Dental Hygiene

• Over 50% of people over 30 are affected with some form of gum disease that they may be unaware of.
• We stress beginning early with prevention-oriented treatment.
• All of our patients receive a full one-hour hygiene appointment with a licensed dental hygienist.
• An oral cancer screening and exam will follow afterwards with the doctor and with any necessary x-rays taken at this time.
• We consider this appointment to be one of the most valuable services offered to our patients.

Alternative method

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy are now presenting an alternative method. In an experimental study on dogs, the Gothenburg researchers managed to use a brace to move existing teeth into a toothless area with limited bone volume, without any reduction of the tooth’s natural attachment in the jaw.

In a subsequent clinical study, consultant Orthodontist Birgitta Lindskog Stokland and her colleagues also managed to show that the same procedure in humans caused only small changes in the tissue around the tooth.

No lasting problems

“X-rays showed some damage to the root known as root resorption, but this didn’t seem to cause any lasting problems,” says Lindskog Stokland. “What’s more, our follow-ups a year later showed that the damage had lessened.”

The original site of the moved tooth suffers a reduction in bone mass and dental tissue volume, though not to the same extent as when teeth come out for other reasons. This means that this area is well-suited to implants or other tooth replacements, without there being any need for bone transplants.

More teeth more easily

“In other words, many patients can be given more teeth more easily,” says Lindskog Stoklan.

A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. A small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, Dr. Delaney then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top
of the shaft. This permanent solution has the
advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.

Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows
the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, they don’t have to be taken out all the time.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to “fall.” The bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The

surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.

Tooth bonding can work wonders for your smile. It seems to be the most popular cosmetic dental procedure as well as the least expensive.

For subtle smile alterations such as gaps between teeth (diastema), chips and discolorations, bonding is the procedure of choice. By using materials that match
the shade, texture and translucency of patient’s natural teeth and the artistic abilities of Dr. Delaney, tooth bonding can restore the tooth’s natural
appearance and greatly enhance your smile.

If your teeth are short, worn, chipped or broken throughout your mouth with imperfections in your bite, Full Mouth Rehabilitation can be an excellent treatment for you. This treatment corrects imperfections of the bite position as well as the appearance of the smile.

Full mouth rehabilitation combines the science of Neuromuscular Dentistry with the art of cosmetic dentistry. Restorations for the Full Mouth Rehabilitation include Veneers, implants bridges and all ceramic crowns beautifully handcrafted by Dr. Delaney and his technician, designed to create a smile that is functional, comfortable and beautiful.

This is Dr. Delaney’s actual patient before and after photo taken by Dr. Delaney

AFTER

X rays are faster and safer then ever

•Reduced Chair Time – Digital x-rays are quickly displayed on the computer screen, eliminating the time it takes to process film.

•More Accurate Diagnosis – Digital x-rays provide the dentist with higher image resolution and increased diagnostic capabilities.

•Lower Radiation Exposure – Digital x-rays require substantially less radiation than film and there are no chemicals used.

•Convenience – Using digital x-rays enables our office to give you a copy on CD or send them via e-mail.

Coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, antibiotics and age can all darken teeth. Patients can choose from two routes to whiter teeth: at-home whitening or in-office whitening.

• At-home bleaching kits use carbamide peroxide solutions to oxidize and bleach your teeth. Your dentist will create customized trays for your mouth based on plaster molds of your teeth. Place the solution in these trays, then hold the tray in your mouth for the amount of time specified by your dentist. He or she will determine a duration of treatment. In a few weeks, return to your dentist for a follow-up appointment.

• In-office bleaching uses hydrogen peroxide gels and a heat or light source, these treatments lighten your teeth by six to eight shades in one to three visits, and sometimes less. The light source
can be a plasma arc lamp or a laser. The dentist applies the gel to your teeth, then shines the light source, quickening the work of the gel. When a lamp is used, three twenty-minute gel applications are required. When a laser is used, the dentist treats each tooth individually.