Services
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surface of your teeth, especially the back molars. The sealant bonds to the tooth, getting into the grooves and forming a protective barrier against food particles, plaque and decay
Cavities, or decay that causes damage to a tooth’s enamel, are one of the most common problems that we treat in our patients at Dental First Associates. If you have a cavity, we can repair the damage by placing a filling in the tooth. There are 2 types of filling materials. The most common one being composite, which is made of durable resin material and can be made to match the color of the surrounding teeth. The other filling material is amalgam, which is a metal alloy. This material is beneficial in certain situations due to its long lasting durability track record. Dr. Gupta can recommend the most ideal type of filling material to meet your needs.
Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth down to the bone. There are two types of tooth extraction. A simple extraction can be performed by a general dentist when extracting teeth that can be seen in the mouth above the gum line. A surgical extraction is usually performed by an oral surgeon. This is when a tooth may have broken off at the gum line and is no longer visible in the mouth.
Having the habit of brushing and flossing daily will help control the formation of plaque and calculus (tartar) on your teeth, but over time you will still have buildup in hard to reach areas. It is essential to your dental health that you visit a trusted professional at least 2 times a year. During these regular checkups, your dentist will remove all the plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth, screen you for signs of oral cancer, take x-rays in order to detect hidden decay, tumors, tooth loss, and other problems, examine your gums for signs of periodontal disease, and address any other concerns you may have. As you can see, a dentist’s role goes far beyond just cleaning your teeth. We can help to prevent and detect serious health problems early, but only if you come in for regular checkups! We are anxious to help you maintain a healthy smile since it can have such a profound effect on your overall health. Call us today to get started!
It is important to know that your doctor is keeping up with the constant and rapid advancements in modern technology. Digital xrays are just one more advantage you will have at your disposal when you visit our office. Instead of using a conventional film, we use a special computer sensor which puts the xray picture directly into the computer and which allows us to reduce the amount of harmful radiation by nearly 90%. Since the pictures are in the computer, we can enhance the images to better diagnose conditionsoften before they become problems. This proves to be much more convenient for you because the xrays can then be displayed on the computer right in front of you!
This type of x-ray is typically required when a full picture of the jaw is needed. Usually prior to orthodontic treatment and also to evaluate wisdom teeth, this image would be requested.
Zoom Whitening refers to a high intensity light system that is used to lighten teeth in our office. Zoom got its name from its speed as it’s considered one of the fastest teeth whitening systems.
Bonding is a procedure in which a dentist applies a tooth colored resin material ( a durable plastic material) and cures it with visible, blue light, This ultimately “bonds" the material to the tooth and improves the overall appearance of teeth.
Sometimes your dentist will discuss the need for a porcelain restoration instead of a basic tooth colored resin filling. Usually this is recommended if the the cavity is large enough to warrant a stronger material than filling material. If significant tooth loss will occur due to the size of the cavity then usually a crown(cap) will be recommended.
A dental implant is a titanium post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. This procedure is performed by a surgeon and the general dentist will then place the crown or cap, similar to a natural tooth, on the implant. The crown is usually held on to the implant by cement or a screw depending on the situation. Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and are not removable.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. You can choose complete dentures for when all the teeth are missing, or partial dentures for when a few natural teeth still remain. Your dentist will makes a series of impressions and take measurements of your jaw to cast a test denture, then assess its color, shape and fit before creating the final denture.
A dental crown is a cap that conceals the visible portion of a natural tooth, protecting it from further decay or cracking, or to hide a misshapen or discolored tooth. Crowns are made from stainless steel, other metal alloys, porcelain, resin or ceramic, or a combination of these materials.
A dental bridge is made up of two anchoring teeth on either side of a gap these are called abutment teeth. Inside the gap sits the false tooth, called a pontic, which can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
Veneers are used to conceal a number of aesthetic problems with teeth, including discoloration and stains, chipped, broken or worn teeth, misshapen or uneven teeth, and even wide gaps between teeth. Lumineers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Lumineers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.
If the nerve and pulp in a tooth have become irritated, inflamed or infected, there is a chance you may need a root canal. A root canal procedure completely removes the nerve and pulp. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed to prevent further decay and infection.
If you aren’t satisfied with your teeth but the thought of wearing braces has stopped you from making a change, Invisalign is perfect for you! Invisalign uses clear, plastic alignment trays to gradually move your teeth into their prescribed position. The trays are practically “invisible�?, comfortable, and removable during meals. You will get a new set of custom-made trays approximately every two weeks during treatment. You will end up with the beautiful smile you desire without the hassle of a mouthful of metal!
There are a number of different sleeping appliances on the market today for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Some devices are meant to move the lower jaw forward, while others are tongue retaining appliances. Both varieties help reduce the likelihood of the sleeper’s tongue falling backward and blocking the airway. Despite their retainer-like appearance, sleeping appliances are said to be quite comfortable.