Dr. Christopher Phelps, DDS Claimed

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a replacement for a missing tooth. The actual implant itself is a root form made of titanium. They can be coated with special materials to enhance their biocompatibility with the bone in your mouth. Although dental implants have been around for many years, they have become more and more prevalent in the last 2 decades. Mainly because of advances in dental implants that allow them to be easier to place, easier to restore and have fewer post op complications.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease and pyorrhea affect a lot of the US population. The CDC says that half of America’s population is affected with some form of gum disease. But what causes gum disease? Bacteria. That’s it, bacteria that stays resident in the plaque and tartar buildup along our teeth can lead to devastating effects. They’ll cause the bone and gingiva around our teeth to recede and deteriorate, leading to tooth loss. In America the #1 reason why we lose teeth is to periodontal disease. Also with an active infection in the mouth, studies have shown that this may link to other diseases such as heart disease.

Treating gum disease in the early stages is the best time. The damage at this point is minimal. We start by anesthetizing the mouth to ensure a comfortable treatment. Once comfortable, we go through a process called scalling and root planing (“deep cleaning”). The tarter on the teeth are removed usually a combination of ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. These tools will reach down into the pockets of the teeth to debride any subgingival deposits. Planning refers to going back to the root surfaces and instrumenting them to ensure a smooth surface. If the damage is further along, sometimes surgical intervention will be needed. Surgical treatments allow us to visualize the progress as well as give the dentist an opportunity to smooth out any bony defects. Antibiotics can also be used to help treat periodontal disease. Multiple routes have been tested and used. They can be delivered systemically (taken as a pill) or deposited directly into the inflamed and infected pocket.

In-Home Custom Tray Whitening

The next level of whitening services would be our custom trays. Impressions are taken, models are fabricated and custom trays are fitted. Treatment will be with whitening gels that are stronger than the Opalescnce gel. But because there are custom trays, your gums are protected from the bleach and you are able to bleach your teeth effectively and safely. Typical treatments will be two weeks of 1hr of tray wear. Great results can be achieved in as little as two weeks.