SEDATION DENTISTRY - Anxiety-free Procedures

Once you've experienced sedation dentistry, you'll probably never be afraid to go to the dentist again.

Many people fear going to the dentist. We understand. Our sedation dentistry team provides a relaxed and comfortable - and pain-free -  new smile in only a session or two.

Sedation dentistry is the most common method used in the United States to calm a patients fears. It's easy, and best of all does NOT involve needles.

Oral dental sedation creates a comfortable experience, and most patients do don't even remember the visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment.

Actually, sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for both safety and communication between the dentist and patient.

Although some forms of sedation (such as nitrous oxide gas) may raise your threshold for pain, most dental treatments still require a local anesthetic injected in the mouth, even when sedation dentistry techniques are performed.

Virtually any procedure can be done using Sedation Dentistry - anxiety-free, safe, and comfortable.

Call us if you have any other questions concerning Sedation Dentistry!

INVISALIGN - "Invisible Braces"

Invisalign® – A Nearly Invisible Tooth Realignment System
You may or may not know we’ve been providing orthodontic services in the office for more than five years now and recently have become certified in the Invisalign technique.

Invisalign is a way to straighten your teeth without braces. It uses a series of hard plastic, computer-designed mouthguard-like trays, each giving incremental movement towards the desired result.

If you’ve wanted to straighten your teeth, but haven’t wanted braces, you may want to look into Invisalign.

Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the personal care you deserve.

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening

CLEANING & PREVENTION - Exams, X-rays, & Home Care

Your first visit to our office will include a thorough dental exam by the dentist in order to make an initial assessment. A preventative plan will be put into action, where you will come in for regular check-ups that will include:

•    Cleaning and polishing: The cleaning will consist of removal of tartar, which has hardened on the teeth over time, along with the sticky plaque that has formed over the teeth. Plaque is a formation of bacteria and build up that will eventually cause inflammation. The instruments and technique we use will safely remove this build up. Followed up by polishing that removes stains and further removes anything that may have been missed in the cleaning.

•    Gum evaluation and treatment: Your gums and the bone supporting the teeth will be checked for disease.

•    Oral cancer screening: The lips, tongue, throat, neck and gums are examined for any possible signs of oral cancer.

•    X-rays: A full set of SAFE x-rays are performed and are crucial for giving the dentist information that is not always seen in the exam such as bone loss, development deviations, abscesses, teeth coming in at the wrong position, tumors and other issues hiding within the teeth and gums. Early detection is important in treating many oral health issues.

•    Investigation of existing work: Checking current crowns, bridges, fillings, etc. are done to check for any damage or need for replacement.

"OAT" - Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring/Sleep Apnea

What is OAT - Oral Appliance Therapy ?

"Oral Appliance Therapy" is defined as the use of a dental appliance which is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing and partially blocking the airway. Dentists (like Dr. O'Gara) with special training in Snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)  and Oral Appliance Therapy will fit these special appliances to meet the specific anatomical, physiological and comfort needs of the sleep apnea patient. In recent clinical studies, properly selected, well-designed, well-fitted oral appliances can effectively reduce and sometimes even eliminate snoring, and significantly relieve symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Research evidence shows that oral appliances are effective in treating snoring in 85-90% of the patients.

TYPES

Oral Appliance Therapy works with three types of appliances:

1. Mandibular Advancement Appliances (MMA) - by advancing the lower jaw forward and opening up the airway space.

2. Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRD) - by holding the tongue forward and opening up the airway space

3. Palatal Lifting Appliances (PLA) - by lifting a drooping soft palate and opening up the airway space.

Sometimes, A Combination Appliance - CPAP/PRO is necessary.

Dr. O'Gara will examine your entire oral areas  - including your teeth, occlusion, jaw joints, etc. to determine which appliance is best for you.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY - Fillings, Crowns, Whitening, Veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry can make your smile light up a room!

•    Whitening: Over time with habits such as smoking, consumption of coffee and other dark beverages and just normal wear and tear, teeth may lose their luster and begin to appear yellowed or stained. Whitening is an inexpensive and safe option to bring back their brightness. Whitening has become a very popular procedure for enhancing smiles.

Home whitening kits are typically the preferred way of whitening. With this option, the patient is responsible for using the solution consistently until they see the desired whiteness. Impressions are made of teeth so that the trays are custom fit for the patient. The whitening solution will be put into these trays and worn for specific periods of time. Wearing the trays periodically will help in maintaining the results once the desired whitening is achieved.

•    Crowns: There are times when your dentist will recommend crowns. A crown or cap is a metal and/or porcelain covering that is placed over the tooth surface, restoring strength and appearance. Crowns are needed when a filling is not enough to give tooth proper structure, to fix fractures, or lend support for bridges. Crowns improve the appearance and structure of the tooth.

Keep in mind that crowns typically consist of two appointments. Impressions are made and sent to a local laboratory in order to create the custom crowns. For placement, the tooth will be numbed in order to remove any existing decay and to shape the tooth for the new crown. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it while the new one is being made. It is important that great care be taken with the temporary to avoid loosening. When the new crown arrives, the patient will return to the office for placement and fitting. Sensitivity may be experienced with the new crown, but should subside over time.

•    Veneers: Porcelain veneers are a beautiful option for creating the smile you’ve always wanted. Veneers consist of very thin sheets of porcelain that are attached to the front of the teeth, improving shape, size and color.

On the first step of the process, the existing teeth are buffed and shaped and an impression is taken. The specific color that will be used is also chosen. On the second step, bonding adhesive will be used to attach the veneer to the teeth and a light beam will set the adhesive.

•    White Fillings: Previously, silver or gold fillings were used. Now Composite resins can be used. The fillings are used to fix teeth that have been damaged by decay and fractures. The affected portion of the tooth will be removed and that portion will be replaced with composite filling. They are attractive since they match existing teeth and will last for years to come.

Fillings can be done during one appointment and anesthesia is necessary in order to allow the dentist to remove decay and apply medication to further protect nerve endings. Filling is shaped and smoothed to ensure tooth is its authentic look and feel. Patients should be prepared to notice some temporary temperature sensitivity for a period of time after fillings are done.

Don’t wait any longer. Call today for an appointment and get closer to a healthy, beautiful smile!

SNAP ON SMILE - Affordable "Hollywood" Smiles

PERIODONTAL DISEASE - Diagnosis, Treatment, & Care

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is something that effects a large portion of the population. It is a disease that causes pockets or spaces in the gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter. The build up of plaque causes the gums to become inflammed and form these pockets. Normal brushing cannot reach this build up and over time,  and if left untreated, the pockets continue to get deeper. Symptoms may include bad breath, red and puffy gums, bleeding gums and loose or sensitive teeth.

•    Diagnosis: Gingivitis is the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Bleeding when brushing is a sign of this, as is inflammation and tenderness. We will measure between the tooth and gums to measure the depth of any pockets that may be present.

•    Treatment: Gingivitis and periodontal disease must be treated to prevent further destruction of teeth, gums, bone, eventually even leading to tooth loss. Depending on the extent of the disease, a deep cleaning and scaling will be recommended and will typically be done with local numbing. When the build up has been removed from below the gum line, over time the tissue will heal, causing the pockets to get smaller.

•    Maintenance: Follow-up appointments will be recommended to keep an eye on the healing progress. If improvement is not seen over time, a visit to a periodontist specialist may be in order. Medicated rinses, consistent flossing and using an electric toothbrush are some of the home treatments suggested as well.

RESTORATIONS - Implants, Root Canals, Bridges, Dentures

Restoring your beautiful smile!

Preventative measures are always a part of a general oral health plan. In circumstances where damage has already been done however, more intensive procedures may be needed to bring teeth back to their healthy appearance and operation. Our staff will keep you informed on the options that will relieve pain, repair damage, improve your bite and get you back to normal function and look.

•    Implants: Dental implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost. Through a surgical procedure, these artificial roots and teeth are placed directly into the bone. Implants replace teeth, restore chewing ability and improve facial tissues in the process. They are natural looking, secure and durable, lasting years to come.

Implants require a process that can take a series of months to complete. After being placed into the bone, they must be given several months to heal and form into that bone. Several fittings and adjustments may be needed. Maintenance of your new implants are up to you; following directions and forming good habits for proper care are essential.

•    Root Canals: A root canal may be needed to relieve severe pain or sensitivity caused by extensive decay. Many times an infection is present. The affected tissue needs to be removed, and the nerve canal reshaped and filled with a special material and finally sealed and crowned to help prevent future infection.

•    Bridges: Another way to replace lost teeth, this permanent fixture is typically made of porcelain on top of metal that fits over existing teeth. Bridges are the solution to many of the same issues that implants are used for, and another option for patients, depending on their particular needs and circumstances. They will last for years with proper care.

•    Dentures: Dentures are a removable option to replace missing teeth. They can be full appliances or partial. Natural, existing teeth may need to be prepared for dentures to fit properly. Sometimes having to be first removed and given a chance to heal before new dentures are placed. Immediate dentures are prepared in advance and immediately put in once the teeth are removed.

After proper fit has been achieved, a patient’s smile is enhanced with easy-to-care for dentures.

BONE GRAFTING

Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridge work and dental implants. In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth, and width of the jawbone at the implant site. When the jawbone has receded or sustained significant damage, the implant(s) cannot be supported on this unstable foundation and bone grafting is usually recommended for the ensuing restoration.

Reasons for bone grafts

Bone grafting is a highly successful procedure in most cases. It is also a preferable alternative to having missing teeth, diseased teeth, or tooth deformities. Bone grafting can increase the height or width of the jawbone and fill in voids and defects in the bone.

There are essentially two basic ways in which bone grafting can positively impact the health and stability of the teeth:

Jaw Stabilization – Bone grafting stabilizes and helps restore the jaw foundation for restorative or implant surgery. Deformities can also be corrected and the restructuring of the bone can provide added support.

Preservation – Bone grafting can be used to limit or prevent bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.

What Does Bone Grafting Involve?

There are several types of bone grafts. Your dentist will determine the best type for your particular condition.

Autogenous Bone Graft - Harvested from the patient’s own body (usually from the posterior part of the lower jaw or the chin). This method is usually preferred because it produces the most predictable results.

Allograft Bone Graft - Cadaver or synthetic bone is used in this type of graft.

Xenograft - Cow bone is used in this type of graft.

The bone grafting procedure can often take several months to complete. Bone is typically harvested from your own body (or on rare occasions obtained from a “bone bank”) and added to the affected site. This bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass to help support and anchor the implant(s).

TMJ (Tempro-mandibular Joint Disfunction)

What is TMJ?

TMJ SyndromeTMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint,” or jaw joint. These are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw to the skull, and happen to be the most complex joints in the entire body. The area of the face where the TMJ is located is an intricate network of bones, including the teeth, muscles, and nerves. Because of this, TMJ (dysfunction) conditions affect many areas of the body, from the top of the head in migraine-like headaches to numbness or tingling in the arms and pain in the neck or shoulders.

What Causes TMJ?

In most cases, TMJ disorders stem from a condition called malocclusion, which means having a “bad bite” or accidents and trauma. Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct way—they are misaligned. This includes underbites and overbites. When the teeth are misaligned, they cannot provide the support the muscles in the face need for chewing and swallowing. These muscles are then forced into a strained position, resulting in pain throughout the face, head, arms, shoulders, and back. Although a person may have beautiful teeth or had orthodontics to line the teeth up for aesthetic reasons, the muscles and joints may not be comfortable.

How Can TMJ Be Treated?

Neuromuscular dentists first measure the most relaxed position of your jaw to determine the goal for normal jaw positioning. Then the dentist works to realign the bite and restore the teeth and thus the jaw and joints to their optimal position. Once the bite is realigned and the jaw is in place, pain that resulted from the imbalance disappears.

Contact us for more information about TMJ and how we can help you, at (775) 329-6183