Dr. Dorian Cucereanu’s office will complete a comprehensive exam includes a comprehensive oral exam, digital X-rays, a complete periodontal exam and a cancer screening.
While the services you’ll receive you can expect:
With proper hygiene and regular cleanings you will be able to keep your teeth for years to come.
Our hygienist uses an ultrasonic EMS Piezon® scaler to clean your teeth. With this state-of-the-art technology she can quickly and effectively clean your teeth with minimal discomfort and damage to the gums, using sound waves. She then uses a hand scaler for the fine removal of tartar.
After your cleaning she will polish your teeth using a polishing paste and an air-flow device which removes additional particles as well as heavy stains so your teeth are bright and shiny! The air-flow device is particularly effective for patients with implants and orthodontic patients. After the cleaning your hygienist will educate you on areas you can improve on by homecare.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, yet a large percentage of those affected opts against treatment, or avoid seeing a dentist at all. What you may not know, is that this condition can be addressed effectively in a gentle and minimally invasive way with the techniques and technology used by Dr. Dorian Cucereanu
The mildest cases can be treated with a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and 19planning, along with good hygiene. More advanced cases can be treated with a comfortable, highly effective laser treatment.
This high tech laser technique is fast, efficient, and delivers excellent results. The first step is always evaluation to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the disease. Many people are afflicted and do not even realize it.
Periodontal disease may be a risk factor for a wide variety of serious health concerns, including preterm birth, low birth-weight babies, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and more. Additionally, individuals who have uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk for developing gum disease.
We invite individuals who have concerns about their gum health to visit Dr. Dorian which will perform a complete examination, explain the findings, and discuss treatment if needed.
Dr Dorian Cucereanu will use the laser device in many treatments, including gum disease therapy.
This soft tissue laser treatment enables comfortable and convenient removal of tartar below the gum line, and facilitates enhanced healing. It allows us to address periodontal disease comfortably and quickly. With this system, we can gently and safely remove decayed tooth material without causing harm to adjacent soft tissue. It is also used in various periodontal treatments such as gum contouring, smile makeovers, and more.
The laser is appropriate for mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease, as well as selected cases of advanced disease.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Factors that may contribute to gingivitis include, diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and certain medication use.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.
– Aggressive periodontitis
– Chronic periodontitis
– Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic
– Necrotizing periodontal disease.
Digital radiography is one of the most important new advances that our profession has seen in quite some time. The capability to reduce the exposure of radiation to the patient while increasing our diagnostic proficiency has astounding implications. The reduction of the use of harsh chemicals and other waste materials associated with traditional radiography is also an added benefit to our environment.
Tooth sealant refers to a plastic that a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth as a means of helping prevent the formation of tooth decay.
In many cases, it is nearly impossible for children to clean the tiny grooves between their teeth. When a sealant is applied, the surface of the tooth is somewhat flatter and smoother. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.
The longevity of sealants varies. Sealants that have remained in place for three to five years would be considered successful, however, sealants can last much longer. It is not uncommon to see sealants placed during childhood still intact on the teeth of adults. Our office will check your child’s sealants during routine dental visits and will recommend repair or reapplication when necessary.
Any tooth that shows characteristics of developing decay should be sealed. The most common teeth for a dentist to seal are a child’s back teeth, and of these teeth, the molars are the most common teeth on which dental sealants are placed. The recommendation for sealants should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and an intermittent ringing in the ears. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat.
The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with every day life. The comfort and general well being of the patient is at the heart of the dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of the dentist.
Dr Dorian Cucereany is able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder.
TMJ sufferers report that their symptoms generally worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress, and that intense outbreaks of the condition can lead to neck pain and dizziness.
The most common cause of TMJ is the misalignment of the teeth, often called “bad bite.” It is possible for the dentist to realign or adjust the teeth without the need for painful or expensive surgeries. The realignment/adjustment will stop the pounding headaches, the jaw pain, and the dizziness.
The grinding teeth symptom is particularly common and usually occurs at night. The grinding will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and lead to much more severe dental problems in the future. Untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth.
It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis.
TMJ could be a result of several different problems. Bad bite is the most common, but an injury resulting from a blow to the meniscus cartilage is also a possibility. Initially, Dr. Dorian, will thoroughly examine the jaw area, the patient’s bite, take X-rays, and review the patient’s history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
Once a firm diagnosis is attained, there are several ways in which relief can be provided. A specially molded bite guard can be created to stop teeth grinding during the night. The dentist may recommend a bite relationship analysis. The dentist can also provide advice on relaxation techniques that will lessen the effects of stress. As a last alternative, the dentist is also able to prescribe muscle relaxants.
A better option is to change the shape of the teeth and get rid of the bad bite completely, often called “realignment.” This is especially useful because it alleviates TMJ symptoms and may improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth as well. Realignment involves adjusting the relationship between how the upper teeth come together with the lower teeth. This may require new restorations and/or adjusting the natural teeth as well. It is not a painful procedure, and it is one the dentist has performed with great success numerous times. As with any procedure, the dentist will be happy to answer questions and discuss symptoms, options, and treatments.
If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask Dr. Dorian Cucreanu if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults.
A nightguard is a device placed in the mouth on top of the teeth to help with grinding and clenching. Grinding implies the moving of the jaw back and forth, while clenching is biting down with pressure for an extended period of time. The guard acts as a protective layer between your top and bottom teeth.
These devices are also called occlusal guards, occlusal splints, or bite splints. Usually, the guard is made of plastic and is placed over some or all of the upper or lower teeth. In most cases, guards cover only your upper teeth. But sometimes, if you wear braces or have another dental appliance, a dentist can make a guard for your lower teeth, as well.
They re-establish your natural space and protect your teeth from grinding or clenching together, which can cause you to chip and crack your teeth and strain your jaw muscles.
Nightguards don’t stop you from clenching or grinding, but they serve as a cushion so that your teeth wear down the guard rather than your teeth. They also give your jaw a rest while you sleep. Plus, they can help you and your sleep partner sleep better, too.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment.