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3475 Taylor Road • Loomis, CA 95650

(916) 652-5424

lccdbarry@ssctv.net (916) 652-5424

Services

Standard Procedures:

Bonding: Whether as a result of decay, or just bad luck, many damaged or disfigured teeth can now be restored in a single office visit. Restorative materials are adhered directly to the teeth, therefore this technique is most commonly referred to as bonding.

Bridges: A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding crowns (abutments). Once completed, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting), and / or jaw problems, and may spur periodontal disease. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

Dental Implants: If you are missing one or more teeth you’ll want to talk to Dr. Mercer about replacements that are as natural as possible. A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osteointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth.

Crowns: A crown is like a cap that goes over a tooth. Sometimes when a tooth is heavily restored, its multiple fillings may not look good, or last as long, because even the strongest filling materials have their limitations. The most durable solution for restoring badly damaged teeth is to prepare the tooth for a crown. The crown not only protects remaining tooth structure, but also restores or enhances the original appearance of the tooth. Crowns are necessary when a filling is not enough to preserve the tooth function. Crowns improve function and the overall health of your mouth.

Tooth-Colored “Composite” Fillings: For over one hundred years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. However, over time, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which blacken the silver and many times, the tooth.

Dr. Mercer does not use amalgam fillings. The white, composite fillings he uses are made of a material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth making them “invisible”.

Dental “Sealants” for Children: The most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as ninety, to one hundred percent.

The American Dental Association recommends that sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age six or seven. Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age thirteen. Sealant application is simple, fast and painless.

New Technology, Arestin: As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment called Arestin, that helps us control the infection in your mouth. Arestin is used together with scaling and root planning to significantly reduce the depth of the infected pockets and prevent the progression of the disease.

The individual Arestin particles release a controlled, steady flow of the active ingredient, minocycline, a potent antibiotic in a localized area. The medication helps fight your periodontal infection for at least 21 days.

New Technology, Digital X-Rays: Digital x-rays produce ninety percent less radiation compared to normal x-rays. Our office used the latest digital x-ray equipment that doesn’t use film or chemicals for development. Instead of film, a sensor is placed in the mouth. The sensor is smaller than the holder for conventional x-ray film. After exposure the image appears on a computer screen in just seconds. Digital pictures are more clear than conventional x-ray film.

Other Technology, Air Abrasion: Air Abrasion involves the use of a special hand piece that creates a beam of microscopic abrasive propelled by a gentle stream of air. By precisely directing the stream on the flat surfaces of teeth, we can remove small, worn-out fillings, eliminate small stains or defects in the surface of the tooth, clean out cavities, and prepare teeth for fillings and sealants.

Because there is no vibration or heat generated, anesthetic can often be avoided. Air Abrasion is a wonderful technology that enables us to quickly and comfortably prepare your teeth for the next step toward a terrific new smile.

Cosmetic Procedures:

Veneers: Veneers are very thin, custom-made porcelain shells that are bonded to your existing teeth, requiring two visits. They are strong, durable and resist stains and discoloring. Veneers are used to close space, change the shapes of teeth, whiten teeth and to make crooked teeth straight (instant orthodontics). Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice to give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

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Smile Makeovers: A smile makeover can be any combination of cosmetic dental procedures with the intent to enhance the beauty and appearance of your smile. The makeover will focus on correcting various problems, including teeth that are crooked, chipped or broken, missing teeth, gaps, discolored teeth and even unsightly gums. The length, width, color and shape of a tooth can be dramatically changed to create a smile that is straight, white and even. Smile makeovers are typically achieved through the use of porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and onlays, all of which offer a natural look and feel.

Teeth Whitening: Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that over time some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of the tooth’s nerve. A tooth whitening treatment can be performed either as an at-home, dentist-supervised process, or in the dentist’s chair.

Our “Boost” in-office or take-home system is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It’s safe, effective and fast. In just over an hour, your teeth can be dramatically whiter. Teeth typically become at least six or ten shades whiter, sometimes more.

Click on the service you are interested in and more information about that service will be provided.

Standard Procedures:

Cosmetic Procedures:

Bonding

Bridge

Crowns

Natural Color Fillings

Veneers

Smile Makeover

Bright Contour Polish