Services
PREVENTATIVE
Digital X-rays
Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office. Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to 90% less radiation than traditional X-ray technology.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth -- usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) -- to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the grooves of the back teeth to remove food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque and bacteria.
Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are candidates for sealants. Adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. This way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child's baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it's important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost too early.
Root Planing and Scaling for Gum Disease
Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Depending on the extent of pocket depth either a topical or local anesthetic will be used.
Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool.
RESTORATIVE
Safe amalgam removal
Safety protocols are utilized when removing silver (mercury) fillings. Click here to read about the protocol Dr. Nikolovski utilizes for Safe Amalgam Removal.
Composite Restorations/Fillings
Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling when compared to an amalgam. Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.
There are a variety of composites on the market. Dr. Nikolovski uses dental composite materials that show to be biocompatible with most people. (Through results of many bio-compatibility tests reviewed.) The office offers biocompatibility testing of materials through biofeedback and/or blood serum testing. Dr. Nikolovski’s office follows mercury free and mercury safe practices.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown (also referred to as a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only protects a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.
A bridge is a method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science since it replaces a missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, ceramic, or composite material made to match your natural tooth color. Dr. Nikolovski offers metal free crowns and bridges.
DENTURES
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Types of dentures:
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance facial appearance and smile. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.
Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient`s jaws during a preliminary visit.
An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed.
An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.
Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing. Partial dentures can be made metal free in most cases.
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Periodontal Disease
There are many different varieties of periodontal disease, and many ways in which these variations manifest themselves. All require immediate treatment to halt the progression and save gum tissue and bone. Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease along with the treatments typically performed to correct them:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontitis. It is caused by the toxins in plaque and leads to periodontal disease. People at increased risk of developing gingivitis include pregnant women, women taking oral contraceptives, people with uncontrolled diabetes, steroid users, and people who control seizures and blood pressure using medication.
Chronic Periodontal Disease
Chronic periodontal disease is the most common form of the disease, and occurs much more frequently in people over 45. Chronic periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation below the gum line and the progressive destruction of the gingival and bone tissue. It may appear that the teeth are gradually growing in length, but in actuality the gums are gradually receding.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease
Aggressive periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment and of bone tissue as well as familial aggregation. The disease itself is essentially the same as chronic periodontitis but the progression is much faster. Smokers and those with a family history of this disease are at an increased risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease Relating to Systemic Conditions
Periodontal disease can be a symptom of a disease or condition affecting the rest of the body. Depending on the underlying condition, the disease can behave like aggressive periodontal disease, working quickly to destroy tissue. Heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease are the most common cofactors, though there are many others. Even in cases where little plaque coats the teeth, many medical conditions intensify and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
This form of the disease worsens rapidly and is more prevalent among smokers, people who suffer from HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, or chronic stress. Tissue death (necrosis) frequently affects the periodontal ligaments, gingival tissues and alveolar bone.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
The use of nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, is an inhalation sedation technique that can be used as a way of reducing anxiety and calming nerves during dental treatment without making you completely unconscious. Nitrous oxide can be used for all routine dental procedures, including dental extractions, to “take the edge off” before the administration of local anesthetic and for the entire duration of your dental treatment.
ORAL SURGERY
Root Canal Extractions
The goal of a root canal extraction is to ensure that the tooth is removed safely and that no infected tissue is left behind to inhibit complete healing. Emphasis is placed on proper removal of the tooth, periodontal ligament and any cyst formation by cleansing and debridement of the surgical site after the tooth is removed. This process allows for the most complete bone healing.
Wisdom Teeth
The name 'wisdom teeth' is age related - third molars don't erupt until teenage years and beyond, when people theoretically are "wiser to the world."
Common reasons for wisdom teeth removal include impaction, pain and crowding of the other teeth, which are typical tooth growth characteristics.
"If wisdom teeth are not visible, they are impacted or unable to erupt due to space and size limitations," says Dr. Petty. "Impacted teeth don't have enough room to grow, and will lay beneath the gums, which may or may not be a problem."
Pain and tooth crowding are also top wisdom teeth problems. Adults have forgotten what normal pain from a growing tooth feels like. Complications also can arise when wisdom teeth partially erupt. The broken gum acts as a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
When wisdom teeth partially erupt, food gets caught in the gums and may cause an infection, swelling, growth of a tumor or cyst and pain. If this happens, consult a dentist before problems worsen and affect overall oral health.
If wisdom teeth have erupted, the key to preserving them is maintaining good oral health by brushing twice a day and going to see a dentist twice a year.
Should a wisdom tooth/teeth need to be extracted, Dr. Nikolovski follows the same process as when removing a failed root canal which is after the extraction of the tooth he removes the periodontal ligaments and then debrides the socket of any infected bone and tissue.
NITROUS OXIDE
Nitrous Oxide
This type of sedation is very easy and straightforward and involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide (often known as laughing gas) and oxygen. A small rubber inhaler is placed over the patient’s nose and adjusted so that the patient breaths through it. It begins to work within 3 to 5 minutes and at the end of the appointment the effect of N2O is reversed within minutes. Most patients experience an initial feeling of lightheadedness, which gradually leads to a feeling of overall relaxation and well- being.
The advantages of nitrous oxide are its rapid onset, quick recovery, and it being one of the safest forms of sedation available for both adults and children.
Our office is equipped with nitrous oxide and Dr. Nikolovski and his staff are highly trained in the safe administration and management of nitrous oxide. Please feel free to discuss this option further with the doctor..
Benefits of Soft Tissue Laser
Using a soft tissue laser for treatment provides many benefits for the patient. The laser cauterizes the tissue during procedures, which will reduce bleeding and risk of infection to the patient both during and after treatment. Using a laser also makes the procedure less invasive, protecting the surrounding teeth from unnecessary trauma and reducing healing time after treatment.
A laser frenectomy is a procedure that removes the frenum using a soft tissue laser. This procedure is used to treat tongue ties and lip ties to restore freedom of movement in the mouth. A laser frenectomy minimizes discomfort for the patient and reduces the risk of further treatment for infection.
Soft tissue lasers can also be used during regular cleanings for patients that have periodontal problems. Laser therapy is very effective in reducing the bacteria involved in periodontal disease.