Common Dental Procedures

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Case Presentation

before and after

The photos above show a before-and-after case of crowns placed for a patient at Venetian Pointe Dentistry. This patient was afflicted with an unfortunate dental malady known as amelogenesis imperfecta. This condition prevents the normal formation of the protective outer layer of enamel of the teeth. Without healthy enamel, the patient's teeth were prone towards rampant tooth decay despite meticulous efforts in proper oral hygiene. Nearly every tooth was affected.

Fortunately, crowns performed at VP Dentistry were placed to cover and protect the afflicted teeth. These crowns, in essence, replaced the enamel that didn't form naturally. Performed several years ago, this patient, to this day, is very grateful for a new smile that's both healthy and beautiful! While most patients do not need extensive treatment such as this, restoring a tooth with a crown or teeth with crowns is a common procedure performed regularly at VP Dentistry with the goal of improving the health (and/or beauty) of a tooth or of the teeth. Read below for a description of Common Procedures.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: These photos are used with the expressed consent of the patient and are the legal property of Venetian Pointe Dentistry. Unauthorized use of these photos is strictly prohibited.

Botox

Botox is now being provided at Venetian Pointe Dentistry. The indications for its use include for cosmetic reasons along with therapeutic applications. The use of Botox is considered safe and effective. In cosmetic applications, Botox can reduce facial wrinkles - especially those found in the uppermost third of the face. Thereapeutic applications include the reduction of a "gummy smile" and also to reduce the discomfort associated with TMD (temporamandibular joint dysfunction). More information can be found in a newsletter released in early December 2021 ... click here.

Implant Restoration

implants If you are missing a tooth or several of them, it is crucial to replace them. Without all your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you discomfort or weakening of these other teeth.

When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth. If properly maintained, they can last a lifetime!

An implant is essentially a new root which is fabricated out of titanium (the same metal used in orthopedic surgery) or zirconia (a synthetic diamond material). The presence of the implant allows for the attachment of a crown (the portion of the tooth above the gumline used for chewing and creating the appearance of a natural tooth).

Restoring dental implants is nothing new at VP Dentistry. However, implants are now being placed as well! This will allow for you, our valued patient, to receive this treatment in the comfort you're accustomed to at our office. Please inquire if you feel you are a candidate for implant dentistry.

The crown can be made of various materials, Venetian Pointe Dentistry typically uses zirconia or porcelain. The crown is attached to the implant by a post that’s technically called an abutment. The abutment is typically fastened to the implant using a screw with a prescribed amount of exact torque. The abutment can be made of various materials, although titanium (metal), zirconia (synthetic diamond), or a combination are preferred. The crown can be cemented or screwed onto the abutment connected to the implant.

In addition to tooth replacement, implants may be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when a person talks or chews. For patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so you have a more natural-looking smile.

The implant is typically placed by an oral surgeon or another dental specialist (such as a periodontist) while the restoration of the implant is provided here at Venetian Pointe Dentistry. In the case of a more sophisticated restoration, such as a full-mouth, implant-retained bridge, the patient may be referred to a prosthodontist.

With implant treatment, you can smile and chew with confidence!

Exams: New Patients

A new-patient examination is essential for gauging the health of a new patient’s oral health. During your initial new-patient visit, the following procedures are commonly performed:

Review of medical and dental histories
Reading of appropriate radiographs
Hard-tissue charting (a record of your existing restorations, missing teeth, or other conditions unique to your teeth such as a fixed orthodontic retainer)
Periodontal charting (measurement of the depths of the crevices between your teeth and gum tissue, gingival recession, loosening of your teeth, and other information used in diagnosis of possible gum disease)
Oral cancer screening (which includes examination of all soft tissues in the patient’s mouth and surrounding tissues)
Examination of your jaw joints (the temporomandibular joints or TMJs) for proper function
Examination of your occlusion (your “bite”)
Diagnostic tests as needed to determine if an inflamed or abscessed tooth is present (such as examination with cold, percussion (tapping), palpation, etc.)

NOTE: If a new patient has a specific condition that may require treatment (such as a crown having come loose), please inform one of the assistants at the front desk by phone or e-mail prior to your scheduled preventive visit. Additional time will be allotted if needed. What treatment can be provided in addition to the new-patient exam and cleaning will be considered on a case-by-case basis; there is no guarantee that this can be performed during the preventive care visit.

Exams: Periodic Patients

A routine periodic oral exam is recommended to ensure optimal health. Dr. Rampi or Dr. Palmer examine for tooth decay, failing restorations, gum disease, and much more. During a periodic oral exam, the following are common procedures performed:

Review and update if needed of your medical and dental histories
Reading of appropriate radiographs
Revision of the existing hard-tissue charting (a record of your existing restorations, missing teeth, or other conditions unique to your teeth such as a fixed orthodontic retainer), if needed
Periodontal charting from time to time (measurement of the depths of the crevices between your teeth and gum tissue, gingival recession, loosening of your teeth, and other information used in diagnosis of possible gum disease)
Oral cancer screening (which includes examination of all soft tissues in the patient’s mouth and surrounding tissues)
Examination of your jaw joints (the temporomandibular joints or TMJs) for proper function
Examination of your occlusion (your “bite”)
Diagnostic tests as needed to determine if an inflamed or abscessed tooth is present (such as examination with cold, percussion (tapping), palpation, etc.)

NOTE: If a recall patient has a specific condition that may require treatment (such as a crown having come loose), please inform one of the assistants at the front desk by phone or e-mail prior to your scheduled preventive visit. Additional time will be allotted if needed. What treatment can be provided in addition to the periodic oral exam and cleaning will be considered on a case-by-case basis; there is no guarantee that this can be performed during the preventive care visit.

Bonding

bonding Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your tooth. Because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Tooth bonding can also be used for fillings instead of silver amalgam. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than silver. Bonded fillings can be used on front or back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed during one visit at our office. However, bonding is more likely to stain than other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, let us know. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.

Bridges

bridges A bridge may be used to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. This can help maintain the shape of your face, alleviate stress on your bite, or prevent tipping and/or shifting of adjacent and opposing teeth.

A bridge replaces missing teeth with a fixed piece fabricated of various materials. The material most commonly used at Venetian Pointe Dentistry is full-strength zirconia (a synthetic diamond material). The zirconia bridge will bridge the gap where one or more teeth have been missing.

The bridge is expected to look natural, feel comfortable, and provide enhanced function relative to the prior condition with the teeth missing. The bridge is cemented to surrounding teeth for support. The bridges placed at Venetian Pointe Dentistry are fabricated here in Central Florida. For more information related to the use of zirconia in dentistry, click here.

The success of any bridge depends on its foundation: the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it’s vital to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

Crowns

crown Crowns are a restorative procedure used to improve a tooth’s shape or to strengthen it. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, cracked, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength to hold a filling, to fixate a cracked tooth, or to protect a tooth that has had root canal treatment from fracturing or splitting in half. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface and, in essence, replaces the enamel that previously protected the natural crown of the tooth. For more information related to treating a cracked tooth, click here.

Unlike fillings, which are placed directly into the prepared tooth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression, which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is sculpted just for you so your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, zirconia or a combination of these. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred for front teeth when applicable because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

At Venetian Pointe Dentistry, zirconia (a synthetic diamond material) is most often used for restoring back teeth but sometimes for the front teeth too. We consider this to be most biocompatible (healthiest for the surrounding gum tissue), stronger than porcelain, always metal-free, and best for an exceptional fit, thanks to the use of a CAD/CAM manufacturing process.

The crowns placed at Venetian Pointe Dentistry are fabricated right here in Central Florida. For more information related to the use of zirconia in dentistry, click here. The need for root canal treatment is a risk inherent whenever a tooth is prepared for a crown.

Dentures

Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Complete dentures are provided for patients when all the natural teeth have been removed.

A partial denture is often attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth. It is used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed, yet some natural teeth remain. While metal is a common material used for the frame that supports the teeth, there are alternate materials available, as well as acrylic or a flexible plastic material.

Just like natural teeth, a dental appliance needs to be appropriately cared for. Use a gentle cleanser to brush your appliance. Also, be sure to keep your tongue and gums clean as well.

Extractions

extractions There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt.

At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth at risk, so we may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, a dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place.

Risks are inherent to the extraction procedure and there is the potential for complications which are unforeseeable. If a complication is anticipated or an unforeseeable complication were to occur, then referral to an endodontist may be required. If so, we will assist with these arrangements.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, and cause problems with chewing or your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, our team may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.

Fillings

filling In the past, fillings for back teeth were most often made of a metallic amalgam material composed of 50% mercury, 33% silver, and 17% zinc, copper, and tin. Today, newer dental fillings are metal-free and include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

These fillings, referred to as composite resin restorations, were once primarily used for the front teeth where a natural appearance was important. However, the strength and fit of composite resin restorations have dramatically improved over the years, so they are now commonly used for back teeth as well.

The filling material commonly used to restore teeth (especially for the back teeth) at Venetian Pointe Dentistry is a sound-activated material called SonicFill. The sound activation provides a greater flow of the material and better adaptation to the tooth. Furthermore, this material is touted for having an improved depth of cure when the curing light is applied to the filling. For more information related to SonicFill, click here.

Fluoride

flouride Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay. It also prevents plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in our office takes just a few minutes.

After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or the doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

Implant Restoration

When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth. If properly maintained, they can last a lifetime!

With implant treatment, you can smile and chew with confidence!

Mouthguards (Athletic)

Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard.

Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well-fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly.

We can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.

Nightguards

nightguard

Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is a common issue that affects millions of individuals. Some consciously grind their teeth during the day due to stress or anxiety, while others perform a subconscious grinding at night during sleep.

Grinding the teeth can lead to jaw pain, damaged enamel, gum irritation, and more dental issues. Plus, the noises that grinding teeth cause can be irritating to those sleeping in close proximity.

Night guard solution

At Venetian Pointe Dentistry, we provide night guards as an effective solution for teeth grinding. Night guards are similar to normal mouth guards that are worn by athletes to protect the mouth from injury but are more slim and comfortable for the wearer. It provides a barrier between the top and bottom teeth so that you eliminate the risk of damaging the teeth during your sleep.

Night guards are a completely custom solution that uses an impression of a patient’s teeth to create a form fitting, durable guard. Night guards will help to protect your teeth, muscles, and TMJ.

Consultation

If you believe that teeth grinding is a problem, set up a consultation with Venetian Pointe Dentistry in Orlando, Florida today. We can assess the situation to see what kind of damage has already been done, then get an impression taken to get you fitted for a night guard as soon as possible. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Give us a call today!

Root Canals

root canals

A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure that is done to remove an infection in the pulp of the tooth - where the blood supply and nerve are located.

The innermost layer of our teeth is called the pulp. Sometimes, due to a cavity or other trauma, bacteria finds its way into the pulp of our teeth, leading to an infection in the bone of the jaw. This is when a root canal is necessary, as the procedure clears the infection and protects the tooth and removes the infection from our body. If the infection is not removed in a timely fashion, pain and swelling will eventually occur and can lead to loss of the tooth or the spreading of the infection to other places in our body. An untreated infection in the body can be very dangerous, so if a dentist alerts you to an infection you should get it treated immediately.

Signs you may need a root canal

While not all teeth that require a root canal have pain associated with the issue, there are some signs that may indicate that endodontic therapy could be necessary.

-persistent toothache
-pain while chewing
-hot or cold sensitivity
-tooth discoloration
-gum swelling or tenderness
-a chipped or cracked tooth

If you notice any of the above issues have occurred, it would be wise to schedule a consultation with Venetian Pointe Dentistry in Orlando, Florida.

Preparing for a root canal

If your dentist at VP Dentistry decides that a root canal is necessary, preparation for the procedure is the first step. You’ll want to have a detailed discussion with your dentist that goes over all of the steps of the treatment, and ask any questions you may have about root canals.

Your dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medications leading up to the procedure date. This depends on the severity of the infection and will help you to keep from experiencing unnecessary discomfort in the days leading up to your endodontic therapy procedure.

If you smoke, it is very important to refrain from doing so for several days leading up to your procedure. Tobacco interferes with the body’s ability to heal itself, and therefore would inhibit healing after a root canal. For many other dental reasons, tobacco products should be avoided in general.

Root canal process

A root canal procedure has several steps and will generally take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, some more serious cases can take up to 90 minutes. Depending on the root canal, a referral may be indicated to a specialist.

The first step is anesthesia. Your dental expert will use a local anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and surrounding gums. Depending on infection severity and a patient’s potential dental anxiety, other medications such as oral sedatives, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide could potentially be implemented.

A dental dam is then placed over the area, isolating the tooth so that it stays dry during the entirety of the endodontic therapy procedure.

An access hole is drilled into the crown of the tooth. This gives the dentist access to the pulp of the tooth.

Next is the pulp removal. Your dentist will use small instruments to remove the infected pulp, including nerves, blood vessels, and tissues inside of the tooth.

After the pulp is removed, the chamber and root canals of the tooth undergo a shaping process, where the tooth is prepared to be refilled.

Once the canals and chamber are cleaned and shaped, the refilling of the tooth is done. Here, your dentist replaces the infected pulp with a synthetic dental material.

Once the new dental material is in the tooth, a temporary dental filling is inserted onto the tooth to prevent any new bacteria from reentering the tooth and causing further infection.

Finally, a dental crown will most likely be required as a permanent solution to sealing the tooth and restoring strength to the tooth to prevent the tooth from breaking. Since crowns are custom-made and take a couple weeks to fabricate at the lab, a second trip will be required to put the crown in place.

Schedule a root canal consultation

If you are having certain issues with a tooth and feel like getting some clarity on whether or not a root canal is required, feel free to reach out to your local expert at Venetian Pointe Dentistry in Orlando, Florida.

We can first evaluate your situation to see if endodontic therapy is required. If we determine that it is, we will start the process and create a plan to get your tooth back to its full potential as soon as possible. Reach out today for a consultation in our Dr. Phillips Orlando based office!

Sealants

Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and Dr. Rampi and Dr. Palmer will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Sealants last three to five years, but it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, let us know, and schedule an appointment for your teeth to be re-sealed.

Veneers

veneers You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth. With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth’s imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile. Veneers are natural in appearance, and a perfect option for patients who want to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their smile.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain). They are designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, we will create an impression of your teeth. This impression is sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, Dr. Palmer or Dr. Rampi may need to prepare your tooth conservatively to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

When your veneers are placed, you’ll be pleased to see that they look like your natural teeth. Although they are stain-resistant, we may recommend that you avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your new smile.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties, but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry.

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier as well as shorten the recovery time.

In order to remove a wisdom tooth, a dentist first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Since the impacted tooth may still be under the gums and imbedded in your jaw bone, we will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. In order to minimize the amount of bone that is removed with the tooth, Dr. Rampi or Dr. Palmer will often “section” your wisdom tooth so each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction, healing time varies. We will share with you what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process. At Venetian Pointe Family Dentistry, patients are most often referred to an oral surgeon for the removal of wisdom teeth.

Common Dental Procedures

Topics on this page

Case Presentation

Botox

Implant Restoration

Exams: New Patients

Exams: Periodic Patients

Bonding

Bridges

Crowns

Dentures

Extractions

Fillings

Fluoride

Implant Restoration

Mouthguards (Athletic)

Nightguards

Root Canals

Sealants

Veneers

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Venetian Pointe Dentistry

Orlando Office

Contact Us Today

Orlando Office

Orlando Office