Dental Design Studio: Whalen Richard K DDS

Dental Design Studio

• Exams and Screenings

  PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY Progressive Techniques Dr. Richard Whalen recommends that you have a comprehensive oral exam every visit. The exam includes: Oral Cancer Screening – with VELscope exam once a year Digital X-Rays – as prescribed by the Doctor Thorough Cleaning/Hygiene Treatment Fluoride Treatment – at every visit Health Assessment Risk Oral Cancer Screening with VELscope Technology Dr. Whalen takes oral cancer screening very seriously. Statistics show that oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,000 Americans each year. To help protect his patients from the dangers of this disease, Dr. Whalen conducts an oral cancer screening once a year with VELscope technology. This exam is painless, quick and very thorough. The VELscope is a hand-held device that uses a blue light to detect any abnormal tissue in your mouth. As it passes over oral tissue, VELscope technology looks deep within the tissue to where oral cancer and its precursors begin. The VELscope System creates a reaction that makes the tissue “fluoresce.” Any abnormal tissue becomes easily identifiable, even at its earliest stage. If Dr. Whalen detects any abnormal tissue, he will determine an appropriate course of action. Digital X-Rays No more wasting time for film to develop; digital X-rays produce quick, precise, detailed images of your teeth on the in-office computer monitor so we can see what’s going on in your mouth immediately. Not only do these X-rays give us a clearer look at your oral health, they also significantly reduce your exposure time to radiation. Digital Panographic X-Rays For people who have trouble with discomfort or gagging with X-rays, the panographic (pan) X-ray is a wonderful alternative. With the pan, the x-ray is not taken with any film or device that is placed in your mouth. The machine stays outside of your mouth and moves around your head in a half-circle, taking an image of your entire oral cavity. While this type of X-ray does not give us as clear a diagnostic image as the digital X-ray, it does provide a clear overview of your entire mouth. This image allows us to evaluate for dental restorations, check the position of your wisdom teeth, and look for other problems such as abscesses, signs of sinus problems, and receding bone levels caused by periodontal disease. CT Scan This procedure is very similar to a conventional x-ray but shows a more detailed, 3-dimensional cross section of the area being scanned. Used together with digital X-rays and the panographic X-rays, CT scans deliver information for accurate diagnosis and safe and efficient treatment planning. For dental implants, the use of a CT scan is fast becoming the standard of care as it is much more accurate than traditional x-rays. Fluoride Treatment Fluoride treatment isn’t just for kids. In fact, it’s so important, Dr. Whalen recommends you have one at every visit. Why is fluoride so important? Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects and strengthens the teeth against cavities and decay; it’s in your toothpaste and often in your water. The topical application of fluoride has been shown to significantly reduce your risk for getting tooth decay, and the in-office fluoride varnish will last long after your dental appointment. Health Assessment Risk Following your screenings, X-rays, cleaning and fluoride treatment, Dr. Whalen will have a very clear picture of your oral health. With all the information he has gathered, he will then assess how the health and condition of your mouth may affect your whole-body health From periodontal disease that can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, complications in diabetes and other serious health conditions to TMJ that can cause headaches, facial pain and more, Dr. Whalen can apprise you of any health risks caused by your oral health. He will also offer treatment suggestions to avoid those risks.

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• Pediatric Dentistry

  Sealants. Mouth Guards. And More. Because Healthy Smiles Start Early At Dental Design Studio, we love kids and believe that it’s never too early to start children on the path of healthy oral habits. In fact, we think dental care is so important for children that we dedicate an afternoon just to see kids. No adults at all. This way, busy families with children can have all their dental appointments on the same day, making it very convenient. Protective Sealants Prevent decay and cavities. Make sure your child gets protective sealants. Sealants provide a clear, strong barrier over molars to protect kids’ teeth from decay and prevent cavities. The sealant is “painted” on the teeth, and then dried by special light. Sealants last for several years and provide unequalled cavity protection. Fissurotomies Similar to dental sealants, except the doctor uses either air abrasion or a fine-tip drill to clean the grooves of suspicious teeth prior to restoration. Sports Mouth Guards When it comes to your kids’ teeth, play it safe. Make sure your child wears a protective mouthguard custom made by a dentist whenever he or she is playing a sport. With its secure fit and unbeatable protection, the custom mouthguard offers better protection against tooth damage. It also prevents concussions, fractures and other major injuries, unlike the “boil-to-fit” mouth guard found at sporting goods stores.

  Link: Pediatric Dentistry

• Dental Hygiene

  Everyone knows that to maintain optimal oral health, you’ve got to keep your teeth and your gums healthy. But did you realize that the health of your mouth can affect your overall wellness? Studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and an increased risk of: Stroke Heart Attack Some cancers including pancreatic cancer Complications in diabetes Rheumatoid arthritis Pre-term births Low birth-weight babies …And more It’s more important than ever to take care of your teeth and gums so we provide a thorough hygiene exam and cleaning at every check-up. We want to be sure you have no bleeding at all associated with your gums With our advanced hygiene procedures, we can gently detect periodontal disease. We measure the gum tissue around each tooth to assess any periodontal deterioration in the form of “pockets” around your tooth roots. Digital x-rays may also be taken to reveal any bone loss around your teeth. If pockets or bone loss caused by bacteria are found, we will recommend a course of periodontal therapy. We will also be able to provide patients with Oral DNA tests to better assist with determing their perio status and even possibly why they are having problems periodontally. PERIODONTAL THERAPY Dental Design Studio offers modern periodontal therapy that is as comfortable as it is effective. Soft Tissue Diode Laser – Using this laser, we will gently remove any diseased gum tissue and pockets of bacteria, helping the gum heal and reattach to the tooth. Ultrasonic Scalers – We use both the Cavitron and/or the Piezo Scaler for advanced hygiene treatment. These two tools use high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth and provide gentle periodontal care – removing tartar above and below the gum line. They are so gentle that they can even be used to administer deep cleaning and gum therapy, many times without the need for anesthetic. These tools are safe, effective and painless alternatives to traditional cleaning methods. Arrestin – Is a topical antibiotic developed specifically for the treatment of gum bacteria. Arrestin will be placed under your gum tissue to help fight off bacteria and promote healing for weeks after your visit. By placing it under your gums, you are not exposing your whole immune system to the antibiotic. Perio Protect – This innovative treatment keeps the fight against periodontal disease going at home! Following a thorough periodontal cleaning, you will be given custom-made trays (like mouth guards) to wear over your teeth at night as well as a special solution created to kill the bacteria in your mouth. You simply fill the trays with the solution and place them over your teeth while you sleep.

  Link: Dental Hygiene

• Oral Sedation

  HELPING ANXIOUS PATIENTS RELAX For a Fear-Free Dental Visit Oral Sedation is ideal for those who: Have excessive fears about dental appointments Have difficulty getting numb Hate needles and shots Hate the noises and smells associated with the dental office Have a strong gag reflex Have highly sensitive teeth Have complex dental problems that will otherwise take several appointments to complete Wish to have a comprehensive smile redesign Do you suffer from dental anxiety or have a fear of the dentist? Do you have a hard time getting numb? Do you need multiple dental treatments that may require several appointments to complete? You may want to learn more about oral sedation. ORAL SEDATION DENTISTRY Oral sedation is not only very safe; it’s very effective, helping even the most nervous, fearful patient completely relax during dental treatment. It’s so relaxing you can even have extensive dental work completed in one visit. Prior to your scheduled appointment, Dr. Whalen will prescribe the necessary medication for you to take before you are due to arrive at the office and then while at the office. This medication will relax you and ease any worries you may have. Because of the effects of the pill, someone will have to drive you to and from your visit. You cannot drive yourself. Once at our office, you will be taken to the treatment room and monitored the entire time you are here. You will feel relaxed, treatment will begin, and you may even sleep through your appointment. However, you are conscious and able to respond to the doctor’s questions and directions (if not actually sleeping). We measure your blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation during the entire procedure. You’ll awaken with your dental treatment complete, refreshed and relieved while having very little memory of your experience. NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS) If you simply want to “take the edge off” during treatment, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is for you. Nitrous oxide is delivered in the office via a small mask over your nose. This treatment option completely relaxes you and lets you drift off. As soon as the gas is turned off, the effects fade away and you’re back to your normal self within minutes.

  Link: Oral Sedation

• TMJ Treatment

  HEADACHES? JAW PAIN? TEETH GRINDING? Return to Comfort and Function Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines? Do you frequently take over-the-counter painkillers to deal with the pain? Do you wake up in the morning with an achy, tired jaw? Do you grind your teeth? Have you sought treatment from your family doctor, chiropractors, physical therapists or others for relief, only to continue to suffer from your symptoms? The problem may be the alignment of your jaw, also called TMJ Dysfunction. The care you need is available from a dentist with training in neuromuscular dentistry. TMJ Dysfunction occurs when your jaw joints are not in proper alignment. These joints are involved in a variety of functions including: Opening and closing the mouth Chewing Swallowing Breathing Talking Yawning Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction Unexplained loose teeth Worn, chipped or cracked teeth Cracking, chipping or breaking dental restorations Pain or soreness around the jaw joints Pain in teeth that seems to move around Neck, shoulder or back pain Facial pain Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints Limited movement or locking jaw Numbness in your fingers and arms Congestion or stuffiness of the ears Through neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Whalen can diagnose and treat TMJ Dysfunction, returning your jaw to its optimal position, your jaw joints to harmony and you to pain-free living. TMJ Diagnosis Dr. Whalen uses state-of-the-art technologies to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction. TENS Unit He first uses a TENS unit to electronically massage the muscles of your head and neck. The TENS unit stimulates your jaw with low frequency pulses to help the muscle completely relax and find its most comfortable state. Jaw Sonography Sonography non-invasively reveals jaw joint noises that occur during jaw movement. Such noises are a sign of malocclusion (a poorly aligned jaw). Myotronics K7 Evaluation System He then uses the Myotronics K7 Evaluation System to track the position of your jaw at rest and in motion. This sophisticated computer program records and interprets TMJ sounds, masticatory (chewing) muscle activity (EMGS) and the path of movement the jaw follows in function. Using these technologies, Dr. Whalen can precisely determine the most comfortable, functional and optimal position for your bite. Treatment Methods If you are diagnosed with TMJ Dysfunction, Dr. Whalen will recommend a treatment plan that will correct your bite and alleviate pain and discomfort. Treatment plans may include: Dental Restorations Dental restorations, including crowns and veneers, can be placed on your teeth to raise or lower areas of your bite, creating a natural position for your jaw. Orthotic (either removable or fixed) An orthotic is an appliance worn over your teeth to comfortably align the jaw and ease any muscle tension. You wear the orthotic until your jaw “trains” itself to return to its correct position. Coronoplasty Coronoplasty reshapes the biting surfaces of the teeth with heavy polishing in order to remove any interference that deflect the jaw as it closes to its optimal biting position. Full-Mouth Restoration A Full-Mouth Restoration restores every tooth in the mouth to its optimal size, shape, width, length and position to correct the bite. Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment will straighten or move the teeth, improving their appearance and their function. By realigning the teeth into a naturally healthy position, Dr. Whalen can relieve jaw pain by spreading the biting pressure evenly over all the teeth. Treatment Outcomes Following treatment for TMJ, you will have a functional, comfortable and very attractive smile. But more importantly, you will be able to get back to living without pain.

  Link: TMJ Treatment

• Smile Makeovers

  STOP HIDING YOUR SMILE Reveal Your Confident Beauty Just because you weren’t born with a beautiful smile doesn’t mean you can’t have one. Better yet, you can have one in only two to three comfortable visits. A smile makeover can transform your smile, giving you straight, white, dazzling teeth. How can a Smile Makeover improve your smile? Missing teeth can be replaced Crooked, crowded teeth can be straightened without metal braces Chipped, cracked, worn teeth can be restored Stained, discolored teeth can be whitened Short teeth can be lengthened Gummy smiles can be recontoured A smile makeover just doesn’t change your smile; it can change your life. An enhanced smile can give you back the confidence you need to put your best self forward in your personal and professional life. It can boost your self-esteem and even help you look years younger. DIGITAL IMAGING Want to see what your smile will look like before any preparation or treatment begins? It’s possible! Dr. Whalen uses Visora digital imaging technology so you can see just what cosmetic dentistry can do for your smile. Visora lets you see the “After” before treatment begins.

  Link: Smile Makeovers

• Teeth Whitening

  In-office whitening Session with the doctor and take home trays made to use for future touch ups Custom Trays We provide the patients with 14% hydrogen peroxide whitening material to use in their trays Pre-filled trays Disposable trays (15% hydrogen peroxide)

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• Full-Mouth Restoration

  RESTORING FORM AND FUNCTION For a Beautiful, Healthy Smile Dr. Whalen believes in not only restoring the appearance of the smile, but also restoring health, comfort and function as well. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile because you have: Worn, chipped or broken Missing teeth Crooked, crowded teeth there may be more going on in your mouth than meets the eye. Your jaw may be out of alignment, causing your teeth to wear, chip, break, crowd and more. Simply fixing their appearance won’t solve the underlying problem, and your restorations won’t last for long. THE SOLUTION IS A FULL-MOUTH RESTORATION With Full-Mouth Restoration, Dr. Whalen starts at the foundation of your smile, correcting the alignment of your jaw. He will develop a treatment plan to restore your jaw to comfort and function, while also enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Your treatment plan may include: Crowns Bridges Porcelain Veneers Dental Implants Porcelain Inlays or Onlays Smile Whitening Bonding When treatment is complete, your smile will not only look rejuvenated, it will feel better than it has in years.

  Link: Full-Mouth Restoration

• Porcelain Veneers

  To Complete Smile Makeovers Porcelain veneers can correct almost any problem with the appearance of the teeth, and restore teeth to their optimal length, width, color and size. Thin sheets of ceramic, porcelain veneers bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth and can: Straighten crooked teeth Whiten stained teeth Repair chipped, broken teeth Restore worn teeth Close gaps between teeth Veneers look and feel so natural, they look like your real teeth, if your teeth were perfect! CRISTAL VENEERS BY AURUM (MINIMAL/NO-PREP VENEERS) We have found that some patients who really want a beautiful smile don’t follow through with cosmetic treatment because of the tooth preparation necessary to place veneers. They worry about losing tooth structure. Cristal Veneers by Aurum eliminate that concern. Cristal Veneers offer a beautiful, natural result with minimal tooth preparation. These thin veneers provide the strength, fit and function of traditional veneers, but the teeth don’t have to be drastically reduced or shaped for them to fit.

  Link: Porcelain Veneers

• Gum Recontouring

  GUMMY SMILE? Dental Lasers Gently Sculpt a Perfect Smile When you smile, do you reveal more gum than tooth? Do your teeth look too short? Well, your teeth are the right length; they’re simply covered by too much gum tissue. Gum recontouring with a dental laser can remove the excess gum tissue and reveal more of your natural tooth. The process is simple, quick and painless! First, Dr. Whalen will place a topical anesthetic on your gums,numbing the area. Using a soft tissue Diode laser, Dr. Whalen will then artfully sculpt your smile. The laser is gentle, and seals the gum tissue as it sculpts, helping the gums heal quickly. When treatment is complete, your smile will be more attractive than ever.

  Link: Gum Recontouring

• Minor Tooth Movement (MTM)

  MTM® CLEAR•ALIGNER A New Innovation in Clear Braces The newest way to straighten your teeth is the MTM®Clear Aligner. Similar to Invisalign, MTM is the undetectable way to align your smile and do it without the inconvenience or discomfort of metal braces. Best of all, MTM costs just a fraction of what traditional orthodontic braces cost. This system is ideal for those with mild to moderate spacing or crookedness and in as little as three to six months, you can have the smile you want. And just like Invisalign aligners, MTM aligners can be removed so your oral hygiene routine can continue and you can eat what you like. You can even remove these aligners temporarily for a special occasion or photo! If you would like to learn more about MTM Clear Aligners or discover if you are a candidate for this treatment, please call our Poughkeepsie, New York dental office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Whalen today. MTM – Get your smile straight…and fast! To help you with this process, below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about MTM® Clear•Aligner. To help you with this process, below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about MTM® Clear•Aligner. How clear are the aligners? The plastics used for MTM® Clear•Aligner are manufactured for “contact clarity”, meaning they are almost invisible when applied to the teeth. MTM® Clear•Aligner uses only quality proprietary plastics, for a virtually undetectable solution for straightening teeth discreetly. Are the aligners comfortable? MTM® Clear•Aligner is custom-fit to your individual needs. When you begin treatment, the aligner(s) may feel a little foreign in your mouth – but after a day or two, most people hardly notice them. How long do I have to wear the aligners each day? As with other aligner treatments, for optimum results, you will need to keep your aligner(s) in your mouth at all times except when you are eating, drinking hot liquids, or brushing your teeth. How long does the MTM® Clear.Aligner treatment take? Because MTM® Clear•Aligner treats cases requiring only minor anterior tooth movement, you can often achieve your desired outcome more quickly than with full orthodontic treatment, sometimes in as little as 3 to 6 months. What are the aligners made of? MTM® Clear•Aligner uses plastic that does not contain PVC or BPA. Are there any health benefits associated with MTM® Clear•Aligner treatment? MTM® Clear•Aligner can in many cases contribute to better oral hygiene, helping your teeth and gums to stay healthy. Improperly aligned teeth can make cleaning and brushing more difficult and lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss.

  Video: Minor Tooth Movement (MTM)

  Link: Minor Tooth Movement (MTM)

• The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®

  AN ADVANCED TREATMENT FOR GUM RECESSION Dr. Whalen is proud to offer The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® to treat receding gums that requires no scalpel or sutures. With a quick and virtually pain-free treatment, patients can resume normal activities the same day as their procedure. Call us today so we can determine if this is the appropriate treatment for you.

  Link: The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique®

• 

  iTero®

  THE POWER AND FREEDOM OF DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS iTero takes a 3D digital scan of the patient’s teeth and bite, make adjustments in real time, and transmit the file wirelessly for processing.

  Video: iTero®

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• Root Canal

  A root canal is the most commonly performed endodontic procedure. It involves treating problems within the tooth’s soft core, also known as the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue found inside the tooth; it extends from the top of the tooth all the way down to the end of the root. It contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that provide nutrients to the tooth as it grows. As a tooth grows, the pulp provides nourishment and helps the tooth develop properly. Once the tooth is fully functioning, its nerve is not vital to the tooth’s ability to function, or to providing it with sensory functions such as detecting the sensation of hot or cold. As a result, the nerve and surrounding tissue can be removed from the tooth to repair and save the tooth from an infected pulp. The mature tooth will be able to survive without the pulp. Damaged Pulp The pulp is most commonly damaged by an untreated cavity that allows bacteria to eat through the enamel of the tooth and, eventually, infect the pulp. The pulp can also be damaged by trauma that cuts off the tooth’s blood supply, and causes the pulp tissue to die. Although the pulp is no longer needed to supply fully developed teeth with nutrients, it will gradually decay if left damaged within the tooth. If left untreated, an infection may build up within the root tip and form an abscess that can damage the bone around the teeth, causing pain and creating the potential for permanent damage. Symptoms Of Damaged Pulp Patients with damaged pulp may experience the following symptoms: Severe toothache Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures Discoloration Swelling Tenderness Recurring pimple on the gums If a person is experiencing any of these symptoms, the dental pulp may be infected. Getting prompt treatment to help relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage is recommended. The Root Canal Procedure A root canal is usually performed in a series of dentist-office visits, first to remove the diseased pulp, and then to clean and seal the tooth to prevent further damage. During the first office visit, the dentist will make an opening in the tooth leading into the pulp chamber, and remove the damaged pulp. The canals of the root are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for a filling material. A temporary filling will be placed in the opening to protect the tooth between appointments. The dentist may also prescribe medication to control infection and promote healing. At the next appointment, the temporary filling will be removed, and the pulp chamber and root canals thoroughly cleaned and filled. The pulp chamber is usually filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which is cemented to the tooth with a sealer paste. The final step of the root canal procedure is to restore the tooth with a crown, post or other restorative device. Although many patients think of root canals as being painful and uncomfortable, that is usually not the case. Local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area, although it may not be needed because the nerve tissue is dead. However, anesthesia often helps patients relax. Risks Of Root Canal Although most root canal procedures are performed successfully with no complications, there is always a risk that the treated tooth will again become infected, especially if it has been subjected to multiple root canals. There is also a small risk of damaging the tooth during the procedure, although this rarely occurs. Results Of Root Canal Root canal is considered a highly successful treatment, with most patients experiencing complete relief from their symptoms. A crown or filling can usually repair the appearance of the treated tooth so that other people will not even realize that a root canal was performed. The results of a root canal procedure can be permanent, as long as the patient practices healthy oral hygiene and visits the dentist on a regular basis.

  Link: Root Canal

• Implant Dentistry

  MISSING TEETH? Replace Them Permanently If you have missing teeth, you have many options for tooth replacement. But we feel the most ideal solution for tooth replacement is a dental implant. A dental implant consists of an artificial tooth root and porcelain tooth that fits on the root. First, Dr. Whalen will take CT Scans and 3D Panoramic X-rays to determine the optimal position for your implants. He will then surgically place the titanium implant into your bone. Once your bone and gum heal around the implant, an implant abutment and a crown will be created and placed on the implant. The final result will look, feel and function like your natural tooth. In fact, you only have to brush and floss them; they don’t need special care. Dental implants can replace one, several or all your teeth. They can also be used to hold implant-supported dentures for a more secure, confident fit.

  Link: Implant Dentistry

• Crowns, Bridges and Dentures

  RESTORE DAMAGED TEETH Replace Missing Teeth We use E4D and are able to do same day restorations which saves our patients lots of time. A crown, also called a cap, is a custom-made restoration that repairs and strengthens a tooth that has been severely damaged or is weakened. Made of porcelain or gold (based on patient preference), a crown completely covers the tooth. A crown is used to: Restore a tooth that has fractured Fill a large cavity Replace an old filling that has failed Restore a tooth following root canal therapy Enhance the appearance of a tooth that is discolored or misshapen We use Itero digital imaging to send restorations to the lab for fabrication so our patients no longer need to have the Goopy impression material. DENTAL BRIDGES A dental bridge is a custom-made false tooth (or teeth) that is (are) placed permanently between two healthy teeth. The bridge fills the area left by the missing tooth.The bridge is held in place by porcelain crowns that are placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the space. Bridges reduce the risk of gum disease, help stabilize some bite problems, prevent teeth from moving and help improve speech. They can also improve appearance by preventing the “sunken-in” look of the face when teeth are missing. DENTURES A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and adjacent tissues. Made of resin and porcelain,complete dentures are used to replace all the teeth; partial dentures are used when some healthy teeth remain. A partial denture also keeps the remaining healthy teeth from shifting positions in the mouth, preventing TMJ and other painful symptoms. Full and partial dentures improve chewing ability and speech, and support facial muscles. Dentures also enhance appearance. For enhanced comfort, fit and security, Dr. Whalen also offers implant-supported dentures. First, an implant is placed into your bone. Once it heals, it acts as a tooth root; dentures are then attached to the implant. With implants, you can choose to have permanent dentures, or removable dentures.

  Link: Crowns, Bridges and Dentures

• Metal-Free Dentistry

  RESTORE TEETH TO STRENGTH AND HEALTH And a Natural Appearance At Dental Design Studio, we practice metal-free dentistry. Not only do silver metal fillings detract from the natural beauty of your smile, they can actually damage the teeth they’re meant to protect. Metal in your mouth reacts to temperature changes just as metal outside your mouth does. It expands when exposed to heat and contracts when exposed to cold. This constant movement within your tooth weakens the tooth wall and can cause the tooth to crack. This movement also allows bacteria to get in under the filling, causing decay that the dentist can’t see. In addition, questions have arisen about the safety of the mercury in amalgam fillings. Does it leak? Does it affect your health? According to other sources, it’s not safe. To read more, visit this link http://www.yourhealthbase.com/amalgams.html Dr. Whalen chooses to play it safe, and err on the side of caution, so he practices mercury-free dentistry. Why take a chance with your health or the health of your teeth? Only allow your teeth to be restored with metal-free dentistry. Dr. Whalen offers: Composite resin fillings to fill small cavities Porcelain inlays to restore cavities inside the tooth Porcelain onlays to restore larger cavities Porcelain crowns to restore severely damaged or weakened teeth Porcelain bridges to replace a missing tooth or several teeth

  Link: Metal-Free Dentistry

• Inlays and Onlays

  RESTORING SMALL AND LARGE CAVITIES With Natural Looking, Strong Porcelain Dr. Whalen restores cavities with porcelain inlays and onlays. These types of restorations are more conservative to metal fillings or full crowns. While traditional metal amalgam fillings can reduce tooth strength up to fifty percent, inlays and onlays can actually increase tooth strength by up to seventy five percent, lasting from ten to thirty years. Inlays and onlays also require far less tooth preparation (i.e. drilling!) to be permanently seated or placed. INLAYS Inlays are used to restore inside the cusps of the tooth. They are made of strong, long-lasting and natural-looking materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, and are invisible in the smile. Inlays are a conservative tooth restoration, meaning that they require far less drilling and preparation of the tooth than a metal filling does. This allows us to save much more of the healthy tooth. ONLAYS Onlays are used when the damage calls for larger restorations. They restore inside the cusp and extend over one or more sides of the tooth. They can also be used as a crown or cap. Because of their size, onlays are made of strong material, usually porcelain. Like inlays, they are conservative tooth restorations that require far less drilling than metal fillings or full crown. An onlay can often be used to repair only the damaged portion of the tooth, leaving much more of the original tooth structure intact.

  Link: Inlays and Onlays