Dr. Kelly's Services
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns are used to cover a damaged tooth to improve the strength, shape, appearance of the tooth and improve the alignment of the tooth to the opposing teeth. A crown may be recommended if:
- a large filling needs to be replaced and there isn’t enough tooth remaining
- a weak tooth needs protection from cracking
- a fractured tooth needs a portion on the tooth replaced
- a bridge is being placed and needs proper support
- a dental implant has been placed and needs the chewing portion (the crown portion) placed
- you would like a discolored or poorly shaped tooth improved
- a tooth has been root canal treated
A bridge may be recommended if one or more teeth are missing. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments.
For both bridges and crowns, Dr. Kelly uses today’s advanced ceramic materials to achieve a natural look. He is committed to using local labs and will never send to “mega” labs that are often overseas.
Dentures
If you’ve lost your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance, function and your health. People often take for granted the ability to eat and speak. Dentures can restore what is lost when teeth are missing. Dentures are removable appliances that can be used to partially or fully replace teeth. There are a few options you may have when it comes to dentures:
- Conventional- This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
- Immediate- This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
- Overdenture- Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.
- Implant Retained Dentures- Implants can be placed where the roots of your teeth used to be to help stabilize your dentures. This provides the greatest amount of comfort and function for dentures.
Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. Active tooth decay is treated by removing the decayed portion of the tooth, the affected area is cleaned, and the cleaned out cavity is then filled with a white or composite filling material. The filling is also bonded to the tooth to strengthen the tooth.
Dr. Kelly places composite fillings that will match the natural color of the affected tooth and surrounding teeth.
Preventative Care
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. This helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more. When it comes to Dr. Kelly and his team, you can expect the following things at your dental visits:
A Thorough Cleaning
A dental hygienist will remove bacteria that builds up along and below the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Then he or she will polish and floss your teeth.
A Full Dental Examination
Dr. Kelly will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and surrounding tissues, looking for signs of disease or other concerns.
X-Rays
X-rays can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, tooth infections, cysts or tumors, and decay or cavities between the teeth.
Dentistry for Kids
Children are some of our favorite patients! We will take special care to make sure that every visit to our office is positive. We recommend early exposure to the dental office because it alleviates unnecessary future anxiety about the unknown and allows us to establish a positive relationship for the future.
Dr. Kelly recommends parents follow the “first visit by the first birthday” rule when answering the common question, “When should my child’s first dental visit occur?” It is very important to instill great dental habits for children at a young age, which include home care and periodic dental visits.
Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be of great benefit in improving the esthetics of your smile. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break down stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth a brighter white.
Teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons, but there are options to consider when it comes to bringing back those pearly whites. Dr. Kelly offers the most flexible option:
At-Home Bleaching
Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a tray that fits on your teeth. Dr. Kelly can custom make trays to be used whenever is convenient for you, and will make sure that you properly understand how to use whitening trays at home safely.
Digital Impressions
A variety of procedures require that impressions of the teeth be taken. Traditional impression techniques include sticky material placed on a tray that can be quite uncomfortable. Thanks to technological advances in the dental field, Dr. Kelly is now able to take impressions digitally. This removes the goop and difficulty that traditional impressions require.
Tooth Extractions
An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding. If you are experiencing pain or severe sensitivity you may need a tooth extracted. There are many options for tooth replacement that include dental implants, partial dentures and bridges. Dr. Kelly will explain and discuss with you what your best option is and allow you to make the decision that you are most comfortable with.
Endodontics / Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal therapy is necessary when the health of a tooth is in jeopardy, specifically the pulp of the tooth. For a variety of reasons, pulp can become infected and the solution to this infection is removal of that pulp. The nerve tissue and blood vessels are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned. The decontaminated canals are then filled with a filling material. This process restores the tooth and protects it from future infection.
Signs that you may need a root canal:
If your tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold food or beverages or hurts when you bite down, it may mean that the nerve within the tooth is unhealthy. Another sign of concern is discoloration of the tooth or swelling of the gum surrounding the infected tooth. In some cases, a tooth will have no symptoms, but a dental exam and x-ray will reveal a tooth that requires root canal.
Periodontal Treatment
More than 50 percent of Americans over 35 have some form of gum (periodontal) disease. In its earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At its worst, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Your first line of defense against gum disease is consistent at home care and regular dental visits. Dr. Kelly may be the first to notify you that there is a concern and will recommend what type of treatment is best – this may include a referral to a specialist.
Though a referral may take place, a joint effort between Dr. Kelly and the specialist will take place. Even if treatment is recommended and completed with a periodontist, Dr. Kelly will see you for regular care following that recommendation and treatment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth and can also be used to help stabilize your current or a new denture. Implants can be placed with local anesthetic during a relatively short procedure that will not affect adjacent teeth. They are fabricated using titanium and are placed where the roots of your teeth normally reside. Following the removal of the tooth, the implant is placed. After a healing phase where the implant integrates with your body, Dr. Kelly can place a crown that will match other teeth aesthetically and be solid and sound for use like natural teeth.
The process will involve a surgeon and Dr. Kelly’s expertise. You will be fully informed of all parts of the process prior to deciding to pursue treatment and will also be given other options that may be available for you to choose.
Clear Correct (clear braces)
Are you unhappy with the look of your smile? Do you want to correct dental misalignment but do not want to deal with metal braces? Then Clear Correct clear braces may be a solution for you! Dr. Kelly is a certified provider for Clear Correct, and is happy to assess your situation and provide options for you. Clear Correct provides a discreet option to straighten teeth and achieve the smile you’re wanting.
Many dental insurance plans cover some cost of orthodontic treatment and Clear Correct falls under that category. You may also be able to use HSA or FSA funds.