Services

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening makes your smile look healthy and a healthy smile is one of the most appealing features a person can have. An attractive smile shows good hygiene practices and is oftentimes a sign of good health as well.

Everyday occurrences like drinking coffee and wine can have detrimental effects on the color of teeth enamel.  Sometimes sensitivity for 24 hours may be experienced and the best way to prevent it is to use a desensitizing toothpaste two weeks prior to the teeth whitening procedure.

To maintain your white smile, we recommend using the preferred whitening products at regular intervals. 

Veneers

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.

One of the best solutions for dramatically improving your entire smile is with porcelain dental veneers. Our patients can correct many discrepancies in their smile, such as mild rotations, crowding, cracked or chipped teeth, discolorations, and other cosmetic problems with the help of this amazing dental technique.

Composite Fillings

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks and small fractures. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with the composite filling.

Composite fillings are the most widely used today because they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth.
• Closing space between two teeth.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Decayed teeth.
• Worn teeth.

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

 

Crown and Bridge

A crown, or cap, is a restoration that is placed on top of a tooth that has minimal tooth structure.

Some of the most common indications of a crown is loss of tooth structure due to accident, to decay, to prevent fracture and bacterial infection of a root canal treated tooth and to re-shape a tooth for esthetic purposes.

A bridge will help fill the gap of a missing tooth by having crowns attached on either side of the prosthetic. A bridge prevents the movement of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and keep the bite stable.

Tooth Extractions

If a tooth is beyond restoration a tooth extraction may become necessary. North Port Dental is prepared to perform tooth extractions in-house, immediately and painlessly. You'll leave our office on the road to recovery.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

ORAL EXAMINATION

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, the doctors can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

INFECTION

The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

CYST FORMATION

Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

POSSIBLE CROWDING

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

DAMAGE TO ADJACENT TEETH

If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.

Root Canal

A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. It is always preferable to save the tooth by performing a root canal, rather than pulling it.

Tooth decay can cause an abscess (infection). The decay is removed and an opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. The pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned and shaped.

The root canals and pulp chamber are filled. A metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal to help retain the core (filling) material, which supports the restoration (crown). The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling.

How long will the restored tooth last?

When properly restored, a tooth with a root canal filling can last for many years. But, like any other tooth, it can become decayed or fractured or the tissue around it can get gum disease. Daily cleanings and regular dental exams will help keep your mouth healthy, whether you’ve had root canal treatment or not.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement.

What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? We use a medical-grade titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.

Dental implants typically have three parts:

1. The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
2. The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3. The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.

You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. If you need to restore a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for the all-on-four treatment.Contact us to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for dental implants today!

Partials and Dentures

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth. They are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable. They can be partial removable dentures or complete removable dentures.

Partial dentures can be Flexible partial, which is widely considered to be the most comfortable or non-flexible, which is the most conventional way. The final restoration can now be made very quickly with innovations in digital technology. Flexible partials are becoming much more popular due to their aesthetic qualities. While the cost may be higher than a partial made with visible metal clasps, the results of the flexible partial are beautiful, with high levels of satisfaction. Flexible partial fabrication involves only non-invasive procedures and serves as a virtually invisible tooth replacement option.

Complete dentures are worn by patients who are missing all of their teeth in a single arch, whether it is the maxillary, the mandibular or both arches.

Dental Cleanings

Oral hygiene is a crucial part of being healthy.

Your dental cleaning appointment will always include a routine dental cleaning, irrigation, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instructions and personalized tips to maintain a healthy mouth and hygiene at home.

The cleaning involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease. People will clean their own teeth by brushing and flossing, while the dental hygienist will remove hardened deposits of tartar that is not removed by routine cleaning.

An irrigation solution will be complimenting the cleaning by flushing away all the bacteria from the deepest sulcus of the gums. This solution is a disinfectant and has a prolonged bacteriostatic action due to adsorption onto the pellicle-coated enamel surface.

A fluoride treatment at the end of your dental cleaning will help strengthen your teeth, diminish sensitivity met with cold and teeth whitening.

Regular cleanings is crucial to prevent build-up of tartar, bone loss, bad breath and cavities. Prevention is key, and much more affordable. Ask us when you are due for your next cleaning to stay on track.

Kid Dentistry

North Port Dental sees patients as young as 3 years old. 

By offering a friendly environment full of energy, fun and games, we are able to help children overcome any anxiety.

On their first visit your child is eased into a lifetime of dental health. By performing simple, comfortable actions such as teaching proper brushing techniques or counting their teeth, we make them comfortable with dental hygiene.

Our goal is to make regular dental visits become a natural part of their lifes, the result is a happy healthy smile for life!