During a dental exam, our dentist will:

• Evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene
• Evaluate your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease
• Evaluate your need for tooth restoration or tooth replacement
• Check your bite and jaw for problems
• Remove any stains or deposits on your teeth
• Demonstrate proper cleaning techniques for your teeth or dentures
• Assess how much fluoride you’re getting through your diet and use of oral hygiene products
• Take dental X-rays or, if necessary, do other diagnostic procedures

During a dental exam, our dentist will also ask about any health problems you have or medications you’re taking and discuss how they might affect your oral health. If you have diabetes, for example, you’re at increased risk of gum disease. Any medication that contributes to dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay. If arthritis interferes with your ability to effectively brush your teeth, your dentist or hygienist might show you how to insert the handle of your toothbrush into a rubber ball for easier use — or recommend using a powered toothbrush.

If you have prosthetic replacements — such as dentures or bridges — our dentist will examine how well they fit and discuss the need for adjustments.

Dental exams might also include counseling about diet, smoking and other lifestyle factors that can affect oral health.

Dental X-rays:

A dental X-ray allows the dentist to see detailed images of specific sections of your mouth. Traditional X-ray film is developed in a darkroom, but a newer technique allows X-ray images to be sent to a computer and viewed on a screen. Various types of dental X-rays are available, including:

• Bitewing. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the crowns of the upper and lower teeth. During a bitewing X-ray, you’ll bite down on the X-ray film holder while the X-ray images are being taken.
• Periapical. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the entire tooth and the surrounding bone.
• Occlusal. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the way the upper teeth and corresponding lower teeth fit together when the jaw is closed.
• Panoramic. This type of X-ray gives the dentist a broad view of the entire mouth.

X-rays aren’t typically needed at every dental visit. Radiation exposure from dental X-rays is low — but talk to your dentist if you’re concerned about radiation exposure.

Oral cancer exam 

During your dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will look for any signs of oral cancer. He or she will feel the area under your jaw, the sides of your neck, and the insides of your lips and cheeks, as well as examine your tongue and the roof and floor of your mouth.

Dental impression 

In some cases, the dentist might recommend making a dental impression of one or both jaws to produce a replica of your teeth and oral tissue. This can help the dentist evaluate your bite or make a mouth guard or bleaching trays. The dentist will fill horseshoe-shaped trays with a soft, gelatin-like material and place them over your upper or lower teeth. After a few minutes, the trays are removed and used to create a dental cast or replica of your mouth. The dentist might also have you bite down on a soft material to record and evaluate your bite.

Be sure to add a dental visit to this year’s spring cleaning list. A professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your oral health, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.

The AGD strongly recommends that a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months. This professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives the dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention.

People who regularly practice good oral hygiene at home with proper brushing and flossing techniques typically do not experience discomfort during a cleaning. However, those who have neglected their oral hygiene habits may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during a dental cleaning. The dentist can use a topical anesthetic before the cleaning to alleviate any discomfort.

During a dental cleaning, you’ll receive diagnostic and preventive services from your dentist as well as any needed educational information.

Diagnostic services may include:

• Reviewing and updating medical history, including information about heart problems, pregnancy, diabetes and medications, which may have an impact on your oral health
• Oral cancer examination and screening
• Evaluation of gum tissue
• Checking biting, chewing and swallowing patterns
• X-rays or examination of teeth to detect decay
• Referral to specialists for specific treatment

Preventive services may include:

• Removal of plaque and tartar
• Stain removal
• Fluoride application
• Sealants (for children)
• Polishing teeth, including fillings and crowns
• Cleaning and adjustment of dentures and partial dentures

Educational services may include:

• Tobacco-cessation counseling
• Tooth brushing and flossing instructions
• Nutritional counseling
• Recommendations for future treatment: when to return for follow-up hygiene treatment, periodontal (gum) concerns or restorative options
• Evaluation of self-care effectiveness

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

• Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.
• Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are tolerant to wear. However, due to their dark color they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.
• Composite (plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. White while 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.
• Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

When teeth are heavily decayed they may be too weak to survive with just a filling. By placing a crown, a tooth may be given a new lease of life. Even when a single tooth is lost, a denture may not be required as a bridge can be made which spans the gap with a tooth attached to those next to the space. Sometimes when a single small tooth is lost at the front of the mouth a simple bridge can be made which has ‘wings’ that are glued to the back of the adjacent teeth. This results in less tooth being damaged by the drill.

Crowns:

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth — to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.

The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

• To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth
• To cover a dental implant
• To make a cosmetic modification

 For children, a crown may be used on primary (baby) teeth in order to:

• Save a tooth that has been so damaged by decay that it can’t support a filling.
• Protect the teeth of a child at high risk for tooth decay, especially when a child has difficulty keeping up with daily oral hygiene.
• Decrease the frequency of sedation and general anesthesia for children unable because of age, behavior, or medical history to fully cooperate with the requirements of proper dental care.

In such cases, a pediatric dentist is likely to recommend a stainless steel crown.

What Types of Crowns Are Available?

Permanent crowns can be made from stainless steel, all metal (such as gold or another alloy), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic.

• Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated crowns that are used on permanent teeth primarily as a temporary measure. The crown protects the tooth or filling while a permanent crown is made from another material. For children, a stainless steel crown is commonly used to fit over a primary tooth that’s been prepared to fit it. The crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay. When the primary tooth comes out to make room for the permanent tooth, the crown comes out naturally with it. In general, stainless steel crowns are used for children’s teeth because they don’t require multiple dental visits to put in place and so are more cost- effective than custom-made crowns and prophylactic dental care needed to protect a tooth without a crown.
• Metals used in crowns include gold alloy, other alloys (for example, palladium), or a base-metal alloy (for example, nickel or chromium). Compared with other crown types, less tooth structure needs to be removed with metal crowns, and tooth wear to opposing teeth is kept to a minimum. Metal crowns withstand biting and chewing forces well and probably last the longest in terms of wear down. Also, metal crowns rarely chip or break. The metallic color is the main drawback. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be color matched to your adjacent teeth (unlike the metallic crowns). However, more wearing to the opposing teeth occurs with this crown type compared with metal or resin crowns. The crown’s porcelain portion can also chip or break off. Next to all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look most like normal teeth. However, sometimes the metal underlying the crown’s porcelain can show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line and even more so if your gums recede. These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.
• All-resin dental crowns are less expensive than other crown types. However, they wear down over time and are more prone to fractures than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
• All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide better natural color match than any other crown type and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and they wear down opposing teeth a little more than metal or resin crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for front teeth.
• Temporary versus permanent. Temporary crowns can be made in your dentist’s office, whereas permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel and can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is constructed by a lab.

Bridges:

A bridge allows the dentist to replace lost teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. Basically a false tooth is held in place by being attached to a tooth next door. The disadvantage is that the teeth next to the space have to be prepared in a similiar way to a crown in order to accept the bridge. If these teeth already have crowns or big restorations then this is not a problem, the major concern however is when these teeth have small or no restorations (fillings). One compromise is the ‘acid etched bridge’, with this type a fine ledge is placed on the back of the adjacent teeth.

One disadvantage of a bridge is that the patient should wait three months before placement as the ‘gum’ shrinks’ after a tooth is extracted. If the bridge was fitted early a gap would appear underneath the pontic (the false tooth). At the back of the mouth this may not be a problem, at the front of the mouth however this may appear as a black line along the gum.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. If a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection or other dental problems, you’ll likely need to have it pulled. In some cases wisdom tooth extraction is recommended even if impacted teeth aren’t causing problems, as a preventive measure against potential future problems.

Problems with impacted wisdom teethWisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop wisdom teeth. For others, wisdom teeth erupt normally — just as their other molars did — and cause no problems.

Many people, however, develop impacted wisdom teeth — teeth that don’t have enough room to erupt into the mouth or grow normally. Impacted wisdom teeth may erupt only partially or not at all.

An impacted wisdom tooth may:

• Grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
• Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
• Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone

You’ll likely need your impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it results in problems such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Damage to an adjacent tooth
• Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth
• Damage to surrounding bone
• Complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth
• Preventing future dental problems

Here’s the rationale for preventive treatment:

• It’s difficult to predict future problems with impacted wisdom teeth.
• Symptom-free wisdom teeth could still harbor disease.
• Having your wisdom teeth makes you vulnerable to gum disease and tooth cavities.
• Removing impacted teeth lowers the risk of potential problems.
• Serious complications rarely happen in younger adults.
• Older adults may experience difficulty with surgery and complications after surgery.

Wisdom teeth examination

As with any dental procedure, our dentist will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital X-rays will be taken in order for your dentist to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems.  The X-rays can also expose additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth extractions. Only after a thorough examination can our dentist provide you with the best options for your particular case.

What does the removal of wisdom teeth involve?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, and most of them go very well, take less than an hour, and can be done right in our office. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.

Root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning of the canals inside a tooth’s root. Decades ago, root canal treatments often were painful. With dental advances and local anesthetics, most people have little if any pain with a root canal. In fact, it’s probably more painful living with a decayed tooth. Root canal alternatives include extracting the damaged tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, bridge or removable partial denture.

Why you May Need a Root Canal

Teeth have a soft core called dental pulp. The pulp extends from the crown — the visible part of the tooth — to the tip of the tooth’s root in the jawbone. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. Left untreated, bacteria and decaying material can cause a serious infection or a tooth abscess, leading to pulp death, bone loss and loss of the tooth itself. Signs and symptoms may include swelling around your face and neck, a hole in your tooth, toothache or tooth pain, gum swelling, and temperature sensitivity.

Root Canal Treatment

The root canal usually takes one to three visits. First, you have dental X-rays to check the extent of damage. You also receive a local anesthetic to control pain, which may be more severe if the tooth is abscessed. Then a rubber-like sheet called a dental dam is put in your mouth to keep the tooth clean, protected and free of saliva. Decay is removed, and an opening is made through the crown of the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber. Using small dental instruments, the infected or diseased pulp is removed.

After the diseased pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are flushed and cleaned. The root canals may be reshaped and enlarged to allow better access for filling later. Before permanently filling the root canals, they should be clean of all infection and dried. Medication is sometimes put into the pulp chamber and root canal to clear any infection. The tooth may be left open to drain for several days. If infection has spread beyond the tooth, you may need a prescription for antibiotics. If the root canal requires multiple visits, a temporary filling is placed in the crown to protect the tooth and keep out debris and saliva. Avoid biting or chewing on the tooth until it’s been treated and restored.

Filling the Root Canal

After cleaning and drying, it’s time to fill the interior of the tooth — the empty pulp chamber and root canals. You may not need additional anesthetic for this step. If you had a temporary filling placed, that will be removed to allow access to the inside of the tooth. A sealer paste and rubber compound is used to fill the tooth, followed by a dental filling to make sure the root canals are protected from saliva.

Final Stage of Root Canal

The Final stage of the Root Canal is restoring your tooth. Because the tooth typically has a large filling or is weakened from extensive decay, it needs to be protected from future damage and returned to normal function. This is usually done by placing a crown — a realistic-looking artificial tooth. A crown is made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. It can be tinted to match the color of your other teeth. Sometimes, a metal post must first be inserted in the tooth for structural support and to keep the crown in place. 

After your Root Canal

After your root canal, your restored tooth with the new crown should work normally and look cosmetically pleasing. If you follow good dental and oral hygiene, your restored tooth could last a lifetime. The first few days after your root canal, the tooth may be sensitive. Over-the-counter pain medications can help. If pain or pressure lasts more than a few days, be sure to talk to contact us.

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available — complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

Yes, dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Call us today for consultation.

How are dentures made?

The denture development process takes about three to six weeks and several appointments. Once your dentist  determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

• Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
• Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
• Cast a final denture.
• Adjustments will be made as necessary

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well.

How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. But all dental implant surgery occurs in stages and may involve several procedures. The major benefit of implants is solid support for your new teeth — a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant. Because this healing requires time, the process can take many months.

Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can’t decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process

Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient surgery performed in stages:

• Your damaged tooth is removed.
• Your jawbone is prepared for surgery, a process that may involve bone grafting.
• After your jawbone heals, your oral surgeon places the dental implant metal post in your jawbone.
• You go through a healing period that may last several months.
• Your oral surgeon places the abutment — an extension of the implant metal post — followed by your new artificial tooth (crown).

The entire process can take many months from start to finish — three to nine months and sometimes longer. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw.

You and your dental specialist can choose from two main types of artificial teeth:

• A removable implant prosthesis. This type is similar to a conventional removable denture. It contains artificial white teeth surrounded by pink plastic gum. It’s mounted on a metal frame that’s attached to the implant abutment, and it snaps securely into place. It can be easily removed for repair or daily cleaning. It’s often a good choice when several teeth in the lower jaw are replaced, mainly because it’s more affordable than multiple individual dental implants and yet more secure than a traditional denture.
• A fixed implant prosthesis. In this type, an artificial tooth is permanently screwed or cemented onto an individual implant abutment. You can’t remove the tooth for cleaning or during sleep. If affordability isn’t a concern, you can opt to replace several missing teeth this way. Each crown is attached to its own dental implant.

After surgery

Whether you have dental implant surgery in one stage or multiple stages, you may experience some of the typical discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery, such as:

• Swelling of your gums and face
• Bruising of your skin and gums
• Pain at the implant site
• Minor bleeding

If swelling, discomfort or any other problem gets worse in the days after surgery, contact your oral surgeon. You may need pain medications or antibiotics.

After each stage of surgery, you may need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals — as long as 10 to 14 days. Typically, your surgeon will use stitches that dissolve on their own. If your stitches aren’t self-dissolving, your doctor removes them in about 10 days.

Healthy teeth begin with healthy gums, so if you’re suffering from bleeding, sensitive or swollen gums, bad breath, or teeth that seem to have moved, it may be time to take a closer look at your gums.

At Smart Pick Dental we can give you advice on how to prevent gum (periodontal) disease, bleeding gums & dental decay. Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that any problems are identified quickly so that you can stop gum disease in its tracks.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, but our dentist will work with you to rectify gum problems & repair any damage to your teeth or jaw that might already have occurred. We may advise you on a long-term treatment plan to ensure you maintain good oral health over the coming years & you’ll receive excellent guidance on how to look after your gums & teeth.

We can even provide you with dietary advice & instructions on how best to brush & floss your teeth so that you avoid the build-up of plaque that can cause gum disease. With healthy gums & a fresh mouth you’ll feel on top of the world.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums & bone supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, however, because gum disease is usually painless, you may not even know you have it.

Although most individuals suffer gum inflammation from time to time, according to research around 10-15% of the population appear to suffer from the more severe forms of the disease, which causes loss of supporting bone. This group of people appears to be at greatest risk of losing teeth through periodontal disease.

What are the causes of gum disease?

The main cause of gum disease is the formation of dental plaque, which is a sticky film on the tooth surface. The bacteria contained in plaque release toxins that can damage the gums. If plaque is allowed to accumulate, it causes inflammation of the surface of the gums which is known as ‘Gingivitis’. This inflammation will resolve if the plaque is removed through cleaning of the teeth & no permanent damage is done.

As the amount of plaque increases it can begin to mineralise & form tartar (calculus). Such hard deposits have a rough surface & allow more plaque to form & cause further damage to the gums.

If plaque accumulates for a long time the changes it causes in the gums can lead to loss of the bone support, a condition known as ‘Periodontitis’.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

The signs & symptoms of periodontal disease are variable but may include reddening & swelling of the gums, gums that bleed on brushing, gums that have pulled away from the teeth together with evidence of loose teeth, a bad taste in the mouth & possibly also bad breath. However, because pain is rarely a symptom until the disease is at an advanced stage, it is possible to you might be unaware of any changes.

It is advisable to attend a general dental practitioner regularly so that special assessment techniques to detect changes in the gums, sometimes including x-rays, can be carried out as part of your routine dental examination.

Consultation

The first stage periodontal treatment is the consultation appointment. It is important for the ultimate success of any treatment that the severity & extent of the disease are established in advance. This is done by carefully measuring the position of the gums & whether or not spaces have developed between the gums & teeth (these spaces are called “pockets”). The depths of these pockets are registered on a special chart, which gives a permanent record of the level of disease present. As well as recording this chart a consultation also involves the taking of photographs & any necessary x-rays, which show the position & height of the bone supporting the teeth.

Once all the information has been collected, a treatment plan can be devised. Whenever possible, various treatment options will be presented & their merits & potential drawbacks discussed. By the end of the consultation you should feel fully informed about your condition & have an underst&ing of the treatment options available to you, as well as the likelihood of success.

Treatment of Gum Disease

Possible treatment alternatives will be explained to you at your consultation appointment. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have. Our aim is always to preserve teeth if possible & advisable. The most common form of treatment consists of Scaling & Root planing.

Scaling refers to the professional removal of soft plaque & hard calculus (tartar) from the teeth & around the gum line. It is undertaken using h& instruments (scalers or curettes) &/or sonic/ultrasonic instruments which use high frequency vibrations to help remove these deposits.

Root planing is really an extension of scaling, which involves removing deposits from under the gum line. This is usually undertaken once the gum tissues are numbed with a dental anesthetic, so that the treatment can be performed painlessly. The aim is to provide a clean, smooth, tooth & root surface in order that the gum tissue/ attachment has a chance to heal.

Scaling & root planing may sometimes be combined with the use of antibiotics to assist in the management of the gum infection.

If you want a straighter smile and healthier teeth and gums, orthodontic treatment may help. Invisalign^® can address many orthodontic issues while offering exceptional results without the discomfort or embarrassment of traditional braces, for about the same cost.

Straighter teeth give you more than a great smile—they also help to reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated by a dentist, tooth decay and gum disease can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath and possible tooth loss. Treatment with Invisalign can assist with straight teeth, helping you to avoid problems such as an improper bite, difficulty speaking or chewing, and jaw problems.

What is Invisalign^®?

Invisalign^® has changed the face of orthodontics. Instead of wires attached to your teeth, your teeth can now be straightened invisibly.

• Invisalign^® is clear.You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
• Invisalign^® is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Invisalign^® is comfortable. No metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, and less time in the dentist’s chair getting adjustments.

The Invisalign^® process has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. However, only a certified dentist like ours can undertake this procedure.

How Does Invisalign^® Work?

• A set of aligners are worn for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position the dentist has prescribed.
• You will visit us approximately once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
• Total treatment time averages 11 months with the average number of aligners worn during treatment between 18 and 30. This of course will vary from case to case.

The aligners are made through a combination of our dentists’ expertise and 3D computer imaging technology provided by the Invisalign^® company.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health – we will be happy to assist you!

At Smart Pick Dental, we offer a number of teeth whitening and bleaching options. Over time, our teeth tend to become discolored or stained. This is inevitable and can be caused by smoking, coffee , or any other foods. However, with the range of tooth restoration options available-a beautiful smile is a possibility for all. Smart Pick Dental offers the perfect solution to whiten your teeth. There arre a number of very simple whitening procedures that can be completed in a realtively short period of time. We offer many restoration options such as tooth bleaching, and the Zoom whitening system, a 1 hour whitening procedure. 

Procedure:

The first step in the whitening process is impressions. We will take full impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions will be made into custom bleaching trays. The trays will fit into your teeth perfectly so there is a small possibility of gum damage from the bleaching solution. The second step is to place the bleaching solution in the trays and wear them for a few hours a day. Within 7-10 days, you will see a significant improvement in the color of your teeth. Your smile will look brighter and younger. Bleaching only works on natural teeth and may not be effective in all cases. We will inform you as to the potential whitening for your specific situation. 

The Zoom system is an in-office tooth whitening procedure utilizes a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel combined with Zoom’s small but not significant amounts of UVB (ultra-violet) light.

Once the gel is applied to the teeth the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp, helps accelerate the bleaching process. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged.

A Veneer is a tooth-shaped dental prosthetic that is applied to the surfaces of the front teeth to mask minor cosmetic imperfections, including cracks, chips, discoloration and unsightly gaps or minor malocclusion. Typically Veneers are made from porcelain, as it is strong and durable while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of natural tooth enamel.

Dental veneers can enhance or correct your smile by concealing stains, chips, injuries, or worn and misaligned teeth. Veneers look incredibly natural, are long lasting and resistant to staining, making them one of the best cosmetic options available for patients seeking a brighter, straighter, undamaged smile. 

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic options for people who have discolored or otherwise damaged teeth that affect the appearance of their smile. The application of veneers is minimally invasive compared to other options such as crowns. Made of ultra-thin, customized material, dental veneers are designed to slide over your teeth and are relatively easy to apply for a cosmetic dentist.

Modern dental veneers are made from one of two materials. Porcelain veneers are favored by many people because they have a very natural appearance, with a natural translucency and opalescence that closely matches natural teeth. A more modern material is a composite resin. Composite veneers can be applied directly to the teeth in very little time, are extremely durable, and can be tinted to accurately match surrounding teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

Unlike full mouth reconstruction or extensive bridgework and crowns, dental veneers can be applied quickly. New technologies are allowing dentists to scan the shape of existing teeth and to construct veneers directly in the office. This process can take as little as a single hour during one visit. Even the traditional process that involves two trips to the office takes far less time than other smile enhancement procedures like implants. This speed means the patient can return to normal life quickly without having to deal with an incomplete dental procedure for days or weeks.

In addition to the ease of application, dental veneers are very strong. Modern cements that are used to bond the veneers to the teeth cure quickly and last for a long time, and the veneer is supported by the underlying original tooth. Both porcelain and composite resin are also more resistant to staining than natural teeth, meaning the veneers could remain bright with just standard oral care and regular cleanings from our experienced staff. A new set of veneers could last for decades when cared for properly.

Dental veneers are very strong. Additionally, the veneer relies on the natural strength of the underlying tooth so that it is just as strong. Modern cements that are used to bond the veneers to the teeth cure quickly and last for a long time. 

One more benefit of dental veneers is the flexibility they allow for specific dental cases. Veneers can cover a single tooth or an entire line of teeth. They can be tinted so that they blend in with the rest of the teeth in the mouth, and can then be treated just like natural teeth. In fact, many patients say they don’t even notice the presence of new veneers after a few weeks. Dentists can even use veneers to correct minor misalignments of natural teeth by simply attaching the material so that the teeth appear to be straight.

This direct restoration involves the application of a malleable dental resin to the affected tooth. In many cases of minor cosmetic imperfections, such as gaps, cracks, chips, or slightly misshapen teeth, dental bonding can meet a patient’s needs while eliminating the need for more extensive treatment options, such as porcelain veneers. After the resin is applied to the treatment area, it is shaped as needed for a natural appearance. Any excess resin is removed, at which point the bonding material is cured, or hardened, with a special dental lamp. Once the restoration has hardened and properly adhered to the treatment site, it is polished for a natural appearance.

Smile Makeover:

A smile makeover is a comprehensive treatment plan that aims to completely re-imagine and revitalise an individual’s smile. Every smile makeover begins with an in-depth discussion between the patient and our dental team. During this discussion, our dentists can evaluate your oral health, go over your goals for treatment, advise you of your treatment options, and devise a course of action to help you realise the smile of your dreams. Every smile makeover is different, as every patient has unique needs. A number of cosmetic and restorative dentistrytreatments can be called upon to help restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Whether you’re unhappy with your smile or suffer from severe dental decay, we can bring your smile back to life.