Children’s Dentistry
Your child’s early experiences at the dentist can help shape the future of his or her oral health. If you’re looking for a caring, compassionate dentist who caters to children, look no further. We’re pleased to offer comprehensive children’s dentistry in a warm, comfortable office setting. It is recommended that your child visit the dentist at one year or 6 months after their first tooth erupts. We hope to educate on healthy habits, and get them used to visiting the dentist and all it entails. Good habits start early and seeing the dentist is fun!
A Focus on Patient Education
We believe that a big part of children’s dentistry involves teaching patients and parents how to properly care for their teeth. While baby teeth are expected to fall out, the health of baby teeth affect the health of their permanent teeth in a big way. In addition many children learn their most important oral hygiene habits during this time. By visiting our practice we teach them:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- How to avoid tooth decay
Treatments
Dr. Ivette does more than just teach children about proper oral care. Our team of dedicated dental professionals goes the extra mile to provide thorough treatment when our patients need it the most. This includes fillings, “baby root canals”, and “silver crowns” on baby teeth. We also offer nitrous gas to help ease our littlest patients, which is extremely safe to use on children. To learn more about our children’s dentistry services or to schedule an appointment, call us today.
Preventive Dentistry
Many people wait until they’re experiencing tooth pain to go to the dentist. But at Dr. Ivette Jorge Dental care, we prefer to help our patients avoid discomfort in the first place. Having her Masters in Public Health Dr. Ivette recognizes the importance of preventive dentistry and educating our patients on how to maintain proper oral health.
Dental Exam
While regular dental maintenance at home can prevent a variety of conditions, the help of a dentist is needed to ensure any problems are caught early. We recommend seeing your dentist once every 6 months for an exam. During your exam Dr. Ivette will check for cavities, infections, and any presence of gum disease. We will also review at home- routines and educate on the effective habits that suit your personal needs.
Dental X-Rays
Once a year, x-rays are taken to ensure there are no cavities between the teeth, bone loss, or infection in the jaw bone (frequency is subject to change depending on a persons risk for oral disease). We use digital sensors to take these, which greatly reduces the amount of radiation our patients are exposed to- the same as being on a short one hour plane ride! We use a lead apron over your body and thyroid to further protect and minimize exposure.
Dental Cleaning
Brushing and flossing is so important to remove plaque on our teeth- that is where the bad bacteria lives that causes cavities and gum disease! However, if you are not reaching or removing this soft mushy layer, eventually it will start to pick up minerals from your food and saliva, like calcium. Once it does this it becomes hard like a tiny splinter stuck to your tooth. This is now known as “tarter”, “Buildup”, or “calculus”. You can’t remove this tarter on your own- but at the dental office we can! That is the importance of getting your teeth cleaned professionally, we remove the irritants and stains that you cannot to ensure you do not develop chronic gum disease.
Topical Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occuring mineral found in our bones and in nature. Research has demonstrated that it is beneficial in preventing cavities. Applying it directly on teeth, Fluoride helps rebuild weakened enamel that has the beginning of a cavity- ideally preventing the tooth from needing a filling. We typically recommend this for young patients (between the ages of 18 to 4 years) after their routine cleaning and on patients who have a higher risk of decay. While we believe it is a very safe and beneficial treatment based on peer-reviewed research, we respect those who decline the use on fluoride. Our goal is to offer conservative options in order to preserve your natural tooth structure.
Here at Dr. Ivette Jorge Dental Care education, prevention, and early detection is key!
Dental Fillings
Fillings are needed when you have a cavity in your tooth. The goal is to clean all the bacteria/decay that “eats” the tooth before it gets too far into the tooth creating more problems, and then patch it with a “filling” to make your tooth whole again. When you have cavities, you need a dentist who believes in providing quality conservative restorations that best serve you and your teeth.
When you visit our practice for dental fillings, you’ll be greeted by a welcoming staff and a caring, compassionate dentist who want your experience to be a positive one. Whether this is your first cavity or you’re used to the idea of getting cavities filled, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish and answer any questions you have.
Emergency Dentistry
Dental problems don’t always happen at convenient times. At Dr. Ivette Jorge Dental Care we understand that tooth pain and oral injuries can occur when you least expect them to. That’s why when dental emergencies arise, you shouldn’t hesitate to give us a call. We offer emergency dentistry services to address dental issues that simply can’t wait.
At Your Service
We understand the need to offer same-day appointments when patients are in pain. As a dedicated dental team we are proud to go the extra mile for our patients by offering emergency dentistry services. And when you call us unexpectedly needing our help, you can rest assured that you won’t be overcharged or ignored.
The next time you find yourself in need of emergency dentistry services, don’t think twice about giving us a call.
Deep Cleaning & Maintenance
Maintaining proper oral health is about more than just caring for your teeth; it’s about tending to the needs of your gums as well. Your gums and the supporting jaw bone around your teeth is the foundation of all your teeth- it is important to protect them!
A deep cleaning is needed when there has been bone loss around the teeth, which can eventually lead to loose teeth and gum abcesses. This usually happens when there is build-up under the gums- acting like a splinter. The gums then become wounded and irritated. Bacteria gathers in these wounds and leads to further bone loss. Therefore our goal in a deep cleaning is to thoroughly remove the “splinters” and have more frequent “maintenance” cleanings to make sure the bacteria does not return.
We’re committed not only to the health of your gums, but to your health as a whole. Untreated gum problems can escalate all too quickly and are linked to various systemic conditions, such as strokes and cardiovascular disease. We understand that you may have questions about gum disease and its impact on your overall oral health. That’s why we’ll take the time to evaluate your condition thoroughly and offer you the treatment and follow-up care options that will best serve your needs.
Whether you’re suffering from gum disease or are simply concerned about the state of your gums, you’ve come to the right place. We offer a number of diagnostic, preventative, and treatment services in the field of periodontics.
Medications for Teeth
We don’t believe in the approach of “drill and fill” at our office. Dr. Ivette’s philosophy is to treat other’s teeth as they were her own, so she always attempts non-invasive approaches where it is appropriate. There are currently dental materials that can be used in and on teeth to help teeth heal, reduce sensitivity, or slow down the decay process. Dr Ivette finds these materials to be very important to gentle conservative care. We utilize the most up to date materials that help give you the best outcomes.
Medications
- De-sensitizers - If you have a hypersensitive tooth we have various clinical “de-sensitizers’ that we apply directly on the tooth. This is mostly useful in areas where gum has “receded” and where we have large “wear patterns”. It helps block nerve pain, especially to extreme temperatures.
- Liners - If a cavity is very close to the nerve and there is no infection or history of symptoms on the tooth, Dr. Ivette typically applies various “liners” near the nerve after cleaning out decay. This is done to attempt to minimize sensitivity and avoid a root canals.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) - When removing tooth decay is not possible, either because of health adversities or patient behavior, SDF is used to significantly slow down the growth and spread of tooth decay. This is particularly useful in pediatric, elderly, and special needs populations. A relatively new dental material in the US, it has been a great asset to address cavities in circumstances where we would otherwise have been unable to do anything, but watch decay continue to grow and ultimately cause infection. It is simply applied to the cavity and re-applied periodically.
This is a brief overview of different tooth medications that are used in our practice. To find out more, and if any of these can be applicable to you please call to schedule an exam.
Nitrous Oxide & Oral Sedation
Let’s face it, dental visits can cause anxiety and fear. We work hard to create an environment of trust and comfort, and while we do everything in our power to help make all our patients feel at ease, sometimes extra measures are needed.
- We offer Nitrous Oxide, other wise known as “laughing gas”. This is a gas given during your dental visit, along with oxygen. When inhaling nitrous gas patients are fully awake and are in complete control. This gas simply relaxes you and reduces feelings of anxiety. Once the gas is removed, patients leave with no after-effects and are safe to drive home. It is a simple, easy, and effective solution to help with anxiety during dental procedures.
- Dr. Ivette can prescribe oral medications that help with anxiety. After a consultation and a thorough review of medical history, we work together with our patients to find the appropriate medication. This sedation is taken prior to dental treatments and is considered deeper to help with moderate/severe anxieties.
To find out more about these options, including risks and contraindications, please set up a consultation to further discuss with Dr. Ivette.
Routine Oral Appliances
There are many instances where oral appliances are needed to help protect your teeth. We offer:
Night Guards: For patients who continuously clench and grind, night guards help protect valuable tooth structure from wearing down. A mold is taken, and a clear appliance is given the next appointment. This appliance also helps reduce muscle soreness in the face and headaches due to tension. It is an easy solution to help protect your teeth and prevent future invasive treatments as a result of tooth wear.
Retainers: For patients who need a new retainer (we won’t judge you if you accidentally threw it away or if Lucky chewed it up- we’ve been there!), we are here to help. Having a clean retainer that fits well is essential to make sure your teeth do not move after braces, regardless of how long it has been since the braces were removed. Even if you’ve never had braces, but just want to stop your teeth from shifting over time (lower front teeth get crowded as we age), we suggest a retainer.
Snore Guards: If your bed partner or roommate hasn’t had a good night’s rest due to your loud excessive snoring- your relationship may be at risk. You likely are not getting the deep sleep to restore your body’s functions. Snore guards are a solution to help reduce snoring and help you get the sleep your body needs to function at optimal capacity by opening the airway. A snore guard may be all that is needed to help your entire household sleep well.
Botox (for Oral Facial Reasons)
Botox is used in dentistry to treat hyperactive muscles. Hyperactive muscles mean that those muscles are more powerful and active than others, creating a disbalance. Botox “freezes” these muscles and relaxes them. Periodically treating these muscles with botox is a conservative and safe approach to address certain issues i dentistry, including:
“Gummy smile”- Muscles around the lip or nose may pull lips up too high when smiling. This can create the appearance of excess gums. This can be undesirable, especially in certain cases where dental restorations in the front teeth are more pronounced. By relaxing these muscles the lip can rest closer to the teeth, giving a more esthetic smile and hiding any imperfections.
“Facial Pain”- When our chewing muscles become very large and powerful this can lead to excessive forces. Not only does this lead to heavy clenching and grinding (during the day and at night) that destroys teeth significantly, but it also creates tension in the entire head. The result is headaches, migraines, and strain on adjacent muscles. By placing botox in certain muscles this tension is decreased and pain is relieved.
Dr. Ivette is very detailed when treating patients with botox. From specific documentation, to using conversative dosing, her aim is to use this treatment to conservatively treat her patients in these situations.
Dental Inlays & Onlays
Dental inlays or onlays are an option to restore the chewing surface of decayed or fractured teeth conservatively. This is a great option when significant tooth structure has been lost due to fracture and/or large decay, but more natural tooth structure can be kept.There are various materials that can be used, and we will always review which option would be the best.
Dental Crowns & Replacements
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, otherwise known as “caps”, are needed when there is little natural tooth remaining or there is break in the tooth. The idea is to give structural support to the tooth when it is weak- think of it like”acting like straps” on a barrel. Without a crown, the integrity of a weakened tooth (large cavity, large filling with new cavity, or fracture) is compromised- one bad bite and the tooth can just break beyond repair. The hope is to restore the function and aesthetic of a tooth before it is too late.
There are many types of resilient materials avaliable to best suit your specific needs and wants. Together we will discuss the options avaliable to help protect your teeth.
Crown Replacement
Dental crowns today are known for their durability as much as their aesthetic benefits. But even the highest quality crowns have a limited lifespan, and over time, they can break or get cavities underneath them. When this happens it is important to replace these crowns with new ones.
As soon as a problem arises in a crown it is important to fix or replace to ensure we can stay conservative in our treatment. If we allow a cavity to get too big under the crown it may need additional treatment which is more costly or, worse, the tooth may not be able to be saved. Routine exams and x-rays help us catch these problems early.
Implant Crown
A good option to replace a missing tooth is an implant. Once an implant is placed in your jaw bone, it is given time to heal. After a short while the next step is to place an “implant crown” into the implant. This will act as a tooth and will restore the function and aesthetic of that tooth without having to compromise or involve any other teeth.
We work closely with the placing surgeon to get all the information needed to complete the final steps in the implant process.
Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can have a serious effect not only on your smile, but also on your oral health. Missing teeth can impact the alignment and integrity of your surrounding teeth, causing you further problems down the road. Missing teeth can also result in unwanted periodontal disease and decay.
Bridges fill in the gaps where teeth are missing while helping to preserve the structure of your remaining teeth and bite. The process is time efficient and helps restore your smile without having to take anything in and out of your mouth.
We offer various options and materials available to best your specific needs.
Dentures & Partial Dentures
From start to finish, we strive to make a set of dentures that accurately reflects your needs and price point. Dr. Ivette is meticulous in taking all the right impressions and steps to ensure dentures fit well- she does not believe in cutting corners. Good fitting dentures help restore function and confidence. We work with our patients to be sure they love their new smiles and feel comfortable smiling, talking, and eating their favorite foods. We want to help our patients enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free smile for years to come.
Selecting a set of dentures can seem intimidating whether it’s your first set or a supplemental pair. Rest assured that we value your comfort and work hard to ensure that your experience is a success.
Partial Denture
A partial denture is a removable, cost effective option to replace a single or several missing teeth- compared to a full denture that replaces ALL the teeth in the jaw. This removable prosthetic hooks on to the surrounding teeth for support and restores function and esthetics. There are many options and materials available, and we work closely with our patients to determine which would be the best fit.
Extractions
When a tooth is damaged beyond repair it is safest to remove it. Leaving a broken tooth or a severely damaged/infected tooth that cannot be repaired it is a health hazard that should be taken seriously.
Dr. Ivette has extensive surgical experience and feels removing hopeless teeth is important to protect whole body health. We understand this may be a fearful process and can be a difficult treatment to accept. However we assure our patients it will be a painless and comfortable procedure that will remove pain and infection.
In addition, we always discuss all the options available to replace extracted teeth and listen carefully to personal desires and wishes. Our patients rest assured that we are take care of their best interest while listening to them carefully and considering all factors in this process.
Bone Grafting
When a tooth is removed, a bone graft is considered to help preserve the jaw bone. Without a graft, the jaw does not fill in completely since there is no longer a tooth there- this is especially true if a bad infection destroyed a lot of the surrounding jaw bone. By placing a graft, the body can heal and fill in the jaw bone in that space. The goal is to preserve this space in order to:
- increase the chances of placing an implant in the jaw
- protect surrounding teeth
- to help with esthetics and hygiene if a bridge is placed
- aid with the fit and comfort of a denture if that used to replace missing teeth.
Implant Restoration
After an implant is placed and allowed to fully heal, a restoration is needed to make the implant functional like a tooth. Usually when replacing a single tooth, this restoration consists of an "abutment" and crown. We work closely with surgeons, implants companies, and our laboratories to ensure attention to every detail and deliver high quality results.
Root Canals
Every tooth has blood/nerve tissue in the middle of it, this is what makes the tooth initially form. If bacteria gets to this tissue because of a cavity or becomes necrotic because of trauma, serious infection occurs. An abscess can form quickly or can happen over time- in either case it can result in severe pain, difficulty chewing, loss of surrounding jaw bone, and can severely affect surrounding teeth. Not to mention having an infection in your jaw can lead to potentially severe negative health effects for the rest of your body.
A root canal is done to remove this affected tissue. By removing this “bad blood” from inside the tooth we are eliminating the source of infection, while allowing the tooth to stay functional and in the mouth.
Here at Dr. Ivette Jorge Dental Care we ensure that this process is easy and comfortable. We understand the negative reputation that root canals have, but we ensure that the worst part is that it is a “boring” procedure. A root canal removes infection, while allowing you to keep your natural tooth. It should be considered whenever possible.
Digital Scanner (for Impressions)
The dreaded "goop" impressions can now be avoided! We now offer digital impressions with our state-of-the-art intraoral scanner.
Impressions for crowns, night guards, and retainers have never been easier.
Teeth Whitening
Many people associate professional teeth whitening with movie stars and brides. But in fact, it is an extremely popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry. And at Dr. Ivette Jorge Dental Care, we offer teeth whitening services to help our patients achieve brighter, whiter smiles. Stained or discolored teeth are very common among adults of all ages, and come from a variety of sources, such as:
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The key to a long-lasting, bright, white smile is to have your teeth whitened before discoloration becomes too severe. When you visit our dental practive for teeth whitening services, you’ll get solid advice, professional care, and the attention you deserve. Call today to set up an appointment and learn more about your teeth whitening options.
Dental Bonding
An often-favored procedure for minor dental corrections, bonding is a quick and affordable way to correct a variety of dental flaws, including:
- Cracks
- Discoloration
- Gaps
- Tooth shape and/or size
In some cases, all it takes is a single visit to complete our bonding work. Minimal, if any, tooth structure is removed in this treatment and is great option to achieved an enhanced smile.
Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers are a durable and beautiful solution to help with the aforementioned issues, including crowded teeth. Unlike bonding, veneers are often porcelain or glass covers that are adhered to the front of a tooth to give a classic shape and color. Benefits of veneers include:
- They are durable and long-lasting
- They do not stain easily
- Are natural looking and beautiful
- Less tooth has to be removed compared to a crown or cap
Dr. Ivette communicates esthetic goals throughly with patients and plans extensively to ensure patients not only anticipate their results, but will be thrilled with their new smile. It is also very important to her that she protect tooth structure in this process. Whether placing veneers on one tooth or several, be confident that you will love the results. Set up a consultation to learn more and discuss which option would be best for you.
Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns
Otherwise known as “caps”, are needed when there is little natural tooth remaining or there is break in the tooth. The idea is to give structural support to the tooth when it is weak- think of it like “acting like straps” on a barrel. Without a crown, the integrity of a weakened tooth (large cavity, large filling with new cavity, or fracture) is compromised- one bad bite and the tooth can just break beyond repair. The hope is to restore the function and aesthetic of a tooth before it is too late.
A good option to replace a missing tooth is an implant. Once an implant is placed in your jawbone, it is given time to heal. After a short while the next step is to place an “implant crown” into the implant. This will act as a tooth and will restore the function and aesthetic of that tooth without having to compromise or involve any other teeth.
We work closely with the placing surgeon to get all the information needed to complete the final steps in the implant process.
Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can have a serious effect not only on your smile, but also on your oral health. Missing teeth can impact the alignment and integrity of your surrounding teeth, causing you further problems down the road. Missing teeth can also result in unwanted periodontal disease and decay.
Bridges fill in the gaps where teeth are missing while helping to preserve the structure of your remaining teeth and bite. The process is time efficient and helps restore your smile without having to take anything in and out of your mouth.
There are many types of resilient materials available to best suit your specific needs and wants. Together we will discuss the options available to help protect your teeth.
Botox (for Oral Facial Reasons)
Botox is used in dentistry to treat hyperactive muscles. Hyperactive muscles mean that those muscles are more powerful and active than others, creating a disbalance. Botox “freezes” these muscles and relaxes them. Periodically treating these muscles with botox is a conservative and safe approach to address certain issues i dentistry, including:
“Gummy smile”- Muscles around the lip or nose may pull lips up too high when smiling. This can create the appearance of excess gums. This can be undesirable, especially in certain cases where dental restorations in the front teeth are more pronounced. By relaxing these muscles the lip can rest closer to the teeth, giving a more esthetic smile and hiding any imperfections.
“Facial Pain”- When our chewing muscles become very large and powerful this can lead to excessive forces. Not only does this lead to heavy clenching and grinding (during the day and at night) that destroys teeth significantly, but it also creates tension in the entire head. The result is headaches, migraines, and strain on adjacent muscles. By placing botox in certain muscles this tension is decreased and pain is relieved.
Dr. Ivette is very detailed when treating patients with botox. From specific documentation, to using conversative dosing, her aim is to use this treatment to conservatively treat her patients in these situations.
Clear Orthodontic Aligners
Comfortable, clear aligners are a great choice to perfect your smile. After an initial consultation/evaluation, we develop a personalized treatment plan to address concerns you may have, such as crowding, spacing, or bite issues.
Wearing the aligners over a period of time will slowly move your teeth to the correct position- all while ensuring an esthetic and comfortable experience.