General Treatment
Today’s advanced dental treatments and materials can give you a healthier, more complete smile that can last you a lifetime. Your Rochester, NY dentists, Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White, can help revitalize and maintain your teeth and gums, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Daily home care and regular professional visits are necessary for optimal oral and dental health. Our office understands the importance of professional visits and recommends regular teeth cleaning visits twice annually. We follow proven recommendations and adhere to time-tested methods widely accepted in the dental field, however, know that each person brings their own unique perception, concerns, and expectations when it comes to their oral and dental health. We know that no single approach is right for everyone and will tailor your care specific to your needs.
Our office is committed to providing unparalleled care and to help guide you toward a more healthy and confident smile. We offer multiple locations as well as very flexible hours to help you achieve your oral and dental health care goals.
PROPHYLAXIS (TEETH CLEANING):
A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums around the teeth. It is an effective procedure for keeping the oral cavity in proper health and is an important dental treatment for decreasing the progression of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
The benefits include:
Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to remove potentially damaging buildup.
A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) can be indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of food debris left behind (possibly below the gum line) and potential gum infection, can result in bad breath.
The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our offices can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
Prophylaxis can be performed at our offices. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for people with a history of periodontal disease (see Periodontal Maintenance).
Unfortunately, like high blood pressure, periodontal or gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis and maintenance are the tools our hygienists and our doctors can use to effectively slow or even halt its progression.
DENTAL EXAMS AND CHECK-UPS
WHY GET A DENTAL EXAM?
Dental exams allow us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A DENTAL EXAM?
Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, as we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A DENTAL EXAM?
At a typical dental exam, our team will review your medical history and ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush and floss, if you use a power toothbrush, if you use a toothpaste with fluoride, and if you rinse with a mouthwash. We will examine the health of your gums as well as check for any signs of tooth decay or destructive tooth wear. Depending on our findings, we may take some x-rays to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. In most cases, we will then thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any deposits, called tartar or calculus, as well as any surface staining using the assistance of professional dental instruments. Lastly, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR A DENTAL EXAM?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth.
There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent most periodontal conditions from starting and also from worsening.
WHY IS ORAL HYGIENE SO IMPORTANT?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help slow or prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS INCLUDE:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medication
- Poor nutrition
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
PREVENTING GUM DISEASE
The best way 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, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Non-surgical periodontal therapy, also known as scaling and root-planing, conventional periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning, is the first line of defense in fighting periodontal disease. It is a procedure involving the removal of dental plaque and calculus (scaling or debridement) and then smoothing, or planing, of the exposed surfaces of the roots of teeth below the gum line. The goal is to remove infected cementum or dentin that is impregnated with the toxins and microorganisms that cause inflammation and the progression of periodontal disease.
Due to the deeper nature of the therapy and depending on need, a patient is usually numbed and only a quarter or half the mouth is treated at a time. After all the affected areas have been treated, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to re-evaluate the gingival (gum) health and to determine if any additional intervention is needed. Depending on the results of the initial therapy, more aggressive intervention may be necessary as well as a referral to a Periodontist (gum and bone specialist). Additionally, a shorter re-care period is typically recommended and is scheduled for every 3-4 months (Periodontal Maintenance).
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth.
Sealants effectively "seals" the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can't reach.
Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is the pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the gums around a tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.
HOW IS A ROOT CANAL PERFORMED?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in greater than 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine. In some instances, if treatment proves to be difficult, you will be referred to a root canal specialist.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, the tooth will require a filling to complete the process and return the tooth to normal function. We will decide together on what type of restoration is necessary to best protect your tooth. It is typically best to have the tooth restored in a timely fashion to help prevent any complications such as a cracked tooth.
It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
You and Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White may determine that you need a tooth or teeth extracted for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. Extractions are usually reserved as a last resort and in most cases, to avoid these complications, Drs. Palermo, Malatesta, Valerio, Molisani, Geminiani, Goodyear or White will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement options for the extracted teeth.
THE EXTRACTION PROCESS
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth and surrounding jaw bone and gums with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
SECTIONING A TOOTH
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections, then removes each section one at a time.
AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and to begin the healing process. To minimize any complications, you will be given gauze and written post-operative instructions at the end of your appointment. You may also find these instructions by clicking here.
This page is currently under development. Please check back later for information about Night (Brux) Guards.
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Did you know that we provide SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA therapy at Cornerstone Dental LLP?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep. Common symptoms often associated with OSA are habitual loud snoring and nocturnal breathing pauses, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and excessive daytime sleepiness. Dental sleep medicine is a field in dentistry dedicated to the use and research of oral appliance therapy for the management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy is a noninvasive alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Oral appliances are commonly used to reposition the lower jaw forward to increase upper airway patency. For more information about sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy, please contact Cornerstone Dental LLP at (585) 865- 7030.
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in 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 function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Where damage to a person’s teeth is extreme, and beyond repair with a dental filling, we can use porcelain or porcelain “fused to metal” crowns to make the smile appear “as new”. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe of dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 20 to 30 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIT A DENTAL CROWN?
Fitting a lab fabricated 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 have a new beautiful looking tooth.
KEY BENEFITS OF DENTAL CROWNS
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems
WHAT ARE THE CAPABILITIES OF CROWNS?
Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected using these techniques. Material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to a metal. A higher strength of porcelain and gold materials is recommended to treat the most serious of dental problems. Where accidental damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, or where teeth have broken away through excessive wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, crowns and/or bridges can be used as a long-term solution.
Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both 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.
DENTAL BRIDGE OPTIONS
A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to perform these functions. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. They are a series of crowns all fused together. Fixed bridges are bonded or cemented into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges (partial dentures), as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
WHY DO I NEED A BRIDGE?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a tooth may cause other teeth to shift or tip, your mouth to sink, and your face to look older.
Dental health is one of the most important reasons 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 as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
HOW IS A BRIDGE ATTACHED?
Lab fabricated bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
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.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED?
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 non-precious metal.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDGE?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface or if one or more of the cusps of a tooth is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth.
WHAT ARE INLAYS AND ONLAYS?
Inlays and onlays are restorations that can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth typically with a fluoride-containing cement. This can help prevent recurrent decay.
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 can potentially match the natural color of your teeth. These restorations allow the tooth to remain intact and stronger.
HOW ARE INLAYS AND ONLAYS APPLIED?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced 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 made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary restoration on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed. Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White 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.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INLAYS AND ONLAYS
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
These restorations are very strong and when made of porcelain, esthetically pleasing!
THE CEREC PROCEDURE
Let’s face it, very few of us have perfect teeth, free of decay and fillings. You can probably see a filling or two in your own mouth, which do just that — “fill” a cavity, or hole, in your tooth left from the excavation of decayed tooth structure. In many cases, those fillings are made of metal material and can go bad, weaken the tooth, or get additional decay under or around it. In fact, 1.2 billion of these metal fillings will need to be replaced in the next 10 years. CEREC is a method used by thousands of dentists worldwide since 1987 not only to replace these fillings, but also to restore any tooth that is decayed, weakened, broken, etc. to its natural strength and beauty. Better yet, it’s done with all-ceramic materials that are tooth-colored in a single appointment!
Exam and Preparation
First, your Dentist examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgment of your Dentist. Next, he or she administers an anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like he or she would do for many other restorative techniques.
Optical Impression
Then, your Dentist takes an Optical Impression of the prepared tooth. Instead of filling a tray with impression “goop” that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, your Dentist coats the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth. This whole Optical Impression process takes only a minute or two.
No Temporaries
Next, the CEREC machine helps the Dentist create the restoration for your tooth. The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. Your Dentist then uses his or her dental expertise to design the restoration using the CEREC 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, your Dentist clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office. A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine. About 10 – 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. Finally, your Dentist tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite. The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth. Your tooth is restored with no “temporary” or return trip necessary. All of this is done in a single appointment! Ask us about CEREC today.
What is CEREC? CEREC is an acronym…
- Chairside: The technology is in the dental operatory and used while you are in the chair
- Economical: The procedure is economical for both dentist and patient
- Restorations: The procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength
- Esthetic: The restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored
- Ceramic: High-strength ceramics are used that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure.
CEREC is an advanced dental restorative system that allows your dentist to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective amalgam fillings, or place cosmetic veneers in just one appointment. This allows you to have the highest quality, most lifelike dental restorations in just one visit to the dentist…in, out, and on with your busy life.
CEREC Acquisition Unit
The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a medical grade computer and the CEREC camera. Your dentist uses the camera to take a digital picture of your prepared tooth. This picture is used instead of a traditional impression. This means no impression tray and material for you to gag on. The computer and CEREC 3D software converts the digital picture to a three-dimensional virtual model of your prepped tooth. Your dentist then designs your restoration right on screen using the software while you wait (and watch!). This software can assist your dentist with designing any single tooth restoration: crowns, inlays (fillings), onlays (partial crowns), and veneers. Once your dentist has designed your restoration (usually about 5 minutes), he or she clicks a button, and the design data is communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC Milling Unit.
CEREC Milling Unit
Your dentist or dental assistant selects a ceramic block that matches the shade of the tooth being repaired. He or she then inserts the block into the Milling Unit. The data from the Acquisition Unit is used to direct two diamond-coated burs to carve the block into the indicated shape of the restoration. This process usually takes 8 to 18 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration. After the milling is finished, your dentist polishes the finished filling or crown and bonds it into place.
CEREC® is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems.
WHAT IS CEREC® USED FOR?
INLAY RESTORATION
Often, patients with amalgam fillings will exhibit amalgam breakdowns and damage to the tooth structure as recurrent decay creates stress fractures on the enamel. Unlike most laboratory-created crowns, CEREC® inlay restorations stabilize the integrity of the tooth. CEREC® materials ensure maximum bond strength and enhance appearance, resulting in your desired smile. CEREC® inlay restorations form a smooth, tooth-colored replacement of dental material lost to cavities. Using ultramodern CAD/CAM technology, CEREC® inlays mimic your tooth’s color and structure exactly.
ONLAY RESTORATIONS
Silver amalgam restorations regularly result in unsightly crowns and the necessity of replacement over time from recurrent decay. Rather than replace the old amalgam, CEREC® onlays are placed on the tooth to retain the original structure and create a more natural look. Onlays, or partial crowns, are more extensive than inlays, and cover the bumps on the tooth surface. The enamel-like material of CEREC® mimics the appearance and feel of real teeth.
CROWNS
Patients who lose fillings often need replacement crowns, which can take up to three appointments to fill in. CEREC®, however, mirrors the appearance and feel of a normal tooth and only requires one visit to install. Crowns, or tooth-shaped caps placed over teeth, restore the damaged tooth to its original shape, strength, size or appearance. CEREC® crowns preserve a healthy tooth structure while restoring your natural smile.
VENEERS
Teeth that have been repaired with compacted composite material often break down, resulting in chipped teeth. CEREC® veneers correct the incisal length and angle, restoring the tooth to its original appearance in only one visit. Veneers, or thin laminates of tooth-colored porcelain, are bonded to the front of teeth, covering the front surface and resulting in an improved appearance. The veneers produced by CEREC® are custom-designed for each tooth to provide an exact match.
MULTIPLE RESTORATIONS
In the past, patients with multiple failed restorations typically required several appointments to achieve a full restoration. With CEREC®, however, multiple inlays and onlays can be fabricated, bonded, polished and installed at once. CEREC® technology completes the multiple restorations in one visit, resulting in a beautiful smile in a fraction of the time.
CEREC BENEFITS
How does CEREC compare to other restorative materials?
***Below are generalizations and merely provided to demonstrate the differences between restorations. Please ask us to discuss the benefits and limitations of each restorative option.***
Dentures
Our office understands that each person brings their own unique perception, concerns, and expectations when it comes to dentures. We know dentures are not a one size fits all solution and will work with you to design and deliver exactly what you need, want, and deserve. Whether you are new to dentures or are looking for options, our office is committed to help guide you toward a more confident smile.
Our doctors utilize a time-tested process requiring several short visits to achieve the best fitting, most comfortable and esthetic result possible. We encourage that you be involved in the selection, position, size, and shade of your teeth to ensure the beautiful smile you leave with is the one you’ve always wanted and deserve.
A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.
- A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
- An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
- An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
- A lower denture is made of the same acrylic but is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
The teeth are almost always made of plastic, but can be made of porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
A removable partial denture is designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient and can replace one or more missing teeth. A natural appearance and speech clarity is restored along with the ability to eat more efficiently.
PARTIAL DENTURE TYPES AND MATERIALS
Partial dentures are created out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture and every effort is made to construct a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues.
Daniel Palermo, DDS, Marc Malatesta, DDS, FAGD, Matthew Valerio, DDS, Michael Molisani, DDS, Alessandro Geminiani, DDS, MSc, MS, Peter Goodyear, DDS or Gregory D. White, DDS will design your partial denture so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface are of the remaining teeth and soft tissues. Changes to your remaining teeth may be recommended to help equalize these forces.
Metal partials are generally preferred as they are structurally superior. They are thinner and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are typically used as a transitional or temporary partial. Daniel Palermo, DDS, Marc Malatesta, DDS, FAGD, Matthew Valerio, DDS, Michael Molisani, DDS, Alessandro Geminiani, DDS, MSc, MS, Peter Goodyear, DDS or Gregory D. White, DDS will consult with you to determine the appropriate partial for your situation.
BENEFITS OF PARTIAL DENTURES
A removable partial denture may help limit movement of your existing natural teeth. They also allow you to better grind and chew food improving digestion.
An immediate denture may be the best solution when complete extractions of your remaining teeth is unavoidable. An immediate denture will allow you to avoid the embarrassment of living without teeth. We will begin the preparation for this procedure before your teeth are extracted.
The first step is taking impressions of your existing teeth and gums to create accurate duplicates for placement after tooth removal. At your extraction appointment, your immediate dentures are inserted creating a natural smile you can be proud of.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IMMEDIATE DENTURES
In most immediate denture cases, because the dentures are fabricated prior to the removal of teeth, we have no way of checking the fit or look of the denture in your mouth prior to extraction. Depending on your condition, some minor esthetic compromises may have to be made to compensate for inadequate space or structural concerns and unforeseen changes that occur during healing. Due to this, it may be difficult to fabricate a perfectly fitting denture with an ideal esthetic outcome.
In most cases, minor concerns can be corrected. In some instances, a new set of more definitive dentures may need to be fabricated upon completion of the healing process.
AFTER EXTRACTION
Great care should be taken to follow all postoperative instructions. After extraction, your gums and bone will change shape and regular check-ups and maintenance will monitor healing and reduce problems. Temporary linings or tissue conditioners may be required to create an optimal fit and may need to be adjusted or replaced a number of times during the healing period. A permanent reline will be required to ensure a comfortable and an exact fit after you have completed the healing process.
- The professionals at Cornerstone Dental LLP will advise you of the procedure that best suits your individual needs.
- Temporary liners, tissue conditioner and relines are additional services and may have separate fees.
- Consult our practice with questions about the benefits of an immediate denture.
- Call today for a Denture Consultation Cornerstone Dental LLP Phone Number 585-865-7030.
REPLACING MISSING TEETH WITH IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES:
Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. A single missing tooth can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws as well as cause headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance.
In cases where you have to have all the teeth in an arch removed, dentures are a solution. As many people know, dentures may not be the most comfortable as they can move around while you talk and chew. Many people cannot tolerate wearing dentures for this reason. We can help!
The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained overdenture.
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
WHAT IF I’M MISSING ALL OF MY LOWER TEETH?
Ball Attachment OverDenture:
One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Bar Attachment OverDenture:
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Screw Retained Denture (Hybrid)
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a more “permanent” denture prefer this option.
WHAT IF I’M MISSING ALL OF MY UPPER TEETH?
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
IMPLANT BENEFITS:
- Improved confidence
- Stability during eating and speaking
- Bone and gum preservation
- Improved dental hygiene
- Superior esthetics
- Nutritional benefits
Your dentures are an investment and require care and attention to maintain their optimum performance. The fit of your dentures will have a profound affect on your oral tissues and health and your ability to speak and chew properly. An annual examination by Daniel Palermo, DDS, Marc Malatesta, DDS, FAGD, Matthew Valerio, DDS, Michael Molisani, DDS, Alessandro Geminiani, DDS, MSc, MS, Peter Goodyear, DDS or Gregory D. White, DDS will help ensure your denture is functioning properly.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL HISTORY
Updating your medical and dental history with any significant changes is critical to maintaining your oral health and well-being. A variety of medical and dental conditions can alter a dentures fit.
ORAL EXAM
Annual examinations can assist in detecting oral abnormalities including cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Early detection of these conditions is generally beneficial for treatment.
TISSUE AND BONE
Ill-fitting dentures may cause bone and tissue changes and need to be corrected for your oral health. Our practice can assess and recommend solutions to suit your personal needs.
COMFORT, FIT, AND INTEGRITY OF DENTURES
Bite problems, speech impediments and tissue irritations can be caused by an ill-fitting denture and should be remedied. Leaving this condition unchecked can lead to complicated situations in the future. Daniel Palermo, DDS, Marc Malatesta, DDS, FAGD, Matthew Valerio, DDS, Michael Molisani, DDS, Alessandro Geminiani, DDS, MSc, MS, Peter Goodyear, DDS or Gregory D. White, DDS can assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth and suggest solutions.
OVERVIEW OF EXAM
- Update of medical and dental history chart
- An examination of your oral cavity
- Tissue and bone assessment
- Denture stability and bite examination
- Cleaning and polishing of your denture
- Oral hygiene review
New dentures will typically fit your mouth very securely as it has been designed specifically for your gums. As time goes on, your gum tissues will change and the fit of the denture will become more loose and thus more prone to movement inside your mouth. Having the denture professionally relined every one to two years will keep the denture secure and functional.
HARD RELINE
All full dentures should have a hard reline every two years. Cornerstone Dental LLP removes a layer of plastic from the dentures interior surface, and then fills the denture with a putty-like material which conforms to the contours of your mouth creating an accurate impression. The denture is sent to the lab where it is adjusted to the new shape of your gum tissue. This results in maximum contact between the denture and your mouth.
SOFT RELINE
Some patients are unable to wear ordinary dentures because of tender gums or sore spots. Cornerstone Dental LLP may recommend relining the denture with a material that stays pliable for one to two years before needing replacement. This material is much less likely to give the patient sore spots than the standard hard reline acrylic. Patients experiencing these problems may also consider a more permanent solution of implant retained dentures.
TEMPORARY RELINES
If dentures have not been serviced in quite some time, a patient’s gums may be red, swollen, or misshapen. This creates problems in taking impressions for a new hard or soft reline and may lead to a denture that would perpetuate the problem.
A temporary, or palliative (medicated) reline material may be recommended to allow the inflammation to subside. This reline makes the denture fit much more tightly, and is usually soft and pliable. After a few weeks, the gums return to a more normal state. The patient is then ready for a new denture or a more definitive hard or soft reline.
REBASE:
Rebasing may be recommended when the teeth of your denture are still in good condition and have not worn out in comparison to the denture base material. Rebasing is the process of replacing the entire acrylic denture base providing a stable denture without replacing the denture teeth. A rebase for a denture maybe required if your denture is old or is cracked. A rebase is very similar to relining, the difference being that, a rebase replaces all the pink-acrylic denture base material instead of just the part that touches the gums.
Reasons for the rebase procedure may include:
- Broken or damaged denture
- Weakened or old pink denture base
- Replacement of an immediate denture
DENTURE REPAIRS:
A variety of circumstances can lead to a damaged denture and should be addressed immediately. Repairs restore a fractured or damaged denture close to its original condition. Cornerstone Dental LLP can often provide denture repair procedures on a same day basis. Cornerstone Dental LLP will advise you of the condition of your denture and will recommend steps needed in preventing further breakage.
A soft liner is a layer of soft, pliable material that is fitted between the surface of a denture and your oral tissues. It absorbs shock between the hard base of your denture and your gums. Soft liners can be used when creating new dentures or retrofitted into existing dentures.
Permanent soft liners provide comfort and relief for individuals with receded and flattened gum tissues that don’t respond well to the stress of dentures. They may also be a suitable solution for patients with chronically sore gum tissues or gums with sharp bony areas.
ADVANTAGES
- More comfortable to use
- Virtually all patients respond well to soft liner materials
- Easier chewing
- A proven technology with over 20 years of innovation
Soft liners require regular follow-up visits with Cornerstone Dental LLP to examine the fit of dentures and general oral health.
Dental Fillings & Sealants
It is important to restore (fix) these cavities in your teeth, Teeth are important for eating, smiling, and speaking. A cavity left untreated could lead to infection, causing pain and even serious medical complications, and possibly damage the permanent tooth.
White fillings are one treatment option for teeth with cavities. Composite materials come in a wide variety of shades to closely match the color of your teeth and allow them to look as natural and as beautiful as possible when you talk, laugh, or smile.
When indicated, we restore your teeth with the safest and longest lasting resin-based composite materials available.
Composite is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound once cured. A key advantage of these bonded composite fillings, as compared with other dental restorations (such as amalgams or “silver fillings”), is that they are a more conservative approach to restoring your teeth in that they require less of the healthy part of a tooth to be removed to hold the filling in place. These restorations are bonded to the teeth and when placed properly, blend in seamlessly for an incredibly durable and extremely esthetic result.
This type of treatment only requires one visit. The cavity is thoroughly removed and the tooth is conservatively restored to its original condition and appearance.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel!
Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of mercury with at least one other metal. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative material, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.
Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains malleable for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. Amalgam restorations can possess greater longevity than other direct restorative materials, such as resin-based composite materials (white fillings). On average, most amalgam restorations serve for 10 to 15 years, whereas composites serve for about half that time. However, with recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, it should be noted that this difference is decreasing significantly.
Disadvantages of Amalgam Fillings:
Amalgam fillings have some drawbacks. We understand that these fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye. They can also stain the teeth causing them to look darker. We know that by unavoidable design, these fillings, when older, ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure as the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. The edges of the these fillings can also wear down, become weak, and/or break. This results in the tooth not being as protected and can allow a cavity to begin or cause the tooth to chip or crack.
There are circumstances in which composite restorations serve better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal (biting surface) restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of more sound tooth structure, as well as in “enamel sites beyond the height of contour.”
The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth.
Sealants effectively "seals" the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can't reach.
Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.
Request An Appointment
The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please complete and submit the request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you soon to confirm your appointment. And we have two locations to choose from.
Please note this form is for requesting an appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule an existing appointment, or if you require immediate attention, please contact our practice directly. There are many ways to communicate with our office. Please choose the method most convenient to you.
MAILING ADDRESS
Cornerstone Dental LLP
3770 Mt. Read Boulevard
Rochester, NY 14616
Phone: 585-865-7030
Fax: 585-865-1425
E-MAIL:
info@cornerstonedentalny.com
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 7:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday: 7:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am - 1:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White provide many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Please call us at Cornerstone Dental LLP Phone Number 585-865-7030 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
ONLINE MAP & DRIVING DIRECTIONS
If this is the first time you have visited our Rochester office, the mapping service below will assist you in finding our location. Simply fill out the form below, and you will be presented with directions that include a map, the travel time, and distance. If you need any additional information, please contact us at Cornerstone Dental LLP Phone Number 585-865-7030.
MAILING ADDRESS
Cornerstone Dental of Henrietta PLLC
2104 E Henrietta Rd
Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: 585-334-8350
Fax: 585-334-0390
E-MAIL:
info@cornerstonedentalny.com
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8:00am - 1:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White provide many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Please call us at Cornerstone Dental of Henrietta PLLC Phone Number 585-334-8350 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
ONLINE MAP & DRIVING DIRECTIONS
If this is the first time you have visited our Rochester office, the mapping service below will assist you in finding our location. Simply fill out the form below, and you will be presented with directions that include a map, the travel time, and distance. If you need any additional information, please contact us at Cornerstone Dental of Henrietta PLLC Phone Number 585-334-8350.