Preventive Prophylaxis and Periodontal Services
Depending on each individual patient’s need, Dr. O’Hara provides services from routine dental hygiene procedures to more advanced periodontal treatment including scaling and root planning. Both Hygienist are highly trained and competent in the field for soft tissue management and have the ability to educate and motivate patients to participate in excellent home care which is key in keeping and maintaining your teeth for a life time.
Sealants
Sealants offer an important benefit in the prevention of tooth decay and are commonly done on children ages six thru thirteen. Sealants are a plastic material which flows in to the deep groves and is hardened to the etched surface of the tooth structure. They help keep the groves sealed and therefore easier for children to keep clean.
Composite Fillings
A composite, or resin, filling is a tooth colored material placed into the cleaned and prepared portion of the tooth that has been destroyed due to decay or breaking. Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth structure. Because there is no metal to expand and contract with temperature changes, composite fillings tend to cause less sensitivity than amalgam fillings and have a very natural appearance.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are generally considered a cosmetic procedure; however they offer a great advantage over full coverage crowns for many patients. Veneers may be used in cases where a tooth has been chipped or broken, discolored, or misshapen. Many patients have chosen veneers as a way to correct minor imperfections in the shape, color or alignment of teeth and improve the overall appearance of their smile. Veneers are a thin porcelain shell that is bonded to the facial surface of the tooth. Once bonded, they are very strong and have a very natural appearance. Many patients choose to whiten their teeth prior to placing porcelain veneers.
Crown
A crown, often referred to as a cap, is a full coverage restoration used to treat more severely broken or decayed teeth. They offer great strength and function. Dr. O’Hara offers both porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain crowns and can determine which is best depending of the specific needs of each individual patient.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a method of replacing one or several missing teeth with an appliance that is cemented into place and does not need to be removed by the patient. A fixed bridge is a combination of two or more crowns, (cemented onto natural, supporting teeth), attached to a pontic (false tooth) to replace the missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is made as one unit and has the appearance of individual teeth. A fixed bridge is an excellent alternative for patients who do not wish to wear a removal partial for the replacement of a missing tooth.
Removal Partial or Full Denture
An alternative to a fixed bridge for tooth replacement is a removable partial denture which requires the patient to remove the appliance daily for cleaning. A partial denture may replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth depending on the need of the patient. Patients missing all of their natural teeth may choose a removable full denture or alternative dental implants if they are a candidate for implant surgery.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, also called bleaching, is a safe effective way to lighten and brighten natural tooth structure and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Bleaching is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most insurance plans. Following a bleaching procedure, patients may experience some sensitivity which generally subsides between twelve to twenty four hours. Each patient is individual and results may vary.