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New Haven
Family Dentistry
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Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular exam, we will:
- Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
- Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
- Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
- Provide a thorough teeth cleaning
Your regular exam will take about 45 minutes. Each regular exam
includes a detailed teeth cleaning, in which we will clean, polish, and
rinse your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque that has built up on
the tooth's surface.
Visiting our office every six months gives you the chance to talk to the
doctor about any questions you may have about your oral health. Regular
exams are offered by appointment only, so please contact our practice
today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.
Regular Exams - Printable PDF
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Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored,
or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto
your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your
tooth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it
closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
Tooth bonding also can be used for tooth fillings instead of amalgam
fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color
is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Bonding
fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location
and extent of tooth decay.
Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually
can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain
and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain
veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The bonding
generally can be easily patched or repaired in one visit.
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A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite.
A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great,
and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been.
Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination
of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.
The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other
teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very
important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.
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Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as
important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques.
Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and
most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital
X-ray technology in our office.
Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options, designed to
save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less
radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.
Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as
comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we'll be happy to
answer any questions you may have.
Bridge Care - Printable PDF
Super Floss and Threaders - Printable PDF
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Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth's shape
or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are
broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.
A crown is a "cap" cemented onto an existing tooth that fully covers
the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown
becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain,
metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they
mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is
insufficient tooth strength remaining to hold a filling. Unlike
fillings, which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth,
a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a
lab from your unique tooth impression, which allows a dental laboratory
technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your
crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements
function normally once the crown is placed.
More Info On Our In-House Cerec Crowns
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Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There
are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are given to
patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Partial
dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural
teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed.
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cared for. Use a gentle
cleanser to brush your dentures, always keep them moist when they're not
in use, and be sure to keep your tongue and gums clean as well.
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Digital radiography (digital x-ray)
is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses
an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the
digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and
enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier.
Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of
traditional dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays are essential,
preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible
during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this
information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and
complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go
undetected.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Detecting and treating dental
problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort,
and your teeth!
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural
radiation in our environment. Digital x-rays produce a significantly
lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays. Not only
are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are
faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental
office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there
is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful
waste and chemicals into the environment.
Even though digital x-rays produce a
low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take
necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These
precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead
apron shields to protect the body.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends
on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental
hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical
and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of
disease.
A panoramic or full mouth series of dental
x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for
three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom
teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are
recommended once a year to detect new dental problems.
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There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a
baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out
as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the
permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay
that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your
doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant.
Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can
also require removal of a tooth.
When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist
may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another
visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your
jawbone in a "tooth socket," and your tooth is held in that socket by a
ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the
socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place.
While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share
with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing
problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these
complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted
tooth.
Post-Op Extraction Care - Printable PDF
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Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, may include gold,
porcelain, and composite. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and
plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These
compounds, often called composite resins, usually are used on the front
teeth where a natural appearance is important. There are two different
kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings
placed directly into a prepared cavity in a single visit. Indirect
fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays,
onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal
alloys, ceramics, or composites.
Filling Care - Composites (White) - Printable PDF
Filling Care - Amalgam (Silver) - Printable PDF
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Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in
preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth's surface.
A fluoride treatment in your dentist's office takes just a few minutes.
After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink
for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the
fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor's recommendation,
you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or
12 months.
Fluoride - Printable PDF
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Nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, but when
disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, it's good to know that there
are options for restoring your smile. If you are self-conscious because
you have missing teeth or you wear dentures, there is an alternative:
dental implants.
An implant is a new tooth made of metal and porcelain that looks just
like your natural tooth. It's composed of two main parts: One part is
the titanium implant body that takes the place of the missing root, and
the second part is the tooth-colored crown that is cemented on top of
the implant. With periodontal treatment, you can smile confidently
knowing no one will ever suspect you have a replacement tooth.
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In addition to tooth replacement, implants may be used to anchor
dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or
chew. For patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace
missing teeth so you have a more natural-looking smile.
If you have missing teeth, it is crucial to replace them. Without all
your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you
discomfort. When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause
your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your
missing teeth, and if properly maintained, can last a lifetime!
Post-Op Implant Care - Printable PDF
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Air polishing uses which uses air, water, and either sodium bicarbonate
(ProphyJet®) or non-sodium (JET Fresh®) to help in the removal of stain and
plaque during a routine hygiene appointment. This technique removes stain
quicker than scaling and polishing the conventional way. Air polishing is recommended
to clean tooth surfaces prior to bonding procedures and placement of dental
sealants. It is also highly effective in use on patients wearing orthodontic
appliances. Please do not confuse Air polishing with
air abrasion. Air abrasion is a procedure that removes or roughens the enamel
surfaces for restorative procedures.
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In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably
lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root
canal treatment, your tooth can be saved. When a tooth is cracked or has
a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause
an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form.
If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result.
This can not only injure your jawbones, but is detrimental to your
overall health.
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment,
your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in
problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue.
Next, the tissue will be removed and the interior of the tooth will be
cleaned and sealed. Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental
composite. If your tooth has extensive decay, your doctor may suggest
placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking. As
long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular
brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a
lifetime.
Post-Op Root Canal Care - Printable PDF
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Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those
hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush
to get in between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left
alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your
teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are a plastic resin that bonds and hardens in the
deep grooves on your tooth's surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny
grooves become smooth, and are less likely to harbor plaque. With
sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against
tooth decay.
Sealants are typically applied to children's teeth as a preventive
measure after the permanent teeth have erupted as a way to prevent tooth
decay. However, adults also can receive sealants on healthy teeth. It
is more common to seal "permanent" teeth rather than "baby" teeth, but
every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants
on a case-by-case basis.
Sealants last from three to five years, although it is fairly common
to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. A dental
sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your
sealants come off, let your dentist know, and schedule an appointment
for your teeth to be re-sealed.
Sealant Care - Printable PDF
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You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains,
or misshapen teeth. With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth's
imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile.
Veneers are natural in appearance, and are a perfect alternative for
patients wanting to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their
smile.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored
materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your
teeth. To prepare for veneers, your doctor will create a unique model of
your teeth. This model is sent to the dental technician to create your
veneers. Before placing your new veneer, your doctor may need to
conservatively prepare your tooth to achieve the desired esthetic
result.
When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your
natural teeth. While veneers are stain resistant, your doctor may
recommend that you avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain
the beauty of your new smile.
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Wisdom teeth are types of molars found in the very back of your
mouth. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but
may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or
angle of entry. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be
removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling,
or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully
erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth
decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.
Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early
twenties because there is a greater chance that the teeth's roots have
not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These
two factors can make extraction easier, as well as making the recovery
time much shorter.
In order to remove a wisdom tooth, your dentist first needs to numb
the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Since the impacted
tooth may still be under the gums and imbedded in your jaw bone, your
dentist will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract
the tooth. In order to minimize the amount of bone that is removed with
the tooth, your dentist will often "section" your wisdom tooth so that
each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.
Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins.
Healing time varies depending on the degree of difficulty related to the
extraction. Your dentist will share with you what to expect and provide
instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.
Post-Op Extraction Care - Printable PDF
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