Our Services
A dental crown or cap is a tooth shaped restoration that is custom made to fit over one of your existing teeth or a dental implant.
Crowns can:
- Protect weak and cracked teeth
- Protect and repair broken and badly decayed teeth
- Be placed over an implant to replace missing teeth
- Cover misshapen and discolored teeth
- Protect teeth that have had a root canal
Types of crowns:
There are several types of crowns including all porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and all metal crowns. If a crown is needed we will take the time to discuss each type and help you decide which crown is best for your situation.
What to expect
Making a crown typically requires two appointments. The first appointment involves shaping and reducing the size of the tooth to create space for the crown. An impression is then taken and a temporary crown is made and
cemented. The second visit is shorter than the first and involves removing the temporary crown, ensuring proper fit and permanently cementing your new crown in place.
Implants
Implants are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots and are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look function and feel like natural teeth. The actual implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing.
Implants can:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Serve as anchors for bridges
- Provide increased support for dentures making them function and feel better
What to expect
The first step is surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone, followed by a healing period that allows the bone to bond to the implant. Once integrated we will fabricate an abutment that attaches to the implant and supports a custom restoration such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Dental bridges
A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns linked together to support a middle crown or pontic that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Bridges can:
- Improve chewing and overall function
- Prevent other teeth from being overstressed or shifting
- Improve esthetics and speech alterations caused by missing teeth
- Be placed on implants to replace several missing teeth
Types of bridges:
Like individual crowns there are several types available including all
porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and all metal. If after hearing all your options you decide a bridge is the right choice for you we will take the time to discuss each bridge type and help you decide which is best for you.
What to expect:
Making a bridge normally takes two appointments. The first appointment involves shaping and reducing the size of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. An impression is then taken and a temporary restoration is made and cemented. As with a crown the second appointment involves removing the temporary restoration, ensuring proper fit of the new bridge and cementing it into place.
Teeth whitening
Have you noticed your teeth are not as white as they used to be or maybe not as white as you would like? If tooth whitening is something that you are interested in, we are here to help.
Whether you are preparing for a special event, applying for a new job or if you have just been considering whitening to enhance your smile, we would be happy to meet with you and examine your teeth to determine if whitening is a good option for you.
Unfortunately, over time our teeth can begin to darken and stain. Tooth discoloration is caused by a variety of factors such as diet, medications, smoking, genetics and age. At Ryan Long DDS, LLC we are pleased to offer the revolutionary KOR Whitening System. KOR Whitening is widely recognized as one of the most effective whitening systems in the world and offers the convenience of both in office and take home bleaching options. For more information about bleaching options please contact our office today or visit korwhitening.com
Fillings
When you visit our office for check-up appointments one part of the examination will be to check your teeth for cavities. If you have a cavity a filling will be recommended to remove the decayed tooth structure and restore the tooth back to its proper form and function.
Fillings can:
Replace lost tooth structure and restore the tooth back to its proper form and function
Types
The most common types of fillings are Resin (white) fillings or Amalgam (silver) fillings, although in some cases porcelain and gold is also used.
- Resin: Resin fillings can provide a strong and esthetic restoration for both front and back teeth. Their ability to bond to tooth structure allows for a more conservative preparation and filling. Resin fillings also come in a wide variety of shades designed to match the color of your teeth.
- Amalgam: Although amalgam fillings are becoming less common they are still useful in a few situations. Dental amalgam has been used for over 150 years and provides a strong, long lasting filling that is less expensive than other alternatives.
What to expect
When you have a cavity we will discuss the types of fillings available and help you choose which type of restoration is best for you. During the procedure the decayed tooth structure will be carefully removed and the tooth filled in with the material of your choice.
Dentures and partial dentures
Dentures and partial dentures are a removable replacement option for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
Dentures can:
For many, dentures and partial dentures are a convenient way to restore their appearance and ability to chew.
Types of dentures:
There are two types of dentures available, complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing while partial dentures are used when some teeth are still present and strong enough to be used as anchors for the partial denture.
What to expect:
Making a denture or partial denture can take up to 5 appointments. These appointments are typically short and involve taking impressions, and trying in the denture or partial to ensure a proper fit during its fabrication. After receiving your new denture or partial other short appointments may be needed for adjustments.
Dental extractions
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.
Extractions
There are a number of situations where a tooth may need to be removed. The most common reasons are:
- Severely decayed or infected teeth
- Severe gum disease
- The tooth is severely broken or the root is fractured
- To create space in preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Inadequate space or extra teeth that are preventing others from erupting
Types
- Simple: Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are still visible in your mouth. Simple extractions can usually be done using local anesthetic and only require instruments that help manipulate the visible portion of the tooth to remove it completely.
- Surgical: Surgical extractions are performed when a tooth or a portion of a tooth cannot be easily accessed due to severe decay, fracture or not being fully erupted. During a surgical extraction the tissue around the tooth is elevated and often a small amount of bone is removed to help expose the tooth. In some instances the tooth may also need to be divided to help facilitate its removal.
What to expect
If a tooth needs to be removed we will take the time to discuss the procedure and ensure your comfort throughout. Most extractions can be done at our office however for complicated surgical extractions and unerupted wisdom teeth we will refer you to an experienced oral surgeon.
Pediatric dentistry
We understand parents want what’s best for their children and our goal is to create a positive and comfortable experience for each child that will lead to a trusting relationship between your child and the dentist.
- To help prevent tooth decay our dental staff will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, apply pit and fissure sealants when they are needed and provide fluoride treatments.
- When needed, we will also provide any necessary restorative work your child may need. In most cases all of your child’s dental work can be done at our office but in certain situations, we may refer you to a qualified pediatric dentist.