family & cosmetic dentistry
Services

Services we offer include cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening and bleaching as well as prevention of toothache and tooth decay, TMJ, periodontal and gum disease treatment, dental implants, crowns and tooth extractions.

Services we offer include:

  • Basic: Fillings, Crowns, Root Canals, Prophylaxis (Cleanings), Preventive Dentistry, Cerec Crowns
    (In One Day), Sealants (for Children)
  • Cosmetic: Smile Design (Makeover), Tooth Bleaching or Whitening (Britesmile), Porcelain Veneers and Crowns, Bonding and Tooth-Colored Fillings, Lumineers
  • Periodontal (Gums and Bone): Root Debridement or Root Planing, Periodontal Surgery, Crown Lengthening, Periodontal Grafts, Laser Therapy
  • Oral Surgery: Extractions, Bone Grafts
  • Prosthodontics: Full Mouth Reconstruction, Bridges, Dental Implant Restorations, Partial and Full Dentures
  • TMJ/Occlusion: Occlusal Equilibration, TMJ and Splint Therapy, Nightguards
  • Orthodontics: Invisalign, Retainers
  • Conscious Sedation: Relaxation techniques for anxious patients.
  • Dental Implants: The first choice for replacement of missing teeth.

Our goal is to be thorough, informative, and efficient from the initial examination through the delivery of care. Sufficient time will be undertaken to completely understand patient needs and wants, and to discuss treatment options and financial arrangements. We will emphasize ideal restorations that will be durable and esthetic so patients can enjoy long-term comfort, and the self-assurance that accompanies a beautiful smile.All of us will strive to accomplish this in an environment of enthusiasm and caring, hoping to nurture in each person a pro-active role in maintaining their own oral health.

For more information on a specific subject, click on the link(s) below to download a PDF. Download Acrobat Reader.

Root Canal Treatment
Extraction
Tooth Whitening & Laser Bleaching
Adult Hygiene Procedure
TMJ Occlusal Exam Equilibration
Cosmetic Dentistry

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Is a TMJ Disorder a Problem for you?
You can have TMJ disorder for a long time without realizing it. That's because some of the symptoms, such as worn teeth or headaches, may seem unrelated to your jaw joints and muscles. Is a TMJ disorder causing you problems? Begin to find out by asking yourself these questions.

  • Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
  • Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
  • Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches? Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
  • Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
  • Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
  • Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
  • Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaw?
  • Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
  • Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
  • Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
  • Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
  • Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken, or worn?
  • The more times you answer "yes," the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they're treated.
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Dental Implants
If you want dental restoration that looks and feels as though it's really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. Used successfully for many years, dental implants anchor prosthetic (artificial) teeth into your jawbone to provide a secure, stable fit. Dental Implants can meet your individual needs whether you're missing all, a few, or only one of your teeth.

Dental implants work by mimicking the structure of natural teeth, so the condition of your mouth can affect the success of your implant procedure. Like natural teeth, most dental implants are secured in the jawbone. If your mouth is healthy, you're likely to be a good candidate.

The crowns of your natural teeth are held in place by roots. Roots not only secure your crowns, they also help keep your jaw healthy by stimulating the growth of new bone. This provides good support for your teeth.

The prosthesis is held in place by dental implants, which are usually made of titanium. Because this metal is well accepted by the body, titanium implants rarely cause reactions. Like the roots of natural teeth, dental implants also stimulate new bone growth in your jaw.

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Crowns
Because full crowns cover your entire tooth, they often provide a good solution for severe problems - a bad fracture, a large filling. As with other techniques, crowns can correct a wide range of problems. They're durable and strong so replacements are needed less often. Crowns may not give the best aesthetic results for people with serious bite or gum problems.

The Procedure
Fitting a crown is two-step procedure, similar to fitting a veneer. There's one big difference: to prepare for the crown, more of your tooth is removed. Your dentist can crown more than one tooth at time.

Your First Visit
During this 1-2 hour visit, your dentist prepares your tooth - removing enamel and dentin to allow room for the crown. You'll be given anesthesia beforehand. After preparation, your dentist makes a model for your teeth and gums.

Between Visits
During the 1 to 3 weeks between visits, the laboratory uses the model to custom-make your crown. You'll wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth. To prevent this crown from coming loose, don't chew gum and avoid hard or chewy candy.

Your Second Visit
Your dentist may take less than an hour to apply your crowns. Your dentist removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto your tooth. Then cements are applied and the crown is positioned securely onto you tooth.

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© 2004
by Grant Shimizu, DDS, Inc
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