We specialize in doing what is best for you. This will allow you to achieve and maintain the healthy smile you desire. With today's dental advancements, you have many possibilities. Dr. Lavelle and his experienced staff will help you discover your best options.
Click the services and technologies below to learn more:
Bonding
Bonding involves adhering a composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth/teeth. This is done to repair tooth damage due to decay, fracture, or to alter the alignment of the teeth. Bonding can also close the gaps between teeth for cosmetic purposes. First the tooth surface is roughened to accept and hold the tooth colored bonding. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface. We then apply a prime/bonding agent so that the material will adhere to the tooth surface. The composite resin material is then shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown 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
A bridge is a method to fill the space created by 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. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. 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.
Dentures
There are two types of dentures available, partial and complete. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to replace all missing teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your own natural teeth. This can improve your smile and chewing ability.
Complete Denture: This restoration method is used to restore your smile and chewing ability when all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial Dentures: A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal framework with gum colored acrylic. This fills the space created by the missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.
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 case.
Gum Disease Treatment
The gums, ligaments, and bone 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 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. If you’re having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planning done with or without local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease becomes 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.
Implants
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. A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the implant. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last decades. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear aligners with SmartTrack technology. Using scanning and mapping a complete digital treatment plan designed just for you. You will love the comfort and aesthetics from beginning to end. The removable trays allow no interruption when eating brushing and flossing. Just insert them back in when done. With the help of Invisalign and Dr. Lavelle you will see your smile transform gradually to the smile you have always wanted.
Nightguards / Mouthguards
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports. These guards also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheeks. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night.
If you have decided a guard is right for you, Dr. Lavelle will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you.
Oral Hygiene
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 Dr. Lavelle, 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 Dr. Lavelle 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
Professional Cleaning
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed at least every six months or more frequently to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to periodontal disease, decay, and tooth loss.
Scaling: This is the process of removing plaque and tartar form all of the teeth surfaces.
Polishing: Polishing provides a smooth surface to prevent plaque from sticking onto the teeth.
Sealants
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. These can develop cavities over time. A coating will be placed that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
Veneers
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth. This method is usually referred to as bonding.
The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are sometimes given a temporary covering. In two weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory. The veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are aesthetically pleasing.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that less tooth structure is removed. Veneers are not recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.
Whitening
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients. Our office offers one method of whitening: tray whitening.
Tray whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment you can use while in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth. We will first take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whiten your teeth. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays. Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.
Testimonials
“I had an amazing experience! He was very informative, outgoing and explained the process of what had to be done. He was gentle while looking at my teeth and throughout the process of fixing the tooth that I chipped. His receptionist was very sweet and helpful with any questions I had while doing the paperwork. Overall it was a great experience. You could tell that he loved and enjoyed being there to help you as a patient.”
“They were able to get me and my son right in and we very accommodating. Friendly, professional with me and my children.”
“I’ve been a patient for 18 years. This dentist is not like any other dentist I’ve seen. He’s very easy to talk to and I it’s his patients at ease with any procedure. Absolutely awesome To deal with.
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