Other procedures that we regularly provide our patients include crowns, restorative implant treatment, cosmetic fillings, gum disease (perio) treatment, root canals, partials and dentures.

Most recently the CEREC 3 - D was added for the lastest technology in the preparation and delivery of porcelain inlays/ onlays and crowns. With this computer guided process Dr. Steckler is able to make and deliver high quality, permanent restorations in one visit! The patient does not need to return for the delivery of a lab processed restoration because the lab work is done in the office while the patients waits.

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White, sparkling smiles are often equated with good health, an attractive appearance, and overall success. If your teeth are yellowed or stained, tooth whitening can help you create a whiter, brighter smile. We first take a quick impression of your teeth from which thin,clear plastic trays are made. We supply you with concentrated bleach gel and instructions on how to get the white, bright smile you want. Most people achieve the desired results in about a week. And, since you keep the trays, you are able to "touch-up" whenever you feel the need........be it six months, a year or more. Additional tubes of bleach are always available for purchase from our office.

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Porcelain veneers can help you create a smile that is straighter, whiter, and more attractive. By placing thin, porcelain shells over your natural teeth, veneers can hide gaps, chips, and unevenness. Discolored teeth can be whitened and crooked teeth straightened. Porcelain veneers are a great option not only because they look and feel natural, but also because they allow most of your natural tooth structure to remain in place. For a variety of cosmetic goals, porcelain veneers are an ideal option.

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Bridgework (A Permanent Restoration). Gaps left by missing teeth may cause surrounding teeth to shift out of alignment. Problems with bite and speech can ensue. Exposed gum tissue may also be susceptible to infection, and the space left by a missing tooth can significantly detract from a person's appearance. Bridges are an effective way to replace a missing tooth. A bridge consists of a replacement crown attached to two other crowns that can slip over the teeth adjacent to the gap. Bridges can prevent problems related to missing teeth while also improving a patient's appearance.

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Straightening crooked teeth used to mean wearing braces for several years, but with instant orthodontics you can have a straight smile in no time! Using porcelain veneers, instant orthodontics can straighten crooked smiles in just a two appointments. Porcelain veneers fit over your original teeth, straightening, evening, and whitening them at the same time. Instant orthodontics are an ideal way for adults to achieve the straight smiles they've always wanted without braces.

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Natural-looking crowns can restore damages or broken teeth. When decay or injury damages a tooth, it is important to correct the problems as soon as possible. A decayed or tooth that has a crack can lead to multiple problems, including the loss of the tooth if left unattended. A crown supports AND protects the underlying tooth. Crowns can restore health, strength, and beauty to your smile. All porcelain crowns provide a realistic appearance and take just a few short appointments to place. Even in cases where teeth are not damaged, crowns can be used to reshape and cosmetically alter your smile.

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If you have missing teeth, dental implants can improve your appearance, chewing power, and self-confidence. At some point, the restorations (or replacement teeth) attached to your dental implant root may need to be repaired or replaced. Replacing broken or damaged restorations can keep your gums, bones, and mouth healthy while maintaining your ability to chew and speak. Having natural-looking teeth can be a big boost to your self-esteem and confidence. With restorative implant treatment, you can be sure to keep your mouth healthy and strong.

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Having a cavity no longer means you have to endure a metal-filled smile. Cosmetic fillings are custom-matched to the natural shade of your teeth, so they are virtually undetectable once they are in place. Strong and long-lasting, cosmetic fillings can help protect and restore teeth damaged by cavities while helping you maintain a beautiful smile. As an added benefit, because cosmetic fillings contain no mercury, they eliminate a potential health risk at the same time.

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Gum Disease (Perio) Treatment. By treating gum disease as soon as it is diagnosed, you can save yourself discomfort and can increase the odds of keeping your natural teeth. One of the most common treatments for gum disease is called scaling and root planing. In this procedure, we remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth, especially beneath the gum line, and smooth rough root surfaces. Successful scaling and root planing may prevent the need for gum surgery later on. We also use a painless laser treatment and placement of an antibiotic (Arestin) where needed to keep the bacteria under control and allow the body to promote healing.

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Root canal treatment is performed when the pulp in the center of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Pulp consists of blood vessels and nerve tissue that help teeth grow. Once teeth are mature, however, pulp can be safely removed from a tooth's root canals. Pulp can become inflamed due to injury but is most often irritated when a cavity is left untreated. During root canal treatment, the infected pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned. Having a root canal can save an infected tooth.

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If missing teeth are not replaced, problems with your bite and surrounding teeth can occur. Teeth may move out of alignment to try and fill in the space left by your missing teeth. Speech and chewing power may be compromised. Gaps left by missing teeth can also detract from your appearance. Partial dentures provide one way of replacing missing teeth. Most often attached with metal clasps, removable partials are easy to clean. They also can improve your ability to speak and eat while also enhancing your appearance. Your remaining natural teeth can provide support and stability for your partials.

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Missing teeth can cause problems with speech, chewing, and self-confidence. Dentures can replace missing teeth and help to alleviate these problems. Best-suited for those who have lost all or nearly all of their natural teeth, dentures can improve your ability to speak and eat. Dentures also greatly improve appearance and may help you feel more confident. Most people need some time to get used to the feel of dentures, and we will help you through this transition time.

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The "MDI" (Mini-Dental Implant) system was first used to provide stability and retention of dentures. Their usefulness has been expanded to replace removable partials with permanent bridgework and any missing teeth with mini implant crowns. For those who wish to eliminate dentures, we now offer permanent teeth replacement in the form of bridgework.

Placement of the mini implants is accomplished quickly and easily with local anesthesia. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, the minis are placed. No stitches, no 3-6 month healing time, and much less costly than the traditional implants. The mini Implant provides a strong, solid foundation for securing the dentures, bridgework, or crowns. All of this is performed in one visit.

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Copyright © 2002 Richard Steckler, DDS
Developed by Einstein Dental

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