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The professional staff at the office of Dr. Fey takes great pride in their ability to provide state of the art dental services. Dr. Fey has completed many hours of post-doctoral training in many disciplines, including masters courses in Endodontic Therapy (Root Canal Treatment), advanced training the treatment of tempero-mandibular Joint (TMJ) and occlusal (bite related) diseases, Cosmetic Dentistry (white fillings, veneers and bleaching), and the use of safe and effective medications to provide patients with the most comfortable and efficient dental treatments available. SERVICES
For our patients who find themselves outside our area with a dental problem, there is a network of dentists who will gladly take on any emergency that might arise, like re-cementing a temporary. In most cases, these simple treatments will be performed at no charge. Click here for more information on the Dentist Network.
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are cause for concernince. Since July 1998 mounting evidence has linked periodontal disease with a higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births and respiratory disease. For more information on periodontal disease you may go to the American Academy of Periodontology at: www.perio.org/consumer
Composite and White Colored Fillings
A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled will glass (silicon dioxide). Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements by changing the color or shape of the teeth. After the preparation of the tooth, the composite restorations are bonded to the tooth, which allows for smaller amounts of tooth structure to be removed during the filling preparation, and then hardened with a special bonding light. Bonded fillings help to support the remaining tooth, which prevents future breakage and insulates the tooth from excessive temperature changes. The color is matched to the tooth and looks like it has never had any filling. Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings.
We now have technology to find cavities which has been tested to be accurate 99% of the time. Prior to this FDA approved device, the only way we were able to tell that there was a cavity, would be to stick the explorer into a groove. Research has shown that this method was inaccurate 76% of the time. Of course by detecting cavities in their earliest stage, you benefit by less invasive treatment.
Caries detection - Dental x-rays
Radiographic or x-ray examinations provide us with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, it's roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses and abnormal growths. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination. New patients require a full set of x-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease and for future comparison. Follow- up patients may require x-rays to monitor their gum condition or their chance of tooth decay. We are sensitive to our patients concerns about exposure to radiation. Dr. Fey prescribes radiographs when they are appropriate, and tailors radiographic schedules to each person's needs. We use state-of-the-art technology and procedures to minimize your exposure to radiation.
When a filling won't provide enough support for the tooth, and there is enough healthy tooth structure that a crown isn't appropriate, an inlay or onlay is the perfect choice. The old filling and decay are removed and the tooth is restored with either gold or porcelain leaving some of the natural tooth structure.
Crowns
A crown, also known as a cap, covers and protects the entire surface of the tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to support the tooth when there is more filling than natural tooth remaining, to attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or to cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. Crowns can be porcelain (tooth covered) or gold depending on which tooth is involved. This procedure takes 2 visits. At the first visit, the tooth will be prepared for the crown by reducing the tooth so the crown can fit over it. Sometimes it is necessary to place a build-up on the tooth to replace severely broken down or missing areas prior to the placement of the crown. Impressions will be taken that will be sent to our lab for the crown fabrication. You will leave here with a temporary crown, and return in a few weeks to have the permanent crown inserted. The main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth and that will be stronger. To care for your new crown, be sure to have your teeth cleaned and checked regularly, use floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. This way your investment will stay beautiful for a long time.
When a few teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can change position, drifting into the missing space, which can change the function of your bite. A fixed bridge permanently attaches a false tooth to the teeth of either side, making it appear as a natural tooth. This procedure takes 2 to 3 visit, similar to having a crown done.
Partials and Dentures
When many teeth are missing, a partial or full denture may be needed. Replacing the missing teeth with a removable partial will help with function, chewing and digestion of foods, as well as a wonderful smile. New techniques allow for better fit and a more natural look.
Crowns on Implants
Dental Implants are an effective solution to replace a single or several missing teeth. We work closely with the oral surgeon, who places the implant in the area of the mouth that has teeth missing, and the lab that makes the crown, so that the replacement crown, or bridge looks and feels great.
A few things can influence the odor of your breath: things you eat, medications you take or if you have bacteria in your mouth from untreated periodontal disease. We can help you determine what is causing bad breath, and maybe able to supply you with some tools that will help reduce or eliminate the odor.
Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called, the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth can have one to four canals. When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing or hot or cold foods. Because the tooth will not heal without treatment, the infection will spread and bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. During the procedure, the pulp canal is cleansed and then filled with a rubber like gutta percha material to prevent recontamination. This procedure can usually be done in one visit, and with the new technology is no more uncomfortable than having a filling done. Once filled the tooth is still weak, we will recommend an internal post be inserted to reinforce the tooth, then a crown be placed over the tooth to strengthen it.
Veneers are ultra thin shells of porcelain, which are bonded to the front teeth to change a tooth's color, size, position, or shape. They are a beautiful way to improve the appearance of your smile. These are done routinely on the TV show, Extreme Makeover, to change someone's smile. Here in our office we have had terrific results, giving people the smile they always dreamed of.
Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)
Bleaching is a procedure designed to lighten the color of your teeth. It involves wearing a custom made tray filled with a whitening gel for 7 to 10 nights (or 1 hour per day for 7 to 10 days). A touch up treatment is done about every year, depending on whitening shade desired. Every year in the spring, we donate all money from teeth whitening to children's charities through a foundation called Smiles For Life; half of all money collected goes to the Local Dream Factory of CNY.
Every time you are seen here for an exam, our hygienists will do an oral tissue exam also. Since detection of oral cancer in the early stages dramatically improves cure rates, if the hygienist sees anything out of the ordinary, Dr. Fey may suggest an OralCDX brush biopsy. This simple, minimally invasive procedure uses a brush to gather oral tissue cells that are then sent to a lab for evaluation. In about 10 days we have the results for you. The OralCDX brush biopsy is a simple, effective procedure for identifying pre-malignant and malignant lesions of the oral tissue.
Oral sedation is the use of oral medication to allow our patients to feel very comfortable with dental treatment. Many patients are now choosing this method to elimate multiple visits, and the anxiety associated with dental treatment. We dispense the tablet before dental treatment to produce a level of drowsiness that allows you to be asleep while the treatment is being performed. It also produces an amnesic effect, which means you will have little memory of your time in the dental chair.
TMJ Treatment (Tempero Mandibular Joint)
Treatment for TMJ disease is to allow the teeth and TMJ to work in harmony. When the jaw system is functioning properly, the lower jaw is able to freely hinge at the joints and close together with the lower teeth contacting the upper teeth very evenly all the way around the arch. This creates a solid bite. When there is discrepancy in the bite relationship to the fully seated joints, then problems can develop. Very often the jaw will have to shift in order to fully close the teeth together. This shifting of the jaw creates a stress at the joint level. We will see manifestations of this shifting by muscle tenderness, joint discomfort, clenching and grinding of the teeth often occurs, along with signs of instability in the bite relationship which include wear of the teeth, looseness of the teeth, chipping of the teeth, etc. We study the bite relationship by way of mounted diagnostic study models and determine if adjustment of the biting surfaces of the teeth will correct the problem, or if an appliance you wear will help the way your teeth and jaw muscles work together. Our goal in this therapy is to allow the joints to fully seat, the muscles to relax, and the teeth to fully meet together at the proper position and to function properly in movement. Establishing this stability can prevent many problems that are serious in nature. These include temporomandibular joint dysfunction, muscle tension headaches, severe wear of your natural teeth, as well as loose teeth, chipping teeth, gum recession and sensitive teeth. We will discuss with you in detail our findings of your individual needs.
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| James W. Fey, D.M.D., P.C. 402 Third Street, Ithaca, NY · 607 272 7200 | |
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