Services of Merritt Island Dentistry

For over 150 years, cavities were filled with a mixture of metals, including silver and mercury. It was perfectly normal to see dark grey areas in someone's mouth when they laughed.

But today, you can get your cavities, as well as any other smaller hollow areas in your teeth, filled with composite fillings. Composite fillings are made from resins that are matched to your tooth's color - so they become invisible when applied.

Composite fillings also provide an excellent seal on the affected area, so that tooth decay can be prevented. The factors that go into our decision to use composite fillings include:

• The size of the area that needs to be filled
• The location of the affected area in the mouth (i.e., a tooth that is heavily relied on for chewing)
• Allergies the patient might have
• The preference of the patient regarding the use of metals in the mouth
• Whether it is necessary cosmetically to have a tooth-colored filling

If you are unsure about the type of filling to use, schedule an appointment today for a consultation.

Having one or more missing teeth can have a serious effect not only on your smile, but also on your dental health. Specifically, missing teeth can cause:

• A shift in the alignment of your teeth
• Increased risk of periodontal disease
• Increased risk of tooth decay

• Loss of adjacent teeth
• Speech disorders
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

What Are Dental Bridges?

Like dental implants, dental bridges are used to replace a missing tooth, except bridges are supported by the teeth on either side called abutment teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Bridges?

Like many cosmetic dental procedures, placing bridges also serves a restorative purpose. A dental bridge will improve your ability to chew and speak as well as your smile. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, dental bridges were shown to dramatically reduce the risk of losing teeth that are adjacent to a missing tooth. In addition, dental bridges can help keep your jaw and face from changing shape, as they tend to do when a person has missing teeth.

What Types of Bridges Are There?

• Cantilever bridges are used to replace a tooth that does not have supporting teeth on both sides of the affected area.
• Maryland bonded bridges include artificial teeth and gums, and are held in place by a metal frame.
• Traditional bridges are the most common, and literally bridge the gap of an empty tooth space by securing a false tooth using crowns on the teeth on either side.

How Are Dental Bridges Placed?

The procedure of installing a dental bridge is typically completed in two visits. First, your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. If you are, your teeth will need to be prepared by reshaping or reconstructing any badly decayed or damaged areas. Afterward, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which is then sent off to a lab where it is cast into a mold, and give you a temporary bridge to wear. On your second visit, this mold will be fitted to your teeth, and any necessary corrections or adjustments will be made on that same visit.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges can last from 8 to 15 years and can last even longer if you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

How Much Do Bridges Cost?

Depending on various factors such as the experience and skill level of the dentist and the type of bridge being fitted, dental bridges can cost anywhere from $250 to $2500 a tooth.

Are Bridges Covered By My Dental Insurance?

Dental bridges are typically partially covered by insurers. Ask your dentist to find out exactly how much you will have to pay out of pocket.

Depending on the type of treatment you have received for your dental problem, it might be necessary to:

• Have your tooth restored to its original size and shape
• Supply additional physical support for the treated tooth
• Get a complete "makeover" on the affected tooth

For cases like these, a crown is the most logical option. While inlays and outlays cover the chewing surface of the tooth and fillings fill in the empty interior space of the tooth, crowns completely cover every visible part of the tooth - which is why they are sometimes referred to as "caps." A part of your tooth remains but is essentially "rebuilt" to resemble the tooth at its exterior best.

While porcelain crowns certainly can improve the look of a tooth or multiple teeth, it is recommended only in conjunction with prior repair of the tooth - not simply for cosmetic purposes.

A visit to the dentist's office isn't just about checking for cavities anymore – there have been incredible advancements in the field of dentistry, and we have responded by expanding our range of custom dental care services to suit your needs.

We are always at the forefront of the latest research in dentistry and use the most up-to-date methods and technology to help our patients' achieve their desired smiles. At Merritt Island Family Dentistry, we frequently perform a wide variety of general dental procedures, so you can rest assured that yours will be performed by a skilled and experienced medical professional. With an arsenal of state-of-the-art equipment and an expert multidisciplinary staff dedicated to your dental health, we are in a unique position to offer best-in-class dental care.

Some of our procedures:

• Composite Fillings
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Bridges
• Dental Crowns
• Dentist
• Dentures
• Inlays and Onlays
• Restorative Dentistry
• Root Canals
• Teeth Whitening
• Tooth Extractions
• Veneers

Our commitment is to providing the highest quality of dental care for our patients, and we want to do the same for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

Whether from disease, malnutrition or genetic disorders, sometimes it is necessary for us to extract all of a patient's lower or upper teeth. While this can be devastating, dentures can provide a second chance at a beautiful smile.

Having complete dentures help with chewing as well as support one's facial structure and improve speech. With immediate dentures, you can have a full set of teeth while you are waiting for your gums to heal and your bone to realign after having teeth removed. This can take up to six months, so immediate dentures are a great alternative during that time.

Sometimes, complete dentures are not necessary. Partial dentures can replace a string of missing teeth, and are secured to your remaining teeth with clasps.

No matter which kind of dentures you choose, you can be assured to receive natural-looking dentures that match your facial structure and desired tooth color.

For more information or to receive a free consultation, please contact us today.

Inlays or onlays can become necessary to restore the cusp, or chewing surface, of decayed or fractured teeth. Usually made from gold or porcelain, inlays are used for minor restorations within the remaining tooth structure; onlays are used for more advanced decay and cover a greater restored area.

An inlay/onlay procedure is done in two parts:

• During the first session, the decayed area will be removed, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned, and the exposed pulp area is covered with filler. At this session, a mold will be taken of the tooth to create an exact fit, which will prevent further decay or fracture.
• When you return for the next session, we will have ready the inlay/onlay made from your mold, and it will be secured to the tooth.

Gold traditionally has been used for inlays and onlays because of its ability to be molded onto the tooth in a way that ensures minimal chance of additional decay. However, advances are such that the same effect can be had with porcelain materials, which are custom-made to match the exact color of the existing tooth.

In dentistry, crown and bridge refers to the restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. This is otherwise known as restorative dentistry.

Once we have examined your teeth and has evaluated your dental and medical history, we will be ready to provide a diagnosis and treatment options.

In instances where you need to have your tooth restored to its original size and shape, supply additional physical support for the treated tooth or get a complete "makeover" on the affected tooth, a crown would be your best option. For more information on crowns, please see our crowns page.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace missing a missing tooth. For more information on bridges, please see our bridges page.

To find out more about restorative dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call us today!

In the past, teeth with diseased nerves have been removed from the mouth. However, through a root canal, most of the diseased tooth can be salvaged. In most cases, the root canal procedure is a simple treatment that involves little to no patient discomfort.

Within the walls of each tooth, a strand of dental pulp – the substance that supplies the tooth with nerves, nutrients, connective tissue and blood vessels – laces downward into the root. If the dental pulp becomes diseased, the pulp dies, cutting off the nutrients and nerve signals which the tooth needs to be healthy. If the diseased pulp is left in the tooth, the tooth will become infected, forcing it to need extraction.

Root canals allow the dentist to remove the pulp, clean the canal and seal the tooth, effectively protecting and saving the tooth. After an opening is created through the crown of the tooth into the dental pulp chamber, the pulp is removed. The canal is cleaned out, and the pulp chamber is permanently filled. The dentist will proceed by putting in a temporary filling. Afterwards, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent filling or a crown, depending on the location of the tooth within the mouth.

Many people associate professional teeth whitening with movie stars and brides - but in fact, it is the most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry.

Stained or discolored teeth are very common among adults of all ages, and come from a variety of sources, such as:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Soda
• Tea
• Tobacco
• Some medications

Those of us with stained teeth tend to brush more vigorously; this can remove the enamel from your teeth, causing further discoloration and serious dental problems. Others use over-the-counter whitening kits, but they don't have the prescription strength and lasting effects of a professional teeth-whitening procedure.

The key to a long lasting, bright, white smile is to have them whitened by a cosmetic dentist before discoloration becomes too severe. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home procedure, you can be sure to receive solid advice, professional care, and a smile that will knock their socks off!

For residents of Merritt Island, veneers and other cosmetic dental procedures are provided capably and skillfully by the experienced professionals at Merritt Island Family Dentistry. Today's dental care includes a wide variety of cosmetic options for people who want a beautiful smile as well as a healthy one, and at our clinic we're happy to offer these options. Veneers can be a great way to have a bright and uniform smile again. Call us today and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

At Merritt Island Family Dentistry, we believe that feeling good about your smile goes a long way toward helping you feel happy and confident when you're facing the outside world. Part of ensuring that you feel good about your smile is keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but beyond that, there are many cosmetic procedures that can also make a significant difference. Veneers are thin coverings that go over the front of the teeth and help to correct such problems as discoloration, chips and cracks, and uneven spacing. Though their main function is cosmetic, they have the added benefit of providing protection. They're made of strong porcelain or resin composite material and are considered permanent, lasting 20 years or more. The procedure involves measuring the tooth you want treated by taking an impression of it for a mold, and then scraping a tiny amount of enamel from the front of your tooth to prepare it. The customized tooth covering is prepared in a laboratory, and when it's ready, it will be cemented to the front of your tooth. The whole procedure is usually done in two visits. Besides the porcelain or resin composite options, there is an option called Lumineers, which are made of a special type of porcelain and can be placed on the teeth without any preparatory scraping of the enamel. The procedure is rarely covered by insurance since it is considered cosmetic, but we do offer financing options to make payment easier for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

When you want Merritt Island veneers, you can have confidence in the knowledgeable and experienced care at Merritt Island Family Dentistry. Our personalized care and friendly atmosphere ensure that you'll have a positive experience with us. Call us today.