Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. They allow you to live the way you want to – confidently eating, smiling, laughing, talking, kissing and enjoying all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth.

They are necessary when the pulp or nerve of the tooth is infected or damaged. Root canal’s objective is to save the tooth by treating the infection. Once the nerve is infected Root Canal Treatment is required.

The only other alternative when a tooth’s nerve is infected is the extraction of that tooth.

Extraction services can be provided if the dentist determines certain teeth are beyond restorative care. Extraction services will only be performed after an X-ray has been taken and the dentist evaluates your clinical needs.

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

Smart Dental Designer’s professional will exam to make sure all information is present and up to date. Here is a list of what may take place at a complete oral exam:

– Updating medical history. Oral health and overall health have many correlations;
– Charting any missing, chipped, broken or decayed teeth;
– Charting any existing fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, root canals or prosthetics;
– Assessing the condition of previous dental restorative work;
– Checking for early signs of throat or mouth cancer;
– Checking the lymph nodes and neck for any signs of abnormalities;
– Assessing the position and occlusion of the teeth;
– Assessing the jaw joint and checking for signs of grinding or clenching;
– Gum measurements to check for gum disease;
– Dental x-rays to check areas between your teeth that aren’t visible during the clinical exam;
– Photos of your teeth as a reference point to check for changes to dental work over time;
– Recommendations for an oral self-care regiment at home and a treatment plan if any dental work is required/recommended;

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth. Complete dentures replace all teeth and removable partial dentures replace some teeth. By matching each individual’s unique smile and bite, dentures can improve facial appearance and self-confidence. Dentures may also improve speech problems caused by missing teeth and will improve chewing. The base of the denture can be made from either metal or plastic or acrylic, and the teeth are usually acrylic although porcelain teeth are sometimes used as premium teeth.

If you want to improve your smile, dental Veneers and Lumineers are the simple options. Veneers and Lumineers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth. Veneers and Lumineers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:

– Teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching;
– Chipped or worn teeth;
– Crooked or misshapen teeth;
– Uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth;

Veneers and Lumineers are made of either porcelain or composite resin material. Our Doctor will help you choose the material that is best for you. Each type of veneer has its own benefits.

The term that describes dentistry that aims to prevent the damaging effects of tooth decay and gum disease, generally caused by bacteria in the mouth. These problems can be dramatically deduced if not completely prevented, through proper dental care.

There are three levels of preventive dentistry. The first level is the use of a topical Fluoride gel. It prevents caries and is an example of Primary Prevention. A dental restoration is an example of Secondary Prevention. The last level is a fixed bridge and it is an example of tertiary prevention.

Preventive measure can do wonders for your dental health. Regular visits to Dr. Lopera will go a long way toward maintaining optimal oral health.