Dentistry of Hockessin

Products And Services

• Dental Exams and Check Ups

  WHY GET A DENTAL EXAM? Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental home care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily. Early detection of oral cancer is imperative for successful treatment. An oral cancer screening is performed with every dental exam to check for signs and symptoms of precancerous conditions in your mouth. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A DENTAL EXAM? Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease. HOW IMPORTANT IS ORAL HYGIENE? Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

  Link: Dental Exams and Check Ups

• Oral Hygiene

  WHY IS ORAL HYGIENE SO IMPORTANT? Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily. Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. HOW TO BRUSH TEETH If you have any pain while brushing your teeth or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Hockessin Office Phone Number302-235-2400. Dr. Gonce recommends using a soft tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort. When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue. Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing. HOW TO FLOSS Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice. Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand. To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section. To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower. When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop. Caring for Sensitive Teeth Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth. CHOOSING ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients. Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes by Oral B and Sonicare. Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your doctor.

  Link: Oral Hygiene

• Children's Dentistry

  YOUR CHILD’S FIRST VISIT TO THE DENTIST The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child’s first birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist. We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth. WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD ABOUT THE FIRST DENTAL VISIT? We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you. HERE ARE SOME “FIRST VISIT” TIPS: Take your child for a “preview” of the office. Read books with them about going to the dentist. Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit. Speak positively about your own dental experiences. During your first visit the dentist will: Examine your mouth, teeth and gums. Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking. Check to see if you need fluoride. Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums. Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits. WHAT ABOUT PREVENTATIVE CARE? Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health. CAVITY PREVENTION Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities. Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities. Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities. TIPS FOR CAVITY PREVENTION Limit frequency of meals and snacks. Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing. Watch what your child drinks. Avoid giving your child sticky foods. Make treats part of meals. Choose nutritious snacks. Water only if your child takes a bottle to bed. The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old. At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different. Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.

  Link: Children's Dentistry

• Teeth Cleaning

  DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Dental prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING? At a typical hygiene visit, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. X-rays may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health. THE BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING INCLUDE: Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup. A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains. Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection. Professional dental cleaning can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Gonce can use to effectively halt its progression. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING: The best way to prepare for a hygiene visit is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment for your next hygiene visit.

  Link: Teeth Cleaning

• Dental Sealants

  Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. Click here for high-res version Dental sealants effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Dental sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Easy to apply, dental sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed. Children and adults can benefit from dental sealants in the fight against tooth decay.

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• Restorative Dentistry

  Today’s advanced dental treatments and materials can give you a healthier, more complete smile that can last you a lifetime. Your Hockessin, DE Dentist, Dr. Gonce, can help revitalize and maintain your teeth and gums, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted. DENTAL TREATMENTS Dental Fillings Dental Implants Dental Bridges Dental Crowns Non-Surgical Root Canal Dentures

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• Cosmetic Dentistry

  Using advanced cosmetic dental treatments and materials, your Hockessin, DE Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Gonce, can make a real difference. The skill, experience, and commitment of our practice — using a unique combination of science and artistry — can literally redesign your smile. Even a subtle change in your smile helps you to project an image of self-confidence and high personal esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your appearance. COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENTS Dental Bonding Porcelain Veneers Teeth Whitening E4D Dentist® Invisalign

  Link: Cosmetic Dentistry

• Sleep Apnea

  People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration. Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms. SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT The first step in treatment for sleep apnea resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer consultation and treatment options. In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight. Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures are usually performed under light IV sedation in the office. In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two day overnight stay in the hospital. OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.

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• Dentures

  A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways. A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture. An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance. Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

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• Tooth Fillings

  We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings may result in a weaker tooth structure. Tooth Colored Restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies. DISADVANTAGES OF SILVER FILLINGS: Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations. ADVANTAGES OF TOOTH-COLORED RESTORATIONS There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin materials are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger. Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums! The result is a beautiful smile! REPLACING SILVER FILLINGS WITH A TOOTH COLORED RESTORATION You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations in order to take advantage of these stronger, bonded materials. Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!

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• Dental Implants

  Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. EVALUATION FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Gonce. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

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• Dental Bridges

  All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss. DENTAL BRIDGE A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are permanently attached. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance. What exactly is a dental bridge? A fixed bridge is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. WHY DO I NEED A DENTAL BRIDGE? Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly. HOW IS A DENTAL BRIDGE ATTACHED? The attachment procedure takes two appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Gonce will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed. Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge. WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED FOR DENTAL BRIDGES? Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal. HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDGE? A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

  Link: Dental Bridges

• Dental Crowns

  Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing dental crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. Where damage to a person’s teeth is extreme, and apparently beyond repair, we can use porcelain crowns to make the smile appear “as new”. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe of dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 20 to 30 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIT A DENTAL CROWN? Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal. On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth. KEY BENEFITS OF DENTAL CROWNS Replaces missing teeth Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth Looks completely natural Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems WHAT ARE THE CAPABILITIES OF CROWNS? Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected using these techniques. Material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to metal. Where accidental damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, or where teeth have broken away through excessive wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, dental crowns and/or dental bridges can be used as a long-term solution. Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.

  Link: Dental Crowns

• Non-Surgical Root Canal

  WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL? A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. HOW IS A ROOT CANAL PERFORMED? If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT? When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene. HOW MUCH WILL ROOT CANAL TREATMENT COST? The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

  Link: Non-Surgical Root Canal

• Dental Bonding

  Dental bonding is an alternative to teeth veneers and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged. HOW DOES DENTAL BONDING WORK? The tooth is prepared for dental bonding by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a composite material is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the composite is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance. CONSIDERATIONS FOR DENTAL BONDING The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the composite used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.

  Link: Dental Bonding

• Porcelain Veneers

  WHAT ARE TEETH VENEERS? Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. Placing custom teeth veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. We place veneers routinely, and design each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient’s smile. WILL DENTAL VENEERS LOOK LIKE NATURAL TEETH? When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. HOW DURABLE ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS? With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for many years. Dr. Gonce will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available. Refraining from using your veneers as tools to open and cut things will prolong their life, and if accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved.

  Link: Porcelain Veneers

• Teeth Whitening

  WHAT ARE THE DETAILS OF TEETH WHITENING? It’s safe, quick, and in many cases, we offer this as a courtesy to our patients. Ask us how you can qualify for our no cost whitening. In only a day or two your custom bleach trays will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that is placed into the clear trays. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent removes most stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. Dental whitening can be used to correct tooth discoloration. Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in whitening technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, brilliant smile. HOW IS TEETH WHITENING DONE? KEY BENEFITS OF TEETH WHITENING Corrects brown, yellow and spotted tooth staining Works on people of any age Is a near-permanent solution for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness and brings a smile alive An impression is taken to make a specialized “tray” to hold the bleach against the teeth. The bleaching agent is used each night for 3-4 hours for about week. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology allows us to promise improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or dental veneers may be more appropriate.

  Link: Teeth Whitening

• E4D Dentist®

  Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has been revolutionizing many industries, including dentistry. Remember when it used to take two separate appointments to get a dental crown? Even just a few years ago, patients had to endure mouthfuls of messy impression materials and wearing temporaries for weeks at a time. Now, with our E4D Dentist® system, it is all a thing of the past! BENEFITS OF COMPUTER-AIDED RESTORATIONS FOR OUR PATIENTS: Safe and simple procedure One appointment Advanced laser technology provides absolute precision No need for temporary restorations No unpleasant or messy impressions Our E4D Dentist® system allows Dr. Gonce to replace conventional impression methods with a clean, fast digital scan that is obtained in just a few minutes through a series of photographic images taken in the mouth. Combining this scanned data with our advanced software, we’re able to design a custom, permanent restoration. A milling unit then fabricates your restorative design quickly and conveniently, right in our dental office. Your final result is a natural-looking restoration of superior strength that perfectly matches the surrounding teeth, making your crown virtually undetectable. The elimination of impressions, temporaries, and second appointments enhances the entire dental experience for our patients. The E4D Dentist® system was created by D4D Technologies, LLC, headquartered in Richardson, TX. For more information please refer to the D4D Technologies Website, www.d4dtech.com.

  Link: E4D Dentist®

• Clear Braces / Invisalign

  The invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. To discuss Invisalign, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment……. Or at your next hygiene visit, ask us about Invisalign. At no cost, we can scan and show you a simulated preview of your treatment. For information on Invisalign, please visit www.invisalign.com. Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made through a combination of Dr. Gonce’s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Gonce has prescribed. You’ll visit Dr. Gonce about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9 – 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

  Link: Clear Braces / Invisalign

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

  Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment option for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When OSA occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. The CPAP treatment is generally offered to patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea, and involves wearing a mask placed on the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which helps keep the airways open during. The mask is attached to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of compressed air. The CPAP mask must be worn nightly for at least 6 hours in order to be effective. When used properly, CPAP is a highly effective way to treat OSA. It reduces the risk of heart problems such as heart failure, decreases daytimes sleepiness, and may lower blood pressure both when in use and during waking hours. Unfortunately, many users find the mask uncomfortable or inconvenient, and reduce use without consulting their doctor. Other patients may experience dry mouth, or complain that the noise produced by the machine actually makes sleep more difficult. Mandibular advancement devices are custom made appliances that are an approved alternative therapy for those who are CPAP intolerant. Ask us about these alternative therapy options if you are having trouble with CPAP or you have stopped wearing your prescribed CPAP machine.

  Link: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

• Snoring

  Snoring results from an often-complex multi-facial problem that can be affected by one or more anatomical factors. For most sufferers, snoring is caused by the vibration of the muscular roof of the mouth, also known as the soft palate. For others, snoring is worsened by an obstruction of the nasal passage. An enlarged uvula, tonsils, and the base of the tongue can also contribute to the problem. There is no reason to be embarrassed about snoring, or to feel alone. Snoring is a common problem, with 90 million Americans suffering from the condition. One in four people have a problem with chronic snoring and can’t stop snoring on their own. If you’re sharing a household with a snorer, you know that if they can’t stop snoring, it will always be your problem too. On average, the bed partner of a snorer loses at least an hour of sleep every night. Because the partner’s sleep is interrupted so frequently, it isn’t deep and restful. Eventually, the lack of sleep can cause the snorer or bed partner to move to a different room. Imagine the strain that can have on a relationship. Or maybe you don’t have to imagine it at all, because you’re already living with a loved one who can’t stop snoring. Do not wait to have your snoring problem examined. Dr. Gonce can determine if you are a candidate for a sleep appliance, which may help you sleep longer, better and save your relationships!

  Link: Snoring