Services

What are porcelain fixed bridges?

Porcelain fixed bridges are non-removable appliances that are placed on teeth to replace a tooth that is missing. Porcelain bridges are made to match the natural color of your teeth and help fill in the gap where a tooth is missing. Bridges are essentially two crowns that that anchor an artificial tooth in between. The two crowns are cemented onto the teeth surrounding the missing tooth to help anchor the artificial tooth into place (abutment). The artificial tooth (pontic) is in place of the missing tooth to fill in the gap and allow your teeth to look natural.

The process of getting a porcelain fixed bridge

When you and your dentist decide that a porcelain fixed bridge is the right option for you, the dentist will begin preparing the two teeth that surround the missing tooth. The teeth are prepared so that two crowns can be placed in order to support the artificial tooth. Several impressions will be taken in order for the dentist to determine the size of the crowns and artificial tooth. Once the impressions are taken, they are sent to a dental laboratory where your bridge will be made. Setting a bridge generally takes two dental visits to complete. Once the dental laboratory has made your bridge, the dentist will cement the crowns into place.

Porcelain fixed bridges are very durable and can last a very long time when they are well taken care of. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your bridge clean through brushing and flossing.

What is a porcelain crown?

A porcelain crown is a tooth shaped cap that is used to help replaced teeth that cannot be restored using the traditional filling. They are generally suggested for patients who have had severely decayed or damaged teeth. Porcelain crowns match the color of teeth to give a natural appearance. There are many other types of crowns such as gold or silver, but porcelain crowns are most popular because they give the most natural look.

How are porcelain crowns placed?

When you and your dentist decide that getting a crown is the right option for you, the dentist will shape the tooth in a shape that enables him or her to place a crown. Depending on the damage of the tooth and how much tooth structure is present, the dentist will either shape the tooth or build up the tooth in order to support the crown. Several impressions will be taken so that a dental laboratory can custom make a cap for your tooth. While you wait for the dental laboratory to create your crown, your dentist will create a temporary crown for you that will be replaced when your final crown is finished. When the crown is finished by the dental laboratory, the dentist will try on the crown to ensure that the fit and bite are correct. The porcelain crown is then cemented to your tooth to give you a beautiful and natural appearance.

With care, porcelain crowns can be very durable and have the ability to last a long time. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your crown clean with brushing and flossing so that you can help your crown last for years.

Although receiving a crown can take two visits to complete, if your dentist uses CAD-CAM technology such as CEREC^®, they may be able to offer you a crown in one visit. Consult with your dentist to see if this is an option for you.

durability of porcelain crowns helps them to last many years, but they may eventually need to be replaced.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells that are custom made to go on front teeth. Porcelain veneers are sculpted out of porcelain by a dental laboratory in order to fix the appearance of teeth. Veneers can help correct crooked teeth, severely stained teeth, chipped teeth, teeth with gaps and etc.

The Veneer Process

Because the placement of veneers is a irreversible process, consult with a dentist to see if porcelain veneers is the right choice for you. The placement of veneers is generally a two-visit process that requires the dentist to prepare the teeth by removing some of the enamel to ensure that the veneer fits and looks natural. An impression will also be taken to determine the size and shape of the veneers. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where they will create a custom porcelain veneer. During your second visit to the dentist, the veneer will be placed by bonding it to the existing the teeth to give you a beautiful smile.

Taking Care of Your Veneers

After receiving veneers, you must maintain great oral hygiene. Your new porcelain veneers should be treated like normal teeth and your dentist will give you special instructions on how to brush and floss your new veneers.

What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays are restorative fillings that are made using different materials such as porcelain, gold or composite. Porcelain is often the most popular because it mimics natural tooth color. The porcelain is custom created to fit into the prepared tooth cavity and cemented in. Porcelain on its own can be very brittle, but when porcelain is bonded to tooth structure, it becomes very strong and durable.

Due to the durability of porcelain inlays and onlays, they may be recommended for patients who have more severe decay that cannot be repaired by a traditional filling. Generally, teeth that are broken, have severe decay or have fractured fillings are recommended to receive a porcelain inlay or onlay.

What is the difference between inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are both made at dental laboratories. Therefore, the process generally takes two visits to complete. Porcelain inlays are used in place on traditional silver or composite fillings. They are placed into the prepared tooth where a filling would be placed. Onlays are also known as “partial crowns” and they are caps that help protect the chewing surface of the tooth that has been damaged. Both inlays and onlays last for a very long time and provide patients with beautiful results, but they may eventually need to be replaced.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of apnea. Here’s information to help you understand how obstructive sleep apnea can affect your life and what can be done about it.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Apnea literally means “cessation of breath.” If you have sleep apnea, your breath can become very shallow or you may even stop breathing while you are asleep. This state of not breathing can occur up to hundreds of times a night in some people.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — also called obstructive sleep apnea syndrome — occurs when there are repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. During a sleep apnea episode, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk. These episodes can interfere with sound sleep. They can also reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs and cause irregular heart rhythms.

What Are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Often the person with obstructive sleep apnea is not the first to recognize the signs. OSA is often first noticed by the bed partner or a person who observes the patient at rest. Many people who have OSA have no sleep complaints.

The most common obstructive sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
• Headaches in the morning
• Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, depression, or irritability
• Night sweats
• Restlessness during sleep
• Sexual dysfunction
• Snoring
• Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking
• Difficulty getting up in the mornings

Symptoms of OSA in children may not be as obvious. They include:

• Bedwetting
• Choking or drooling
• Excessive sweating at night
• Inward movement of the ribcage when inhaling
• Learning and behavioral disorders
• Poor school performance
• Sluggishness or sleepiness (often misinterpreted as laziness in the classroom)
• Snoring
• Teeth grinding
• Restlessness in bed
• Pauses or absence of breathing
• Unusual sleeping positions, such as sleeping on the hands and knees, or with the neck hyperextended

Tooth Whitening is a popular procedure done to brighten your smile. First, speak with your dentist to see if whitening is a good option for you. Depending on the type of discoloration that is present on your teeth, whitening may or may not be effective. Common reasons for teeth discoloration result from using tobacco, staining from food or drinks and poor oral hygiene. Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains. Although whitening is helpful for the appearance of teeth, it is not permanent and stains may recur over time.

There are many types of whitening that can be done and the most common type is a gel-solution that can be applied directly to the surface of the teeth. This type of whitening can be done at a dental office or at home. At a dental office, the dentist will put a whitening agent on the teeth that is activated by a light or laser. For whitening at home, the dentist may recommend that you wear a whitening tray containing the whitening agent for several hours a day till you reach the shade you desire. Whitening toothpaste may also be purchased to help remove staining on the enamel.

Contact your dentist to see if tooth whitening is right for you.

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth when the tissue, blood vessels and nerves inside of a tooth have become inflamed. In order to save the tooth and remove the pain, the dentist will need to remove infected and diseased tissue to help clean out the infected area. The canal inside is then medicated to allow the surrounding area to heal.

Reasons a root canal may be performed

• Deep decay
• Infections at the tip of the root or inside the tooth canal
• Cracked, broken or injured teeth

Generally, but not always, a crown will need to be placed after the root canal treatment is complete in order to protect the tooth from any further damage. Sensitivity after the procedure is generally experienced by many patients and subside when the tooth has healed. When your treatment has been completed, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.

Our ultimate goal is to secure the safety, health, and beauty of your teeth for a lifetime so you can always smile with confidence. The very best way to achieve this is through an individually tailored prevention program designed through the cooperative effort of the patient, the dentist, and our dental staff.

With the practice of good oral hygiene at home combined with a balanced diet and regular dental visits, we can effectively preserve the natural dentition of your teeth and their supporting structures for years to come. This is the very best way to minimize or eliminate the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions that can result in serious and costly dental problems. Let us help you maintain a healthy, confident, and beautiful smile.

Professional dental cleanings, known as dental prophylaxis, are performed by registered dental hygienists. During the cleaning, the hygienist will remove tartar and plaque, and then polish the teeth to remove any remaining stains. The proper removal of both tartar and plaque is essential to dental health and requires the specialized tools and training that dental hygienists provide.

Tartar, professionally known as calculus, is hardened plaque that sets firmly to tooth surfaces both above and below the gum line. Left in place, it causes serious damage to dental health. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. Almost invisible to the naked eye, this growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva produces toxins that inflame the gums, initiating the beginning stages of periodontal disease. With both of these forming on your teeth all the time, professional dental cleanings are an essential element of dental disease prevention.

Screenings for General Dental Health

Following your dental cleaning, the hygienist and the dentist will go through a series of general diagnostic screenings for a variety of common dental problems:

1. Tooth Decay: All tooth surfaces are checked for weaknesses and decay with special dental instruments.
2. Oral Cancer Screening: The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer.
3. Gum Disease Evaluation: The gums and bones around the teeth will be checked for any signs of periodontal disease.
4. Examination of Existing Restorations: Any fillings, crowns, or other existing restorations will be checked for problems or concerns, ensuring that they remain fully functional.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a very serious dental disease that affects many people. It is caused by bacteria from plaque formations on the teeth. In the mouth, there are constant plaque formations on the teeth, but when the plaque formations become severe, the body’s immune system will try to fight the bacteria from plaque. This causes inflammation in the gums that results in swelling and bleeding, which are early signs of periodontal disease called gingivitis. In severe forms of periodontal disease, the bacteria will go under the gums are begin to damage the bone that supports the teeth and cause the teeth to become loose.

Other health risks of periodontal disease

There have now been studies that have shown a connection between periodontal disease and other health concerns. These include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory problems
• Increase risk of stroke
• Premature births in pregnant women

What can you do?

If you suspect that you may have early signs of periodontal disease such as gum disease due to inflammation and bleeding gums, many an appointment to consult with your dentist. At early stages, the process of the disease can be reversed through a cleaning or deep cleaning and proper oral hygiene maintenance. Maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist can help periodontal disease from occurring.

What are TMJ Treatments?

TMJ Disorder or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is pain in the area of the lower jaw where the head and jaw connect. The pain experienced may be a result of muscles in the area, problems with the joint or pain in the face around that area. TMJ Disorder can cause severe pain, soreness and problems with speech.

Some of the causes for pain and soreness in the area are:

• Misaligned teeth
• Tension from grinding or clenching
• Stress
• Injury
• Arthritis

Treatments

Although some of the pain in the TMJ area subsides over time, sometimes the pain will remain. Some steps can be taken to help relieve discomfort:

• Use ice packs and mild heat packs
• Eat soft foods
• Relaxation of the jaws – avoid extreme movements or jaw clenching
• Mouthguards/Nightguards
• Pain medication

If mild treatments do not work, other options such as surgery or referral to a physician may be explored. Consult with your dentist if you are experiencing discomfort in the TMJ area.

What are sealants?

Dental sealants are a form of preventative treatment that is used to help prevent or slow down the development of caries. They are plastic coatings are placed on the chewing surface of the teeth, which are generally the molars or premolars. These teeth are the most susceptible to caries because due to the anatomy of the tooth, food particles get stuck in the fissures of the tooth. When food accumulates in these areas, plaque forms and attacks the enamel, causing a cavity to form. The plastic coating of the dental sealant helps prevent the food from being stuck in the fissures of the tooth.

When are sealants placed?

Dental sealants are first placed when the first permanent molar is erupted. The dental sealant will help protect the permanent teeth of children to help prevent the formation of cavities. These sealants can also be placed on adults that are at high risk for forming dental caries. Sealants last for many years, but new ones can be placed when the old sealants have worn down.

If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, Dr. Amanda Buscemi may recommend a space retainer to preserve the gap for the adult tooth. Space retainers help prevent shifting of the teeth and the crowding of adult teeth.

Because the safety of our patients is our #1 concern, we use BPA-free composite fillings. These white fillings are safe for children and aesthetically appealing.

Coming soon..

What are composite fillings?
Mouth fillings are the most popular method of restoring teeth. There are many types of materials that can be used for fillings such as amalgam and gold. Composites fillings are a popular choice because they match the color of teeth and look natural. Composites are not only used to restore decayed teeth, but they may also be used for crack or broken teeth, stained teeth, and teeth that have been worn down.

How are fillings placed?
Fillings are very common and can be done in one visit to the dentist. Once anesthesia is applied, the dentist will begin removing decay from the tooth using a dental drill and clean out the decay area. When all the decay is removed, the dentist will prepare and shape the area so that the filling material, such as composite, can be placed. Once the filling has been placed, the filling will be shaped and the tooth will be polished so it can look as natural as possible.

After first receiving a filling, many patients become temporarily sensitive to hot and cold foods. When the tooth becomes used to having the filling, the sensitivity will subside.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are recommended for those seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are designed to look natural while also giving you the ability to have stable function of natural teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into the mouth by inserting a titanium anchor into your jaw. After the anchor is placed, the bone will heal (about 6 months) around the titanium and hold it into place. When your dentist thinks you are ready, they will place your custom made artificial tooth into the anchor.

Dental implants are not recommended for everyone. In order to be eligible to receive implants, you must have enough bone structure to support the implant, free of chronic illnesses and must ensure that you will maintain proper oral hygiene to care for a new implant.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a very serious dental disease that affects many people. It is caused by bacteria from plaque formations on the teeth. In the mouth, there are constant plaque formations on the teeth, but when the plaque formations become severe, the body’s immune system will try to fight the bacteria from plaque. This causes inflammation in the gums that results in swelling and bleeding, which are early signs of periodontal disease called gingivitis. In severe forms of periodontal disease, the bacteria will go under the gums are begin to damage the bone that supports the teeth and cause the teeth to become loose.

Other health risks of periodontal disease
There have now been studies that have shown a connection between periodontal disease and other health concerns. These include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory problems
• Increase risk of stroke
• Premature births in pregnant women

What can you do?
If you suspect that you may have early signs of periodontal disease such as gum disease due to inflammation and bleeding gums, many an appointment to consult with your dentist. At early stages, the process of the disease can be reversed through a cleaning or deep cleaning and proper oral hygiene maintenance. Maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist can help periodontal disease from occurring.

What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays are restorative fillings that are made using different materials such as porcelain, gold or composite. Porcelain is often the most popular because it mimics natural tooth color. The porcelain is custom created to fit into the prepared tooth cavity and cemented in. Porcelain on its own can be very brittle, but when porcelain is bonded to tooth structure, it becomes very strong and durable.

Due to the durability of porcelain inlays and onlays, they may be recommended for patients who have more severe decay that cannot be repaired by a traditional filling. Generally, teeth that are broken, have severe decay or have fractured fillings are recommended to receive a porcelain inlay or onlay.

What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are both made at dental laboratories. Therefore, the process generally takes two visits to complete. Porcelain inlays are used in place on traditional silver or composite fillings. They are placed into the prepared tooth where a filling would be placed. Onlays are also known as “partial crowns” and they are caps that help protect the chewing surface of the tooth that has been damaged. Both inlays and onlays last for a very long time and provide patients with beautiful results, but they may eventually need to be replaced.

Regular dental checkups, dental cleanings and good dental hygiene are the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. We provide a complete range of preventive services to keep your mouth, teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.

• Cleaning and Hygiene
• Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
• Dental sealants
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Regular Checkups
• Patient Education

Tooth Whitening is a popular procedure done to brighten your smile. First, speak with your dentist to see if whitening is a good option for you. Depending on the type of discoloration that is present on your teeth, whitening may or may not be effective. Common reasons for teeth discoloration result from using tobacco, staining from food or drinks and poor oral hygiene. Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains. Although whitening is helpful for the appearance of teeth, it is not permanent and stains may recur over time.

There are many types of whitening that can be done and the most common type is a gel-solution that can be applied directly to the surface of the teeth. This type of whitening can be done at a dental office or at home. At a dental office, the dentist will put a whitening agent on the teeth that is activated by a light or laser. For whitening at home, the dentist may recommend that you wear a whitening tray containing the whitening agent for several hours a day till you reach the shade you desire. Whitening toothpaste may also be purchased to help remove staining on the enamel.

Contact your dentist to see if tooth whitening is right for you.

In certain circumstances your dental treatment may require a multidisciplinary approach. You may be referred to a specialist such as an endodontist, periodontist, orthodontist or oral surgeon to complete your care. A consultation appointment is usually necessary, and your dentist will help you arrange the first visit to the specific specialist.

What are dentures and partial dentures?
Dentures and partial dentures are removable dental appliances that are used to replace teeth that are missing. Full dentures offer artificial teeth to those that have lost all of their teeth on either the upper or lower arch of their mouth. Obtaining a denture will restore function and appearance to those who have lost all of their teeth. Dentures allow many patients to eat, speak and improve the appearance of their mouth. Partial dentures are recommended for those who have not lost all of their teeth and have some teeth remaining. The partial denture will consist of artificial teeth that will replace missing teeth and metal clasps that clip on to remaining teeth to help hold it in place.

The process of obtaining dentures and partial dentures
When you and your dentist have decided what option is best for you, your dentist can help you get started. If complete dentures is the option for you, the dentures are created once your teeth have been removed and your gums have healed. Due to this reason, this process can take several months. During the healing process, a set of immediate dentures may be given to you so you do not have to be without teeth. In both complete denture and partial denture treatments, several impressions will be taken so that dental laboratories can get a sense of the shape of your mouth so they can create custom dentures for you. Several appointments will be made for you to come back to your dentist to try on the dentures in order to ensure that your dentures are made to fit you properly. During your final appointment, you will receive your final finished denture so you can get your beautiful smile back.

After receiving your final dentures, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to maintain proper hygiene and also how to clean your dentures.

What is a porcelain crown?
A porcelain crown is a tooth shaped cap that is used to help replaced teeth that cannot be restored using the traditional filling. They are generally suggested for patients who have had severely decayed or damaged teeth. Porcelain crowns match the color of teeth to give a natural appearance. There are many other types of crowns such as gold or silver, but porcelain crowns are most popular because they give the most natural look.

How are porcelain crowns placed?
When you and your dentist decide that getting a crown is the right option for you, the dentist will shape the tooth in a shape that enables him or her to place a crown. Depending on the damage of the tooth and how much tooth structure is present, the dentist will either shape the tooth or build up the tooth in order to support the crown. Several impressions will be taken so that a dental laboratory can custom make a cap for your tooth. While you wait for the dental laboratory to create your crown, your dentist will create a temporary crown for you that will be replaced when your final crown is finished. When the crown is finished by the dental laboratory, the dentist will try on the crown to ensure that the fit and bite are correct. The porcelain crown is then cemented to your tooth to give you a beautiful and natural appearance.

With care, porcelain crowns can be very durable and have the ability to last a long time. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your crown clean with brushing and flossing so that you can help your crown last for years.

Although receiving a crown can take two visits to complete, if your dentist uses CAD-CAM technology such as CEREC, they may be able to offer you a crown in one visit. Consult with your dentist to see if this is an option for you.

What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are custom made to go on front teeth. Porcelain veneers are sculpted out of porcelain by a dental laboratory in order to fix the appearance of teeth. Veneers can help correct crooked teeth, severely stained teeth, chipped teeth, teeth with gaps and etc.

The Veneer Process
Because the placement of veneers is a irreversible process, consult with a dentist to see if porcelain veneers is the right choice for you. The placement of veneers is generally a two-visit process that requires the dentist to prepare the teeth by removing some of the enamel to ensure that the veneer fits and looks natural. An impression will also be taken to determine the size and shape of the veneers. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where they will create a custom porcelain veneer. During your second visit to the dentist, the veneer will be placed by bonding it to the existing the teeth to give you a beautiful smile.

Taking Care of Your Veneers
After receiving veneers, you must maintain great oral hygiene. Your new porcelain veneers should be treated like normal teeth and your dentist will give you special instructions on how to brush and floss your new veneers.

What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth when the tissue, blood vessels and nerves inside of a tooth have become inflamed. In order to save the tooth and remove the pain, the dentist will need to remove infected and diseased tissue to help clean out the infected area. The canal inside is then medicated to allow the surrounding area to heal.

Reasons a root canal may be performed

• Deep decay
• Infections at the tip of the root or inside the tooth canal
• Cracked, broken or injured teeth

Generally, but not always, a crown will need to be placed after the root canal treatment is complete in order to protect the tooth from any further damage. Sensitivity after the procedure is generally experienced by many patients and subside when the tooth has healed. When your treatment has been completed, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.

Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to describe the type of dentistry which strives to not only better the appearance of a patient’s teeth, but also look as natural as can be. All dentistry should strive to be cosmetic dentistry.

This type of X-ray uses a small digital sensor instead of film to examine your teeth. A few of the advantages of digital X-rays when compared to conventional films are: 90% less radiation exposure, better diagnostic ability due to seeing the image on a large screen, and better resolution. All this contributes to better care by your dentist.

The removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a variety of different reasons. Tooth decay that has damaged enough tooth structure to prevent anything from saving the tooth is the most frequent indication for extraction of teeth. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed. Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect you :bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and cause extra wear on teeth, headaches, and muscle pain in your jaw. Of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance as well.

The good news is that, most of the time, we can replace that missing tooth without too much trouble!

What are porcelain fixed bridges?
Porcelain fixed bridges are non-removable appliances that are placed on teeth to replace a tooth that is missing. Porcelain bridges are made to match the natural color of your teeth and help fill in the gap where a tooth is missing. Bridges are essentially two crowns that that anchor an artificial tooth in between. The two crowns are cemented onto the teeth surrounding the missing tooth to help anchor the artificial tooth into place (abutment). The artificial tooth (pontic) is in place of the missing tooth to fill in the gap and allow your teeth to look natural.

The process of getting a porcelain fixed bridge
When you and your dentist decide that a porcelain fixed bridge is the right option for you, the dentist will begin preparing the two teeth that surround the missing tooth. The teeth are prepared so that two crowns can be placed in order to support the artificial tooth. Several impressions will be taken in order for the dentist to determine the size of the crowns and artificial tooth. Once the impressions are taken, they are sent to a dental laboratory where your bridge will be made. Setting a bridge generally takes two dental visits to complete. Once the dental laboratory has made your bridge, the dentist will cement the crowns into place.

Porcelain fixed bridges are very durable and can last a very long time when they are well taken care of. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your bridge clean through brushing and flossing.

Zoom! Power Bleaching-A Bleaching System with Proven Results!

If you have been disappointed with over the counter products, or if previous professional “one hour” dental whitening methods have produced less than desired results, ask about Dr. Ray’s Deep Power Bleaching Technique. This is the most advanced tooth whitening technique available. So if you want to get your teeth their whitest, this is the method for you.

It consists of one in office Zoom Power Bleaching treatments using an advanced heating/light system with a boosted gel and 2-4 weeks of at-home tray whitening.

If your child has a habit of sucking the thumb, fingers, pacifiers, lips or tongue, he or she may be causing unconscious damage to the oral structure of the mouth. Abnormalities include an improperly shaped mouth, protruding teeth and bite shifting. Traditional counseling methods and positive reinforcement strategies are commonly used to combat these problems, but they are not always successful. Our dental office offers many types of custom-designed oral appliances that can help your child stop these harmful habits when traditional methods fail to work. We will never make your child feel bad or embarrassed by his or her habit. Instead, we will offer positive encouragement to help your child feel empowered and in control. These motivations will help your child want to stop the harmful habit.

Stainless steel or White Zirconia crowns are sometimes recommended for children following a baby root canal or if a back baby tooth suffers from severe trauma or cavities. Because most baby molars do not fall out until the ages of 10-12, these crowns are recommended when traditional fillings are insufficient to protect the tooth from further damage until it falls out on its own. The differences between stainless steel and white crowns are mostly color preference. The pros and cons of each type of crown will be discussed with you to help you make a good decision for your child.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every child should see a dentist by the time they cut their first tooth. The first dental visit should take place no later than the child’s first birthday. Helping your child get into the habit of regular dental visits early in life will set positive dental habits that will extend into adulthood. Routine dental cleanings and exams are necessary to help ensure that your child maintains a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene. Although care at home is also important, professional dental cleanings will help remove plaque build-up that can occur despite the best brushing and flossing methods.

During a routine check-up, the teeth of your child will be polished to remove any plaque build-up or tartar. Your child will be given a fun toothpaste flavor and allowed to watch a kid-friendly movie during the entire cleaning process. Our staff will also spend time going over the dietary needs of your child along with daily brushing and flossing routines. We will also give tips on how to properly brush and floss and what foods are best to eat.

If your child has a toothache, clean the affected area with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water and use dental floss in the surrounding areas. If your child needs a pain reliever, administer Tylenol or Motrin according to the package directions. Do not place aspirin on the tooth itself or on the gums. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact our office immediately. A swollen face could indicate a serious problem requiring immediate attention.

A cavity involving the nerve, or pulp, of a tooth may cause excruciating pain for your child. Although the pain may be manageable using painkillers such as ibuprofen, it will keep recurring until the underlying problem is resolved. When the nerve of a child’s tooth has been infected, it must be treated to restore health to the child’s mouth.

Pediatric root canal therapy is designed to maintain the integrity of the affected tooth to prevent premature loss. The early loss of posterior (back) teeth can lead to future problems with the placement and eruption of adult teeth. To avoid the difficulties inherent with crooked or impacted adult teeth, proper root canal treatment is needed to avoid the premature loss of primary molars. Dental caries and traumatic injury are the primary reasons for pulp therapy in children. Due to the loss of tooth structure involved in teeth requiring pediatric root canal therapy, full coverage restoration such as a pediatric crown is necessary.

Fluoride treatments at our office consist of a sticky varnish. This varnish adheres to the child’s teeth to prevent unnecessary ingestion. Fluoride treatments are generally applied at the end of each visit. They may be recommended more often if your child is especially prone to cavities. Your child is permitted to eat and drink immediately after a fluoride treatment, but you will need to avoid hard or sticky substances for four to six hours after the treatment. Fluoride is commonly used to keep children’s teeth healthy, strong and cavity-free. The dentist may discuss supplemental fluoride intake with you from sources such as fluoridated water, toothpaste and mouth-rinses.

Baby teeth are not reinserted into the gums as this can cause harm to the permanent teeth

Many children sustain facial and dental trauma from sports-related injuries and other accidents such as riding into a stationary object on a bicycle. If your child has sustained an injury, remain calm. If your child has knocked out a permanent tooth, prompt attention is necessary to maintain the life of the tooth. We may be able to treat the injury at our office, although less severe cases may be able to be treated at home until you can find time to come in. If your child is suffering from an injury that goes beyond the extent of the mouth or other oral structures, call 911 or take your child to the emergency room.

If your child’s permanent tooth has been avulsed (knocked out), follow the steps below to attempt to reinsert it.

1. Hold the tooth by the crown. Avoid touching the root.
2. Rinse the tooth with salt water or milk. NOTE: Do not use water to rinse the tooth.
3. If the root is intact, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If unable to do so, place the tooth in a glass of milk and take it and your child to the dentist immediately.

If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, take him or her to the dentist as soon as possible.

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A damaged front tooth sometimes requires a cosmetic filling. Fractured permanent teeth are common injuries in adolescent children and may require a simple bonding procedure similar to a filling. With a bonding procedure, however, there is no decayed matter removed during the process.

Kids Dental Place is strongly committed to prevention and desires to help all patients grow up cavity-free. We strongly recommend sealing your child’s teeth. The application of a sealant is one of the easiest and most effective methods available today to prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants provide a barrier to protect against cavities and can be applied to baby molars, adult premolars and posterior molars. These sealants should be applied as early as possible to help prevent the formation of cavities. Chewing surfaces are the most likely places to develop cavities because toothbrush bristles are often unable to reach into the grooves of the teeth. Sealants help preserve these vulnerable areas by protecting them from food contact and the formation of plaque. Dental sealants cost less than traditional cavity fillings and usually last for several years before needing a re-application.

General anesthesia is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age or maturity level, to cooperate during dental treatment.

General Anesthesia is most helpful for:

1. Infants
2. Children who require major treatment.
3. An extremely anxious child, or
4. Children who are medically compromised or have special needs.

Dr. Amanda Buscemi will discuss all treatment options with you and make recommendations as to what is the best modality to treat your child while keeping them safe and comfortable.

It’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Dr. Amanda Buscemi can identify malocclusion (crowded or crooked teeth) or bite problems and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. Dr. Amanda Buscemi checks the progress of your child’s bite and jaw development with routine dental examinations. This early assessment of your child’s teeth may prevent extensive orthodontic work in his/her future.

Extractions are commonly performed on pediatric patients to address extensively decayed non-restorable teeth or orthodontic problems. To help make the procedure as comfortable as possible for your child, we may recommend the inhalation of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and a local anesthetic. If your child is anxious, oral or IV sedation can also be offered in the comfort of our office.

When your child begins playing sports such as hockey, football and basketball, you should invest in a high-quality sports mouth guard. Sports mouth guards are responsible for protecting your child’s adult teeth from fractures caused by trauma. While you can purchase over-the-counter sports mouth guards, a custom-made mouth guard will provide superior protection to your child’s mouth. Ask our office about a custom-made mouth guard for your child.