Procedures

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Communication between our staff and patients is key to developing a strategy that is right for each individual.

The majority of our patients are seen every six months for a cleaning and exam. Some patients are more comfortable coming in more or less frequently, depending on individual needs.

A thorough oral evaluation and review of your medical history, including medications you may be taking will help us decide which is best for you. Any signs or history of dental problems may indicate the need for more frequent visits. Don't hesitate to ask questions to any of our qualified staff about your concerns.

Your preventive visit will also include a review of what you as a patient should be doing at home to keep your mouth healthy. Good brushing and flossing techniques will be reinforced as well as a review of dietary considerations may be discussed. Reinforcing your home care usually makes your visits to us quicker and easier as well as less frequent. You may not be aware of the many products available at your local pharmacy that may be beneficial to you.

ORAL EXAMS AND MEDICAL HISTORY

Although dentistry is primarily focused on teeth and gums, your oral health has a strong correlation to your systemic health and your entire body.

A complete oral examination and review of any medical issues you may be having such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes may affect dental treatment. An oral exam may also reveal signs and indications of medical conditions you are unaware of.

Our staff is well trained in screening for such signs as well as performing an oral cancer screening which will be done at the time of your cleaning visit.

DENTAL X-RAYS

Since 2008 we have been using Dexis Digital Technology for taking all of our dental X-rays. This is a major advancement in diagnostic capabilities and provides us with distinct advantages over traditional X-rays taken with film. Digital X-ray technology greatly minimizes exposure to radiation while providing the highest quality diagnostic images.

Each operatory is equipped with its own digital sensor, computer screen and intraoral camera so images can be taken quickly and easily. The images appear instantly on the computer screen in front of you. In most cases we can immediately review those films with you and diagnose as well as discuss treatment options.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

There is a great demand for cosmetics in dentistry today. Tooth colored restorations have replaced the old silver fillings. Porcelains used in dentistry have become more and more natural and teeth bleaching is a common request from our patients.

A free consultation with me will provide you with the information necessary to decide if any or all of those may work for you.

There are many safe and effective options for bleaching teeth in the market today. They include both home and in-office kits that we provide.

Porcelain laminates and metal free crowns also provide highly aesthetic strong restorations for patients who are looking to change their smile as well as restore function.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY (endodontics)

Strong advancements in technology have made root canal therapy a much shorter and more pleasant experience for our patients than has been the case in the past.

Many people have a preconceived notion of what a root canal is going to be like. They have heard the horror stories. My experience with these patients who find themselves now needing one is that they are pleasantly surprised.

The state of the art system I currently use for root canal or endodontic therapy is called Wave One Reciprocating File System or Protaper Sonic Rotary System. Those names may not mean much to you but they have truly revolutionized this procedure. It provides for shorter chair time for the patient and the highest long term success rates in root canal therapy today.

Most root canals are completed in one visit and using only a local anesthetic (Novocain.)

FILLINGS

While decay rates in the 1980's and 1990's fell significantly due to the introduction of fluoride into drinking water, which is no longer the case.

I, and many of my colleagues, have seen a sharp increase in decay rates over the last ten years. It has occurred in all age groups, not just children. I feel it is primarily diet related, most notably the amount of highly acidic processed foods that people are consuming. Acid erosion and damage to the enamel as a result has led to a high incidence of dental caries or tooth decay.

The simplest form of white filling is technically called a Composite. They can be used in both the front of the mouth as well as in your back teeth. These materials come in a variety of shades so that they will match the color of your own teeth. Some of these composite materials have been specifically designed to actually withstand the incredible forces you can exert when chewing on your back teeth.

We also find that patients of all age groups are on multiple prescription medications given to them by their physician. While these are medically beneficial, they often result in dry mouth and other changes in saliva which can cause rapid development of tooth decay.

We try hard to reinforce and educate our patients on why they may find themselves suddenly needing a lot of fillings and what they can do to prevent this occurrence. When fillings are necessary, in the case of new decay or when old ugly silver amalgam fillings have broken down and need replacement, we always use the most aesthetic tooth colored materials available.

GUM DISEASE (periodontal therapy)

Gingivitis, recession, bone loss or periodontitis are extremely common in our patients today. Patients may or may not be aware of these conditions in their own mouth. They may also not realize the strong correlation between gum disease and heart disease that has recently been documented as well as other systemic diseases.

It is strongly believed by researchers that this is due to high bacterial levels found in the mouths of patients with gum disease. The organisms travel by blood to the heart and other organs causing damage. Aggressive diagnosis and treatment aim to reduce bacterial levels in the mouth and keep them low so they may not travel to other parts of the body.

Treatment may include deep scaling under the gum with Novocain, more frequent cleaning appointments or antibiotic therapy.

TMJ THERAPY

Many patients come in with concerns about clenching, grinding, jaw pain, problems with opening their mouths or headaches.

These conditions also known as temperomandibular joint disorder are approached with a wide variety of treatments including occlusal splinting, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, hot and cold compresses or a soft diet depending on the severity of the issue. I can listen to your symptoms and make some simple recommendations in most cases.

EXTRACTIONS AND MISSING TEETH

A surprising number of patients come to our office with missing teeth or needing extractions. If we feel that extraction is the best option, we can discuss whether you are comfortable having the extractions done in our office or by an oral surgeon.

Many patients do not understand what options they have in replacing a missing tooth. Such options may include implants, cemented bridges or removable dentures or a combination of all three.

It is our job to make sure you understand these options before you decide which is best for you.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Children's dentistry should mostly be preventive in nature. Unfortunately due to diets that are highly acidic and sugary in nature, more and more children are developing tooth decay. Visits to our hygienists, fluoride treatments and protective sealants (plastic coatings) which are painted on the teeth are some of the beneficial treatments we provide.

We usually see our patients by age three. This develops an early level of comfort for our young patients. Often their first visit may just be having them watch an older sibling or parent have their teeth cleaned. Most children look forward to their visits within a short period of time.

We recommend dental sealants to be placed at the eruption of the six year molars and then again when the twelve year molars erupt. Sealants are placed without Novocain or drilling.

SEDATION

Most dental procedures are performed with one or a combination of local anesthetic a commonly called Novocain which allow us to provide excellent painless dentistry.

During sleep your biting pressure can be up to six times greater than during eating and waking hours. This can result in broken teeth, loosening of fillings and potential loss of tooth enamel.

For our anxious patients, we may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to be taken before arrival in the office. In those cases, we do require you be accompanied by an adult to those appointments and not drive to or from your appointment.

Nitrous oxide sedation is available at a fee of $80 per visit and is not covered by insurance. Payment is required upfront for this service.

MODERN DENTISTRY

As a general dentist, I feel it is important to provide my patients with a wide variety of services, while keeping up with current advancements in my field which can be integrated into every day practice. You can be assured that you will receive a current modern approach to dentistry that benefits you, the patient. Our field is evolving rapidly and we take pride in keeping up with this evolution. As a result, you can expect the best and most comprehensive dental care.

We are very fortunate to be in Rochester where the medical care is superior to most. Dentistry is no exception. The oral surgeons, periodontists and other specialists in our area are among the best in the world.

So while we provide a wide range of services and many of our patients never have to go elsewhere for treatment, we also have excellent relationships with many local specialists when the need for a referral does arise. We work with the best possible specialists as well as your medical doctor to provide the care that is necessary for your dental health.