Crowns:
     Sometimes referred to as 'caps', a crown completely covers a 
      tooth, and can save a damaged or broken tooth.  Crowning
      teeth with large fillings can protect them from fracture, often
      preventing future procedures and expense (as well as tooth loss).

     A crown may be made of various materials.  The type of crown 
      that is best for you will depend on your specific needs.  Three
      examples of crowns that are available are:
	   
     P.F.M.: (picture)
      Porcelain Fused to Metal crowns use porcelain baked onto a 
       metal shell.  The porcelain is shaded or colored to blend with
       your natural teeth.  There are many variations of this technique 
       depending on your individual requirements.
	   
     Full Cast:
      A full metal 'cap' that is usually cast out of gold - but 
       non-precious metals are sometimes used to reduce cost.  This
       type of crown is often best for situations where esthetics
       (the look) is not a consideration.
	     
     Full Ceramic: (picture)
      Porcelain is baked to a durable ceramic shell which provides
       for excellent fracture resistance.  This is especially important
       when dealing with 'strong bite' problems.  This type of crown is
       the most desirable for anterior (front) teeth.  	 
	   
	 

  Fixed Bridges: (picture 1) (picture 2)
     Fixed bridges are designed to replace a tooth or teeth that have
      been lost.  First, the teeth next to the spaces left by lost teeth
      are crowned to serve as anchors. Then, replicas of the missing
      teeth are connected to the anchor crowns, "bridging" the gap
      between your teeth. A bridge is not removable. 
     
     This treatment is the closest to the look and feel of real teeth.
      Your bridge may be constructed of the same materials as crowns.
      We will discuss the best combinations of materials suitable to
      your individual needs.
	  
   Dentures: 
     There is probably no greater range of qualities, expertise, and
      cost among dental services offered in the United States than
      with dentures.  Constructing your denture from start to finish
      in my personal lab assures you the best results attainable.
    
     Removable Partial: (picture)
       A removable replacement for missing teeth that clips to your
        remaining teeth for retention and anchorage.  Removable
        dentures depend upon support from your gums as well.
		
     Complete: (picture)
       A complete denture replaces all the teeth of the upper jaw,
        lower jaw, or both.  Complete dentures rely totally on the
        gums for support and retention.  An upper denture covers the
        palate (roof of the mouth) and stays up by suction from a seal
        created between the denture and your gum tissue.  A lower
        denture cannot have any suction as it is horseshoe shaped. 
        As a general rule, an upper denture is easier to adjust to and
        use than a lower denture.
		  
   Cosmetic Dentistry:
  
     Porcelain Veneers: (picture)
      A veneer replaces and reshapes (if necessary) the visible portion
       of a tooth.  Less tooth reduction is necessary for a veneer than
       a crown.  Changing the color and shape of teeth with veneers
       depends on the degree of correction (change) desired, and the
       condition of the teeth.

      Resistance to stain and wear make porcelain the material of
       choice.  Plastic materials "bonded" to teeth as veneers are less
       expensive but have less lasting results.  Bonded plastics cannot
       achieve the same level of esthetics as porcelain.
	  
     Teeth Whitening:
      Various techniques for whitening your own teeth are available.
       A wide range of results can be expected depending on your
       individual situation.  Excessive or improper use of home
       bleaching materials can have serious consequences.  We will
       assist you in determining what approach is best for you.
	   
   T.M.J.: (diagram) 
     This is correctly termed Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD).
      There are many different symptoms that may indicate you have
      TMD.  Some of the most common are: 
      
     * Chronic headaches - often spreading to the face,
                                     neck, shoulders, and eyes.
     * Tender or tired jaw muscles. 
     * Clicking or Popping - when opening or closing the mouth.
     * Difficulty opening mouth.
     * Migraines.
     * Ringing in the ears.
     * Sinus pain. 
	 
     Cases of TMD are complex.  Determining the particular cause of
      your problem is the most important aspect of treatment.  
      Some causes of TMD are:
	  
     * Malocclusion (poor alignment of teeth).
     * Tilted or missing teeth.
     * Arthritis.
     * Clenching and grinding teeth.
     * Auto accidents.
     * Worn or deteriorated dentures or bridges.
     * Prescription drugs.
	 
     Treatment of TMD problems is time consuming and individualized.
      Your treatment prescription will be based upon a thorough
      history of your problem, X-rays, and physical examination.  You
      can expect a thorough discussion of your problem and we
      encourage questions throughout treatment.
	  
   Implants: (picture)
     Perhaps the fastest growing field in dentistry!  Various dental
      implants have been used since the time of the Egyptians, but
      implant dentistry (as now practiced) dates only to the early
      1980's.  I have been involved with implant dentistry since 1982.

     Dental implants offer you options for tooth replacement that were
      not previously available.  Patients wearing removable partial 
      dentures now have the option of fixed crowns and bridges.
      Complete denture wearers now may replace thier teeth in a variety
      of ways that more closely reproduce the look and feel of real
      teeth.
	  
     Your treatment with implants ideally begins and ends with the
      professional responsible for making the teeth themselves.  The
      number of implants necessary, as well as their location is
      recommended (by us) for your desired result.
	  
     We excel at directing this type of complex treatment through all
      phases.  Surgical placement of implants is referred to a
      periodontist or oral & maxillofacial surgeon.  Usually all other
      aspects of implant treatment are performed by our office.
	  
     We have replaced over 10,000 teeth with implant prostheses
      since 1982.
  
   Maxillofacial Prosthetics:
     Over the years, we have made eyes, ears, noses, half faces,
      and even a portion of a woman's leg.  These days we limit
      our services to intra-oral defects for the most part.  Extreme
      facial replacements are usually best handled by on-staff
      prosthodontists at major cancer treatment facilities.  We
      have connections to all major institutions and are willing to 
      provide any information that we can.
	  
     We routinely provide obturators, palatal lifts, and cleft palate
      services to a wide variety of patients.
	  
   Total Mouth Rehabilitation:

    Trauma:
      Accidents happen!  Trauma care usually involves the highest
       level of expertise.  I have treated everything from gunshot
       wounds to dog attacks to automobile accidents.  Probably the
       most common source of injury is occupational.

      Treatment of traumatic injuries almost always involves multiple
       professionals.  We stress a coordinated approach.  We are
       careful to check for injuries that may not be apparent to you.
       Conditions existing prior to your injury are noted and
       distinguished from those resulting from it.
	   
    Cancer:
      Head and neck cancer patients require unique treatment.
       Chemotherapy for a tumor in any portion of the body has
       oral consequences.  We have specialized training in the
       dental problems associated with various forms of cancer
       treatment.
	   
      Oral cancer may result in surgical defects requiring
       maxillofacial prosthetics.  Radiation often requires the
       extraction of remaining teeth.  Our office has 20 years
       of experience at supporting your level of need.