Unionville Office (860)673-9770 Barkhamsted Office (860)921-0191
Unionville Office (860)673-9770 Barkhamsted Office (860)921-0191
General Dentistry
We provide general and preventive dentistry care for adults, children, seniors, and families. Regular preventive care and dental screenings can help you maintain oral health and ensure the early diagnosis of any oral or dental conditions that may arise.
Composite (Tooth Colored) Fillings and Bonding
Composite fillings can be used to correct gaps, chips, and discolorations and can improve the aesthetics of your smile. This use of tooth colored filling materials is commonly known as "Bonding".
Composite fillings are also widely used to restore teeth after a cavity is removed or to replace silver amalgam fillings.
When placing composites, the tooth is prepared by removing any decayed or degraded tooth structure. A bonding solution is applied to the tooth, the composite material is molded and shaped then cured with an LED light that hardens the material. After curing, the filling is then smoothed and polished.
Crowns
Over time teeth can become weak due to large fillings, fractures, decay, and other conditions. When this happens a crown can be the best way to restore the tooth. Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or gold. The most natural looking are porcelain finished which are color matched to your own tooth color.
Having a crown made takes 2 visits. On the first visit a local anesthetic is used eliminate discomfort and the tooth is reshaped. Molds of the tooth and surrounding teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab where your crown is custom made to fit your mouth. A temporary crown is made to cover and protect your natural tooth until the new crown is ready. The second visit is usually 2-3 week after the first visit. At this time the crown is fit and adjusted to your tooth and cemented in place. Crowns are durable and long lasting if cared for like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
Bridges
Dental bridges are a way to replace missing teeth . Your existing teeth are used to create a bridge to cross an area where a tooth is missing. Made from the same materials as crowns, a bridge is permanently cemented and is not removable.
Having a bridge made is similar to the crown procedure listed above. On the first visit the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are shaped and molds are taken of the teeth. A temporary bridge is made to protect the teeth while the dental lab uses the molds to make the bridge. On the second visit the bridge is fit to your teeth and permanently cemented in place. Bridges are also long lasting if given proper care of daily brushing and flossing.
Veneers
Veneers are a thin porcelain shell that covers the front and sides of existing teeth. They can be used to close spaces, repair cracks and chipping, correct misalignment, and improve overall aesthetics.
The process to make veneers is a two step process similar to a crown but, only a small portion of the existing tooth is removed. Veneers are a great way to improve your smile.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a great way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Smoking, wine, coffee, and some foods can stain and darken teeth. Whitening can restore your natural tooth color or make them even whiter.
NiteWhite® is a tray whitening system that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Custom made trays are fabricated from impressions taken of your teeth. Whitening gel is placed in the trays and worn for a short period of time, usually at night. After 5-10 days of using the trays you will have a beautiful whiter smile.
Root Canals (Endodontics)
Endodontics is the portion of dentistry dealing with the nerves of the teeth. When a tooth nerve becomes infected it needs to be removed in order to resolve the infection. If this is not done, a serious dental abscess can develop and bone loss around the tooth can result.
On the first visit the tooth is numbed with local anesthetic and an opening is made into the tooth to access the canal. The infected tissue is removed and the canal is cleaned. A sanitizing solution is placed in the canal and covered with a temporary filling. On the second visit the tooth is again numbed with local anesthetic. The temporary filling is removed and the tooth canal is cleaned again. A material called gutta percha is used to fill and seal the canal and the root canal is completed. In most cases it is recommended to have a crown placed on a tooth after a root canal.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a virtually invisible solution for straightening teeth, so you can smile confidently both during treatment and after. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign gradually moves your teeth toward the smile you've always wanted. And, almost no one will know you're wearing them unless you tell them.
Sealants
Sealants are an excellent way to protect back teeth (molars and premolars) from decay. These teeth are most vulnerable to cavities due to deep grooves and pits naturally occurring in a tooth's anatomy making them difficult to keep clean. Sealants are usually placed on children's teeth as they erupt to protect them as soon as possible, generally starting at age 5-6 with the first molars and ending around age 12-14 with the eruption of the second molars and premolars.
When placing a sealant there is no removal of tooth structure or drilling. The tooth is cleaned with an etching agent and dried. The sealant, which is a liquid, BPH-free resin, is applied to the tooth and is hardened with an LED light. The treated surfaces are now protected from food, plaque and bacteria.
Nightguards/Mouthguards
Nightguards are custom made trays that can be used to ease the pain of TMJ disorders and prevent the premature wear of teeth due to grinding and clenching.
Mouthguards are also custom made trays but, are used to protect the teeth during sports and other high contact activities
Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Care
Preventive dental care and dental cleanings are important for your oral and overall health. Our hygienists will work with you to establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your mouth healthy. For patients that have periodontal disease we can provide early periodontal treatments and periodontal maintenance. If necessary, we can work in tandem with a periodontist to ensure you receive any additional care needed to help stabilize your condition and prevent tooth loss. Our goal is to help you keep a healthy, natural smile for a lifetime.
Copyright © 2023 DAWNCOOLEYDMD.COM - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.