Preventive DentistryDigital Radiography
Digital radiography allows us to more accurately diagnose dental conditions because of the quality and size of the image. Also the software used allows for adjustments and enhancements to be made to the image with only the click of a mouse. These images will be presented to you on a computer screen so that you can see what we see. And because there is no developing process the images are available instantly allowing you and Dr. Nulph more time to diagnose and discuss your dental needs. An additional advantage is that less radiation is required than most conventional film type methods.
Cosmetic Dentistry All Ceramic Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges serve several important functions. Both restore aesthetics while adding strength and function. Crowns (caps) are used to reinforce teeth with large fillings, close gaps, replace large amounts of missing tooth structure or to strengthen teeth that are brittle after Root Canal Therapy. Bridges are essentially multiple crowns attached to one another and they are used to replace missing teeth or to fill in large gaps.
Crowns and bridges can be made of a wide variety of materials ranging from all gold, to gold underneath with porcelain on the outside, or even entirely of ceramics. Advances in dental materials now allow us to offer restorations made entirely of ceramics that meet or exceed the requirements for strength and durability which for many years were only met by restorations which contained a gold framework. These all ceramic restorations produce exceptional beauty and extreme durability. And in many cases require the removal of less tooth structure during the process of preparation.
The process for completing a crown or bridge begins with the preparation of the teeth. The teeth are numbed and the preparations are made. Next an impression is taken and temporaries are made. The fabrication of the restorations occurs in a lab and usually takes about two weeks. At the second appointment the restorations will be checked for fit and color. If everything is perfect and both you and Dr. Nulph are happy then the restorations will be permanently cemented.
All ceramic crowns and bridges are an investment not only in the longevity of the teeth but have dramatic aesthetic value. They can be used both to change the shape and color of teeth or to restore the teeth to there natural look so that no one can tell that any work has been done.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain, fabricated in a laboratory, that are used to cover stains, mask flaws such as cracks and chips and close spaces between teeth. Porcelain veneers are sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can also be used to straighten the appearance of misaligned teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have become a reliable and cost effective way to replace missing teeth. The implant is a titanium post or screw which is surgically placed in the bone to function as an artificial tooth root. Implants can be used to anchor crowns, bridges and even dentures. The specific requirements of each case are different and will be determined by Dr. Nulph and either a Periodontist or an Oral Surgeon. The implant is usually placed in one appointment with minimal discomfort afterwards. A second appointment 3-6 months later is needed to verify that the implant has properly fused to the bone and is uncovered and ready for restoration with the crown or bridge. Temporary splints are often used to fill the space of the missing tooth in the meantime. Once ready an all ceramic crown or bridge will be made by Dr. Nulph producing a tooth that looks functions and feels just like a natural one.