At Denise Dental Studio, we perform a wide range of dental procedures. In certain cases, however, it is advisable for some of the patient’s care to be completed by a dental specialist. We work in close cooperation with specialists in a number of different disciplines, including, for example, orthodontics, endodontics (root canals), periodontics (dental implant placement and gum disease treatment), and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Rest assured that Dr. Denise has a close working relationship with these other professionals, and our office communicates regularly with our colleagues. When you need specialty care, we refer you to a trusted specialist. Once the treatment has been completed in that office, you are asked to return to our office for either the restorative phase of treatment or other appropriate follow-up care. By working closely with selected dental specialists, we want to give you the “best of both worlds”—comprehensive dental care in our office
There are times when a cavity in a tooth requires a restoration called a “filling.” However, crowns, or caps, are needed to protect weak or cracked teeth, or teeth that have lost much of their structure due to past fillings. Dental crowns are also usually indicated following a root canal procedure to strengthen and protect the tooth. In addition, a crown can be used to cover a tooth that does not have a pleasing shape or one that has become significantly discolored. In fact, crowns are often placed on front teeth as part of a cosmetic “smile makeover.” Crowns are also the restorative phase of dental implant treatment. In this case, the crown is securely attached to the dental implant, or artificial tooth root, and the result is a strong and long-lasting restoration. The are various types of crowns, because different materials can be used. Ask Dr. Denise about your
Periodontal or gum disease is preventable and controllable. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, the symptoms of gum disease include the following: • Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth • Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food • Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before • Loose or separating teeth • Pus between your gums and teeth • Sores in your mouth • Persistent bad breath • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite • A change in the fit of partial dentures If you have one or more of these symptoms, please tell us and we will be happy to treat you and offer advice. It is important that gum disease be treated because the bacteria that cause gum disease travel through the blood stream to
Patients have several options for whitening their teeth. One option is to buy products from a pharmacy that promise to get teeth whiter with repeated applications. These products work sometimes, but they require repeated applications. The price for one box of whitening materials may seem attractive, but buying multiple boxes is not cost effective. Another option is to have our office provide you with a custom whitening tray and gel that is more effective than over-the-counter products. Patients use the trays twice a day for about two weeks. The results can be dramatic. The fastest way to whiten teeth is to use our in-office teeth whitening service. Results that take two weeks at home can be accomplished in the office in about one hour. Patients who are seeking whiter teeth need to start with a baseline of good oral health, including healthy gums. Ask us about the various options and
The scientific name for bad breath is “halitosis.” Whatever you call it, bad breath can be embarrassing. If you don’t carefully brush and floss teeth daily, particles of food may remain in your mouth, which leads to the growth of bacteria. The bacteria are found on the teeth, gums, and tongue, and bacteria can cause bad breath. Periodontal or gum disease can also cause bad breath. Smoking or using chewing tobacco are also culprits to be avoided Bad breath is also associated with a long list of other dental and medical conditions. To avoid bad breath, we recommend that patients visit our office on a regular basis for professional dental cleanings, and also see a physician for periodic medical check-ups. All patients are advised to brush and floss as instructed, and the home hygiene protocol should also include gently brushing the tongue to remove bacteria. Certain mouthwashes that contain antimicrobial
