Services

Amelia Dental Group has provided personalized dental care to thousands of families. Our patients come from near and far to experience the warm, individualized care we provide. We pride ourselves in utilizing the most modern equipment and methods available.

In order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses state-the-art technologies in all our procedures. These new technologies allow us to detect dental concerns at early stages, treat your dental issues with precision, and provide stunning and customized restorations. Our premium dental software system maximizes your time and our office efficiency. When you visit our office you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced dental care. Click below to learn more about the services and technologies we offer.

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I-tero

The I-tero made by Cadent is a digital impression system that replaces a conventional impression for procedures like crowns, bridges, and implants. Instead of using messy impression material, the I-tero system enables the dentist to take digital scans or pictures of the teeth and bite. The digital images are transmitted to a lab that creates a very precise model of your teeth on which the crown or bridge is fabricated. This exciting new technology provides consistent superior results and is preferred by patients over the conventional impression technique.

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DENTAL CLEANING

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dental hygienist. Our highly skilled hygienists can make your cleaning pleasant by using various products to make you comfortable, while providing you with an exceptional cleaning. State of the art tools such as the Air Powder Polisher and Ultrasonic Scaler are available to improve your smile, and the health of your gums. The Ultrasonic Scaler kills the bacteria colonies at their source leaving your gum tissue unharmed while promoting gum health. These sophisticated tools allow dental cleanings to be performed more effectively without pain. Plaque and tartar left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A tailored schedule for your professional cleanings will be instituted at 3, 4, or 6 month intervals, based on your gum health and oral hygiene.

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PANORAMIC X-RAYS

This tyep of radiograph shows the whole jaw and is a good diagnostic tool. It is an important tool for the extraction of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, and for many orthodontic procedures. A panoramic radiograph will show any abnormal growths or cysts in the jaw. Panoramic radiographs are taken every three to five years or as needed for diagnostic purposes.

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SNORE APPLIANCE

It is estimated that up to 50% of adults have some snoring disorder. Snoring is such a common problem; people tend to under-rate its seriousness. Disrupted sleep on an on-going basis can lead to relationship problems and affect the physical well being of both the snorer and partner alike.

What Causes Snoring?
When you’re asleep, the muscles and soft tissues in your throat and mouth automatically relax. The lower jaw and tongue drop back, helping block and decrease the airway opening. This results in an increase in the velocity of air flowing through your airway when you breathe. The increased velocity causes soft tissues in your mouth and throat to vibrate. That familiar snoring sound is actually the sound of those tissues vibrating.

In its most severe form, the collapse of the upper airway is so complete that the lungs may not receive oxygen for up to 30 seconds. This is called "Obstructive Sleep Apnea." In response to this deprivation of oxygen, your body triggers an internal alarm and you partially wake. This is usually accompanied by loud gasps for air that can last 3 seconds or more, until you fall asleep and the cycle starts all over again.

Snoring is also affected by diet, health, lifestyle, age, weight, environment and other factors.

A snore prevention appliance is a small oral device professionally fitted by a dentist. It has a unique inner lining that is softened by heat during the fitting process. (Similar to an athletic mouth guard.) The unit is custom fitted to your individual needs. It fits snugly over your top teeth while you sleep and is designed to prevent your tongue from dropping towards the back of your throat. This helps keep your airway open, effectively relieving the main cause of snoring.

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SNORING & SLEEP APNEA APPLIANCE

Everyone knows that a good night’s sleep is important. It can make or break your day. What most people don’t know is that snoring and sleep apnea frequently disrupt healthy sleep. This lack of sleep can adversely affect a person’s life. One of the most effective options to promote a good night’s sleep is a dental appliance to treat snoring or sleep apnea. If you snore or are diagnosed with sleep apnea by your physician, call our office and we can fit you for an appliance.

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MINOR TOOTH MOVEMENT

Description coming soon.

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NIGHTGUARDS

Custom designed nightguards are made of firm plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Nightguards are recommended for patients with TMJ disorders or for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night. The appliance serves to improve the bite relationship, protects the teeth, and aids in relaxing the muscles of the face and jaw. Impressions are taken of your teeth, which are then sent to a dental lab to make the custom appliance.

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DIAGNOdent

Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods. Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.

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INVISALIGN

The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

The Invisalign System works by creating a series of trays that will move your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.

As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. However, Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.

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ORAL HYGIENE CARE

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
• Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
• Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area

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IMPLANT RESTORATION

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. Dental implants are used to anchor replacement teeth which look, feel, and function more like your own teeth. The dental implants themselves are tiny Titanium posts, which are placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structures, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

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LASER DENTISTRY

Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums. The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

Soft Tissue Laser
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enables the dentist to treat our patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.

Hard Tissue Dental Laser
Hard tissue lasers are used to remove old fillings, repair cavities, and prepare teeth for bonding. As with soft tissue lasers, they dramatically minimize discomfort and allow the dentist to treat teeth with more precision.

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X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each situation.

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BONDING

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a tooth colored filling material is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break that porcelain veneers.

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DENTURES

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!

Dental implants are now available to improve the fit and stability of dentures. If you are currently wearing a denture, or are transitioning to a denture, be sure to ask about how dental implants can improve your confidence and satisfaction with a partial or complete denture.

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PAPERLESS CHARTING

Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.

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INTRAORAL CAMERA

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.

With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.

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SEALANTS

A sealant is a thin tooth colored dental material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in teeth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. When molars have these fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, they are at increased risk of developing cavities over time. A dental hygienist will apply the sealant material with a brush and “bond” the material to the tooth. This process seals the grooves and pits, making it easier to keep the tooth clean and decreases the risk of a future cavity.

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WHITENING

Whitening your teeth is a simple way to update your smile. Over time, teeth become discolored by a variety of factors, some of which are aging and consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, colas, red wine, and tobacco. These stains go deep, permeating the surface of the tooth’s enamel. In order to get your teeth back to a lighter color, it is necessary to permeate the surface of the enamel with a whitening agent.

We recommend cosmetic whitening using a tray system. It allows you to whiten at home using custom trays that adapt to your teeth. A mild solution is placed in the custom fit trays and worn over your teeth for a few hours each day. Most patients are pleased with the results of cosmetic whitening after 1-2 weeks. The custom trays also allow you to whiten at your convenience to maintain your new smile.

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AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT REMINDER

We use an automated appointment reminder system that will call your home two days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment. Please listen to the message carefully and press "1" to confirm the appointment and "2" if you wish to cancel. If you do not respond to the message, our office staff will contact you to confirm your scheduled visit. If are not home, a message will be left on your voicemail. Failure to notify our office of a cancellation may result in a charge. See our missed appointment policy for more information.

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TELESCOPIC LOUPES

The dentists in our practice use surgical telescopes while performing dentistry to increase the quality and precision of dental procedures. These powerful glasses allow a dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.

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FILLINGS

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. New modern dental materials make it possible to restore most teeth with tooth colored composite fillings. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decay, clean the affected area, and bond the composite filling material in place. The custom filling creates a natural appearance, and is less noticeable than the old silver fillings done in the past.

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VENEERS

Of all the methods available today for changing and improving the look of your smile, porcelain veneers are among the most successful with our patients. A small amount of tooth structure is removed to make room for the veneers, which are constructed in the dental lab, and bonded to the tooth. Veneers can be used to correct worn, discolored, chipped, mal positioned, or irregular teeth. Some advantages of porcelain veneers over bonding include increased longevity, more translucency, and increased resistance to fracture and staining.

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DIGITAL IMAGING

We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.

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ELECTRONIC CLAIMS

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

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CROWNS

Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are badly damaged, cracked or discolored. A crown, also referred to as a cap, 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

All ceramic crowns are now available that are translucent, so they look very natural. Since they have no metal they eliminate the dark line seen at the gumline in old crowns. New high strength porcelains make it possible to use all ceramic crowns not only on front teeth but most back teeth as well.

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GUM TREATMENT

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one's teeth. These structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy gums or gum disease include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of gum disease. Our dentists evaluate all new patients for gum disease, and our highly trained hygienists check for gum disease at all cleaning visits. If gum disease is detected, treatment will be initiated to arrest the disease process in order to prevent bone loss and tooth loss. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic. If the gum disease gets too severe a referral to our periodontist may be needed.

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BRIDGES

A bridge is one method to fill the space created by a missing tooth or 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. 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 made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

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GUM TREATMENT

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one's teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. When you see one of our highly trained hygienists, they will take measurements of your gums and call out the numbers. Healthy is 1-3, anything over that is an area of concern and will be addressed. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.

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TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Although our dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise you to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with pain medicine and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever after an extraction, call our office immediately.

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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment or endodontic therapy is necessary for a variety of reasons. Sometimes deep cavities, large fillings, fractured teeth or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged. Once the nerve is damaged, the pulp tissue inside the tooth becomes infected. By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. 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 from a nerve that has died inside a tooth, and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is performed by numbing a tooth and cleaning out the infected pulp tissue. The inside of the tooth is disinfected and a filling material is placed in the canals of the tooth. Following root canal treatment most teeth will require a crown to provide adequate strength and function in the tooth again.

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HALITOSIS

Halitosis is the sophisticated word for "bad breath". Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.

Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.

Bad breath may be caused by the following:

• Poor dental hygiene - poor oral hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
• Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease
• Respiratory-tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
• External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco
• Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
• Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others

Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we discover that systemic problems are the cause, we may refer you to your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a doctor specialized to treat gum disease called a periodontist.

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AIR ABRASION

Air abrasion is a drill-less and more gentle approach to remove decay from the teeth. An air abrasion unit is a small instrument that blasts a fine stream of air and particles onto the teeth to spray away decay. The small particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda and aid in cleaning the tooth surface. Air abrasion allows for decay to quickly be removed while conserving healthy tooth structure. The particles and decay are then suctioned out of the mouth.

Air abrasion is gentle because it generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration. In addition, it reduces the need for anesthesia, making it an ideal choice for children and those who experience dental anxiety.

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TMJ TREATMENTS

TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.

Problems in this area can cause:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.

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ORTHODONTICS

For over 30 years, Dr. Newhouse has studied with the American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics and has treated hundreds of orthodontic cases successfully without extracting permanent teeth! After his eldest daughter, Becky was treated orthodontically with extracted permanent teeth, Dr. Newhouse was unhappy with the results. Not only were the esthetics unsatisfactory leaving her with a narrow, collapsed arches, but more importantly functionality leaving his daughter with a compromised result. It was at this point in his career that he decided to go back to school and joined a group with a different philosophy. Dr. Newhouse believes in early intervention before growth has fully completed. Using appliances, the full potential of jaw growth is reached to make room for all the adult teeth. This process can be started as early as 7 years of age. Please go to www.aago.com for more information and photos!

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CEREC

CEREC is an acronym for Charismatic Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth with beautiful custom ceramic crowns in a single visit, completely eliminating the need or multiple appointments over a several week period. The process can create a ceramic dental crown, inlays, onlays or veneers using a variety of technologies including 3D photography and computer-aided design and manufacturing known as CAD/CAM (see below). Using an intra-oral camera, a photograph is taken of the tooth and the picture is loaded onto the computer. Using Computer Aided Design technology, the dentist is able to design the restoration and transform the image into a three-dimensional model. This valuable program then allows the dentist to easily calculate the appropriate restoration shape and size to create near perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine then creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision. The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful and custom designed and produced restoration, made entirely to fit your mouth. CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for over 20 years.

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SEDATION

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or when a patient is undergoing extensive dental work. We offer a number of solutions to our patients to make their dental visits as comfortable as possible. Options available to our patients include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation.

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WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.

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COMPUTERIZED

Our office uses computerized shade matching to make restorations that perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. Old methods of shade matching can be inaccurate and inconsistent. Our shade matching system is a small hand-held device that captures tooth hue, value and chroma to create precise color matches. With this technology, you can be confident that your restorations will beautifully match your natural teeth.

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AQUA ABRASION

Aqua abrasion is a new cutting and polishing systems that works in the same fashion as air abrasion. In addition to removing decay and preparing restorations, it can be used to effectively clean and polish the teeth through a fine stream of water that is sprayed onto the tooth surface. The aquabrasion system can replace the drill in many dental procedures and it quickly removes decay while conserving healthy tooth structure. Its gentle nature can eliminate the need for local anesthesia in many procedures.

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CAD/CAM CHAIRSIDE RESTORATION SYSTEM

Our office utilizes CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for "computer-aided design" and "computer-aided manufacturing". This technology allows the dentist to use an intra-oral scanner inside your mouth to take a digital scan of a tooth that has been prepared to receive a crown. Using special software, the data from the scan is used to generate a design (CAD) for a custom crown. This program will also generate a custom blue print and guide lines to manufacture the new crown (CAM). This software, paired with a state-of-the-art milling machine, enables our office to create precise and custom crowns, inlays and onlays in one single dental visit.

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LUMINEERS

LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer a painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. These contact lens-thin "smile shapers" can be applied to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.

Our team has taken numerous advanced training courses on this procedure. To see if you are a candidate, call our office for a complimentary consultation.

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BRIDGES

A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress in your bite.

A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.

The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

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CROWNS

Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth's shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns are often preferable to silver amalgam fillings. Unlike fillings which apply metal directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

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IMPLANTS

If you have missing teeth, it is crucial to replace them. Without all your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you discomfort. When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth.

An implant is a new tooth made of steel and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. Your implant is composed of two parts that mimic a tooth's root and crown. The implant's "root" is a titanium steel rod placed into the jaw bone to act as a root. Once the rod is in place, a porcelain crown is attached to replace the top part of your tooth.

Implants may also be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew. Plus, for patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so that you have a more natural-looking smile.