Dental Services in Farmington, CT
Preventive
Dental cleanings are the gentle removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth structures. They are intended to removal irritants from the teeth. Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque and having the polished to remove stains and further buildups of plaque that are not removed when regular tooth brushing is performed.
Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in water and many foods. Fluoride builds up teeth’s strength against the acids that cause cavities and tooth decay. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) encourages fluoride treatment, stating that professional fluoride treatments are beneficial and are best utilized as part of a comprehensive preventive program in the dental home.
An oral hygiene evaluation is the patient assessment that may include gathering of information through interview, observation, examination, and use of specific tests and X-rays that allows the dentist to diagnose existing conditions.
Dental sealants are a safe resin material applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. Sealants fill in the crevices of a tooth and “seal” off the tooth from cavity causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans yearly. Each time you are in for regular cleaning and exam, we perform a visual oral cancer screening. With early detection, cancer may be caught before it has time to spread, potentially saving lives.
Diagnostic
An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation a thorough examination is done to check the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.
An X-ray is an image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation. Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. Latest technology now allow for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent, and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.
Restorative Dentistry
After cavities are cleaned, a composite filling is used to “patch up” the cavity that bacteria leave behind when they infect the tooth. Composite fillings are safe and shaded to match the color of the tooth.
A dental crown is an artificial replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding the remaining coronal tooth structure after the decay is removed from the tooth. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling won’t be effective. In order to effectively place a crown, tooth structure may be taken away to help create an esthetically pleasing fit.
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. A false tooth is held in place by being attached to a neighboring tooth. In order to fabricate a bridge, crowns are made for the teeth on either side of the space and a false tooth is placed in between the crowns, which act as supports.
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth. To place a veneer, a very small amount of the original tooth enamel must be removed. Afterwards, an adhesive layer is placed between the slightly prepped tooth and the veneer. The veneer is then hardened with a curing light.
Dental implants are the replacement of tooth roots in the mouth. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Dental implants, which are placed in the jawbone, are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium. The anchors begin to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.
An extraction is the process of removing a tooth or tooth parts. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then rocked back and forth until it is removed from its socket.
Removable Prosthetics
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. There are two types of dentures: Complete (Full) and Partial Dentures.
Aesthetics
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know that you’re straightening your teeth.
Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the shade of the teeth by using safe chemical agents. In-Office Whitening usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue. A bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and a laser light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
Additional Services
The doctors and staff of Dental Associates have undergone extensive training to be able to provide solutions for patients affected by sleep apnea and snoring. We work closely with physicians to diagnose and effectively treat obstructive sleep disorders. Ask us how we can help you or someone you love get a better night’s sleep.
A night guard is a removable acrylic appliance intended to relieve temporomandibular joint pain and other effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism). It is usually worn at night to prevent grinding during sleep.