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Appalachian Dental Care |
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Services In Detail  Crowns (Caps) A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original
shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types
of restorations. Although there are several types
of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are
highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.
Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile. Reasons for crowns: What does getting a crown involve? A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include
taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also
be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated
by a dental laboratory. While the tooth is numb, the
dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details
are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are
biting properly. At your second appointment your
temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing
and bite are accurate. You will be given care instructions
and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.  Porcelain Fixed Bridges A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing
teeth. There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options
for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain
fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of
bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth),
filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many
years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear. Reasons for a fixed bridge: What does getting a fixed bridge involve? Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits.
While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown.
Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated.
In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment. At
the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally
your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.
The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time. You will receive care instructions at the conclusion
of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.  Porcelain Veneers Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape
and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive
smile. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to
crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions. As with most dental restorations, veneers are not
permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long
lasting smile. Reasons for porcelain veneers:  Dentures
& Partials There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures
are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents
other teeth from shifting. A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has
healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are
made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without
teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made. Dentures
are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear. Reasons for dentures: What
does getting dentures involve? The process of getting dentures requires several
appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to
create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color,
and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural
and comfortable fit. It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing
difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. You
will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene,
and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures. There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some
natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from
shifting. A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has
healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are
made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without
teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made. Dentures
are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear. Reasons for dentures: What
does getting dentures involve? The process of getting dentures requires several
appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to
create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color,
and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural
and comfortable fit. It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing
difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. You
will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene,
and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures. There
are two types of dentures - complete
and partial
dentures.
Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting. A Complete
denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually
taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance
and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the
healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made. Dentures
are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear. Reasons for dentures:  What does getting dentures involve? The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks.
Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several
“try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment,
your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit. It
is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will
subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. You will be given care instructions for your new
dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the
life of your new dentures.  Zoom Teeth Whitening Dr. Airey is pleased to
offer Zoom!®, the world's leader
in Chairside Teeth
Whitening Systems!! Zoom! raises the bar to a new level of performance while delivering an average of eight shades,
and sometimes as many as twelve, in less than an hour. The Zoom! system is: More Effective - The proprietary light activated Zoom! gel incorporates
patented Amorphous Calcium Phosphate1 (ACP) technology to provide superior whitening results. Easier - The new Precision Light Guide System ensures quick and consistent patient set-up for optimal whitening results,
while the new locking casters and ergonomically designed structure make moving and positioning Zoom! a snap. Lower Sensitivity - Reduced contact time, ACP chemistry, combined with the new Balancing Agent and Satin Finish, to ensure
the lowest possible discomfort for patients. The simple procedure begins with preparation to cover
your lips and gums. The proprietary light activated Zoom!® gel is applied before the special Zoom light is applied. You
rest comfortably for about an hour. The results are that quick! Prior to teeth bleaching, a patient receives a professional comprehensive exam with x-rays,
to confirm the absence of disease and making sure they are a good candidate for the whitening process. A patient will also
receive dental cleaning prior to bleaching, maximizing results. Otherwise the patient will have bleached tarter, calculus
and plaque over what should be their brightened teeth. |
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 Composite Fillings A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks,
fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver
amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, 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: 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. 
 Orthodontics Close to 30 percent of all orthodontic patients in
the United States are adults. Despite this growing trend towards adult orthodontics, it pays to start orthodontic treatment
early for maximum effectiveness. The American Dental Association recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation
by age seven. The Restorative and Esthetic Nature of Orthodontics Since malocclusion may interfere with eating and speaking, it is usually considered a restorative issue.
Although, because a malocclusion may prevent the development of a beautiful, well-aligned smile or facial jaw lines, it may
also be classified as an esthetic issue and categorized as cosmetic dentistry. No matter what your age, orthodontics can protect
your bite (occlusion), maximize your teeth's effectiveness in performing their functions and create a well-aligned smile.
Today's orthodontics involves repositioning of the teeth and underlying roots, providing better support for the crown
of the tooth. Orthodontic treatment is now associated with the benefits of greater esthetic appeal, increased comfort and
reduced treatment time. Orthodontic treatment can also rejuvenate your facial appearance by reshaping the jaw, neck
and lips, especially when combined with maxillofacial surgical procedures. In addition, well-aligned teeth make oral hygiene
easier to maintain. The Orthodontic Evaluation If you are a candidate for orthodontics,
you will likely be referred by your general dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During your first orthodontic
visit, our orthodontist may use several methods to develop an individualized treatment plan, including: Our orthodontist reviews your dental records, performs a clinical assessment, takes X-rays
of your mouth and head and makes models of the teeth by creating an accurate impression of them. The results of this evaluation
are studied in order to formulate the best orthodontic treatment plan. Typically during the second visit, our orthodontist
reviews the treatment plan and estimates the number of months for the active phase of treatment. The standard treatment phase
is two years. Following treatment, you may be required to wear a retainer for a period of time. The
duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on your age, the extensiveness of the procedure (some people require more work
than others) and how closely you follow your treatment plan. For example, younger patients may respond more quickly to treatment
than older patients because the bones supporting young teeth are more pliable than those supporting older teeth. However,
adults tend to follow treatment instructions more consistently than pre-teens.  Root Canal  TMJ Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Over ten million Americans suffer
from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).Symptoms of this disorder include: TMD Diagnosis: The Temporomandibular joints are complex and contain both hard and soft tissues. Because
of this, Dr. Airey may utilize some of the following tools to help in properly diagnosing a patient's problem: TMD Treatment: After proper diagnosis, Dr. Airey may utilize some of the following treatment options: |