
Crowns
When a tooth is badly broken, can no longer hold a filling, or
has had a root canal, a crown is necessary. At the first
appointment, decay is removed and the tooth is repaired and
shaped. An impression is taken and sent to a laboratory where
the custom crown is fabricated within a two-week period. Crowns
are generally made from porcelain, gold, or a combination of the
two.
Whitening
For patients who have dreamed of a whiter smile, it can now be
achieved with our custom home whitening kit. This service only
requires two short visits. The first appointment consists of
having impressions taken of the teeth. The patient then returns
in one week and is given comfortable whitening trays that are
molded to fit their teeth. The whitening kit also contains
enough whitening gel to brighten the teeth several shades.
Patients can also purchase additional gel to use for future
touch-ups.
Root Canals
When a tooth is injured due to trauma, deep fracture, or
significant decay, the nerve of the tooth may die. Patients may
notice cold, heat, and pressure sensitivity. When a root canal
is performed the patient’s tooth is numbed, much like a filling.
The nerve is removed and medication is used to disinfect the
inside of the tooth. The tooth is then sealed to prevent
bacteria from re-infecting it.
Fixed Bridgework
When one or more teeth are missing, one option is to replace
them with a non-removable, fixed bridge. The bridge consists of
two crowns, one at either end of the missing tooth, with the
artificial teeth suspended between them. Bridgework does require
two visits. A bridge feels very natural and patients are
instructed on how to floss under the false tooth.
Dental Implants
If a person is missing a tooth, the ideal way to replace it is
with a dental implant. Dr. Fansa will determine if a patient is a good
candidate for an implant. The implant is placed in the bone and
acts as an artificial root. After approximately two months
of healing, the patient will have a custom
crown made.
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Fillings
If the dentist finds a small amount of decay, prompt placement
of a filling is recommended. The dentist will gently numb the
area if needed, remove the decay, and place a conservative
restoration.
Cosmetic Bonding
Tooth-colored filling material can be used to alter the shape
and color of the teeth for an aesthetically pleasing result.
This is often done to close spaces between teeth or build up
teeth that are naturally smaller than the surrounding teeth.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a more permanent and long-lasting
alternative for cosmetically enhancing a patient’s smile. The
teeth are slightly shaped, an impression is taken, and in two
weeks the beautiful porcelain veneers can be permanently placed
on the teeth.
Partial and Complete Dentures
Dentures are an option for patients who are missing multiple
teeth to once again have proper chewing function. These
prosthesis must be removed at night and cleaned. After examining
the patient, the doctor can also determine if the patient is a
candidate for immediate dentures that can be worn the day the
teeth are extracted. Ask us about the possibility of
implant-retained dentures for additional support and longevity.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is available upon request to gently relax
you while topical numbing gel is applied to your gums. After a
nearly painless injection is administered, you may elect to stop
the nitrous, or continue the sedation during the procedure.
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, enabling the patient to
drive home safely.
Night Grinding Appliance
When a person grinds or clenches their teeth, it can cause
headaches, teeth may fracture, or TMJ problems can arise. Our
office can offer a small, comfortable, custom-fit appliance
called an NTI. The NTI snaps on two to four teeth, preventing
the back teeth from touching and stops nighttime grinding. We
can fabricate the NTI in less than one hour in the office.
Snap-On Smile
Now you can have the perfect smile in two weeks, with no shots
or drills! This newly patented appliance snaps in and covers
your upper and lower teeth, concealing missing, crooked,
discolored, or cracked teeth. Made of resin, it is strong enough
to eat with and can be worn for 2-5 years with proper care. Get
your perfect smile for the new job…your wedding day…or as a
temporary measure as you have your natural teeth permanently
restored. For more information go to: www.snaponsmile.com
Preventative Services
Preventative services include a thorough dental exam and
cleaning once every 6 months and bitewing x-rays once each year.
A panoramic x-ray of the entire mouth is recommended once every
3-5 years to monitor the bone and root structure, sinus
cavities, TMJ and to check for oral pathology. Flouride
treatments are routinely provided for patients up to age 18 and
are available for adults upon request. For patients with
periodontal disease, scaling and root planing is available.
Often these patients need follow-up cleanings every 3 to 4
months. For our younger patients, sealants are sometimes
necessary to help prevent cavities from forming in deep groves.
A sealant is a protective coating placed on permanent 1st and
2nd molars.
What To Expect After A Dental Procedure
Our caring staff will provide each patient with detailed
post-operative instructions regarding their procedure. For
fillings, crowns, root canals, and other simple procedures it is
normal for patients to experience slight discomfort after
numbness subsides. This is typically very minor and can be
controlled with Tylenol or Advil. We ask patients not to eat or
drink hot fluids when numb. After feeling completely returns,
there is always a period of getting used to something new in the
mouth. Please call us if after a week or two there is still some
adjustment needed.
Surgical Procedures
For surgical procedures, like extractions, our office will
provide written post-operative instructions. The doctors will
use their discretion regarding the necessity of prescription
medications before, during, or after dental care.