Hampton Dental Associates, SC

Products And Services

• Dentures

  Replace Your Teeth And Restore Your Smile With Dentures People lose their teeth for many reasons. These can range from severe periodontal disease to extensive cavities to trauma. When someone has the misfortune of requiring full arch removable dentures we are here to help. Dentist Rick Winter, Dentist Bruce Winter, and their Milwaukee practice Hampton Dental Associates can make you beautiful dentures that will help you regain your ability to speak and chew and smile. Dr. Richard Winter is trained in the Turbyfill Denture technique which is a deluxe cosmetic denture where he actually sets teeth with the patient present to ensure ideal speech and cosmetics. As deluxe dentures are a more significant investment it is also important that we discuss, “how to preserve your bone.” Prolonged denture wear can lead to bone loss, resorption and erosion so placing dental implants or mini-dental implants is always a discussion to have when pursuing dentures. We always teach that dentures can be beautiful and work well but after 10 years the remaining bone will be lost so placement of implants early will help reverse this trend toward extensive bone loss. If you are interested in dentures, please contact our Milwaukee, WI office at (414) 464-9021 to schedule your appointment. WHAT ARE DENTURES? Dentures, otherwise known as false teeth, are an item used to replace missing teeth that have been lost due to tooth decay, gum disease, genetic defects, or trauma. They help to restore the natural function and appearance of the missing teeth. Traditionally, dentures have been removable, but now patients have many options when it comes to denture design and permanency. What Are The Types Of Dentures Available For Patients In Milwaukee? Dentures are categorized as complete or partial depending on how many teeth the dentist needs to replace. Partial dentures are an option for patients who have lost only some of their teeth on an arch. They are made from a gum-colored base connected to a metal framework and are attached to the adjacent remaining teeth for support. Advances in prosthetics have made it possible for patients to have flexible partials, which are built with the patient’s comfort in mind. When compared to its counterpart that uses metal clasps, flexible partials are virtually invisible and look very much like the patient’s natural set of teeth. Hampton Dental Associates offers patients removable partial dentures and dentures and we can discuss the different types when you come in for an examination. If patients are missing a few teeth and they do not want removable teeth they may get a bridge or a “fixed” partial denture. These are prostheses that are cemented to two different teeth and hold a false tooth in the middle so they, “bridge” the gap. These abutments or crowns are cemented to the teeth on each side of the space. Hampton Dental Associates offers patients removable partial dentures and dentures and we can discuss the different types when you come in for an examination. If patients are missing a few teeth and they do not want removable teeth they may get a bridge or a “fixed” partial denture. These are prostheses that are cemented to two different teeth and hold a false tooth in the middle so they, “bridge” the gap. These abutments or crowns are cemented to the teeth on each side of the space. COMPLETE DENTURES Complete dentures are used to replace a full row of missing teeth either in the upper or lower arch. Dentists further classify complete dentures as “conventional” or “immediate” depending on when the dentist provides them to the patient. Conventional dentures are placed in the patient’s mouth after the gums have healed following tooth extractions. The configuration and shape of the gums change after tooth extraction, and waiting for them to heal completely will provide the patient with better-fitting dentures. Many patients prefer immediate dentures so they do not have to be without teeth for prolonged healing times. The dentist will generally leave the front teeth and remove the remaining back teeth so those gum tissues can heal. Then impressions are made and the “immediate dentures” are fabricated and returned to the dentists. Once we have evaluated them the patient is appointed to have the remaining front teeth removed and the dentures inserted immediately. Sometimes we may require a soft tissue conditioner (like a band-aid) be used to help hold them in while the area is healing. After a period of months, the dentures will need to be re-lined so fresh acrylic can be injection molded into the denture to improve the fit. Since these dentures do have to be returned to the lab for relining we also offer patients the opportunity to buy “embarrassment” dentures so they won’t ever have to be without teeth!

  Link: Dentures

• Smile Makeover

  What Is A Smile Makeover? Your smile is your first introduction to everyone you meet! A healthy smile and gums not only says a lot about you but it displays your confidence, poise and personality! What if your smile doesn’t look the way you want it to or wish it should? Maybe your parents couldn’t afford braces to straighten your teeth. Perhaps you had crowns done and the dentist used a standard lab so that those crowns are a bit embarrassing to you. What if you just lost a tooth? These are all reasons to discuss options with your dentist. At Hampton Dental Associates we won’t just look at a single problem but we will examine your entire mouth so that any and all improvements can be identified so that you are empowered to make changes according to your desires and budget. A Smile Makeover can be as easy as cosmetic reshaping, adding some composite (white fillings) or simple tooth re-alignment. Not everyone needs full mouth veneers or crowns! However, whatever your needs and desires we are here to help! We have the latest state-of-the-art instruments to help us achieve the make-over you desire. We have LightScalpel CO2 lasers for ideal tissue shaping and removal of tissue. We use Piezo electric devices for some surgeries which are very gentle and we have the latest digital x-rays to help with proper diagnosis of any dental problems! What Can You Expect From A Smile Makeover? When you are considering a smile makeover, your dentist will go over the details of what you can expect. You will address the areas you want to improve or change in the appearance of your smile and he will then suggest procedures that will achieve the results that you want. Each potential procedure will be discussed in detail. Then a treatment plan outlining the different procedures that will be performed, as well as a timeline, will be mapped out. Beyond the technical knowledge of dentistry, a smile makeover requires artistic skills to ensure the end result is a natural-looking smile that complements the facial features. Our team at Hampton Dental excels in both facets of the smile makeover. All smile makeovers at Hampton Dental Associates are personalized — no two smile makeovers in our clinic are the same. Each patient has unique needs and we personalize a plan of action just for you. You can choose from a wide array of dental services for your smile makeover. TEETH WHITENING Bright white teeth instantly give the impression of youth and health. Our teeth whitening procedures are guaranteed to whiten your teeth up to 8-10 shades in just one visit. And to ensure that you maintain the brightness of your smile, we have whitening kits that you can use at home. VENEERS Veneers can repair minor dental flaws like cracks, chips, and minor gaps in between the teeth. Veneers are very thin shells placed on the surface of the teeth that instantly improve the appearance of the damaged areas. This is one of our most popular treatments at Hampton Dental Associates because veneers produce a very natural-looking result. CROWNS AND BRIDGES Dental crowns are a great solution for severely damaged teeth, as they can restore both the function and appearance of a damaged tooth. A dental crown serves like a tooth cap that is placed over a worn-down or fractured tooth to restore and reinforce the tooth structure. Crowns maintain the functionality of a tooth, eliminating the need for extraction. For missing teeth, we utilize dental bridges in our smile makeovers. Bridges are anchored to adjacent healthy teeth (or implants) with dental crowns to provide a “fixed” long-term solution. GUM LIFTING AND GUM RESHAPING If your gumline is overly low, you may need a gum lifting and reshaping procedure. People with excessive gum tissue often feel insecure even if they have otherwise good dental health. Our state-of-the-art laser technology utilized for gum lifting and reshaping reduces the amount of gum tissue that appears when you smile. Our State-of-the-art LightScalpel laser is the most studied 10,600nm CO2 Laser on the market today! Not only does this laser seal blood vessels and lymphatics allowing for less discomfort and better healing, it is much quicker then using an electrosurgery or blade to accomplish tissue sculpting. Also as this Laser is capable of “Super Pulse technology” it can remove tissue, coagulate or ablate tissues with minimal bleeding and allow the tissues to not heat up and “char” like dentists that use diode lasers which can heat up a glass rod to between 500 and 900 degrees when removing tissue. GENERAL DENTISTRY Your perfect smile does not end when your smile makeover is complete. We provide all of our smile makeover patients in Milwaukee the proper dental education to make sure that they maintain their beautiful smiles and the best dental health. We will also schedule you for continuing cleanings and whitenings to ensure that your teeth are indeed something to smile about.

  Link: Smile Makeover

• Invisalign

  WHAT IS INVISALIGN? At Hampton Dental Associates, we strive to offer the most progressive dental services to our patients. Invisalign is the latest technology in teeth straightening and will straighten your teeth without unsightly metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are clear plastic, virtually undetectable, and removable. Invisalign is becoming very popular because it eliminates the need for unsightly braces. You will be fitted with clear plastic, custom aligners that will slowly move your teeth. You are given a new set of aligners every two weeks; each set represents the next stage of treatment. Since Invisalign is removable, the food restrictions and difficulty in brushing and properly flossing associated with braces is non-existent. Patients simply remove the Invisalign aligner when eating and brushing. WHAT DENTAL ISSUES CAN INVISALIGN TREAT? Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues ranging from mild cases of crooked and protruding teeth to more serious dental problems. Invisalign can close gaps in between the teeth which could have been caused by missing teeth. It can also correct overbite where the upper teeth bites over the lower teeth that could have been caused by genetics, issues with bone development, or just plain bad oral habits. Invisalign is also recommended for use for under bites where the lower teeth protrudes past the front teeth of the patient and also for open bites where the lower and upper teeth are unable to make physical contact and make a proper bite. The Invisalign system is also proven effective in restoring the normal bite and appearance of teeth in cases of overcrowding and cross bite. HOW DOES THE INVISALIGN SYSTEM WORK FOR PATIENTS IN MILWAUKEE, WI? The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-made aligners for each patient. The Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic that is comfortable, smooth, and virtually invisible. The aligner is worn over the teeth and can be removed at any time by the patient. To achieve the desired results, Invisalign must be worn a certain number of hours each day. Once in place, it will gradually shift the position of your teeth. Your dentist calculates the progression of movement and each stage of treatment is represented by each new set of aligners. The aligners are changed every two weeks and people you come in contact with will not even know your are having your teeth straightened. Patients in Milwaukee prefer Invisalign compared with braces mainly because of its aesthetic value. Invisalign is also far more comfortable than braces, without the wires and brackets that can cause sores and irritation to your cheeks and lips. It also promotes good dental health during treatment, as it allows you to clean your teeth normally. WHAT IS AN INVISALIGN TREATMENT LIKE FOR PATIENTS IN MILWAUKEE, WI? After determining that your dental issue can be treated with the Invisalign system, your dentist will provide details of the treatment and what you should expect. You will then have dental x-rays and bite impressions made. The unique software of the Invisalign system will use this information create a 3D image of your teeth. This will be used by your doctor to map out the planned progress of each stage of your treatment and the exact position of your teeth at each stage. A series of custom-made Invisalign aligners will then be made based on that treatment plan. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are made from clear BPA plastic that will not irritate your cheeks and gums. Invisalign aligners must be worn throughout the day, but can be removed any time to eat, or brush and floss. Your aligners are replaced every two weeks to continue the progression of your treatment. Regular check-ups with your dentist at Hampton Dental Associates will make sure your teeth are being straightened according to the treatment plan. The treatment concludes with the wearing of retainers for a period of time to ensure that your new, straighter teeth stay in their new position.

  Link: Invisalign

• Teeth Whitening

  The Choice Of Cosmetic Dentists Dr. Bruce and Richard Winter have worked with most of all the popular teeth whitening technologies and products… using them with varying degrees of success with different types of dental stain conditions and patient need. They remain abreast of laser based teeth whitening technologies through their professional affiliations and on-going participation in reconstructive and restorative dental technology seminars. Zoom! Technologies is the teeth whitening technology of choice in our office. The system assures our patients a wider range of applications with significant whitening differences when compared with other teeth whitening products. IN OFFICE TEETH WHITENING The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening dentistry procedure; it’s safe, effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. HOW ZOOM! WORKS! The Zoom! light-activated gel was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home tooth whitening dentistry. The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years. The Zoom! whitening procedure is simple and painless. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. We then apply the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel which is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You’ll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. KEEPING THAT BRIGHT SMILE For discriminating patients whose lifestyles, careers and personal interests demand a fabulously radiant smile, either of our doctors can prescribe the use of certain types of in-home whitening supplies that can deliver practically any degree of Zoom Maintenance imaginable. PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING BEFORE & AFTERS Visit our Photo Gallery to see examples of teeth whitening procedures used in conjunction with our other reconstructive and makeover dentistry procedures.

  Link: Teeth Whitening

• Dental Crowns

  Have A Healthy, Full Smile With Dental Crowns! We all know how important a good smile is. Not only is it welcoming, but it helps maintain a healthy jaw. But sometimes, our smile deteriorates, and we’re scared to show it at all. Dr. Rick Winter, Dr. Bruce Winter, and Hampton Dental Associates are glad to offer dental crowns to help patients restore their confident and healthy smile. If you want your smile back, contact our Milwaukee, WI office today to schedule your dental crown consultation. What Are Dental Crowns? Dental Crowns or “caps” are coverings for your tooth or teeth. Dental Caps can be made several materials, including gold, porcelain fused to gold or one of our porcelain options. Your options for dental crowns depend on the space available, esthetic needs and functional requirements for the tooth. Dental caps are not one size fits all. Instead, they have indications, advantages, and disadvantages, unique for each patient’s needs. These crowns are cemented or bonded to the remaining tooth structure and provide protection for the underlying tooth for years to come. Typically, crowns are needed when a filling is too large (over 70-80 percent of the width of the remaining tooth.) Since fillings can flex or bend at a different rate then your tooth structure, teeth with large fillings can break, necessitating crowns. Teeth that have had root canals usually need dental caps as well; as the remaining tooth What Issues Can Dental Crowns Fix? Crowns restore teeth back to their normal size, shape, and most importantly, function! Teeth that are worn, chipped or cracked can have an adverse impact on your bite alignment, or occlusion. Crowns can help teeth to even out the workload of occlusion. A full smile is not just an aesthetic choice, but a healthy one too. Candidates For A Dental Cap At Hampton Dental Associate, we recommend crowns for patients that have large cracks, large leaking fillings, root canals, or broken down or worn teeth. Patients may also elect to have crowns to cover implants, excessively large restorations, or a large filling. If you feel that you should have dental crowns, contact our Milwaukee, WI office for more information. What Types Of Crowns Do You Use? We use caps made by microscopic dental labs and master ceramists. The materials used can include: Gold Zirconia Lithium disilicate Obsidian fused to metal Dr. Winter and Winter base their recommendation for crown types on the functional and esthetic demands of the patient. What Is A Zirconia Crown Made Of? Zirconia or (Zirconium Oxide) is a white metallic crystal used to create crowns, bridges, chimneys for implants and now even implants. There are several formulations for Zirconia crowns and the latest generation of more translucent Zirconia is prettier but weaker than solid regular Zirconia. Since there is no gold or metal substructure, Zirconia may be a more cost effective option and may eventually take the place of porcelain fused to metal crowns. How Long With A Zirconia Crown Last? Zirconia crowns have been done since 2001 when 3M introduced Lava crowns. While Zirconia has only been studied since 1995 for dental applications, long term studies are ongoing as to how Zirconia performs compared to other dental materials. Most crowns will last from 7-15 years depending upon the lab that made them and the care given to their maintenance. How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last? Crowns can last anywhere from 7-20 years based on the quality of the lab, the skill of the dentist, the amount of height and width of the remaining tooth structure, and the cleaning and maintenance attentiveness of the patient. If someone does not floss or clean their beautiful crowns, they will fail. If a former dentist ground down the tooth too much and the remaining tooth structure is compromised, the longevity of the cap is compromised. Getting crowns requires maintenance, flossing, cleaning, and monitoring of the bite and chewing forces of all the teeth, so six-month check-ups are always recommended.

  Link: Dental Crowns

• Bone Loss

  Dental bone loss refers to the loss of jawbone mass in the area around a tooth or in the tooth root. As we age, it is normal for our jawbone density to decrease. Dental bone loss can also be a consequence of osteoporosis, a common post-menopausal symptom in women. Dental bone loss is a condition that requires immediate attention and proper dental care as it can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. At the Hampton Dental Associates we advocate good oral health, not only focusing on the teeth, but also proper gum and jawbone health. What Are The Common Reasons For Dental Bone Loss? A healthy jawbone structure is essential to good oral health. If the jawbone condition is compromised, your teeth lose their support and can loosen or fall out, even without any other signs of damage or decay. Many factors can contribute to dental bone loss; understanding them will help you take preventive measures. TOOTH EXTRACTIONS The amount of jawbone mass is maintained by the presence of the teeth that are embedded in it. The constant force applied by the teeth on the jawbone when you chew and bite stimulates the bone, which helps maintain its integrity. When a tooth is removed and is not replaced by an artificial tooth, the jawbone will no longer receive the stimulation in that area. Bone resorption occurs and the bone is slowly broken down. PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE Bacteria present in the plaque that forms on the surface of the teeth can cause gingivitis, where the gums swell, become red, and bleed. If the condition becomes more serious gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where the plaque extends beyond the gum line and the gum tissue becomes irritated. As inflammation intensifies, separation between the gums and the teeth can create pockets that easily trap bacteria and become more infected. Chronic inflammation of the gum tissue will cause the bones supporting the teeth to break down. Over time the teeth in the affected areas will start to loosen and fall out. Periodontal disease is usually a result of poor oral hygiene and can be prevented with regular cleanings by your dentist, along with good oral hygiene practices at home. BRIDGES AND DENTURES Dental bridges and dentures are common treatments to replace some or all of a person’s missing teeth. Both are very effective in restoring the natural function of teeth while providing very natural-looking results. Often bridges and dentures are unanchored, however, leaving a gap between the appliance and the jawbone. The jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its integrity resulting in bone loss. In dentures especially, the lack of bone stimulation causes the jawbone mass to decrease continually, requiring regular refitting of the unsupported dentures. Dental implants can be used with bridges and dentures to make these appliances more permanent. Those implants, because they are implanted into the jawbone, act like normal teeth, creating force against the jawbone when chewing and biting, maintaining bone mass. TRAUMA Tooth trauma can lead to bone loss. If a tooth is broken off, the biting surface is removed and the jawbone is no longer stimulated in the site of that tooth. In addition to teeth being knocked out or broken, we also come across cases where a patient’s jawbone has been fractured and has failed to heal, again causing trauma and bone loss. ISSUES WITH ALIGNMENT Even misaligned teeth can result in decreasing jawbone mass. Misaligned teeth create problems with chewing and biting and over time this will cause the bone to deteriorate. Proper orthodontic treatment, however, can restore a normal bite and recreate proper bone stimulation. TUMORS The removal of benign and malignant tumors in the area near the jaw often requires an entire portion of the jawbone to be grafted.

  Link: Bone Loss

• Bone Grafting

  What Is Bone Grafting? Dental implants are becoming more and more popular among patients in Milwaukee, WI because they are realizing its benefits and its ability to provide a more permanent solution to missing teeth. However, dental implants are not for everybody. Dental implants require that the patient have a substantial amount of jaw bone to support the artificial tooth root that will be surgically implanted. But thanks to the developments in dental technology, dental implants are now a possible option for patients with not enough jaw bone mass through bone grafting techniques. Bone grafting are techniques that your dentist will use to increase the amount of bone that you have in your jaw region to make it possible to perform dental procedures such as dental implants. Bone grafting procedure can either be very minor or extensive depending on how much is needed to support the dental implant. Bone grafting may be required for patients who already have enough bone mass to accommodate the dental implant, but lack bone mass on the sides only. This technique will require a small bone graft to be performed and can be done during the dental implant procedure. If there is a need to make major changes in the shape of the jaw so that a dental implant can be placed, the bone grafting should be done several months before the dental implant procedure is scheduled. Bone grafts may be harvested from the patient’s own bone, a frozen and dried human bone that is available from a tissue bank, a bone substitute, or bone elements from animals. It is preferred that material to be used for bone grafting comes from the patient’s own bones. In minor bone grafting, bone shavings collected from drilling the jaw bone for dental implantation placement can be collected and used for the grafting techniques. When a larger bone graft is required, a special surgery will be performed to harvest the bone from other areas in the patient’s body. Mineral bone substitutes are also a good option as they are sterile and absorbed by the patient’s body over time to be replaced by their own healthy bone. What Are The Types Of Bone Grafting? Bone grafting procedures can already be performed during your dental implant surgery when your dentist determines that you would need additional bone mass in order to accommodate the dental implant. It is ideal that a simple bone grafting procedure be done whenever a patient will come in to have their tooth extracted to ensure that the bone mass is preserved or maintained even after the tooth has been lost in case the patient decides to have restorative procedures done later on. This bone grafting procedure will involve using sterile human bone granules that will be packed into the tooth socket after the tooth was extracted by your dentist. This will be covered by a collagen membrane that will protect the bone graft and the tooth socket will be closed with stitches. Over time the granules will be replaced with your own bone maintaining the level of bone in your jaw even with the absence of the tooth. If your tooth was extracted years ago and you are considering having dental implants put in now, an incision will be made where the missing tooth was and bone graft granules will be used to build up this area. To protect the granules, a protective membrane of collagen will be used and the area will be closed up with stitches. After a few months the bone graft will be integrated into the patient’s surrounding bone tissue and you can now proceed with having your dental implants installed to restore your missing tooth. A more extensive bone grafting procedure is required for patients with more advanced cases of bone loss such as those who have missing teeth and wearing dentures for a long time. Using the patient’s own bones or bone substitutes, the jaw bone will be built up and the bones will be secured to the patient’s jaw using specialized plates and screws. Bone granules will also be used to enhance the appearance and shape of the new jaw. The new bone will also be protected by a membrane of collagen, closed up, and will be left to heal for a few months before proceeding with any dental restoration procedures.

  Link: Bone Grafting

• Root Canal

  What Is A Root Canal? There are many misconceptions about root canals and patients in Milwaukee, WI have it wrong that root canals are procedures that can be excruciatingly painful which is why patients put off having them until the time that their dental condition has worsened. A root canal procedure is effective in repairing and saving a tooth from extraction when it becomes infected due to deep decay, repeated dental treatments, cracks or chips, large tooth fillings, or trauma. The treatment involves removing the infected nerve and tooth pulp and sealing off the tooth to prevent any further damage. The pulp of the tooth contains the nerves within the root canal. These nerves are responsible for giving you a hot or cold sensation and the absence of this will not affect the normal function of your teeth once you get a root canal. It is important for patients to have this procedure done as soon as the dentist recommends it because if left untreated, the tissue surrounding the tooth may for an abscess and it may no longer be possible to save the tooth. An abscess is a pocket that is filled with pus that may extend up to the roots of the tooth. This may cause swelling in areas of the face, bone loss around the tooth root, as well as drainage problems which manifests as holes through the side of the tooth into the gums or the cheeks. When Should You Get A Root Canal? It is difficult to identify right away that you have an infected tooth pulp unless you make a habit of going to the dentist for regular check-ups. Many mistake an infected tooth pulp for a tooth ache that will not go away and seek help from their dentist when the condition has already worsened. One telltale sign that you may need a root canal is experiencing a chronic tooth ache that becomes worse when you chew or apply pressure to the affected tooth. You may also feel a sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Upon inspection you may notice that the affected tooth has become discolored, swelling or tenderness of the gums near the infected tooth, and appearance of persistent pimples on the gums. If you experience any of these, make sure to schedule a visit with our team in Milwaukee, WI to confirm if you will require a root canal procedure. WHAT SHOULD PATIENTS IN MILWAUKEE, WI EXPECT DURING A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE? Root canal procedures would require a patient to come in several times before the entire procedure is completed. As with any dental treatment, it is necessary for patients to get some dental tests like a dental x-ray to help your dentist determine the extent of the infection and for the team to come up with a treatment plan that will best suit your condition. Before starting the root canal procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the affected area. A rubber dam will also be placed to drain out the patient’s saliva to keep the area dry. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist will drill a hole into the tooth. This will be used to access the tooth pulp using dental files. Your dentist will clean out the entire cavity of the tooth, removing the pulp, the decayed nerve tissues and any debris. The full length of the tooth cavity will be cleaned making sure that no traces of the infected pulp is left to avoid further damage to the tooth. The tooth cavity will be flushed with water or sodium hypochlorite to flush away any remaining debris. The tooth will then be sealed after it has been thoroughly cleaned. Your dentist may also opt to apply medication inside the tooth cavity to keep it sterile. Your next appointment will involve filling in the tooth using a rubber compound and a sealer paste. This will be used to fill the inside of the tooth and the exterior hole will be sealed off by a dental filling. The last step will be to restore the normal appearance of the tooth and to reinforce the weakened tooth structure. Your dentist may recommend the use of a dental crown and other dental restorations to protect the tooth which has become prone to damage and breaking due to the infection. WHAT CAN PATIENTS IN MILWAUKEE, WI EXPECT AFTER A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE? After the root canal procedure, patients can expect their teeth to be sore for about 2-3 more days and will start to go down after that. As with any dental treatment, a root canal can have some complications even if your dentist has done a great job clearing the infected tooth of the infection. It is possible that the bacteria from the infected tooth can get carried onto the surrounding areas of the teeth through your gum’s blood supply system. If you feel any unusual pain after the root canal procedure, be sure to go back to your dentist. Often this type of condition can be managed by antibiotics and pain killers.

  Link: Root Canal

• New Teeth For No Bone

  For a long time, patients who have lost some or all of their teeth had dentures as their only option to replace their missing teeth. Ever since the introduction of dental implants, more and more patients in Milwaukee, WI are opting for this more permanent solution. However promising it may be, unfortunately dental implants has its limits and is largely dependent on the height of the jaw bones of patients with missing teeth. This presents a problem to long-time denture wearers who have lost a significant amount of bone mass over the years of not having teeth. Our natural tooth also functions to preserve the bone mass of the area where the root is anchored to. The constant pressure on the jaw that is created by the tooth when it grinds and chews stimulates the jaw bone and helps it maintain its height. The loss of the tooth and wearing dentures for a long time results to loss of bone mass which makes it impossible for patients to get dental implants installed. With the help of developments in dental technology, it is now possible for patients with insufficient bone mass to have a new set of teeth that natural looking and permanent. The primary goal is to recreate the jawbone in patients who have insufficient bone mass to hold a dental implant. Patients with one or some missing teeth will benefit from a bone graft to build up the jaw bone and make it possible for the dental implant to be surgically placed. But for patients with the entire upper or lower row of teeth missing, bridging the entire line of teeth with a permanent solution can be very challenging. What Procedures Can Be Used To Recreate The Jaw Bone? There are several dental techniques that can be employed to recreate the patient’s jawbone and make it possible for them to get dental implants as shown below: CANTILEVER BRIDGE Without the need for an extensive bone grafting procedure, our team of experts at the Hampton Dental Associates have found a way to provide a permanent solution to a full row of missing teeth through a special bridge product that is patterned after the cantilever design. A cantilever bridge is the best choice in replacing the missing teeth of a patient who does not have sufficient bone mass to hold dental implants. Traditionally a dental bridge uses 2 dental crowns or abutments on both of its ends to hold the bridge and the gap in between is filled with artificial teeth or pontics. Traditional bridges are not ideal for patients with insufficient bone mass and will require more areas to be rebuilt with bone grafting procedures. Using the cantilever designed bridge, we are able to extend the bridge and replace a full row of missing teeth and provide a secure fit by just anchoring the appliance on one end. The implant on one end of the cantilever bridge can be placed strategically in areas where there is sufficient bone mass. It can be made to appear longer than the amount of the remaining bone structure that the patient has and can provide the normal bite and function as the patient’s natural teeth. RIDGE SPLIT BONE AUGMENTATION The ridge split technique has also proven very effective in rebuilding the patient’s jaw bone in cases of severe bone loss. This will benefit patients who needs to have their bone ridge expanded when it is not wide enough to support the dental implants. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and involves using a special dental saw to split the patient’s jaw along the ridge. Bone graft material will then be packed into the space. The new bone is allowed to heal for several months after which a dental implant procedure can already be performed. WHAT CAN PATIENTS EXPECT AFTER THE JAWBONE HAS BEEN RECREATED? Patients will be provided temporary implants to use where temporary dentures can be attached to so that they will not go toothless as we wait for the permanent implants or the bone grafting procedures to heal. After a few months, the dental implants would have completely healed and patients can already be fitted with their cantilever bridge frames and patients can have this fabricated into their final porcelain bridge. As patients wait for their final porcelain dentures, they will be provided with temporary teeth replacements as adjustments are made to their final porcelain dentures. Regular fittings and adjustments will be made to make sure that we achieve the perfect bite as well as a very proportion and natural looking appearance for your final appliance, and once we achieved the perfect fit, your final porcelain denture will be fabricated. Once the patient receives their final porcelain dentures, the normal appearance of their teeth and its function will be fully restored. Whichever technique you prefer in recreating your jawbone, we can ensure that we will finally make it possible for you to have a permanent solution to your missing teeth.

  Link: New Teeth For No Bone

• Dental Implants

  Restore Your Smile! Replace Your Missing Teeth With Dental Implants From Hampton Dental Associates. With all of the advancements in modern dental care, you’d think that tooth loss would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, as we at Hampton Dental Associated and many people in Milwaukee area know, people still lose their teeth due to gum disease, poor home dental hygiene, and trauma. However, dental implants provide a more aesthetic and permanent option for fake teeth than traditional dental bridges or dentures. At Hampton Dental Associates, we are committed to restoring your smile and confidence with quality dental implants. What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are prosthetic replacements for missing teeth. Implants are like “bone screws” and once they are inserted into a person’s jaw they can: Replace a single tooth. Be used to make a bridge which replaces adjacent missing teeth They can be used to hold a denture in place via snaps or attachments that were placed in the implants. They can hold on to a bar that a denture will snap on to called a “bar-overdenture.” They can be used to permanently hold a denture in place called a “hybrid” prosthesis. They can hold a permanent bridge replacing an entire arch of missing teeth! Dental implants consistently of three main parts: THE POST The implant device itself, inserted directly into the jawbone. THE ABUTMENT This is often called a “chimney” as it screws into the implant and will become the foundation to hold on to the new crown. This abutment can also have a ‘“snap”screwed into it for a Locator Snap-on-Denture. Abutments are devices that help us to hold a prosthesis onto the implant and they can be made in several styles, materials and shapes depending upon the type of final prosthesis selected. Abutments can be made out of titanium, zirconia and can be made as custom pieces or pre-fabricated pieces from the implant company. THE DENTAL RESTORATION The part visible above the gum line, consisting of dentures, a dental crown, or a dental bridge. These restorations can be referred to as Hybrids, Zirconia bridges, porcelain fused to gold bridges, Overdentures, Snap-on-dentures and porcelain fused to gold bridges. Why Should I Consider Dental Implants? Dental implants have two main benefits over traditional options for missing teeth. First, the implant bonds or integrates with the underlying jawbone. Since they have been designed to take the place of tooth roots they must be fully integrated into the bone prior to making a final restoration. Implants will feel as natural and as sturdy as a patient’s original teeth. Secondly, dental implants do not impact surrounding teeth, lead to bone loss or cause gum recession, which can occur with traditional bridgework and dentures. Since your natural teeth are left intact, the implant provides significant long-term benefit to your oral health.Dental implants also give patients a boost in confidence. Patients can eat foods they have avoided, smile and talk without being self-conscious, and know that their dental restoration will stay firmly in place. Dental implants are incredibly reliable. Are Implants Right For Me? During your consultation at our Milwaukee office, your dentist will discuss your tooth replacement and dental implant options in depth. Almost anyone fit enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery is a good candidate for a dental implant. The dentist at Hampton Dental Associates will examine if you have sufficient jawbone mass and healthy gum tissue, free of periodontal disease. Patients who practice good oral hygiene and visit their dentist for regular checkups are good candidates for this procedure. Smokers, people who have uncontrolled chronic disorders, or those who have underlying health conditions may be required to undergo evaluation on an individual basis.

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• One Day Implants

  What Are One-Day Implants? At Hampton Dental Associates, we believe in providing our patients with the latest advancements in dental technology. An example of that technology is one-day implants, where we can replace a patient’s missing teeth in just one day. Where the installation of dental implants used to involve multiple appointments over months, the same excellent results can now be achieved in a single day, giving our patients the instant satisfaction of regaining their beautiful smiles. This type of technology does away with the months of waiting for traditional dental implants to completely fuse with the underlying jawbone, and also takes away the need to delay finishing the procedure until the wounds on the gums have healed. The latest innovations of one-day implants allow the restorations to be installed on the same day, during a single dental appointment. HOW DOES IT WORK? During an initial consultation appointment, Hampton dentists take a state-of-the-art, three-dimensional CT scan that produces high-resolution images of the patient’s oral cavity. These images are loaded into virtual-planning software that maps out a step-by-step procedure for the implantation. Based on these images, replacement teeth are fabricated according to each patient’s unique requirements. When the patient comes in for the second appointment, the replacement teeth are ready. One-day implants are then put in place on the patient’s jawbone. Posts are attached, and the dental restoration connected immediately after. What Are The Advantages Of Getting One-Day Implants? The most obvious advantage of one-day implants is the ease of the procedure and the convenience that it affords the patient by eliminating the need for multiple appointments and waiting months for the implant to be ready. With one-day implants, the patient does not have to go toothless for any amount of time since their missing teeth can be restored in a single day. The procedure for installing one-day implants has become streamlined and has saved countless patients time and reduced their anxiety over waiting for their dental restorations.

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• Mini Implants

  What Are Mini Implants? Mini-dental implants have been around for many years. They were designed to help hold on to temporary restorations in larger implant reconstructions and they have now been approved by the FDA for “long term and ongoing use” for retaining dentures and partial dentures. Dr. Richard and Bruce Winter at Hampton Dental Associates are renowned for their work with mini-implants and Dr. Richard is an instructor that lectures on this technology. These can be used to help hold dentures or partial dentures in place more securely. Some dentists use these small diameter implants to hold on to crowns but it is only for small lower front teeth or upper lateral incisors. Full size implants have much more surface area and are always the treatment of choice for replacing single or multiple teeth! If mini-implants are being suggested to replace a molar tooth I would suggest you come in for a consultation prior to having small 1.8mm pins attempt to hold on to a larger molar which has many chewing forces associated with grinding steak and chicken and the like. WHEN ARE MINI-IMPLANTS USEFUL? When people have minimal bone left to place traditional implants or when someone is very limited financially and they would like an interim restoration while they are saving up for traditional implants. Sometimes we use minis to hold temporary restorations while underlying implants or bone grafts are healing. Mini-implants can sometimes be placed without a large surgery and often we will wait to activate the snaps on mini-implants until the implants have integrated (usually 3 months) during which time a soft liner will keep forces off of the mini-implants. If someone wants to eliminate the acrylic in their upper denture a minimum of 6 mini-implants must be placed and then we will make a metal reinforced horseshoe designed partially so you may taste your food and feel temperatures better. In the lower arch a minimum of 4 mini implants are needed to hold a lower denture but we will always try to place 6 to insure more retention, support and chewing stability. WHY SHOULD I GET MINI IMPLANTS? Mini implants can be great for a patient’s self image. Now the person can eat, speak, and smile as they did before their tooth loss. The procedure is minimally invasive when compared with typical full dental implant surgery. However, similar to its full-scale counterparts, mini implants are still able to anchor dental crowns, bridges, and dentures securely in place. What Are The Advantages Of Using Mini Implants? Mini implants can provide patients with the same benefits as conventional types of implants, but have the added advantage of being smaller. Thanks to that smaller size, mini implants can be used with patients who may not be good candidates for conventional implants. Because of their smaller size, mini implants do not require as much bone thickness to be able to be implanted and used to support a dental restoration. Additionally, mini implants are installed in a much less invasive procedure that causes less disturbance and trauma to the bone and surrounding gum tissue. Mini implants require only a small opening to be implanted into the bone, making them ideal even for elderly patients who have lost a good deal of bone mass. Installation of mini implants is relatively simple, requiring only one to two hours in your dentist’s office using local anesthesia. Healing time is short. Discomfort lasts for about 48 hours after which the patient can resume normal eating and return to work. Because of the smaller diameter of mini implants, they require very little bone to be taken away from the actual bone mass of the jaw. Mini implants can become sturdier than conventional implants because there is a more bone structure left to support them. Mini implants are threaded, not embedded, into the bone. This adds to their ability to be stable enough to support a dental restoration without compromising their long-term capacity. Apart from their more convenient size, the faster procedure, and the less invasive nature of mini implants, they are also significantly less expensive than conventional dental implants.

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