Dental Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed at least every six months for healthy individuals to prevent excessive plaque build up. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy bleeding gums, tooth decay and periodontal disease. Routine cleaning should include scaling and removal of visible hard calculus deposits, polishing and an oral cancer screening.

Along with dental cleanings, we also provide fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a chemical compound that is proven to be beneficial to teeth. It strengthens enamel and prevents decay. As a result, there are many over-the-counter toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride. However, those who are at an extra high risk for cavities may benefit from professional fluoride treatments in addition to daily doses. This is generally delivered in the form of a gel, foam or solution that is highly concentrated with fluoride. It's typically applied with a swab or brush or even placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes. We perform routine fluoride treatments in our office.

Tooth Extractions

Good oral hygiene is a must. The loss of a single tooth can have major impact on overall oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth needs to be removed. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

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

The dentist may suggest an extraction after careful examination and treatment. X-rays are used to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone before extracting the tooth. Dr. Nguyen is capable of handling vast majority of all extractions needed at Soft Dental. This in another reason why one would choose us.

Periodontal Therapy with Laser Treatment

The foundation for one's teeth is formed by the gums, ligaments and bone around the teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium becomes unhealthy, 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 a problem. However, with proper gum treatment it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. Treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done after a local anesthetic has been used to ensure your comfort. 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.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that bleed whenever you brush or floss
• Persistent bad breath that isn't helped by oral hygiene or mouthwash
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Feelings of pain and discomfort around the gums
• Teeth that suddenly appear longer (this can mean that your gumline is receding)

Of course, it's important to remember that in some cases, periodontal disease can show only very subtle symptoms or even none at all. That's why attending regular check-ups are crucial to maintaining your oral health!

"How can you help me?"

In the earliest stages of periodontal disease, regular cleanings should be enough to prevent any damage from being done. Dr. Nguyen is always happy to share techniques and tips with patients on how to improve oral hygiene and keep your smile looking great!

If your specific case has progressed to a more advanced stage, we may need to provide a special cleaning called scaling and root planing. During this therapy, we'll clean tartar, plaque, and toxins from above and below the gum line, as well as clear away hard build-up on root surfaces. This will help your gum tissue heal.

Contact Soft Dental today to schedule dental appointments for you and your family! We love seeing smiles of all shapes and sizes, and our team will work hard to provide you with the warmth and dedication you need to feel truly comfortable at our convenient office.

Sealants

Sealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry. Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay. To apply sealants, a plastic material is applied to the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants can help prevent cavities from forming in these deep grooves.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

We work with medical sleep doctors to help treat sleep apnea patients to bring them peaceful nights of sleep with oral appliances. Sleep apnea is commonly under-diagnosed and overlooked. This untreated disease will lead to many other medical problems, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, loss of productivity and sleepiness throughout the day, which can lead to car accidents.

Severe sleep apnea can cause death during sleep. For those patients who cannot tolerate CPAP devices, please call us to make an appointment for consultation. We may be able to help.

Fillings

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

Tooth-colored resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture. They can be used on either front or back teeth, and are a good choice for people who expect their fillings to look more natural. Additionally, because they are bonded to the tooth structure they work to reinforce the filled tooth better than metal fillings do. For these reasons we exclusively use tooth-colored materials when restoring teeth with fillings.

Emergency Exams

Dental emergency? We’re here for you!

Severe pain or discomfort in the jaw, gums or teeth can often become unbearable. At Soft Dental we offer same-day emergency dental services and appointments to provide immediate relief and long term dental solutions!

If you are suffering from severe pain or discomfort don’t hesitate to call us at 320.358.4733! Our accommodating team will help you schedule an emergency exam as soon as possible. We’re here to help!

Root Canal Treatments

Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is used to save an infected or damaged tooth and avoid having to remove it. A root canal treatment becomes necessary when a neglected cavity reaches all the way to the pulp at the center of the tooth, causing the pulp to become infected. Regular cleanings and checkups detect and prevent problems early on.

Trauma can also cause deep damage to the nerve of a tooth. Once this occurs, the pulp dies and becomes infected. The infection begins to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. The longer this condition is not treated, the more bone loss will occur and one may loose the tooth. In some instances, infection could break through the jaw bone and spread to the blood stream and can cause death. It can also weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful.

Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain at very high levels, throbbing pain, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal treatment is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) is filled to prevent any further infection. Crowns are usually recommended to cover and restore a tooth after root canal therapy. With any back tooth (behind canines), it is highly and always recommended to have a crown placed after this procedure to protect it and ensure success rate.

Before

After

Access Through Crown

Mouth Guards

Custom-designed mouth guards are made of durable plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouth guards are recommended to protect the jaw, tongue, cheek lining and teeth during physical activity and sports such as lacrosse, football, basketball, boxing or other activities where your mouth might get hit. Depending on growth and activity level mouth-guards generally last between 2-10 years, and can help prevent broken teeth and serious injuries such as concussion.

Night Guards

Teeth clenching and grinding can damage teeth and be harmful to one’s long-term oral health. It is also recommended for certain patients who have multiple crowns, bridges, implants, or veneers placed in the mouth to protect the investment of the dental procedures at night. Night guards are recommended to protect patients who clench or grind their teeth during the night. These custom-designed appliances can be used as part of treatment for a variety of disorders including bruxism and TMD. They are made of durable plastic and molded to comfortably fit the shape of your teeth.

If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may have sore facial muscles in the morning after getting up, or are experiencing any concerns about your mouth, teeth, or jaw, call us today. Let us help you determine if night guards are right for you.

Bonding

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly-chipped, discolored or crooked teeth, often for cosmetic purposes. The process comprises placing a white filling on your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Bonding can also be used in place of regular amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings, because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver of the amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and breaks more easily than other cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.

If your bonding does break or chip, please let us know. We can generally patch or repair bonding in one visit.

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth, so there should be no noticeable change to appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve a smile!

Complete Dentures – This restoration method is used to restore smile and mouth function if all teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created and natural looking. They are fitted in the patient’s mouth to take the place of the original teeth. Complete dentures are generally removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Bridges

A bridge is an option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is less preferred if an implant(s) can be placed to replace the missing one(s). A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the real teeth on either side for support—hence the name. Bridges are a perfect option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. Bridge materials include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all-ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

Implant Restoration

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for reasons like injury or periodontal disease. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown.

While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and won't ever decay. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework, because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

Implants require healthy gums and adequate bone. A patient must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the procedures involved in dental implants.

Crowns

Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown, also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens the tooth, but it can also dramatically improve the tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.

Crowns may be used to…
• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Support a partial denture
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly-shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
• Reconstruct the whole arch/mouth when the bite has collapsed
• Reconstruct the smile

Veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure in which a thin layer of porcelain or composite material is placed over the outside of the tooth. They are used to improve esthetics or help with tooth damage. Veneers are usually only performed on the front part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. Because of that, the direct technique is usually referred to as bonding. The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers are fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. The veneers are back from the laboratory after two or three weeks. The temporaries are removed, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory-fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are esthetically pleasing.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less of the tooth material has to be removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are not recommended for patients who have large fillings or little tooth structure. They are also typically recommended for the restoration of front teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure to make your 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, teeth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure for most patients.

Custom bleaching tray whitening is convenient at-home whitening treatment. To begin the whitening process we will taken an impression of your teeth at our office in order to create a customized clear tray. Trays are generally ready within a few days, depending, and you will be given instructions on how to apply the gel in the trays and how often to use it. Maximum whitening results and a dazzling smile are achieved at the end of the set treatment period. An occasional treatment can be used to maintain the new smile.

Partials

A removable partial denture is used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, partials help restore better functionality to the mouth. As with complete dentures, it is possible to have more permanent option cemented into place.

Orthodontics

Orthodontistry is the art of using special appliances to straighten and align the teeth and bite. Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment. In this method, arch wires are threaded through brackets that are bonded to the surface of the teeth. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces. Invisalign is another popular option for teeth alignment.

We cover the basics at our practice. Ask us today about what we can do to help you get a straighter, more beautiful smile.

ClearCorrect®

ClearCorrect® is similar to the popular alignment system Invisalign. Bracket and wire free, ClearCorrect® is more comfortable and much less visible than traditional metal braces. After a consultation, the patient will receive a set of custom-designed removable aligners to be worn in a particular order and for a set amount of time to gradually shift the teeth and achieve a straighter smile.

ClearCorrect® provides a beautiful and straighter smile. Because the aligners are removable, they can be taken out for eating, drinking brushing and flossing. Upon completion of treatment, the patient will receive a retainer to maintain their new smile.

Ask us about ClearCorrect® to see if it is the best option for you. Cost and treatment time vary from case to case. We are happy to answer any questions regarding insurance coverage, pricing and treatment details.

6 Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a system similar to traditional braces that corrects crowded, rotated or misaligned teeth in 4-9 months. The system includes brackets, arch wires and elastic ties but with clear or white ties and tooth colored wires. The brackets and ties are practically invisible at a normal speaking distance and are highly effective in correcting esthetic issues. This system is not useful for correcting bite issues or skeletal problems but does a fantastic job aligning teeth for maximum comfort and ease of flossing and brushing. Friends and family will barely notice you’re wearing braces!

Overdentures

Overdentures, also known as implant-supported dentures, are dentures that are attached to implants in the jaw. An overdenture is used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Overdentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaw. They usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.

Impacted Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, they cause problems and require removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Dr. Nguyen will take a 3-D cone beam image in the office to evaluate the proximity of the impacted wisdom teeth to the vital structures, such as sinuses and the mandibular nerves, before the procedure for patients' safety.

An impacted wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Dr. Nguyen will numb the area in the mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so that the patient is asleep during the procedure.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, the patient is given gauze and bites down softly for a recommended amount of time to limit any bleeding. Some pain and swelling may occur, but it will usually go away after a few days.

Please call our office if, after following post-op instructions, you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT

While implants are typically required more financial investment than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Their success rate is 97%-98%. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework because they do not depend on neighboring teeth to support.

Implant placement requires special training, as it is a surgical procedure. Dr. Nguyen is highly trained in the field and is a maestro and diplomat of the International Dental Implant Association. He has had a lot of live dental implant training in many procedures prior to serving his own patients. He celebrated his 100th implant placement in this office in the fall of 2016. We have a 3-D cone beam in our office to help planning the implant placement process, which will yield much better results.

Before

After

Why dental implants at Soft Dental?
Dr. Nguyen can do extensive surgery to modify the patients' bone as an oral surgeon would, such as lateral sinus lifts, ridge expansion, ridge split, block grafts, etc. He is always seeking better techniques and training to enhance the quality of care for his patients.

Please set up a consultation for this comprehensive procedure.

IV CONSCIOUS SEDATION

A variety of forms of dental sedation are used to help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. There are multiple levels of sedation to ease every level of anxiety, and IV sedation is the perfect option for patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist.

IV sedation is commonly referred to as "sleep dentistry--" it will be as if you fell asleep, and you won't remember the procedure. A specific set of drugs are administered via IV for the duration of the procedure or procedures, and you will be carefully monitored to ensure your safety. Often reserved for oral surgery, IV sedation is also available to those with intense dental anxiety and phobia. It makes dentistry easy.

Dr. Nguyen is certified to do IV conscious sedation to help patients with dental phobia and anxiety or with extensive surgery needs.

If you feel that IV sedation is the best option for you, set up a consultation today! We are happy to answer any of your questions.

NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION

Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as "laughing gas," is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. The nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and produces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide is designed to make procedures easier for nervous patients and has been effective for many years.

Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. A partial denture is used when two or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, partial dentures help restore better functionality to the mouth. As with full dentures, it is possible to have more secured option snapped into place.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. A partial denture is used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, partial dentures help restore better functionality to the mouth. As with full dentures, it is possible to have more permanent option cemented into place.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

BONE GRAFTING

A missing tooth may seem unimportant, but it can cause a multitude of issues over time. One problem is that the jawbone that is used to support the missing teeth begins to break down. Dental implants and other restorative and reconstructive procedures require a certain amount of bone structure for a complete foundation. Sometimes bone structure is inadequate to proceed--or so it used to be. Today, we can grow and graft bone in order to provide the foundation you need for effective restorations.

If you have inadequate bone structure right at an implant site, we either acquire bone from a tissue bank, your chin, ramus, or maxilla tuberosity. The chin and ramus are the most common donor sites for grafts. Dr. Nguyen will determine what is best for each situation.

Bone grafting is a cutting-edge process that allows us to complete even the most complex cases. We will go over the procedures in great detail during consultation. Please let us know if you have any questions.

RIDGE SPLIT

A ridge split is a bone expansion technique used to widen bone ridges that have adequate height but are too narrow to support dental implants. This expansion of the bone will allow for one or multiple dental implants to be placed. Our team is experienced at ridge split procedures and will work hard to ensure your ultimate safety and comfort.

RIDGE EXPANSION

When the jaw is not wide enough to support a dental implant that can replace missing or failing teeth, ridge expansion is often performed. Ridge expansion is a procedure in which the ridge bone is divided and then filled with bone graft. This additional bone will allow for one or multiple dental implants to be supported. Before the ridge expansion procedure is performed, our experienced team will go over the details of the procedure with you and answer any questions to ensure your ultimate safety and comfort.

SINUS LIFT

A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is an oral surgery performed when there is an inadequate amount of bone height in the upper jaw for dental implants to be placed. A sinus lift adds bone between the jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. In order for there to be enough room for the bone, the sinus membrane is lifted upward. Dr. Nguyen has gone under extensive training on this and has had hands on training on live patients before he started performing this procedure for his patients in this office.

Sinus lifts are often performed for the following reasons:
• Loss of teeth resulting in not enough bone for implants to be placed.
• Bone loss due to periodontal disease.
• The maxillary sinus may be too close to the upper jaw for implants to be placed.

BLOCK GRAFTS

A block graft is a bone graft in which a piece of bone is taken from one part of the body and screwed in to place in an area of the mouth where insufficient bone needs to be reconstructed in order to support a dental implant. Bone from this procedure is often taken from either the chin or the ascending rams of the lower jaw, or from a donor.

Please ask Dr. Nguyen to see if you are a candidate for the procedure. We are equipped and well trained to do the procedures at Soft Dental.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURE/PARTIAL

There are two general kinds of implant-supported dentures: fixed option where dentures can only be removed by a professional or removable option where patients can remove dentures at anytime.

All-On Four Technique- Fixed Option: Bad teeth on the same arch are all removed at once and 4 dental implants are placed in the jaw right away. A prefabricated temporary denture could be screwed in the implants. Patients should use a liquid/very soft diet for 2-4 months. Then the final prosthesis (denture) will be made and secured into the implants.

Implant-Supported Dentures- Removable Option: For patients missing a majority of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are commonly used. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are secured in place using implants in the jaw. They are often used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning.

Implant-supported dentures provide a number of benefits and are a great improvement from traditional removable dentures. They do not require any adhesives or powders to help the dentures stick and are very secure and comfortable, significantly improving the ability to chew. Because they preserve bone in the jaw and restore lip-support, implant-supported dentures also help maintain facial structures and minimize wrinkles.

MINI IMPLANTS

We offer mini implants to support dentures where there is not enough bone to place a conventional implant and a block graft or ridge split cannot be done. Mini implants have the same structure like regular implants but are slightly smaller. To complete the restoration, we surgically position metal posts into the jaw. After the bone surrounding the posts has healed, we attach replacement dentures (teeth) to the posts. Mini implants require less investment, therefore they are more affordable to secure dentures in the mouth for better chewing function. Mini implants can occasionally used to restore individual teeth in small limited space.

RETREAT ROOT CANAL

If a tooth has undergone root canal treatment and hasn't healed properly, it can become very painful or diseased days, months, even years following treatment. If you have a tooth that hasn't healed properly or has become subject to new problems, we can perform an endodontic retreatment procedure that can help heal and save your tooth. We pride ourselves in our ability to perform these procedures with confidence. Dr. Nguyen has taken many endodontic courses throughout the nation and is as fully invested in this specialty as any endodontist would be. Of course, we will do root canal treatments just as well as an endodontist would. We offer a variety of retreatment options and will work with you to determine the best solution to meet your needs.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please don't hesitate to call.

Extensive Oral Surgeries

We extract impacted wisdom teeth, extract the full mouth of teeth to deliver immediate dentures, or uncover impacted teeth for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Nguyen also does ridge expansion, ridge split, and lateral and vertical sinus lifts to place implants. He also performs block grafts to gain bone width, getting bone from somewhere in the jaw and grafting it where it is deficient for future implants.

TMD Treatment

TMD stands for Temperomandibular Disorder and is used to describe dysfunction or disorders related to the joint. "Temporo," refers to the temple area of the skull; "mandibular," refers to the lower jaw; and "joint" is essentially where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a trauma, misalignment of the teeth, or excess muscle tension. The two bones that meet at the jaw are buffered by cartilage and five different muscles, so TMJ can cause a variety of troubles.

Common TMJ symptoms:
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, and more. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If TMJ is left untreated and reaches extremes, surgery may be required to repair the badly damaged joint.

LASER DENTISTRY

Did you know that only about 11% of dental offices in the nation offer laser treatments to their patients, and we are one of them?

Laser dentistry is an important advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from crown lengthening to gum disease. Laser dentistry works by directing an invisible energy beam on problem areas and allowing for efficient treatment of decayed teeth, enamel and gums. The biggest benefit of laser dentistry, by far, is that it can reduce pain and minimize use of anesthetic.

Soft tissue lasers are used on gum tissue. They are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools.

We use hard tissue laser to perform functional and esthetic crown lengthening, frenectomy, bone contour, removal of soft and hard lesions, biopsy, etc. The advantages of using the hard laser are:
• It causes much less bleeding
• It's gentler to the tissue than burs, scalpels, or other
   traditional instruments.
• Post-operation discomfort is much less, meaning faster healing
• It gets the job done more efficiently

Dental procedures can become much more comfortable for you! Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

Periodontal and Gingivitis Treatments with Laser: Our hygienists are well-trained in using a diode laser as an excellent, effective adjunct service to treat periodontal disease or gum disease and gingivitis. This service has been proven and backed up by studies/research. We have a lot of patients who can testify the effectiveness of our laser treatments.

If you ever have any questions about the equipment we use at our office to enhance the quality of your experience, don't hesitate to ask.

Paperless Charting

Paperless charting means more efficiency and more accuracy. An office that has "gone digital" records x-rays and charting with the aid of the computer and keeps all patients' dental records electronically. Additionally, it cuts back on paper use. With traditional paper charting, information can be lost in translation from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by standardizing charting methods, making it easy to understand dental charts, view up-to-date information and keep records accurately. When needed, this method also allows dental offices to more easily share information with other healthcare providers.

If you have any questions in regards to your records with us, please let us know.

PATIENT EDUCATION

You deserve to be in the loop when it comes to your dental care. There are a variety of computer programs available to help patients better understand conditions, procedures and treatment options. Our office invests in patient education software because we want you to feel confident in every dental decision you make. This investment helps us clearly communicate--and it helps you learn more.

Popular programs include GURU and DentalMaster, among many others. If you have any questions about the program we use, we're happy to point you to the website. If you have any further questions about your oral health and procedures, don't hesitate to ask us.

DIGITAL X-RAYS

Digital radiography uses an estimated 40-90 percent less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Digital x-rays use a digital image capture device in place of traditional film, sending an image immediately to a computer. The result is a highly-detailed image of the mouth, and its contrast and resolution can be enhanced to more easily diagnose dental problems and determine the very best treatment for each case.

This means more safety and better accuracy for you.

INTRAORAL CAMERA

Intraoral cameras, cameras about the size of a pen, help dentists see the condition of teeth and gums more clearly. This advanced technology allows us to zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings to provide a more detailed view. The full-color images are sent to a computer screen, making it easy to see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Patients are also able to watch the whole process because the images are displayed on screens in treatment rooms. We equip one camera for each room.

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

Oral cancer most commonly involves:
• The front 2/3 of the tongue
• The lining of the cheeks and lips (the buccal mucosa)
• The floor of mouth under the tongue
• The roof of the mouth (hard palate)
• The gums (gingiva)
• The small area behind the wisdom teeth (the retromolar trigone)
• The minor salivary glands

Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called "squamous cell" carcinomas. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous epithelium is the tissue that lines the mouth, throat, tongue and tonsils. These tissue cells are irregularly shaped and very flat. Squamous epithelium also lines other body cavities and capillaries to reduce friction, as well as lining the lungs to facilitate gas exchange.

Carcinoma is any malignant cancer that arises from epithelial cells. Carcinomas invade surrounding tissues and organs and may "metastasize"., or spread, to lymph nodes and other sites.

Metastasis is the spread of a disease from one organ or body part to another non-adjacent organ or body part. Only malignant tumor cells and infections have the capacity to metastasize. Cancer cells can "break away", "leak", or "spill" from a primary tumor, enter lymphatic and blood vessels, circulate through the bloodstream, and settle down to grow within normal tissues elsewhere in the body.

Oral Cancer is often detected late in development, when the possibility of metastasis is much greater. Like most cancers, cancer of the lip and oral cavity is best treated when found early - when cure rates are greater than 80%.

Determination of the stage of cancer in the lip or oral cavity is important in order to plan the best course of treatment.

CONE BEAM TECHNOLOGY

When you come in for a visit, we aim to provide the best, most accurate and most thorough diagnosis possible — and with recent breakthroughs in leading technology, we can.

One of our newest technologies, the CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), is a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional CT scan and an incredible improvement on the traditional x-ray. This machine takes 3D and digital panoramic images of your mouth, allowing us to monitor growth and diagnose problems, as well as view your entire mouth from every angle — in less than 20 seconds!

Previously, we were limited to a two dimensional view and low resolution x-rays, which made it harder to detect problems. The CBCT has changed that, making your diagnosis more precise and more accurate than ever before.

TV, VIDEOS IN TREATMENT OPS

Your comfort is a top priority to us. We want you to be comfortable with the treatment you receive and comfortable while you're receiving treatment. Inside our treatment operatories, you'll find eight Direct TV channels and two separate DVD channels so that two movies can simultaneously play for kids and patients during long procedures. We also have XM radio or CD audio for each operatory with music of different types. Volume is controllable in each room. With all of that, plus our great chairside manner, it's easy to see how much we value your comfort.

Digital Scanner for Taking Impressions

With our digital scanner for impressions, you no longer have to suffer through uncomfortable traditional impression trays or temporaries. Rather, we simply scan your teeth with our impression technology to create a digital image. We then use this image to produce the restoration of choice, either on-site or through a milling lab. Once the restoration is created, we are able to blend the restoration in with your surrounding teeth, adjust as needed and give it a final polish.

DIGITAL IMAGING

After a digital picture is taken and uploaded to a computer, digital imaging software is used to plan treatments and predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of a patient's teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows an office to document patients' dental care and procedures very well. Digital images of faces, teeth and smiles provide for great permanent and visual dental records.

In-House Dental Lab

One of the unique things about us is that we have a dental lab in-house that will offer chairside services to accommodate the special cases for crowns/bridges and veneers so patients don't have to be rescheduled for some minor adjustments. We have music and TV or movies to offer while you wait to have the work modified.

All-on-4® Treatment

All-on-4® treatment is a prosthodontic procedure for patients with significant tooth loss, decay or bone loss to the point where a conventional dental implant is not possible. The All-on-4® process involves surgically placing 4 implants in the jaw, on top of which a full tooth bridge is placed. This procedure can be completed in just one day!

Benefits:
• Instantaneous results in just one appointment
• A great solution for patients with missing teeth or excessive bone loss
• Immediately improves your smile's function with new natural-looking teeth
• Replaces dentures for life
• Restores youthful appearance
• Long-lasting results
• Easy maintenance

Electric High and Low Speed Handpieces

The advantage of the electric handpieces are that they cut teeth very efficiently, smoothly with much less vibration, which leads to much less trauma to the pulp, more comfort for patients, shorter treatment chair time. With less trauma to the pulp, the teeth have less chance to die; therefore, we can reduce the risk for root canal treatments.

Piezosurgery Technology

Our advanced piezosurgery technology allows our skilled doctors to perform bone and gum surgeries with much more accuracy and much less trauma to the tissue, which in turn promotes faster healing. Dr Nguyen uses this equipment to do lateral sinus lifts, ridge splits, ridge expansions, block grafts, guided bone regeneration surgery, atraumatic extractions, and to clean infections in dental sockets.

Endodontic Microscope and Endodontic Ultrasonic Machine

Our office is equipped with an endodontic microscope to deal with challenging root canal treatments or retreats. Occasionally, Dr. Nguyen will use his own high magnified loupes to perform high-quality endodontic treatments. Our ultrasonic machine is used to help our doctors find the canals without taking unnecessary tooth structure inside the pulp.

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) TECHNIQUE

In order to promote faster healing, we utilize the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This technique is shown to increase both tissue and bone growth, which leads to quicker wound healing, by injecting blood plasma (taken from the patient) that has been enriched with platelets (cells that help stop bleeding) into the body. These platelet-rich plasma cells contain a mixture of growth factors that help clot and heal wounds in a more natural way. When used in dental care, this technique could lead to the long-term success rate of a patient who receives a dental implant.

PULPOTOMY

When the nerve of a primary tooth is somehow penetrated by bacteria or exposed due to a fracture, pulp therapy (a pulpotomy) is necessary to save the tooth. This is often referred to as a "baby tooth root canal," "nerve treatment," or "pulpectomy."

Deep cavities can get close to or into the pulp (inner tissue) of a tooth. The pulpal tissue can become irritated and inflamed, causing severe toothaches for children. If the inflammation and infection continues without treatment, the tooth will likely eventually abscess and need an extraction. Pulpotomies are typically performed on baby molars so that the child does not lose vital teeth prematurely. Baby teeth are needed for speech, chewing and for maintaining space for permanent teeth.

During pulp therapy, the infected part of the nerve is removed and a sedative medication is placed inside the tooth to prevent sensitivity and to promote healing. The tooth is generally capped with a steel crown following the procedure.

We want your child to have the greatest oral health and functionality possible. Please let us know if you have any questions about our recommendation.

Pinhole Technique

A breakthrough in gum recession treatment!

The Pinhole® Technique is a scalpel-free, stitch-free procedure for treating gum recession. This procedure is performed by making some small holes with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth.

Benefits:
• No incision
• No stitches
• Minimal post-operative discomfort & symptoms
• Instant cosmetic improvement
• Faster recover compared to traditional grafting
• Long-lasting, natural-looking results

Click for before-and-after Pinhole Technique images →