Procedures-Backup – GOOD PICS – NO INDEX

Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for the replacement of missing teeth. The individual, who was once missing teeth, will regains the ability to chew as they would with their normal teeth. Dental implants ensure preservation of a persons facial structure by preventing future deterioration of the bone along the jaw.

Implants are titanium posts, which are placed in the jawbone where teeth are missing. Once the implants have been properly placed, a process called “osseointegration” begins in which the bone of the jaw adheres to the titanium; creating a strong foundation for the final implant restorations.

Bone Grafting

A crucial process upon the removal or one or more teeth; bone Grafting is a process that maintains and preserves the quantity and quality of the jaw bone after a single tooth or multiple teeth are removed. Many other dentists overlook the fact that within the first year following a tooth extraction, the majority of the bone in that area is susceptible to deterioration if additional bone is not placed in the hole caused by the extraction.

Sinus Lifts

Sinus Lift is the process of elevating a small portion of the patients jawbone into the sinus cavity to create a layer of bone that will protect the Implant from the toxins of the cavity. This procedure is performed when it is determines that only a small increase in the depth and density of the bone is necessary to ensure the success and longevity of the Implant.

Dentures

A denture or a “complete denture”, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth which replaces your natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.

• A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
• An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
• An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
• A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain, or a combination of the two. Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dentist examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

Bleaching

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure.

Key Benefits:

• Corrects brown, yellow, and spotted tooth staining
• Works on people of any age
• A solution for a “dull” smile
• Restoring brightness
• Brings a smile alive

An impression is taken to make a specialized tray in which bleach is placed. The material is used each night for 3-4 hours. A notable difference will be observed in 1-2 weeks. Bleaching technology allows us to achieve significant results in yellowing, aged, or stained teeth. For severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be indicated.

Bridges

There are two types of Bridge procedures that can be performed by our specialists who will work with you to determine the best solution for your situation. The first is a “Natural Tooth Bridge” and the other is called an “Implant Retained Bridge”.

Natural Tooth Bridge –

Is a process that attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable. fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with meal claps or by precision attachments.

Implant Retained Bridge –

This process is performed when you have more than 1 natural tooth missing, dental implants can be used to support implant retained fixed bridgework. This type of dental restoration is extremely secure, lifelike and does not require the preparation of your natural teeth. The bridgework will either be cement-retained or screw-retained so that it can be removed by a dentist in the future should this bee needed.

Crowns

Most dentistry looks artificial. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns and Bridges

For those patients who require large space bridgework to replace multiple teeth, traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations remain state of the art. The metal substructure provides necessary strength for maximum function. To further improve esthetics, we can upgrade the margins of these crowns with porcelain so that metal does not show.

These all-ceramic restorations are by far the most beautiful and natural looking crowns available. All porcelain crowns are often indistinguishable from natural teeth. If gum recession occurs, the crown maintains its beautiful appearance. This is due to the absence of a metal substructure. The presence of dark lines around the neck of the crown that commonly appear with conventional porcelain fused to metal crowns, is eliminated when all porcelain crowns are used.

Extractions

We may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely damaged; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, Dr. Willardsen will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of an extracted tooth.

Prosthetics

Dr. Willardsen has extensive experience in consulting in order to identify the best solution for each patient. Important considerations include patient health and budget. There are many options when considering restoration of dentition, with use of Implant Prosthetics.

Fixed – The patient cannot remove the prosthesis. Careful design is crucial for proper patient maintenance. This includes regular flossing and brushing.

Removable – The patient can remove the prosthesis. The patient must remove it to properly clean and brush it.

Each of these designs is artistically fabricated for natural aesthetics and function according to the patient’s face and mouth.