Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (pentorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed. We can then discuss the modality of removal, i.e. nitrous oxide, IV sedation, etc.
Inlays/Onlays
There are two other types of fillings called inlays and onlays. Depending on the size and location of the decay, one of these two options restore the tooth. An inlay is a pre-mold for filling cavities of the inner part of the back teeth between the cusps. An onlay is a pre-mold of one or more of the cusps.
Inlays and onlays are reserved for when the cavity are too big for a regular filling to repair. Tooth-colored inlays and onlay help to hide the dental work while restoring the tooth.
Dental Crowns
Over time, teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks or discoloration. Crowns can renew the appearance and function of a tooth. Crowns don’t only cover up the original tooth, they can be designed to create an even better aesthetic appearance.
Crowns can also:
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling that is on the verge of cracking when there isn’t a lot of tooth left.
- Cover severely discolored teeth.
- Restore a tooth that is already broken, or severely worn down.
Also, they are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants or as an anchor for a bridge.
Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain in order to maintain strength and a natural appearance. Once treatment is complete, continue to practice proper at home care and keep regular office visits to help your crown last many years. Much like your original teeth, crowns require routine brushing and flossing.
Teeth Whitening
We provide teeth whitening solutions for those looking to brighten their smiles because we want you to look and feel confident. Teeth whitening may be a great option if you have stained, dull, or discolored teeth. The main causes of stained teeth are genetics, antibiotics, tobacco, and certain foods. As we age, our teeth darken as well.
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to improve the look of your smile. Before recommending it, we will evaluate your smile and ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatment
We offer custom-fitted whitening trays at Forever Smiles. With at-home whitening, you will notice results right away that will continue to improve over the 2–4-week treatment process. At-home whitening will allow you to brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home. The trays are reusable for touch-ups and provide long-term effects with less sensitivity than in-office techniques. Our dental team wants to help you have and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic solution, ideal for those who are interested in restoring the color and appearance of their teeth. They recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and flexibility comparable to the natural tooth enamel. Porcelain dental veneers can: re-shape teeth, improve the look of your teeth due to stains, close small gaps between teeth and fix teeth that are chipped, fractured, slightly crooked, or broken.
Dental veneers are custom-made to fit over your natural teeth. The foundation of your natural teeth must be strong and healthy in order to be a candidate. Results can be very drastic and instantly improve the appearance of your smile.
Porcelain veneers are very durable and can last for years when cared for properly. Continue brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular professional cleanings to obtain optimal results.
Dentures
Dentures (full and partial) are custom made to fit your mouth and your specific tooth replacement needs. They provide a cosmetic and functional replacement for tooth loss. Our doctor will take a series of impressions of your jaws, including several measurements. A model is made and sent to the dental lab where your permanent dentures are fabricated. Finally, you receive your permanent denture including minor adjustments if needed, to ensure comfort and fit.
Depending on the needs of your smile, you may benefit from a full or partial denture.
Implants
Implants are the first stage in a two-part process that provides a long-term solution for tooth loss. The dental implant is a small titanium post that is gently placed into your jaw by the doctor. The post functions as an artificial tooth root. As it heals, the implant will fuse with your natural bone, creating a strong, secure foundation for the replacement tooth or denture. Throughout the process, our team takes great care in ensuring your optimal comfort. We want you to have an excellent experience as well as beautiful results.
Dental Implant with Replacement Crown
A replacement crown is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to the dental implant. It is custom-designed to look and to function like one of your natural teeth. Once the implant has fully healed, the custom-crafted permanent replacement crown is attached, restoring the fullness and functionality of your smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures provide another option for replacing teeth that can be a great alternative to conventional dentures. Our doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs and preferences.
- Removable Implant-Supported Dentures provide replacement for all upper and/or lower teeth. They can be removed for cleaning like conventional dentures, yet are far more secure than unsupported dentures. These dentures can be attached with as few as 4 implants, though are more secure with additional implants. Our dentist will advise you on how many implants are best for your removable implant-supported dentures.
- Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures also replace all upper and/or lower teeth. These dentures are permanently anchored to your dental implants. They are used to replace a full set of teeth and can be helpful in preventing bone loss. The strength of dental implants provides an ideal anchor for dentures that will not become loose or slip within your mouth.
- Implant-Secured Partial Fixed Dentures are a type of bridge that is anchored to one or more dental implants. A standard bridge is a type of partial denture that replaces one or more teeth. The standard bridge secured to surrounding teeth, which can cause these neighboring teeth to become loose. With implant-secured partial fixed dentures, the implant provides the anchor, so your natural teeth are not compromised by your teeth loss solution.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are an aesthetic, effective solution for tooth loss. There are many great benefits to choosing dental implants.
- Natural Looking Smile: Dental implants are crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile.
- Improved Oral Health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved intact, improving long-term oral health.
- Improved Speech: With removable, non-anchored dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech. Dental implants remove that concern.
- Improved Comfort: Dental implants avoid the slipping and discomfort of removable dentures.
- Improved Function: Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Protect Healthy Bone Structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can, over time, lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Since dental implants function like tooth roots, they are able to prevent this type of deterioration, just as natural teeth do.
- Long-term Solution: Dentures must be replaced about every 5-7 years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
Considerations
There are several factors that our doctor will consider before recommending dental implants. Some of these include:
- Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
- Healthy gum tissue
- Sinus and nerve location
- Overall health, including any chronic illnesses
In some cases, our doctor may recommend advance treatment for your upper or lower jaw to enable you to have the bone support needed for implantation. As always, your treatment plan is created based on your specific needs and goals for your healthy smile.
Be sure to let us know about any medications you are taking during your consultation. Your health and safety are paramount.