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Services

General Dentistry

What can a General Dentist do?

General Dentistry is an umbrella term that includes Family Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our family dentist
can treat patients of all ages and we provide a wide range of common procedures such as fillings, crown, veneers, dentures, cleanings, and cosmetic work.

Advanced Procedures

CROWNS:

Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that at risk of breaking or fracturing 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 a nice smile. It takes two
appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. The 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.

BRIDGES:

This 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.

DENTURES & PARTIALS:

There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it’s time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly. The entire mouth is examined, and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return, and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can further stabilize the dentures.

WHITE (COMPOSITE) FILLINGS:

A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic
improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and neck. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, our
doctors manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. We practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including but not limited to implants, wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting, TMJ, oral biopsies. sinus lifts, etc. Our staff is highly trained in assisting with general anesthesia in our state-of-the-art office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.

Endodontics

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving diagnosis and treatment of the pulp (root
canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion is hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or “root canal” contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The endodontist examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth.

Root Canal Treatment

At the center of your tooth is pulp. The pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks, and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be
identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

This injured pulp is removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if requested (there is an additional fee for nitrous). You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine. It is very important to contact your
general dentist immediately after the root canal visit and schedule an appointment to get the crown made. If you do not get the crown done, the tooth may fracture, and you may risk re-infection of the canals.

Orthodontics

Braces
For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for choosing to receive orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, having braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.

When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you’ve always dreamed of as well as the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, so our practice is dedicated to making sure you receive the quality care you deserve.

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable, or brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a
constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose from brackets that are clear or metallic, and in some cases, pick the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Depending on several factors, including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is, treatment time varies. It can
last from one to three years. A big factor in a successful treatment is you, the patient! The more involved and diligent you are, the quicker and more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive, or early treatment (also referred to as phase I) can also help ensure a quicker treatment time later on in life.

Before beginning your orthodontic care, Dr. Perry Do will discuss all your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take.

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.

Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type and they are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, they straighten your teeth by using metal brackets and arch-wires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, they do not require the use of elastics, which
means fewer appointments and less friction placed on your teeth. Self-ligating braces are made with traditional metal, ceramic or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces, but they use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the arch-wire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure placed on the tooth and requires fewer adjustments because there
are no elastics to replace.

Clear Braces or Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible than metal braces. For this reason, they are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they require more attention to oral hygiene, because ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counter parts. They tend to be used more commonly on upper front teeth rather than on the lower teeth.

Clear Aligners – Invisalign

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. Plus, this helps to make brushing and flossing less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and contain no metal. This helps reduce mouth abrasions during treatment.

Periodontics

What Is A Periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and
in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental
school. Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically-susceptible individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or
tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal
diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place
deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. This disease damages
the teeth, gum, and jawbone of more than 80 percent of Americans by age 45.

LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

Osseous Surgery

Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating or reducing the pockets that have developed in the diseased gum tissues. The deeper contaminated root surfaces are cleaned, infected gum tissue is removed, and the uneven or irregular architecture of the
remaining jaw bone is re-shaped to a more ideal contour. This technique may be utilized for the treatment of gum disease along with new and more sophisticated procedures, which can result in growing new bone in areas that have suffered severe damage from the disease process.

By far the most common surgery used in periodontal therapy is flap surgery. Moderate to advanced periodontal disease involved gum pockets (See What Is Periodontal Disease?) that are too deep to clean without reflecting back the gum tissue for access. Without this access, deep calculus and plaque cannot be removed from the root, and the disease will progress. This surgical cleaning procedure is often called open flap curettage.

Once the pocket is cleaned, the gum may be returned to its original level. This results in a clean root, but the deepened space is still present. Frequent cleanings by the hygienist are necessary to remove the plaque in the residual pocket that the patient cannot reach with flossing and brushing.

Even when there is good oral hygiene and regular quarterly recalls, the bacteria may still continue to cause the pocket to become infected again. When cosmetics are not a concern (on the lower teeth, the inside of the upper teeth, and the outside of the upper back teeth), the surgeon may elect to suture the gum down to where the bone has resorbed, reducing the depth of the space. If the space is reduced to 3 millimeters or less, the patient is able to reach the bottom of the space with daily brushing and flossing, eliminating the disease.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

What are some of the reasons people have their wisdom teeth removed?

There are many reasons for removing a problematic wisdom tooth. One of the most common causes for removal is impaction, which can
lead to chronic and painful infections. An oral surgeon may also recommend removal if a wisdom tooth is crowding the other teeth or presenting in a way that could cause problems with tooth alignment.

Can I have my wisdom teeth removed as a preventative measure?

Wisdom tooth removal is a very commonplace procedure performed on thousands of people every day. Many of those individuals
elect to have otherwise healthy wisdom teeth removed as a preventive approach to future gum disease and tooth decay. The third molars are at particularly high risk of developing decay during middle age and late adulthood, as they are difficult to clean properly. Instead of requiring individual extractions at a later age, many prefer wisdom tooth removal all at once during the teen or young adult years, when recovery is easier and there is a lower risk of complication.

What happens during a wisdom tooth removal procedure?

Wisdom tooth removal is a fast, in-office procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Our team takes every precaution to ensure patient comfort throughout the removal. Because we use sedation and anesthesia for our wisdom tooth removals, all patients will need a
responsible driver to take them home after the procedure. We provide comprehensive instructions for self- care, including directions for
rinsing the surgical area and taking medications as necessary. In most cases, most patients can go back to school or work in just a few short days.