|
Our office welcomes patients of all ages. We really enjoy children, and recommend an initial visit between the age of 2-3 years old. Our goal with kids is to make all their visits quick, comfortable, and even enjoyable. We offer children’s videos in the play area while they wait.
We perform the full spectrum of dental care in our facility, with the exception of orthodontics. Our goal is to provide top-quality care to each patient on every procedure. If we feel that your condition can be better treated by a specialist, we will recommend the appropriate referral.
Before we make any recommendations for treatment, we consult with you to ascertain the goals and objectives you have for your oral health. Only then will we offer you the treatment alternatives specific to your needs.
Preventive Dentistry:
Optimizing the health of the gums, and the bone that supports the teeth.Sealants—to prevent decayFluoride therapyChildren's Dentistry
Maintaining good dental health
Every patient (even denture patients) needs to be seen at least once a year, and the vast majority of patients should visit their dentist two to four times a year. Studies show that the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease begins to accumulate on tooth surfaces below the gumline around 90 days after professional cleaning. Many patients benefit from professional cleanings that are more frequent than every six months, especially those who don't floss daily.
Facts on Flossing
Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is the best choice.
Is it safe to use toothpicks?
In a pinch, toothpicks are effective at removing food between teeth, but for daily cleaning of plaque between teeth, floss is recommended. Toothpicks come round and flat, narrow and thick. When you use a toothpick, don't press too hard as you can break off the end and lodge it in your gums.
Your child's first dental visit
When should your child first see a dentist, and why? The ideal time is between two and three years of age. This timeframe is a perfect opportunity for the dentist to carefully examine the development of your child's mouth. Because dental problems often start early, the sooner the visit the better. To safeguard against problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, the dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care.
How do I prepare my child and myself for the visit?
Before the visit, ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for either reaction your child may exhibit -cooperative or non-cooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. Bring with you to the appointment any important records of your child's medical history.
What will happen on the first visit?
Many first visits are nothing more than introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice. If the child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative, a rescheduling may be necessary. Patience and calm on the part of the parent and reassuring communication with your child are very important in these instances. Short, successive visits are meant to build the child's trust in the dentist and the dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem.
Child appointments should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under 24-36 months, the parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the examination. Also, parents may be asked to wait in the reception area so a relationship can be built between your child and the dentist. If the child is compliant, the first session often lasts between 15-30 minutes and may include the following, depending on age:
- A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas;
- If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar build-up and stains;
- X-rays;
- A demonstration on proper home cleaning;
- Assessment of the need for fluoride.
The dentist should be able to answer any questions you have and try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit. The entire dental team and the office should provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child.
What are sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars (the teeth directly in front of the molars). Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of cavities. They were developed through dental research in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972.
How effective are sealants?
Scientific studies have proven that properly applied sealants are 100 percent effective in protecting the tooth surfaces from caries. Because sealants act as a physical barrier to decay, protection is determined by the sealants' ability to adhere to the tooth. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around a sealant. Sealant protection is reduced or lost when part or all of the bond between the tooth and sealant is broken. However, clinical studies have shown that teeth that have lost sealants are no more susceptible to tooth decay than teeth that were never sealed.
How long will a sealant last?
Sealants should last 2-3 years, but can last as long as 10 years. One study reported that seven years after application, an impressive 49 percent of treated teeth were still completely covered. Sealants should not be considered permanent. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the sealants' bond to the tooth.
Children, because they have newly erupted, permanent teeth, receive the greatest benefit from sealants. The chewing surfaces of a child's teeth are most susceptible to cavities and the least benefitted by fluoride. Surveys show that approximately two-thirds of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's newly erupted teeth because food particles and bacteria cannot be cleaned out. Other patients also can benefit from sealant placement, such as those who have existing pits and grooves susceptible to decay. Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.
SOURCES: American Dental Association; The National Institute of Dental Research; Leslie V. Margens, DDS, MPH, Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Ecology, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Leonard Cohen, DDS, MpH, MS, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Education and Instructional Resources, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland at Baltimore.
Return to the list of our services
Restorative Dentistry:
Tooth-colored composite fillingsSilver fillingsTooth-colored inlays, onlays and crownsGold inlays, onlays and crownsPorcelain veneers
What types of filling materials are used?
Our office prefers to use tooth-colored fillings. Silver amalgam fillings were the most common many years ago, and are still very good if used properly. Tooth-colored restorations are functionally just as good, if not better, and are virtually invisible. Restoring your tooth's function and natural appearance are achievable goals in this day and age.
If tooth-colored is your preference, we use composite resin (a type of hard plastic) for smaller fillings, and porcelain for larger fillings.
Gold is also an excellent alternative for large restorations, onlays, or crowns.
What are crowns?
A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size,strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to support a large filling when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining, to attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
Will it look natural?
Yes. The dentist's main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. That is why dentists take an impression. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these factors alone can affect your appearance.
If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.
Return to the list of our services
Cosmetic Dentistry:
We take tremendous pride in our ability to provide remarkable cosmetic dentistry. Our service benefits patients of all ages. Our comprehensive approach to your cosmetic concerns will prove to be educational as well as exciting. With the technology available today, we can easily and comfortably create the smile you’ve always dreamed of. We can:
1. Whiten the color of your teeth
2. Replace silver or black fillings with tooth-colored ones
3. Eliminate black lines around crowns
4. Reshape your teeth
5. Lengthen teeth that are worn or appear to be too short
6. Close gaps between teeth
7. Reduce or eliminate a “gummy” smile
This is only a partial list of the cosmetic services available to you. In order to help you decide on cosmetic treatment, we offer complimentary cosmetic consultations and smile design analysis. Please ask Dr. Qui about any service that you may be interested in!
Can you tell me about bleaching?
Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting indefinitely. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
Is bleaching for you?
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.
What's involved?
First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system would provide the best results. If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately. We may use an in-office bleaching system for that purpose. However, most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provides the same, if not better, results. The dentist or assistant will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The mouthguard is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing it. Along with the mouthguard, you'll receive the bleaching materials. You'll be given instructions on how to wear the mouthguard.
Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 7-14 days to complete.
How long does it last?
Lightness will depend on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea, but can last for many, many years. Some people will choose to get a touch up if they notice a change in color. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is carbamide peroxide in varying percentage concentration; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. Successful bleaching depends also on emulsions and propogators present in quality bleaching agents.
Is it safe? Any side effects?
Several studies during the past five years have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
Return to the list of our services
Endodontic (Root Canal) Services:
What is a root canal?
Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth generally has between one and four root canals.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in other problems. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which is more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it's always best to keep your original teeth.
How is a root canal performed?
The dentist will carefully and painlessly remove the infected nerve tissue from the root canals of the tooth. The canals are then smoothed and shaped in preparation for the final gutta percha (a rubber-like material) filling of the canals. The appointment may involve 1 or 2 appointments to complete.
Return to the list of our services
Periodontal Disease Treatment:
- Diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums, and the bone that supports the teeth
Gum Disease
What is gum disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.
What causes gum disease?
Bacterial plaque - a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth - is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types. If plaque isn't removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar).Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.
Are there other factors?
Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choices. A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body's ability to fight infection. Smokers and "smokeless" tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than those who don't, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease. Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system, such as leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the tooth is unsalvagable. That's why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.
What does periodontal treatment involve?
In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planing--removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums, and removing the hardened plaque build-up and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.
How do you prevent gum disease?
Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. Your dentist can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs. If a dentist doesn't do a periodontal exam during a regular visit, the patient should request it. Children should also be examined.
Is maintenance important?
Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of therapy. Patients should visit the dentist every 3-4 months (or more, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planing and an overall exam. In between visits, they should brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and brush their tongues. Manual soft nylon bristle brushes are the most dependable and least expensive. Electric brushes are also a good option, but don't reach any further into the pocket than manual brushes. Proxy brushes (small, narrow brushes) are the best way to clean in between the recesses in the teeth, and should be used once a day. Wooden tooth picks and rubber tips should only be used if recommended by your dentist.
Sources:
The American Academy of Periodontology;
Atrix Laboratories, Inc.;
"Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy: Essential and Adjunctive Methods," by P.R. Greene, BDS, FDSRCPS, the British Dental Journal, 1995;
"Four Steps to Soft Tissue Management," by S.N., Bhaskar, DDS, Dentistry Today, October, 1995
Return to the list of our services
Tooth Replacement:
Gold bridgesTooth-colored bridgesFull denturesPartial denturesImplantsImmediate delivery of replacement teeth
Implants
Implants are the most high-tech form of tooth replacement available. Implants are not for everyone, and only a careful examination by the implant team can determine if you are a candidate. Our team is prepared to help you decide and treat your implant needs.
Bridges
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to the "abutment" teeth--the surrounding teeth on either side of the space, or "span." Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by the patient. A fixed bridge is a device that typically consists of three units - a pontic (a false tooth) fused between two crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth.
Dentures
Removable dentures are used by many patients to replace several or all of their missing teeth. We can repair, reline or fabricate new appliances for you. The dentures can also be used in conjunction with dental implants to securely fix the dentures in place.
Return to the list of our services
:
Mouthguards
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
To protect your mouth from injuries. The #1 injury in sports where a helmet is not worn (basketball, soccer, baseball, martial arts, etc.) are mouth related. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities. More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year. An injury to a single tooth can result in costs that average $2000! A custom mouthguard can prevent these.
What kinds of injuries can a mouthguard prevent?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Wearing a mouthguard can reduce concussions by almost half. Young children, in particular, often sustain damaged or dislodged teeth, fractured jaws and lacerated lips when participating in sports. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.
In what types of sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, and martial arts as, well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling should wear mouthguards while competing.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
Mouth-formed protectors: These mouthguards come as a shell-liner and "boil-and-bite" product. The shell is lined with acrylic or rubber. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. The lining of the "boil-and-bite" mouthguard is immersed in boiling water for 10-45 seconds, transferred to cold water and then adapted to the teeth. The "boil-and-bite" mouthguard is used by more than 90 percent of athletes who use mouthguards. Protection is minimal and not sufficient for most contact sports. An example of the failure of these guards is seen within the sport of hockey. Most players where boil and bite guards, and tooth loss is not prevented!
Custom-made mouth protectors: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth. In addition, the multiple layers of special acrylics allow an athlete to withstand sharp blows to the mouth while preventing tooth injury.
The relatively low cost of this superior protection is insurance you should strongly consider.
Dr. Qui takes special interest in proper sports guard protection and can recommend the appropriate protector for you.
Return to the list of our services
|
