Sedation

Sedation/Relaxation

We offer nitrous oxide(laughing gas) to make your appointment easy and relaxed.
 
For those who wish to have longer appointments and get everything done we also offer oral sedation in combination with nitrous oxide. This can make the appointment seem very fast and very easy. This is good if you have dental anxiety and want the easiest and fewest appointments. If you are very busy and multiple dental visits are not an option, this a good option.

CEREC is a dental restoration product that allows a dental practitioner to produce an indirect ceramic dental restoration using a variety of computer assisted technologies, including 3D photography and CAD/CAM. With CEREC, teeth can be restored in a single sitting with the patient, rather than the multiple sittings required with earlier techniques. Additionally, with the latest software and hardware updates, crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays can be prepared, using different types of ceramic material.

Technology

The cavity preparation is first photographed and stored as a three dimensional digital model and proprietary software is then used to approximate the restoration shape using biogeneric comparisons to surrounding teeth. The practitioner then refines that model using 3D CAD software. When the design phase is complete, the information is sent wirelessly to the milling unit which mills the actual restoration from a solid block of material using diamond burs. The restoration is bonded to the tooth using a resin cement which bonds to both the restoration as well as the tooth itself.

Technique

The treating dentist prepares the tooth being restored either as a crown, inlay, onlay or veneer. The tooth is then powder sprayed with a thin layer of blue anti-reflective contrast medium, imaged by a 3D imaging camera and uploaded to the CEREC computer. Using the proprietary CEREC software in various modes, a restoration can be designed to restore the tooth to its appropriate form and function. This data on this restoration is stored in a file and is sent via wireless serial transmission or direct wiring to a milling machine. The restoration can then be milled out of a solid ceramic or composite block. Milling time varies from as little as four minutes to as long as twenty depending on the complexity of the restoration and the version of the milling unit.

How it works

Preventive Dentistry

Our goal is to improve your dental health for a lifetime. The best way for dental health is prevention of dental problems in the first place. This involves education on best practices to maintain gum health and cavity/decay prevention. We are happy to give you all the information and services you need. For those who wish we offer xylitol sweetened products, sealants, fluoride varnish, prescription strength mouthrinse, interdental brushes, and more. For most people we recommend a low abrasive toothpaste like Tom’s of Maine, Arm & Hammer’s Sensitive, or Sensodyne’s ProNamel (their website has useful information: www.pronamel.us/)

 

 

Dr. Zervas and his team take a bold new approach to your health and wellness: Introducing the CariFree system, the best prevention has to offer.

The global toothpaste market is set to hit 15 billion dollars by 2015. If you are like most patients looking for the best the industry has to offer; but are overwhelmed by the options, then look no further. Dr. Zervas and his team have done the leg-work for you. A ground-breaking product line, developed by world renowned caries researcher and practicing dentist for 30 years Dr. Kim Kutch, is now available in the office. The products are unlike any other on the market as they utilize all 5 key ingredients shown to manage tooth decay. Those components are:

1. pH Neutralization: Reduces growth and acid production of cariogenic bacteria (these are the bad guys that cause the actual mineral loss in the teeth) and supports healthy oral bacteria growth.
2. Antibacterial: Significantly reduces total bacteria levels when high levels are identified and need to be moderated.
3. Fluoride: Aids in remineralization (enamel reproduction) and inhibits acid production of cariogenic bacteria.
4. Xylitol: A 5 carbon sugar that reduces growth and acid production of cariogenic bacteria.
5. Nano HA (Ca PO4): Aids in remineralization with nano particles of hydroxyapatite.

Come on in for your assessment and never feel overwhelmed in the toothpaste aisle again!

Find easy implementation of caries risk assessment and unique neutralizing pH+ products.

 

CariFree is CAMBRA in action!

 

Crowns

Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, 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 for a nice smile.

Dentures

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 used to further stabilize the dentures.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

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 esthetic’s.
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to “fall.” As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g.TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.

Bonding

Bonding is the method by which tooth colored dental restorations are placed on teeth. We utilize the Surpass bonding system from Apex Dental Materials, Inc. This system offers the highest bond strengths ever achieved and is the new gold standard in dental adhesion.

Isolation of the teeth to be bonded is critical for achieving high bond strengths. We utilize Rubber Dam, Isolite systems and other methods to achieve this.

This results in achieving long lasting restorations that also maintain their beauty without dark lines.

White Fillings

Fillings are done to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. It is called a filling because new a material fills hole that decay left. Now days most teeth are treated with bonded tooth colored composite resin fillings. Caught early enough, cavities can be treated easily and painlessly. If not treated decay can lead to tooth pain and/or infection, and the tooth would need root canal treatment or extraction.

Whitening

We want you to feel good about your smile and smile with confidence.

A more vibrant and younger looking smile can be achieved with a whiter smile. Teeth whitening or bleaching is a method to help achieve this.

There are many products on the market to whiten teeth, but some can cause increased tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, minimal results, and/or not whiten all the teeth in a smile.

Since whitening is a permanent it is important to do it correctly from the start to have the best results.

We offer Opalescence products and Kor products since these have great outcomes with minimal sensitivity and irritations.
These products are both at home systems and include an in-office whitening option.

Our Opalescence Go system is great as a home whitening system and consists of prefabricated trays with prefilled whitening gel.
For those who want more extensive results, Opalescence with custom trays to hold the whitening gel is a great option. This can also include in office whitening.

The most profound bleaching can be achieved with our Kor products. This is useful for those with difficult tooth discolorations or for those who want extensive whitening.

It is important to note that teeth with caps/crowns or the filling portion of teeth will not whiten and may need to be replaced to achieve a balanced whitening.

Useful information about whitening is at opalescence.com. For even more information visit korwhitening.com

 

X-Rays

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take X-rays using about 50% less radiation versus conventional X-rays. Coupled with computer monitoring, digital x-ray technology allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.

We use the As Low As Reasonably Achievable principle to keep radiation doses as low as possible.

Cancer Screening

We have available Oral Cancer screening with VELscope technology that helps visualize oral tissue abnormalities and pre-cancer.

Solea

A CHANGE FOR THE HAPPIER

The miracle we’ve both been waiting for is here: Solea. Now available to you, Solea is a powerful dental laser that replaces the dental drill in the majority of procedures in our practice. It causes virtually no pain, vibration or noise. In fact, nearly every patient skips anesthesia because they just don’t need it. Solea is our way of keeping you happy. Because more than anything, we love to see you smile.

WHAT IS SOLEA?

Solea is the first CO2 dental laser system cleared by the FDA for hard
and soft tissue procedures. It was developed in Boston, Massachusetts by Convergent Dental, based on research conducted at the University of California School of Dentistry. Solea offers a unique wavelength guided by sophisticated computers to deliver virtually painless dental procedures for both teeth and gums from simple cavities to complex surgeries. Not only is the laser virtually painless, it is also vibrationless and noiseless. The experience is so unique that you will find it hard to believe you were just at a dental appointment.

WHY SOLEA?

The majority of hard and soft tissue procedures in our office are done with no anesthesia and soft tissue procedures are done with virtually no bleeding. Blood-free and anesthesia-free procedures represent a major leap forward in dentistry, as we are able to execute multi-quadrant dentistry, fillings on the fly and soft tissue procedures in a single appointment. What does that mean for you, our patients? You are now able to receive the care you need in a fraction of the time – and pain – you were accustomed to from traditional drills. Solea is also far less invasive than using a traditional handpiece, which makes healing time following a procedure much shorter. When patients have anesthesia they typically leave the office with that numb feeling still prevalent. With Solea, you are able to go right out to lunch or back to work without that numb sensation following your appointment. Solea is truly changing what it means to go to the dentist.

For more information on Solea, please visit convergentdental.com.

Additional Services

• Implants
• Extractions
• Childrens Dentistry
• Veneers
• Gum Disease Therapy
• Dental Cleanings