General Dentistry.

Bonding & Fillings.

At Verde River Dental, we use tooth-colored resin composite fillings to restore cavities, chips, fractures, and discolored teeth. They can also be used to replace defective, older amalgam fillings.

Crowns.

Crowns, or caps, are indicated for teeth that are missing a significant portion of tooth structure due to decay, fracture, cracks, root canals, or other causes. They are often indicated to protect a weak tooth from further fracture/wear, to cover a dental implant, or to cover a discolored tooth, Crowns are one of the strongest restorations used in dentistry and can be made from gold, alloy, porcelain or a combination of these materials.

Bridges.

If you are missing one or more teeth, a fixed bridge may be a recommended treatment option to replace the space. A missing space can cause issues with speech or chewing. It can also cause your remaining teeth to drift, or move out of position. A fixed bridge can help replace these missing teeth and improve chewing abilities and tooth position/bite. Bridges can be made from gold, alloy, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. A traditional fixed bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth fused between two crowns that are cemented on the adjacent teeth. An implant bridge is fastened between two or more implants. A bridge requires excellent hygiene; as it is more difficult to brush and floss around the restoration than natural teeth. The longevity of the bridge depends on the foundation of these abutment teeth and the surrounding gums and bone. Therefore, it is vital that the health of these remaining teeth and gums be maintained.

Dentures.

People who have lost all or most of their teeth may be candidates for dentures There are a few different types of dentures: Partial dentures are for people that have some natural teeth remaining. They can fill in the space created by missing space and prevent other teeth from changing position. This type of denture usually consists of a metal framework with clasps that is overlaid with a pink acrylic base and replacement teeth. Conventional, or complete, dentures are made to replace all teeth. They are made after the patient’s natural teeth are removed and the tissues have healed; usually after 3 to 6 months. Immediate, or healing, dentures are made to be placed in the mouth the same day that the patient’s natural teeth are removed. This allows the patient to have teeth during the healing process. The denture will likely have to be relined or remade at the end of the healing process. The tissues and bone undergo a lot of changes. In some cases, overdentures can be fabricated that are secured in place with the aid of implants that help retain the denture. What to expect: The process of making dentures takes about 3 to 6 weeks and consists of several appointments; including multiple appointments for adjustments after the denture is delivered. Your dentures may feel awkward at first while your tissues and muscles learn to keep the denture in place. Your speech and/or taste may be temporarily affected, and your salivary flow may increase as well. You will likely develop rubbing spots on your tissues that will usually subside with adjustments and time for your mouth to become accustomed. Dentures should be brushed every day with a soft bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. They should be taken out at night and placed in a safe spot to soak. You should continue to see your dentist for follow up appointments and regular check-ups. Our team is happy to answer any questions and help give you better insight regarding what type of denture may be best for you! .

Implants.

A dental implant is a post that serves as a substitute for a natural tooth’s root. It is usually made of titanium; the same material used in many hip and knee replacements. It is placed in the jawbone so that it may integrate with the natural bone to become a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth. They can be used to replace single teeth, to support a bridge, or to support a denture containing multiple teeth. Dental implants can be indicated for patients that are missing teeth due to decay, disease, injury, or other medical conditions. Since surgery is required, implant patients must be in good general health with healthy gums and adequate bone structure. In some cases additional bone grafting may be needed for implant placement. If the implant is intended to replace an unrestorable natural tooth, this tooth is first extracted and undergoes a procedure called socket preservation. This process involves filling the socket with sterilized bone graft material; which stimulates the patient’s own bone to fill in the socket over the course of 3 to 4 months. If the site and graft heal properly, the area is ready for implant placement. Once the implant is placed, it heals for another 3 to 6 months to allow the patient’s natural bone to fuse with the implant; a process called osseointegration. After this process is completed and the implant is stable, an artificial tooth, or crown, can be fabricated to place on the implant. One of the most common reasons for implant failure is poor hygiene. Implants must be properly brushed and flossed like natural teeth. Additionally, regular cleanings are important to maintain implant health. .

Periodontal Treatment.

Gum disease can loosen your teeth and lead to tooth loss. It is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and, because it is usually painless, many patients are unaware they have the disease. During your regular check up, your hygienist/dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth. Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It is primarily caused by plaque buildup. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which consists of redness and swelling of the gums. This plaque buildup, if not removed regularly, will harden into calculus, which creates toxins that cause damage and form bacteria-filled periodontal pockets around the teeth. These pockets can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Other factors linked to gum disease include: tobacco use, pregnancy, clenching/grinding habits, diabetes, unhealthy diet, certain medications, crooked teeth, poor-fitting crowns and bridge, and others. People with gum disease may be more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty in controlling their blood sugar. In the early stages of gum disease, most treatments involve scaling and root planing; which involves scraping the calculus from above and below your gum line. The procedure removes rough spots on your root that are more likely to accumulate bacteria. More advanced cases may involve surgical intervention to treat the bone or remove the affected teeth. Some signs that could indicate periodontal disease: Gums that bleed easily; Red, swollen, tender gums; Gums that are pulling away from the teeth; Persistent bad breath/bad taste; Permanent teeth that are loose or separating; or a change in the way your teeth fit together in your bite.

Invisalign.

Invisalign aligners are discrete alternatives to metal braces. Clear aligners are a series of customized, clear, plastic, removable orthodontic appliances to correct issues with a patient’s bite or teeth spacing. Each aligner is designed to move teeth in small increments. These aligners are usually indicated for teens and adults experiencing mild spacing and/or bite issues. Previous restorative work, such as veneers, bridges, or implants, may affect eligibility. The process involves: Impressions or an intra-oral scan will be taken in order to determine eligibility and a treatment plan; including the length of treatment and number of aligners that will be required. A series of virtual models will be constructed so that you can see the predicted outcome and track how your teeth are expected to move into alignment with each tray. Each aligner is usually worn for a period of two weeks and is only removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. In many cases, composite buttons that bond to the outside of the teeth may be indicated to better facilitate tooth movement with the trays. Once treatment is completed, the buttons will be removed, and retainers will be fabricated for use after treatment. Retainers are necessary to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position.