These include, but are not limited to:

• Crowns

• Bridges

• Dental Implant Restoration

• Root Canal Therapy

• Sealants

• Fillings

• Dentures

• Partials

• Extractions

We also offer a variety of cosmetic services. Stress and aging can cause teeth to become weak, discolored, chipped or broken. Cosmetic procedures can restore teeth to their natural beauty giving you a healthier and youthful smile. Our cosmetic procedures include:

• Porcelain Veneers

• Bonding

• Inlay/Onlay

• Zoom! 'In-Office' Whitening

• ClearCorrect Teeth Straightening

What is a Crown?

•  A crown, also known as a cap, is a covering placed over a tooth to strengthen, restore or improve its appearance. Crowns are used to protect a tooth that is fractured or broken, and can be attached to bridges. Crowns are made from resin, ceramic, metal, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Crowns generally take two appointments. At the first appointment, an impression of the tooth is taken. The tooth is prepped for the crown and a temporary crown is placed. The impression is sent to an outside laboratory and returned to our office in approximately two weeks. At that appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed on the prepped tooth.

What is a Bridge?

•  A bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. This custom device has a “fake tooth” to fill in the gap with two crowns on both sides. These two crowns are them cemented to the teeth on each side of the gap. The teeth on both sides of the missing tooth (teeth) serve as abutments to hold the missing tooth (teeth) in place. Like crowns, bridges are made from resin, ceramic, metal, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Also like a crown, a bridge also requires two visits, approximately two weeks apart.

What is Dental Implant Restoration?

•  When one or more teeth are missing, a dental implant may be an option. Dental implants are metal anchors which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone by a Periodontist or an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Once the implant is in place and the area has healed, Dr. Miller can make a tooth for the implant. This is done by taking an impression and sending it to the lab. In about two weeks, the tooth is returned to our office and fitted onto the implant.

What is Root Canal Therapy? 

•  At the center of your tooth is pulp. This pulp can get infected and cause swelling, sensitivity to temperature or even pain. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma, decay, cracks or chips or repeated dental procedures.  When this occurs, root canal therapy will more than likely be needed. During this procedure, the tooth is opened, the pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned. The tooth is then sealed. Root canal therapy may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment needed. A follow up appointment is usually scheduled to check the healing of the affected area. When the area has healed, a crown will need to be placed on the treated tooth for restoration and protection.

What are Sealants?

•  Sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the chewing surface of the back teeth. This “seals” the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start. Sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay in back teeth which have more hard to reach pits and grooves. In most cases, sealants act as a physical barrier to decay and in most cases, they provide 100 percent protection. With proper oral hygiene, sealants may last 5 to 10 years.

Fillings

•  In past years, silver fillings were used exclusively. Because of dental advancements white, tooth colored fillings are now available. Unlike silver, these fillings are made of composite resins and are virtually unnoticeable. Resin fillings can add strength to tooth structure, whereas silver can do the opposite.

What is a Denture?

•  Dentures can replace all of your natural teeth that have been lost. Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth. There are two types of dentures. A complete denture is placed after teeth are removed and the area is healed, which may take several months. An immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. After the area heals, then a new denture is made to fit the area after healing. Dentures may take several visits. Initially, an impression is taken and sent to the laboratory. Once the denture is received back in our office, we will schedule an appointment for a “try in”. This will check the fit and size prior to completion. The denture will then be sent back to the lab for completion. Once the final denture is delivered to the patient, check up appointments may need to be scheduled while getting accustomed to the fit. It is normal to experience minor irritation and soreness at first. A reline of the denture is also common with a new denture.

What is a Partial?

•  Like dentures, a partial, also replaces missing teeth but is used when some teeth still remain. Partials attach to your natural teeth and are made of plastic with metal framework. Partials generally take two or three visits but in some cases may take more. An impression is also taken and sent to the lab to be made. Soreness and mild irritation is also normal with partials.

What is an Extraction?

•  Dr. Miller will only do an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. First, the area will be numbed. Some extractions are more difficult and may require stitches in the area. Some bleeding is normal but please be sure to inform the dentist if you are on any aspirin or blood thinners. If stitches are required, you will need to return for removal in 10 to 14 days.

What are Porcelain Veneers? 

•  Porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth.  Veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to stains. They resemble healthy, white tooth enamel and are popular due to their simplicity. Veneers have some advantages over crowns. For one, they transmit light better, therefore, have a more natural look. Also, they do not require the grinding of tooth structure that crowns do. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade.

What is Bonding?

•  Bonding is a procedure that can restore chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged teeth. Bonding is a plastic resin that is applied to the surface of the tooth. It is then sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Finally, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance. Since the resin used in bonding is not as strong as natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break. Typically, bonding can last three to five years. The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit.  It can improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth significantly and can be an alternative to veneers.

What are Inlays and Onlays? 

•  Inlays and onlays are used when over one half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged. An inlay is similar to a filling, and used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is similar but extends over one or more of the cusps of the tooth. Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete. During the first appointment, the damaged area is removed and the tooth is prepped for the inlay or onlay. An impression is also taken and sent to the lab. The second appointment the inlay or onlay is checked for proper fit and bonded to the tooth. Onlays can provide a good alternative to a crown.