Videos of the Procedures Below
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Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a combination of dental procedures that focus on enhancing a patient’s smile, while also maintaining the patient’s dental health and function of the teeth. Enhancing a smile often has a positive emotional and psychological impact on a patient’s life by improving the patient’s self-image. Dental procedures and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry can include:
• Laser dentistry to fix "gummy" smiles - where a disproportionate amount of the gums show when smiling.
• Teeth bleaching and whitening to remove stains from teeth.
• Porcelain veneers and inlays to fix broken/cracked, mismatched teeth, or correct gaps between teeth.
• Dental implants and crowns to replace missing teeth.
• Use of tooth colored fillings to replace unsightly silver amalgam fillings.
• Use of non-metal crowns to replace old crowns that show black lines.
Dr. Jerry Gilder can create a customized cosmetic dental treatment plan that is perfect for your smile. Make an appointment for a consultation today!
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Crowns & Bridges
If you have a tooth that is discolored, badly shaped, weak or broken, a crown can be used to cover and restore it to its normal shape and size. Dr. Jerry Gilder can install a crown to cover a dental implant, a large filling or to attach a bridge.
Missing one or more teeth will have a negative effect on your appearance and your chewing and speaking abilities. Dr. Jerry Gilder can correct this problem through the use of a bridge, which will help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviate the stress in your bite. Bridges can be fabricated from various materials including gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these. Depending on the degree of support from the surrounding teeth, Dr. Jerry Gilder can recommend the type of bridge that is right for you. One type of bridge can be bonded onto other teeth; this bridge is called a fixed partial denture, which can only be removed by our dental office. Or you could be an ideal candidate for a removable bridge, which can be removed by the patient. Finally, if Dr. Jerry Gilder recommends an implant bridge for you, artificial teeth will be attached directly to your jaw or under the gum tissue.
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Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can be used for two purposes. Dental bonding can be used for cosmetic and restoration purpose to restore chipped, broken or decaying teeth, reshape or whiten your smile or fill in gaps between teeth. Dental bonding can also be used to affix or attach bridges, orthodontic appliances or fillings to teeth.
In cosmetic dentistry, the bonding procedure begins when a composite resin filling is first scooped onto the teeth. Dr. Gilder will sculpt, color and shape the composite filling. A high intensity light is then used to harden the material. Finally, the surface is finely polished to achieve a natural appearance that blends with the rest of your teeth and improves your smile.
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Root Canal Treatment
The root canal is the hollow space in the center of the tooth containing the pulpy nerve tissue that provides the tooth with a sensory function – which the ability to feel hot and cold. There can be up to four root canals in a human tooth. When the root pulp is damaged from cavity decay or fractures, pain is usually the result due to the increase in blood flow and cellular activity of the tooth. Bacteria can enter and multiply in the tooth, causing the pulp to die. If the tooth is not treated, the pain will get worse and infection can spread, possibly resulting in an abscess.
Root canal therapy involves removing the decayed pulp and cleaning out the canal. Dr. Gilder will reshape the canal and insert medication to kill bacteria, if necessary. Once the dentist has determined that all infection has been cleared, Dr. Gilder will fill the root canal with gutta percha, which is a rubber-like material. The tooth is then permanently sealed with porcelain or a permanent crown. Complete root canal therapy can take between one to three sessions, depending upon the condition of the tooth.
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Complete & Partial Dentures
A denture is an artificial set of removable teeth made from acrylic resin and sometimes metal. Dentures are custom made to replace missing teeth and adjacent tissues. Dentures can be either partial or complete. A partial denture fills in the spaces made by missing teeth and prevents the remaining teeth from shifting position in the jaw.
A complete denture replaces all of the teeth.
There are two types of complete dentures:
• Immediate Denture - an immediate denture is fitted onto the gums immediately after teeth are surgically removed. Since the gums have not had a chance to heal, adjustments may be necessary after several months when the gums have completely healed.
• Conventional Denture - a conventional denture is fitted onto the gums after the gums have had a period of time to heal after surgery.
Because of the custom nature of dentures, a denture can take between two to five dental visits for a proper fit. First, the dentist takes an impression of the gums and a wax bite to determine the vertical dimensions and proper jaw position. The dentist may make a trial denture or “try-in” to make sure of the right shape and color as well as proper fit. Once the denture is placed, additional minor adjustments may also be needed.
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Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that bleaches the enamel to lighten and remove tooth discoloration and stains from teeth. Tooth discoloration can result from many factors, including: beverages that stain (such as coffee, teas, and colas), tobacco, trauma, tetracycline staining, excessive fluoride, and nerve degeneration.
Under the guidance of a dentist, teeth-bleaching is one of the most safest cosmetic procedures available today. Research and clinical studies show that under dentist supervision, whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide is safe for both teeth and gums. These whiteners usually come in a gel form and are applied by the use of a custom-fitted mouth guard.
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General & Family Dentistry
At the dental practice on Dr. Jerry Q. Gilder, we are dedicated to general and family dentistry. As a primary dental care provider, Dr. Gilder is responsible for the general diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages. He is highly educated and trained on all dental procedures and can consult with you to determine the best course of treatment for your dental needs.
As a general and family dental practice, we offer the following dental services at our office:
Cosmetic Dentistry TMJ Treatment
Crowns & Bridges Periodontics - Gum Disease
Dental Bonding Tooth Colored Fillings
Root Canal Treatment Laser Dentistry
Complete & Partial Dentures Porcelain Veneers
Teeth Whitening Nitrous Oxide
General & Family Dentistry
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TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (“TMJ”) is the joint that allows your jaw to open and close, and allows jaw movement forward, backward, and sideways. The TMJ will only work properly if the lower jaw and its movements are synchronized.
Temporomandibular Disorder (“TMD”) is a condition that can be caused various reasons, including: stressful situations, strenuous physical activities, overuse of the muscles, and grinding of the teeth. TMD affects jaw muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and nerves where jaw movements become out of synch. These habits will wear out the jaw muscles and result in headache and neck pain. TMD can also result in sensitive teeth, injured soft tissues, muscle soreness, and jaw discomfort. Other symptoms include difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and the jaw locking when you talking, yawning or eating.
TMD can be treated. A custom nighttime mouth guard will help stop grinding of teeth. More severe cases can treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, and posture training.
TMD is usually cyclical and may return when you experience stress. Come in for an evaluation today -Dr. Gilder can recommend the right therapy to alleviate your TMD symptoms.
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Periodontics - Gum Disease
Gum disease is the infection and inflammation of the gums and the tissue. Usually caused by bacterial plaque, gum disease is the major cause of adult tooth loss. If left untreated, the bacterial plaque will harden into tartar. Tartar is a coarse, porous mineral buildup that is yellow or brown in color. Tartar forms at and underneath the gum line, and absorbs stains due to its porous nature. Built up tartar will excrete toxins that cause gum inflammation, resulting in the development of periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets will hold even more toxins and bacteria that build up and result in the loosening of the teeth. As the condition worsens, the accumulated toxins and bacteria move deeper into the jaw, destroying the bone that holds the tooth in place.
Signs of gum disease can include:
• Red, inflamed gums
• Chronic halitosis
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• Presence of pus between the gum and tooth
Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry which focuses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues (gums) and bones supporting the teeth, such as gum disease. Dental checkups are important because gum disease is reversible if it is caught while in the early stages. Dr. Gilder will scale the tooth to remove any plaque and calculus, and plane the tooth roots to smooth them. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection or inflammation that might be present. If the patient has an advanced case of gum disease, Dr. Gilder may need to surgically trim the gums, remove the hardened plaque build-up, and re-contour the damaged bone.
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Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth colored fillings are the material of choice for more natural looking teeth. Composites are made of glass and resin, tooth colored fillings can be used to both fill and to repair tooth defects. They are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well, depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Ask Dr. Gilder if tooth colored fillings match your needs.
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Laser Dentistry
There have been a lot of advances in dental technology, and lasers are now being used for many dental procedures. Soft tissue lasers have the advantages of little to no bleeding, no stitches required, minimal pain or discomfort and a quicker healing time. Lasers are also perfect for use in gingival sculpting. Gingival sculpting is a procedure where the dentist reshapes the patient’s “gummy smile” to give the teeth a longer, more attractive appearance. This procedure requires only local anesthesia, is fast, and the patient can return to normal activities immediately.
Lasers can also be used for treating:
Gum disease - Lasers are used to treat gum disease by reshaping gums to remove bacteria and reduce periodontal pockets.
Tooth decay – A laser can be used to target and remove tooth decay in preparing the surrounding enamel for the filling. Lasers are also used to harden (cure) the filling.
Lesions - Lasers are used to treat canker sores and remove lesions in the mouth.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of ceramic material that is placed over the natural tooth surface. Veneers are used to cover tooth discoloration and cosmetic imperfections. Porcelain veneers are also an effective substitution for crowns for the front teeth, as they can aesthetically change the size, color and shape of the teeth. Dr. Gilder can mount the veneer onto the patient’s tooth using little or no anesthesia. Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and cigarettes, and can last for years.
Dr. Gilder will first prepare the tooth by removing half a millimeter of the natural tooth, to allow for the thickness of the veneer. Next the dentist will take a mold of the teeth, and the veneers will be fabricated from the mold. Finally, Dr. Gilder will permanently bond or cement the veneers are to the natural tooth.
Come in for a consult to see if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers!
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Nitrous Oxide
For patients who become overly anxious when going through a dental procedure, at the dental practice of Dr. Gilder, we offer nitrous oxide, which is a sweet-smelling colorless gas made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask that fits snugly over your nose, approximately five minutes before the dental procedure.
Also known as “laughing gas”, it is a safe and well established method to deal with dental anxiety and discomfort. It has a calming and comforting effect, yet allows the patient remain awake, in control, and with the ability to communicate. Nitrous oxide also tends to lessen anxiety, increase a patient’s pain threshold, and reduce an overactive gag reflex. Because of all of these benefits, it is often used in pediatric dentistry.
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