For the patient who loses sleep over the thought of going to the dentist we have "sleep sedation" available. We use I.V. Sedation and oral medication. This is where you are asleep for all dental procedures. Most treatment is completed in one or two visits. YOU WILL NOT FEEL ANY PAIN, FEAR, OR ANXIETY.

For those who prefer we also provide nitrous oxide, and have stereo headphones to help eliminate the sound of the handpiece.

The two major types of tooth whitening systems are in-office (active) or passive (bleaching your teeth at home while supervised by the dentist).

The tooth whitening at home involves wearing a custom-fitted appliance-containing tooth whitening solution. You wear this tray for usually one hour a day for a 7-14 day period or until you get the desired color for your teeth. This type of system is usually much more affordable than the power whitening in the office.

The various over the counter products give the least predictable results. The active system is done in the office "power whitening". This usually takes one to two visits of one hour each.

Teeth whitening are successful in 90% or more of patients, though it may not be for everyone. Consider teeth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, or tea stains or you were born with gray teeth. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to bleaching than stains caused by fluorosis (brown or white spots), smoking, or tetracycline (gray color). The second type of stains will lighten, but not as dramatically. If you have very sensitive teeth, or teeth with worn enamel, there are now bleaching materials designed specifically for sensitive teeth.

The active ingredient in the whitening process is hydrogen peroxide solution, which releases oxygen. The oxygen works on the teeth by breaking down the protein stains in the teeth without harming the tooth itself.

Lightness should last from 1 to 5 years, depending on your personal habits.

People, who smoke, drink a lot of coffee or tea will have results that do not last as long. However, it is easy to touch up their whitening after several years or for the special occasion.

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become, because every case is different. But you can realize a two to three shade improvement using a dental shade guide.

The success rate depends upon your involvement and your compliance. Whitening does not lighten caps or crowns or tooth colored fillings such as composite resins or porcelains.

There are several signs of gum disease that include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.

• Red, swollen or tender gums.

• Gum tissue that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth.

• Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger.

• Pain when chewing.

• Calculus or tartar buildup.

• Teeth that seem loose or that change position.

• Changes in your bite

• Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth.

• Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot and cold.

The type of treatment you require depends on how advanced your particular case is.

Yes, We accept all traditional dental insurance where you have a choice to go to any dentist you want to.

We perform all aspects of general dentistry including cleanings, fillings, caps, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, extractions, periodontal surgery, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry.

A. Cosmetic bonding is a term used to describe a number of procedures that involve bonding composite resin to the tooth. Cosmetic bonding can be used for cosmetic purposes such as repairing chipped teeth, closing gaps, restore decayed teeth. We can match the existing color of your teeth, or even change the color and shape of your teeth.

Bonding is most often completed in one visit, and is less expensive than crowns or veneers. Cosmetic bonding procedures may not require drilling or anesthesia. The material is applied, shaped, and hardened using a special light. The cosmetic bonding material is not as strong as a natural tooth, crowns, or veneers. The material may chip or stain, and may need to be replaced periodically.

A veneer, fabricated from porcelain, is a thin, semi-transparent “shell”, custom made to fit precisely over an existing tooth. It is like a porcelain fingernail that is placed on a woman's fingernail to make your nails look longer.

They are permanently bonded, held in place by a special resin that adheres the back of the veneer to the front of the tooth. The veneer is used to close spaces or gaps between teeth, restore broken or chipped teeth, or change the color of stained or discolored teeth permanently.

Bonding is when tooth-colored resin or enamel like composite material is adhered to teeth and sculpted into the proper shape. The material hardens and is polished to match the texture and color of natural teeth.

Bonding usually lasts from three to eight years, but may last up to 15 years.

Veneers may also last up to 15 years.

Bad breath is not an insignificant concern since most of the US population suffers from it at one time or another, and millions of dollars are spent on non-prescription products, such as sprays, mints, and mouthwashes to remedy the problem.

Most patients with halitosis are aware of their problem and treat it themselves with OTC products. When halitosis becomes so bad then the patient seeks the advise of the dentist.

Halitosis has its origins 90% of the time from the mouth. The most common cause of halitosis of non-oral etiology is a bacterial sinusitis. The primary cause of halitosis is due to poor oral hygiene in which food particles are not completely removed from the teeth and gums. Other major causes of halitosis are periodontal disease, tooth decay, bad fillings, or after oral trauma or oral surgery. We know how to treat your chronic halitosis by eliminating contributing dental disease.

"I have a lot of old silver fillings which have been in my mouth for at least 15 years and look like they are coming apart."

Silver amalgam fillings are made of 50% mercury and 50 % silver alloy which eventually needs to be replaced. Did you know that the average life span of a silver filling is about seven years. Your dentist can tell you when they need to be replaced due to breakdown, leakage, or recurrent decay.

If your concern is COSMETIC, there are many new methods available to replace the fillings with beautiful, functional long lasting restorations. There are white filling materials, porcelain inlays, porcelain veneers and crowns that can be used to give you the smile you want.

"I just went to a new dentist for a checkup. I asked him to check a cap that was put on one of my front teeth by my former dentist. He informed me that I did not have a cap on any of my teeth. I know my last dentist fixed a broken front tooth and said he capped it."

You have just experienced a very common misunderstanding that we see as dentists today. Terminology used in dentistry is not 100% uniform throughout our profession. Both dentist were probably "correct".

The word "cap" as used in dentistry by different dentists can refer to a number of different things. A pulp cap refers to a calcium containing dressing placed under a deep filling to stimulate healing. A full crown, made by a dental laboratory which completely covers the outside of your tooth is frequently called a cap. A partly broken tooth may be built up by your dentist in the office with a bonded filling material. This is called a cap or “crown” by some dentists. This sounds like what you probably had done.

"I cannot stand the sound of the drill. I think I need a root canal or a filling but I am scared to call a dentist. I feel like I am starting to get a toothache and I certainly don't want to lose my teeth. I have not been to a dentist for over 5 years."

Dental technology has come a long way over the last five years. We can use a technology called "sleep dentistry" whereby all your dental work can be done in one or two visits and when you wake up you will be at home. You can have a choice so that you will hear nothing and be totally comfortable.

Also, if you have a new cavity that requires a filling, there is “air abrasive equipment that replaces the drill for removing decay. It is quick , silent, and in most cases you do not need a shot of anesthetic because there is no heat or vibration to cause pain.

Our patients love it. It does not work for all cavities, but with your dislike of the drill and the noise you should see a dentist that uses these technologies.

Dr. Nolan replies personally to as many dental questions as he can within the existing time constraints of running a full time dental practice. As we are sure you know, the volume on the internet can be huge.