Porcelain veneers are a very thin layer of beautiful ceramic that is bonded over teeth to change the shape, color and contour. Typically veneers require a minimal tooth preparation, usually less that 1mm of tooth needs to be removed to place a porcelain veneer. Sometimes there is virtually no preparation required. When a majority of the preparation remains in enamel, the veneers have the best bond possible, therefore increased longevity.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers 
• Very lifelike
• Preservation of tooth structure
• Can permanently change color
• Close spaces
• Make small alignment changes
• Rejuvenate worn or chipped teeth
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
• Usually have to remove tooth structure
• Probably will not last forever, but should get 15-20 years
• It is possible to have breakage
• Since they are bonded on it is possible to de-bond off
Porcelain Veneers are not for everybody, but for those that are concerned about worn or chipped teeth, permanent color changes, spaces between the teeth and other issues, veneers may be the answer for you!
With the news of the recent Hepatitis B,C and HIV exposure of 40,000 patients at the Endoscopy Center of Las Vegas, our office has received a few calls from patients concerned about our health and safety because of their possible exposure. Over the past 20 years our office has maintained universal precautions. Every treatment room is cleaned and all surfaces are treated with agents that have been proven to kill potential pathogens. All instruments cleaned and sterilized in our Steri-Center utilizing the latest in sterilization techniques. If you ever have questions about our techniques and protocols please don’t hesitate to ask, we’d be happy to give you a tour!
Recently, our practice has added a CO2 soft tissue laser to our practice. This is very exciting news because of what it means to patient care.
The CO2 laser is:
• Non-Invasive Surgery
• Minimal Pain
• Better Treatment
• Optimal Results
• Less Anesthesia
• Complete Sterilization
The above photos demonstrate the use of the CO2 laser in removing a irritation fibroma, the image on the right hand side is 4 days after removal of the Fibroma.
What are the Advantages of Lasers?
This technology assures a more patient friendly treatment with considerably less post-operative pain, discomfort, and swelling. In many cases, sutures are not required. All laser procedures assure a totally sterile environment of the surgical site, which in turn decreases potential for post-operative infections.
Are Lasers Safe?
The latest generation of dental lasers is absolutely safe for all patients. This technology enables us to use it also on patients with pre-existing conditions such as Pregnancy, Pace-Makers, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Hemophilia, and many more.
On your next visit Ask about the Laser Use in conjunction with:
• Smile Design
• Implants
• Periodontal Pocket Therapy
• Veneers and Crowns
34000 people on average will be diagnosed with Oral Cancer this year and 8000 will die from Oral Cancer, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkins disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). The death rate from oral cancer is so high because often times it has often metastasized to another location.(Data courtesy:http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/) Fortunately, researchers from the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a unique tool that allows us to better determine whether or not an oral lesion is potentially dangerous or not. The Velscope is a special light that causes the tissues in the mouth to fluoresce… Normal healthy tissues fluoresce and those that are potentially dangerous do not, they appear as dark shadows. Our office is now proud to offer the Velscope as part of the oral cancer screening process!
BECAUSE YOUR SMILE IS IMPORTANT TO US……. We now offer Care Credit. A convenient, interest free program for 3, 6, or 12 months. Also, an extended low monthly payment program for your entire family specifically designed to pay for your dental care. Applying for CareCredit is quick and easy. Simply choose the option you prefer. You can go on line @ http://www.carecredit.com or use the automated phone application by calling 800-365-8295. Have a healthy and beautiful smile today!
Updating your health history at every appoinment lets us know of any changes going on with your general health. When we know that you are now taking blood thinners we understand to expect the possibility of slightly more bleeding during your cleaning appointment. If you have recently had an artificial heart valve or joint placed, we know that you will need to premedicate with antibiotics before any dental treatment can be done. If you happen to be taking any of the oral osteoporosis medications we know that it is imperative that your periodontal is carefully monitored as these medications have been known to disrupt the healing potential of the bone that holds the teeth in place. There are all sorts of medical conditions that help us understand your dental health and to treat you in the most appropriate way.
Periodontal (gum) disease can occur at any age, with over half of all people over the age of 18 having some form of the disease. Periodontal charting (probing) is an essential tool to help diagnose gum disease problems and to follow the success of gum therapies. A periodontal probe, with ruled millimeter markings, is used to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Ideally, normal measurements range between 1 and 3 millimeters deep, depths greater than this may signify the presence of periodontal pockets and associated gum disease. 
Image Courtesy Perio.org
January 18, the Las Vegas Review Journal had an interesting article about Dental Implants…
“Dental implants also offer a means of replacing multiple lost teeth. Individual implants can be placed where the missing teeth used to be, or implants can be used as anchors for full or partial dentures.”
Read the Entire article
We have set up a Lens at http://www.squidoo.com/toothbrushing/ to find more about toothbrushing...!
Creating Smiles
for You!
