Facebook-f Linkedin-in Envelope
541-889-6666

Our Dental Services

Your Ontario Dentist, Dr. Wettstein, DMD, delivers exceptional care as he restores your oral health and the natural beauty of your smile. Our conveniently located Dental Office in Ontario, Oregon is equipped with the safest and advanced dental technology for all levels of dental treatments. Below are the list of Dental Services and procedures we provide to children, adults and seniors.

Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Now you can eat virtually anything and smile with confidence, plus implants solve denture problems for the rest of your life!

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile you’re happy to show off. Modern cosmetic dentistry techniques make it easier than ever for you to have a bright, even smile. It may involve veneers or simple teeth whitening.

Teeth Cleaning

Even with careful brushing and flossing, you should have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. We remove tartar and plaque, then polish the teeth.

Root Canals

Due to advanced dental technology, a root canal is a fast and comfortable procedure, ending your pain quickly. Endodontic treatment can relieve the pain caused by diseased or injured pulp tissue in the center of the tooth. Now you can eat and function normally.

Teeth Whitening

We use teeth whitening technology to enhance your personal appearance. Your experience will be carefree as our professional whitening system is safe and effective when compared to over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

Dentures

We create removable, permanent, and implant-retained dental appliances, including partial and full dentures, using modern materials to create beautiful custom dentures that will last for years to come without frequent visits to the dentist.

Veneers

Veneers are made from composite resins, acrylic material, or porcelain. In the process of applying a veneer, a small amount of tooth enamel is usually removed, and anesthetic may be required depending on the way the tooth is prepared. The procedure requires just a few appointments.

Bonding

Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped. Tooth-colored materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, or some childhood medications; front-tooth gaps; and cracks or chips, as well as exposed tooth roots. Bonding usually lasts from three to five years.

Enamel Shaping

Enamel shaping is a process of shaping, or contouring natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw. The process, which is often combined with bonding, is usually quick and comfortable. No anesthesia is necessary. Enamel shaping should be approached with caution, however, because enamel cannot be replaced.

Sealants

Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. The bacteria convert the sugar or starch in food into harmful acids that attach tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes after eating. Eventually this can lead to cavities. Sealants can protect parts of the tooth, particularly pits and fissures in permanent molars, from plaque and food. They can also stop small areas of decay from becoming larger.

Fillings

Fillings are often used to care for cavities. Cavities are also known as dental decay and arise from lack of routine cleaning or constant contact with an acid environment, sugary foods, or soda drinks.

Crowns

A crown covers a tooth to restore its normal shape and size. The cap is placed on teeth that have lost a lot of their structure– dental crowns range from full porcelain to full metal.

Bridges

Dental bridges can preserve the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy smile by bridging the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge can be fixed or removable.

Emergency Dental

We keep a chair open daily for urgent dental care needs. We also make special after hours appointments nights and weekends. Call right now, 541-889-6666

DENTAL TEETH IMPLANTS

DENTAL TEETH IMPLANTS
During the last 20 years, dental implants have become a desirable alternative to other methods of replacing missing teeth. Excellent success rates and a range of available options gives us a variety of new ways to treat and replace lost teeth.

We can evaluate your case and tell you if you are a candidate for dental implants. Structurally, a dental implant is a titanium-based cylinder that replaces the missing tooth root. After a period of time, other parts are placed on the implant to enable your dentist to eventually place a crown (cap) on the implant. Implants can also be used to support full or partial dentures, dramatically improving denture retention and stability.

Most patients with adequate bone mass can have implants, although it varies among individuals. Typically an X-ray and CT-scan are performed to determine if you have enough bone to place the implant, as well as to verify the size and kind of implant that should be placed.
This is a surgical procedure designed to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone and replaces what was once the root of the tooth. A crown is attached to the implant to simulate an individual tooth.
A dental implant literally replaces a missing tooth. A dental implant simulates the root of a tooth to which the cosmetic dentist attaches a cosmetic tooth. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is non-surgical and uses the adjacent teeth to support a new cosmetic tooth. A tooth implant is not invasive to surrounding teeth (especially desirable if they are healthy and in good condition). By simulating the root, it engages the bone and keeps it healthy. Because a dental implant is an individual tooth it is also easier to floss.

A dental bridge can be a good choice if the adjacent teeth are in need of restoration. However, there are other subtle factors such as age, timing and bone health that you should discuss with Dr. Wettstein when deciding which options may be best for you.
Once a person is deemed a good candidate for dental implants, then there is one visit to surgically place the implant. Some applications are ready for immediate restoration, others may be required to wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months for bone growth to solidify around the implant to anchor it. At this point the implant can be restored to completion.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Cosmetic dentistry is right for anyone who desires an improved quality of life, a brighter smile, or improved self-esteem. Our cosmetic dentist team is well trained and utilizes current materials, equipment, and techniques.
Veneers
Traditional porcelain veneers, alternatively termed “dental veneers” or “dental porcelain laminates” are wafer-thin shells of porcelain permanently bonded to teeth. Perfect for discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Porcelain veneers will not stain, are incredibly resilient, and non-abrasive to your teeth. When a veneer is firmly bonded to a tooth it becomes very strong and durable. Veneers can straighten, lengthen, and whiten teeth to provide a beautiful smile and even create a more comfortable bite position. They are also used to replace and restore any lost tooth structure where indicated.
Teeth Whitening / In-Office Whitening
People with a time constraint for that special occasion will often ask for a teeth whitening solution that is quick; we use Britesmile®. It is great to have a teeth cleaning just prior to our in office whitening. Sit back and relax watching the ceiling television set for two hours while we do all the work. Personal care and your comfort is our goal while attaining whiter teeth. This service combined with our take home bleaching system is the ultimate in white teeth maintenance. See more info on whitening..
Bonding
Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped. Tooth-colored materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, or some childhood medications; front-tooth gaps; and cracks or chips, as well as exposed tooth roots. Bonding usually lasts from three to five years.
Enamel Shaping
Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped. Tooth-colored materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, or some childhood medications; faEnamel shaping is a process of shaping, or contouring natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw. The process, which is often combined with bonding, is usually quick and comfortable. Enamel shaping should be approached with caution, however, because enamel cannot be replaced.ront-tooth gaps; and cracks or chips, as well as exposed tooth roots. Bonding usually lasts from three to five years.
Cosmetic dental techniques have advanced dramatically over the last decade. The qualities of materials such as porcelain and composite resins have improved, giving a more lifelike appearance. Where gum-tissue surgery and contouring was once performed with scalpels; lasers now provide fast, non-surgical results with quick recovery.
If you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth, then orthodontic teeth straightening may be a good option for you. If you want to whiten and enhance the shape of your teeth as well as straighten them, then cosmetic dentistry will give you the results you are looking for while saving you time and money. Clear teeth aligners provide a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is the latest generation of “invisible” teeth aligners. Though not always necessary, some people will choose to undergo some teeth straightening prior to being fitted with cosmetic veneers.aIf you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth, then orthodontic teeth straightening may be a good option for you. If you want to whiten and enhance the shape of your teeth as well as straighten them, then cosmetic dentistry will give you the results you are looking for while saving you time and money. Clear teeth aligners provide a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is the latest generation of “invisible” teeth aligners. Though not always necessary, some people will choose to undergo some teeth straightening prior to being fitted with cosmetic veneers.
When “seated” correctly veneers are strong and can last for many years, even a lifetime with good oral care.
Coffee, tea, red wine and other foods DO NOT stain veneers as they do real teeth because unlike tooth enamel, porcelain is not porous. But after five or more years, some staining is likely to occur on the margins where the edge of the veneers meets the tooth.
There is no higher or lower incidence of tooth decay with veneers, as long as they receive proper care.
Cosmetic dental work is probably not as expensive as you think. The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on how much you want or need. Like any cosmetic process, costs will vary with the amount of product or services you desire.

A skilled cosmetic dentist, like Dr Wettstein, can explain various fees and the best procedure for you. Also, some cosmetic dental options are covered by insurance if “need” can be established. People often take advantage of a monthly payment plan provided through www.carecredit.com, or one of our Flexible Payment Plans.
It depends on your dental plan. Some insurance companies will cover up to 50% of a fee they see as reasonable, but don’t expect payment without first discussing the procedure with your dentist and insurance provider.Learn more about dental insurance and financing.
The term bonding is used to describe procedures where tooth-colored dental resins and composites are used. Direct bonding techniques can be used to change the shapes and colors of teeth as well as to close unattractive spaces.

It can also be used to repair chipped or broken teeth or even to cover up unsightly stains. Unlike crowns or caps, direct bonding requires only a minimal amount of tooth reduction thus making it a very conservative procedure.
After slight preparation, the tooth is etched with a weak phosphoric acid solution to create a more porous and rougher surface for increased bonding strength. Next, a composite (plastic) resin in placed on the tooth and shaped, contoured and hardened with a special curing light. It is then further shaped and highly polished creating a very natural appearance. The procedure usually requires only one visit and is not painful.
The bonded composite has an average life of four to eight years, and often lasts longer depending on how and where in the mouth it is applied and how it is maintained. The area can be touched up and even re-bonded over time as necessary.
Many dental insurance plans cover most of the cost of bonding, particularly when it is done for structural reasons or to fill a cavity.

TEETH CLEANING & DENTAL EXAM

Cleaning & dental exam photo
Dental hygiene is paramount in the fight against gum disease and tooth decay. Dr. Wettstein and his talented dental hygienists will customize cleanings on the basis of your periodontal, (gums and bone), health.

Professional teeth cleaning involves the removal of plaque, a sticky substance that food, saliva, and bacteria will create in the mouth. Plaque causes decay and disease. When it hardens, it creates tartar, which can require the use of an ultrasonic scaler to make the procedure more effective and comfortable as well. When tartar is left unattended, gums become infected, red and tender, a condition called gingivitis. This is the beginning stage of periodontal disease.

Eighty percent of American adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease and in the beginning, symptoms are usually painless. So many who are at risk, do not recognize the signs and stages. According the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), periodontal disease has been associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and preterm low-birth weight babies.

Being proactive about your oral health by having routine dental exams and teetch cleanings is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.
Our dental examination generally includes:
  • Professional teeth cleaning by certified dental hygienist
  • Digital dental X-rays
  • Screening for gum disease and tooth decay
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Occlusal analysis including examination of the TMJ and jaw position
It is estimated that 3 out of 4 American adults have some form of gum disease. Routine visits to the dentist for teeth cleaning and examinations can help prevent gum disease by enabling Dr. Wettstein and his staff to spot the early signs of gum disease and provide conservative treatment.
Most people find that cleanings are painless, and find the tickling vibrations, cooling mist of water, and feeling of pressure during “scraping” – do not cause discomfort. A lot of people even report that they enjoy cleanings and the lovely smooth feel of their teeth afterwards!

Be sure to let us know if you find things are getting too uncomfortable for your liking. We can recommend various options to make the cleaning more enjoyable such as a spot of nitrous oxide or sedation. If your gum tissues are sensitive, topical numbing gels can be used.
The dental ‘probe’ or ‘explorer’ can be used by your dentist to gently feel the bumps and valleys on the surface of the tooth. If the dentist notices any ‘tackiness’ on the surface of the tooth, it might be a soft area which would indicate decay is present. Unfortunately these areas of early decay may not show up on an x-ray. So our dentist will be as gentle as possible when touching your teeth with the explorer.

A lot of people are scared of the probe because for years, the ‘gold standard’ for checking for decay was to stick the probe in and give it a good shove! We now recognize that using too much force can compromise the tooth structure. While the explorer may still have to be used to figure out if decay is present, it is used much more gently nowadays.
Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
  • Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
  • Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss
  • You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.
  • You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
  • You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • You are pregnant
  • You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
  • You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
  • You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive
  • Your mouth is often dry
  • You smoke or use other tobacco products
  • You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
  • Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
  • You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away
Yes. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still have dental health problems that only a dentist can diagnose. Regular dental visits will also help prevent problems from developing. Continuity of care is an important part of any health plan and dental health is no exception. Keeping your mouth healthy is an essential piece of your overall health. It’s also important to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health since many medical conditions can affect your dental health too.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Root Canal Therapy
A root canal may sound terrible, but it is one of the best ways for Dr. Wettstein to relieve the pain of a diseased or damaged tooth. And with today’s technology, it rates as of the least painful procedures. We can help end your pain and get your smile back quickly in a comfortable procedure using the latest technology.
Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment, more commonly known as root canal therapy, is necessary when the pulp (nerve) of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on your tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.

Root canal therapy is the removal of the entire pulp throughout the root canal system (a tooth can have several roots and a canal or two within those roots), the cleaning and shaping of the canal system, and filling the canals with a polyester synthetic filling and a dental sealer.

With proper care, an endodontically treated tooth will function normally for years to come.
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • Discomfort when chewing or biting
  • Dull ache or severe pain
  • Discomfort that wakes you up at night
  • Discomfort when chewing or biting
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might need a root canal. Please call and schedule for an evaluation, then after our clinical exam and/or x-ray, we can make recommendations.

Be aware not all teeth that are in need of root canal therapy will cause pain. It is possible to be pain-free and still need a root canal.
With modern techniques and varied local anesthetic solutions it is rare to have any sensation in the tooth during treatment. For the first few days after treatment, It is normal for your tooth to be sensitive to biting. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications in order to control normal post-treatment discomfort.
In most cases the discomfort will subside dramatically within the first 24-48 hours. Any sensitivity to cold, hot or even breathing air “in” will be gone after your visit. Nevertheless, you may experience mild discomfort to pressure that could last for several days after treatment. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory analgesics such as ibuprofen (aka Advil, Motrin), naproxen (aka Aleve) or aspirin (aka Excedrin) usually relieves this discomfort.

The most common predictor of post-treatment pain is pre-treatment pain. If the tooth is already hurting the root canal procedure will remove the cause and allow healing to begin. During the first 72 – 96 hours we will prescribe an analgesic regimen that should allow you to begin healing pain-free.

You may experience tenderness to touch, bite, tapping or chewing on the tooth. It is always best to chew on the other side until a permanent restoration replaces the temporary restoration.
Simply removing a diseased tooth seems like an easy solution, but it can lead to other problems. For instance, drifting of teeth, bite problems, TMJ discomfort, and the need to treat adjacent teeth that do not otherwise need dental treatment in order to restore the missing tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements are – and they can be very effective – nothing is a good as your natural tooth.

TEETH WHITENING EXPERTS

Whitening Experts
We offer in-office whitening for those who prefer the convenience of someone doing it for them. The in-office method of whitening is efficient and helpful for those with a special occasion just around the corner. This is a wonderful service and takes just a couple hours of your time.
In Office Whitening
People with a time constraint for that special occasion will often ask for a teeth whitening solution that is quick. As a Ontario OR general dentist, we love offering in office whitening with Britesmile®. It is recommended to have a teeth cleaning just prior to our office whitening treatment.

Sit back and relax watching the ceiling television set for two hours while we do all the work. This service combined with our take home bleaching system, see below, has been proven to be effective in perfect white teeth maintenance.
Take Home Bleaching Trays
Custom bleach trays are a great way for you to maintain white teeth and a bright smile in the comfort of your own home. The process is simple! We take impressions of your teeth to make custom fitting bleach trays. We will show you how to place the whitening solution into the trays for optimal bleaching results.
The BriteSmile® procedure is safe and will not damage tooth enamel or existing fillings. Hydrogen peroxide is the primary ingredient in BriteSmile®’s gel and has been safely used in teeth whitening for many years. The BriteSmile® gel contains a lower concentration of peroxide than other gels because of its revolutionary light that allows it to work better with less irritation. Most patients experience no pain or sensitivity during or after the treatment and if side effects do occur they almost always go away within 24 hours.
BriteSmile® has been shown to get teeth on average eight shades brighter with some patients seeing results of up to 14 shades whiter. The type of stains you have on your teeth, the starting color of your teeth, and your teeth’s natural color will determine how white BriteSmile® teeth whitening will get your teeth.
With proper dental care such as brushing, flossing, cleanings, and checkups your BriteSmile® results can last up to two years. Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can hasten the time it takes for your teeth to become dull so these activities should be avoided to maintain the best results.
Almost anyone can benefit from teeth whitening but it is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people undergoing extensive dental work.
Zoom
NITE WHITE

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY AND DENTURES

Restorative Dentistry & Dentures
Today’s dentures are custom made, cosmetic dentures that are made to look and feel like your natural teeth. Dentures can allow patients to eat and speak normally and in the case of implant secured dentures, reduce bone loss in the jaw which can lead to a premature shrinkage of the lower area of the face.

Currently, there are a number of options available for people who have lost their teeth. One of the most versatile and affordable is a set of removable dentures.
Standard Full Dentures
Standard full dentures are ones that comprise a full set of upper and lower teeth. This type of denture uses suction to stay in place. They are made of a pliable material which makes suction easy. However, it is for this reason that standard full dentures require routine visits to the dentist. Being pliable, the dentures are susceptible to shrinkage, thus creating an ill-fitting prosthetic that will result in the atrophy of the jawbone.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a limited number of teeth, and not an entire set. Partial dentures are a single piece fitting that is supported by the remaining teeth and gums. They are much more secure than standard full dentures, and are more comfortable.
Cosmetic Dentures
Cosmetic Dentures, as you can imagine, are made to look as natural as possible. Unlike standard dentures that use a heat curing process which leads to dentures that become ill-fitting over time, cosmetic dentures are made from a special acrylic base that eliminates the possibility of the denture shrinking and warping. Furthermore, some cosmetic dentures achieve a natural appearance through the use of implants. Implants are installed in the mouth so that the dentures have something to hold onto. The cosmetic denture will either rest on or snap onto the implant. What this does is allow the denture to stay in place without the chance of it moving around, which makes the denture more comfortable than a standard one.

The loss of teeth and some of the expensive treatment options available need not prevent you from continuing to lead a healthy and happy life. Removable dentures are a suitable course of treatment for many people. You deserve to give yourself the best treatment possible. If you live in or around Ontario, Oregon and need a consultation for dentures, give us a call today.
The cost of dentures will depend on your specific condition, the type of denture and materials used. Dr. Wettstein will present you with the various options and costs before selecting a treatment. Our dental office accepts most dental insurance, and will submit the necessary paperwork and billing. In addition, we offer flexible payment options and interest free financing for qualified patients.
Like anything new, you need time to adapt to your new denture. Chewing is one of the skills that needs to be adapted when you receive either replacement dentures or you are a brand new user.

You can help yourself accommodate by taking smaller portions and chewing slowly and avoiding sticky or tough foods for a little while. You should soon see an improvement due to the new dentures being more efficient as the chewing surfaces have less wear.
This is personal preference; however we recommend that you wear your dentures as much as possible, only to remove them at night.

It is very important to keep them extremely clean. Brush your gums underlying the dentures with a soft tooth brush. This removes any plaque build up along with any food debris; it also stimulates the blood vessels which is an essential part of healthy tissue.
Every effort will be made to make your new dentures to fit and be as comfortable as possible. However it is not uncommon to develop pressure points and sore spots. These if left untreated can make the dentures feel very uncomfortable. If you find you have a sore area and it last for more than 48 hours you should seek professional help. A minor adjustment can bring added comfort in a matter of minutes.
Dental implants stabilize your dentures by attaching to the denture using snap receptors or bars which are attached to the implant fixture and the denture. This can remove any movement during normal chewing function. Dentures can also be screwed directly onto the implant which offers a non removable option.
You should take your dentures out when you sleep. That’s because the gums under your dentures need a rest every day and you need to clean your dentures daily. Your mouth and the bone in your jaw that supports your dentures will continue to change. After many years of denture wear, your jaws (especially your lower jaw) become smaller over time.

DENTAL SEALANTS

Dental Sealants photo
Sealants are thin layers of resin that are placed on the pits, fissures, and grooves of molars to prevent decay on these surfaces.

The majority of decay on back teeth starts in the grooves and pits of chewing surfaces, especially during the first few years after their eruption. Sealing these surfaces with composite resins prevents this kind of decay.

Sealants are one of the most effective methods of preventing decay on the surfaces where they are placed. Although it is still a possibility that decay may develop on surfaces in between teeth, sealants significantly reduce the overall chance of having cavities.
Prevention is better than treatment. Savings in both dollars and discomfort can be gained by application of sealants, rather than allowing decay and requiring the tooth to be restored, especially for those with high risk factors for tooth decay, including health status, medication, access to fluoridated water, and history of previous decay.
Sealants take only a few minutes for each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfacaes are conditioned to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden. Sealants last for several years before a reapplication is needed.
A sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked at your regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.
No. Fluorides, such as those used in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and community water supplies also help to prevent decay, but in a different way. Sealants keep germs and food particles out of the grooves by covering them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together to prevent tooth decay.

DENTAL FILLINGS

Dental fillings
For hundreds of years, dental fillings have been used to restore teeth. Dental fillings are placed in teeth where Dr. Wettstein has had to remove tooth structure due to decay or fracture, like a cavity. In recent years questions arose about the safety of dental amalgam, the toxicity of its mercury content, and concern about mercury emissions when it is disposed of. Dental technology and products have also come a long way in recent years providing metal free filling options for tooth restoration. For this reason, Dr. Wettstein offers patients metal free, tooth colored fillings for possible avoidance of toxic mercury and for aesthetic results.

We also offer traditional amalgam fillings. The American Dental Association (ADA), the FDA, and numerous public health agencies say amalgams are safe, and that any link between mercury-based fillings and disease is unfounded.
Advantages of Metal-Free Fillings
Composite, tooth-colored fillings, can be closely matched to your natural tooth color and is particularly well suited for front teeth or any others that have high visibility. Tooth-colored fillings using composite materials, also requires less removal of the natural tooth material in order to place them, which can result in smaller fillings in comparison to amalgam and will actually bond itself to the tooth structure providing extra support to the tooth.
Prevention is better than treatment. Savings in both dollars and discomfort can be gained by application of sealants, rather than allowing decay and requiring the tooth to be restored, especially for those with high risk factors for tooth decay, including health status, medication, access to fluoridated water, and history of previous decay.
They are made of a light-cured resin that is reinforced with glass particles. The filling is initially a soft putty-like resin that gets hardened in the mouth with a curing light.
Unless there is a cavity or cracks in your old silver fillings, it is not usually recommended to change all the silver fillings to tooth-colored fillings. The actual drilling process to remove silver filings may be irritating to the tooth, so it is not advisable to undergo unnecessary dental work.
Tooth-colored fillings are harder and more durable than silver fillings, and a small filling could last your lifetime. The compression and bonding strength of resin materials has improved greatly over the years increasing their life span significantly. Larger fillings may last many, many years. The factors that determine the longevity of the filling include the tooth, the size of the filling relative to the tooth, and how teeth are maintained and cleaned daily.

DENTAL CROWNS

Crowns
We provide the highest quality custom made porcelain crowns available by our ceramicist. Many people believe they have received a porcelain crown , when in fact a “porcelain fused to metal” crown has been provided. Sometimes the metal can create an allergic reaction in the tissue due to the nickel in the metal. This reaction is found more often in women than men, and does NOT happen with our all porcelain crowns.

We also prefer all porcelain crowns because less tooth structure is removed during preparation. The only other material we use for crowns is gold. Gold is an incredibly strong and flexible material. Inexpensive gold crowns can also cause tissue irritation and allergic reactions.

Make sure to be aware of what metals are used in your crown.
Advantages of Metal-Free Fillings
Composite, tooth-colored fillings, can be closely matched to your natural tooth color and is particularly well suited for front teeth or any others that have high visibility. Tooth-colored fillings using composite materials, also requires less removal of the natural tooth material in order to place them, which can result in smaller fillings in comparison to amalgam and will actually bond itself to the tooth structure providing extra support to the tooth.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth– covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Usually at least two visits are necessary. The dentist will remove the outer portion of your tooth, then make an impression to provide an exact model of the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are placed while the permanent crown is made. On the second visit, the permanent crown is put in place and adjusted as necessary.
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

DENTAL BRIDGES

Bridges
A missing tooth lost by disease or injury can affect a personís confidence and overall health and well-being. Dr. David Evans can restore beauty to your smile with a cosmetic dental bridge made of natural, tooth-colored materials.

A typical dental bridge consists of a filler tooth that is attached to either two surrounding natural teeth or dental crowns. This device or appliance is used to fill the void where a tooth has fallen out or has been removed. If left untreated, these spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, leading to further oral health concerns including jaw problems and/or periodontal disease.

Dental bridges can preserve the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy and attractive smile.
A dental bridge fills in the gaps of missing teeth. When one or more teeth are lost or missing, the neighboring teeth can shift, tip or even “super-erupt” into the empty space.

Teeth that have drifted from their normal and healthy position are often more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Further, this movement can lead to changes in a patient’s bite that can ultimately put stress on the jaws, muscles, teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Over time this can affect a patient’s ability to chew and may even change the facial appearance depending on the location and number of missing teeth.
There are two ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth: fixed and removable. A bridge is a permanent or fixed replacement, while a denture is a removable replacement. A bridge consists of replacement teeth (one or more) that are attached to crowns on the adjacent teeth. The replacement teeth are shaped and contoured to blend in with the natural teeth in the mouth.
This procedure takes two or more visits to complete. At the first visit, the adjacent teeth are reduced, an impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. At the second visit, the bridge is fit and placed permanently in the mouth. Like crowns, bridges can be made from variety of materials for strength and esthetic appearance.

While it should always be discussed with your dentist before treatment, a fixed restoration is generally considered to be the favored solution for tooth replacement.
Overall an implant is a better solution; however, you must have a healthy upper or lower jawbone capable of supporting the implant.

Usually an implant is recommended instead of a bridge for broken or infected front teeth with healthy surrounding teeth. But you may want to consider a bridge instead if you’ve had a root canal or crowns on adjacent teeth, or the adjacent teeth are missing.

After a careful examination, we can discuss the best options for you and your oral health.

YOUR EMERGENCY DENTIST

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Ontario, Oregon, we’re here to help. Monday through Friday we try to keep an open chair available when you need an emergency dentist. We also make urgent care appointments weekends and evenings. Please call us and and provide as much detail as possible about your condition. In the meantime, please review our tooth pain tips below.
Tooth pain or toothache?
For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently brush and floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. You may take over the counter pain medicine, but DO NOT put an aspirin or any other painkiller directly against the gums near the aching tooth. This can burn and cause damage to the gum tissue.

If the pain persists, call to see a dentist as soon as possible. It is important to know that persistent toothache pain may temporarily subside, but will usually return until the underlying problem has been addressed. Failure to treat these problems in a timely manner may lead to further deterioration and more costly treatment.
Lost cavity filling?
There are a couple of short-term remedies you can try if you lose a filling. Inquire at your pharmacy, and pick up some over-the-counter dental cements available to use as a temporary stop gap.

For an even shorter term remedy, you may also use sugar-free gum to cover the cavity. Be sure it is sugar free gum, because any sugar entering the cavity can cause severe pain. Cavities left untreated can develop into more serious problems, including loss of the tooth.
Object stuck in teeth or mouth?
If you should get a piece of food or any small object wedged between your teeth, first try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Never use sharp object around your teeth as it may cut your gums or damage your tooth. If it can’t be removed by dental floss, contact a dentist for advice or to schedule an appointment.
Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth?
The enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest part of your body. Despite their strength, your teeth may fracture or fall out during extreme circumstances. Tooth decay increases the chances of a broken or chipped tooth.

If you have a chipped, fractured or broken tooth, you may or may not be experiencing discomfort. Even if pain is not present, it is important to see an Ontario dentist right away. The internal and delicate areas of the tooth may now be exposed to the bacteria in the mouth. Left unprotected, this could quickly lead to new or increased decay, and ultimately result in loss of tooth or root canal therapy.
Loosened or knocked-out tooth?
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums. You may also try to place it in milk or use a tooth preservation product from your local pharmacy that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to your dentist’s office right away.
Bitten Tongue or Lip?
Clean the area with a wet cloth and place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If the bleeding persists or if it is excessive, go to your dentist or an emergency center.