Laser Dentistry

Our office is proud to introduce the Waterlase dental laser - a breakthrough in laser dentistry which allows the dentist to perform cavity and soft tissue procedures without drills, shots, or numbness in most cases! Laser energized water (hydrokinetic energy) replaces the drill. Since there is no heat or vibration, the Waterlase dental procedure reduces the need for needles or anesthesia. This technology improves your long term oral health with its pinpoint accuracy, leaving in place as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Kids and adults love it!

Restorative Dentistry

The days when cavities could only be filled with unattractive amalgam fillings are over. The miracle of adhesive dentistry allows us to replace dark, leaking, and unsightly fillings with space-aged, state-of-the-art tooth-colored resin (or porcelain) adhesive restorations. Not only are these restorations natural looking, they are stronger and healthier for your mouth.

There has been a lot written and said in the past few years about amalgam fillings (also called silver or mercury fillings). Our office does not believe amalgam to be unsafe, but we do believe it's unattractive. Many people look in the mirror and wish they didn't see those ugly, blackened, metal fillings in their back teeth. Even though they may be in the back, they still darken an otherwise nice smile. Now, with metal free dentistry, it is so simple to return your teeth to their natural appearance in just one visit.

In order to prepare for the tooth-colored fillings, the decayed portions of your teeth have to be removed (using the Waterlase dental laser). Because tooth-colored fillings are bonded directly to the teeth, they allow for more of the healthy tooth structure to stay intact. Once the tooth is prepared, the tooth-colored fillings are placed onto the teeth in layers and hardened with a special light. The tooth-colored fillings are then shaped to match the contours of your teeth and polished.

Teeth that are badly decayed, broken, or have previously had a root canal often need to be restored using a life-like porcelain crown. The crowns cover the entire tooth and protect weak teeth from fracturing in the future by binding all of the parts of the tooth together. Besides the obvious aesthetic advantages offered by metal-free dentistry, there are also several health benefits. Tooth-colored fillings will last for years and will actually strengthen teeth when used to replace corroded metal fillings. Because tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, they help prevent future breaks or fractures and also help avoid decay. If your tooth-colored fillings do become damaged or your tooth requires additional work, the fillings can be easily replaced or repaired. Metal-free dentistry, including tooth-colored fillings, provides a healthy, functional smile without compromising aesthetics. If you want to learn more about tooth-colored fillings, laser dentistry, or metal-free dentistry, please contact us today.

Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss. It is estimated that 75% of the adult population has some stage of gum disease. Gum disease progresses slowly over time, usually painlessly, until it is too late! Gums which bleed when brushing or flossing is a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of disease.  If left untreated, a more advanced stage known as periodontitis may result. The gums often pull away from the teeth creating a pocket for more plaque and bacteria to accumulate, which allows bone loss to occur. When enough bone mass that supports the teeth has eroded, mobility or tooth loss results.

Treatment for early to moderate stages of gum disease involves scaling and root planting of the teeth (also known as deep cleaning) using local anesthetic. This procedure removes the plaque and tartar deposits above and below the gum line and disinfects the pockets. Dr. Popli reviews proper home care techniques which include using the Rotadent electric toothbrush, flossing, and possibly antibiotics.

Most patients who have had periodontal therapy require regular three month maintenance recalls to maintain stable, healthy gums. Advanced stages of gum disease may require a referral to a specialist known as a periodontist.

Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of said diseases during pregnancy. Researchers have determined that inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.

Our office performs a thorough gum exam at every checkup to determine if gum disease is present. Please call us to schedule your appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bleaching/Whitening

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a custom-made tooth whitening tray system that will whiten teeth dramatically. This method usually takes between 7-14 applications at home for 15-30 minutes each day, depending upon the type of stain. A faster result may be obtained if bleaching is done using the ZOOM!™ whitening system in the office. This process utilizes a powerful bleach mixture under a proprietary light to speed up the process. If you would like to schedule an appointment for ZOOM!™ teeth whitening, please contact our office today. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to consider the need to replace any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching, so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more so if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine. No matter what the ads say, there is no over-the-counter tooth bleaching system that is as safe and effective as the teeth whitening methods that are custom tailored to your unique needs by your dentist. Most whitening toothpastes do not contain the same active ingredients found in dental office systems. Request a Teeth Whitening Appointment On-Line

 Veneers

Porcelain veneers allow us to craft beautiful smiles for our patients without them having to wear braces for months on end. Whether teeth are spaced or crowded, there is hope for a fantastic smile with 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.

The porcelain veneers procedure requires two to three office visits. Initially, you and Dr. Popli will discuss your diagnosis and devise a treatment plan that is best for you. Subsequently, your teeth will be prepared for the porcelain veneers by removing a small amount of the tooth’s enamel. Then, a mold is taken of your teeth and the impression is sent to the dental lab so they can fabricate your custom porcelain veneers. You will then come in to our office for a final visit, at which time the porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth. When your final appointment is complete, you will walk out of our office with a bright, natural smile that you will be proud to show off!

Porcelain veneers not only look 100% natural, they also last for years and require only minimal preparation of the tooth, unlike older techniques such as caps or crowns. Porcelain veneers are also highly resistant to stains, so you can continue to enjoy coffee, tea, and soda without fading your new smile. The dream of having a smile free of gaps, cracks, discolorations, and other imperfections can become a reality with porcelain veneers. If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, please contact us today to schedule a full cosmetic consultation and workup.

What are the benefits of Invisalign®?

- Nearly invisible: you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing
- Removable: you can still drink and eat foods that you want
- Better oral hygiene: you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth
- Comfortable: there are no wires, metal, or brackets to cause mouth abrasions

Does Invisalign® work? Is it effective?

Yes. It has been proven to be effective in both clinical research and in private practices nationwide. Pictures of completed cases may be viewed at www.invisalign.com.

What are the aligners made of?

Aligners are made of a clear, thin medical-grade polymer that is virtually invisible when worn.

Has Invisalign® been reviewed by the FDA?

Yes, the FDA has cleared the Invisalign® System as a Class 1 medical device for orthodontic treatment and for prescription use.

What is the process for getting Invisalign®?

- Schedule an appointment with Dr. Popli who can help you decide if Invisalign® is right for you;
- Dr. Popli writes a personalized treatment plan and submits it to Invisalign®, along with photographs, x-rays, and impressions of your teeth;
- Using 3-D computer imaging technology to project tooth movement, Invisalign® translates the treatment plan into a 3-D animated computer simulation;
- Once the 3-D representation has been modified and accepted by Dr. Popli (and by you), Invisalign® begins to fabricate a series of precisely customized aligners;
- You wear each aligner for about two weeks, moving to the next set, until your teeth are straight;
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled once every 6-10 weeks. Dr. Popli will make sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

How often must I wear the aligners?

Aligners should be worn day and night, except when eating, brushing, or flossing.

Are there restrictions on eating and drinking?

No. The aligners are removable, so you can still enjoy your favorite food and drinks.

Will Invisalign® affect my speech?

Invisalign® may temporarily affect your speech for a day or two, until your mouth adjusts to aligners.

Does Invisalign® hurt?

There may be some mild soreness each time you start a new aligner in the series. This is a normal sign that the aligners are working – sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. The soreness subsides within a few days.
 

Other Procedures:

Mouthguards for bruxism (grinding) or clenching.

"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the advice we get -- and give -- on how to cope with stress. If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders. It is an abnormal bite (or teeth) that are missing or crooked. It is estimated that as much 50% of the population either grinds or clenches their teeth to some degree. Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw.

You could have teeth that are badly worn, flat, painful, or loose from severe grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth. Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.

If stress is the cause, you need to find a way to relax! Physical therapy, muscle relaxants, counseling, and even exercise may help reduce tension. Don't make your teeth the brunt of your stress.

Anti-Snoring Device

Snoring is caused by the obstruction of the airway when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxed during sleep. A custom, removable appliance can be made to wear while sleeping so the airway remains open. If you or your partner's snoring is bothersome, please visit our office to fill out a sleep history questionnaire to make impressions of the teeth for a anti-snoring appliance.

TMJ Therapy-http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tmd_tmj.asp

Emergency care after hours are available by calling our office with the emergency contact number.