Understanding Your Dental Options
With proper treatment planning, patients can know in advance everything needed to make a good decision about their dental treatment and to make choices when options for treatment can be safely made. What you can expect when you visit Hamlin Dental Center is expert, patient centered care in a professional relaxed environment.
Call 570-689-2628 to experience the Hamlin Dental Center difference today!
What our patients are saying:
The care and friendliness that I ALWAYS receive with EVERY visit is well over the top! Truly, I never, ever expected such great care and professionalism at this scale. Very impressive! It’s great to see that there are people out there who take great interest in caring for another persons health. Kudos to all those at the Hamlin Dental Center!!!
Not only did the staff assure my comfort and care, they were above and beyond nice. Wouldn’t want to receive dental care from anyone else. They are professional, and kind, and even though I have to go back for some major dental work, I am looking forward to it because they know what they are doing and have my best interest in mind.
Dental Concerns
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can be either removable (partial denture) or fixed (porcelain bridge). A fixed bridge is anchored to either remaining teeth or dental implants. It has the distinct advantage of being fixed in the mouth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth. The implant actually replaces the root of the missing tooth becomes fully incorporated into the bone. Not all patients qualify for dental implants. The location of the missing tooth as well as the overall health of the patient and bone structure will be evaluated before Dr. Kopesky recommends treatment to you.
Dentures
A denture is used when a person is missing all of their upper or lower teeth. The denture can either be removable or secured using dental implants. Implant retained dentures come in a vsriey of configurations depending on the number and location of implants. Dr. Kopesky will discuss all possible treatment options with you.
Call 570-689-2628 today to experience the Hamlin Dental Center difference.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
- Worn, flat or chipped teeth
- Abraded tooth enamel
- Sensitive teeth
- Jaw pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
- Earache
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Cuts or sores on the inside cheek
What Causes Teeth Grinding:
The primary cause for teeth grinding is stress. If your teeth grinding is caused by stress, you may benefit from biofeedback, yoga, anxiety medication, or other methods of stress relief. Other teeth grinding causes include:
- Malocclusion (improper alignment of teeth)
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
- Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease
- Anxiety, anger, or tension
Treatment For Teeth Grinding
Dr. Kopesky offers a range of treatment options for people affected by bruxism. The initial goal of teeth grinding treatment is to stop teeth grinding or clenching the teeth from occurring. This is followed by treatment to correct the source of the problem and finally treatment to repair any damage as a result of teeth grinding. Dr. Kopesky provides a broad range of services to correct the causes of teeth grinding. Malocclusion, or improper alignment of the teeth, is one cause for teeth grinding. Teeth can be corrected to proper alignment through the use of braces, dental crowns, dental veneers or dental implants.Cosmetic Dentistry to Repair Damage – Once the teeth grinding causes have been successfully treated, the dentist will focus on repairing damage caused by teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding can leave teeth worn, chipped or broken. Dr. Kopesky may repair teeth using dental crowns, porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding.
Schedule an Appointment to Stop Teeth Grinding
If you or someone you love is suffering from teeth grinding, schedule a consultation with Hamlin dentist Dr. Gary A. Kopesky. A simple bite analysis and consultation can reveal whether or not your teeth grinding is caused by TMJ dysfunction and you can be well on your way to much needed relief.
Call 570-689-2628 today to experience the Hamlin Dental Center difference.
Many common causes for headache include stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and neurological disorders. Malocclusion (unbalanced bite) and TMJ dysfunction (TMD) are headache symptoms that are often missed by physicians and dentists.
When the teeth do not make proper contact and the jaws are not in proper alignment, it creates stress and tension in the muscles and face, causing headaches to occur. Tension in the jaw and mouth throughout the day also contributes to chronic headaches and migraines.
Are Your Headaches Caused By TMJ Dysfunction?
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a TMJ dysfunction. The reason TMJ headaches often occur in the morning is because of teeth clenching and teeth grinding that occurs while you sleep. tension in the jaw joints, teeth clenching or teeth grinding.
TMJ Headache Symptoms
- Pain in the temples or back of the head
- Morning headaches
- Pain in the shoulders, neck and upper back
- Migraine headaches
- Teeth grinding, teeth clenching
TMJ Headache Therapy
Dr. Kopesky will perform a bite analysis to evaluate your jaw joints and determine if your headaches are caused by TMJ dysfunction. Treatment for TMJ Headaches can range from simple oral appliance therapy, using a night guard or splint, to advanced bite correction therapy which involves reshaping the teeth so that they make proper contact.
Get Relief From Frequent Headaches
If you experience frequent headaches and migraines, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation with Hamlin dentist Dr. Gary A. Kopesky. A simple bite analysis and consultation can reveal whether or not your headaches are caused by TMJ dysfunction and you can be well on your way to much needed relief.
Call 570-689-2628 today to experience the Hamlin Dental Center difference.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums are not normal. Though bleeding gums are the most common sign of gingivitis and gum disease, there may be other causes of bleeding gums.
Bleeding gums may be the result of aggressive flossing, tooth brushing, or using a toothbrush with firm bristles. Daily care is extremely important, but use caution around the sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding gums.
Bleeding gums are also common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes taking place in the body. Pregnant women should continue to brush and floss, but be extra cautious around sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding. It is very important to maintain routine visits to the our office during pregnancy to monitor your gum health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums cause by a bacterial infection. Gum disease may affect one or more teeth as well as the surrounding gum tissue and supporting bone.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bleeding gums or red, swollen or sore gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
Treatments for Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis – Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It is common for people with gingivitis to experience bleeding gums when brushing teeth or flossing. For gingivitis treatment, plaque is removed from exposed parts of the teeth and gums. Antibacterial rinses and other aids may be recommended to reduce inflammation and cure gingivitis.
Periodontitis – Without treatment, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. For this advanced form of gum disease, the dentist may need to provide more intensive treatment. Scaling and root planing are procedures that clean the deep pockets of the gums to remove bacteria and debris. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you have bleeding gums or sore gums, schedule a consultation with Hamlin dentist Dr. Gary A. Kopesky for a periodontal screening to check for signs of gum disease.
Call 570-689-2628 today to experience the Hamlin Dental Center difference.
Cavities are most commonly caused by plaque build up. When plaque comes in contact with sugar and starch, it activates bacteria in plaque, causing it to produce acid which erodes tooth enamel.
The best way to prevent cavities is routine visits to the dentist. Call 570-689-2628 to schedule a routine exam and professional dental cleaning.
What are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay
Some patients experience no recognizable symptoms in early stages of tooth cavity formation. Your dentist, however, is likely to spot early signs of early tooth decay and can prevent the tooth cavity from forming or getting worse.
As the tooth cavity gets larger, symptoms may include:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating hot or cold foods and beverages
- Visible holes in teeth or dark spots on the teeth
- infections around the tooth and gums
How to Prevent Tooth Cavities:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (if over the age of 2)
- Floss daily – cavities frequently form between teeth
- Maintain a healthy diet, limiting sugary snacks and soft drinks
- Visit the dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and exams
Call 570-689-2628 today to experience the Hamlin Dental Center difference.
Dr. Kopesky uses tooth-colored porcelain and composite resin fillings to repair decay and restore dental health.
Disadvantages of Metal Fillings
Metal fillings are unattractive and actually weaken teeth. The edges of metal fillings deteriorate and create openings that bacteria can penetrate. Amalgams often leave a dark color or stain on teeth and gums.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are often used to restore teeth with large cavities or tooth damage. Also called inlays and onlays, these restorations are extremely durable, match existing tooth color, and protect teeth for years to come. An inlay fits inside the cusps, or bumps, of a tooth. An onlay is larger and covers one or more tooth cusps. These restorations are fabricated in our office during your visit using CEREC digital CAD/CAM technology with no messy impressions and no temporaries.
Some Things to Consider About Porcelain Fillings…
Metal fillings can reduce tooth strength up to 50%. Porcelain fillings are bonded directly onto teeth with special high-strength resins and can actually increase tooth strength up to 75%. This means that your restoration may last much longer than other materials.
Composite Resin Fillings
If you have a relatively small cavity, Dr. Kopesky may fill it with a tooth-colored composite resin. This material is bio-compatible, fairly durable and impervious to decay.
Can you replace my metal fillings with tooth-colored ones?
Yes! Many people ask us to replace their metal fillings. We can remove amalgam fillings and replace them with durable, attractive, tooth-colored restorations. We will use digital radiography and digital intraoral photos to help determine what is right for you.
Do you want whiter brighter teeth and no more dark fillings?