White Fillings

A composite resin (white filling) is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) introduced in the 1960's. Huge improvements since then have allowed for more common use both on front and back teeth. Dr. Kaplansky places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, he will shape the composite to fit the tooth and then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. To learn more, please visit the Academy of General Dentistry Web site.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve a smile. Patients need three appointments for the entire procedure: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. To learn more, please visit the Academy of General Dentistry Web site.

Crowns

A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to support a large filling when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. Crowns require more tooth structure removal; hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers. To learn more, please visit the Academy of General Dentistry Web site.

Bridges

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. There are options to help restore your smile. Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as, alleviate the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth. Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth. It looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. The restoration can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist. To learn more, please visit the Academy of General Dentistry Web site.

Root Canal Treatment

Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals. A root canal is a procedure done to save the damaged or dead pulp in the root canal of the tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the canal. The canal is filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed with possibly a post and/or a gold or porcelain crown. This enables patients to keep the original tooth. To learn more, please visit the Academy of General Dentistry Web site.

Partial & Complete 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. 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 the facial appearance and smile. To learn more, please visit the Academy of General Dentistry Web site.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth: upper, lower, right and left. When wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth properly, they are referred to as impacted. Erupted wisdom teeth may also need to be removed; however, teeth that have not erupted are not necessarily impacted. The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted-meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• pain
• infection in the mouth
• facial swelling
• swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth

TMJ Problems & Migraine Treatment

Dr. Kaplansky is a certified provider of the revolutionary treatment for migraine headache sufferers, the NTI-tss device. This simple device may help you alleviate your migraine headaches when nothing else can. Call our office for more information or to schedule your appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.headacheprevention.com.

Whitening

There are many causes of tooth discoloration; substances like coffee, cola, and smoking. Some medications and aging can also cause your teeth to stain over time. Dr. Kaplansky can determine the source of your discoloration, then recommend the best whitening system for you. In most cases the results are striking. Don't be misled by unproven and ineffective over the counter whitening solutions. This office dispenses a simple, safe and effective tooth whitening system that is closely monitored by our clinical staff for maximum results in the least amount of time.

Here's How it Works:

• Impressions of your upper and lower teeth are taken and custom fitting tooth whitening trays are made
• After being fitted with the appliances, which are clear and very hard to detect at a distance, you will be given a professional whitening system with personalized instructions about how to use it
• To keep your teeth free from tartar and plaque, Dr. Kaplansky will plan the proper homecare regimen in order to keep your smile looking good for a lifetime