowns provide excellent strength to the tooth while improving overall aesthetics. A crown fits over a tooth to protect it the same way a helmet fits over your head to protect it.
Bridges
Bridges are restorations designed to replace missing teeth. It involves crowning the adjacent teeth which act as supports. There is a limit to the space that can be bridged and there needs to be a tooth support at each end for long-term success.
Dentures
These can be full (whole arch or whole mouth) or partial (replacing one or several teeth). All dentures are removable and have a tendency to move. To achieve stability, partial dentures need to be clasped to the natural teeth. Both partial and complete dentures can be made to appear quite natural using the latest artificial teeth and acrylics.
Implants
This type of tooth replacement involves the placing of a titanium root within the jaw bone. This artificial root is allowed to integrate and fuse into the bone for 4-6 months before a crown, implant or bridge is attached to it. During the healing phase, a temporary denture restores your smile. The success rate for implants can be as high as 95%.
Fillings
When a tooth is decayed, a filling needs to be placed. There are two types of filling materials: silver amalgam and white composite (plastic). The average metal filling lasts about twelve years. The average plastic filling lasts about seven years.
Root Canals
When a tooth dies and becomes infected it is necessary to have root canal treatment. Root canal treatment involves hollowing the tooth out and filling it with a soft rubber material.
Extractions
Our office performs simple extractions and refers difficult cases to an oral surgeon specialist.
