There are different kinds of xrays which allow us to diagnose issues with teeth. Panorex xrays show a picture of your whole mouth allowing us to see the teeth, roots, impacted wisdom teeth, jaw bone, and sinuses. Periapical xrays are individual pictures of teeth allowing us to see the entire root and inspect for infection under the tooth. Bitewings are typically done once a year and allow us to check for cavities between the teeth.
Sometimes normal cleanings are not adequate for some mouths. When plaque and calculus accumulate in the mouth, food and bacteria start building up in the pocket between the tooth and the gum. If these pockets become too deep, you are unable to clean them at home with normal flossing and brushing and it can be uncomfortable for us to use our instruments. We need to use special instruments while keeping you comfortable and numb to remove all the debris. If plaque and calculus is not cleaned from the pockets, the irritated tissues start to break down and will not continue to attach to the tooth. The gums and the bone hold the teeth in place and contribute to a healthy mouth and even a healthy cardiovascular system!
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produces acids that weaken the tooth structure and make it soft. The bacteria produces acid after it feeds on carbohydrates that break down into simple sugars (so even healthy snacks like pretzels and fruit can contribute to cavities!). The best way to treat simple decay is to remove it with a drill and then fill it with material (such as white composite or silver amalgam).
Crowns, or "caps," are put on teeth to hold them together and make them stronger. This is necessary after root canals, if a filling is too large to adequately hold a tooth together, or if a tooth breaks. We make most of our crowns out of strong, tooth colored zirconia. Sometimes crowns are also made out of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or gold.
A bridge or, fixed partial denture, can fill the space that a missing tooth creates. A crown is typically placed on the tooth to either side of the space and a false tooth acts as the "bridge" in between. Bridges can often be adapted to replace more than one tooth. They are permanently cemented in the mouth.
Veneers are esthetic restorations that cover the front of teeth for a more pleasant appearance.
Root canals, or endodontic treatment, is usually needed for dead or dying teeth. If a tooth breaks or is traumatized, has too large of a cavity or even has a crack, bacteria can inflame and infect the nerve. We take out the nerve from the center of the tooth, disinfect it, and place a filling in it. Typically, root canaled teeth need a crown afterwards to help prevent them from breaking in the future. We do most root canals in office, but sometimes refer more difficult cases to endodontists.
We use prescription strength peroxides to brighten your smile while reducing the amount of sensitivity, exposures of materials to gums, and enamel stripping.
Dentures and partials are false teeth that replace either all of or some of the teeth. They are made over a series of visits and come in and out of the mouth. It is important to replace missing teeth, even if they are the back teeth to allow for proper chewing, speaking, and to prevent teeth from shifting in position.
Newly offered at the North Ridgeville location! Invisalign involves clear retainers that can straighten crooked teeth.