Preventive Care
The most effective way to ensure optimal oral health is to prevent oral disease before it starts. Regular dental visits are essential for healthy smiles. During your dental visit, we will assess the health of your gum and teeth, and also screen you for oral cancer.
Dental Exam
A comprehensive exam is a critical first step when you visit our office. The sooner an oral health problem is found, the easier and less painful it is to treat. We will thoroughly review your full mouth x-ray, check your gum and teeth in order to properly diagnosis your condition, and customize an appropriate treatment plan.
Dental Cleaning
Prophylactic dental cleanings are part of an individualized routine maintance in order to prevent a problem before it starts. It is recommended that patients have exams every 6 months and dental cleaning every 3-6 months. We will monitor and adjust your treatment based on your dental needs.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is used to remineralize the tooth and make it more resistant to the acid and bacteria in the mouth. It is recommended for patients susceptible to cavities, have receding gums, it also helps patients with teeth sensitivity. Since Hawaii water is not fluoridated, we recommend all our patients receive a fluoride treatment when they visit us for thier routine cleaning.
Night Guard
The main reason to get a night guard is to prevent damage to your healthy teeth and restorations that result from teeth grinding and/or clenching. For those who grind their teeth, have implant restorations, have teeth with indentations at the gum line and are diagnosed with periodontal disease, a night guard should be worn as a preventive measure. Not only can this save your natural teeth from wear and fracture, but it will also protect restorations already in your mouth.
Dental Sealant
A dental sealant is a thin layer of clear plastic that is applied to the teeth that creates a protective layer for the teeth.
Periodontal Care
Periodontal disease is also know as gum disease. It is a chronic oral disease that is associated with your gum and bone support around your teeth. The infection is caused by plaque bacteria attached to your teeth. The bacterial buildup hardens to what is known as “tartar” or "calculus". Without removal, the bacterial build up will destroy the supporting structures around your teeth. You may notice bleeding during brushing and flossing, experience bad breath and even notice your teeth become mobile.
Once there is disease diagnosed, treatment is necessary in order to prevent it from getting worse. Treatment for gum disease may include “scaling and root planning”, or a deep cleaning. Our experienced hygienist will numb the area so that a thorough deep cleaning of the tartar build up can be removed underneath the gum. After deep cleaning, it is recommended you come back for periodontal maintenance cleaning every 3 month to control the gum disease from progressing or referred to a periodontal specialist for further treatment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are tooth replacements! If you have an unrepairable or unsavable tooth, we will discuss dental implants with you.
Dental implants are medical grade titanium screws that are placed into the jawbone and secured, just like the root of a healthy tooth. The bone then grafts around the implant to create a secure, life-long bond.
Once that bone intergration is ready, usually after 2-3 months, a crown is secured onto the implant and carefully crafted to look just like your surrounding natural teeth.
The American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry (ASIRD) is a nationwide not-for-profit association dedicated to educating consumers on the value of dental implants and the importance of choosing an experienced surgeon and dentist team recognized for having a collaborative relationship to ensure optimal results. These teams work together throughout the process and are committed to providing customized, patient-specific, long-term solutions for your dental implant needs. Dr. Angela Su is a member of ASIRD, please visit their website for complete implant information.
Fillings, Crowns & Bridges and Dentures
Fillings
When a tooth is decayed, the diseased tooth structure must be removed and replaced with a filling material. We offer “tooth-color” filling materials to restore your teeth.
Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns ( caps) are covering for a heavily compromised tooth in order to restore esthetic and function. A crown can be made out of tooth color material like porcelain or precious metal like gold.
Dental Bridges
If you have missing teeth, but prefer not to have dental implants, in some cases a dental bridge may be an option. Bridges are fixed, but adjacent teeth to the missing teeth have to be strong and prepared by removing the portion of tooth structure.
Dentures
Denture is another way to replace multiple missing teeth. Dentures are removable and may take some time to get use to because they do not feel and function the same as your natural teeth.
Cosmetic Procedures
A smile is one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. Your teeth can become darker with age and also from food and drinks we consume from our daily lives. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful and can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening options from your dentist are safe and effective. Our whitening solutions do not harm enamel; however, some patients may experience short term sensitivity after the procedure. Home whitening option: you can use them to achieve the whitening results you are looking for in the comfort of your home. In-office whitening option: you can whiten your teeth while you relax at our office. We will do all the work for you.
Veneers
Veenering teeth can be transformative for your smile. Tell us what bothers you about your smile and we'll determine if veneers is a solution for you. Teeth that are discolored or have shape imperfections can be treated with beautiful results.