Dental implants are a wonderful solution to many dental problems.  Dental implants are a great way to replace a single missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth.  They can erase the need for dentures or partial dentures, or they can provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the jaw.  Specialists such as a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon usually place the implant.  Dr. Barnes restores the top of the tooth. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular.  They are highly durable and will last many years; but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

 A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of the existing tooth..

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth.

• Improving the shape,  size, or color of front teeth

• Cracked or broken teeth.

• Decayed teeth.

• Worn teeth.

You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much you show when you talk and smile. In only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear splints. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile.