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This is a general overview of what to expect during your visit and the types of dental treatment provided by Dr. Cooper. If you're looking for information regarding care after your dental procedures, please visit the Frequent Questions page.
Dr. Cooper does a complete head, neck, oral and periodontal examination in
addition to an examination of the teeth and a review of the full mouth x-ray
survey (18 x-rays). This examination is in compliance with the California
State Board of Dental Examiners and the American as well as the California
Dental Associations. Dr. Cooper will examine and evaluate the muscles of
mastication, the Temporal Mandibular Joint, the Range of Motion of the
Mandible and perform an Oral Cancer Examination. Dr. Cooper will carefully
evaluate your periodontal health that will allow his dental hygienists the
opportunity of customizing cleaning of your teeth and gums to address any
gum disease that you may have. It is important for you to know that your
cleaning will be done at a separate appointment after Dr. Cooper has
determined the health of your gums. Following all of these procedures,
Dr. Cooper will evaluate your teeth and your x-rays and present your
immediate as well as your long term dental needs.
We fully understand that many patients are just interested in getting
their teeth cleaned. 80% of all Americans have some form of gum disease.
It is not possible for any dentist or hygienist to do a cleaning when the
patient has gum disease. Dr. Cooper and his staff are committed to
addressing your total oral health. If you are one of those 4 out of every 5
people who have gum disease, we will help you get healthy.
THE EXAMINATION:
After your examination we will estimate your necessary dental treatment. This will enable you to know exactly what treatment is planned, and the extent of your financial responsibilities.
FILLINGS:
Fillings do not last forever -- they wear out and have to be replaced periodically.
It is very difficult for anyone to determine precisely when an old filling must be replaced.
As a prevention-oriented practice, we do not believe that it is in the patients' best interest to wait until an old filling actually breaks or falls out.
If you wait until you are aware that old fillings need to be replaced, it is usually too late, and you risk having complications. Complications are usually more time-consuming to treat, cost more money, and can cause more pain. For these reasons, we feel that complications should be avoided.
We will advise you about fillings that appear to be wearing out so that you will be able to plan for the replacement. Most patients prefer to be in control of their dental treatment, rather than being inconvenienced by an unexpected dental problem or discomfort.
CROWNS:
When a tooth has been decayed and filled several times, or when there has been an excessive amount of tooth structure destroyed by decay, there may not be enough tooth structure to adequately retain any more filling material. In situations like this where there is not enough tooth left to fill, the tooth must be restored with a crown.
Crowns can be gold, porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain. The type of crown depends on several factors: the location of the tooth, patient preference, cost, functional stresses, etc.
COSMETICS:
Cosmetic dentistry is rapidly developing and changing. It is very important to stay informed of the latest products, techniques and equipment. Cosmetic dentistry requires very clear communication in order to clarify expectations. We have to be certain that we can satisfy your perceptions or how you want to look
At the present time, cosmetic dentistry consists of whitening, veneers and crowns.
Teeth that are not alive and have had root canal therapy can be internally whitened. Whitening vital teeth is reported to be sage and successful. Whitening teeth is somewhat unpredictable at this time in my opinion. There are indications for whitening teeth; the patient has to be aware of the limitations of whitening.
There are three kinds of veneers (bonding). The oldest type of veneer is the composite resin veneer that is done in the office. There is also a laboratory processed resin veneer. The newest veneer is a porcelain, which has the most natural appearance.
Veneers require some reduction of tooth material. They are glued to the tooth with a resin. Veneers are very difficult to do properly, and they take a lot of time.
There are three kinds of cosmetic crowns; resin, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Each of these types of crowns have different indications and benefits.
Before cosmetic dentistry is done, careful discussion and consideration is necessary as cosmetic dentistry is not reversible.
SEALANTS:
Sealants are a fabulous way to prevent cavities from developing on the chewing surfaces of the molar and bicuspid teeth. This technique has been used for about twenty years, and has been proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay in children's teeth.
For the best results, sealants should be placed as soon as the permanent back teeth become functional, usually between the ages of six to thirteen.
There is no need for anesthetic or drilling. The teeth are cleaned, etched with a mild acid and then a tooth colored resin is placed over the areas of the chewing surfaces that are the most susceptible to decay. They are a very successful part of our prevention oriented office.
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