Preventative Dentistry
Dental cleaning (prophylaxis)
This procedure removes dental plaque and calculus (tartar) and its embedded bacteria from the teeth which reduces the inflammation that it causes to the gums. The surfaces of the tooth are then polished.
Flouride treatments
The application of a topical fluoride is very effective in re-mineralizing the enamel of the tooth and reversing the de-mineralizing, decay process.
Sealants
Sealants are a white, quartz-type plastic resin bonding material that can be used to fill the biting surface grooves of molars and premolars and prevent the formation of decay. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, but toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food. Sealants are easy for your dental professional to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then 'painted' onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication may be needed. During your regular dental visits, we will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.
Restorative Dentistry
White bonded fillings
Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when we prepare the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of a silver amalgam. Composites are "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing us to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. The cost is moderate and depends on the size of the filling and the technique used. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than what is required for an amalgam filling. Composite fillings require a cavity that can be kept clean and dry during filling and they are subject to stain and discoloration over time.
Silver amalgam fillings
Used by dentists for more than a century, dental amalgam is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valued treatment option for dentists and their patients. Dental amalgam is a stable alloy made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements. Although dental amalgam continues to be a safe, commonly used restorative material, some concern has been raised because of its mercury content. However, the mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth. While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, among others have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material. Because amalgam fillings can withstand very high chewing loads, they are particularly useful for restoring molars where chewing load is greatest. They are also useful in areas where a cavity preparation is difficult to keep dry during the filling replacement. Amalgam fillings, like other filling materials, are considered biocompatible. They are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response. Disadvantages of amalgam include possible short-term sensitivity to hot or cold after the filling is placed. The silver-colored filling is not as natural looking as one that is tooth-colored, especially when the restoration is near the front of the mouth, and shows when the patient laughs or speaks. And to prepare the tooth, we may need to remove more tooth structure to accommodate an amalgam filling than for other types of fillings.
Restoration of fractured teeth
Bonding can be used to repair fractured teeth usually without any discomfort or the need for local anesthesia. Esthetics and function are restored and a wonderful result is one when the restoration is undetectable.
Bleaching
Several of our teenagers and post-orthodontic patients request a whiter, brighter smile. Our in-home teeth whitening kits are easy to use and great results are achieved in just a couple of weeks, sometimes sooner. The procedure for the tooth whitening is quite simple. Just a few minutes in the chair will allow us to take some accurate impressions of your teeth so that we may make a custom-fit bleaching tray. The tray fits intimately over your teeth and is actually quite comfortable. The whitening gel is dispensed into the tray and is worn over your teeth for a couple hours daily. Most people will notice a brighter, healthier-looking smile within days of beginning the treatment. We believe that our professional whitening system is superior to the over-the-counter systems advertised in stores because it is custom made just for your teeth. This provides better results and is safer for your teeth and gums.
Oral Surgery
Extractions
The removal of a tooth is sometimes necessary if it is the cause of an oral or facial infection or the tooth is badly decayed and unrestorable. Teeth are also extracted for orthodontic reasons, allowing permanent teeth to erupt or relieving severe crowding.
Excision of minor oral lesions
When soft tissue lesions occur on the tongue, inner cheek, palate and gum they are usually removed in the office or the patient is referred to an oral surgeon for treatment.
We are currently accepting new patients.
Nitrous Oxide
At Drs. Merle, Zicherman & Associates, we always strive to make your dental appointment as comfortable as possible. For this reason we offer Nitrous Oxide analgesia (also historically known as laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is a gas known to reduce anxiety and discomfort. When nitrous oxide is used in conjunction with local anesthesia, (lidocaine, etc) we can provide quality treatment while you are comfortable and calm.
Nitrous oxide is NOT general anesthesia. It is very safe for children and will not affect your child's ability to function after the appointment.