1.  What is different about Cerec 3D crowns and inlays?
2.  What does sedation dentistry involve?
3.  What does the laser do and how is it used?
4.  What is the difference between regular x-rays and the new digital x-rays?
5.  Do you offer nitrous gas?
6.  What do you offer in the way of orthodontics?
7.  What is the difference between resin fillings and silver fillings?
8.  Do you offer implants?

1.  What is different about Cerec 3D crowns and inlays? 
This is our latest aquisition in dental technology.  The Cerec 3D cad-cam machine makes it possible for us to get your crown or restoration done all in one appointment.  Instead of having to take impressions and send them away to the lab, putting a temporary crown on the tooth, and having you come back again once we get your permanent crown back, we can do it all at once.  The Cerec enables Dr. to take 3D pictures of your tooth, design a crown on the computer, and then mill it from a block of porcelain in our own office.  This machine can also be used for large fillings like inlays or onlays, since the tooth colored porcelain material is designed perfectly to fit in your tooth.  For more information about the Cerec click here. 

2.  What does sedation dentistry involve?
Sedation dentistry is great for those who do not wish to remember their dental experience, or who are very afraid of the dentist.  We use oral sedation here, and so it does not involve any IV fluids, but only a pill that is dissolved under your tongue just prior to your visit. 

3.  What does the laser do and how is it used?
Also a new piece of equipment, we use our laser in various capacities.  Initially it was primarily used for cauterizing tissue to stop the bleeding in such cases as a crown preparation as well as for laser assisted periodontal therapy.  Now, however, we have found it most useful in almost any procedure we do.  We still use it for crown preps, but it is also helpful when performing simple fillings as well, since it kills the bacteria by vaporizing it, and thus sterilizing that area also.  We also use it in some surgeries, such as frenectomies, or extractions, when we need to cut the tissue. 

4.  What is the difference between regular x-rays and the new digital x-rays? 
Not only are digital x-rays more convenient, since we don't have to develop them, but they are also much safer.  Digital x-rays require only a fraction of the radiation necessary to take a regular x-ray.  Also, the digital x-rays pop up in seconds on our computer monitors, where we can look at them, zoom in, and use other tools on our computers to study the x-rays more easily. 

5.  Do you offer nitrous gas? 
We do have nitrous available to patients who are exceptionally nervous during more lengthy procedures.  This usually helps calm them down, and makes the dental visit less traumatic, while making it easier for us to do our work quickly and efficiently.  If you suffer from severe fear of the dentist, please ask us about nitrous. 

6.  What do you offer in the way of orthodontics?
Although we do not specialize in orthodontics, we do see quite a few patients for orthodontic treatment.  We have both Invisalign and conventional braces with wire and brackets available.  Invisalign is an alternative to braces that does not require any brackets or wires, for more information about Invisalign, call us or click here. 

7.  What is the difference between resin fillings and silver fillings?
The newer resin fillings, in comparison to the older silver fillings, are tooth colored and are much more aesthetically pleasing as well as mercury free.  Some people do not like having any metal in their mouth and this is a good alternative as is the Cerec restoration. 

8.  Do you offer implants?
Yes!  Although Dr. Scharine has been creating crowns to be used over implants for a long time, until recently, he did not perform the actual implant procedure in the office, but rather referred these out.  After receving further education in the matter, Dr. can now place implants from start to finish right here in our office.  Implants are a great solution for dentures avoiding much of the frustration and pain of continuously needed adjustments.