Visit us every six months for a regular check-up and cleaning. A dental cleaning (prophylaxis) includes scaling plaque, polishing teeth, flossing, assessing your mouths cleanliness and providing oral hygiene instructions. Following the dental exam, Dr. Gowda Ardila will discuss a detailed treatment plan with you. Seeing the dentist every six months can help prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative dentistry in the future.

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

Great tooth and gum care starts at home. Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. Flossing is also crucial to the health of your teeth and gums and helps prevent gum disease. The purpose of flossing is to remove the bacteria trapped to the teeth. Start with an 18 inch strand of floss and ease it between each tooth. Sweep the floss up and down several times while curving the floss around the tooth at the gum line. Don’t forget to floss behind your very last tooth and use a floss threader when flossing bridges, braces, and fixed retainers.

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol for home care.

Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:

• Bad Breath
• Gum Recession
• Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
• Abscesses
• Tooth Pain
• Tooth Loss

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing & scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

Silver fillings, known as amalgam, have been around for decades. They are made from a metal alloy and were, for a long time, the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts based on the temperature of food and drink you consume. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled; keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

White fillings, also known as composites, are made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

ZOOM! is an hour long bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. ZOOM! must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

ZOOM! can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect. To keep you teeth looking their best we recommend occasional touch ups using our at home kits and also by brushing and flossing regularly.

Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that cover the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.

A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.

• Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
• Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
• Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
• Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
• Dental Implants replace the need for a removable full or partial denture.
• Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.

With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are candidates for dental implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.

The average dental implant procedure takes 3 – 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant. The next visit is to place the implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area (any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with little to no pain.

You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.

Fees from Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an implant consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, a dental implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!