Even if your teeth are in pristine condition, you should still get regular dental cleanings and oral screenings at least twice a year to preserve your oral health. During a dental cleaning, one of Dr. Cortezi's dental hygienists will review your health history, perform an oral cancer screening, look for early signs of periodontal disease or establish stability in previous active periodontal disease, remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth and apply fluoride (if indicated). Dr. Cortezi will also examine and evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums, and will discuss any areas of concern.
If one or more of your teeth requires a filling due to dental decay, there will be several choices in material type. Dr. Cortezi will discuss these choices with you in advance and help you to select the appropriate material based on your individual circumstances.
A dental crown or cap is used to protect and restore a weak or broken tooth. Dr. Cortezi will discuss with you which type of material would be best suited for your individual situation prior to making the crown restoration. If the crown is fabricated from porcelain it can be colored and customized to make it indistinguishable from the adjacent teeth.
In many cases, a patient may elect to have discolored teeth restored to a healthy white through a tooth whitening procedure. This process gives patients a brighter smile and removes stains built up over time. If you believe you might be a candidate for whitening, please mention this during your next visit.
Veneers are used to cover stained or discolored teeth, and can correct misshapen teeth. They can also alter the length and size of teeth or correct rotated teeth. Veneers are ultra-thin pieces of porcelain that, once bonded to your tooth, are extremely strong and lifelike in appearance.
Dental implants serve as the anchor to support a crown, bridge or denture where a tooth (or multiple teeth) have been lost. Dental implants can assist a return to normal chewing, and complete your smile.
Dentures are removable replacements for some or all missing teeth. In some instances, the denture is supported by dental implants. Prior to the creation of a denture, Dr. Cortezi will discuss, in detail, the type of denture most appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Dental Examinations are equally as important as Dental Cleanings and should be scheduled with the same frequency; that is, a minimum of once every six months. Regular examinations help Dr. Cortezi to keep an eye on the condition of oral health, and to make adjustments and recommendations to his patients as their treatments progress.