Composite fillings/bonding
Fillings and bondings are dental restorations used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay (cavities) or fracture. By matching a composite resin material to your natural tooth, we can recontour and restore the tooth for improved aesthetics and a more natural looking smile.
Periodontal disease treatments
Gingivitis and Periodontitis are two very common diseases that many people might not be aware they have! At your preventive exam and cleaning appointments, our hygienists and doctors work together to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your gums in order to determine the diagnosis and best treatment for you. Gingivitis is characterized by gums that bleed easily and are red, swollen and tender. Gingivitis can typically be treated with professional cleanings and improved home care, which our hygienists will review in depth with you. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection in the bone, connective tissue and gums around a tooth or an implant. We can identify periodontitis by measuring pockets that form in between the teeth and the gums and identifying areas of lost bone around the teeth on X-rays. Left untreated, Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and also contribute to systemic health problems. We can treat periodontitis with scaling and root planing (most people call it a “deep cleaning”). This is a therapy to remove plaque and tartar build up and flush out bacteria deep under your gums. Sometimes we will also utilize localized antibiotic treatments we can place in your gums to help resolve the infection.
Porcelain restorations
Porcelain restorations may be inlays and onlays, crowns or bridges – all used to bring damaged or missing teeth back into function. Porcelain inlays and onlays are used when we determine a composite filling is not right for a tooth but it does not need a full crown. They are like the in-between of fillings and crowns. Porcelain crowns fit over the entire tooth and are used to restore a tooth back to its full shape and function when it has been damaged, either from cavities, fillings or fractures and cracks. Bridges can be used to replace a missing tooth by placing crowns over the two adjacent teeth and filling in the missing tooth. Whatever concerns you have about your teeth, ask Dr. Mooney and Dr. Shaeffer what treatment options they think would be best for you.
Veneers
Veneers are a great cosmetic dental treatment, requiring only minimal preparation. They cover the front side of your teeth and are a great option to correct discoloration, chipping and slight flaws in your smile such as spacing or crooked teeth. Each veneer is custom made for your teeth from porcelain. Ask to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Mooney or Dr. Shaeffer to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you.
Partial and Full Dentures
Dentures are the least invasive option for replacing missing teeth. If you have multiple missing teeth, dentures may be a good solution to help restore your smile to good function and health. Dentures are largely made of acrylic and artificial teeth are placed in a gum-colored base that sits on your gums. A partial denture uses a framework or clasps to anchor to your natural teeth, whereas a full denture replaces an entire arch of missing teeth.