DENTAL CLEANING

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take only between 25 and 30 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning at Zen Diego Dental Arts includes scaling, polishing, oral cancer screening and oral bacterial screening to determine each patient's susceptibility to periodontal disease and dental decay. These are diagnostic tests that most offices don't offer, or charge an additional fee to perform.
Scaling: This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods.
Scaling is traditionally performed by hand. However, new and advanced technology has lead to more modern methods such as ultrasonic scalers and lasers. These sophisticated tools allow dental cleanings to be performed more effectively and in less time.

NIGHTGUARDS AND ATHLETIC BITEGUARDS

Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and in sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
If you have decided a guard is right for you, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you. In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles for your guard. Bite guards typically last for years.

DIAGNOdent

Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods like clinical examination or x-rays. Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, causing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
The Invisalign System works by first creating a series of trays that will each move your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.
As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.

ORAL HYGIENE CARE

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. This is especially true because of mounting evidence that periodontal disease is intimately related to such serious health issues like heart disease, Alzheimer's Disease and strokes.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
  
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
  
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
  
• Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
  
• Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area

IMPLANT DENTISTRY

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically positioned into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants typically cost a bit more than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last indefinitely. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To place implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

While many other dental offices are able to place crowns on implants, Dr. Walinski is proficient in both implant surgery and prosthetic rehabilitation, having developed several dental laser applications for oral implant placement for a more comfortable, faster-healing implant experience.

LASER DENTISTRY

Although laser dentistry is the very latest advancement in dental technology, Dr. Walinski has been using and teaching this technology for over ten years. Dental lasers treat a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities and gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in dentistry at Zen Diego Dental Arts are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpels and drills. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums. The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that swelling is decreased, there is less pain and faster healing when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

For more information on Laser Dentistry, please see the area on our web site devoted to this topic.

Soft Tissue Laser
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enables the dentist to treat patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.

Hard Tissue Dental Laser
Hard tissue lasers are used to remove old fillings, repair cavities, and prepare teeth for bonding. As with soft tissue lasers, they dramatically minimize discomfort and allow us to treat teeth with more precision.

X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images physicians and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays with up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and instantly sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

BONDING

Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First, the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with a blue light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.

DENTURES

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!

Complete Dentures - This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patient's mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jay. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth with metal or gum-colored clasps. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.

PAPERLESS CHARTING

In our effort to help our environment, Zen Diego Dental Arts is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized and even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.

INTRAORAL CAMERA

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.
With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, you will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.

SEALANTS

Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves on a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, so we will bond on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.

WHITENING

Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whitening stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and painless procedure ideal for most patients. Zen Diego Dental Arts offers two methods of whitening: laser whitening and tray whitening with Deep Bleaching.

Laser whitening is an ideal procedure for anyone wanting immediate results. Because the entire procedure takes place in our office in an hour or less, it is the perfect choice for busy individuals. In this process, a protective gel is applied to your gums. A special laser-activated gel is then applied to your teeth and a special laser device is used to enhance the action of the agent and shorten the actual activation time to 24 minutes. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.
Tray whitening is a whitening treatment you can use while in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth. We will first take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whitening your teeth. When your trays are ready to be picked up, we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays. We will jump start the whitening process with a short appointment in our office, but then the whitening trays should be worn each night while sleeping. At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling. Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.

TELESCOPIC LOUPES

Dr. Walinski performs all of his dental procedures while either wearing a pair of funny looking glasses or utilizing a surgical microscope. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing Dr. Walinski to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye. These are identical to those used in microsurgical procedures in operating rooms.

FILLINGS

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay or fracture, back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, Dr. Walinski will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, composite resin and porcelain. We will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

• Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years. Realistically, we rarely use this option to restore teeth.
  
• Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are tolerant to wear. However, due to their dark color they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth. Dr. Walinski never places silver amalgam fillings.
  
• Composite resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. White while fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. They may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
  
• Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings.
  

VENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the front of the tooth. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the front of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding. Direct veneers tend to pick up stain more than indirect veneers because the material is more porous. Also, since the material is not as hard as porcelain, direct veneers tend to wear more quickly, so they don't last nearly as long as their indirect counterparts.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth is removed, and the procedure is generally more comfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.

DIGITAL IMAGING

We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they’re ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.

ELECTRONIC CLAIMS

Zen Diego Dental Arts utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits you because the turnaround time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

CROWNS AND BRIDGES

Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to:

• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
  
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
  
• Restore a fractured tooth
  
• Attach a bridge
  
• Cover a dental implant
  
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
  
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment since the tooth becomes significantly more brittle following root canal treatment
  

A bridge is the traditional method used to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

LASER GUM THERAPY (LANAP)

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth. All these structures together are referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. More significantly, periodontal disease elevates the level of certain blood chemicals which are also seen in diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's Disease, strokes and even premature births. For this reason, gum disease is thought to be related to these and many other serious diseases.

Although there are often no symptoms, some signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. If the gum disease becomes more severe, it may need to be treated through laser surgery or even extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem. For more detailed information on LANAP, please see the section of our web site devoted to this topic.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
  
• Advanced periodontal disease
  
• Infection or abscess
  
• Orthodontic correction
  
• Poorly positioned teeth
  
• Fractured teeth or roots
  
• Impacted teeth
  

After careful examination and treatment, Dr. Walinski may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, we will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which we minimize by using low level laser therapy. This process decreases swelling and pain, and speeds healing. After a routine extraction, discomfort is normally completely gone within two to three days. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed to reach all the way to the dental pulp. Sometimes deep fillings or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own, even with antibiotics. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth.

Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the dead tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canals are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.