Preventive Dentistry and Family Dentistry
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Saleh at your initial dental visit. This dental exam will include the following:
- Diagnostic x-rays: Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positioning.
- Oral cancer screening: Dr. Saleh performs a manual check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. He also uses a Velscope to scan the tissues for abnormalities.
- Gum disease evaluation: The hygienist will take specific measurements around your teeth to check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments along with a laser cavity detection scanner “Diagnodent”.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check existing fillings, crowns, etc.
- Examination of the TMJ and bite
Back to Top
Professional Dental Cleaning
Our registered dental hygienists will perform a professional dental cleaning, which will include a dental exam and the following:
- Tartar removal: Tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Tartar forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Plaque removal: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that consists of live bacteria, food debris and saliva that forms on the teeth. The live bacteria produce toxins that infect the gums. If left untreated, the infection could lead to periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Remove stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Back to Top
Dental X-Rays
X-rays are essential preventative and diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during visual dental exam. Dr. Saleh uses this information to design a more accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas could easily go undetected.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Decay between teeth
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Developmental abnormalities
Advantages of Digital Radiography
The advantages of digital x-rays when compared with film-based machines include:
- 90% less radiation exposure than traditional x-rays
- Ability to refine image quality for more precision
- Instant viewing on computer screen (no waiting for films to develop)
- Environmentally friendly (no toxic chemicals)
Best of all, it’s easy for you to see what Dr. Saleh sees. You will have the ability to view your digital x-rays on a 32" screen along with Dr. Saleh. He will share his findings with you. This will give you a clear picture of your dental condition and help you make informed choices about your treatment.
Back to Top
Intra-Oral Photographs
We routinely take complimentary intra-oral photographs of your teeth and any abnormal findings. These photographs will be magnified on 32’’ screen and Dr. Saleh will share diagnostic information with you.
Back to Top
Pediatric Dental Services
We are able to provide an array of dental pediatric services to children of all ages including cleanings, fluoride treatments and all restorative needs in a child friendly environment.
Restorative Dentistry
Composite “Tooth-Colored or Mercury Free” Fillings
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling and bonded into place.
Our dental office is mercury free office and therefore composite filling material is the primary material used in our office. Dr. Saleh will discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. However composite filling material offer many advantages over amalgam filling. These include:
- A better bond to your tooth than mercury fillings.
- They are tooth colored and closely matched to the natural color of existing teeth.
- They are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
- They require less removal of tooth structure.
- They are very durable.
How are composite fillings placed?
It usually only takes one appointment to place a composite filling. While the tooth is numb, Dr. Saleh will remove any decay, thoroughly clean and prep the tooth before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
When the fillings are first placed, you may have some hot and cold sensitivity, but this will subside. It is important to follow the care instructions given to you.
Back to Top
Crowns (Caps)
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Crowns can also help protect against tooth fracture. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular and most utilized at our practice. Crowns are highly durable and they are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or Fractured Teeth
- Cosmetic Enhancement
- Decayed Teeth
- Fractured Fillings
- Large Fillings
- Tooth has a Root Canal
The process of getting a crown
It takes two visits to complete the process of getting a crown. At your first visit the tooth is numbed and Dr. Saleh prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Dr. Saleh will also take a couple of accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. One of those molds will be used to create a temporary crown which will cover your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. Your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
During your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned. Dr. Saleh will then carefully place your new crown to ensure correct spacing and bite. It is important that you follow the special care instructions that will be given to you along with regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Back to Top
Conventional Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from shifting out of alignment.
A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments are made as needed to idealize fit and comfort.
Conventional partials offer good retention by using the remaining natural teeth as anchors. Conventional full dentures on the other hand have a major disadvantage of poor retention due to lack of fixed anchorage. Implant supported dentures are now the treatment of choice as they offer superior stability, retention and durability.
The process of getting dentures
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments. Highly accurate impressions and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, Dr. Saleh will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty during the adjustment period. However this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. It is important to follow the care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will lengthen the life of your new dentures.
Back to Top
Fixed Bridges
Dental implants are considered the most durable option of replacing missing teeth; however in some cases fixed bridges are more appropriate. A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and can be an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. Dr. Saleh will discuss the best options for you and your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth and are attached to one or more artificial teeth, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
The process of getting a fixed bridge
The process of getting a fixed bridge usually requires two or more visits. At the first visit, Dr. Saleh will numb the teeth and prepare the two anchoring teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. An impression is then made and sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. A temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
During the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented in place to achieve a proper fit and bite. It is important to follow the care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will lengthen the life of your fixed bridge.
Back to Top