DENTAL CLEANING
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. For a healthy mouth the American Dental Association recommends a professional cleaning at least every six months. Those with a history of gum problems, or advanced dental care may need more frequent cleaning schedule. Plaque and tartar accumulation can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A dental cleaning includes scaling off any tartar, and the removal of plaque by a thorough polishing of the tooth surfaces. Scaling can be done via electronic or hand instrumentation. An alternative to the traditional rubber cup for polishing is the “prophy jet”. This is a sodium bicarbonate spray that is less abrasive than a prophy cup and preferred by many. To achieve best results, a combination of methods are used depending on the patient and hygienist’s preferences.
NIGHTGUARDS AND ATHLETIC BITEGUARDS
Custom designed nightguards (also called bite splints) are dual layered with a flexible plastic inner lining and outer hard lining molded to fit not only the shape of your teeth, but also to custom fit the bite in such a way that minimizes stress on the muscles of the jaw and the TMJ (jaw joint itself).Nightguards are recommended for a variety of reasons:
Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and contact sports such as soccer, baseball, football and basketball. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of the mouth. They are constructed of a soft plastic.
DIAGNOdent
Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a DIAGNOdent. This tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities that may go undetected for much longer with traditional x-rays and exam. Studies show that 50% of cavities are left undetected until they reach advanced stages. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate cavities sooner and put a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and alerts us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It even calculates the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated at their earliest stage.
ORTHODONTICS AND INVISALIGN®
Dr Kuhl straightens teeth using Invisalign or braces. With braces, brackets are bonded to the teeth, and arch wires are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available, including the traditional metal braces, and ceramic "tooth colored" braces.
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of thin, clear, aligners that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, to gradually shift hour teeth to their proper position. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the aligners are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
Invislaign uses CAD Cam technology to create a series of aligners. Each aligner is worn for a two-week period, after which you switch to a new one. We monitor your progress around every six weeks, to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. We have found Invisalign to generally take less time than traditional braces.
As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. For those patients with insurance, policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.
ORAL HYGIENE CARE
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do, not only for your teeth and gums, but your overall well-being. An ever-increasing amount of evidence links oral plaque and bacteria with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps one can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other health problems. These include:
DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw. Once in place the surrounding bone fuses to it, so it can function like a tooth root. A replacement tooth is then attached to the post. Implants are stronger than natural teeth, and with proper maintenance can last a lifetime. In most cases they are a more favorable approach than bridgework to replace missing teeth since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for their support.
LASER DENTISTRY
Laser dentistry is one of the latest advancements in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers are an alternative to the scalpel, the drill, and other instruments. They direct an invisible beam of light onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and infected gums. Laser dentistry minimizes the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Many procedures require no anesthesia.
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. This laser is also used to kill bacteria in gum pockets, eliminating infection which allows infected gums to return to a healthy state. This technique eliminates the need for scalpel and suture. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.
X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passing through bone, which produce an image on film, showing the structures through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. X-rays of teeth and supporting bone are necessary to for proper diagnosis.
Digital x-rays use a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.
BONDING
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material to the tooth surface.
This is done for a variety of reasons, including:
First a primer and bonding agent is applied to the tooth so the material will adhere to the tooth surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and cured with a curing light. Finally it is shaped and polished to a smooth, lustrous finis
DENTURES
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are removable and often need adjustments in order to create a comfortable fit. These days they are often secured to implants to make them more comfortable and efficient in chewing.
PAPERLESS CHARTING
Our office is a completely digital. This means all x-rays, photos and charting can be recorded in the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down on unnecessary paperwork.
How does this benefit the patient? Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from office to office and even from doctor to staff within the same office. Dependency on handwriting can lead to errors in care and communication. Computers eliminate this problem by using consistent standardized charting methods that are accurate, precise, and easy to read. This method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with other health care providers and insurance carriers.
INTRAORAL CAMERA
We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small areas, cracks, chips or worn fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional exams. Because images are displayed on a monitor, patients are able to see and better understand their dental condition and any procedures that need to be performed.
SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. Molars in particular have numerous grooves and pits which accumulate plaque, not because someone doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them! These are likely to develop cavities over time. A sealant is a preventive resin coating that flows into these grooves and “seals” them off from plaque and bacteria. Sealants reduce cavity risk by over 90%.WHITENING
Tooth whitening is a very safe and popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whitening stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Our office offers two methods of whitening: in-office whitening and tray whitening.
In-office whitening is an ideal procedure for anyone needing immediate results, because the entire procedure takes place in our office in about an hour. In this process, a protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. A special light-activated gel is then applied to your teeth and a special light or laser is used to enhance the action of the agent. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright.
Tray whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment and uses less harsh chemicals for people with sensitive teeth. An impression is taken of your teeth to make a customized clear tray that you wear to whitening your teeth. A special bleaching material is dispensed in the trays and typically worn for 1-2 hours per day for 10 days to 2 weeks. At the end of this period, patients typically see a dazzling result. A one-day follow-up treatment can be done every 6 months to maintain your whiter shade of teeth.
AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT REMINDER
We use an automated appointment reminder system that will email you or text your cell phone two days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment. Emails can be confirmed, and text messages request a call back to confirm an appointment. Please see our missed appointment policy for more information.
TELESCOPIC LOUPES
The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.FILLINGS
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 first step is the removal of the decayed tooth material. In our office this is often done with an air abrasion machine that does not require a shot or drill. After the decay is removed, Dr. Kuhl always applies a disinfectant/desensitizer to the affected area, which has practically eliminated any post-operative symptoms. A bonding agent is applied and a filling material placed.
There are a variety of filling materials used in our office including composite resins, porcelain and gold. We work with the patient to determine which material is best for them, depending on esthetic requirements, the extent of repair and the biting forces involved. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:
Dr. Kuhl does not place silver fillings because they do not chemically bond to tooth surface, and therefore increase the risk of tooth fracture.
VENEERS
Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the teeth. Veneers cover the front of the teeth and any damaged portion of the teeth.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed. Veneers are recommended for damaged, discolored or malpositioned teeth, and are typically the most highly esthetic dental treatment available.
DIGITAL IMAGING
Digital imaging also allows us to accurately document your dental needs and treatment. We take digital images of teeth with an intra-oral camera so you can see what the doctor sees. This allows you to make informed choices about your dental care. We also take face, teeth and smile photos for our lab, and to provide a visual documentation of treatment rendered.
ELECTRONIC CLAIMS
Our office utilizes electronic claims processing for our patients who have dental insurance. This means that rather than sending a dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of a button. By filing claims electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to:
A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENT
The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth. These structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy (called periodontal disease), it jeopardizes the teeth, just as a bad foundation threatens the stability of a house. Often periodontal disease has no symptoms and patients are only made aware of it after an oral exam or x-rays are taken.
With gum disease, there is a loosening of the gums around the teeth, allowing the spread of infection. Research shows a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease and other major illnesses. As with most other diseases, the sooner it is treated, the easier the treatment and the better the results. Non-surgical treatment involves a deep cleaning typically done under a local anesthetic. Prescription mouthwashes, antibiotics placed under the gum, and a variety of other aids are employed to fight the infection.
If the gum disease is too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. That is why regular preventive care with the hygienist is so important.
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health, comfort and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are times when an extraction is necessary. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a painkiller and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, analgesics are prescribed. Any discomfort should lessen within a few days. Severe or prolonged pain, swelling, bleeding or fever is not normal, and should this occur you should call our office.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth.
Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
HALITOSIS
Approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by a dental condition. The underlying cause must be determined to properly treat the condition.
Bad breath simply caused by an accumulation of normal oral bacteria in the mouth can be eliminated by proper brushing of the teeth, tongue and gums after meals, as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. A mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide works well for halitosis. Regular visits to the dentist should be made to rule out other causes, and to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Some types of bad breath, such as "morning breath," are considered fairly normal and are due to the slowing of saliva flow during sleep. However, persistent or stronger bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems and should be evaluated.
Bad breath may be caused by the following:
AIR ABRASION
Air abrasion is a drill-less, gentle approach to remove decay from the teeth. An air abrasion unit utilizes a special handpiece that blows a fine stream of air and aluminum oxide particles onto the teeth to spray away decay.There are several advantages with this technique compared to the traditional drill:
TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. It is located just in front of the ear, where the skull and jaw meet. Problems in this joint are most commonly due to muscle tension. Other causes are a poor bite, missing teeth, trauma to the jaw, or changes in the joint such as arthritis. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong with any of these, the following symptoms may occur:Dental treatments for the condition may include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, or adjusting the bite. There is not one solution that is right for all cases. Often a nightguard is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem, or to protect a damaged joint. In severe cases surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontics is the art of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. Most commonly it involves the use of braces to move teeth into their proper positing. In this method, brackets are bonded to the teeth and arch wires are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces.CEREC
CEREC is an acronym for Charismatic Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth with beautiful custom ceramic crowns in a single visit, completely eliminating the need or multiple appointments over a several week period. The process can create a ceramic dental crown, inlays, onlays or veneers using a variety of technologies including 3D photography and computer-aided design and manufacturing known as CAD/CAM (see below). Using an intra-oral camera, a photograph is taken of the tooth and the picture is loaded onto the computer. Using Computer Aided Design technology, the dentist is able to design the restoration and transform the image into a three-dimensional model. This valuable program then allows the dentist to easily calculate the appropriate restoration shape and size to create near perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine then creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision. The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful and custom designed and produced restoration, made entirely to fit your mouth. CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for over 20 years.SEDATION DENTISTRY for DENTAL ANXIETY
Dental sedation is a major stress reducer for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive the care they need for a healthy smile.
Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, various types of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.
Nitrous Oxide SedationOral Sedatives
A pill to relax the patient is typically taken an hour prior to the dental appointment, so the patient is instructed not to drive themselves to or from the office.
WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or “third molars” that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-21. Most peoples' jaws are not large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth in a healthy position. They can be impacted (trapped beneath the gum and bone), grow in crooked, emerge only part way through the gum or just be too difficult to access to clean properly.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia, sometimes in conjunction with a sedative, so you are relaxed during the procedure.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you will be instructed to bite down on gauze for an hour after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding. Some pain and swelling may occur but prescribed medication should keep the patient comfortable. Ice may also be utilized to minimize swelling. Any swelling or pain normally subsides after a few days; however, patients should call if they have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
CUSTOMIZED SHADING
Some patients have very difficult shades to match. We have a great working relationship with our lab, so you can work directly with them to customize your dental work to the shade you desire. Our office has tried computerized shade matching, but have so far found these techniques to be inconsistent.AQUA ABRASION
Aqua abrasion is a new cutting and polishing systems that works in the same fashion as air abrasion. In addition to removing decay and preparing restorations, it can be used to effectively clean and polish the teeth through a fine stream of water that is sprayed onto the tooth surface. The aquabrasion system can replace the drill in many dental procedures and it quickly removes decay while conserving healthy tooth structure. Its gentle nature can eliminate the need for local anesthesia in many procedures.CAD/CAM CROWN and Bridge RESTORATION SYSTEM
Our lab utilizes CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for “computer-aided design” and “computer-aided manufacturing”. Using special software, a scan of your teeth is used to generate a design (CAD) for custom abutments, crowns or bridges. The computer generates a custom blue print and guidelines to manufacture ideally shaped and positioned restorations (CAM). Paired with a state-of-the-art milling machine, our lab creates precision fitting crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays.
LUMINEERS
LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. These contact lens-thin “smile shapers” can be applied to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.
Our team has taken numerous advanced training courses on this procedure. To see if you are a candidate, call our office for a complimentary consultation.
Click here to learn about LUMINEERS.
