John Minichetti, DDS, of the AAID says, “There really is no justification for undergoing multiple endodontic or periodontic procedures, and enduring the pain and financial burden, to save a diseased tooth”. He also states, “The days are over for saving teeth till they fall out. Preserving
questionable teeth is not the best option for both oral health and cosmetic perspectives”.

The loss of a tooth can be an emotional decision and patients must clearly understand oral health and cosmetic implications of preserving questionable teeth. While most don’t want to lose their natural teeth, many cases have the best outcome from extracting them and putting in implants. These look and function like natural teeth. Minichetti says, “Our patients expect restorative dental procedures to make their smiles more attractive and long lasting. In most cases, implants deliver the best results, as the ultimate goal is to achieve an esthetic and functional
restoration for years to come”.

There are published studies that show that there is a higher failure rate of root canal procedures vs dental implants. Sometimes root canals fail because abscesses occur and oral surgery is required to clean out the infected area.

A recent study published in the Journal of Oral Implantology showed that single tooth dental implants were 98.5 percent successful after seven years and that there were no discernible bone loss in most of the implant sites. The AAID reports that first time root canals fail 5 percent of the time and fail at a much higher rate in repeat procedures. Other published reports show endodontic surgical re-treatments have success rates ranging from 37 to 87 percent.

The saving of compromised teeth with periodontal treatments can have unfavorable cosmetic results. According to Minichetti, “Periodonatl procedures to save decaying natural teeth can require raising the gum line and exposing teeth roots to anchor a new crown”. He also states, “The crown needs something to hold onto, so you have to push the gum tissue up with unfavorable cosmetic impact”. Patients should always ask their
dentists how their smile will look if they chose to save a questionable tooth in the esthetic zone with a periodontal procedure.

Source: American Academy of Implant Dentistry

Many patients choose dental implants over other procedures, because the result is a natural appearance which is permanent.

Micro Dentistry

For early cavity diagnosis undetected by x-ray, our office employs Diagnodent Laser Technology. Anesthesia free and utilizing less invasive Air Abrasion, this treatment replaced high speed drilling to clean and seal teeth at the earliest possible stage. Full Story

Laser Dentistry

In treating gum disease we employ the very latest laser technologies. Often laser treatments mean no anesthesia and quicker healing times. Laser use also lessens the risk of spreading blood-born diseases. Full Story

Invisalign Braces

This revolutionary new way to re align teeth, applicable in 80% of all cases, saves time, money and patient stress over more conventional methods. It benefits teenagers as well as adults. Full Story

Mini Dental Implants (MDI‘s)

The titanium coated fixtures, which are placed in our office without conventional surgery or post-op soreness, can immediately tighten existing removable full or partial dentures. Full Story

Restorative Dentistry

General and restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis of all issues relating to the health and function of the smile, including the treatment and repair of broken, infected, or otherwise damaged teeth, gums, and tissue. Full Story

Implant Dentistry

When people lose or break their teeth, the teeth may be replaced with implants. What’s involved, and what are the benefits? Full Story

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. It is made of acrylic plastic and sometimes porcelain and metal materials. Full Story

Endodontic Root Canals

Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. While a tooth’s pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Full Story

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges

Dental restorations restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth. Full Story

Tooth Extractions

Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable. Full Story

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can be avoided by taking some simple precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard during sports and recreation and staying away from hard food such as candy that may crack a tooth. Full Story

Dental Topics A-Z

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is the newest go-to resource that’s been designed, first and foremost, to meet the needs of consumers who have questions and concerns about their dental care and oral health. Full Story

Temporomandubular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Headaches, itching, blurred vision, dizziness, are just a few of the symptoms that may relate to this hard to diagnose but highly treatable dysfunction.

Intra Oral Images

Lets you see exactly what we see, so you can be better informed when discussing treatment options.

Plasma Arc Light

Plasma is used to cure or harden bonding materials as well as activate peroxide used in our office tooth whitening procedure. The advantage is little or no discomfort while greatly expediting treatment.

Periodontics