SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGies DEFINITIONS

  Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and bad breath.

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  Dental Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque from teeth, in order to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontitis. It is part of a complete program of oral hygiene.

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  Halitosis Treatment

Halitosis is sophisticated word for “bad breath.” Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasional or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

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 Perio Protect

Perio Protect is a new, home care treatment program for periodontal disease using a dentist-created and FDA-cleared medical device that can deliver doctor-prescribed medications to the source of periodontal infections. These medications address the pathogens that cause gum disease. The medical device is a set of custom fabricated Perio Protect Trays™ that are easy to use and comfortable to wear. The Perio Protect Trays offer varying thickness and differing extensions to support a special seal that gently guides antimicrobial agents of the dentist's choosing into the infected area (gingival sulcus) and that maintains the medications for a sufficient time to control the bacteria causing the infection. As healing occurs, patients alter the frequency and duration that they wear their trays.

In order to obtain Perio Protect Trays, a patient must visit a dentist who is a licensed Perio Protect partner. Once the dentist completes precise impressions of a patient's mouth, impressions are sent to a dental lab where customized trays are made to meet an individual patient's needs and conditions.

Patients' response to treatment has proven to be extremely rapid, and patient acceptance has been outstanding. The method is easy to follow and painless, and the medications help to control the bacteria that cause the disease infection.

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  Electrosurgery

The application of electrosurgery in the field of dentistry will depend directly on the dentist’s skills, his knowledge on the new concepts of the technique and on the structure and quality of the tissues. Electrosurgery allows the dentist to perform clinical procedures in the oral cavity, cutting or removing tissues with fast bleeding control. It is an excellent procedure for soft tissues removal during the impression making in clinical restorative dentistry. The most important advantages of electrosurgery are that this procedure is fast and secure with a field free of hemorrhage and with an easy access to hard to reach zones. Dr Antonious believes that electrosurgery has to be seen only as an auxiliary technique, not as a method that will solve all the problems in soft tissue management during restorative dentistry

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  Sealants

Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.

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  Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person's smile.

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  Fillings

Sometimes cavities happen. A filling can help restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

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  Crowns

Crown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods which are cemented into place. A crown is used to cap or completely cover a tooth.

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  Bridges

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

There are different types of bridges, depending on how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration however, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using such materials as composite resin.

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  Root Canal

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed through to reach all the way to the pulp (regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early). Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone.

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  Dentures/Partials

Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clipping onto teeth or dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures, depending on whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or the maxillary arch.

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  Digital X-Rays

In our office we use digital radiography, which allows us to take X-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film X-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an X-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

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  PANOREX X-Rays

A Panorex image is an X-ray that depicts a panoramic view of your mouth, from one side to the other. This image can help the dentist understand the relationship between your teeth, jaws, and occlusion (bite, or how your top and bottom teeth fit together). When planning extensive restorative or cosmetic cases, a Panorex may be necessary in addition to intra- and extra-oral photos and digital X-rays. back to top »

 Intraoral Camera

Intraoral cameras are an excellent means of allowing the patient to view potential dental conditions in their own mouth. It is much easier to understand what is happening in your mouth if you can see the problem on a computer monitor. This digital image can be utilized to provide information to insurance companies and other doctors if necessary.

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 Telescopic Loupes

Magnification achieved with either surgical loupes or dental microscopes not only enlarges the operating site, but also by provides intense homogenous lighting.

Both these factors allow the clinician to visualize features not otherwise perceptible to the naked eye. It is for these reasons that it is universally recognized that the use of magnification in dentistry not only improves the quality of care provided to patients, but also expands the range of treatments that can be offered.

The Benefits of Magnification

• Magnified Image
• Brilliant Illumination
• Better Posture and Improved Comfort
• Increasing Precision
• Improved Dental Care
• Additional Treatment Options
• Improved Profitability

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  Digital Imaging

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

There are different types of bridges, depending on how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration however, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using such materials as composite resin.

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Casey

Knowledge is an important part of getting the best possible dental care. Clearly, you can’t make the best decisions unless you know what treatments are available and how they can affect your smile. That’s why Sunnyvale Dental Care employs CASEY Enterprise.

Utilizing a series of audio visual presentations with captivating animation, video, and before-and-after photos, CASEY Enterprise explains in laymen’s terms what to expect and how the power of aesthetic dentistry can transform your smile. Whether you need a complex restoration or a simple procedure to improve your appearance, CASEY Enterprise presentations can take you through each step of your treatment plan and answer all your questions. It is a powerful tool that can help you understand the products and procedures that will be used and give you all the information you need to make the right decision.

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  Rotary Endodontics

Rotary Endodontics, or root canal, is a method in which the doctor utilizes an electric handpiece to perform the procedure. The electric handpiece allows the doctor to clean and shape the canals more efficiently than using hand files and because it s electric, there is minimal noise. This makes the whole treatment experience more pleasant

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  Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement such as Panavia. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.

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  Lumineers

Lumineers are a terrific cosmetic solution for permanently stained, chipped, discolored, misaligned teeth, or even to revitalize old crown and bridgework.

LUMINEERS BY CERINATE is a porcelain veneer that can be made as thin as acontact lens and is placed over existing teeth without requiring painful removal of sensitive tooth structure (unlike traditional veneers.)

LUMINEERS can only be made from patented Cerinate porcelain. This revolutionary porcelain is crafted through a proprietary process unavailable anywhere other than the Cerinate Smile Design Studios owned by Den-Mat Corporation. In just two or three visits to the dentist, LUMINEERS provides a custom-made smile clinically proven to last over 20 years.

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  Extractions

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although we will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, sometimes there are still necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. For example, a tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

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  Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or “third molars” that develop on each side of the jaw. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. 

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  Whitening including Zoom!

Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.

The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System lets us whiten your teeth in about one hour.

The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System lets you whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.

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  Electric Handpieces

There are basically two types of handpieces, air-driven and electric. Electric handpieces are much stronger than air-driven due to the fact that a motor is spinning the bur as opposed to air. This allows the doctor to remove decay more efficiently. This reduces the time it takes to complete a procedure.

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  Implants

Dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement procedure that helps individuals to replace teeth that have been lost or removed due to various circumstances. The implant procedure typically starts with insertion of a titanium pin, which has a “roughed up” surface, into the jawbone; titanium is used because of its unique ability to be fused to bone, allowing for a solid setting for the replacement crown.

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  Gum Treatments

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for your teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.

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  Night Guards

Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.

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  Invisalign

Invisalign are clear removable aligners that can move your teeth without having to wear braces.

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  DiagnoDent

You may not realize it, but even the tiniest spot of decay can mean trouble for your teeth. That's why we take such care to identify and fill cavities: it's the key to preventing all kinds of trouble down the road. In the past, diligent decay identification has required lengthy poking and prodding sessions. Unfortunately, even the best of such methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful. Cavities can hide inside little fissures that occur on most back teeth. Further, mechanical exploratory methods typically find only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. For all these reasons, we've recently invested in DIAGNOdent: a revolutionary new means of detecting cavities that gives us incredibly accurate and thorough information.

REFLECTION and REVELATION

DIAGNOdent technology inspects your teeth using a simple laser diode, comparing reflection wavelength to a known healthy baseline wavelength, thus uncovering decay. the process is simple. first, we direct the laser onto a healthy enamel tooth surface to provide the benchmark reading. Then we move the diode around your mouth, shining the laser into all suspect areas. as the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects a specific wavelength of fluorescent light. at the same time, this light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed on a screen. whenever the laser encounters a discrepancy between a tooth surface and the healthy baseline value, it stimulates emission of a different fluorescent light wavelength. a reading of 10-20 indicates that there has been some enamel softening, pointing to a potential problem area that merits close monitoring. a reading of 21-100 indicates a definite area of decay requiring an immediate filling.

A TIMELY TOOL
DIAGNOdent technology gives us a tool for catching decay with more thoroughness, timeliness, and accuracy. Further, it requires no x-rays, so our staff have to spend valuable patient care time in the darkroom. Plus, it's a relatively simple and comfortable procedure. Not only does it help prevent the spread of decay, but it helps us to treat your teeth more conservatively as well: when we spot decay sooner, the necessary fillings are typically simpler and shallower, preserving more of the tooth. Finally, we can easily and objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays, harm to tissues, or need for protective measures.

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  Electronic Claims

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

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  Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is simply a gas which you can breathe in and breathe out. It's colorless, sweet smelling, and non-irritating, and it allows for safer,quicker, and more comfortable dental care. It allows our patients to breathe a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen while enjoying a remarkable depth of relaxation. It virtually eliminates the fear, nervousness, and tension associated with dental procedures. You remain in complete control, you are conscious, and you can follow directions.

What are the advantages? Laughing gas, which is what nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to, works very rapidly. It reaches the brain within 20 seconds, and relaxation and painkilling properties develop after two or three minutes.

The depth of sedation can be altered from moment to moment allowing us to increase or decrease the depth of sedation. Other sedation techniques don't allow for this. For example, with intravenous (IV) sedation it is easy to deepen the level of sedation but difficult to lessen it. With gas the effects are almost instantaneous. Other sedation techniques have a fixed duration of action because the effects of pills or IV drugs last for a specific span of time whereas gas can be given for the exact time span it's needed for. It can also be switched off when not needed and then switched on again. Although to avoid a roller coaster effect you shouldn't do this too abruptly.

With nitrous oxide it is easy to give incremental doses until the desired action is obtained. This is called titration. We have virtually absolute control over the action of the drug preventing the possibility of accidental overdoses. While giving incremental doses is possible with IV sedation, it's not possible with oral sedation. As a result, oral sedation can be bit of a hit and miss affair. For certain procedures, especially those involving soft tissues such as scaling and root planing, inhalation sedation such as nitrous oxide may be used instead of local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide acts as a painkiller, however, its pain relieving effects may vary from person to person.

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  Zoom Chairside

Do you want your teeth whiter in one hour?
The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.

Get Ready to Zoom!
The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple and painless. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The Zoom! clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, which is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.

How the Zoom! In-Office System Works!
The Zoom! light activated gel was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home tooth whitening. The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for many years.

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  Zoom! Take home Whitening system

The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System just might be the fastest way to whiten teeth outside a dentists office. Its safe, fast and effective. Teeth can be dramatically whiter in just three nights. Zoom! Take-Home is perfect for multi-taskers and people on the go.

Zoom! anywhere!
The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System gives your patients the power to whiten practically anywhere. This revolutionary patent-pending gel whitens teeth an average of six shades in three nights*. The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System utilizes custom made whitening trays. The Zoom! take home gel is worn for four to eight hours, either during the day or at night. Most will see satisfying results within three applications, but each Zoom! Weekender Kit will have enough for six.

How the Zoom! Take-Hone System Works!
The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System uses a patent-pending chemistry to whiten your teeth in just three nights. This special formula helps increase whitening in two ways. First, revolutionary surfactant technology helps improve gel penetration. Second, a new activation matrix helps control the release of oxygen into the teeth. As a result, whitening that takes weeks with other products only takes a weekend with Zoom!

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