Services
South Beach Dentistry® provides a wide array of dental health and cosmetic services by Dr. Woodlock and her experienced staff. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine exam or a procedure, we perform a thorough examination to completely evaluate your teeth, gum tissue, oral health and smile. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and discuss any elective cosmetic dental procedures and/or options that would interest you in order to improve your oral health and smile.
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Bonding
Bonding can restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned, and it is an alternative to veneers.
How does it work?
The tooth is prepared by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a resin material is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by Dr. Woodlock. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed, and polished to create a natural appearance.
Considerations
The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit and can significantly improve the appearance of a tooth. However, since the plastic resin is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip, or break. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is needed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a foundation so that your restoration will look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Regain the ability to eat virtually anything, smile with confidence, and take comfort that your dental restorations will appear natural. Implants are tiny titanium posts placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation on which we place your restoration. In addition, implants restore underlying structures that make the face full and youthful, and they prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. If, like many patients, you feel implant dentistry is the right choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history assessment. During these consultation visits, Dr. Woodlock will talk with you to answer questions and explain the procedure. Your questions and concerns are important to us, and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth caused by bacteria. If left untreated, gum disease will gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Different disease entities require different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.
Adults over 35 lose more teeth from gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their lives. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by proper daily tooth brushing and flossing.
Periodontal disease and decay are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gum line, and it constantly forms on teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
The bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums and may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed. Prolonged irritation can cause the gums separate from teeth, which creates pockets (spaces) where the bacteria can spread rapidly. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to stroke, heart attack, and complications for diabetics and pregnant women.
The best ways to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, some people still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent progression.
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
- Veneers
Tooth Whitening
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think.
Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with one of our simple bleaching procedures. Dental bleaching can correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, brilliant smile.
In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be a better choice, but because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try. This treatment works on people of all ages and is a near permanent solution for a dull smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile to life. Just let us know at your appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile. We offer two types of whitening services in our office: in-office whitening and take home whitening.
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of silver fillings can wear down, become weak, or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth colored restorations.
Our in-office whitening system uses state of the art technology to whiten your teeth an average of one to eight shades in a little over an hour while you relax at our office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. Whether you decide to only do the in-office bleaching, or follow it up with nighttime tray bleaching, a whiter smile is a phone call away.
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. Tooth bleaching is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
Bridges
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper oral function. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your cheeks to cave and your face to look older because there is no underlying structure to maintain facial shape. Optimal dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders because teeth contribute to clear speech.
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Woodlock will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or nonprecious metal.
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance, because the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Extractions
One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth.
Here are some of the reasons a tooth may need to be extracted:
- Severe Decay
- Advanced Periodontal Disease
- Infection or Abscess
- Orthodontic Correction
- Malpositioned Teeth
- Fractured Teeth or Roots
- Impacted Teeth
Keep in mind, once a tooth has been removed, it typically requires replacement.
Removable Dentures
When a person has had all of their teeth removed we must make complete dentures for the person to wear. Dentures are an acceptable solution, but no match for our real teeth! Hence, we always try to save natural teeth. When the teeth are removed we are left with a ridge of bone on the upper and lower parts of our mouth on which we can put false teeth. The lower denture always takes a little more work for most patients to get used to for two reasons: lack of height of bone and presence of the tongue. The tongue increases in size in an edentulous mouth and it resists any change in the mouth. In the upper ridge however there is no such interference.
When a person has had all of their teeth removed we must make complete dentures for the person to wear. Dentures are an acceptable solution, but no match for our real teeth! Hence, we always try to save natural teeth. When the teeth are removed we are left with a ridge of bone on the upper and lower parts of our mouth on which we can put false teeth. The lower denture always takes a little more work for most patients to get used to for two reasons: lack of height of bone and presence of the tongue. The tongue increases in size in an edentulous mouth and it resists any change in the mouth. In the upper ridge however there is no such interference.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that we bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to have unsightly gaps between your teeth, or teeth that are stained, misshapen, or crooked. Veneers placed on top of your teeth can correct these common esthetic problems simply and quickly to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Woodlock will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
- Brush and floss daily
- Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks
Brush and floss as you normally would. Don't be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing ad flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good homecare regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal, and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists, please call the office.
If you are a known clencher, please be sure to let us know. Dr. Woodlock may recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
Crowns
Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to create undetectable dentistry. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like natural teeth. If a tooth is beyond repair, we can use porcelain or porcelain fused to metal crowns to enhance your smile. This extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems can permanently replace missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite.
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal. On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you’ll have a new beautiful tooth. Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused by accidents, diseases, or wear and tear. We can generally correct major problems with crowns or bridgework. The material we use is either high grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold. A higher strength of the porcelain and gold materials is recommended to treat serious problems. For lost or broken teeth, crowns and/or bridges offer a long-term solution.
Many people have unexplained pain from fillings in back teeth; this is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows full dental function to return. In front teeth, older fillings can weaken the teeth and cause appearance problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.
Inlays & Onlays
When over half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which matches the natural color of teeth.
Inlays and onlays require two appointments. During the first visit, the old filling or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a lab for fabrication. Dr. Woodlock will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Woodlock will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, bonded directly onto the tooth with special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. In some cases, when the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a good alternative.
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal therapy is sometimes necessary if the pulp of a tooth is diseased or injured, and unable to repair itself, it loses its vitality. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue of a tooth. The most common causes of pulp death are a deep cavity, a crack or traumatic injury to the tooth, which allow bacteria and their products to leak into the pulp.
Root canal treatment involves removal of the tooth’s pulp, a small thread-like tissue that is important for tooth development. If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root can be infected and an abscess can form resulting in pain, swelling and destruction of the supporting structures around the tooth, possibly leading to loss of one or more teeth. The tooth’s canals are cleaned, shaped and filled. Once completed, the tooth requires a permanent filling or a crown. Sometimes after a root canal is completed, a post is placed in the root of the tooth to give support and strength.
Tooth-colored fillings
We are a mercury free practice; however, many people have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in weakened tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are beautiful (or unnoticeable) and strong, thanks to new technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver Fillings
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of silver fillings can wear down, become weak, or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth colored restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
Resin fillings are bonded to the teeth, creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Unlike silver fillings which are mechanically retained, resin fillings conserve more tooth structure because they are bonded to the tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost due to the strong bond formed between the material and the tooth.
The result is a beautiful smile!
