Our Services
Soft Tissue Management
Soft tissue management (STM) is a critical proactive approach in dentistry and physical therapy aimed at maintaining the health of the non-bony structures of the body. While the term is frequently used in the context of periodontal care, it also encompasses manual therapy for muscles, tendons, and fascia.
Periodontal and Implant Care
In dental health, soft tissue management primarily focuses on the treatment and prevention of gum disease (periodontitis). Healthy gingiva acts as a biological seal, protecting the underlying bone and tooth roots from bacterial invasion. Standard STM protocols often involve non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line to eliminate bacterial reservoirs.
In implant dentistry, soft tissue management is essential for both aesthetics and long-term stability. Unlike natural teeth, implants lack connective tissue fibers, making them more vulnerable to recession and bone loss.
Effective management often includes:
- Augmentation: Increasing the width or thickness of keratinized mucosa to prevent “shine-through” effects and ensure a robust seal.
- Grafting: Using autogenous grafts or collagen matrices to correct volume deficiencies.
- Maintenance: Specialized home care regimens and frequent cleanings to prevent peri-implantitis.
Dental Implant Restoration
While a dental implant is the screw placed into the jawbone, the restoration is the custom tooth that sits on top. We specialize in crafting and fitting these high-quality prosthetics to complete your smile once your implants have healed.
Our Restorative Services
- Single Crowns: Custom-designed porcelain teeth that match your natural smile perfectly.
- Implant Bridges: Durable solutions for multiple missing teeth that anchor securely to your implants.
- Full-Arch Restorations: Permanent, non-slip bridges for All-on-4® or implant-supported dentures.
Our focus is on the precision and aesthetics of your final result, ensuring your new teeth feel natural and function flawlessly.
Note: We provide the restorative phase of treatment. If you require surgical placement of the implant post, we can provide a referral to a trusted specialist before we begin your restoration.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Fillings are used to treat cavities or small holes in a tooth. Our team removes the decayed tissue and fills the hole with a strong material to keep your teeth healthy.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composition: A tooth-colored material made of plastic resin and glass particles.
Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing, bonds directly to the tooth structure, and can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth.
Disadvantages: Less durable than amalgam fillings, may require more frequent replacement, and can be more expensive.
Ceramic Fillings
Composition: Porcelain or ceramic material.
Choosing the Right Filling
The best type of filling for you will depend on several factors, including:
- The location of the decay
- The extent of the damage
- Your personal preferences
- Your budget
Our dentist will discuss these factors with you and recommend the most suitable filling material. It’s important to choose a qualified dentist to ensure that the filling is placed correctly and that you receive the best possible care.
Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel.
Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth – and they can be made the same color as natural teeth, as well.
Dental bridges are among the most commonly required forms of adult dental work. A dental bridge is a form of cosmetic dentistry that will improve one’s smile and bite. To be a candidate for a dental bridge, the existing tooth must be permanent as an adult tooth. Learn more about what is required for dental bridges for adult patients seeking a local dentist.
Dentures
Missing teeth can impact not just your smile, but also your ability to chew and speak clearly. Dentures offer a reliable solution, replacing missing teeth and restoring lost function. There are two main types: complete dentures and partial dentures.
Complete dentures are used when all teeth in an upper or lower jaw, or both, are missing. They are custom-made to fit snugly against the gums, with a base that resembles gum tissue and replacement teeth crafted from acrylic or porcelain. Complete dentures improve chewing and speaking ability, and can enhance facial appearance by supporting the cheeks and lips.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures, on the other hand, are for individuals with some remaining natural teeth. These removable appliances fill in gaps created by missing teeth, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting and improving bite function. Partial dentures typically consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, often with metal clasps that secure them to the natural teeth.
Both complete and partial dentures require a visit to a dentist or denturist for fitting and adjustments. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring daily cleaning and soaking overnight. With proper care, dentures can last for several years.
