Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in dental plaque damages the enamel of your teeth, leaving a hole or cavity. Any part of a tooth can decay — from the roots below the gum line to the chewing surface. If plaque bacteria reach and damage the pulp, the tooth will likely die because the pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth. Tooth decay can occur due to a number of issues including poor brushing and flossing habits, diets rich in sugar, smoking, and lack of fluoride in the water supply.

Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches. Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result.

Dental implants are simply “anchors” that permanently support replacement teeth. They are secure and durable and can be cleaned and cared for much like your natural teeth. The procedure requires a titanium root be fitted into your jaw to replace the lost tooth’s root. Once the implant is anchored into the bone, the bone around the implant requires six weeks to six months of healing. Once the bone has healed, a support post and replacement tooth is anchored onto the implant.

 The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can complicate a once healthy mouth with a plague of new issues.  Teeth can drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, a dental implant may be needed to replace the tooth root and crown. If you are losing a tooth or have lost a tooth, consult with your dentist on whether a dental implant is an option.

A dry mouth can be uncomfortable and lead to other problems if not addresses. Often, ‘dry mouth’ occurs in older adults who are on medications that create dryness of the mouth as a side effect. Without the natural benefit of saliva to decrease bacterial action, we see an increase of cavities on the root surfaces of these patients. Anyone on a medication causing a dry mouth effect should be encouraged to see their dentist for regular dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses.

Proper first-aid in saving a loose or dislocated tooth is critical. If the tooth is loose, even extremely so, but is still attached in any way, leave it in place; do not remove it! If it is out of its socket completely and unattached, but still in the victim’s mouth, it is best to have the person keep it in the victim’s mouth, until a dentist can perform an examination. If it is out of the mouth, do not let it dry out! and handle it as little as possible. Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, or scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it. If it is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water. Preserve it in milk until a dentist is available. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice. Time out of the socket is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30 minutes, the success potential begins to decline. However, re-implantation is still possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been out for a long period.

Until recently, dentists used a silver and mercury amalgam to fill and seal cavities. Because a larger amount of the original tooth must be removed, these types of fillings often weaken teeth. Recent innovations now allow us to replace old silver fillings with composite or porcelain fillings that are stronger, safer and more natural looking. Say goodbye to “metal mouth” and hello to a beautiful new smile.

A crown essentially covers a tooth to restore it to its natural shape and size. This permanent covering fits over your original tooth to strengthen or improve the appearance of the tooth. Fitting a crown generally requires at least two visits to the dentist’s office.

Teeth are often restored using silver or porcelain fillings. However, when too much of a tooth’s structure is removed to support a filling, a crown or “cap” may be needed. A crown may be needed to: Restore a tooth when it is unable to support a large filling; attach a bridge; protect a weak tooth from fracturing or restore fractured teeth; cover badly shaped or discolored teeth; or cover dental implants.

Porcelain veneers are often used for the same reasons as bonding; to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth. You can change the shape, color and length of your teeth using veneers. They are thin, durable shells designed to cover the front of the tooth. They are typically made of porcelain and are extremely durable, stain resistant, natural-looking and easy to maintain. Veneers are custom-fitted to your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and bonding the veneer to your teeth using a safe, high tech polymer resin. You can expect veneers to stay bright and strong for many years by performing good oral hygiene.

COSMETIC BONDING is an affordable, quick and painless way to repair surface cosmetic flaws and injuries, For example: gaps in teeth, spots or stains, and/or chipped teeth. Dental bonding sculpts individual teeth without requiring removal of any tooth structure. This is a safe technique that looks, acts, and feels like your natural tooth surface. This procedure usually doesn’t require the use of an anesthetic; and is relatively quick to apply. It gives immediate results and is less expensive than veneers.

GUM DISEASE, or more correctly called “periodontal disease”, is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss or dental instrument. If you suffer from these symptoms, early detection and treatment is critical to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement so please schedule a consult immediately.

Advanced stages of periodontal disease are different from gingivitis because the infection has destroyed the bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss. The treatment is more involved at these stages, usually consisting of a special cleaning with anesthesia and sometimes gum surgery.

The advanced warning signs of gum disease include:

• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Any changes in the fit of partial dentures
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Persistent bad breath or foul taste
• Blood on toothbrush

Bleaching is a safe, effective and relatively easy means of producing a whiter smile. We offer several options for whitening your teeth.  Your situation will be carefully evaluated and you will be advised accordingly.  At-home bleaching is a relatively routine process – you will be given special whitening gel and fitted with a custom-made whitening dental mouth tray. At home, you apply the gel to the tray and wear it for two to three hours per day for two or three weeks. We will monitor your progress and help you achieve the results you want.

Bad breath can be embarrassing and frustrating to live with but we can help. While bad breath might be a symptom of some other disorder, it most likely stems from dental decay and periodontitis. A complete dental evaluation will help to determine the cause and resolve the odor. Periodontitis is a disease affecting gums and bone that support the teeth, and it results from inadequate tooth brushing and flossing. In this disease, the irritated gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets fill with bacteria which give off a foul odor.  If gum disease and/or dental decay are diagnosed, it can be treated readily.