Being the Primary Dental Care Provider for patients of all ages, we are responsible for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders and diseases affecting the teeth and gums. In addition to these preventative care and minor restorative therapy, we also perform a wide array of other dental procedures, including cosmetic treatments:
Bonding
Bonding, is how composite resin fillings adhere to teeth. It allows for the replacement of small amounts of lost tooth structure with tooth-colored material that gives a natural appearance. Bonding can be used to repair worn tooth surfaces and close small spaces between teeth. More conservative than veneers or crowns, composites are an excellent cosmetic treatment option when appropriate. However, like natural teeth, composite resin fillings may become stained by certain foods, drinks and personal habits such as smoking.
Bridgework
Sometimes the effects of tooth decay, gum disease or even injury can lead to tooth loss. The resulting empty space is not only unsightly, but also can lead to other dental problems if not corrected.
A bridge is an ideal method, both functionally and cosmetically, to fill the empty space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. Bridgework 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 made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear and/or aesthetics.
Preventive Oral Health Care (Cleanings)
Our preventive care appointments include a thorough examination, a professional cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from the oral environment, any necessary radiographs, a fluoride treatment and a cosmetic polish. Though we strive to provide the highest level of care in our office, a consistent and effective home oral hygiene regimen is important. That includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash as recommended.
Crowns
A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to cover a damaged tooth. A crown not 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
Dental Emergencies
Dr. Cole is also available after hours for any dental emergencies or questions/concerns.
Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: partial and complete dentures.
Complete dentures are used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are removable. They may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored resin base which is held in place in the mouth. A ‘fixed’ partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support.
Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. It also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter. We offer two filling materials: composite resins and porcelain.
Composite resins are custom made to match the color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. Composite fillings contain no mercury and have proven as durable as metal fillings. It’s important to note that similarly to your natural teeth, composite resin fillings can become stained by certain foods and beverages and tobacco use.
Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining and are about the same cost as crowns. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
Night guards
A night guard is a flexible plastic mold of your upper teeth used at night by people with bruxism, a condition in which you habitually grind or clench your teeth. Teeth grinding frequently occurs while sleeping and though we still don’t fully understand the cause, possible causes include: stress, anxiety, anger, aggression, sleep apnea, abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth and complications from other disorders.
Wearing a night guard while you sleep can help alleviate the symptoms commonly caused by bruxism, such as:
- Damage to tooth enamel which can lead to cracked or broken teeth
- Headaches
- Neck and jaw pain
- Depending on your particular situation, Dr. Robinson may also recommend a visit to a sleep specialist, medical doctor or orthodontist to address the root cause of your teeth grinding.
Sealants
Dental sealants are special coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to fill in narrow grooves that cannot be cleaned with normal brushing and flossing. Sealants create a barrier in these areas to reduce the likelihood of cavities and decay. They are especially effective when applied to premolars and molars in children.
Whitening
Teeth whitening trays are a treatment you can use while in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth. We will first take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whiten your teeth. When you pick up your trays we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays and provide instructions on when and how long you should use the trays to achieve your desired results.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells placed on the tooth’s surface to enhance your smile. Because veneers look like real teeth, but can be custom made to change the color, size, shape, alignment and spacing of your teeth, the results are often dramatic.