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Veneers (Back to the top.) Veneers continue to be one of the most accepted smile enhancement techniques in dentistry today. Veneers are thin pieces of durable shaped porcelain that are custom made to fit your tooth by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions. Reasons for porcelain veneers:
The technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic. Call now to see if you are a good candidate for veneers.
Lumineers (Back to the top.) LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. Dr. Nejati can apply these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” 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. Dr. Nejati is certified to place LUMINEERS and has took 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 more about LUMINEERS.
Bondings (Back to the top.) Dental bonding is a tooth colored resin material used for fillings or to repair chipped or worn tooth structure. The procedure involves preparing the tooth and then applying a gel to micro etch the tooth surface. Then a primer/bonding agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface.The last step is to place the material on the tooth and harden it with a special curing light. The resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step. Since this material is sculpted and bonded to the tooth, it is the ideal restoration for small fillings or restorations and is less likely to fracture than silver fillings. For larger chips or fillings, porcelain veneers or inlays and onlays would be the better option for a restoration.
Zoom Whitening (Back to the top.) Whitening, otherwise known as bleaching, is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses two methods: Zoom! One-Hour Whitening or custom whitening trays. Zoom! is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe, effective, and fast. In just one hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days or weeks of using strips or wearing trays makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. Then the Zoom! whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. Trays with gel are recommended afterwards for maintenance. The tray method involves having impressions taken from which a laboratory fabricated custom trays are made. A whitening gel is placed in these trays and the trays are worn for about 1-3 hours a day, or overnight. The entire process takes about 3-4 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength the greater the likelihood of tooth sensitivity. For the maintenance of whitened teeth, the trays should be used every several months.
Crowns & Bridges (Back to the top.)  Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile. It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.  A bridge is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. 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. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics. It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before them, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.
LAVA Crowns and Bridges  Lava™ Crowns and Bridges from 3M/Espe are the state of the art in all porcelain crowns and fixed bridges without the use of metals. Utilizing a unique system, a zirconium base is milled to precisely fit your tooth. The translucent and expertly layered porcelain provide unparalleled beauty and life-like restoration.
If you're looking for a natural and lasting change to your smile with a great fit and long-lasting strength, Lava™ Crowns and Bridges may be for you. They will reshape and whiten the overall appearance of your teeth and improve your smile dramatically. Give us a call at All Smiles Dentistry to find out more about this remarkable product. 
Implants (Back to the top.)  A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft. Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out at all.
Inlays & Onlays (Back to the top.) Inlays and onlays are restorations that are made in a lab and customized to the shape and color of your tooth. They are bonded to your tooth and are very strong and durable restorations.They can be made of gold or composite resin, but are usually made from porcelain. The difference between them is an onlay goes over the cusp of your tooth where an inlay is smaller and stays within the cusp. They are cosmetic alternatives to silver fillings and much more conservative than crowns, when indicated. Typically they are ideal in teeth that have large decay or an existing large filling. Traditional fillings can decrease the strength of teeth by up to 50% whereas inlays and onlays actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%..
Invisalign (Back to the top.)
Dentures (Back to the top.) 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 but it prevents other teeth from shifting. A complete denture may be either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissue shrinks and heals, adjustments will have to be made, and eventually a new set will be needed once the tissue is completely healed. Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Root Canal Therapy (Back to the top.)  Root canal therapy is needed when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to the pulp. 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 when 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.
Nightguards & Mouthguards (Back to the top.) You don’t have to be a football player to benefit from wearing a mouth protector. Any adult or child involved in a recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth can obtain smile protection with this important safety device. Your dentist can create a special mouth protector just for you – one that will provide comfort and proper fit. A custom-made mouth protector is individually designed and constructed in the dental office or according to your dentist’s specifications in a professional dental laboratory. Nightguards are similar to protective mouthgaurds but are worn at night to help align the jaw and prevent teeth grinding.
Periodontal Therapy & Surgery (Back to the top.) What is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem- there is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket. Generally the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket, which leads to bone loss around the teeth. What causes Periodontal Disease? The sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth is called plaque, and is made mostly of bacteria. Some of these bacteria produce by-products that can irritate the tissues that support your teeth. These by-products can damage the attachment of the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone to your teeth. You can remove plaque with good oral hygiene-brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between them once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. When plaque is not removed through good oral hygiene, it builds up along the gum line and increases your risk of developing periodontal disease. Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into a rough porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Tartar itself does not seem to cause disease, but it may make it more difficult for you to remove plaque so it should be removed regularly. Tartar only can be removed when your teeth are professionally cleaned in our dental office. Do some factors increase the risk of developing Periodontal Disease? Yes, some factors can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. If one or more of the following apply you, it is especially important that you practice good oral hygiene and follow Dr. Nejati's advice to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
How would I know if I have Periodontal Disease? It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. However, several warning signs can signal that you have periodontal disease. If you notice any of the following, see Dr. Nejati immediately:
Types of Periodontal Diseases: Periodontal diseases are classified according to severity of the disease. The two major stages of the disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. It develops as toxins in plaque irritates gums, making them red, tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily. It can usually be eliminated by daily brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and regular dental cleanings. Periodontitis Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. There are several forms of periodontitis, with the most common being chronic adult periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when toxins, enzymes, and other plaque by-products destroy the tissues that anchor teeth into the bone. The gum line recedes, which can expose the tooth's root. Exposed roots can become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch. As we mentioned earlier, the sulcus deepens into a pocket in the early stage of periodontal disease. Plaque that collects in these pockets can be difficult to remove during regular brushing and interdental cleaning. By-products from the plaque that collects in these pockets can continue to damage the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone. In some cases, so much ligament and bone are destroyed that the tooth becomes loose. Usually, Dr. Nejati can still treat the disease at this point. In the worst of cases, a loose tooth may need to be extracted. How Can I prevent Periodontal Diseases? Daily good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal diseases. Proper daily hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. With proper brushing, you can remove plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Dr. Nejati can show you the proper brushing technique. Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste also will help protect your teeth against cavities. Carefully clean between your teeth once a day with dental floss or another interdental cleaner to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach. It only takes a few minutes each day and is just as important in maintaining oral health as brushing your teeth. If you need extra help controlling gingivitis and plaque that forms above the gum line, Dr. Nejati may recommend using an ADA- accepted antimicrobial mouth rinse or other oral hygiene aids as an effective addition to your daily oral hygiene routine. When choosing dental care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association's seal of Acceptance-your assurance that they have the ADA standards of safety and effectiveness. Checking for Periodontal Diseases: During your checkups, Dr. Nejati will examine your gums. This is called a periodontal examination. An instrument called a periodontal probe gently measures the depth of the sulcus surrounding each tooth. The healthy sulcus depth is usually three millimeters or less. Periodontal diseases cause the sulcus (the shallow v-shaped crevice between your teeth and gums) to deepen into a pocket. A periodontal probe can determine whether you have developed any pockets and the depth of those pockets. Generally, the more severe the disease, the deeper the pocket. Dental x-rays, or radiographs, also may be taken to evaluate the amount of bone supporting the teeth and to detect other problems not visible during the clinical examination. If periodontal disease is diagnosed, Dr. Nejati will provide treatment or may need to refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specialized in the treatment of periodontal disease. How are Periodontal Diseases treated? Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the conditon has progressed. The first step usually is a thorough deep cleaning that includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits. The tooth roots also may be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion, or bite, may require adjustment. Dr. Nejati may also recommend local delivery of antibiotics to help control infection, pain, and to promote healing. This medication is placed directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planing. Is surgery sometimes needed? When very deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar even with dental instruments. Likewise, you may have trouble keeping these pockets clean. If the pockets do no heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed. One of the goals of periodontal surgery is to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets to make them easier to keep clean. With surgery, we can access hard to reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque. The tooth root is cleaned and smoothed. Sometimes the bone around the tooth also is smoothed to help remove these pockets. The gums then are sutured back into place or into a new position that will be easier to keep clean at home. Bone surgery may be used to rebuild or reshape bone that has been destroyed. Grafts of the patients bone or artificial bone may be used, as well as special membranes. Splints, bite guards, or other appliances are used to stabilize loose teeth and to aid the regeneration of tissue during healing. If excessive gum tissue has been lost from the tooth root (gum recession), a gum graft may be performed. After surgery, a protective dressing over teeth and gums is usually applied. An antibiotic and mild pain reliever may be prescribed. How do I prevent periodontal disease from recurring? Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Dr. Nejati also will want to see you at regular intervals. You may need to schedule more frequent visits then you have in the past. You don't have to loose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. |
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