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All-on-4 implants are revolutionizing the way dentists replace missing teeth. For years, patients have been choosing dental implants as permanent tooth prosthetics. But instead of placing as many as 10 implants into the gums for traditional dental implants, all-on-4 implant therapy makes it possible to secure all of the teeth to just four dental implants. Unlike traditional implants, which are placed vertically, all-on-4 implants are placed at an angle, which increases their strength and allows them to better support multiple prosthetics. The benefits of all-on-4 implants are significant, including a faster single-visit implant placement process that is minimally invasive and usually prevents the need for bone grafting.

Did you know…

that all-on-4 dental implants are placed while you are fully sedated? That means that you will have little or no memory of the procedure; and because there are fewer implants, you are also likely to experience an easier recovery period. When you choose all-on-4 implants to replace your missing or damaged teeth, you will gain a permanent, non-removable solution that looks and functions like a real tooth. In many cases, all-on-4 implants can last for several decades, or even a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for all-on-4 implants?

You may be a candidate for all-on-4 dental implants if all or nearly all of your teeth are missing or badly damaged. Implants placed early after tooth loss can help prevent bone atrophy and also reduces the need for bone grafting. To find out more about all-on-4 dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist.

What should I expect if I get all-on-4 dental implants?

Your damaged teeth will be extracted to make room for your new implants. When the time comes to place your implants, you will be asked to avoid eating and drinking the night before and day of your procedure, as you will be fully sedated for its duration. A minimum of four implants will be strategically placed into the supporting bone beneath your gums. The gums will be sutured closed to allow the implants time to fuse with bone and heal. Several months later, you will return to have your tooth prosthetics secured to the implants where they will remain permanently.

Will I need to follow any special care instructions after I get all-on-4 implants?

Dental implants have a very high success rate, but there are some special care instructions you will need to follow after having them placed. It is normal to experience some pain and swelling after your procedure, though you may treat discomfort with over the counter medications or pain medications prescribed by your dentist. You may also need to rinse the treated area with a special solution several times each day and avoid using a straw. You may also be provided with an antibiotic and a list of temporary diet restrictions that will help you prevent infection.

Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure used to clear infected or damaged tooth nerve tissue away from the pulp chambers and canals of a diseased tooth. Infections occur when bacteria are allowed to enter the pulp – often due to untreated decay or a crack in the tooth. During a root canal, the tooth is opened and the pulp removed. Biocompatible cement is used to fill the tooth before it is often restored with a crown or other restoration.

Did you know…

that while most infected teeth are easily identified by the symptoms they cause, some produce no discomfort at all? It is important to visit your our office regularly for routine exams that may reveal diseased teeth that would otherwise go unnoticed. Failure to treat an infected tooth could result in pain, infection, abscess, or ultimately the total loss of the tooth. Worse, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, causing potentially life-threatening conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need root canal treatment?

You may need a root canal if tooth decay or a fracture has allowed the pulp to become infected and inflamed. Signs and symptoms to watch out for include temperature sensitivity, swelling, drainage, odor, pain, and discoloration of the tooth. It is important to treat infections quickly, as delaying treatment can result in severe tooth pain and abscess, as well as spreading to adjacent teeth.

What should I expect to happen during my root canal?

Dr Varano will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic and administer analgesia if needed. Once the tooth is numb, an opening will be made in the top of your tooth to access the canals and comfortably treat the tooth . You will return at a later date to have your tooth restored after Dr. Varano has discussed all of your options with you.

Will I need to follow any post-operative instructions following my root canal treatment?

You will be allowed to drive yourself home from your root canal visit and may even wish to return to work the same day. However, it is normal for your tooth to be sensitive in the days following your procedure. You’ll need to avoid biting anything with your filled tooth, as this can cause it to break or fracture. So long as the tooth heals normally and you experience no complications, you can return to your our office within a month to be restored. 

For nearly two decades, lasers have been used for restorative and cosmetic purposes in dentistry. Today, lasers are approved for safety by the Food and Drug Administration, and are a valuable asset in the treatment of many of our patients. Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. This energy can be used to achieve accuracy and precision  in a number of dental applications, including treating gum and periodontal infections by actually sterilizing the affected areas.  

Did you know…

that dental lasers offer a long list of benefits for patients and dentists? Specifically, laser dentistry has grown in popularity among patients because it is highly effective for reducing inflammation, bleeding and swelling during and following dental procedures. Many patients also report experiencing less pain when lasers are used as opposed to drills. For this reason alone, many patients experience less anxiety and apprehension before and during their dental appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I benefit from laser dentistry?

Possibly. Laser dentistry is generally not used in examinations and cleanings. However, for  biopsies , certain periodontal treatments, frenectiomies or tooth whitening, a dental laser could provide a better overall experience and recovery. To find out if laser dentistry is right for you, schedule an appointment to meet with Dr Varano and discuss your options for treatment.

What should I expect during a laser dental treatment?

As with traditional dental treatments, you will be anesthetized before having laser treatment. However, because dental lasers may help minimize discomfort, you may not require as much anesthesia as you would with a non-laser treatment and experience more rapid healing and recovery.

Do I need to follow any special care instructions after being treated with a dental laser?

Your post-treatment care will not differ from the instructions you would have from many other treatments. However, you may find that your recovery time is shorter and that bleeding is minimal immediately following your treatment.

Invisalign® is an orthodontic appliance system used to inconspicuously treat crooked and crowded teeth in adults and teens. This modern take on braces features a system of clear aligner trays that are worn at all times with the exception of during meals and when brushing or flossing. The trays are custom fitted to the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable when laughing, talking, and eating with other people. Patients receive a sequence of trays, each of which is slightly different than the one before. The aligners provide a slight resistance to the teeth, forcing them to move into alignment over time. With Invisalign®, adults and teens can achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted without feeling self-conscious about the mode of treatment.

Did you know…

wearing Invisalign® is in no way as restrictive as traditional braces? Many adults opt for this system not only because it is discreet, but also because there is no need to change your diet to avoid foods that could damage braces. This is because the Invisalign® system is free of braces and brackets, instead opting for a removable tray that can be taken out prior to meals. Also, Invisalign® fits well into busy adult schedules, as there is no need to attend frequent visits for wire tightening. Most patients simply change to a new aligner tray every couple of weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for Invisalign®?

If you have crooked or crowded teeth that are embarrassing to you or otherwise preventing you from achieving optimal oral health, Invisalign® could be the solution for you. Visit your Invisalign® dentist for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear orthodontics.

What should I expect during my Invisalign® treatment?

You will wear your aligners nearly all of the time, with the exception of about two hours per day. Invisalign® treatments are different for everyone, but most patients can achieve their ideal smiles within one to two years. During that time, you can expect to make occasional dental visits to monitor your progress.

Will I need any post-treatment care?

Following your treatment, you will no longer need to wear Invisalign® trays. However, you will need to wear a retainer each day to help protect your new smile. It is also important to continue visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and twice-yearly cleaning.

Dental imaging is a foundation of oral health diagnostics. Intra-oral cameras play a key role in office imaging, with many dentists using intra-oral cameras to detect the tiniest grooves, pits, cracks, and carries. Using a chairside unit and hand-held photographic wand, dentists can acquire images of the teeth from angles not previously available. These images can be used in treatment planning and also stored digitally for quick reference and easy transfer between care providers.

Did you know…

intra-oral cameras are capable of magnifying the teeth by 25 times or more? Images are displayed on an in-office screen, making it possible for patients to finally see the same views their dentists are seeing. For some patients, intra-oral camera images are the first time they have seen the inside of their mouths. Many patients enjoy becoming a part of the examination and treatment process, and they can better understand treatment recommendations and the importance of good oral care in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a visit to a dentist with an intra-oral camera benefit me?

By choosing a dentist with an intra-oral camera, you could be increasing the chances that you will find decay early enough to pursue conservative treatment options. Furthermore, you are more likely to leave your dental appointments feeling informed and aware of your oral health and how it is impacted by your daily habits.

What should I expect from intra-oral images?

Intra-oral images are painless and take only seconds to capture. Your dentist can take photos of an entire mandibular or maxillofacial arch in just two minutes or less.

Will I need more photos in the future?

If the early signs of decay are found on your intra-oral images, your dentist may obtain additional photos at subsequent visits for comparison. Monitoring the progression of decay can help determine whether treatment is necessary.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly 100 percent of Americans believe that a beautiful smile is an important social asset. Your smile is the first impression that others have of you, so why hide it? Cosmetic tooth whitening from Zoom makes it possible for you to whiten your teeth to a beautiful, natural shade of white in as little as one hour. Zoom is an in-office professional tooth whitening treatment that combines a proprietary whitening solution with a specialized light that helps remove surface stains and yellowing. Because the treatment is performed under professional supervision, the solution and treatment time can be adjusted and customized to fit patient needs.

Did you know…

that Zoom tooth whitening has been the choice of more than 10 million people? In fact, Zoom is the most requested professional whitening system in America. In just an hour, patients can achieve better results than are available with over-the-counter whitening treatments that can take several weeks to complete. With Zoom, patients get long-lasting, brilliantly white results that are unavailable with conventional whitening treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Zoom teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to enhance the appearance of the teeth and remove stains on the enamel and in the dentin. If you long for a whiter, brighter smile, Zoom teeth whitening could be right for you. Zoom is only available through dentists, so contact your dentist for more information about using Zoom to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of having.

What should I expect during my Zoom teeth whitening treatment?

If you and your dentist determine that you are a candidate for Zoom teeth whitening, you will first need to schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned. Once they are free of plaque and tartar, your dentist will place protective coverings over your lips and gums. The Zoom whitening gel will then be applied to your teeth for 15 minutes and a light placed over it to activate the gel. This cycle may be repeated up to four times, after which time your teeth may be lightened by as many as 6 to 10 shades.

Will I need to follow any at-home care instructions after I complete my Zoom teeth whitening treatment?

Yes. To maintain your whitening treatment results, you’ll need to avoid drinking highly pigmented beverages like red wine and coffee, as these can stain your teeth. You may also wish to switch to a whitening toothpaste that will help remove stains that can accumulate each day. If you receive a Zoom at-home touch up kit, use it to maintain your results according to your dentist’s instructions.

Our lab is proud to offer Valplast partials, a metal-free restoration that blends effortlessly with the surrounding teeth and other restorations. Valplast is made of a pliable nylon thermoplastic material that can be bent and moved in ways not possible with traditional acrylic partials. They are lightweight and highly resistant to everyday wear and tear – including drops.

The discreet appearance of Valplast partials has made them a popular choice for patients seeking esthetic benefits without sacrificing strength and durability. They tend to maintain their shape and appearance, and will not stain or absorb unwanted odors.

Why Choose Valplast?

As an oral health provider, there are many professional reasons to choose Valplast for your patients besides esthetics alone. Examples include:

We want to be your choice for Valplast dental lab services. We offer a streamlined fabrication experience, requiring only a bite registration and dental impression from your patients – no prep work necessary. Our lab technicians will work rapidly to produce your patient’s custom-made Valplast partials and return them to you as quickly as possible.

Valplast dentures will need to be cleaned daily and must remain moist at all times to avoid damage. Encourage your patients to soak their Valplast partials and brush the gums beneath the partials twice daily to remove bacteria and debris. Patients should also bring their Valplast partials with them to future dental appointments in your office to ensure they continue to provide a comfortable fit.

Full cast restorations are a classic choice for dentists and patients around the world. Full casts have stood the test of time, offering a beautiful and durable choice for crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays. A full cast restoration is composed of a gold alloy that – when properly cared for – can last a lifetime. In fact, full cast restorations are not only a strong and long-lasting choice, but they are also highly biocompatible with the gums. Dental patients have been shown to accumulate far less plaque and harmful bacteria along the gum lines of full cast gold restorations than along the gum lines of natural teeth.

Did you know…

that  people have been replacing or filling their teeth with gold for thousands of years? The metal is hard enough to form a long-lasting chewing surface, yet malleable enough to mold into a well-fit prosthetic. But durability and flexibility aren’t the only reasons gold has long been a popular choice for dental prosthetics. Gold restorations are also worn in some cultures, such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as a symbol of status and wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for full cast restorations?

If you need a crown or bridge, you are probably a candidate for full-cast restorations. The gold alloys are highly biocompatible and resistant to the plaque. However, full cast is not an option for you if you need a partial or suffer from metal allergies. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine whether full cast restorations are right for you.

What should I expect when being fit for a full cast restoration?

Your dentist will prepare your tooth for a crown or bridge before taking a wax mold of your teeth and bite. That mold will be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will carefully sculpt your prosthesis using high-quality gold alloys. The final restoration will be polished and returned to your dentist for permanent placement.

Will I need to follow any special instructions in caring for my full cast restorations?

Your new full cast restoration will stand the test of time. It will not corrode, nor are your gums likely to recede around your restoration. So long as you maintain good oral hygiene and continue to visit your dentist for periodic cleanings and exams, your restoration should last a lifetime.

Being able to offer the option of a full cast restoration is just one more way you can meet the needs of all your patients – not just the majority. Full cast crowns and bridges are the ideal solution for patients who desire high functionality, strength, and long-term durability. They can be made up of several different metal alloys and artfully molded into a crown that is well-fitting, gentle on surrounding teeth, and highly resistant to damage.

We are proud to offer beautiful full cast restorations – something not all dental labs are willing to offer. Our full cast restorations are biocompatible and easy on the enamel, and they have also been shown to be resistant to bacteria and plaque accumulation. They are also backed by the reliability and reputation that comes from more than 100 years of proven full cast success.

Restorations that Stand the Test of Time

Full cast restorations can stand up to decades of wear, and many of them last a lifetime. You may find that patients are more interested in full cast restorations if they prefer functionality and affordability over aesthetics. Gold is also highly compatible with most patients, including many who suffer with allergies to other types of metals.

For more information about full cast restorations and the types of alloys we offer, contact our lab today. We look forward to working with you soon.

TMJ disorders are complications associated with the temporomandibular joint where the jaw and skull come together. This joint, although small, can cause chronic pain and symptoms that make performing everyday tasks quite painful or difficult. The symptoms of TMJ disorders are different from patient to patient, with some reporting pain that comes and goes and others describing symptoms that persist chronically for many years.

Did you know…that TMJ disorders can occur at any point in life, but that they are most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years old? The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also reports that TMJ disorders are far more common among women than men. Though there is no way of knowing exactly how many people suffer from TMJ disorders (many go undiagnosed), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that approximately 10 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from TMJ conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible that I could need treatment for TMJ disorder?

Only your dentist can diagnose a TMJ disorder, but there are some signs and symptoms that could indicate the need to visit your doctor:

What should I expect during TMJ treatment?

If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, your treatment experience will vary based on your diagnosis. Your dentist may attempt to treat your disorder first using conservative methods like pain relievers or muscle relaxants. If you require further treatment, bite guards are another option. Joint injections may be used to reduce inflammation and prevent pain. Few people will require surgery for TMJ.

Will I need to make any lifestyle changes to help prevent complications of TMJ?

Yes. TMJ disorders are often worsened by stress and the habits that form as a result of stress. For example, if you have a tendency to clench your jaw or grind your teeth when under stress, you may find that your TMJ symptoms worsen during those times. Your surgeon may recommend taking steps to reduce your stress levels, perhaps using massage or physical exercises. You may also be advised to avoid gum and taking large bites of food during meals.