Restorative dentistry usually implies restoration of damaged teeth. It could be a filling, an inlay or a crown. Fillings could be esthetic ( tooth coloured) or amalgam. Even though not esthetic,  amalgam restorations in some cases provide a better alternative as they are more resistant to wear.

Learn more about our Cosmetic Dentistry.

White or tooth coloured fillings are highly esthetic. When the shade match is good, they are practically invisible. The placement technique is more complicated then that of amalgam (metal) fillings and involves etching, bonding and use of curing light. As composite (white) restorations are sensitive to moisture, an excellent moisture control is critical during their placement.

If you want to improve your smile, porcelain veneers may be the best solution. They are very thin shells of highly esthetic ceramic material that are individually built for your teeth. When carefully bonded, they conceal gaps, imperfections, stains, chips etc., creating a perfect smile. Porcelain does not stain, so you can be sure that your smile will be as bright in 10 or 20 years as it is when the work is just finished.

When a tooth is badly damaged by decay, broken or heavily restored, a crown ( a cap) is needed to prevent a loss of that tooth. Crowns are made of metal, porcelain or a combination of the two.
Bridges are indicated when one or more teeth are missing. The teeth in front and behind the gap are used as abutments  ( supports) and the missing tooth is ” suspended” between them, much like in a regular bridge.

Dental implants are considered when a patient is missing one or several teeth. Essentially an implant is an artificial root made of high quality titanium alloy and placed within the jaw bone. It takes 4-6 months for it to integrate and become one with the bone. Then, a restorative phase begins, when a tooth or several teeth are made and securely mounted on the Implants.
Modern day Implants have over 90% success rate.

Root canal therapy or endodontics is a way to save a tooth, that became compromised due to decay, trauma or infection. In many cases there is discomfort, but in others, it’s the dentist who discovers the problem and suggests the treatment.

Root canal therapy consists of cleaning the canals inside the tooth and obturating (sealing) the system of canals to prevent re-occurrence  infection. In many cases, a crown is recommended after the treatment as the tooth becomes more brittle and prone to breakage.

When a tooth is broken beyond repair, it may be necessary to extract (remove) it. Good local anesthesia is usually sufficient for a painless extraction. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, some extractions are better done by an oral surgeon. In any case, it is essential to follow post operative instructions, to minimize chances of complications.

When several teeth are missing, it may be advisable to restore the chewing function by replacing them with artificial teeth. Implants would be the first choice, but if for whatever reason it isn’t possible, a removable prosthesis is fabricated by the dentist with the help of a laboratory technician. Dentures can be partial ( when there are some natural teeth remaining in the mouth) or complete. A well-made denture can restore patient’s function (chewing, speech) and greatly improve the appearance. After the denture is delivered, there is an adjustment period that requires patience and motivation to make it work.

Gum health is just as important as the dental health. Periodontal (gum) disease is the second major cause of tooth loss in humans. It is important to detect the early signs of it and treat it in a timely manner. At regular recall appointments, the dentist or the dental hygienist examines the gums and measures periodontal pocket depth. Regular radiographs (x-rays) are also helpful in early detection of gum disease. The patient’s oral hygiene practices ( brushing, flossing and use of special tools) play a crucial role in prevention and treatment of this condition.

Another name for this service is Preventive Care. It goes without saying that it’s better to prevent problems than fix them. Regular checkups and professional cleaning is what creates a solid base for keeping healthy gums and teeth, avoiding emergencies and expensive repairs.

At the Little Green Building we have a wonderful team of experienced dental hygienists who not only will clean your teeth, but thoroughly examine your mouth and alert you and Dr.Paltsev of anything that might require treatment.

Dental radiographs ( X-rays ) are prescribed by the dentist based on your specific situation. They are an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows to detect problems and treat them before it’s too late.

Another important part of every hygiene appointment is oral cancer screening. We check routinely for any suspicious lesions in the mouth, throat and head and neck areas.

As you can see, the value of continuous preventive care is not to be under-estimated.

A surprisingly large number of people grind and clench their teeth in their sleep. Most of them are completely unaware of it. The consequences of such activities are many. From excessive wear to sore jaw and head aches. Facial muscles after working night shifts develop inflammation resulting in pain and difficulty opening mouth and chewing food. The temporo – mandibular joints (TMJ) also get affected. Noises like clicking or popping are quite common. Sometimes the jaw may lock in open position.

Front teeth often show signes of excessive wear. They get shorter and chip along the incisal edges.
All of those undesirable consequences can be avoided by wearing a night guard, an appliance made by a dentist two short visits.

Playing certain sports can be hazardous for children and adults. Hockey, football, boxing, martial arts require adequate mouth protection. At the Little Green Building we make custom guards, like the ones worn by professional players. They are durable, well fitted and provide superior protection.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder affecting a large segment of the population. The symptoms are sleepiness, headaches, diminished attention, tireredness etc.

Snoring usually accompanies that condition. In severe cases the breathing may stop for several minutes and may even be fatal.

If you suspect that you might suffer from sleep apnea, first of all see your family physician and get a referral to a sleep clinic. If the diagnosis of OSA is made, you might be prescribed a CPAP machine or referred to a dentist to be fitted for an appliance.

If it turns out that you don’t have a sleep apnea and you still want to stop snoring and breathe better in your sleep, you can have the same appliance made for you.

A number of our patients use the anti – snoring appliances that we made for them. And report 50 to 100 percent reduction in snoring and improved quality of sleep.

Laughing gas has been used in dentistry for the past 50 years to reduce axiety and fear of dental treatment in a certain population. So called “dental cowards” may delay a trip to a dentist until it’s an emergency.
It was discovered that Nitrous Oxide when mixed with Oxigen and delivered to your lungs through a nose mask, has a calming effect and takes the ” edge” off, allowing an anxious person to tolerate a dental treatment.
The ease of use, relatively low cost, very few side effects and immediate recovery, make nitrous oxide conscious sedation one of the most popular way to deal with fear and anxiety in a dental setting.
At the Little Green Building we are fully equipped and trained to administer this type of service.