Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin layers of porcelain material which are custom made to fit over your natural teeth, with a finish more translucent to blend in with surrounding teeth. The non-invasive procedure can change the shape, size and color of your teeth, transforming your smile. They can conceal a number of problems, including misshapen teeth, stains, broken teeth, chips, gaps, and other unsightly problems. In recent years, veneers have become very popular, because they can be a very quick and simple way to get a beautiful smile.  Many patients love the fact that veneers can be a permanent way to beautify a smile in only two visits.

Although veneers are not for everyone, they can be a good way to make you comfortable and more confident in your smile. They can be a good alternative to braces, in some cases.

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All Porcelain Crowns
Dental crowns are usually made of porcelain or have a veneer of porcelain on their surface (porcelain fused to metal crowns).The advantages of Porcelain Crowns are that they are affixed to the natural tooth to enhance the shape, color or length of the tooth. Porcelain crowns are an aesthetic and durable alternative for the treatment of cracked teeth, space issues or tooth size discrepancies.

No matter what sort of crown you have, you will need to take very good care of your teeth once you have a crown. Daily flossing and brushing as well as regular dental check-ups are essential to ensuring that your crowns last a long time.

CEREC 3D Ceramic Crown

If you are finally ready to replace your unsightly mercury amalgam fillings with the natural look of porcelain, our state of the art CEREC® technology will make the process easier, more comfortable, and more efficient. Dr. Samet offers her patients the latest CEREC 3D technology which makes it possible to perform one-visit in-office tooth restorations, inlays, onlays and crowns using strong, tooth-colored ceramics with stunningly beautiful esthetics. CEREC's on-site fabrication allows fast, convenient appointment scheduling.

Dental Bridges
Bridges help to fill in gaps where teeth are no longer present. If you have lost teeth or have had teeth removed, a bridge is important not only to preserve a beautiful smile, but also to prevent biting problems, shifting of the teeth, jaw problems, and even periodontal disease. If you need bridges, you and your dentist can choose from three different types of bridges:

1) Fixed bridge - This sort of bridge involves a filler tooth which is attached to two crowns. The bridge fits over the teeth on either side of the gap. This is the most commonly used sort of bridge.

2) Cantilever bridge - In cases where there are teeth only on one side of a gap, the Cantilever bridge is used. In this type of bridge, two crowned teeth are connected to a filler tooth.

3) "Maryland" bridges - This sort of bridge involves a filler which is attached to metal bands. The bands are attached to the teeth on either side of a gap and the bands are disguised using a tooth-colored composite resin. These bridges can disguise gaps quite naturally, which is why they are often used to replace front teeth.

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Dental Implants

	Dental implants are replacements for lost teeth, which are permanently attached to your jaw. If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want replacements that are as natural as possible. They are often a good alternative to dentures, since implants are permanent and will not come loose. If you have lost teeth, implants are the closest thing to regaining your original teeth.  Tooth implants are not for everyone. You need to have healthy jaw bones, healthy gums and oral tissues, and no bone loss. This is because when the implant device is inserted into the jaw, a chemical and mechanical bond is formed. The jawbone actually grows into the implant. Your mouth needs to be healthy in order for this to occur.
Dental implants use titanium metal to replace the root of a tooth. This metal is then surgically attached to the jawbone. In most cases, a dental surgeon will perform the surgery while a dentist or prosthodontist will work with a laboratory technician to create the tooth and offer post-operative care.
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Tooth Whitening / Bleaching
Tooth whitening and bleaching can remove stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth.  If you are not very confident in your smile, whitening can help you achieve a bright, white smile that you can be proud of. Many patients report that having whiter and brighter teeth helps them feel more confident and makes them feel better about their appearance.  Tooth Whitening and Bleaching has been proven to be a safe, economical, effective way to brighten your smile.  Not all over-the-counter kits are completely safe without dental supervision and the results of the over-the-counter products simply do not compare with in-office whitening. 

Bonding

Bonding involves using a composite material – usually a plastic or resin -- which is attached to a tooth. Bonding is similar to a crown, except that with bonding no surface of the tooth usually needs to be removed. Bonding is a good way to fix a number of problems, including discoloration, gaps, and chipped or broken teeth.

In most cases, bonding is preferred over crowns because it is a quick procedure. Most bonding can be completed in under an hour. It is also relatively inexpensive and tends to be less invasive, as the tooth’s actual structure is not usually changed. A dentist can match the color of the bonding material very closely to the color of existing teeth, as well, which means that bonding can offer a very natural look.

Bonds stain, just like regular teeth, so you will need to take good care of them. You will also need to replace your bonding every five to ten years. This is because bonding is, in general, less durable than crowns and veneers. However, bonding can be a great solution for many patients.

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Prosthetics

DENTURES

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

1) Complete Dentures - Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

2) Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This "bridge" is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.

Invisalign

Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.

If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system.

Root Canals

	When tooth decay occurs, cavities form in the tooth. If detected early, cavities are treated with fillings in most cases. However, in cases where tooth decay is not treated promptly, the decay continues, causing the pulp inside the tooth to become infected and inflamed. When this occurs, a root canal treatment is required. A root canal may also be needed if tooth is fractured or if tooth has had long term trauma. A root canal involves removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth. Once this is done, the dentist will carefully re-shape and clean the inside of the tooth before filling the tooth and sealing it. A crown is then placed over the tooth to restore the shape of the tooth and protect the tooth further.
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Extractions

Extractions involve removing a tooth from the mouth. If a tooth is very decayed or is crowding other teeth, it may need to be pulled. There are many reasons why a tooth needs to be removed. In some cases, wisdom teeth or impacted teeth need to be removed. There are two types of extractions:

1) Surgical extractions – In this case tooth is not visible or cannot be grasped with instruments, a surgical extraction may be necessary. In this type of extraction, the dentist will lift the soft tissue over the tooth. She may also need to drill into the surrounding bone tissue or may need to remove the tooth piece by piece.

2) Simple extractions – In this case extractions usually only require local anesthetic, since the tooth is visible to the dentist. In this extraction, the dentist can grasp the tooth with an instrument. She will lift the tooth and rock the tooth back and forth until the tooth becomes loose enough to lift out.

Gum Treatment

Dr. Dana Samet is not only concern about the health of your teeth but the health of your gum.  Healthy gums are crucial for a bright smile and for overall oral health. The two most common forms of gum disease include:

1. Periodontitis, or Pyorrhea - In this disease, inflammation of the gums is not treated, leading to loss of bone around teeth.


2. Gingivitis - In this disease, the gums became inflamed,    although there is no bone loss.

In both cases, dentists have treatment options available for patients. Dentists will diagnose a gum disease and begin a course of treatment so that the patient does not lose bone mass or loses as little as possible.

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Oral Health

Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays allow your dentist to see inside your teeth and evaluate your gums, which allows your dentist to see problems not visible to the naked eye. For example, dental x-rays can reveal such problems such as tumors, bone loss, abscesses or cysts, tooth decay, poor root and tooth positioning, developmental problems, and much more. When these problems are detected early using x-rays, they can often be treated more effectively.

Dental x-rays are very safe for patients. In fact, the amount of radiation present with a dental x-ray is much less than the amount a person is exposed to from the sun or from traveling in an air plane. Dentists also take many precautions to keep patients safe during the x-ray procedure.

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Cleanings & Regular Check-Ups
Cleanings and regular check-ups are crucial for a healthy and beautiful smile. Everyone should visit their dentist every six months, or twice a year, for a cleaning and check-up. If you have diabetes, are pregnant, suffer from periodontal and gum disease, are a smoker, drink heavily, have poor dental hygiene, or are at an increased risk for oral diseases, you may need to see your dentist more frequently than twice a year. Your best option is to speak with your dental professional about your specific situation. Your dentist will be able to tell you how often you should visit for optimal health.

A regular check-up and cleaning involves a thorough, professional cleaning. Your dentist can clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home, and can remove plaque and tartar. Even if you have excellent oral hygiene, regular cleanings are still essential to help prevent cavities and gum disease. At your check-up, your dentist will also evaluate your oral health and ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. This is essential, since your dentist can detect and treat early signs of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. If you wait to see your dentist, you may face more complications and costlier treatments, so you will want to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

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Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene refers to the practices that keep the mouth healthy and clean to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral hygiene is to prevent plaque. Plaque actually consists of bacteria and food, which forms a sticky film on teeth. When plaque is not removed, it creates acids that decay the tooth and cause cavities and gum disease. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which needs to be removed by a dentist.

There are many ways to remove plaque. Tooth brushing and flossing daily remove plaque. Antiseptic mouthwashes can also help kill some of the bacteria. Fluoride does not remove plaque but is important in making tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. Fluoride is found in some drinking water, toothpaste, and in some dental treatments. One of the most important ways to maintain good oral hygiene is to visit a dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can tell you whether you are brushing and flossing effectively and can recommend treatments such as fluoride treatments or sealant application which can help prevent decay.

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Cavity Treatment and Prevention
Cavity treatment aims to diagnose and stop cavities from spreading or becoming infected. Although the tooth structure lost to decay cannot be grown back, the spread of decay can be stopped. Cavity treatment usually involves removing decayed tooth material and replacing it with a filling, usually made from metal or a composite resin or porcelain that matches the natural tooth appearance. If the tooth decay is severe and tooth has broken or is weak as a result, crowns are used to “cap” what remains of the tooth. This protects the tooth and keeps it stronger. In cases where the pulp or nerve of the tooth has decayed, the center or the tooth as well as all decayed areas need to removed. The tooth roots are sealed and the tooth is filled and fitted with a crown.

	If cavities are not caught in time and the tooth is so damaged that it cannot be saved, the dentist may opt to remove the tooth. In cases where a patient does not want to consider root canals or other treatments, a tooth extraction can also be an alternative. While cavity treatments are very effective, cavity prevention aims to prevent the formation of cavities in the first place. Cavity prevention includes good oral hygiene, which means correct brushing at least twice daily and daily flossing at least daily. Good oral hygiene also means professional cleanings and dental attention every 6 months. Besides good oral hygiene, patients can also prevent cavities by avoiding sugary foods and snacking. Rinsing or brushing the teeth after snacking or eating sugary foods is also helpful. Some research has suggested that eating cheddar after consuming sugary foods can help prevent decay and bacteria in the mouth. Some dentists recommend dental sealants, which are thin plastic-like coatings that cover the chewing surfaces of the molars and prevent plaque and cavities. Fluoride – in dental treatments, water, and toothpaste – can also help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
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Anxiolysis

Anxiolysis is the use of a mild oral sedative (usually Valium) to achieve “light sedation,” or a state of comfort and relaxation.
Benefits:

1. It's safe and easy
2. It's effective for mild to moderate anxiety
3. You can breathe and speak on your own
4. It's less expensive than IV sedation
5. In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit
6. You can usually drive yourself home from the appointment

Anxiolysis is best suited for cases of mild to moderate anxiety.  While under light sedation you remain conscious and able to breathe on your own.  Although you will not actually be unconscious, you will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation.

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