Digital X-rays
Due to recent technological advances in dental imaging, digital X-rays can now be taken with only a fraction of the radiation exposure associated with conventional film X-rays. With the use of digital x-rays the clinician can manipulate the contrast giving the clinician a greater probability of detecting cavities at an earlier stage. Detecting cavities at an earlier stage allows the clinician to use a more conservative restoration.

Fillings
Dental materials are constantly changing. At East Brainerd Family Dentistry, we are investing in new technology and materials to keep up with the most current techniques and procedures. Even with all these advances, there still limitations to every restorative material. Some of the traditional dental materials are still useful for specific situations, such as fillings in the teeth in the back of the mouth where chewing forces are greatest. We consult with each patient to try to choose the best material for the patient's esthetic desires and functional needs.

Crowns
A crown is primarily used to cover a tooth from which a large portion is missing. A crown can make a tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns are used to add support to cracked teeth or teeth that have been treated with a root canal. They can also be used to attach a bridge or restore a dental implant. Crowns are often the best means for restoring discolored teeth as well. Crowns are fabricated out of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. At East Brainerd Family Dentistry we have invested in technology that allows us to do a crown in a single visit. Some situations preclude the use of single visit crowns. Each case is evaluated individually to determine if a single visit crown is the best option or if a crown fabricated by conventional techniques is best.

Single Visit Crowns
East Brainerd Family Dentistry has invested in technology that allows us to do crowns in a single visit. CEREC is a piece of dental equipment that allows us to prepare the tooth and take a digital picture of the preparation. A computer program is used to design the restoration and the restoration is milled and bonded that day. CEREC not only can be used to fabricate crowns but can also be used for a number of single unit restorations such as: inlays, onlays, and veneers.

Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials bonded to the front side of teeth. Veneers can by used to correct gaps between teeth, cover chipped teeth, and correct many other cosmetically undesirable traits. There are limitations to what can be corrected with a veneer and some occlusal situations are undesirable for placing veneers. At East Brainerd Family Dentistry, we can evaluate each individual case to determine if the desired outcome can be achieved with veneers or if a full coverage crown would perform better.

Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is probably one of the most dreaded dental procedures. Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy can often be performed with little to no discomfort involving only one to two visits. Root canal therapy is performed because a tooth has a diseased nerve or is infected due to a large cavity. If root canal therapy is not performed on a diseased tooth, bone loss will occur around the tooth. The root canal process involves removing the nerve and infected material from the tooth and placing a rubber material in the canal to seal it off. Oftentimes a crown is needed after root canal therapy to strengthen the tooth.

Tooth Whitening
In today's society most everyone loves white teeth. Some people are satisfied with their natural tooth color and some are satisfied with the level they achieve with whitening toothpaste. For those who are not satisfied with the color of their teeth, whitening is a very simple procedure. An impression is taken of the upper and lower teeth, usually at a cleaning appointment. Custom trays are made from these impressions. Simply place a small amount of whitening solution in the tray and place the tray around your teeth for thirty minutes. Most people get their desired effect in less than two weeks.

Implant Restorations
Thanks to implants conventional bridges, dentures, and partials are not the only options to consider when faced with replacing a missing tooth. Dental implants are surgically placed into the bone and then allowed to heal. The healing process typically takes several months, during which the bone fuses to the implant. Once integrated with the bone, the implant can be used for replacing a single missing tooth or as an abutment for a bridge or denture.

For more detail information on each service we preform, please click on the specific service to learn more.