Dental Services Martin County MN

Same-Day Crowns

CEREC is an acronym for CEramic REConstruction, using CAD/CAM technology. Fancy words for one - visit, all - porcelain crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays used to beautifully rebuild teeth.

After shaping the tooth I use a blue light camera to image the tooth and those teeth above or below the tooth. Using a powerful 3D capable computer a restoration is designed and then milled from a clock of porcelain in six to ten minutes. After polishing the porcelain is bonded to the tooth using a composite resin material. The result is a beautiful restoration with strength like a normal tooth.

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

CEREC website »

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is a great advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums.

The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, decreasing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser is used most often by our laser certified hygienists to help them treat periodontal disease.

Hard tissue lasers are used to remove old fillings, repair cavities, and prepare teeth for fillings and bonding. I also use this laser on soft tissue to contour gums for better esthetics, as well as treat gum disease, decrease mouth sore pain and remove lesions. This is one of my favorite ways to improve your dental health.

Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods.

Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.

BioLase website »

Dental Cleaning

The most important factor in maintaining dental health is stable healthy gums and the bone around the tooth. Just like the foundation of a home is key to its longevity so the gums are to support of the teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. On your first visit we probe the gums, look at tissue health and tooth stability. A healthy probing depth is 1-3 millimeters. If your gums are healthy a normal recare visit to clean by scaling calculus (tarter) from the teeth and polishing stains will be done, usually in a one hour appointment. A recare return visit usually in 6 months will be agreed on.

Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing periodically starts and stops during the night, and it can have a serious impact on your health. Sleep apnea has been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart disease and more. You may have sleep apnea if you experience some of the following:

• Loud, recurring snoring
• Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
• Choking or gasping for air in your sleep
• Neck size greater than 17 inches (for a man)
• Neck size greater than 16 inches (for a woman)
• Stopped breathing during sleep
• Unexplained weight gain/trouble losing weight
• High blood pressure
• Heightened anxiety, depression or emotional issues
• Acid reflux
• History of stroke or heart attack
• Falling asleep during the day when activity is low
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Impotence

There are two types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by your brain sending incorrect signals to your muscles in your sleep,it usually requires the help of a sleep specialist. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it can often be successfully treated in a dentist's office.

Treamtent

Oral appliance therapy is by far the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. There are more than 80 different sleep apnea oral devices on the market today. Similar in appearance to a double retainer, they are designed to either shift the lower jaw forward or retain the tongue to keep it from falling back into the throat. Oral appliances are typically worn at night and are custom fit to each patient.

Some severe forms of apnea require more invasive treatments, procedures and surgeries. Set up a consultation to determine how we can help you.

Mouth Guards

Mouthguards

Athletic mouthguards, made of flexible molded plastics are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. There are two types; custom made in our office or store bought like "Shock Doctor".  In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.

Nightguards

Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.  Made of a hard outer plastic layer and an inner soft layer they also reduce clenching by concentrating bite forces to the front teeth.

If you have decided a guard is right for you, we will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you. In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles for your guard. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.

Let our skilled team help you determine if a guard is right for you!

Bonding

To close gaps between teeth, alter the alignment of the tooth, repair damage caused by tooth decay, or for cosmetic purposes bonding may be the answer. Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth to build up and shape the tooth. 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. Finally, the composite resin material is shaped and polished to give it a lustrous finish.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. Call our office today to see if bonding is right for you!

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available,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. Lower dentures have little "suction" so a mini implant supported lower is now the standard of care.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth by teeth or teeth and implants. A fixed partial denture (bridge) 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.

New dentures may feel awkward or loose for the first few weeks until the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place and you are comfortable eating and speaking. This may require some practice, but soon you will adjust and enjoy the benefits that a full mouth of teeth can provide.

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 that 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 no one wants that. I first clean the groove with a water laser to remove all the bacteria. We 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.

Sealants make healthy teeth possible. Let us improve your smile today!

Veneers

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside of the tooth. Veneers are usually only placed on teeth that are visible when talking or smile. There are two types of procedures: direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This material costs less than porcelain but tends to wear out and often needs to be redone, which could end up costing more.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory or using our CEREC technique. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three 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 much less tooth material is removed making the procedure generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or moderately darkened color change.

CEREC website »

Crowns and 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 also dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.  About 98% of the time I use CEREC 1 visit crowns.  Lab fabrication of crowns is done 2% of the time and almost on all bridges.

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. Bridgework is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials most often used now is porcelain over a zirconia base, porcelain fused to meal or infrequently gold. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear and/or esthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing they begin to erupt and shift into the open spaces.  This may worsen the bite due to changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as TMJ. 

To make a bridge or crown, we first take an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown or bridge will be custom made to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, it will be cemented into place.

Bridges and crowns are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and by practicing good oral hygiene. An alternative to a bridge is: 1) an implant supported crown or 2) sometimes a partial denture.

CEREC website »

TMJ Disorders

TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong, a good deal of trouble can result.

Problems in this area can cause:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a grinding splint is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. Dental treatments for this condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc.

If you have questions regarding TMJ Treatment call our office today!

Tooth 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 we will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, sometimes there are still necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. For example, 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, we may advise you to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, we 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, who may offer you the option of general anesthesia (sleeping), while you have the extraction.

For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches.

It is critical to keep the extraction area clean to prevent infection. We will provide you with dry, sterile gauze to bite down on for 15 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. For the next 24 hours, you shouldn't smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or brush teeth directly next to the extraction site.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a painkiller and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days and taper off over the next few days. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaw. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20. Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Most patients prefer to have sedation for wisdom teeth. We will provide the names of area Oral Surgeons.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 15 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call us if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the art and science of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. We offer three options that are selected based on your needs as well as your goals.

Fixed straight wire braces

This is the most commonly used moderate to complex and for children and teens. These braces give me the most options for moving teeth and provide the best results. Brackets are available in stainless (smooth and works best) ceramic (looks best, upper only cost more) or plastic (looks good, break easily, for lowers mostly).

Invisalign

This consists of a series of clear snap on, custom designed, removable trays called aligners. Each aligner places a controlled force to your teeth causing them to move over the two week use of each aligner. We check your progress every 6 weeks until the end results of your beautiful smile potential has been achieved. A clear retainer is used to keep the teeth stable. Both full braces and invisalign have the same fee. Exceptions are easy cases that take 10 aligners or less which saves thirty percent.

Smile Focused Orthodontics

For those of you adults who like their bite but not your front teeth alignment, this may be your best option. White brackets, wires and short treatment times from four months to a year make orthodontics more appealing to an active life. By limiting the goals to the teeth you see not only is treatment time shorter, but you save $1000 off of full orthodontics.

Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic Retainers are appliances made from plastic or sometimes plastic and stainless wire to custom fit your mouth. It acts as a guide to hold your teeth into place after braces are removed. The retainer holds your teeth in place so your surrounding jaw muscles do not move,allowing you to maintain your realigned smile. Although the time you must wear a retainer will vary, we will help you come up with a personalized retainer wear plan.

Invisalign

This consists of a series of clear snap on, custom designed, removable trays called aligners. Each aligner places a controlled force to your teeth causing them to move over the two week use of each aligner. We check your progress every 6 weeks until the end results of your beautiful smile potential has been achieved. A clear retainer is used to keep the teeth stable. Both full braces and invisalign have the same fee. Exceptions are easy cases that take 10 aligners or less which saves thirty percent.

Ask us about how Invisalign can work for you!

Official Invisalign® website »

Digital X-ray

X-rays are created by using a focused beam of X-ray photons that pass through bone and tissue. Soft tissue in your body does not absorb X-ray photos as well as the calcium atoms that make up your bone. The resulting image is produced on special digital sensor showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an X-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography, which allows us to take X-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film X-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an X-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

Intraoral Cameras

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.

With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed. If you would like a print to show a spouse to decide your options let us know!

Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.

Our office offers custom tray whitening.

Tray Whitening

Tray whitening treatment is whitening you can use while in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth. We will first take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whitening your teeth. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays. The whitening gel trays should be worn 30-60 minutes up to twice a day. At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling. Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.

White strips

Most cost effective but a little harder to keep in place. Great for the do it yourself person.

Book an appointment to have your teeth whitened today!

Telescopic Loupes

I enjoy using 4.5 power telescopic loupes while diagnosing or working on your teeth. These powerful glasses allow me to see many fine details like decay, cracks or lesions that would go unnoticed by the naked eye.

Endodontics

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 the 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. Once this occurs the pulp may become infected or simply loose its blood supply and dies. Irritants then can extend through the root tip and begin to erode away the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is damaged it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become damaged or 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 and x-ray may find a cyst.

A root canal is then performed to clean out the damaged tooth pulp and cleanse the canals of the tooth. The only other option would be to extract the tooth. Once the inflammation/infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent further infection. Usually a crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy to restore the tooth's strength.

Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Surgical Endodontics

An apicectomy (also known as surgical endodontics, apical surgery or peri-radicular surgery) should be considered only when conventional endodontic root filling ('root canal treatment') techniques have failed.

A conventional endodontic treatment is indicated if the dental pulp ('nerve') of a tooth becomes non-vital (dies) or is likely to be put at risk due to the type or size of restoration needed to repair the tooth.

During endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the dead remnants of the dental pulp and replaces it with an inert filling material which is visible on an X-ray.

Most teeth will respond satisfactorily to this type of treatment and become symptom-free.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call!

Dental Implants

Full Size

A full size dental implant is 3mm in diameter and 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 post that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place and the bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last longer than bridge work. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depending on neighboring teeth for support.

Mini Implants

Mini implants are easier to place and also cost less than full size implants. Mini implants (1.8 to 2.9 mm in diameter) work best for replacing front teeth or bicuspid (non molar) teeth to support a crown. Four mini implants can also be used to support and stabilize a lower denture. This is now the standard of care and what I would want. Four small housings with O rings are placed on the small ball on top of the implant. Next the housings are bonded inside the denture base. Often implants and housings are completed the same appointment. If the bone is too soft for immediate loading the O rings are not placed in the denture. This allows the bone to adapt or integrate onto the implant for a few months before loading the implants. You will then enjoy a stable lower denture giving you confidence to smile, speak and eat.

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.

Dr. Fordice is a dedicated doctor who pays extraordinary attention to detail. He has completed advanced training in prosthetic implants in order to ensure that he will provide only the best results for you. Dr. Fordice also implements today's best implant technologies in our office, solidifying our place as dental implant experts.

Paperless Charting

Our office's computer system has digital charting. This means all X-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically and cut down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant,even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. Digital charting allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers when needed.

Automated Reminders

We still like to use personal phone calls as our main communications and appointment reminders. We do have the ability to email or text you reminders if you prefer.

Let us know which method you prefer.

Digital Imaging

We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.

Electronic Claims

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

Sedation Dentistry

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.

Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as "laughing gas" is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.

Oral Sedatives

This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dental procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV Sedation provides relaxation medication through a small needle inserted in your hand or arm. Like oral sedatives, IV sedation does not provide pain relief, so a local anesthetic will also be administered. Intravenous sedation allows patients to still be awake but in an extreme state of relaxation, feeling little or no pain.

Post Op Instructions

After an extraction-

The first goal after an extraction is to form a blood clot at the site. Usually a moist gauze is placed for 5-15 minutes. We will make sure your initial clot is in place before you leave.

Keeping the clot in place allows healing and covers the sensitive bone. Avoid hard foods, heavy lifting for a couple days and the use of straws to avoid suction that dislodges the clot.

After two days, begin gently brushing the area as tolerated. Pain medication will be individually prescribed for you. In the case of a previous infection or compromised health an antibiotic may be prescribed. The socket area will heal from the bottom and sides of the socket and is best left alone for optimal healing.

After your Root Canal-

Predicting pain after a root canal most often depends on the state of the tooth at treatment.

If you arrive at our office in pain expect two to three days after opening (starting) or completing a root canal. Pain medications most often take care of the pain to tolerable levels.

Signs of infection are, more than slight swelling or that gets larger over time, fever and tiredness. Report these symptoms early so we can place you on antibiotics. A root canal completion about 50% of the time there is minimal discomfort after treatment. About 45% of the time moderate discomfort occurs because some of the canal debris gees out the root end and must be cleaned up by your body. Usually a moderate pain medication like Advil can get your through. Less than 5% of patients have infection or extreme pain. When this happens coordinate your care personally with myself or staff.

After braces-

Three things to keep in mind:

• Clean your teeth well with an electric brush five minutes a day to remove plaque. Plaque causes gum disease and decay as well as bulging gums around brackets.
  
• Eat carefully to avoid breaking brackets. Avoid sugar and starch filled foods and you will be happy with little or no decay in you teeth at the end of treatment.
  
• Keep them straight with retainers. The simple rule is muscles always win when pushing against teeth. Other sleep habits like clenching, grinding, mouth breathing, tongue thrusts and sleep positions all can move teeth. The solution is great night time retainer wear possibly for a lifetime.

After restorative; crowns, fillings & bridges

All dental restorative stresses the tooth to some degree. We try to minimize this stress by using lasers, careful decay removal, magnification and experience.

Generally if the pulpal tissue inside the chamber of the tooth is healthy then the tooth is comfortable after restoration. An irritated pulp tissue that will probably get better over a few weeks time has sensitivity to ice for three seconds or less once the cold is removed. If this gradually improves your tooth healed itself because of its good blood supply. Teeth that have had more stress placed on the pulp (from cracks, deep decay, fractures etc) causes the pulp to lay down for dentin inside the root. This narrows the canal pinching off the tooth's blood supply causing the tissue to die. These teeth often need root canal treatment or removal for your comfort.

Implant Restoration

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for reasons like injury or periodontal disease. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown.

While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework, because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

Implants require healthy gums and adequate bone. A patient must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the procedures involved in dental implants.

Patient Education

We believe in no pressure, well informed dental care decisions. Many people simply want to have their options explained. As complexity increases so does the need for more time such as an end of the day consultation. We may also inform you using before and after photos, a Casey patient education program, models of your teeth and sometimes modified models to show you possible outcome.

Feel free to ask any questions and expect up front fees and payment options. We hope to build your trust by doing what is best for you while doing our best!

Fillings

Sometimes cavities can happen. A filling can help restore a tooth damaged by decay back to more normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. This composite material seals the tooth so bacteria cannot enter and cause more decay. It is important to consistently floss and brush your teeth to extend the lifespan of your filling.

OTHER OPTIONS

• Composite (plastic) resins are custom made to the exact 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 10 years.  They may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
• CEREC fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom made in our office using CEREC technology, then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and have a cost midway between fillings and crowns. . A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
• Amalgam fillings are most often used in areas not seen and along roots that composite fillings do not bond.

If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown, or cap, may be recommended. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated through Root Canal therapy or through a procedure called pulp capping. If you have a question about which treatment is best for you, give our office a call!

3D Cone Beam X-Ray

When you come in for a visit, we aim to provide the best, most accurate and most thorough diagnosis possible — and with recent breakthroughs in leading technology, we can.

One of our newest technologies, the CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), is a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional CT scan and an incredible improvement on the traditional x-ray. This machine takes 3D and digital panoramic images of your mouth, allowing us to monitor growth and diagnose problems, as well as view your entire mouth from every angle — in less than 20 seconds!

Previously, we were limited to a two dimensional view and low resolution x-rays, which made it harder to detect problems. The CBCT has changed that, making your diagnosis more precise and more accurate than ever before.

Feel free to ask us about the technologies we use for diagnosis.