Specialty Services in Port Orchard, WA
Why race across town to dentists you don’t know? We provide comprehensive, specialized dental care for your entire family in one familiar place.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary way to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces. Invisalign is often referred to as “invisible braces” or “clear braces,” and is essentially a system of removable, custom-made aligners that are created in conjunction with our office. Invisalign has been proven to be a very effective form of treatment for certain (not all) orthodontic cases and is now available from almost 70% of practicing U.S. orthodontists.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
You wear each set of custom-made aligners for about 2 weeks each and remove them only to brush your teeth, floss, eat and drink. As you cycle through these aligners in series, your teeth will move little by little until in the final position that our dentists have prescribed. You will visit our office about once every 6 weeks to make sure the treatment is going as planned. Average treatment time is far less than with standard orthodontics. Most patients see their smile corrected in about 9 to 15 months, with an average of 18 to 30 aligners being worn during this period. As all dental work goes, however, these time frames will depend on the individual patient’s case ultimately
How Are Invisalign® Aligners Made?
The aligners are made through a combination of the expertise of our Port Orchard dental staff and 3-D computer imaging technology.
For more information about Invisalign- contact our office today.
When you’re finished with your orthodontic treatment, you’ll then begin the retention stage. With the help of our retainers, we will be able to maintain your newly straightened teeth and prevent movement and shifting. To support the stability of your orthodontic treatment, you should wear our retainers in Port Orchard indefinitely.
The results of your finished treatment will depend on the type of retainers you receive. We will provide you with the proper care for your smile that will keep your teeth in their correct positions. Don’t forget to brush and floss regularly while also keeping up with your oral hygiene routine so your smile will stay strong for a lifetime!
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you’d probably lose that tooth. Now, with “root canal therapy,” your tooth can be saved. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can injure your jawbones and be harmful to your overall health.
Root canal therapy involves one to three visits. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist removes the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed. Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth has extensive decay, your dentist may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
What is a root canal procedure?
Tooth decay can progress down into the pulp. When this happens, the pulp can become infected. Infection of the pulp can be very painful and can also deteriorate into an abscessed tooth when infection and swelling develops in the tissues around or beneath the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected or the tooth becomes abscessed, it is necessary to perform a root canal.
Why do I feel pain?
When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture, bacteria can seep in. When there has been an injury due to trauma, the pulp can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow, pressure, and cellular activity. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down or chewing, and eating or drinking hot and/or cold foods and beverages.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
The tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread. The bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is extraction of the tooth, which can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it’s always best to keep your original teeth.
What are the risks and complications with root canal therapy?
More than 95 percent of root canal therapies are successful. However, sometimes a case needs to be redone due to diseased canal offshoots that went undetected, or the fracturing of the canal filling. More commonly, a root canal therapy will fail altogether, marked by the return of pain.
What happens after root canal therapy?
Once root canal therapy is completed, the endodontist will refer the patient back to our office for the permanent restoration on the tooth. A temporary filling was placed immediately following the root canal therapy and will need to be replaced with a permanent filling or crown and build up. A crown will be necessary on all posterior teeth to properly protect the root canal- treated tooth from fracturing. Front teeth can typically be restored with a filling, however a crown may be necessary in some cases. Your dentist will determine the best choice for your individual needs.
How long will the restored tooth last?
Your restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.
How does root canal therapy save my tooth?
- An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
- The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
- Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
- A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
- The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
- In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth.
An infected tooth is a serious condition and must be treated promptly to avoid tooth loss and the spreading of infection to other teeth. If you are concerned about an infected or abscessed tooth, we urge you to contact us promptly.
Sedation dentistry allows our dentists to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits of sedation dentistry, including:
- Less fear or anxiety during treatment
- More comfort during dental procedures
- A more relaxing dental experience
Oral Sedation
Anxiolysis is a light form of sedation dentistry. Administered orally, with mild sedation, you remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation.
Inhaled Sedation
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Administered through a small mask that fits over your nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety, raises your pain threshold, and may even make time seem like it’s passing quicker than usual.
At the end of your appointment, you’ll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so you can resume your normal activities immediately.