- Dental ExaminationGenerally, any potential issues with wisdom teeth are identified from the x-rays taken as part of routine oral examinations during a patient’s mid-teenage years. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment may result in a better outcome for the patient.
- X-raysAll of our practices use digital x-rays. The amount of radiation received in a digital dental x-ray is extremely small, much less than conventional dental x-rays. Even though there is very little associated risk, our dentists are always careful to minimize the exposure of our patients to radiation.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningA comprehensive mouth-body approach that includes oral cancer screenings and thorough annual exams to detect signs of gum disease that might be indicative of other health issues including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and premature and low birth-weight babies.
- Teeth CleaningYour initial appointment typically includes a comprehensive review of your dental needs and concerns, a review of your health history, and an exam by your dentist. In most instances, your initial appointment also includes a dental cleaning with your dental hygienist. Additional treatment may be scheduled for a future date. This careful approach allows us to properly diagnose and thoughtfully plan any needed procedures.
- Fluoride TreatmentFluoride and Decay Prevention Many years ago, scientists started noticing that children born and raised in areas with fluoride in their drinking water had fewer cavities than children in other areas. Fluoride that is absorbed by your body when teeth are forming (during the mother’s pregnancy to early childhood) integrates into the structure of enamel and makes it stronger. Fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth and reduce the chance of tooth decay. If you have children and live in an area that doesn’t have fluoride in the drinking water, you should consult your dentist or physician about fluoride tablets available for children.
- Dental SealantsSealants are a clear or white material applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They keep out plaque and food to prevent cavities.
- Space MaintainersSpace maintainers hold the place of a tooth that has prematurely fallen out of a child’s mouth due to decay or injury. A space maintainer can be a band or crown attached to another tooth. The dentist will remove the space maintainer once the permanent tooth starts to grow in. If a space maintainer is not put in the vacant space, the surrounding teeth can crowd and take over that space. This makes the permanent tooth come in crooked or crowded which can lead to difficulties in chewing and talking.
- FillingsAmalgam fillings are traditional silver fillings. They offer similar benefits as composite fillings, but are generally used on back teeth where they will be less visible. Silver fillings have strength and durability which is critical on back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
- VeneersVeneers are thin, tooth-colored coverings that are custom designed and permanently bonded to your tooth. The purpose is to protect the surface of damaged teeth. Veneers have other benefits including durability, an improved smile, and little to no removal of existing tooth structure. Veneers protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatment. Made out of state of the art porcelain, veneers mimic the properties of enamel, creating a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
- CrownsKnocked out tooth – Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it is dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible (don’t forget to bring the tooth with you!).
- BridgesA single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryAt Western New York Dental Group, our highly-trained team of dental professionals provides a wide range of restorative dental services. We repair functional structures of the mouth affecting chewing, speaking and maintaining a relaxed and aligned bite.
- Root Canal TreatmentIn past years, if a tooth had a diseased nerve, the patient would have lost that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal therapy, the tooth can often be saved.
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesThere are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
- Dental ImplantsDental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Someone who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
- Oral SurgeryThe oral surgery specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons but emotional as well. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a “hands on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long term function and appearance.
- Jaw SurgeryThis is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with the jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
- Gum SurgeryGum surgery – In more advanced cases of gum disease, we may recommend gum surgery in conjunction with regenerative procedures in order to eliminate the disease and help restore lost tissues.
- Maxillofacial SurgeryOral and maxillofacial surgery refers to procedures performed by dental specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Their training involves the completion of a minimum four-year hospital surgical residency program after dental school.
- Tooth Extractions. You and your doctor may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced gum disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
- Ridge AugmentationRidge augmentation – Deficiencies in the jaw bone can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects or severe periodontal disease. The bone graft is used to restore the lost jaw bone in preparation for dental rehabilitation.
- Bone GraftingThere are variety of reasons why bone grafting may be the best option for restoring lost jaw bone.
- OrthodonticsIf you are wondering when to have your child’s smile evaluated by an orthodontist, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends every child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven, unless a specific problem is identified earlier. This is because this is the time when kids are starting to get their first adult molars which establish the back bite. However, it’s never too late to correct a smile as a growing number of our New York orthodontics patients are adults who are now taking the time to give themselves the smiles they‘ve always wanted.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign is a new way of straightening teeth without calling attention to them. The procedure involves wearing a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of the traditional brackets and wires. They are made specifically to fit your lifestyle allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss easily. Our patients love their Invisalign aligners because they are clear and virtually undetectable on teeth. And since Invisalign is removable, you can easily take the clear aligners out for special events. For all these reasons, Invisalign treatment is also a great option for adult patients.
- BracesBraces have one aim: to use consistent, gentle pressure to move teeth to proper alignment. Braces do their work over time, but it’s important to realize each case is different and gets treated based on a personalized diagnosis. Each case starts the same, involving x-rays, dental impressions, and photographs. From that information we create a treatment plan. The timing varies depending on age, condition, and patient follow through, but most cases take about 2 years.
- Teeth WhiteningTake-home whitening: Our Western New York Dental Group professionals will take an impression of your teeth to design custom-fit trays that fit securely around each tooth. A whitening gel is added to the trays and the trays are placed in your mouth. The gel is available as a take home day or night solution. About two weeks after the procedure, you should notice a visibly, whiter smile.
- Cosmetic DentistryIf you are considering cosmetic dentistry, here are some questions you should ask yourself. The answers to these questions will help you and your dentist identify the elements of your smile that you do not like. They will also help clarify what you would like to see at the completion of your treatment.
- General DentistryWe offer all the services and specialties you need to maintain a healthy smile including general dentistry, orthodontics / braces and Invisalign, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry / veneers and pediatric or children’s dentistry. Our goal is to help our communities and all of Western New York, Greater Buffalo and Greater Rochester maintain healthier mouths for overall good health.