Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dental care focused on improving the aesthetics of your teeth and smile. With cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve a more beautiful and confident smile by resolving issues such as:- Stained and discolored teeth
- Cracked, chipped, fractured and broken teeth
- Misaligned or uneven teeth
- Missing teeth
- Excessively worn teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Teeth which are too long, short or pointed
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Dental VeneersDental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are recommended to cover and correct cosmetic issues such as:
- Large gaps and spaces between the teeth
- Severely stained teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Teeth which are broken, chipped, worn or fractured
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Teeth Whitening Your teeth may become dull, yellowed or discolored over time due to a number of different factors, such as:
- The natural aging process
- Poor dental hygiene
- Frequent consumption of foods and drinks that stain
- Use of tobacco products, including smoking
- Illness and the use of certain medications
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoride consumption)
Dental Technology
Our dentists and team are committed to providing you with the highest possible quality of care. As part of this commitment, our office features state-of-the-art dental technology. By combining technology with experience, we can ensure that your treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs and meet the highest standards of excellence. Technology includes the cutting-edge tools and equipment our dentists and team use, as well as the treatment techniques and materials used in your treatment plan. Ultimately, our goal in using technology is to make your experience as comfortable and efficient as possible while also promoting your oral health.▼
Cone Beam Imaging Cone beam imaging, also known as CBCT scanning or CT scanning, is an advanced 3D imaging technology used to give our dentists and team a more detailed view of your teeth and supporting structures. Images captured by this device allow us to create a three-dimensional reconstruction of your teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose and throat. This aids in a diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental conditions, including:
- Dental implant placement
- Evaluating the jaws and face
- Viewing the head and neck as a comprehensive whole
- Diagnosing tooth decay and other issues
- Detecting endodontic problems and planning root canal treatment
- Analyzing dental and facial trauma
- Planning and tracking the progress of orthodontic treatment
- Visualizing abnormal teeth
- Assessing TMJ disorders
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Digital X-Rays Digital X-rays are a type of diagnostic imaging technology. They use a small digital sensor to capture images of your teeth and supporting structures, instantly transmitting the captured images to a nearby monitor to provide our dentists with a detailed image so that they can give you an efficient, accurate diagnose and provide the care you need.Digital X-rays are used to diagnose a number of dental issues, such as:
- Tooth decay, including decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Improper tooth root positioning
- Cysts, abscesses and tumors
- Fractures in teeth or existing restorations
- Infection in the tooth nerves
- Bone loss
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Intraoral Cameras Intraoral cameras are small, pen-shaped imaging devices used to capture photos of your teeth and gums. Because these cameras are small and easily maneuverable, they allow our dentists to view all areas of your mouth without any difficulty, including those areas that are otherwise impossible to reach. Intraoral cameras are useful in evaluating your oral health and in diagnosing problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease and tooth damage, as well as in following-up on treatment after it has been completed. Additionally, intraoral cameras are a great educational tool, as they allow patients to gain a better understanding of their oral health. Our dentists and team can also send the photos captured by the camera to other dentists, specialists and insurance companies as needed to streamline your care.
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iTero® Digital Scanning iTero digital scanning allows our dentists and team to visualize your mouth in 3D. This state-of-the-art technology captures high-quality images of your teeth and supporting structures, making it possible for us to diagnose problems more quickly and accurately before providing you with more effective care. The scanner captures up to 20 images per second in full color, which can be used not only for diagnosis but also to create highly accurate digital models from which restorations and oral appliances can be made. This technology also simulates your final treatment outcome to show you how your smile will look following treatment! Additionally, the images are captured with a small wand which is passed over your teeth. This scanning process is quick and comfortable, can be stopped and restarted as needed, and the images are backed up ever few seconds to prevent you from needing to sit through a second scan.
General Dentistry
General dentistry includes a broad range of dental treatments, each of which are intended to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Whether you are visiting Dr. Black for routine preventive care or are seeking more complex restorative treatment, we can help you improve your oral health and achieve the beautiful smile you have always wanted. We recommend that you visit our office every six months to receive a dental cleaning and exam. Depending on your individual needs, our dentists may recommend additional treatments or more frequent visits.▼
Clenching and Grinding Guards Bruxism, or the grinding and clenching of teeth, can cause significant damage to your teeth and oral health. Common signs of bruxism include:
- Chronic jaw, facial and ear pain
- Waking with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
- Frequent tension headaches and migraines
- Excessive tooth wear, including chipped, flattened and cracked teeth
- Extremely worn tooth enamel which exposes the inner layers of your teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
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Conscious Sedation If you experience anxiety or stress when visiting the dentist, conscious sedation may be a good option for you. Conscious sedation, also known as laughing gas, is one of the safest and most effective options for managing dental anxiety and ensuring your comfort during treatment. This sedation option is administered through nose masks as a mild gas. When inhaling this gas, you will feel relaxed but also remain aware so that you can communicate easily with our dentists and team. The sedation effects are mild and will wear off shortly after you stop inhaling the gas, allowing you to safely and legally drive yourself home following your appointment.
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Dental Hygiene & Periodontal Therapies Oral hygiene is the foundation of a lifetime of good oral health. This includes both your at-home hygiene routine and routine cleanings and exams in our office. Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque, calculus and discoloration from your teeth, improving your appearance and helping you maintain better oral health. Dr. Black uses special cleaning handpieces to thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth so you can enjoy a fresh, clean smile. We recommend that you visit our office every six months for a professional cleaning, and that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home by brushing and flossing regularly as recommended by our dentists and team.If you are diagnosed with gum disease, our dentists may recommend scaling and root planing, a type of deeper dental cleaning which removes calculus from your teeth and tooth roots, halting the progression of the disease so you can begin regaining your oral health. Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, swollen and tender gums, and pockets of pus around your teeth. If you suspect you have gum disease, please make an appointment with our dentists as soon as possible.
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Dental Sealants Dental sealants are a preventive treatment which help protect your teeth from decay. Sealants are made from a clear or tooth-colored resin material which is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This material hardens into a smooth coating which blocks out decay-causing food and bacteria from the chewing surfaces. Once in place, sealants will last for several years to offer long-term protection for your smile. Sealants are typically provided for children when their permanent molars come in, but patients of all ages can benefit from this treatment. Sealants can be applied quickly and comfortably in just one visit with our dentists.
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Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, throat, sinuses, and hard and soft palates. Like all forms of cancer, oral cancer can be deadly if not treated promptly. However, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer when diagnosed early. Our dentists and team provide oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental exams to diagnose this condition as soon as possible, increasing your chances of successful treatment.Common signs of oral cancer include:
- A persistent sore throat
- Feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
- Unexplained oral bleeding
- Persistent or lasting sores on the face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks
- Ear pain
- Unexplained loss of feeling, pain or numbness in the face, neck or mouth
- Lumps, bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips or other areas of the mouth
- Red, white or speckled red-and-white patches in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, speaking and swelling
- Changes in your bite or in the fit of oral appliances such as dentures
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Sleep Quality Appliances Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and can affect your overall health and wellbeing in significant ways. This condition is characterized by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep, often caused by obstructions in the airway such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Extreme daytime drowsiness
- Irritability, personality changes, depression, anxiety and mood disorders
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Snoring
- Waking with a dry or sore throat
- Frequent headaches in the morning
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Tooth Extractions Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from your mouth. While our goal is to protect and preserve your teeth, there are some cases which may lead our dentists to recommend that a tooth be removed. These situations include:
- Severe infection
- Significant decay
- Extensive damage from injury or trauma
- Overcrowding
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is a field of dental care dedicated to helping you regain a healthy smile following tooth damage or loss. There are a wide range of restorative treatments available, from simple fillings to repair minor tooth damage to options for replacing multiple missing teeth. When you visit our office, our dentists will evaluate your teeth and mouth to determine the extent of the damage and create a treatment plan that meets your needs. Your treatment will be designed to be as comfortable and natural-looking as possible, giving you back your oral health and function as well as ensuring a confident and beautiful smile that you can enjoy for years to come.▼
3D Computer-Guided Dental Implant Placement Dr. Black uses 3D computer-guided software to properly place implant posts when replacing your missing teeth. This advanced technology allows us to zoom in and out on different areas of the teeth, jawbone and sinus cavities to visualize exactly where the optimal placement for your implant is, making your treatment more precise, effective and comfortable.Dental implants are designed as permanent replacements for your missing teeth, and when properly cared for with good oral hygiene will last a lifetime. Implants consist of two main parts — the implant post and the implant restoration. The implant post replaces your tooth roots and performs all the same functions as natural tooth roots in stimulating your supporting bone and creating a healthy, strong and stable foundation for your smile. The implant restoration replaces the visible portion of the tooth or teeth, and may be a single crown, a bridge or a denture depending on how many teeth you are replacing. Implants are considered the ideal options for replacing missing teeth as they promote your long-term oral health and function in addition to restoring your beautiful smile.
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Bone Grafting When you lose teeth, your supporting bone begins to resorb, or shrink, at the site of the missing tooth or teeth. Our dentists may recommend bone grafting to help you regain a healthy and strong supporting jawbone before you can receive dental implants. During bone grafting, our dentists will transplant a piece of bone from other areas of your jaw and body to your jawbone. Your natural bone then grows together with this grafted bone tissue to create a stronger and more stable foundation for your teeth and smile.
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Dental Bridges If you are missing one tooth or several teeth in a row, a dental bridge could be a good solution for you. Bridges are a fixed, or nonremovable, option for replacing missing teeth. Bridges consist of one or more prosthetic teeth which are attached to dental crowns on the teeth to either side of the gap in your smile. Bridges may also be anchored with dental implants. These crowns or implants hold the bridge in place. A dental bridge will:
- Restore your beautiful smile
- Restore your ability to eat and speak normally
- Alleviate excess stress on your bite
- Improve the shape and volume of your face
- Replace or prevent the need for removable partial dentures
- Prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place
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Dental Crowns Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are most commonly recommended to restore teeth that have sustained significant decay or damage. Crowns are custom-made to fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth to restore its original shape, size and strength as well as protect It from any additional damage. Crowns may also be recommend to:
- Protect a tooth after a root canal treatment
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Cover and complete a dental implant
- Improve misshapen teeth
- Strengthen teeth that are fractured or weak
- Support teeth with large fillings and little remaining natural tooth structure
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Dental Fillings If you experience minor to moderate tooth damage, such as that caused by cavities or minor fracturing or chipping, a dental filling can restore the strength and health of your tooth. Fillings are a simple restoration, and can usually be completed in just one appointment with our dentists. This treatment works by “filling in” the damaged areas of the tooth, restoring its shape. When you receive a filling, our dentists will first provide a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. The tooth will then be thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of damage and decay. The filling material is then applied and shaped to match the contours of the tooth before being hardened to complete your treatment.
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Dentures If you have lost multiple teeth, our dentists may recommend replacing them with dentures. Dentures are a type of removable oral appliance consisting of prosthetic teeth set in a plastic or acrylic base. They are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably, restoring your smile, improving your ability to eat and speak, and supporting your natural facial volume. There are two main types of dentures:
- Complete dentures, which replace all the teeth in a full dental arch.
- Partial dentures, which are used when have multiple missing teeth but some natural teeth remaining.
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Root Canal Therapy Root canal therapy is a type of endodontic treatment used to restore teeth that are infected or damaged. This type of treatment is recommended when injury and decay reach deep into the tooth, paste the outer layer of enamel and into the innermost areas of the tooth. If not treated, this infection can cause the tooth to die and make an extraction necessary. A root canal prevents the need for an extraction by removing the damaged and infected tissues from the tooth. During a root canal, our dentists will remove those injured tissues, clean the tooth and fill it with a medicated material before capping it with a dental crown to restore its original shape and structure. Our dentists and team will take care during your treatment to ensure your comfort. In most cases, root canals can be completed in just one or two visits to our practice.