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All photos of dental procedures are work actually
performed by the dentist Dr. Michael Hazel in the West Linn Smile Team facilities.
Our goal is to provide treatment that will last a long time, be pain free and be cost effective. The most cost effective method is prevention. We use a new technology called a Diagnotodent to shine a laser into the deep grooves and fissures of newly erupted teeth to determine hidden decay and provide sealants if needed.
Bonding restores teeth that are
chipped, cracked, misaligned or discolored. A plastic resin
somewhat like putty is used to rebuild the teeth and make
them look natural. This is usually a one visit appointment.
You can expect a bonded restoration to last 3-5 years before
it needs to be touched up.
Cosmetic imaging is a computerized program which allows you to visualize the proposed changes in your smile and see in advance if the treatment is right for you. This service is complimentary.
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells adhered onto the surfaces of prepared teeth in much the same way that false fingernails are applied. Veneers correct or camouflage severe discoloration, damage, misalignment, or teeth that are poorly shaped. This procedure takes two or more appointments. Veneers are more durable than bonding and last considerably longer than bonding. Sample photos below:
Bridges are tooth replacements that are attached
to adjoining natural teeth. Bridges require that the adjoining
teeth be healthy and have adequate gum and root support. This
usually requires 2-3 visits.
A dental implant is much like a
natural tooth, which has a root in your jawbone, topped by
a crown that you can see. When you need an implant , a metal
post is inserted beneath your gum and into the jaw bone. It
fuses to the bone in your jaw and acts like the root of a
tooth. Then a tooth is placed on the metal post and is designed
to blend in with the way your own teeth look and feel. Dental
Implants can also be used to anchor dentures. Because implants
require surgery they are not for everybody. Photos coming:
Root Canal therapy is performed to save teeth
which are infected, cracked or involve pain. This procedure
is usually not painful if diagnosed early but if put off over
time can be very difficult to manage. This procedure will
allow you to keep your tooth, avoiding extraction as well
as costly tooth replacement.
When a tooth is developing, deep grooves form
on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. These grooves are
called fissures/pits. Because toothbrush bristles cannot reach
all the way into the pits and fissures, food and bacteria
cannot be easily removed. Tooth sealants protect these vulnerable
areas by sealing our plaque and food. Although only 12.5%
of all tooth surfaces are chewing surfaces, these surfaces
develop more than 66% of the total cavities developed by children.
Tooth Whitening / Bleaching
Bleaching is successful in at least 90% of the patients. Consider bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. If you are in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately through an in office procedure. However, most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provides the same results without sensitivity. Lightness should last from 1 to 5 years and can be touched up at any time. Several studies have shown bleaching to be safe and effective.
A tooth is supported at its base the same
as a fence post. As long as two thirds of the post is in the
ground, it's a strong fence post. The same holds true for
teeth. Periodontal disease refers primarily to the loss of
bone which surrounds the tooth, a primary symptom of periodontal
disease is inflammation with varying degrees of bleeding.
This disease is painless and frequently ignored until it becomes
advanced, causing pus formation and tooth loss. Signs and
symptoms are carefully evaluated at each preventative visit.
We cater to cowards and can use either nitrous oxide or calming medications to help lower your anxiety level.
Invisalign makes it easy to straighten your
teeth without brackets, bands or wires.(different font). Forget
everything you've heard about teeth straightening. Because
a proven technology now exists that lets you straighten your
teeth-invisibly. Invisalign is a virtually invisible solution
so you can smile during as well as after treatment. In fact,
virtually no one will know you're wearing them unless you
tell. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign
straightens your teeth right before your eyes. Change them
about every two weeks and your teeth will move-little by little-toward
the smile you have always wanted. Invisilgn is comfortable
to wear and it doesn't require you to change your busy lifestyle.
You visit the office every month or two to check your progress
and get new aligners. Average treatment is only one year.
Because aligners are removable you can continue to eat your
favorite foods. CALL for your FREE CONSULTATION.
Intra-Oral Camera is a technology which allows the patient to see what the dentist views allowing for the patient to be involved in their treatment decisions. Procedures, alternatives, risks and questions are addressed by new technology called the Caesy Patient Education System.
We provide scheduling during these
hours: Monday 8-5, Tuesday 8-5, Wednesday 9-2, Thursday 8-5,
and Friday by appointment.
We accept most forms of dental insurance and will bill your insurance for you. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We also offer interest free financing through Care Credit. We will provide you with a good faith estimate prior to any non-emergency treatment.
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