our treatments

From preventive care and cleaning to white fillings and tooth whitening, we can provide a number of quality professional dental services for you, your family and your friends.

Please select a service below to find out more information:

• Preventive Care - Examinations, Cleanings & X-Rays
• Pediatric Dentistry - Oral Hygiene for Kids
• Periodontal Care - Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
• Bonding
• White Fillings
• Crowns/Caps
• Inlays/Onlays (Partial Crowns)
• Veneers and Smile Makeovers
• Tooth Whitening/Bleaching
• Bridges
• Dental Implants
• Dentures/Partial Dentures
• Extractions

 

preventive care

Exams & Cleanings

Our office strives to prevent dental problems before they start. We recommend that patients come for regular hygiene visits and periodic examinations.

On your initial visit, Dr. Shore will do a thorough examination of all tissues inside and outside of the mouth. This will include a full set of x-rays, oral cancer screening, periodontal (gum) exam, and examination of the teeth and jaw joint (TMJ). Dr. Shore will diagnose any pathology, make recommendations about treating current dental problems, and preventing future problems.

Our Registered Dental Hygienists will perform your cleaning (prophylaxis). This will be done on a 3, 4 or 6 month basis depending on your specific needs. Every year, Dr. Shore will perform a periodic exam to check for cavities and other dental problems.

In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Dr. Shore and our Registered Dental Hygienists will also make suggestions for preventive measures such as dental sealants or fluoride therapy to prevent cavities, or night guards to protect against clenching and grinding of teeth.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During your dental exam, Dr. Shore will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches, or recurring sore areas. Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.

Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

 

pediatric dentistry

We follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry which recommend that a child be taken to the dentist once the first tooth appears in their mouth or by their first birthday. When children are younger than three years old, Dr. Shore will perform a visual examination of the teeth to look for decay, check the eruption pattern of the teeth, and look for any other problems. Visits to the dentist for a young child are incredibly important, as it helps acclimate the child to a new environment, and helps them feel comfortable with the doctor and the office to ensure a healthy mouth in the future!

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are placed on a child’s first molars (6-year molars) as soon as they are fully erupted. This protects the tooth from bacteria and cavities. Sealants are an easy and inexpensive way to protect these very important teeth. The procedure to apply sealants to the four first molar teeth takes about one hour and does not require any injections or numbing of the teeth.

 

periodontal care

If we feel that you are suffering from more severe gum disease (Periodontal Disease), we may recommend scaling and root planing, commonly called a Deep Cleaning. This procedure can be instrumental in minimizing infection, preventing bone loss and helping you keep your natural teeth.

Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the Dental Hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, deep in the periodontal pockets. Patients are usually anesthetized with local anesthetic so they are comfortable during the procedure. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets. Aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold and cause a chronic gum infection.

If our office thinks you need additional procedures to improve the health of your gums, we may refer you to a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) to assess your specific needs.

 

bonding

Bonding is a way to fix small chips or fill in gumline notches in teeth. We use tooth colored composite resin to reshape the tooth to a natural look. Bonding can also be used to change the shape or size of a tooth, and can be an alternative to veneers.

The bonding procedure is usually completed in one visit. The first step is to remove the broken portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a liquid or gel and a bonding agent is applied. This will allow the composite resin to be bonded to the prepared tooth. The resin is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking restoration.

If you would like to see photos of the mouth before and after a bonding procedure, visit our Smile Gallery.

 

white fillings

A white filling is a composite resin that is used as an alternative to silver fillings. This is an excellent cosmetic option for those patients who do not want the look of silver in their mouths. White fillings can be used to fix teeth that are decayed, cracked, or stained.

Our office uses only composite resin for cavity fillings. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that has proven to be functional, esthetic and durable when placed appropriately. We are committed to metal-free fillings, and believe that composite resin is the best choice for our patients for any small to medium sized cavity filling. We may also recommend replacing worn out or failing silver fillings with composite resin.

 

crowns

As we get a little older, our teeth begin to change, making them prone to fracture and decay. There are many possible reasons for this change, including bruxism (teeth grinding), cavities, cracked fillings, root canals, and many others. If your tooth is beyond repair with a filling material, we may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. This type of restoration is durable, protects the tooth and helps preserve chewing function.

Types of Crowns

If your tooth need a full crown, there are several options available to you. These options include a full porcelain crown, a porcelain fused to metal crown, or a full gold crown. We will help you make the determination as to which of these options is the most appropriate for your situation. You can be comfortable in knowing that your new tooth will be virtually unnoticeable and will flawlessly complement the rest of your smile.

Procedure

When we have decided to go ahead with a full crown restoration, we will set aside 2-3 appointments for the entire process. Although the majority of crowns are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.

The procedure begins with the removal of all decay in the tooth. Once we have removed the decay, we will reduce the tooth circumferentially and shorten it to make room for the new crown. We will then take an impression of the reshaped tooth. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. The temporary restoration will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or uncomfortable tooth.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. Your new crown will be fitted comfortably into your mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the crown into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

If you would like to see photos of the mouth before and after a crown procedure, visit our Smile Gallery.

For post-treatment care instructions following crown work, click the link below (instructions are in Adobe PDF file format; if you need the Adobe Reader software to view these files, visit the Adobe website by clicking here):

• Crown Post-Treatment Care Instructions

 

inlays and onlays

Inlays and onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns. These partial crowns are utilized when there is still a healthy enamel portion of the tooth, but a large cavity or fracture in a tooth has made a routine filling impossible. An inlay or onlay is a like a puzzle piece that will be fitted into the remaining portion of the tooth to help increase its strength. This piece is usually crafted out of porcelain or gold, but can also be made of a composite material. We will help you make the determination as to which restoration will work best in your specific situation.

An inlay is used when there is no damage to any of the cusps of the tooth and is placed within the cusps. An onlay is used when there is more extensive damage to the tooth structure. This type of restoration is placed over at least one of the cusps of the tooth.

Procedure

When we have decided to go ahead with an inlay or onlay, we will set aside 2-3 appointments for the entire process. Although the majority of inlays and onlays are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.

The procedure begins with the removal of all decay and/or cracks in the tooth. Once we have reshaped the tooth and created the puzzle piece, we will take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new restoration is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or incomplete tooth.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. The inlay/onlay will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new restoration feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the inlay/onlay into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

 

veneers and smile makeovers

Porcelain veneers are thin casings of ceramic that are bonded to the front of your tooth to create a new smile. Porcelain veneers are used to change teeth that appear too small or large, slightly discolored, or simply not cosmetically pleasing. Veneers can be made on a single tooth or on multiple teeth as needed, and may be the perfect solution for teeth that are chipped, discolored or slightly crooked.

Smile Makeover

When placing porcelain veneers, Dr. Shore will analyze your face shape, lip contours, gum line and skin tone to design the smile that looks best for you. If many of your teeth are too small, too short, crooked or discolored, a Smile Makeover may be the best solution to dramatically change your smile. A Smile Makeover may include placing veneers on up to 12 teeth to create a perfect, even smile. Let Dr. Shore help you find the hidden potential in your smile!

Laser Gum Contouring

When planning veneers and smile makeovers it is important to consider the gum tissues that “frame” your smile. Often the gum line can be uneven and disproportionate. Dr. Shore can easily alter these tissues using the latest techniques in laser dentistry, highlighting your beautiful new smile.

If you would like to see photos of a Smile Makeover before and after the veneer procedure, visit our Smile Gallery.

Procedure

Veneers and Smile Makeovers require planning and records before any treatment is started. We take impressions and photos of your teeth in order to plan what the final veneers will look like. Dr. Shore will talk with you to discover exactly how you want your new smile to look. She works hand in hand with her dental laboratory to create a mock-up of what the veneers will look like. This will give you a “sneak peek” at your new smile.

After the planning is done, the procedure begins with the preparation of the tooth. This entails removing the discolored or unsightly portion of the tooth and meticulously shaping the tooth in preparation for the new veneer. If laser gum contouring is needed we will do it at this appointment. Once we have shaped the tooth, we will take an impression. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While the new veneers are created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your new veneers so that you can get an idea of what your beautiful new smile will look like.

During your next visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restorations. The veneers will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process will be to bond the new veneers into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

 

tooth whitening

A beautiful smile is closer than you think! Genetics play a big part in the natural color of teeth, but smoking, or drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can contribute to staining and discoloration. Whitening your teeth is a safe and simple procedure that can be completed in relatively short period of time.

We are currently offering At-Home Teeth Whitening for only $165!

Procedure

The first step in the whitening process is to take full impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions will be made into custom bleaching trays, which will fit snugly onto your teeth.

The second step is to place the bleaching solution in the trays and wear them for 1 hour per day. Within 2-3 weeks, you will see a significant improvement in the color of your teeth. Your smile will look brighter and younger.

Bleaching only works on natural teeth and may not be effective in all cases. We will inform you as to the potential whitening for your specific situation. Any existing crowns, bridges or white fillings will not change color with bleaching.

For post-treatment care instructions following tooth whitening, click the link below (instructions are in Adobe PDF file format; if you need the Adobe Reader software to view these files, visit the Adobe website by clicking here):

• Teeth Whitening Instructions

 

bridges

A bridge is one of the options that you have when deciding how to replace with a missing tooth or teeth. The replacement of these missing teeth is necessary in order to maintain proper mouth functions. Tooth loss can affect the way you eat, speak, and the alignment of other teeth in your mouth.

Types of Bridges

A bridge, by definition, is a link or connection between two permanent structures. A dental bridge is very similar in that it attaches the natural teeth on either side of the gap to a prosthetic tooth in the middle. This bridge acts as your new teeth, closing the gap and restoring your smile. Bridges are often constructed of a gold or metal framework with porcelain fused to the framework.

There are three main types of bridges:

• Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (fake tooth) in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or porcelain.
• Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge can only be done on a front tooth.
• Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of porcelain teeth supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth. This type of bridge can only be done on a front tooth.

Procedure

The procedure begins with preparation of the natural teeth, or abutments. We will shape the abutment teeth so support the bridge. The next step is to take an impression of the teeth. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. The temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or uncomfortable tooth.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. The bridge will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new bridge feels exactly like your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the bridge into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

For post-treatment care instructions following bridge work, click the link below (instructions are in Adobe PDF file format; if you need the Adobe Reader software to view these files, visit the Adobe website by clicking here):

• Bridge Post-Treatment Care Instructions

 

dental implants

Dental implants are becoming the more popular way to replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to create a foundation for new teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.

Benefits of a dental implant:

• The implant will osseointegrate (bond) to the existing bone.
• The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
• Implants do not require the cutting of healthy, natural teeth as in the case of a bridge.
• The new implant will prevent progressive bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.
• Implants are highly successful in most areas of the mouth.
  

Procedure

A natural tooth has two main parts, the root and the crown. The root is the part of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant acts as a replacement for this part of the tooth. The metal implant becomes an anchor for the tooth in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is completed, the tissue is stitched closed. There is usually no significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed. Dr. Shore works with several dental specialists who perform the initial implant procedure.

The implant will be left completely untouched for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A temporary crown or small removable denture called a stayplate may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.

Dr. Shore will complete the remaining portion of the implant procedure. The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth. This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and connecting the abutment to the implant. The abutment serves as the connection to the the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the abutment and a final restoration is fabricated. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal chewing.

If you would like to see photos of the mouth before and after the dental implant procedure, visit our Smile Gallery.

 

dentures

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into the mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Dr. Shore will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced. Dental implants may be used with a full or partial denture to help increase the retention of the denture and keep it more stable for chewing.

If you would like to see photos of the mouth before and after dentures, visit our Smile Gallery.

Types of Dentures

• Conventional Full Denture - A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.
• Immediate Full Denture - An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (Dr. Shore will take measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.
• Partial Denture - Partial dentures are used to replace multiple missing teeth by utilizing a metal or plastic framework that rests on your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth to serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.

How Do Dentures Work?

With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Dr. Shore will determine which type of dentures is best for you.

How Long Do Dentures Last? How Do I Care for My Dentures?

Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes may cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see Dr. Shore annually for a checkup.

Here are tips for caring for your dentures:

• When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
• Don't let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you're not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
• Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
  Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
• Visit Dr. Shore if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself as this can damage them beyond repair.

How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?

New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see Dr. Shore.

For post-treatment care instructions for dentures, click the link below (instructions are in Adobe PDF file format; if you need the Adobe Reader software to view these files, visit the Adobe website by clicking here):

• Denture Care Instructions

 

extractions

A tooth may need to be extracted if we are unable to repair it due to advanced decay, fracture or bone loss. We make every effort to save natural teeth because once a tooth is lost, your replacement options are never as good.

Before removing a tooth, we will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. Most extractions can be done "simply" without the cutting or removal of gum or bone. If a tooth is broken or badly damaged, the gum tissues may need to be cut and pushed back so that the tooth fragments can be removed.

After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time and some have to be removed after a few days. You may be referred to an Oral Surgeon for you extraction if Dr. Shore feels it will be better for you to be sedated during the procedure. This is especially true for wisdom teeth.

For post-treatment care instructions following an extraction of a child or adult, click on one of the links below (instructions are in Adobe PDF file format; if you need the Adobe Reader software to view these files, visit the Adobe website by clicking here):

• Post-Treatment/Operation Care for Child Extractions
• Post-Treatment/Operation Care for Adult Extractions
  

 

We invite you to call us at 916-966-4341 or visit our office for additional information, a consultation, or to schedule an appointment.