Implants
An implant is an excellent way to replace a missing tooth and keep a natural looking smile. A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is inserted to replace a missing root, allowing an implant crown to be placed. After a tooth is lost, a dental implant can prevent a chain reaction of problems that would affect the entire mouth. Dental implants are a conservative approach to restoring your smile and do not require treatment on the adjacent teeth, as some other tooth replacement procedures do. Equally important, an implant will stop the ongoing appearance of aging in the face that bone loss causes with lost teeth.
Crowns
Our crowns are custom crafted in a dental laboratory to precisely fit your tooth. A crown is placed to strengthen a damaged tooth by covering and protecting it. Several reasons for having a crown placed are decay, a broken tooth too advanced for a filling, a large filling that has worn out, a crack next to an existing filling, or on a tooth that has had a root canal to prevent it from breaking.
Porcelain crowns are a covering that encase the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile. Porcelain crowns can repair broken or fractured teeth, aid in the cosmetic appearance of a tooth, repair decayed teeth, repair fractured fillings, and protect a tooth that has had a root canal.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include preparing the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. An impression will be taken and a custom temporary crown will be placed on your tooth. At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
Bridges
By placing a bridge after a tooth has been lost, we can prevent a chain reaction of problems that can affect your entire mouth. When a tooth is lost, teeth begin to shift causing your bite to change over time. This cannot only change the appearance of your smile, but can lead to potential damage to your jaw joint, the TMJ.
Removable Dentures
When teeth are lost they need to be replaced. A removable dental prosthesis is an affordable solution. Whether you have lost one or more teeth we can use a prosthesis to maintain your health and smile.
Extractions
You and Dr. Geller may determine that you need a tooth extraction for many reasons. Some teeth may be fractured and unable to be saved; others may have a large cavity that cannot be repaired while some may have advanced stages of periodontal disease. Other reasons for removal may include teeth requiring removal for orthodontic (braces) treatment and teeth that have migrated out of their natural position. Removing teeth can lead to shifting of other teeth, esthetic concerns and, overall, may have a major impact on your dental health. Dr. Geller will discuss your treatment options should you require an extraction.
Root Canals
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Geller will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. Composite fillings are most appropriate for small areas of decay, and can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. These fillings are usually placed in one appointment. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile! Porcelain veneers can correct for chipped or worn teeth, severely discolored or stained teeth, teeth that are too small or large, or unwanted spaces. Veneers can create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process. The teeth are prepared by shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist. On the second visit, the teeth will be cleaned with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
Please visit our Before & After
page to see Smile Makeovers!