General Dentistry
In addition to his areas of interest in cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Bonazza provides his patients with a comprehensive array of dental services and recommends referrals to specialists as indicated.The most valuable first step in our dental program entails a thorough medical and dental history and a comprehensive examination of head and neck musculature, jaw joints (TMJ), teeth and periodontal (gum) supporting structures. Models, x-rays and photographs of your teeth will be studied and discussed with you as your treatment plan is developed and options suggested. When indicated, patients will receive a K7 computerized scanning and analysis.
Critical to long term dental health is the health of the supporting structures (periodontium) of the teeth. A periodontal examination which includes measuring and charting will reveal the presence and extent of the disease which, where it exists, must be addressed and treated.
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| BEFORE | AFTER |
| Note the change in bone level with untreated gum disease | |
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| BEFORE | AFTER |
| Composite fillings placed on back teeth | |
Most often the first step in controlling this condition is a thorough scaling (cleaning) and root planning (deep cleaning) possibly with the use of antimicrobial medications to control gum infection. Our highly trained and motivated hygienists, Francine and Roxanne provide thorough and comfortable "cleaning" and related treatment.
Restorations of the teeth are provided when teeth are decayed, chipped, weakened by large fillings or for cosmetic purposes. There is a variety of exceptional new materials available which we choose from to provide tooth coloured, metal free restorations. Smaller restorations (fillings) are usually done in one appointment with composite (tooth coloured) materials. Teeth requiring larger restorations will usually require a crown (cap) or similar stronger, porcelain restoration fabricated in a laboratory and completed in two appointments. Sometimes these crowns are made with? an inner layer of even stronger material (zirconium for example).
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| BEFORE | AFTER |
| Porcelain crown to restore tooth broken around silver filling | |
Teeth that have become infected or for which the nerve has "died", require root canal (endodontic) treatment to prevent/eliminate infection. This may be done in a single or in multiple appointments (Paul -not clear if this is patients choice or due to nature of theproblem?). A root canal entails a cleansing and shaping of the inner core of the tooth followed by filling/sealing of the space. It is usually a very simple and surprisingly comfortable procedure that maintains the tooth health. Root canals on back teeth ( or did you mean something else?) are usually more time consuming as they have multiple roots. Following endodontic treatment and the removal of any decay, many teeth require a post and core which, as the name implies, extends into the root of the tooth and provides a strong stump. Over this stump, a strong restoration can then be fabricated.
There are often numerous options for the replacement of missing teeth. Following evaluation and discussion with you, an appropriate treatment might be one of the following. Implants often provide the ideal method for replacing missing teeth. This procedure involves the placement of a metal cylinder (implant) to substitute for the root of the tooth. Following a period of healing, a crown is placed over the implant to restore the tooth.
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| Before and after photo's of an implant | |
Implants can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth by supporting attached (fixed) or removable false teeth.
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| A series of photos of an implant supported fixed bridge | ||
Another option for replacement of missing teeth may be a fixed bridge which is attached and supported by adjacent teeth and is not removable. This is often the best treatment when the supporting teeth have large fillings as the bridge will cover and strengthen these teeth. It generally requires no gum surgery.
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| Before and after of a fixed Bridge | |
The last option for replacing teeth is a removable denture. Removable dentures are more bulky, collect food, and are more irritating to supporting gum tissues. They are best made with a metal frame as these types of dentures fit better for a longer time, are retained better and stress the gums less than all acrylic dentures.
Dr. Bonazza has practiced dentistry in the Oral Surgery Department at Toronto General Hospital and since then has attained considerable experience in the extraction of third molars. Most patients will have an evaluation of the position of their wisdom teeth at seventeen years of age. Depending on the x-ray presentation, extractions may be recommended. Often, these extractions are often done in our office.
For an appointment call:
(902) 442-0200
Speak with Robyn
DR. BONAZZA IS RELOCATING ACROSS PORTLAND ST. AT EVERGREEN PLACE IN JANUARY 2009. See the Office News page
Our Location
Dr. Bonazza currently practices at
Penhorn Dental Center
Penhorn Mall
535 Portland St.
Dartmouth, NS
B2Y 4B1
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