Dental Services

Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored, plastic and glass mixture. They are used to restore decayed teeth and for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color or reshaping disfigured teeth.

Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist or prosthodontist. Crowns are used most commonly to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth or cover an implant. Bridges are commonly used to cover a space if you are missing one or more teeth. They are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space where the tooth once stood. In addition to strengthening a damaged tooth, bridges and crowns can be use to improve a tooth’s shape, appearance, alignment and dental occlusion (bite). Gaps left by missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to shift, which can result in a bad bite. Bridges and crowns help prevent this from happening. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

Root canals are necessary when the pulp on the inside of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. During root canal or endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and can limit the need for ongoing dental work.

A denture or partial is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available — complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Both of these removable options are made custom to suit your individual needs and expectations.

Single Tooth Replacement:

After a period of healing, an abutment is attached to the implant. This is a device that “abuts” or joins the implant to a tooth form called a crown, which replaces the tooth part you see in the mouth. It will hold a custom-made crown that the dental laboratory will fabricate and match to your existing teeth. The custom crown is cemented or screwed onto the abutment to permanently keep it in place. Once the crown is in place, it should be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Fixed Multiple Tooth Replacement:

As with single tooth replacement, after healing, permanent abutments are attached to the implants. They can attach to custom-made crowns or bridgework that a dental laboratory will fabricate to match your existing teeth. The teeth have been replaced without disturbing the healthy teeth next to them, and bone loss has been halted.

Removable Implant-Supported Tooth Replacement:

If all of your teeth are missing in an arch, depending on the design of the removable restoration, two to six implants may be used to support a denture. Removable dentures are often used to replace extensive tooth, bone and gum-tissue loss, thus providing support for the facial skeleton, lip and cheeks. A new denture can have attachments that snap or clip it into place on the implants or a custom made, milled bar can be fabricated to create additional strength and support for the restoration. Design variations are often related to your bone density and number of implants present; the options that are best for you will be determined by the dentist and discussed with you during your consultation.

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color. Porcelain veneers are a very successful option in many situations where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option.

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed. Treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Dr Konecny and our dental hygienist, Donna, will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. Tooth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. Whitening is not a one-time procedure. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the brighter color.

Our office offers several options that are available to our patients based on their needs and preferences, such as custom whitening trays, disposable one time use whitening trays and our Boost whitening product which is completed in the office and can be used in conjunction with any of the tray options.

There are a number of reasons why tooth extraction may be needed. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. Other reasons include infection, risk of infection or severe mouth crowding. Dr. Konecny will determine the best treatment option as a result of any of these factors.

The CariVu is a trans-illuminating caries (cavity) detection device using safe near- infrared light. This unique technology allows the Doctor to see through the tooth exposing it’s structure and actual anatomy of any caries (cavities) present with great accuracy without the use of radiation. CariVu is a great benefit for diagnosis in combination with radiographs and intra-oral photographs. CariVu is also a great alternative for patients who are unable to have radiographs taken. Since CariVu uses no radiation it is even safe during pregnancy.

In spite of the dental technology that has made dentistry virtually pain-free, dental fear and anxiety still keeps millions of patients away from the dental office and the care they need every year. For these patients, local anesthesia is not enough to treat the psychological factors. A sedative can be given to the patient to make them feel at ease during dental treatment. Conscious sedation is an excellent way to treat dental anxiety so you and your dentist can work together to accomplish the same goals for your oral care.

Conscious sedation dentistry allows you to enter a state of relaxation while staying awake during the procedure. Although you won’t feel any pain, you’ll be able to respond to your dentist’s questions and commands, because communication is very important with any dentist-patient relationship.

Therapeutic and cosmetic Benefits of Botox therapy include:

• Alleviate migraine symptoms
• Alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorders and jaw tension
• Reduce teeth grinding
• Create smoother transition from natural teeth to dentures and dental implants
• Reduce appearance of a gummy smile
• Enhance lip shape
• Provide facial rejuvenation
• lessen appearance of wrinkles

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