Dental Cleanings (prophylaxis)
Periodontal Cleaning (root planing)
Teeth Whitening- Professional Treatment Options
Dental Veneers
Composite Fillings
Extractions
Root Canals
Dental Bridges
Dental Implants
Dentures
Crowns

Dental Cleanings (prophylaxis)

The dental profession refers to the dental cleaning appointment as a dental prophylaxis or prophy. The most important reasons for cleanings are prevention of dental disease and patient education.

A prophy includes a personal oral hygiene evaluation as well as home care review and recommendations. Tooth brushing and flossing instructions may be given. Teeth will receive above the gum scaling to remove plaque and tartar from all visible surfaces and polishing.

 Periodontal Cleaning (root planing)

Accumulation of plaque causes inflammation of the gums and breakdown of the periodontal attachment (the fibrous connection of the teeth to the supporting structures). Pockets between the teeth and soft tissue become deeper, and the underlying bone recedes. Increased pocket depth encourages the formation of more calculus, plaque and further tissue breakdown. Left untreated, gum disease can thrive.

Root planning is a procedure to treat periodontal conditions (moderate to advanced gum disease) by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus free surface. The process may be performed by a dental hygienist or a dentist. Thorough periodontal scaling customarily involves several dental visits. Please note that insurance companies often pay a smaller percentage towards periodontal treatment than preventative treatment.

Teeth Whitening- Professional Treatment Options

There are two types of professional whitening procedures Dr. Nabaie can recommend; in-office treatments and professional whitening products for use at home. Professionally applied in office procedures give you immediate visible results with few negative side effects. With this type of treatment, the whitening agent is applied carefully to your teeth by the oral health professional. With this type of procedure, your smile can be whitened up to five shades or more in as little as one hour.

Professionally dispensed options for home use also include specially designed trays that are custom-fitted to your mouth and are worn for a certain amount of time during the day. These will whiten your teeth up to six shades or more over time in as few as two weeks.

Either method, in-office procedures, or a professional product used at home, can provide optimal whitening. Which method is right for you will depend on your personal needs, such as time, cost, and expectations. Those with tooth colored dental fillings or crowns in the front of the mouth need professional advice prior to whitening since only natural teeth respond to whitening agents. Tooth whitening will continue to provide an excellent, safe and cost-effective way to improve your smile. Dr. Nabaie can help you in determining which teeth will whiten and the best product for your individual needs.

Dental Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are placed over the front of your own teeth to improve their appearance. Once in place they are extremely strong and durable; they look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Why Get Dental Veneers?
Many people get dental veneers because they have chipped or cracked their natural teeth. In this case the veneer not only restores the teeth to their original state but also provides protection. A chipped or cracked tooth is always much more vulnerable to further damage; bonding a porcelain veneer to it makes it far stronger.

Once in place dental veneers can be treated just like your regular teeth. They also need to be cared for like natural teeth.

In some cases veneers can be used to correct the appearance of misshapen teeth. They can also close gaps between teeth if desired. If you feel you are a candidate for dental veneers ask Dr. Nabaie will be happy to discuss your options.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles that produce a tooth-colored restoration. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.

In teeth where chewing loads are high, composite fillings are moderately resistant to wear, but less so than amalgam fillings. The cost is moderate and depends on the size of the filling and the technique used by the dentist to place it in the prepared tooth. The time required to place a composite filling is usually longer than what is required for an amalgam filling. Composite fillings require a cavity that can be kept clean and dry during filling and they are subject to stain and discoloration over time.

Extractions

If you require tooth extractions you can expect Dr. Nabaie to numb the area to lessen any discomfort. He can also prescribe pain medication if necessary. Generally you will not require anyone to drive you to and from your appointment, and you will be able to return to your normal activities within a short period of time. See our post-operative instructions which go into more detail.

After the tooth is removed there are many options for replacing the missing tooth such as dental implants, fixed bridges, or removable dentures.

Extractions with today’s modern dental techniques afford you maximum benefit and comfort.

Crowns

What is a Crown?
A crown (or cap) is an artificial covering which fits over an existing tooth. It may be made of porcelain, metal or a combination of both. A crown may be used to restore the appearance of a broken, cracked, heavily filled or worn tooth, or for cosmetic reasons.

How is a crown prepared?

• your dentist may take X-rays to assess your mouth
• a thin layer of tooth (between 1 to 2 mm) is trimmed away from the surface
• a shade guide may be used to select the correct color of porcelain
• impressions of the prepared tooth and teeth of the opposite jaw are taken and constructed in a dental laboratory
• a temporary crown is fitted to protect the prepared tooth between visits

How is it fitted?

• the temporary crown is removed at the return visit
• the crown is checked for comfort, fit and color
• Dr. Nabaie will permanently cement your new crown(s) in place with cement  
• All of our crowns are made in our own facilities by our talented dental technician, Radu Stoica (link here).  By having the crowns fabricated on site, Dr. Nabaie has control over the whole process.  If there are any adjustments necessary to the crown, such as shade change, it is usually done while you are waiting and no rescheduling is necessary.

Root Canals

Sometimes your natural tooth may need a root canal (endodontic) treatment for it to remain a healthy part of your mouth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Also, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. Left untreated, pulp inflammation or infections can lead to pain or an abscess. Some signs that might indicate the need for a root canal are prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold (usually more than 30 seconds), tenderness to touch and chewing, or swelling. 

Dr. Nabaie uses the most advanced technology available today to perform root canals.  Thanks to the advancements in the field of endodontics he performs most root canals in one visit with the use of local anesthesia.  The process is pain free and usually requires no post treatment pain medications.  Patients can expect some tenderness for 2-5 days following root canal treatment.

To save a tooth needing a root canal Dr. Nabaie removes the inflamed or infected pulp. He carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, then fills and seals the space. After treatment (possibly on the same day) Dr. Nabaie will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Dental Bridges

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small man-made titanium screw that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to fuse with the bone. It serves as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. They are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history. Dental implants prevent the normal bone loss associated with losing teeth.

Most dental implants are placed by Dr. Nabaie in our office with local anesthesia.  The process is pain free and usually takes about one hour.  After the placement of implant you can return to normal daily activities.  If you are interested in dental implants you are encouraged to make an appointment with Dr. Nabaie so he can discuss this wonderful treatment option with you.

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback behind an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing has taken place.

Who needs a denture?
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

What happens when you get a denture?
A dentist can make a full conventional denture when all teeth have been lost or all extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient's final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments. New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new "teeth" because even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks. To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. In addition, denture wearers often notice a slight change in facial appearance, increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.

How do you care for a denture?
A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpastes. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasives toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture. Don't sterilize your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement.

Should a denture be worn at night?
While you may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two weeks- even while you sleep-under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove it at night. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums.

Continue seeing your dentist regularly
It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so that a dentist can examine oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. As of aging, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because it can contribute to bone loss. 

Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth that has little or no non-restorable teeth. Strategically placed support, or implants, can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the "feel" of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for implants.