Preventative Care
X Preventative Care Details
Better gum and tooth health, and fresh breath.
One hour for current patients, and One and a half hours for New Patients.
None
No recovery time
Pain: None

Although twice-daily brushings and regular flossing are excellent for maintenance between office visits, regular examinations, cleanings, and even fluoride treatments, are an absolute necessity if you are to maintain a healthy mouth. Our staff will help you keep your teeth and gums strong and disease-free. To schedule a cleaning or consultation, please contact our office today.

Soft Tissue Management

If it has been a few years or more since your last cleaning appointment, you may require additional periodontal treatment through our Soft Tissue Management Program.  Most clients in our program start out with dental issues such as gums that bleed, sensitive teeth, and they may have bad breath. This program is an individualized plan that focuses on eliminating the infection of the gums and root surfaces through a series of therapy appointments.  Our hygienists always use state-of-the-art procedures to make your treatment sessions as relaxing and comfortable as possible.  Upon completion of the program, clients have disease-free gums, a fresher breath, and are educated in how to effectively maintain their oral health.  For clients that require many restorative or cosmetic procedures, it is absolutely necessary to have stable gums before beginning any treatment. For more information our Soft Tissue Management Program, please call our office today.

Periodontics
X Periodontics Details
Stable periodontal (gum) health with no bleeding gums, no calculus (tartar) build-up on gums and teeth, and more effective homecare. Follow-up appointments are given to each patient to maintain their periodontal health.
Varies depending on treatment. We have one hour, one-and-a-half hour, and two hour appointments.
None
Varies depending on treatment perfomed.
Pain: Some soreness may occur, but will disappear in a day or two.

Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to more than just an unsightly smile - it can cause loss of teeth and, eventually, if left untreated, serious health problems. Called gingivitis in its early stages, periodontal disease is caused by excessive toxic bacteria (found in plaque) that attack your mouth's soft tissues. Early warning signs of the disease include red, swollen, bleeding gums. If caught early, we can help you reverse some of the damage through our Soft Tissue Management Program. Or, if detected late, we can use one of many effective cosmetic dentistry procedures to restore your mouth to a healthy, beautiful state. Dr. Pournaras works closely with our Soft Tissue Management Therapists and a fully trained Periodontist who can help you achieve maximum oral health. For more information, please contact our office today.

Endodotics
X Endodotics Details
You save a tooth opposed to having it extracted.
One to two hours according to each individual case.
Some situations do require a referral to a root canal specialists.
Normally one to two days, maybe longer if related to trauma.
Pain: If diagnosed early immediate results. The more infection there is the longer the healing time.

Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp - which provides the tooth with nutrients and nerves - that extends down to the tooth's root. If the pulp becomes infected or injured, the tooth's nerves die and often, without endodontic treatment, the tooth dies as well. Root canals are designed to save such damaged teeth. During the procedure (performed under anesthesia), a gap is drilled into the tooth's crown and pulp chamber, diseased pulp is reshaped or removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed with a gold, porcelain, or tooth-colored crown. Dr. Pournaras works closely with a highly trained Endodontist. To learn more about root canals, please contact us today.

Extraction

In only the most extreme and necessary cases - such as when its roots are severely damaged beyond repair - we may extract a tooth in preparation for a restorative dentistry procedure, such as dentures or bridges. If you have any questions about tooth extraction, please contact us today.

Intraoral Camera

The intraoral camera is a revolutionary diagnostic dental tool allowing us to more easily identify potential problems within the mouth early on. The tiny intraoral camera can be inserted into a patient's mouth, taking pictures of the teeth and displaying the images on a computer screen. Using the intraoral camera saves time and makes problems easily visible to both patient and doctor. Patients can view the areas we will be working on, making procedures more understandable. The accompanying software also provides clear and accurate data so that the best treatment options can be selected. To learn more about the intraoral camera, please contact our office today.

Computer Imaging/Digital Photography

Thinking about having cosmetic dentistry but not sure if you're ready for the change? Computer imaging can give you a "sneak preview" of what you may look like after having the procedure of your choice. Using a digital photo, we can show you what your smile may look like with veneers or after tooth whitening. Being able to see a picture of how your results will most likely look can help you select the procedures that are right for you. Computer imaging is an exciting new tool that helps you have appropriate expectations and makes having cosmetic dentistry even more fun. To learn more about computer imaging, please contact us today.