Dental Procedures

Dental Treatments

We offer a carefully selected group of dental treatments and procedures, designed to serve you throughout your life. These include, but are not limited to:

Tooth Extractions

You and Dr. Galan may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; 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 a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Galan will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

Why replace a missing tooth?

After a tooth has been lost is it essential to prevent other problems that can affect your mouth as a direct result. Teeth need each other for support. When one or more teeth are lost the biting forces on the teeth next to the space will change and cause the teeth to shift. The teeth may begin to extrude out of the socket and eventually you can end up losing them too.

As your teeth move and your bite changes it may become more difficult to chew and your jaw joint (TMJ) may become damaged. As your teeth shift it may become more difficult to clean them causing permanent bone loss and cavities. Bridges, implants or prosthetic appliances can be used to prevent the loss of other teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of dental treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth. The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the teeth using bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping, orthodontics, or dental implants to improve the appearance of stained, chipped, misshapen, or crowded teeth.

Aging and stress can cause teeth to become chipped, worn, weak and discolored. The latest technology allows us to conservatively restore and strengthen these teeth back to their natural strength and beauty.

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Repairing Damaged Teeth

If you have missing or damaged teeth we can then restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Our practice can treat:

• Missing teeth, gaps between teeth, general bite problems
• Chipped, cracked or worn teeth
• Unsightly, stained, or washed-out fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Crooked or crowded teeth

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Invisalign

Invisalign offers now a way of straightening your teeth without having to wear conventional braces. Although invisalign works for most patients it may not work for others. A consultation and close analysis of your case is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for invisalign. Call the office for your personalized consultation.

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What is a Crown?

A crown ("cap") is a tooth-like covering placed over a carefully prepared preexisting tooth. Crowns serve many functions, such as to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth. For example, a crown can support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured or broken, and can be attached to bridges or dentures.

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What is a Bridge?

A bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. Aesthetics, function, and tissue compatibility are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.

A bridge is an excellent way to replace missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth. A dental bridge is attached to the teeth next to the open space from your missing tooth or teeth. Those teeth act as supports. Your teeth are prepared and impressions are made of your mouth. Your bridge is carefully crafted and fit to your teeth.

A bridge is a good way to restore your beautiful smile!

How to care for your Bridge:

1. Avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off completely.
2. Brushing and flossing. Dr. Galan may recommend special floss, brushing and cleaning aids, as it is important to keep your bridge bacteria free.
3. To reduce discomfort, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Your gums may be sore for a few days, this is normal.
4. Call us if sensitivity persists, you experience discomfort or an uneven bite.

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Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a revolutionary way of preserving your natural bone. Bone is lost when teeth are lost and dental implants are changing the way people live! With dental implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Implants can replace:

• A.  Single tooth and the restorative phase similar to crown fabrication and placement or
• B.  Multiple tooth implants followed by restorations with crowns or removable overdentures which may require several visits

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed where teeth are missing. The bone “bonds” with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone and facial deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Galan or by a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or Periodontist suggested by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the bone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two phases:

Phase I:  implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

Phase II:  Your oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, Dr. Galan will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

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Teeth Whitening

At Home or In-Office Teeth Whitening

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. Our office offers two ways in which to enhance your smile. The in-office whitening treatment, Zoom – the 1-hour whitening system or the at-home whitening system. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin teeth whitening. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.

The home treatment only takes a day or two for your custom bleach splints to be ready for you. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, almost invisible splints. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We'll want to take "after" photos at your next appointment.

Teeth Whitening can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, "brilliant" smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.

Key Benefits:

• Corrects brown, yellow and mottled tooth staining
• Works on people of all ages.
• Is a near permanent solution for a "dull" smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile alive.

How is Teeth Whitening done?

An impression is taken to make a specialized "mouthguard" or "stent" to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about 3-4 hours for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.

Considerations

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.

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Porcelain Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Before

*Actual patient photo

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth that are stained, badly shaped or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly, to help you achieve a beautiful smile!

Will they look like normal teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.

How durable are porcelain veneers?

After

*Actual patient photo

With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.

Dr. Galan will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.

The Veneers Procedure

This procedure will require three appointments:

• Diagnosis
• Treatment Planning (may take several visits)
• Preparation
• Bonding

Diagnosis and treatment planning

You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Galan. She will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.

Preparation

The amount of time it takes for the preparation depends on the complexity of the case. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly reduced to allow for the added thickness.
Impressions are taken of the teeth prepared and sent to the lab for fabrication. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed at this time. The veneer should be ready in approximately one to two weeks.

Bonding

Your third appointment may take almost as long as your preparation appointment depending on the complexity of the case. A nightguard may be necessary to help protect your new smile.

Care and follow up

Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.

Maintenance of your new Veneers

1. Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
2. You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please call the office.
3. If you are a known clencher (bruxer), please be sure to let us know. Dr. Galan may recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.

We hope that your new porcelain veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.

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Composite Fillings (Tooth-color)

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings from years past in their mouths. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth Colored Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Resin are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since the resin used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

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Teeth Bonding

Bonding can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged, and is an alternative to veneers.

How does Bonding work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is needed.

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Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure by which the pulp or nerve found in the inside of the tooth is removed. There are many myths about root canals however, the sooner you treat a tooth that is causing pain or discomfort, and that requires this procedure, the easier it will be for you. Problem arises when patients wait until they are in a lot of pain to get the treatment done thus complicating the procedure.

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Mouthguards

If you or your child play sports either for fun or professionally you always run the risk of injuring your teeth while practicing your favorite sport. We recommend wearing an appliance that will allow you to protect your teeth and your child’s teeth from getting damaged. Mouthguards are very easy to make and can prevent you from loosing or fracturing your teeth while playing your favorite sport.

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Nightguards

Nightguards are appliances that can be worn during the day or while sleeping to reduce the chances of fracturing or wearing your teeth. It also helps reduce the stress that is placed on the TMJ from these parafunctional habits. Stress is part of our everyday lives and nightguards will help reduce the effects of stress on your teeth!

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