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SNORING DEVICES

Do you snore at night? Wake up feeling drowsy? Find it difficult to concentrate during the day? These may be signs of a more serious sleep-breathing condition known as sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea actually stop breathing at repeated intervals throughout the night. In addition to disruptive snoring, sleep apnea can cause oxygen depletion, sleep deprivation, and even premature death.

In most cases, snoring is caused by blocked airways. As the air forces its way through the throat, loud rumbling sounds occur. Sleep apnea results when the airways are closed off completely, causing lapses in breath. These lapses can occur hundreds of times during the night, waking the body up just enough to take a breath. Many people with sleep apnea are unaware that there’s a problem.

For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, there is a solution. Our office prescribes custom-made snoreguards or oral appliances to help with these irritating and potentially dangerous symptoms. These thin, comfortable appliances keep the throat clear of soft-tissues, so you can breathe comfortably throughout the night.

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LASER GUM RECONTOURING

We are excited to announce our office has added a soft tissue laser that offers many advantages over older technologies. We can now do many procedures to enhance your dental experience, usually without the need for anesthetic. The laser looks like a large pen and allows treatment to be done with minimal amount of discomfort. There are several advantages to using this technology. We may not even need to administer anesthesia, allowing patients to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies. Also, lasers can reduce the amount of bacteria in diseased gum tissue and control bleeding during surgery.

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VENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.

Veneers that are fabricated by a lab and cemented in have a much more natural look and are more stain resistant, making them last much longer. When doing a "Smile Makeover", and doing several teeth in the front, our patients are able to choose the size, shape, and color of their new teeth so that they are involved from the very beginning to make sure they love their new smile.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth structure is removed.

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ONLAYS and INLAYS

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations which can be used to save more of your natural tooth structure and can be a conservative alternative to more expensive dental crowns. Our Onlays and Inlays are custom created in house and bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth and resist stain. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable. By using E4D technology, far less tooth structure is removed and it produces better results than a large bonded restoration due to its increased strength and the fact that it is cemented in place rather than bonded and increments. It is also much more resistant to decay and stain.

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IMPLANT PLACEMENT AND RESTORATIONS

Do you or someone you know have one or more missing teeth? Are the spaces decreasing your ability to chew food, making your smile less attractive or affecting your speech? Are you currently wearing uncomfortable dentures to fill in the gaps? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions consider replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.

Our office is unique in that we can provide our patients with the complete "start to finish" implant procedure. From the placement of the implant, monitoring during the healing phase, to the crown and or bridge restoration--- it is all done in our office. We can provide this complete treatment in the most comfortable manner available.

IMPLANT RESTORATION

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that Dr Hoskins, a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place, and the bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visit

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TOOTH COLORED RESTORATIONS

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

Composite resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials they may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco. Making porcelain restorations the standard of care for these large fillings.

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TMJ and HEADACHE SYSTEM RELIEF

TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal refers to the temple area of the skull; mandibular refers to the mandible (lower jaw) and the joint involved is where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones in this joint, there is cartilage which buffers them and a number of muscles. These all work together to make the jaw work properly. If there is a problem with any of these parts, complications can arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.

Problems in this area can cause:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a mouth guard is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. In conditions where there is chronic pain or consistent headaches an orthotic device can be made in a certain position to relax your jaw and relieve minor to severe and debilitating symptoms.

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PORCELAIN (METAL FREE) RESTORATIONS

Porcelain restorations (crowns) are are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth's shape or to strengthen a tooth. They are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns are often preferable to mercury or silver amalgam fillings. Unlike fillings which apply metal directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. In most cases your crown will be made right here in our office using E4D Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology. A scan or an impression will be taken of your tooth allowing us to design, mill, stain and glaze a tooth that is specifically made to be in harmony with your bite and your jaw movements. It is now possible for us to do this all in one visit.

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DENTURES AND PARTIALS

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!

Complete Dentures - This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth. For those with little or no ridge for a denture to rest on, implant placement can be done to serve as anchors for the denture to provide stability.

Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture, also known as bridges, is a device used when several natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.

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BRIDGES

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

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ORAL HYGIENE APPOINTMENT

Since Dr. Hoskins has extensive training in several areas, patients receive the following:

• Assessment of probing depths, which is assessing the health of your gums and any bone loss.
• Evaluation of your occlusion, which is the way your teeth hit together. This is done in order to determine any Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, headache concerns, grinding or clenching issues.
• Oral cancer screening
• Head and neck exam.
• Thoughtful presonalized education on your dental health and how it might be improved.

All these services are provided at no additional cost and are in addition to a thorough cleaning by a Certified Hygienist and a comprehensive exam by Dr. Hoskins.

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ORAL DNA TESTING

Oral DNA testing is a revolutionary health assessment used to identify and determine antibiotic treatment for the specific type and quantity of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria if untreated can lead to serious gum disease, premature bone loss and have an adverse effect on a person’s general health status. The DNA test also screens for HPV (Human Pappilloma Virus) as well as oral cancer. Oral DNA can also detect genetic predisposition to periodontal disease.

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INVISALIGN

Invisalign is a revolutionary type of orthodontics. It is the first removable, nearly invisible, comprehensive orthodontic treatment available. Invisalign uses a very highly sophisticated technology that straightens teeth without brackets or wires. A series of clear, precisely calibrated, and customized removable aligners are used to guide teeth into their correct position. Each aligner picks up where the previous one left off. Dependent on the amount of correction needed, will determine the total number of aligners needed to complete treatment. Every two weeks, you set aside the aligners you’re currently wearing and start wearing the next in the series. They are barely visible when in place, as they are made of a clear polymer customized exactly to your teeth’s positioning. You will never have to worry about being "hidden" behind a mass of brackets and wires.

Many adults who have been unhappy with the appearance of their teeth but never wanted braces to interfere with their professional lives, are discovering that their teeth can be straightened without drawing attention to themselves.

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ORAL HYGIENE CARE

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
• Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
• Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area

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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed to reach all the way to the nerve. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth.

Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

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IMPLANT RESTORATION

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that Dr Hoskins, a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place, and the bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

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BONDING

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Tooth bonding can also be used for teeth fillings instead of mercury or amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the mercury and silver amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers.

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TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

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NIGHTGUARDS AND SNORING DEVICES

It is amazing the amount of people that grind or clench their teeth either while sleeping or awake. These habits can be very traumatic to the teeth, gums, jaws, head, neck, and other areas of the body causing an array of other symptoms. It is possible for us to discern what is causing these bad habits and evaluate what would be the best method of treatment for each patient. This can consist of making an acrylic night guard to help stop the wear and trauma on the teeth. Another kind of guard called an Orthotic could be indicated that helps reduce or eliminate, grinding, jaw pain, headaches, neck problems, ringing in the ears, and a multitude of other symptoms.

Do you snore or has someone said you do? Are you abnormally tired throughout the day or take naps? Snoring can interrupt the sleep your body so desperately needs and can also be a symptom of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. When you have sleep apnea your brain is deprived of oxygen multiple times throughout the night. This can cause several problems including a decreased lifespan. With the use of an intraoral device called a Somnimed we can help reduce or eliminate snoring. If we suspected that you may have sleep apnea we have several sleep professionals we trust to help us make sure you are getting the best treatment possible.

With a thorough evaluation we can determine how we can improve your quality of life.

Click the Technologies below for more information on each subject.

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SAME DAY CROWNS (E4D)

The E4D Dentist System provides our team with the capability of Same Day Dentistry using the latest in technology and clinically proven materials. In contrast to conventional dentistry, which often takes two full appointments to restore a single tooth, the E4D Dentist System enables our doctor to scan the prepared tooth in your mouth, design the final restoration virtually then send the information wireless to an in-office milling station, and then mill your metal-free restoration with precision in just minutes. We can then adjust, characterize with color or polish your final restoration to final luster. Your permanent restoration is ready to be seated in your mouth in the same day or even within a single appointment. This eliminates the need to wear a temporary for weeks at a time and come back for another appointment to get the final restorations.

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CAD CAM

Our office utilizes CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for "computer-aided design" and "computer-aided manufacturing". This technology allows the dentist to use an intra-oral scanner inside your mouth to take a digital scan of a tooth that has been prepared to receive a crown. Using special software, the data from the scan is used to generate a design (CAD) for a custom crown. This program will also generate a custom blue print and guide lines to manufacture the new crown (CAM). This software, paired with a state-of-the-art milling machine, enables our office to create precise and custom crowns, inlays and onlays in one single dental visit.

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TENS UNIT

A Tens Unit is a battery operated device that delivers mild stimulus to the muscles of the facial/jaw, neck/shoulder area to cause these muscles to relax. At this point the true resting state can be found so that the occlusion (bite) can be brought to the correct position. As a result this drug free approach can achieve relief of headache, neck and jaw pain.

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ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION

Do you have severe dental anxiety? Did you have a traumatic dental experience as a child? Here at Hoskins Family and Cosmetic Dentistry we do all we can to alleviate these fears, but in some cases we understand they are difficult to overcome. Sedation dentistry enables patients, who might otherwise avoid the dentist, to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. In such cases we offer Oral conscious sedation which consists of the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), alone or in conjunction with other oral medications, that are specifically chosen for your needs to eliminate these fears and give you the best experience possible. This medication can be given 30 minutes to an hour prior to the appointment and possibly again throughout the appointment for longer treatment to achieve adequate sedation.

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HANDS FREE STERILIZATION

Dental instruments are sterilized in a hands free sterilization unit which prevents patients and staff from coming in contact with any hazardous material. Instruments used on patients have not come in contact with human hands or any contaminating agents before being are used in the dental procedures.

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X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

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DIGITAL IMAGING

We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.

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ELECTRONIC CLAIMS

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

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TELESCOPIC LOUPES

The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.

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INTRAORAL CAMERA

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.

With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas that need treatment and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.

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PAPERLESS CHARTING

Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.

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LASER DENTISTRY

We are excited to announce our office has added a soft tissue laser that offers many advantages over older technologies. We can now do many procedures to enhance your dental experience, usually without the need for anesthetic. The laser looks like a large pen and allows treatment to be done with minimal amount of discomfort. There are several advantages to using this technology. We may not even need to administer anesthesia, allowing patients to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies. Also, lasers can reduce the amount of bacteria in diseased gum tissue and control bleeding during surgery.

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DIAGNOdent

Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods. Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.

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AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT REMINDERS

We use an automated appointment reminder system that will call your home two days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment. Please listen to the message carefully and press "1" to confirm the appointment and "2" if you wish to cancel. If you do not respond to the message, our office staff will contact you to confirm your scheduled visit. If are not home, a message will be left on your voicemail. Failure to notify our office of a cancellation may result in a charge. Dr. Hoskins has set this time aside specifically for your needs. If you "No Show" an appointment or cancel at the last minute this takes time away from someone else who might desperately need it. See our missed appointment policy for more information.