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Silver/mercury fillings are bad for teeth. They leak bacteria into the tooth and they expand and contract because they are metal. This can cause teeth to crack. And that is just what happened to this tooth. In 2015, leakage and cracks were diagnosed in this tooth and a direct bonded composite restoration was suggested. These restorations bond to the tooth, sealing and strengthening it. For a variety of reasons, the patient was not able to get the recommended treatment done. Fast forward 2 years to 2017. The patient said that something just did not feel right with this tooth. Upon examination ..read more

What Are Porcelain Veneers? Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve a smile. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Why a Porcelain Veneer? Porcelain ..read more

Dr. Tarantola and you together learn about the condition of your teeth, gums, TMJs, jaw muscles, bite function and esthetics, that is, the entire masticatory system. Your 10 point exam is a “physical exam of your masticatory system”. It is a baseline for future comparisons and is the basis for a lifetime master plan for oral health. • Understand your concerns • Oral cancer screening • Tooth assessment • Periodontal exam • TMJ assessment • Muscle function • Digital x-rays • Digital photographs If there are bite concerns that are a contributing factor to other issues such as trouble chewing, TMJ ..read more

Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture. Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes. Candid ..read more

The whole person is focused on. The first step is for Dr. Tarantola to sit face to face and discuss all items on your medical and dental history to better understand your current dental status and goals. Dental and oral conditions can be understood only in relation to the whole body, that is lifestyle, current medications, diet etc., especially as it relates to the dental/oral condition All new patients get a customized dental/oral status report. If treatment is needed, all options are discussed ahead of time and all procedures explained. Dr. Tarantola doesn’t want patients to proceed with tr ..read more

For many years, the first sign of a cavity meant drilling and filling. Today, simple non-invasive treatments and strategies may be the best way to manage areas of early decay, preventing small problems from becoming bigger. What Is an Incipient Lesion? Repeated exposure to bacterial acids in your mouth eventually causes tooth enamel to demineralize, and these areas of early decay are called incipient cavities. Incipient caries can either progress into the soft dentin portion of the tooth or become inactive through remineralization (see illustration above.) Management of Incipient Caries *Amor ..read more

The pulp is the nerve and blood supply of the tooth. It is living tissue and needs to be treated with respect to avoid root canals. The pulp vitality can be challenged by cavities, trauma and by how the tooth is restored. Crowns can be very aggressive treatment that can stress and sometimes damage the pulp. That is why we always restore the tooth with the most conservative restoration possible – a direct bonded composite restoration or an onlay. When new restorations are needed, all old restoration is removed as well as the cavity. Only the cavity that is infected with bacteria is removed. A ..read more