To ensure every patient's safety, we have made very careful changes to our infection control procedures that may seem excessive. I want to ensure that coming into our office will be just as safe as entering your own home, if not safer. This includes protocols of installing medical grade HEPA-13 air filters, hospital grade disinfectants, sterilization protocols, and continued screening of every staff member.
Fillings Fillings are used to restore tooth damage caused by tooth decay. After removing the decay and cleaning the area the dentist adds filling material. Fillings are made from traditional amalgam (silver colored) gold, silver, or a composite (tooth colored). Composite fillings, in addition to being more esthetically pleasing, bond directly to the tooth surface unlike traditional fillings. Dr. Ausink works with each patient to determine which material will work best for that patient's long term dental health and esthetic desires.
Veneers Porcelain Veneers are composed of extremely strong and esthetic porcelain that permanently bonds to the tooth. Porcelain Veneers are used for: • Repairing tooth decay damage • Improving tooth alignment • Fillling gaps between teeth • Cosmetic reasons (Discolored Teeth)
Dental Crowns Crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth due to fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared the crown is placed to cover the remainder of the tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth structure and helps prevent future decay. Crowns also improve the tooth's look, shape, and alignment. Crowns are used to: • Restore a fractured tooth • Restore a tooth severely damaged by decay • Protect a tooth from fracture • Cover a discolored or unattractive tooth • Cover a dental implant • Anchor a bridge
Dental Bridge Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns, or implants, on each side of the bridge. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite and prevent teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal, or all ceramic. Ceramic bridge color is made to match your natural tooth color. Material choice will depend on structural requirements, wear, and esthetics. Bridges are used to: • Replace missing teeth • Prevent teeth from shifting • Correct bite issues due to missing teeth • Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite • Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)
Dental Implant Implants may be the best option for replacing a single or multiple missing teeth. An implant is a metal post that is attached directly to the jawbone. After the bone and surrounding tissue has healed an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. Implants provide superior benefits compared to bridge work as they do not depend on neighboring teeth for structural support. Implants are the closest dental structure in durability to natural teeth and have greater cosmetic appeal. Implants are used to: • Replace missing teeth • Prevent teeth from shifting • Correct bite issues due to missing teeth • Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite • Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)
Root Canal A root canal becomes needed when tooth decay is so badly neglected it reaches the tooth pulp. Once the pulp is infected it cannot heal on its own. Sometimes tooth trauma such as a fracture can lead to the need for a root canal as well. In addition to being painful, untreated infections can reach the root tip and compromise the entire immune system. Symptoms of pulp infections may be: • Sensitivity to hot/cold • Sensitivity to sweets • Pain, especially when biting • Swelling • Bad taste in the mouth
A root canal procedure includes cleaning out the infected pulp, disinfecting the canals and filling the void with a rubber like substance to prevent further infection. Sometimes a crown is recommended to restore the tooth shape, look, and to strengthen the tooth structure.
Use These Tips to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist
If you have a fear of the dentist, a routine cleaning can become a major source of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways that you can work to overcome your dental fears.
Talk to Your Dentist If you are fearful about your dental procedure, tell us during your appointment. This will help us decide the best approach for your appointment, and you'll feel more in control of your exam when everyone is on the same page.
Learn about the Procedure Knowledge is power, so knowing exactly what will happen during your dental procedure can leave you feeling more comfortable. It is your right to understand the work that is going to be done on your teeth.
Ask about Sedation Dentistry Many dentists recommend the use of laughing gas and other sedation methods for nervous patients. Contact us about potential options that could help you feel more comfortable about your appointment.
Work on Your Breathing Practicing yoga and meditation outside of the dental office can assist you with your dental appointments. Breathing techniques can help you to relax when you are sitting in the dental chair.
Prioritize Preventive Dentistry Preventive dentistry is a helpful way to prevent major dental problems that may involve more time spent in a dental chair. The more often that you go in for regular cleanings, the less likely it is that you will experience a greater dental problem that requires extensive treatment.
If you are living with dental anxiety, contact our office today for more tips on how to deal with your fears.
Federal Way Family Dental Care - Mo Mahoutchi, DMD, 2345 SW 320th Street, Federal Way, WA 98023-2568 ^ 253-838-6200 ^ ausinkdental.com ^ 9/6/2023 ^ Related Terms: dentist Federal Way WA ^
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