There's a bright new trend in dental offices these days: more people are scheduling appointments because they want to, not because they have to. Dentistry just isn't the same anymore.
In the past 10 years, we've seen the development of materials and procedures we could only dream about before. And if you haven't been to the dentist in a while, you'll be surprised by what you find.
Pain control
Dental medicine has come a long way. The reality is, today's dentistry is virtually painless. Technology, stress control techniques, and some very sophisticated approaches to anesthesia have all contributed to painless treatment - from cleaning to cavity preparation and root canals.
Cosmetic dentistry
A whole new discipline has grown up around cosmetic dental procedures.
- Bleaching is a simple, inexpensive way to lighten stains and discolorations on vital teeth without altering the natural structure. In the last year, a home bleaching system has hit the market with great fanfare. After an initial office visit, the patient carries on treatment at home. It's fast, and the results are impressive.
- Bonding has come of age with the refinement of bonding resins. There's no limit to the cosmetic "magic" we can work on a smile: close gaps, reshape teeth, lengthen here, brighten there.
- Natural-colored filling materials are getting prettier - and stronger - every day.
Implants
Though people are keeping their teeth longer and longer, part of our older population still has to deal with missing teeth. For those denture wearers who've always hoped for something better, dental implants are a kind of functional rebirth. An implant device, usually titanium, is surgically inserted into the jaw. Because of its bio-compatibility, the jaw bone actually grows into the implant. An overdenture attached to the implants is stable and comfortable - as close to natural teeth as you can get.
The future of dentistry looms exciting, too. Lasers, fiber optics, computer-aided design - all are finding applications in dentistry. We welcome questions.