|
14967 W. Bell Road, Suite 100, Surprise, Arizona 85374 (623) 547-5400
|
SERVICES
We are pleased to offer the following services to our patients:
 Oral Hygiene CareDental Cleaning
Bonding
ORAL HYGIENE CARE
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. 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 that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
-
Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
-
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
-
Use dental products which contain fluoride, including toothpaste
-
Rinse with a flouride mouth rinse if advised to do so
-
Make sure children under 12 drink fluoridated water
-
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
-
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
The following are indications of good oral hygiene:
-
Your teeth are clean and free of debris
-
Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
-
Bad breath is not a constant problem
CariFree Products
CariFree/Oral BioTech was developed with the vision of helping patients become cavity-free by assessing risks for dental disease, diagnosing the presence of the bacterial caries infection that causes cavities and treating the infection using preventive medical techniques to reduce the need for traditional drill and fill methods.
Cavities are the demineralized areas, or holes, that form in the teeth as a result of a bacterial infection called dental caries. This infection takes place when the normal healthy bacteria in the mouth are replaced by acid-producing bacteria. It breaks down like this. . .
Prolonged exposure to acid in the mouth =
overgrowth of cavity-causing bacteria =
death of healthy bacteria =
caries infection = Cavities
Drilling and filling has been the traditional method of treating cavities, but it doesn’t treat the infection, just the symptoms. Brushing and flossing has been the traditional method of prevention, but it does not change the acidity of the oral environment or treat the infection once it exists.
CariFree products fight the infection in 3 ways. First, the rinses and gels neutralize the acid making it difficult for the acid-producing bacteria to grow. Second, they contain the sugar Xylitol which the acid-producing bacteria cannot break down into acid, as they do other forms of sugars such as sucrose, glucose and fructose. And lastly, they contain flouride which will strengthen and remineralize enamel, helping to prevent new cavities in healthy teeth.
Back to top
 DENTAL CLEANING
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed to prevent excessive plaque buildup, every three to six months depending on the patient. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling and polishing. Patients with excessive palque buildup may require a procedure called Root planing.
Scaling: this is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar.
Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has lead to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
Polishing: this is the last step in tooth cleaning and involves finishing the surface of the teeth to make them shiny and clean.
There are two kinds of polishing: air polishing and rubber tip polishing. Air polishing works by spraying high pressured water mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of your teeth. This powered w ater washes away residue and plaque while baking soda removes stains. Rubber cup polishing uses a low-speed and gentle handpiece that contains a polishing paste made of abrasive ingredients ideal for removing stains.
Root planing: this is the process of cleaning pockets in the gums to treat and prevent gum problems.
Root planing is used to treat moderate to advanced gum diseases. When the gum is inflamed, gum pockets become deeper and may lose connections to the bone inside. The deeper the pockets, the easier it is for plaque deposits to become trapped and worsen gum problems. Depending on the degree of difficulty, root planing may take several appointments and a local anesthesia may be used to prevent pain.
Laser: Many early to moderate forms of gum disease can be treated with our Nd:YAG dental laser by sterilizing the pockets under your gums to allow for proper healing and prevent the need for invasive gum surgeries requiring scapels and stiches.
Back to top
SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. To avoid cavities developing over time, the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy. Back to top
BONDING
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is performed to repair damage caused by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for other cosmetic purposes.
First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding. A gel is applied so the resin will adhere to the surface of the tooth. The composite is then placed on the tooth and the bonding agent hardens with intense light. The last step is shaping and polishing to give a lustrous finish. Back to top |
LASER FILLINGS Our office is equipped with a state-of-the-art Powerlase AT Dental Laser which allows us to remove most cavities without having to get numb with a needle. Because the laser uses a combination of water and high powered light instead of a drill bit, there is no vibration to irritate the tooth. Just imagine having a filling done without the needle and not having to spend the next four hours drooling all over yourself with a numb lip and tongue.
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 no t only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to:
- Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
A bridge is a good method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science since it replaces a missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. 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 aesthetics.
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing they begin to "fall” and shift into the open spaces. This may worsen the bite because of the changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as TMJ.
Bridges and crowns are made by first taking an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown or bridge will be custom made to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is ready and cemented into place.
Bridges and crowns are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and good oral hygiene. Back to top
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. Some of the reasons a to oth may need to be extracted could include:
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Infection or abcess
- Orthodontic correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or roots
- Impacted teeth
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialized oral surgeon.
For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches. We will then provide you with care instructions to alleviate discomfort and ensure proper healing. Back to top
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (also referred to as endodontic therapy) is made necessary when an untreated cavity or crack in the tooth reaches all the way to the nerve. Treatment may also be needed when deep restorations or trauma have irritated the tooth's nerve. Once the nerve becomes infected it will begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is known as an abscess). This is not only painful but it will require treatment as it cannot heal on it's own. Symptoms that indicate the nerve may have become infected include severe sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, throbbing pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. However, sometimes no symptoms are apparent and you may be unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth nerve and disinfect the canals of the tooth. Alternate treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal is filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Back to top
DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal dis ease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants. Back to top
NIGHTGUARDS AND MOUTHGUARDS
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may be hit. Guards also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
If you have decided a guard is right for you, we will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard. In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years. Back to top |
|
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures to correct imperfections or enhance the appearance of the mouth. Tooth color, alignment, spacing, as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be enhanced to provide a stunning new smile.
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whitening stained and disc olored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.
We will first take an impression of your mouth to create a customized clear whitening trays for you to wear. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays. The whitening gel trays should be worn up to 2 hours daily for 7-10 days. At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling. Occasional touch-up treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile. Back to top
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays 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.
The Invisalign System work begins by first creating a series of trays that will each move your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit our office every four to six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, we will make clear retainers to ensure your new smile stays in place.
As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. To learn more, visit the Invisalign website by clicking here. Back to top
VENEERS
 |
|
Before and After case by Dr. Eberhart which included take home whitening and Veneers. |
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.
The indirect 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 aesthetic.
Back to top |
14967 W. Bell Road, Suite 100 • Surprise, AZ 85374 • (623) 547-5400 phone • (623) 792-8734 fax |
|
 |
|
