BRIDGES - Bridges are used when one or more teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth on both sides of the open space. Bridges are most commonly made from porcelain fused to a metal base. They are permanently cemented by your dentist and are not taken out. With proper care, a bridge can last for years. Ask about metal-free porcelain bridges for optimum cosmetic results.

CROWNS - Crowns are used when a tooth or teeth are too badly decayed, broken or cracked to be easily repaired properly with a filling. Many times crowns are also needed for teeth that have had root canals. Crowns are usually made of porcelain fused to a metal base. For front teeth there are other options. Captek® crowns are made with special porcelain fused to gold. And crowns made entirely from high-strength ceramic and porcelain may be recommended for especially beautiful cosmetic results.

DENTURES - If you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, dentures can be used to replace your missing teeth, improving your health as well as your appearance. Today there is no reason to have uncomfortable and painful dentures sitting on your gums. Permanent soft liners can be placed in upper and lower dentures which apply less pressure to your gums. And don’t forget to ask about our “EASY-FIT” DENTURE, which uses implants to secure your upper and lower denture to your gums and keeps your denture from moving. If you are tired of having plastic cover the roof of your mouth then the “EASY-FIT” DENTURE is the answer for you. Ask for a free brochure on the “EASY-FIT” DENTURE at any of our locations.

FILLINGS - Dental fillings are placed in teeth when the dentist has to remove tooth structure due to decay or fracture. Although silver metal fillings have been used for many years, today we have several other preferred options for tooth restoration. Tooth colored composite filling materials are used that actually make a tooth stronger than silver fillings and provide a much better looking result.

PERIODONTICS - Gum disease is usually caused by plaque, a sticky form of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth, gums become irritated and inflamed. The irritated gum tissue can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. Bacteria move into the pockets where they continue to promote irritation. Left untreated, the process can continue until the bone and other tooth-supporting tissues are destroyed. It often results in gums that are red and swollen and may bleed easily. Your dentist may indicate that you need scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) and may recommend that you see one of our board certified periodontists that specialize in the treatment of gum disease.

ROOT CANALS - When there is disease or injury to the nerve tissue of a tooth, we have to find out what’s wrong and figure out the best way to treat it. Usually, this means we have to remove diseased or damaged nerve tissue, clean the pulp chamber and the root canal(s) of the tooth, and then seal it. This is called root canal therapy or Endodontics and can often allow a person to keep a tooth that otherwise would need to be extracted.

VENEERS - Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is a thin shell that is placed over the front or visible parts of the tooth. There are two types of veneers, ceramic veneers that are produced by a dental laboratory and resin-based composite veneers. To answer your questions about cosmetics and how spaces between teeth, crooked and misaligned teeth and stained and poorly colored teeth can be corrected with recent advances in cosmetic dentistry, ask for a free consultation with our Cosmetic Dentist.

WHITENING - More people than ever are asking us about whitening or bleaching teeth. It’s a simple process. A bleaching agent is applied to teeth to brighten discolored or stained teeth. At Midwestern Dental, we use several kinds of bleaching products for the in-office portion of the treatment. We may also give you a kit to take home for you to continue the treatment program to help you achieve the whitest, brightest smile possible. Don’t forget to ask about ZOOM in-office whitening done in all of our locations.

WISDOM TEETH/ORAL SURGERY - While anything with the word “surgery” in it is serious business, oral surgery tends to be much simpler and is associated with far less complications than any other form of surgery. Here at Midwestern Dental®, we have years of experience with many forms of oral surgery, including dental implants and the removal of wisdom teeth.

SEALANTS - One of the ways we fight against tooth decay in vulnerable teeth is by using dental sealants. We apply a plastic resin to the chewing surfaces of your permanent teeth, bonding into the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars. The sealants act as a barrier, protecting enamel from bacteria, plaque and acids. This is especially important in the dental care of children, where most cavities occur on the chewing surfaces. It is an easy procedure and requires no numbing and can make a major difference in reducing the number of future cavities.