A beautiful, healthy smile says so much. It can brighten your life socially and professionally. Cosmetic dentistry is so easy with our modern approach to dental health. You can now achieve that radiant smile within days. The results are immediate and life-changing. Our team does our best to customize your smile. Imagine having a porcelain lab photographer take pictures of your smile and each individual tooth so they can scan the pictures using a laser to achieve the perfect colors for your anterior teeth. At the lab, the master ceramists will utilize these pictures to create the perfect teeth to complement your natural smile or change your smile according to our treatment plan. 

Minimally Invasive Preventitive Dentistry is emphasized using the Diagnodent and the Waterlase MD. 

The Diagnodent is a FDA approved laser that we use to find hard to see cavities in areas of a tooth that our dental instruments cannot go into or xrays may miss.  It shines a harmless laser beam into the tooth to provide us a reading that tells us how deep the cavity really is.  Locating hidden cavities before they further destroy tooth structure is our goal.  The widespread use of fluoride has made tooth structures harder and more resistant to decay.  However, diagnosing cavities beneath the hard surfaces is more challenging because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth surface beneath the surface.  Xrays and probing with dental instruments are limited in detecting sub-surface decay, especially when the cavity is in its early stages.  Fortunately, the Diagnodent allows us to find hidden decay before it spreads.  This new technology is completely safe and pain free.  www.kavousa.com

The Waterlase MD is a revolutionary dental device that uses a combination of YSGG laser energy and water to perform many traditional dental procedures.  Many procedures performed with the Waterlase MD do not require shots or anesthesia, eliminating a major source of dental anxiety and creating a more relaxing experience.  Patients typically experience less bleeding, swelling, post-op discomfort and require less pain medication.  The precision and accuracy of the Waterlase MD allow us to treat targeted areas of tooth structure and soft tissue, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected while maintaining the structural integrity of the tooth.  Studies have shown that the Waterlase MD is less invasive and less traumatic than the drill, scalpel or electrosurge.  Less invasive means more conservation of tooth structure and tissue.  The Waterlase MD was the recipient of the 2005 Medical Design Excellence Award. www.biolase.com

Teeth Whitening are for those of us who would appreciate having a brighter more dazzling smile. We offer a large selection of whitening products to fit your needs.  The customized at-home whitening uses a set of trays made from models of your mouth. You put small amounts of whitening liquid into the trays and wear them for only 15 minutes a day over a course of a few weeks. The trays help protect the gums from excess whitening liquid so the procedure is safe and effective. An even faster way of achieving that whiter smile is one visit in-office whitening that usually takes about an hour. This procedure is great for instant results with no hassle to you. It is not only effective and safe but long lasting.

Tooth Colored Composite Fillings are resin fillings that are placed in teeth to rebuild natural shape after cavities are removed. They can also be utilized to change a tooth's color or appearance. Composites are an inexpensive, conservative way to restore a tooth. We use them as an alternative to mercury fillings.

Mercury Fillings are not being placed in our office. These fillings are comprised of a mixture of mercury liquid, small pieces of silver, copper, tin and zinc. Because they are metal, they can expand and contract with temperature and small forces like biting. With exposure to hot and cold and eating, the teeth are being weakened. Over a period of time, the tooth is susceptible to fracturing or breaking. Gaps between the tooth and filling occur that can allow micro-leakage and cavities. Mercury is also a very toxic element and literature is not absolute about long term effects on overall health from mercury released from teeth.

Porcelain Inlay and Onlay Fillings are porcelain or ceramic fillings that are fabricated by a dental laboratory from precise impressions that are taken from your mouth after cavities or other old fillings are removed. They are not only natural and beautiful looking, they are also stronger and longer lasting than composite fillings.

Crowns are very esthetic restorations that cover the entire surface of a tooth. They are used to protect teeth that have been broken or damaged by cavities or fragile teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy. They can also protect sensitive teeth from external irritating stimuli such as hot or cold foods. They are comprised of porcelain or gold with porcelain to achieve a natural appearance. We can color map the shade to match your smile.

Dental Bridges are comprised of a false tooth that is fused between 2 porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The 2 crowns hold this false tooth in place because they are cemented onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. Not only are these bridges very natural feeling, they are beautiful and very functional. One or more missing teeth can be replaced by this method. These bridges can also reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct bite issues and improve your speech by maintaining the form of your face.

Porcelain Veneers are thin laminates in customized ceramic that adhere or bond over your own teeth. They can be used to conceal discoloration or chipped teeth. They can even correct misalignment of teeth to create an even, natural smile without having to spend time with traditional braces. They are virtually undetectable because we color match them to your existing smile or we can use them to change the shades of your smile. Porcelain is resistant to staining so your new smile will remain bright and beautiful for a long, long time.

Dentures are made of acrylic bases with acrylic teeth that fit customized to your mouth. Impressions are taken so dentures can be designed to slide over your gums and are held in position with facial muscles and structures. They allow for comfortable eating and maintenance of facial features when all the teeth are missing. They can be removed and cleaned very easily.

Partial Dentures are also removable acrylic bases with teeth that may or may not have metal precision clasps that are used to hold the partial denture in place. They are designed to fill in gaps left by missing teeth .

Root Canal Therapy is a procedure utilized to save teeth that have been compromised by very, very deep cavities or trauma. The cavities and infected tissues in the tooth are cleaned out with antibacterial liquid and gutta percha fillings are placed within the canals. Gutta percha fillings are sterile plastic materials that are placed with a sealer to prevent possible micro-leakage or re-infection. Root canal therapy can be completed in just one visit because the cleaning method is quicker by rotary handpieces. Teeth that have had this therapy will have no sense of feeling to temperature or sweets.

Periodontal Therapy is used to promote healthy gums and maintain the bone surrounding the teeth. Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque, tarter buildup on teeth and its pockets. Arestin is an antibiotic therapy that is placed into deep pockets used as an adjunct to deep cleanings. Laser assisted periodontal therapy utilizes the Waterlase MD to irrigate and cleanse gum pockets of bacteria, promoting the healing process.  Periodontal or Gum Disease is the primary reason for tooth loss in adults. This is a quiet bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Studies have shown that periodontal disease doubles the risk of heart disease and is linked to endocarditis, arterial constriction, diabetes and weakened immune system. For pregnant women, gum disease means higher risk for premature and low birth weight babies. The early stages of periodontal disease is not apparent to the patient. Just like high blood pressure is the silent killer, gum disease is the same for teeth. Genetics, diet, stress, smoking, some medications and some medical conditions can also effect gum disease. The earlier we are able to detect the disease the sooner we can control it. The initial symptoms may include bleeding, sore or swollen gums and/or persistent bad breath.  Several warning signs can signal a problem.  This may include: 1) gums that bleed easily, 2) red, swollen, or tender gums, 3) gums that have pulled away from your teeth, 4) persistent bad breath, 5) pus between the teeth and gums, 6) loose or separating teeth and 7) a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

Halitosis is chronic bad breath caused by bacteria in your mouth breaking down food debris and food decay. This process creates byproducts called sulfur compounds that emit this bad smell and taste. This type of bacteria needs an oxygen free environment to thrive such as pockets around the teeth and fissures of the tongue. Sometimes halitosis may be caused by a systemic condition like diabetes or another health problem with the sinuses, pharynx, lungs or stomach. Other debris in your mouth, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, alcohol intake, garlic, onions, spicy foods, hunger or dry mouth can also be contributing factors.

Teeth Grinding is a disorder that you may not even be aware of until you see the wear marks on your teeth. When you grind or clench your teeth it causes wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth or soreness in the muscles. Grinding can also cause teeth to become painful or loose. It is very possible to grind away parts of teeth, leaving them worn or chipped.