Adult Prophy
The prophy is the cornerstone for a lifetime of dental health. The professional cleaning is the removal of plaque, stains, and calculus (tarter) from the teeth. The calculus (tarter) is removed by scaling the teeth because it irritates the gums and contributes to gum disease. The most significant function that the dental hygienist performs during the prophy is prevention of disease and patient education.
Child Prophy
Children should be examined by a dentist starting at age one year. This may entail just a “knee to knee” exam to visually inspect the teeth. Children may then be gradually introduced to more services during subsequent visits. The main goal of these initial visits is to introduce the child to the dental office in a fun, non-threatening way so that they truly look forward to going to see the dentist.
The Dental Recare Appointment
Patients should schedule their recare prophy appointment on a regular basis for the early diagnoses of dental disease. We recommend a prophy visit every two to six months. Recare frequency depends on many factors and should be determined on an individual basis. Some people tend to have more build up of calculus than others and some may be more prone to periodontal inflammation or the development of tooth decay. Patients with inadequate oral hygiene practices will require more frequent cleanings.
Accumulation of plaque causes inflammation of the gums and an ensuing breakdown of the periodontal attachment to the tooth. Pockets between the teeth and the soft tissue become deeper and the underlying bone recedes, increasing pocket depth. This results in the formation of more calculus, plaque and further tissue breakdown.
Root planning is a procedure to treat periodontal conditions by thoroughly scaling the roots of the teeth to establish a smooth, calculus free surface. More advanced conditions may necessitate periodontal surgery for complete removal of plaque and tarter. The goal of periodontal therapy is to stop the progression of the disease and teach the patient ways to maintain periodontal health. Some patients with more severe periodontal breakdown may need to be referred to a periodontist for more extensive treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is to be distinguished from a routine dental cleaning. Periodontal disease, much like diabetes, is a chronic disorder that requires careful monitoring. A patient is never cured of periodontal disease because of underlying systemic conditions. A patient may experience occasional inflammatory bouts in between periods of relative health. Periodontal maintenance visits are scheduled at three or four month intervals.
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of back permanent teeth. Having sealants applied is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and then cured with a light to form a harden shield over the tooth surface.
Sealants generally last a long time, but they need to be inspected at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. Sealants help prevent the formation of decay in teeth which have especially deep grooves that are difficult to completely clean with daily brushing. Sealants and dental fluoride are the best means for preventing tooth decay in patients who brush and floss regularly.
Many people attribute darkening of teeth to stain from coffee, tea or smoke. While these substances can cause superficial staining, it’s the kind of stain that can be polished off. The most important factor that darkens teeth for all of us is aging. As we age the dentin (the inner layer of tooth structure) darkens. Fortunately, it’s reversible with tooth lightening! Other known factors for discoloration may include childhood medications or illnesses, excessive tobacco use or improper oral hygiene.
Restoring your natural white smile is a very simple process. While over-the-counter tooth whitening products are a booming business, the reality is that most typically don’t work. Professional whitening is a proven way to brighten your smile.
Take Home Whitening
Take home whitening is the use of a peroxide based gel-activated solution used in custom fit trays that the patient wears at home for about two weeks. This method provides the patient with a lasting white smile with a minimal long-term investment.
Zoom! Whitening
If you want white teeth right now, then ZOOM! is your answer. The Zoom In-Office Whitening System uses a proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades in 2 hours while you relax. The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving your teeth exposed. The dental assistant then applies the whitening gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light, The Zoom! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper follow-up care your bright smile will sparkle for years.
Veneers are thin, semi-translucent “shells” typically attached to your front teeth. Veneers are customized from porcelain material and permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile with significantly less tooth preparation than traditional full-coverage crowns. They can change the shape, color, size, and arrangement of teeth or any combination of these factors. In some cases they can be used as an alternative for orthodontic treatment. The best part about porcelain veneers is that they can be placed in two visits.
The technique consists of first shaving a thin layer of outer tooth structure (about the thickness of an eggshell). An impression is then made of the prepared teeth and is sent to a dental laboratory. In the lab, a ceramist will make very thin porcelain facings consisting of all the changes in shape, size, color and teeth arrangement that are needed to create a great looking smile. At the second visit, the veneers are bonded onto the prepared teeth. Porcelain is the best material for achieving the smile of your dreams.
Please contact our office if you have any further questions on veneers or to find out if you are a candidate for this truly amazing procedure.
A “filling” replaces and restores tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture with some sort of artificial material. We can replace old, broken-down amalgam (silver)/metal fillings with white fillings (composites) to restore your smile and teeth to a more natural look and feel. With today’s advancements in materials, you will no longer have to suffer the embarrassment of unsightly, dark silver fillings or metal margins of the past. Eliminate the dark, black appearance of your teeth with new-age, state-of-the-art, tooth-colored resin or porcelain materials.
Comparing White Composite Fillings to Silver Amalgam Fillings:
•White fillings bond to the tooth; they strengthen the tooth by restoring most of its original shape. Silver fillings, on the other hand, weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking. Broken teeth can be very expensive to repair; white fillings can actually save time and money in the long run.
White fillings bond to the tooth; they strengthen the tooth by restoring most of its original shape. Silver fillings, on the other hand, weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking. Broken teeth can be very expensive to repair; white fillings can actually save time and money in the long run.•White fillings are preferred by most patients when given the option. This is due to their natural color, strength and overall appearance and feel.
White fillings are preferred by most patients when given the option. This is due to their natural color, strength and overall appearance and feel. •Hot and cold sensitivity is greatly reduced with composite filling material compared to the silver fillings.
Hot and cold sensitivity is greatly reduced with composite filling material compared to the silver fillings.•Restorations with composites require less removal of tooth structure than those with silver fillings, especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a composite filling.
Restorations with composites require less removal of tooth structure than those with silver fillings, especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a composite filling.•How long a filling lasts depends on many factors, including the technical skill of the dentist and the oral hygiene and diet of the patient. However, in general terms, porcelain fillings tend to last the longest, then silver fillings, and finally composite fillings.
How long a filling lasts depends on many factors, including the technical skill of the dentist and the oral hygiene and diet of the patient. However, in general terms, porcelain fillings tend to last the longest, then silver fillings, and finally composite fillings.Crowns
A crown (cap) is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable.
The treatment steps for a patient receiving a crown are:
1.Numbing the tooth and removing any decay in or around it.
Numbing the tooth and removing any decay in or around it.2.Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.
Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.3.Making an impression of the teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes two to three weeks).
Making an impression of the teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes two to three weeks).4.Making a provisional (temporary) crown out of acrylic resin and fitting in onto the tooth during the interim period when the permanent custom-made crown is being created.
Making a provisional (temporary) crown out of acrylic resin and fitting in onto the tooth during the interim period when the permanent custom-made crown is being created.5.Applying the permanent crown (when received from the lab) by removing the provisional crown and fitting the permanent one onto the tooth.
Applying the permanent crown (when received from the lab) by removing the provisional crown and fitting the permanent one onto the tooth.6.Cementing the permanent crown into place after the dentist ensures that the crown has the proper look and fit.
Cementing the permanent crown into place after the dentist ensures that the crown has the proper look and fit.This process generally consists of 2 visits over a three week period.
Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease and recurrent dental decay. A crown is the most cost-effective, longest-lasting way of preserving a damaged tooth. Given proper care, a crown can last a lifetime.
Bridges
A bridge is a replacement tooth that is cemented permanently in your mouth. It fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent:
•Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (malocclusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.
Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (malocclusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.•Safeguarding the integrity of existing teeth and helping to maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
Safeguarding the integrity of existing teeth and helping to maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.There are three main types of bridges:
•Fixed bridge—this is the most common bridge and consists of a filler tooth (pontic) that is attached to two crowns which fit over the existing teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the space and hold the bridge in place.
Fixed bridge—this is the most common bridge and consists of a filler tooth (pontic) that is attached to two crowns which fit over the existing teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the space and hold the bridge in place.•“Maryland” bridge—this bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to supporting bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches the existing tooth color.
“Maryland” bridge—this bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to supporting bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches the existing tooth color.•Cantilever bridge—this bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.
Cantilever bridge—this bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.Dental implants are currently the best option for replacing missing teeth because they tend to last longer than traditional bridges and they do not involve adjacent teeth for support. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (in the form of a titanium screw) placed in the jaw. The root implant is often as strong as the patient’s original tooth.
Implant Placement
The implant is placed into the jaw bone under local anesthesia and then allowed to heal and integrate with the bone. Dr. Hutnik prefers to refer his patients to a dental implant specialist (oral surgeon or periodontist) for placement of implants. Once the healing process is completed and the jaw bone is attached to the implant, the patient returns to Dr. Hutnik’s office where the implant is fitted with a new tooth (crown). This process generally takes anywhere from six to eight months.
Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth (crown), several teeth (bridge) or an entire arch (bridge or denture).
Post Implant Care
Although proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health, it is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant. Bacteria can attack sensitive areas in the mouth when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, thus causing gums to swell and jaw bones to gradually recede. Recession of the jaw bone will weaken implants and eventually make it necessary for the implant to be removed. Patients are advised to visit their dentist at least twice a year to ensure the health of their teeth and implants. Dental implants can last for decades when given proper care.
Periodontal disease, injury and tooth decay can all cause a loss of your natural teeth. However, we can bring back the smile on your face with dentures to restore your missing teeth. With improved technology and updated materials, dentists can now make them appear more natural and more comfortable for the patient. You can replace missing teeth with full (“complete”) dentures on the upper and lower jaws, with partial dentures if only a few teeth are missing, or with a combination of the two.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw or in both. Complete dentures are made from acrylic and sized to fit the shape of your jaw and mouth. They mimic the color and appearance of your natural teeth. The unique impression of your teeth, bite and the shape of your jaw bone will be used to create the dentures. Over time your mouth will change, but your dentures will not. The jaw bones and gums can shrink or recede. You can have your dentures remade or relined when necessary. It may take some time to adjust to your new dentures. Speaking and eating may feel different at first, but these regular activities will resume normally once you are accustomed to your dentures.
An implant-supported denture is a wonderful way to give your lower denture a more stable, solid feel. It is especially helpful if your lower jaw bone has receded to the point where it no longer can support a conventional denture with stability. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for an implant-supported denture.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable devices that replace a few missing teeth instead of all the teeth in the jaw. They can be attached either by metal clasps or by precision attachments. Precision attachments require crowns to be placed on the remaining abutment teeth that hold the partial denture in place without metal clasps.
Regardless of which design is chosen to secure the partial denture in place in the mouth, the supporting teeth must be in good health. Partial dentures tend to be the treatment of choice when the supporting teeth are not strong enough for traditional bridgework or when finances are problematic. If all of the remaining teeth in a jaw are not healthy, then a complete denture rather than a partial denture may be the best treatment in the long run.
Endodontic therapy is the removal of the soft tissue (pulp) inside the tooth. Endodontists, who perform root canals, receive advanced education after graduating from dental school and typically only deal with endodontic-related problems. Dr. Hutnik prefers to refer patients to carefully selected endodontists.
A common misconception is that a root canal is an uncomfortable procedure. Actually, it is similar to having a cavity filled, producing minimal discomfort. Endodontists go to great lengths to insure that root canal therapy is comfortable; they are specialists in pain control.
Common causes for the need for root canal treatment include:
•Severe sensitivity to hot and cold
Severe sensitivity to hot and cold•Tooth decay
Tooth decay•Chipped or broken teeth
Chipped or broken teeth•Severe trauma to the tooth such as a physical blow
Severe trauma to the tooth such as a physical blow•Trauma from repeated dental procedures
Trauma from repeated dental procedures•Infection in the tooth pulp
Infection in the tooth pulpThe need for root canal treatment can best be determined by consultation with your dentist.
In most cases a tooth can be saved; if not, an extraction is usually a minor surgical procedure. Just after an extraction it is natural that temporary changes will occur in the mouth, like soreness or swelling. You’ll be functioning normally within a few days. It is very important that you follow a few simple post-operative instructions that will help prevent uneventful healing.
Dental Cleanings
Periodontal Therapy
Sealants
Tooth Whitening (Bleaching)
Porcelain Veneers
Fillings
Crowns and Bridges
Dental Implants
Dentures
Endodontics (Root Canals)
Tooth Extractions
