Services

We understand that some patients may feel anxious about visiting the dentist. At Island Dentistry we will strive to make each dental visit comfortable. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to meet your personal comfort needs. Topical and local anesthetic are offered here, as well as oral sedation. If you have a dental emergency, Dr. Scales will see his patients the same day.

Professional removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis is an integral part of maintaining your oral health for life. Your individual needs will determine the frequency of your visits. During visits, our highly trained dental hygiene team will take and discuss radiographs and intra-oral photographs as needed, perform an oral cancer screening exam, monitor your periodontal (gum) condition, review your specific oral hygiene instructions, and provide fluoride treatments.

Cerec Technology is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in modern dentistry. CEREC is a CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system that delivers superb quality porcelain restorations quickly, precisely and efficiently. High-tech aside, it’s what you don’t see that’s important: no more mercury fillings. With CEREC restorations your smile stays beautiful and natural-looking.

Benefits of CEREC include:

• A single-appointment restoration — only one visit needed
• An efficient appointment — less time spent in the dental chair
• A natural-looking filling — no more silver metal-mouth
• A healthier, metal-free filling
• Less tooth surface removal for better bonding
• No messy impressions or ill-fitting temporaries
• A restoration that matches the natural color of your teeth
• A restoration that is anti-abrasive, bio-compatible and resistant to plaque
• A durable restoration — CEREC fillings don’t break or leak like traditional fillings
• Proven technology — 10-plus years of clinical research and more than 4 million restorations performed worldwide

Visit www.cereconline.com for more information about CEREC technology.

After decayed or broken areas of the tooth are corrected by the dentist, an image (scan) is taken of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This image, called a digital impression, draws the data into a computer. Next, proprietary software is used to create a replacement part for the missing areas of the tooth, essentially creating a virtual restoration.

Stains and glazes are fired to the surfaces of the milled ceramic crown or bridge to correct the otherwise monochromatic appearance of the restoration. The resulting restoration can then be adjusted in the patient’s mouth and cemented or bonded in place.

No more unsightly silver fillings which contain mercury. All fillings at Island Dentistry are precision-milled on our CEREC® equipment from a block of biocompatible, durable, anti-abrasion ceramic.

The fillings are then color-matched to your natural teeth. In addition to a great-looking restoration, the ceramic bonds to your tooth structure to restore its original strength.

Unlike silver fillings, ceramic does not become pliable and cause more tooth decay, and no worrying about leaky fillings.

 

Treatment of TMJ may involve a series of steps. The step-by-step plan is in your best interest because only minor, relatively non-invasive treatment may be needed. Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.

Part of your clinical examination at Island Dentistry includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed, so it is important to keep your dental office record up-to-date. Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a “cast” of your teeth to see how your bite fits together.

Dr. Scales  may also request specialized x-rays for the TM joints. TM disorders can result when the jaw muscles or jaw joints are affected. The joint, ligaments, and muscles used for chewing and grinding food may all be involved.

Why risk over-the-counter products that may damage your teeth? We use ZOOM, the proven, professional whitening system that gives brilliant results in just one hour.

Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease, the most prevalent disease in the United States today and the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Dr. Scales believes that periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner

Crowns are caps that strengthen teeth that have been heavily filled, weakened or darkened because of root canal treatment. Our porcelain crowns will have your teeth looking as good as new in only one appointment, thanks to our CEREC® technology. Dr. Douglas Scales is a leader in CEREC dentistry, the most advanced, computerized dental technology available today.

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to your teeth to correct stains, gaps, chips and other imperfections. Veneers can revolutionize your smile and rebuild your self-confidence.

As much as 33% of people brux (grind or clench) their teeth. If a person has lost bone support around their teeth, it is traumatic to grind or clench. The purpose of a night guard is to reduce the negative effects of bruxism. These negative effects can include mobile teeth, drifting teeth, recession or clefting of the gum tissue, wear of teeth, “v” shaped erosions in the root surfaces, increased bone loss, muscle soreness or stiffness, joint clicking and joint soreness or stiffness.

When you lose a tooth or teeth, it impacts your remaining teeth, which tend to “drift” out of position. This leads to crooked teeth, a change in your bite, possible gum disease and tooth decay, and the potential loss of more teeth.

Fixed bridges are non-removable restorations made of one or more replacement teeth. They are anchored by one or more crowns on each side or are cemented to remaining teeth. Bridges can include up to four replacement teeth (with natural teeth on both sides of the gap to act as anchors) and look very natural.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is most common form of sleep apnea. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment and management. There are several types of oral sleep appliances, however, that can successfully treat OSA in most people. Most are versions of a “mandibular repositioning dental appliance” that push the lower jaw forward, but there are oral sleep appliances that also restrain the tongue from falling backward. Both effectively reduce blockage of your airway, helping you to sleep better and decreasing snoring. Oral sleep appliances cannot be purchased over the counter. Only a qualified dentist may prescribe and fit the OSA.

Millions of Americans are missing teeth due to decay, injury or wear. Loss of teeth can lead to several issues, such as bone loss and displacement of remaining teeth. It can also change your facial appearance (making you appear much older) and affect your speech. One of the biggest problems, however, is your inability to chew or eat certain types of food, which can adversely affect your overall health.
Dental Implant Advantages
In the past, the most common treatment options for tooth loss was dental bridges or dentures. Today, dental implants are an affordable alternative for restoring your smile. Dental implants are essentially small screws that are drilled into your jaw bone. They replace the root of the missing tooth and act as an anchor for the abutment and crown (typically porcelain), which mimics your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which must be taken out often, dental implants are permanent. With proper care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Each year, nearly 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. The 5-year survival rate is less than 60 percent. This is due to most cases going undetected by patients until the cancer is in its later stages. Symptoms may include:

1. Red or white patches in the mouth
2. A sore that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
3. Pain or difficulty swallowing
4. Hoarseness or changes in your voice
5. A lump or mass in the neck or mouth

Research indicates that smoking (tobacco use) and alcohol may increase your chances of developing oral cancer. If you have HPV (human papillomavirus), you could also be at a higher risk.
Early detection may increase your chances of survival. Reduce your risk by getting an oral cancer screening at your next dental appointment. During the screening, we’ll exam your lips, mouth and throat. We may also take a skin scraping from inside your cheek, or other areas within the mouth, to help identify any abnormal cells.