Dr. Robert Hubbard

Dental implants enable dentists to create healthy, attractive smiles in an innovative way. Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, implants are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. And, because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth. A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and post topped by a crown bridge or denture.

The implant is surgically replaced into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. In a few months, the implant securely attaches to the bone (called “osseointegration”), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth.

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays allow for:

Reduced Chair Time – They are quickly displayed on the computer screen, eliminating the time it takes to process film.

More Accurate Diagnosis – Digital x-rays provide the dentist with higher image resolution and increased diagnostic capabilities.

Lower Radiation Exposure – Digital x-rays require substantially less radiation than film and there are no chemicals used.

Convenience – Using digital x-rays enables our office to give you a copy on CD or send them via e-mail.

An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. As a result, you run the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which can lead to the loss of additional teeth.

A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.

Anyone who participates in sports, whether for pleasure, in youth or adult leagues, or even on a professional level – knows that losing isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a player; sustaining a serious injury is, particularly when that injury is preventable.

That’s why it’s so important for adults and children who are active in sports to wear protective gear such as helmets, shin guards, knee and elbow pads, and mouth guards. Wearing a mouth guard can prevent serious injury and save a lot of pain. Each year this simple safety measure prevents more than 200,000 oral injuries among athletes.

Juvederm is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid – a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps add volume and hydration. Dr. Hubbard eases Juvederm injectable gel under the skin to provide a smooth, natural look and feel – so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvederm compared to a collagen-based dermal filler. And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvederm injectable gel and another dermal filler preferred Juvederm. In addition, Juvederm injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

Sometimes, excessive gum tissue creates the appearance of “short” teeth. An aesthetic dentist can shift gums to a position that reveals more of the teeth and less of the gums. This procedure, also known as crown lengthening or gum re-contouring, sometimes requires cutting out gum and bone around the teeth. Gum lifts are also useful in exposing enough of a damaged or decayed tooth so that a restoration procedure can be performed.

The Procedure

The dentist will numb the area and remove the excess gum. The patient is instructed to use an antiseptic mouth rinse such as Peridex on a Q-tip and apply upward pressure on the gums after the procedure while they heal. The procedure is not painful, but some mild discomfort can be expected a day or two after the procedure. The gum is not damaged due to the procedure as long as the dentist has experience, and removes the proper amount. The procedure can usually be completed in about 30 minutes.

Bonding is a great way for you to regain confidence in your smile if you have chipped or broken one (or more) of your teeth. Bonding is a process of directly applying a tooth-colored composite to your tooth. Once the composite is applied, our dentist will sculpt and shape it to make a perfect looking tooth. A high-intensity ultraviolet light is then used to harden the composite and is finished off by a fine polishing.

Not only is bonding useful for chipped and broken teeth, but it is great for stained teeth that are resistant to professional whitening treatment.

Although bonding does not last as long as veneers or crowns; with proper care, bonding composites can last for years.

Over 50 million Americans annually have headaches so severe they seek medical help. Most of these people state that their head pain is a disruptive force in their daily lives. The majority of these patients suffer from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ).

TMJ is a group of separate but related disorders of the temporomandibular joint and all the associated muscles, ligaments, nerves, etc. Unfortunately, TMJs are the most frequently misdiagnosed of the medical/dental conditions. Dr. Hubbard will create customized dental appliances to treat TMJ, snoring and night grinding. Dental appliances are often a part of a cosmetic treatment plan to protect your new smile.

Most people find they become accustomed to a corrective or protective dental appliance in a very short period of time. Any custom dental appliance you might need will be included in your treatment plan and thoroughly discussed with you.

Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations that reinforce an existing tooth that is too damaged to support a filling, but not damaged enough to require a crown.  Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings because unlike a standard filling, both are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the surface of the tooth during a second visit.  Unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure, but actually strengthen it.  After the procedure the tooth can bear up to 50-75% more chewing force.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a thin, semi-translucent laminent permanently bonded to your teeth. While they are not suitable for every patient, veneers are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the front teeth including:

• Diastemas (spaces between teeth)
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained, or washed out fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth that can’t be bleached
• Crooked teeth