Cosmetic Dental Services in Petoskey, MI
Whether you're a high school senior or a senior citizen, the smile of your dreams is within reach. There's so much that can be done these days to enhance the appeal of a smile. From powerful, professional whitening treatments to amazingly realistic porcelain veneers to state-of-the-art dental implants, there's a wide range of exciting possibilities for men and women of any age. At our office, you'll get the best modern dentistry has to offer!
Our Cosmetic Dentistry services include:
- Root Canal Therapy
- Extractions
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Veneers
- Dentures
- Whitening
- Invisalign Orthodontic Aligners
Dental Implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer the comfort and security of a permanent replacement that looks and functions just like your natural teeth. Dental implants also help preserve the tooth-supporting bone in your jaw that deteriorates when even one tooth is lost.
Implants
Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to
replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that
are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants
are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a
foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases,
implants can be used to attach dentures. Implants are so well-designed, they
mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a
synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic. We use state of the art technology by virtually treatment planning all implant placements with the use of 3D imaging with a CBCT Scan and performing surgically guided implant placement, which is more efficient, less invasive and creates more predictable and successful surgery outcomes.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. Diabetics and people with chronic bruxism (teeth clenching) are generally not favorable candidates. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. In general, good candidates who have dental implants can expect high success rates with the procedure.
Types of implants
- Full upper replacements: The upper set of teeth is replaced with implants.
- Anterior replacement: Implants are used to replace the front teeth (also called incisors and cupids).
- Full lower replacement: The lower set of teeth is replaced with implants. Full lower replacement usually only uses six implants (near the front), which are used to anchor a denture. This obviates the need for denture adhesive.
- Posterior replacement: Implants are used to replace the bicuspids and molars (the back teeth).
Single tooth replacement
Steps for these procedures include:
- Missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
- A healing period of six months allows implants to take.
- The implants are uncovered and extensions attached.
- Replacement teeth are affixed to the implants and extensions.
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Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed
on the top of a tooth. They are typically used to restore a tooth’s
function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root
canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of
the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked
tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming
loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve a cosmetic use, and are applied when
a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural
appearance.
Procedure
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. A cast is
made of the existing tooth and an impression is made. The impression is sent
to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases,
a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent
crowns are cemented in place.
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Veneers
In just two or three dental visits, a veneer can reverse years of stains
caused by foods, caffeine and tobacco use. Special thin laminates, called
veneers, can also be used to correct discolored, worn down, cracked and
chipped teeth. Veneers can also be used to close unsightly gaps between
teeth. Stronger types of veneers made of porcelain, also called composite
veneers, typically last longer because they are bonded to the tooth.
An impression of the tooth must be made and a veneer molded by a lab technician. Because veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed, they are permanent and non-reversible.
The process involves buffing the tooth, removing an extremely thin layer of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special cement. A special light is used to complete the process.
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Emergency Dental Treatment
If you have a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room. We can treat a variety of traumatic dental injuries, including teeth that have been chipped, moved, or knocked out entirely. Please call our office for assistance.
