The office of Bloom Dentistry, located in Hayden, Idaho is Kootenai County’s premier general dentistry practice. Whether you are from Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Dalton Gardens, or any number of scenic communities located within North Idaho, rest assured that your dental needs will be well taken care of at Bloom Dentistry.
Sealants
Sealants are an effective way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your molars. These teeth are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process and are often the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. To place a sealant, the sealant liquid is painted directly on the tooth. A curing light then hardens the liquid and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles or bacteria. Sealants last for approximately 10 years and can be reapplied as necessary.
Hygiene & Periodontal Health
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems. We advise that you schedule to have your teeth cleaned every six months. To ensure that you maintain a high standard of oral health, thorough oral-cleaning routines should be practiced daily at home. If you have any questions about your current oral hygiene routine please ask us.
Periodontal disease (also called gum disease and periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss. To reverse the damage of the disease Bloom Dentistry recommends a deep-cleaning appointment (scaling and root-planing). Our hygienists are experienced and excellent oral health care providers.
Care for your teeth and you will be rewarded with a beautiful smile.
Fillings
Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite or amalgam filling.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Bloom and Dr. DeVore can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. As with most dental restorations, composite & amalgam fillings are not permanent and may someday need to be replaced. They are very durable and will last many years, providing you with a long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for fillings:
- Decayed teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Worn teeth
- Closing space between two teeth
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, Dr. Bloom or Dr. DeVore will remove decay as necessary. The tooth will then be carefully prepared and thoroughly cleaned before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
Sensitivity can be common when fillings are first placed. This will subside shortly, after your tooth adjusts to the new filling.
Care instructions will be provided for you at the conclusion of your procedure. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Extractions
A tooth that is severely damaged may need to be removed. This may be necessary when decay or an abscessed tooth is so severe that no other treatment will cure the infection. Removing the tooth can help keep infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth and should be done as soon as possible. Most extractions are taken care of in our office, though often for the removal of wisdom teeth you will be referred to an oral surgeon.
Root Canals
Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The infected nerves need to be removed. If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that can include bone loss in the jaw. The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. Dr. Bloom or Dr. DeVore will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant. Most likely, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will need to be fitted with a crown. This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and will also ensure the root canal’s success. Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain afterward, but one of our dentists may prescribe medication. The procedure also relieves you from pain caused by the infection, allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard. If you are experiencing any dental pain consult our Hayden, Idaho office today.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. Dr. Bloom, Dr. DeVore, or one of our team members will discuss the best options for your particular situation. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are extremely durable and will last many years, although they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth
- Maintain facial shape
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore chewing and speaking abilities
- Restore your smile
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
What does getting a fixed bridge involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally, Dr. Bloom or Dr. DeVore may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to adjust to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later date.
Our staff will provide you with care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Crowns
A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. (Sometimes patients refer to a crown as a cap.)
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) is the most popular. Gold crowns are an option as well. There are advantages to both materials and Dr. Bloom or Dr. DeVore will discuss which is the best treatment option for you. Crowns are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your initial appointment at Bloom Dentistry will include taking highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. The impression will also be used to create a temporary crown that will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks or until a new crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At another appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and follow up visits will be scheduled to check your new crown.
Implant Restorations
Implants are very durable and will last many years. Implants require the same “maintenance” as your real teeth, including brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups from the talented staff at Bloom Dentistry. Dental implants aid in restoring almost anyone’s smile even if natural teeth have been lost due to injury or disease.
One common reason people consider implants is because a sliding lower denture often makes chewing and talking difficult. Implants can also replace individual teeth and partial bridges in the upper and lower jaws. The majority of patients treated with dental implants experience a significant improvement in their ability to chew food and feel more comfortable.
Dental implants are permanent fixtures of titanium posts anchored to the jawbone and topped with individual replacement teeth or a bridge that screws or cements into the posts. The success rate for implants is remarkable: well over 90 percent success for both upper and lower implants.
Virtually everyone who maintains routine dental care can successfully use implants. Many people who consider implants have removable, conventional dentures for lower and upper jaws, or have removable bridges that clasp to adjacent teeth. A permanent bridge supported by 2-4 metal posts in the lower jaw, accompanied by a complete conventional denture for the upper jaw, is a very common use for dental implants for people who wear complete dentures. Dental implants include strategically placed posts – one, a few, or several – which serve as artificial tooth roots for a permanent bridge of non-removable, stable, natural appearing replacement teeth, in many cases when patients have many of their own teeth remaining.
Single teeth or a full arch of teeth, which have been extracted due to injury or disease and replaced with a removable bridge, can be replaced with dental implants. The teeth can be replaced by a non-removable, fixed bridge or by an “overdenture” that may help with facial support. Implants are very durable, will last many years, and require the same maintenance as your real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
To ensure the best possible outcome, implant patients are screened by our team of dental specialists at Bloom Dentistry. At the screening appointment an X-ray of the patient’s mouth is taken to determine if the bone in the jaw is adequate to hold the titanium posts. Models of the mouth may be made using a soft, pliable plastic compound. The models accurately show where the gaps are located and provide measurements for a replacement tooth or a bridge. Treatment with dental implants can be complicated and take careful planning for best results. Additional X-rays and models of the mouth may be necessary.