We strive to obtain patient relationships based on mutual trust, excellent customer service, and the best patient care available. We provide the highest level of safety and infection control for personal protection. We believe each patient should take an active role in their care, which is why we focus on patient education. Our staff also respects you and your time demands. We encourage you to ask questions so that you can make informed decisions about your dental health.

Mercer Island Dentistry Crown and Bridge Dental Services

Crown and
Bridge

Mercer Island Dentistry Crown and Bridge Dental Services

Periodontal
(Gum Disease)

Mercer Island Dentistry Porcelain Veneer Dental Services

Porcelain
Veneer

Mercer Island Dentistry Dental Implants Dental Services

Dental
Implants

Mercer Island Dentistry Clench Guards for Bruxism Dental Services

Clench Guards
for Bruxism

Mercer Island Dentistry Botox® Cosmetics Dental Services

Botox®
Cosmetics

Crown and Bridge

A crown is a tooth-like covering placed over a carefully prepared existing tooth. A crown is placed on an individual tooth to strengthen, restore, or improve the appearance. One of the most common reasons for a crown is to support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. They are also used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured, broken, or treated with a root canal.

A bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. When a lost tooth is replaced with a bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing one must be prepared as crowns to hold the replacement teeth in place.

Benefits of Crown and Bridge treatment:

  • Restores and maintains the natural bite
  • Prevents unnatural stress on other teeth
  • Keeps opposing teeth in their proper place
  • Prevents shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth
  • Discourages further dental decay and periodontal disease
  • Enhances your smile, speech, and chewing function

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. It is an inflammatory disease that attacks the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed daily, plaque hardens and forms calculus (tarter) around the necks of the teeth. The tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth can be destroyed causing pockets to form between the teeth and gums. Eventually, the bone structure supporting the teeth can be destroyed.

Signs of Gum Disease:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth
  • Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger
  • Pain when chewing
  • Calculus or tarter buildup

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are a cosmetic remedy for a variety of dental conditions that affect the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are a thin shell, custom made to fit precisely over an existing tooth with only a small amount of natural tooth structure removed. The finished result is strong and durable.

Veneers can be a cosmetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions including:

  • Closing diastemas
  • Restoring broken or chipped teeth
  • Covering unsightly, stained, or washed out fillings
  • Whitening permanently stained or discolored teeth
  • Correcting uneven or crooked teeth

Dental Implants

Many patients choose implants to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. They are made of titanium (a strong, lightweight metal) and other materials that are accepted by the human body.

Most patients find that an implant is secure and stable – a good replacement for their own tooth. However, implants are not an option for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients should be in good health overall. Patients either must have adequate bone to support the implant, or be able to have surgery to build up the area needing the implant. Patients also should be ready to commit to a daily oral care routine and to regular dental visits.

Clench guard for Bruxism and TMD

About 15% of people have a habit of grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws, a condition called bruxism.

Bruxism can:

  • Wear down tooth enamel
  • Chip teeth
  • Increase temperature sensitivity
  • Erode gums and supporting bone
  • Break fillings, other dental work, or natural teeth
  • Worsen tempromandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
  • Result in cosmetic damage

Symptoms to look for:

  • Teeth grinding during sleep
  • Jaw pain, headache or earache
  • Frequent contraction of muscles on the side of the face
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Teeth that look flat at the tips
  • Abnormal alignment of teeth
  • Treating Bruxism – A night guard or clench guard can be fabricated to prevent damage by bruxism.

Botox Cosmetics

BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in people 18 to 65 years of age for a short period of time (temporary). Botox can also be used to reduce clenching in jaw muscles which will help with any accompanying tension and aches in the head. Botox can also be used to treat a gummy smile.

Mercer Island Dentistry Botox® Cosmetics Dental Services