 | |
|
|
Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show usually only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing, as well as the regularity of the teeth are characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth. At Michael Danze, DMD, a wide variety of cosmetic options are offered. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, reconfiguring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.
Dr. Danze has been using tooth colored filling materials, exclusively, for many years. These composite resin materials are safe, strong, and extremely natural in appearance. Due to their ability to bond to the surface of the tooth, the restored tooth is much stronger than a tooth restored with silver-mercury fillings. Teeth restored with composite resin fillings tend to have less leakage, less recurrent decay, and less incidence of fracture. top of page
Crowns and Bridges A porcelain crown or bridge is used to completely cover a weakened, damaged or cracked tooth above the gum line and protect it. Colored and shaped to match your own teeth, crowns can look and feel like a natural tooth.
Dental Veneers are thin shells that are custom crafted and bonded to the surface of the teeth. Although they can be fabricated from different materials, Dr. Danze most often uses porcelain because of its durability and realistic appearance.
Tooth bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry, but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many people consider white teeth to be an attractive feature of a smile. A child's deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages, the adult teeth often increase in value--that is to say, they become darker. The darkening is due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, certain foods, and tobacco. A typical course of bleaching can produce dramatic improvements in the cosmetic appearance of most stained teeth; however, some stains do not respond to bleaching.
Root Canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to the tooth's pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early.) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to the tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy also. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess.) By the time the pulp is infected, it must be treated and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. 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 and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring the tooth that has had root canal therapy.
A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection which also slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of the tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work in that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support; and should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft. Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is used in prosthetic dentistry. There are several types. The most widely accepted and successful is the osseointegrated implant, based on the discovery by Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark that titanium could be successfully incorporated into bone when osteoblasts grow on and into the rough surface of the implanted titanium. This forms a structural and functional connection between the living bone and the implant.
There are several types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of the teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys loosing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly. The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to; but once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can be used to further stabilize the dentures. Partials are like dentures, except good teeth can be left in the mouth. The artificial teeth can be built around what is left. The outcome is a beautiful smile.
Focusing on prosperity of your teeth, mouth, and smile: cleanings, checkups, x-rays, and other procedures to prevent problems from occurring in the future.
Periodontal (gum disease) Treatment The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones 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 (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are not red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position of the bite. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care, however, it may be possible to return them to a healthy state. This is where appropriate gum treatments come in. If you're having a problem, come in and see us, so we can take care of it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planning 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 get it treated at the first sign of a problem.
|
| Michael L. Danze DMD ~ Family Dentistry 10610 Independence Pointe Parkway ~ Matthews ~ North Carolina ~ 28105 ~ 704-845-2477 | |
| Home Meet the Dentist Meet Our Team Office Policies Forms Directions Insurance Information Payment Options Services Contact Us | |
| This site is property of Michael L. Danze and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. ASB Designs © 2009 | |
Home