Composite Restorations

As explained under practice philosophy,  these bonded, tooth-colored restorations—commonly called “fillings”—represent the cornerstone of modern adhesive dentistry. 

These cases show how your old metal fillings can be converted to esthetic restorations that strengthen your teeth, in a single visit.

At you can see from the examples (right) the result is a much better smile!

Composite or Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

The most ideal method to restore certain teeth with existing medium to large metal amalgam fillings or teeth that are cracked or fractured may be with a tooth-colored inlay or onlay.  These restorations are recommended when the problem is too big for a new filling but too small for a crown, or cap.  

The result is a more natural appearing tooth repaired without the need for removing otherwise healthy tooth structure.  Like crowns, inlays and onlays are custom crafted by certified lab technicians and therefore require two appointments to complete.

All-Porcelain Crowns

This type of crown can be can be used for both front and back teeth that are severely weakened or broken, and is also bonded to your tooth.  The main advantage to these restorations is that unlike traditional crowns, they contain no metal. 

This means that the final crown looks more like a real tooth than is otherwise possible.  With all-porcelain crowns, no metallic dark line is visible at the gumline, and your teeth will not appear to be too opaque.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are used to repair damaged front teeth and treat your smile cosmetically.  They share the esthetic benefits of all-porcelain crowns, with the added benefit that they require less tooth removal to achieve the desired result.  This is often how “Smile Makeovers” are treated.

Teeth Whitening

Whitening or bleaching is a simple, inexpensive means to take years off your smile!  It can be used alone or in combination with other treatment (new fillings, veneers, or crowns) to enhance your smile and bring you a more youthful smile.

Gold and Porcelain/Metal Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays

These restorations are generally used on back teeth where appearance is less critical. 

Gold crowns, inlays, and onlays are still the standard by which all others are compared, because of excellent durability and fit. 

Gold restorations are recommended for patients who want the longest possible lasting restoration, and for patients who grind their teeth excessively. Porcelain to metal crowns are also used for front teeth, where strength is of greatest concern.

Bridges

Bridges are designed to replace one to a few missing teeth, generally on one side of your mouth, and are cemented or bonded to the teeth next to the missing to space(s).  Many choices now exist for bridge materials:  gold, gold to porcelain, reinforced composite, or all-porcelain. 

As with crowns, gold or gold/porcelain bridges are generally used where strength is of chief concern.  All-porcelain or reinforced composites are used where appearance is more important, or to place a bridge with less tooth removal.

Implants

Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into  the jawbone to replace single or multiple missing teeth, and are recommended especially if the adjacent teeth are virgin (no existing fillings or crowns)..  Another excellent use of implants is to secure loose dentures in patients who have lost a significant portion of their jawbones to periodontal disease or as a result of long-term denture use. 

Root Canal Therapy

Although many people cringe at the idea, this therapy has successfully saved millions of teeth.  This may be necessary treatment for teeth that have become painful due to deep decay, trauma ( a blow to a tooth), or other reasons.  Under full anesthesia, the inflamed or infected nerve tissue is cleaned out and the nerve canal within the tooth is sealed and filled with a rubber material.  This technique has recently become faster, easier, and more predictable.  Root canal treated teeth generally require onlays or crowns to protect them.

Oral Surgery

Dr. Valachi is trained to perform a simple to advanced surgical removal of teeth.  More involved cases such as periodontal surgeries or impacted wisdom tooth removal are referred to appropriate specialists.  Dr. Valachi utilized a dental LASER for procedures such as the removal of small growths, cosmetic sculpting of gum tissues, and frenectomies.

TMJ and Headaches

 Dr. Valachi can help you alleviate symptoms of migraine headaches and pain associated with your jaws.  Patient education and the use of dental appliances to reduce the effects of nighttime tooth grinding, or bruxism are available.  Advanced cases are referred to the appropriate specialist.

Dentures

Dr. Valachi is trained to treat patients who are missing all or a significant number of their natural teeth.  There are generally many options available to the patient, which we are happy to discuss with you.

Other Services

Please inquire with our office for specific information regarding our other services including pediatrics, dentistry for seniors, anti-snoring appliances, and others.

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