Dentist Lakewood Ranch

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the dental crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile if your teeth are discolored, misshapen or have spaces between them. We are fortunate to have a prosthodontist, Dr. Sallustio or Dr. Azizian, in our office who routinely places veneers to match and enhance your smile.

Inlays and Onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These conservative restorations replace the missing portion of the tooth and are bonded onto the remaining tooth structure.

A bonded veneer is the application of a tooth-colored composite resin to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored tooth. Unlike porcelain veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory, bonded veneers can be completed in a single visit.

A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. 

Dental bleaching (teeth whitening) can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using a variety of bleaching materials, we offer a safe method for creating a bright smile. It is safe, quick, and inexpensive. Please let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth, or both upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.

A dental bridge is three or more crowns that are soldered together to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is permanently cemented into place. The materials used for a bridge include gold, porcelain fused to metal, or in the appropriate situation, porcelain alone.

A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape, or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive. Other materials used include gold and metal alloys. These metals are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth.

Dr. Sallustio is a trained maxillofacial prosthodontist, working with several craniofacial centers and at times in other countries helping patients and doctors abroad provide this valuable and unique service.

The incidence of oral cancer is 3 – 4%. It is recommended that your dentist perform a simple oral cancer screening on routine check-ups. In addition, denture wearers who may not see a dentist regularly, should consider a once-a-year oral examination including an oral cancer screening. In the event a of a diagnosis and surgical removal of a tumor in the head and neck region, Dr. Sallustio or Dr. Azizian is called upon to aid in the reconstructive phase from as early as the day of surgery. Prosthetics includes a surgical or definitive obturator. An obturator fills a defect created by the removal of a tumor of the hard and / or soft palate so the patient may continue with normal speech and swallowing.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common birth defects in the United States. It is estimated that one of every 600 newborns is affected by cleft lip and/or cleft palate.

Sedation Dentistry uses medication to help you relax for a better dental care experience. Sedation dentistry can even help patients with severe dental anxiety.

We are proud to offer our patients the benefits of Botox® cosmetic dermal fillers. In a single appointment at SmilesbySpecialists, you can achieve vibrant results such as a whitened smile, beautiful veneers, and straightened teeth. Men and women alike can enjoy the benefits of the procedures, and leave with a noticeable perk up in their appearance.