Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontist | Potomac, MD | Amy Light, DMD, PC

Dental Services

AIR ABRASION | TOOTH COLORED RESTORATIONS
IMPLANTS | pulpotomy | Dental Laser System

AIR ABRASION

Pediatric Dentistry | Orthodontist | Amy Light, DMD, PC | Potomac, MD

Many patients' fear of the dentist stems from the drill used to treat tooth decay. In our office, we use the gentle process known as air abrasion. This decay-removing process is virtually pain-free as the dentist can control the speed of the spray of air/powder mix as well as the intensity. There is generally no need for shots with this new technology. It's also free of the noise and vibration associated with the old drill.

When the decay is removed, a white filling is placed that is barely noticeable! The process allows us to treat the decay immediately and restore your tooth before more damage can be done. Air abrasion can also repair fractured teeth, old fillings, sealants or broken restorations.

TOOTH-COLORED RESTORATIONS

Silver amalgam used to be the norm when it came to materials for restorations, such as fillings. However, silver fillings do not have much aesthetic appeal to the patient and can even cause damage to your tooth years down the road. The amalgam can break down the tooth, causing a fracture and the need for a crown to salvage the tooth.

After much research, some new tooth-colored materials have been developed that are stronger, longer lasting and more aesthetically pleasing to our patients. Composed of porcelain and composite resin, these new tooth-colored restorations bond directly to the tooth, strengthening it by restoring most of its original shape. The restorations can even be custom-colored to match your teeth to help give you the most natural-looking smile possible.

These new restorations require less removal of your healthy tooth structure to place than those with amalgams and especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a tooth-colored restoration. They are also healthier because no traces of mercury are used, unlike silver amalgams.

Ask us about our new tooth-colored materials and how we can restore your smile!

IMPLANTS

Do you wish that you could replace one or more of your teeth but don't want to get dentures? Dental implants are a natural looking, long lasting, comfortable and safe alternative to bridgework or dentures. For people with good oral health, replacing a lost tooth with an implant is an ideal option. Implants look like your natural teeth, and because of their “root" being secured to your jaw like a real tooth, neither you nor anyone else will know the difference. You don't have to worry about implants coming loose and embarrassing you; you won't have to take them out to soak; and you won't worry about losing them, either. Not everyone is a candidate for implants. We will inform you about the different factors that determine whether or not a patient fits the criteria of an implant recipient. Factors like pre-existing disease and bone loss can affect a patient's ability to receive implants.

PULPOTOMY

Sometimes the nerve in a baby (primary) tooth becomes infected or abscessed due to a broken tooth, deep decay or other trauma. In order to save the tooth, a pulpotomy needs to be performed. In this procedure, only the portion of the nerve that is infected is removed. A sedative medication is put in its place to aid in the healing process and reduce the sensitivity to hot and cold items in the affected tooth. A pulpotomy can save the affected tooth from extraction. However, it will usually need to be crowned in order to strengthen the tooth.

VERSAWAVE™ DENTAL LASER SYSTEM

The VersaWave™ dental laser is another virtually painless way we can treat tooth decay in our office. In this procedure, light energy is used to gently remove tooth decay and leaving more of the healthy tooth intact. Most patients may not even need anesthesia, and the laser makes for a more anxiety-free experience as the vibration and noise of the drill has been eliminated!

Suitable for both children and adults, the VersaWave™ laser has been proven to be safe and effective in removing tooth decay. This new laser technology can also be used in soft tissue and some endodontic procedures.