EMERGENCy & NEW PATIENTS Welcome! - Reading
Common Procedures – Reading, PA
Regular Exams and Cleanings
Regular exams are crucial for preserving optimal oral health. Throughout your examination, we will:
- Be sure to watch for any problems that may not be obvious right away.
- Make sure to look for cavities or any signs of tooth decay.
- Make sure to inspect your teeth and gums for any indications of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Make sure to clean your teeth completely.
Please schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning with our office today. Each regular exam typically lasts between 45 minutes and one hour and includes a comprehensive teeth cleaning to remove any tartar and plaque buildup. Visiting us every six months allows you to discuss any oral health issues with the dentist. Regular exam appointments are only available by scheduling in advance. Contact us now to book your next appointment.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a conservative and cost-effective option for improving the appearance of slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. A white filling is applied to the tooth, bonding with it and coming in various tooth-colored shades to closely match natural teeth.
In addition to cosmetic enhancements, bonding can also be used for fillings, with many patients preferring the less noticeable white color over silver fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front or back teeth, depending on the location and severity of tooth decay.
Compared to other cosmetic treatments, bonding is a more affordable option that can typically be completed in just one visit to our office. However, it is important to be aware that bonding can stain and is more prone to breaking than treatments like porcelain veneers. If the bonding does break or chip, simply inform your dentist so it can be easily patched or repaired in a single visit.
Bridges
Bridges can help fill gaps from missing teeth, maintain facial shape, and alleviate pressure on your bite. By replacing missing teeth with artificial ones, bridges enhance appearance and close gaps where teeth were lost. They can be made from materials like gold, alloys, or porcelain and are attached to neighboring teeth for stability.
The durability and effectiveness of a bridge depend on the health of surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and keep existing teeth and jaw strong to ensure the success of your bridge.
Crowns
Crowns are a dental procedure used to improve the shape or strengthen a tooth that is broken, worn, or damaged by decay. They are caps that are cemented onto a tooth, covering the portion above the gum line and becoming the new outer surface of the tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, with porcelain being the preferred choice for its natural appearance and strength.
When there is not enough tooth strength to hold a filling, a crown or onlay may be necessary. Unlike fillings that are placed directly into the mouth, crowns are fabricated in a lab using a unique tooth impression. This allows a dental technician to create a crown that fits your bite and jaw movements perfectly, ensuring normal function once the crown is placed.
Dentures
Dentures are a cost-effective, natural-looking, and removable choice for replacing missing teeth. They can assist individuals in restoring their ability to eat and speak comfortably, as well as enhancing their confidence to smile. Patients have the option to select from two types of dentures: full and partial.
- Patients are provided with full dentures after the extraction of all their natural teeth.
- Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that connects to the natural teeth and are used to fill in gaps left by missing permanent teeth.
Come visit our dental office in Reading, PA to meet with Drs. Funk, Voler, and Pranckun, who specialize in creating dentures that enhance smiles. We carefully select the shape, size, and color of the teeth to ensure a natural look that complements each individual's personality and facial features.
Proper denture care is crucial. It is recommended to brush them daily with a denture brush and mild soap or denture paste, avoiding toothpaste as it can be too abrasive. Patients with full dentures should have a complimentary exam at our office once a year for proper fit and function. Those with partial dentures should maintain regular home hygiene and visit us for professional cleanings and exams every six months.
If you are interested in learning more about dentures, partial dentures, or other restorative options, please contact our office in Reading, PA to schedule an appointment.
Extractions
There are instances where it is necessary to have a tooth extracted. This may be due to a baby tooth with abnormal roots, decayed teeth posing a risk to nearby teeth, infections, orthodontic issues, or problems with wisdom teeth.
If extraction is needed, your dentist may perform the procedure during a regular checkup or schedule a separate appointment. The tooth is held in place by a ligament in the jawbone, so the dentist will need to widen the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament to remove it. It is important to discuss any concerns or preferences for sedation with your dentist.
After extraction, neighboring teeth may shift, leading to chewing or jaw joint problems. To prevent these issues, your dentist may recommend replacing the extracted tooth.
Fillings
There are various types of traditional dental fillings such as gold, porcelain, amalgam, and composite. Modern options like ceramic and plastic compounds are also available, closely resembling natural teeth. Composite resins are commonly used on front teeth for a more natural look. Fillings can be categorized as direct or indirect. Direct fillings are done in a single visit, while indirect fillings, which may include inlays or veneers made from ceramics or composites, require multiple visits.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a valuable weapon in combating cavities, tooth decay, and plaque accumulation. A brief fluoride treatment at the dentist's office can greatly improve your oral health. Following the treatment, it is crucial to refrain from rinsing, eating, or drinking for at least 30 minutes to ensure the fluoride fully penetrates the teeth. Your dentist may suggest fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months depending on your specific requirements.
Implant Restoration
If you have missing teeth, it is crucial to replace them to prevent issues with chewing and discomfort. Missing teeth can affect your bite and even make you look older. Implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
An implant is a metal and porcelain tooth that closely resembles your natural teeth. It consists of a titanium implant body that replaces the missing root and a tooth-colored crown that is attached to the implant. With implants, you can smile confidently knowing that your replacement tooth is nearly invisible.
Implants can also be used to stabilize dentures, particularly lower dentures that may move while speaking or eating. For those with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth for a more natural-looking smile.
Mouthguards
It is important to protect your smile while playing sports, especially if you have braces. The American Dental Association recommends using mouthguards to prevent dental injuries during full-contact sports. There are three types of mouthguards available: pre-made, "boil-and-bite" fitted, and custom-made by a dentist. When choosing a mouthguard, make sure it is tear-resistant, comfortable, well-fitted, easy to clean, and allows for proper breathing. Your dentist can help you select the best mouthguard for your needs and show you how to wear it properly for maximum smile protection.
Nightguards
Do you wake up with jaw pain, earaches, or headaches? You may have bruxism, a common condition where people grind their teeth while asleep. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to broken or cracked teeth, and even tooth loss.
The good news is that nightguards are a simple solution for bruxism. These custom-made devices, created by your dentist using soft material, fit over your teeth to prevent grinding and protect against wear and damage. Nightguards provide a non-invasive way to address bruxism and keep your oral health in check.
Root Canals
In the past, having a tooth with a diseased nerve meant losing the tooth. However, thanks to modern dental technology, a procedure called "root canal treatment" can now save the tooth. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the nerve tissue and cause an infection. If left untreated, an abscess can form, leading to pain and swelling. Not only can this harm your jawbones, but it can also impact your overall health.
Root canal treatment typically involves one to three visits. During the procedure, the affected tissue is removed, and the interior of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. If the tooth has extensive decay, a crown may be recommended to strengthen and protect it from breaking. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Sealants
Brushing alone may not effectively clean all areas of your mouth, especially hard-to-reach spots where tooth decay can occur. Dental sealants provide extra protection by smoothing out grooves on your teeth, making it harder for plaque to build up and cause decay. These sealants, made of plastic resins, bond to the surface of your teeth to create a barrier against decay. While commonly applied to children's teeth, adults with healthy teeth can also benefit from sealants. They typically last three to five years, but some adults still have intact sealants from childhood. If your sealants come off, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to have them re-applied for continued protection against decay.
Veneers
has been offering top-quality veneers in Reading, PA since the 1980s. Our veneers have evolved with advancements in materials and techniques, resulting in a more beautiful and durable product.
Veneers are custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored porcelain that can improve the appearance of your teeth by addressing issues like cracks, chips, discoloration, and uneven spacing.
The process of receiving veneers typically spans a few weeks. During your initial visit to our Reading, PA dental office, we will take photographs, X-rays, and impressions, as well as create models and shape the teeth if needed. We will also provide you with a wax template and temporary veneer to ensure the final outcome meets your expectations.
A successful veneer treatment starts with an initial consultation where we discuss your desired smile changes. This enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the smile you've always desired.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties at the back of the mouth. However, they can become impacted due to lack of space in the jaw or the angle of entry, causing gum tenderness, swelling, and pain if left untreated. Impacted wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean and can lead to tooth decay, infections, and gum disease.
It is common for wisdom teeth to be removed in the late teens or early twenties when the roots are not fully formed and the surrounding bone is less dense, making extraction easier and recovery quicker.
During the extraction process, the dentist numbs the area and may need to remove some bone to extract the tooth. The tooth may be sectioned to minimize bone removal. Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, and the dentist will provide instructions for a smooth healing process.