Our Procedures

Dental Terms

Diagnostic
A dental examination is part of an oral examination: the close inspection of the teeth and tissues of the mouth using physical assessment, radiographs, and other diagnostic aids. Dental care begins with this assessment, and is followed by diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

This examination identifies tooth decay and evaluates the health of the gums and other oral tissues. The fit of dentures and bridges (if any) are evaluated. The patient's bite and oral hygiene are also assessed. The dentist then recommends the best treatment options to the patient.

X-Rays
Bite-wing X-rays show details of the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth. Each bite-wing shows a tooth from its crown to about the level of the supporting bone. Bite-wing X-rays are used to detect decay between the teeth and changes in bone density caused by gum disease. They are also useful in determining the proper fit of a crown (or cast restoration) and the margin integrity of fillings.

Periapical X-rays show the whole tooth -- from the crown to beyond the end of the root to where the tooth is anchored in the jaw. Each periapical X-ray shows this full tooth dimension and includes all the teeth in one portion of either the lower ofupper jaw. Periapical X-rays are used to detect any abnormalities of the root structure and surrounding bone structure.

Occlusal X-rays are larger and show full tooth development and placement. Each X-ray reveals the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth area -- all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws -- on a single X-ray. This type of X-ray is useful for detecting the position of fully emerged as well as emerging teeth, and aid in the diagnosis of tumors.

Oral Cancer Screening
There is good news about progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.

Our office has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. You and Dr. Tarantino can fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and get dental exams and cancer screening regularly.

Prevention
Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, stroke, and more. Regular checkups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

Sealants: Dental Sealants are a clear and protective coating that is applied to the biting surface of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are most commonly placed on children's permanent teeth because they are more prone to cavities.

Fluoride: Fluoride is a chemical that helps to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride may be present in drinking water or applied to the teeth. Fluorides, usually in pastes or gels, are used for topical application to reduce the incidence of dental cavities.

Operative
Composite is a dental material that is usually used for tooth-colored fillings and hardens with a curing light. Composite material contains acrylic and glass particles, but no mercury.

Amalgam is the silver colored filling material used by dentists to fill cavities. The material in amalgam is made up of mercury and various other metals. Because amalgam is very strong and can withstand heavy biting pressure, it is used mostly on back teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of dental treatments aimed at imporoving the appearance of the teeth. Veneers

A veneer is a thin shield of porcelain that is used to cover the front surface of the tooth. They are designed as a permanent way to change or enhance the look of stained, chipped, broken, or undesired teeth. A minimum of two appointments is often necessary to complete the procedure.

Inlays/Onlays
An inlay is a restoration of metal, fired porcelain, or plastic made to fit a tapered cavity preparation and fastened to or luted into it with a cementing medium.

An onlay is a cast type of restoration that is retained by frictional and mechanical factors in the preparation of the tooth and restores one or more cusps and adjoining occlusal surfaces of the tooth.

Crowns
A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or detnal implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to a tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated by a dental laboratory. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is the process of using bleach or other materials to make teeth look whiter. The materials remove stains or other discolorations from the tooth surface.

In Office: The whitening treatment provided by dentists is known as chairside bleaching, in-office bleaching, or power bleaching. The dentist first protects the patient's gums and tissue by applying a protective gel or a rubber shield. The dentist then applies a whitening solution to the teeth.

At Home: Supervised treatment combines visits to the dentist with treatment at home. The procedure is also called tray bleaching or nightguard bleaching because the patient wears a tray on the teeth that protects the gums from the whitening solution.

Root Canal Therapy
The tiny canals contain the pulp of the tooth also commonly referred to as the nerve, which originates from the pulp chamber. Any trauma or infection of the nerve will result in the need for root canal therapy. Common reasons for root canal therapy include:

Tooth decay invades the tooth, penetrating through the enamal and then the dentin in to the pulp.

A tooth has become abcessed -- also known as infected -- from decay. Trauma, such as chipped or broken tooth, occurs and results in the exposure of the nerve.

A tooth is slowly dying, due to aging or past trauma, that did not result in the need for treatment at the time of injury.

Periodontics
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and checkups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.

Dental Implants
A dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. The bone of the jaw accepts and osseointegrates with the titanium post. Osseointegration refers to the fusion of the implant surface to the surrounding bone. This is what makes the implant resemble the look and feel of a natural tooth. However, dental implants lack the attachment of the periodontal ligament, and because of this may feel slightly different than natural teeth during chewing.

Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and titanium bars with fixed dentition. They may also be used for anchorage for orthodontic movement.

Basic Procedure: An incision is made in the tissue above the site where the implant is to be placed; a pilot hole is placed then expanded to the width of the implant. Sutures are placed.

Immediate Placement: An implant is placed in a tooth socket post tooth extraction in the same visit. This can cut months off the treatment.

One/Two Stage Surgery:
One Stage: A healing abutment is placed at time of implant placement, which comes through the mucosa and heals with the implant.

Two Stage: The healing abutment is placed at a later date, usually prior to implant restoration.


Dental Emergencies Welcomed.