Mazza Dental

Dental Services

Dental Implants

Cosmetic and Esthetic Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers

Dentures

Whitening

Invisalign

Crowns

Bridge

White Fillings

TMJ Treatment

Gum Treatment

Sedation

Root Canal

Wisdom Teeth

A beautiful smile is the key to confidence and success. You can look more beautiful and much younger with esthetic dentistry. The goal of esthetic (cosmetic) dentistry is to create a beautiful smile that you deserve.

A beautiful smile has these components:

• White teeth
• Straight and well-aligned teeth
• Teeth should show while smiling
• Tooth shape and size compliments facial shape
• Proper proportion between teeth
• Small proportion of the gum above the teeth and between then should
show
• No obvious discolored areas

After I examine your mouth thoroughly, I can enhance your "smile esthetics" with:

• Whitening (Rembrandt Teeth whitening system)
• Porcelain Laminate Veneers (Lumineers)
• Gum Trimming
• Bonding
• Crown and Bridge
• Invisalign

Look at the before and after pictures on this site to see how esthetic dentistry can create a beautiful smile for you. (Click on "Photo Gallery" on the left-hand menu).

Dental implants are substitutes for teeth and they are today's best alternative to your natural teeth.

They offer you a secure solution for replacing one or more teeth. They are made of biocompatible materials. Dental Implants have improved not only people's chewing ability, smile and their overall appearance, but even their lives!

Here are some frequently asked questions about dental implants:

What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants look like real teeth and functionally they feel and act like them too. With Implants you can eat and chew again without pain or irritation. Foods that are forbidden for denture wearers are now back in their diets. Implants eliminate the need for distasteful denture adhesives. There is no longer the need to use "glue" when your dentures and prosthesis is anchored to implants. Implants enhance the taste of food since there is no plastic covering the roof of your mouth and you can enjoy natural flavors and sensations once again. The most important benefit of implants is that they can help you maintain your bone structure and support your facial tone. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes "shrinkage" of facial muscles. Implants can prevent TMD (joint) problems. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent and opposing teeth start to grow into the gap. This could result in disturbing the occlusion (bite) and causing joint problems. So with implants you can:

• Have a normal diet
• Smile with confidence
• Improve your external facial structure

Are dental implants safe?
Yes, implants have been in existence for at least twenty-five years.
For the last ten years success rate at many treatment centers has been very high. Few forms of medical, orthopedic or dental treatment have such high success rates.

What is the procedure like?
In some cases the implants can be placed in the jaw bone and can receive a crown at the same time. In other cases, implants are placed in two phases.
Phase one: using accurate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissue and implants are placed into dimensionally controlled depth and width in the jaw bone. The gum tissue is then closed and the healing phase begins. A period of 3 to 6 months is necessary to form a strong base. Phase two: new teeth are placed on top of the base structure.

Are dental implants expensive?
Initially you might feel implants are expensive. However they last longer and look more natural than dentures and partials. They last for years with proper care and they are good investment for your health. Independent surveys of implant patients show that they felt the investment was worth every penny and would do it again!

How much do dental implants cost?
Each case is different. After a complete examination I will determine your dental needs and the best treatment for you. You can then ask for cost and financial arrangements. You can e-mail us at drmazza@mazzadental.info or call our office at (301) 986-0025 to make an appointment for a half an hour free consultation.

Is dental implant treatment painful?
Our office will give you proper medication to reduce your discomfort so you feel little to no pain. You are asked to be picked up by someone after your treatment is completed.

Does age matter?
You can get implants when you are a mature adult in your seventies or eighties. Good health and adequate bone is needed to make you a candidate for implant.

How should I take care of my dental implant?
You should follow a home care routine. Professional cleaning visits are also required. Every 3-4 months you need a routine cleaning, and re-care treatment and evaluation.

You deserve a dazzling smile

Tooth whitening, whitens the teeth, removes stains, and creates a bright smile.

Dye in food and beverages, smoking, some medications, genetic, and trauma to the teeth can cause tooth discoloration (darkening). Tooth whitening could be a solution for removing these stains and making your teeth much whiter and beautiful.

Home Tooth Whitening: An impression (mold) is taken from your upper and lower arches (teeth). It is poured-up. From the casts (models), precise trays are fabricated. You will apply the tooth whitening gel inside the trays, and wear the trays according to the instructions. Usually a treatment of 1/2 hour a day, for 2 weeks could be adequate. Sometimes longer treatments are indicated. In-office Tooth Whitening: Performed in our practice, it is almost an hour-long appointment. The results are generally achieved much quicker. It involves specially designed whitening agents in combination with plasma lights to produce dazzling results. The whitening agent is a scientifically formulated and balanced peroxide solution. It is activated by the sapphire light, penetrating the whitening agent into the tooth structure. The time required to whiten teeth is approximately one hour. Is tooth whitening safe? The in-office procedure is completely safe and has been well-tested by thousands of dentists. What will I experience during a tooth whitening procedure? During the procedure you may comfortably listen to music or just relax. Your lips and gums will be first protected and then the whitening light will be placed to activate the whitening gel. You will be monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort and protection. There is a chance of feeling some degree of sensitivity on your teeth and gums. How much whiter my smile will become? The change to your smile can be quite dramatic. You can expect up to 10 shades brighter teeth in one hour treatment.	Before
	After
	Before
	After

Rembrandt 1-hour Whitening System

Porcelain laminate veneers, also known as porcelain laminates, are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which fit over the front surfaces of the teeth. The veneers have the ability to completely mask unattractive tooth features while letting light through to appear entirely real. Like acrylic fingernails, they are affixed with an adhesive (known as bonding) to the front surfaces of teeth.

This procedure can be performed without anesthesia or anesthesia could be required. This depends on the situation of your teeth. Porcelain veneers can mask discolorations, brighten teeth, and improve a smile. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in a pleasing, natural result.

Why choose a porcelain veneer?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many cosmetic situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years.

What happens during the procedure?
Patients usually need two or three appointments for the entire procedure.
Dr. Mazza will spend time with you planning your treatment, discussing your expectations, and reviewing the procedure. The next step is preparing the teeth for the veneer. The majority of patients could have veneers without any gross tooth reduction or anesthesia. If tooth preparation is needed, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. Then a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the lab for veneer fabrication. This usually takes two weeks. If the teeth are too unsightly, a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost.

At the next appointment, the veneers are attached to the teeth in a process known as bonding. First, Dr. Mazza places the veneers on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color.

At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented.

To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed, and by utilization of specific chemicals, veneers are bonded. To maintain the veneer, follow Dr. Mazza’s instructions and brush and floss regularly. You will enjoy your new smile!

Please visit our Photo Gallery for before and after photos.

THE INVISIBLE WAY TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH

Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. It works through a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign has been proven effective and is widely available.

Before

After

If the idea of metal braces is holding you back from the smile you always wanted, wait no longer! Invisalign is a state-of-the-art alternative to traditional braces. There are no metal brackets or wires. Instead, the system is based on clear “aligners” that are custom made just for you. These undetectable aligners are designed by a computer. By using your teeth and bite as a starting point, the computer simulates the stages that your teeth need to progress through until they reach their final desired position – a straight, beautiful smile! Multiple aligners are then created based on these computer designs.

Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks. We recommend wearing the aligner all the time, except when you eat, brush, or floss. As you replace each aligner with a new one, your teeth are gradually being guided into their new position. The number of aligners you will need depends on the complexity of your individual case. The usual number of aligners ranges between 18 and 30. So, the total treatment time is approximately the same as for traditional braces.

So, if your teeth are too crowded or too far apart, or if your teeth have shifted since your childhood braces, you are likely a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Call us for a complimentary half-hour consultation to find out if Invisalign is right for you!

Dr. Mazza is an Invisalign certified dentist.

Kiss your fears goodbye!

How can oral conscious sedation help you?
Oral conscious sedation helps certain patients to receive dental treatment without anxiety and fear.

If you are anxious about dental appointments, have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia, have a severe gag response, suffer from very sensitive teeth, or want to have a lot of dental work done during a single, longer appointment, you may be a good candidate for sedation.

To plan the best treatment for you, we'll need to know about your current medical conditions and medications, along with any allergic reactions you've had to other medications.

Oral conscious sedation procedure:
First, we may ask you to refrain from all foods and liquids for 12 hours, and then you'll take an oral medication about an hour before your appointment. Because the medication will make you groggy, you'll need a friend or relative to bring you to the office.

Once you're seated in the chair, we'll assess how deeply you're sedated, and adjust your medication if necessary to keep you comfortable. For most procedures, it will also be necessary to numb your mouth, but the oral medication you've taken will make this pain-free.

During the procedure, we'll constantly monitor your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure your safety. You won't feel any pain or be aware of time passing during the procedure. You'll feel very relaxed and may even sleep, but your friend or relative will take you home where you'll relax for the rest of the day.

For many, oral conscious sedation is a good choice for anxiety-free dentistry.

Crowns

A filling can correct a small hole in the teeth. To rebuild, reshape or protect your tooth, a crown is needed. A crown, also called a 'cap,' is a tooth-like restoration that is placed over an existing tooth to restore the function, shape, appearance and strength of the damaged tooth.

Crowns serve to protect and cover the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured, broken, or has had root canal treatment.

A crown is placed for a number of reasons:

• To support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough tooth
remaining
• To whiten teeth
• To align crooked teeth to correct the bite
• To protect weak teeth from fracturing
• To restore fractured teeth
• To cover badly shaped or discolored teeth
• To cover a dental implant

Crowns are placed over two visits, approximately two weeks apart. At the first visit, the tooth is reshaped or "prepared." This may include rebuilding part of the tooth with a crown buildup. Dr. Mazza will determine the best approach for your particular needs. A mold is then made of this tooth (the mold usually includes adjacent teeth and the teeth that this one bites against). From this mold, the laboratory constructs your crown with the porcelain color matched to your tooth. While the crown is being constructed, you have a temporary crown on your tooth.

The temporary crown is usually made of plastic (it can also be metal), and is not intended for long-term wear. It is usually in position from 2 to 6 weeks at most. It is to protect the tooth from sensitivity (temperature, touch), protect the gums, and keep the adjacent and opposing tooth from shifting. A temporary crown is like a temporary tire - it is sufficient for short-term, careful use.

At the second appointment, the final crown is glued on your tooth after the temporary crown is gently removed. If your tooth is sensitive, you may require some anesthesia. Your new crown is assessed for fit, color, shape and appearance, bite, fit between teeth, and seal against your tooth. If everything is correct and it meets your approval, it is cemented with a long-term cement. Treat the crown as if it is your own tooth, especially for cleaning. It is not uncommon to experience a little sensitivity to cold after getting a new crown, but this should diminish quickly over a couple weeks.

There are different materials which can be used to fashion a crown. In our practice, crowns are generally composed of porcelain overlying high noble metal. This type of crown offers cosmetic uniformity, with the coloration of the crown matched to your teeth, with technological strength. It is the most durable choice for crowns. Sometimes I recommend that the back teeth have metal at the chewing surfaces of the crown to add to their durability.

Crowns function and feel just like your natural teeth. To help maintain your crown, brush your teeth twice per day, floss regularly, and be sure to see Dr. Mazza every 6 months for routine cleanings and examinations.

Bridge

Since a tooth is lost, the other teeth adjacent and opposing the missing site, could grow into the gap. This could compromise the esthetics and could cause occlusal (bite) problems.

A bridge is a very good solution for replacing a lost tooth (or teeth).

The teeth adjacent to the gap area are prepared. The bridge then sits on top of them.

A white filling, also known as a composite resin filling, is made from a plastic mixture containing very small glass particles. White fillings offer patients many advantages over traditional amalgam fillings. First of all, the resin fillings can be color matched to your teeth, offering a more visually pleasing alternative to filling cavities. Secondly, these resins are actually bonded to your teeth, not just inserted into a defect in the tooth. This actually strengthens the tooth and prevents additional breakage. Thirdly, when you eat or drink hot and cold food and beverages, the composite expands and contracts like teeth. Amalgam expansion is much larger and could cause tooth damage.


Before Bonding	After Bonding

How is a white filling placed?
The decayed portions of the tooth must be removed first, which leaves a defect that needs to be filled to restore the tooth to its original form and function. The tooth is prepared and etched with a mild acid solution. A glue called bonding agent is applied to the tooth. The composite is then placed in layers, with a specialized light used to harden each layer. When the process is done, the filling is adjusted and shaped to fit the tooth. The tooth is polished to prevent staining and premature wear.

How long does it take to place a white filling?
It takes the dentist a few minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity. The larger the size, the longer it takes. However, most patients consider the results well worth the additional time and slightly higher cost. The composite enables Dr. Mazza to blend the shade of the composite to create a color nearly identical to that of your actual tooth and provide a durable restoration of your tooth. You will receive instructions on how to take care of your new composite filling to prevent staining and promote its durability.

Will my insurance cover this type of filling?
A majority of dental plans cover the composite filling for the back teeth. It's prudent that this matter be checked prior to your appointment.

Dentures

If a patient looses some or all of his/her teeth, partial or complete dentures could replace them.

Conventional dentures are a set of artificial teeth that are placed on pink acrylic material to imitate the natural dentition (teeth).


Upper arch with teeth and four implants plus attachments	Upper denture with female attachment
Lower arch without teeth with implant and bar	Lower Denture with clips

In comparison to conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures are an excellent solution to replace lost dentition. They provide better function and comfort.

Implants preserve the bone and unlike conventional dentures, do not cause bone loss.

"TMJ" stands for temporomandibular joint, or the

jaw joint. They are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. They allow you to perform such functions as opening and closing your mouth, chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

Temporomandibular disorder or TMD is a broad term referring to problems with the jaws and their functioning.

The close proximity of the joints to the ear is why some patients experience ear symptoms and can often hear the joint pop or crack.
There is a small disc between your lower jaw and skull in the joint. Some TMD problems are caused by dysfunction of this disc. When healthy it acts as a sort of "lubricant cushion" and "shock absorber" for the joint.

The alignment of your teeth and bite greatly effect how well the temporomandibular joints function. Sometimes when the teeth do not meet appropriately, pressure is created on the joints.

Gum Treatment

What is the treatment for gum disease?

To find periodontal disease, we perform a thorough examination with a periodontal probe and x-rays. Periodontal probing measures the depth of the space between your teeth and gums. When you have periodontal disease, these spaces are called pockets. We measure the pocket from the bottom of the pocket, where it's attached to the tooth, to the top of the gums. A probe reading of more than three millimeters is a sign of periodontal disease. In general, the deeper the pockets, the greater the spread of periodontal disease.

Gums sometimes bleed during probing. This is also a sign of infection.

X-rays tell us a lot about periodontal disease. As periodontal disease progresses, x-rays will show that jawbone levels have become uneven, and that bone has receded away from the necks of the teeth.

Once we've found periodontal disease, we'll talk to you about treatment options and proper homecare to minimize bone loss and restore the health of your gums. In general, a professional deep cleaning and sometimes surgery may be recommended.

Root Canal

In the center of a healthy tooth pulp tissue (nerve) is located.

If for any reason such as carious lesions (cavities and bacterial invasion), trauma, etc., the pulp tissue dies and get infected, the tooth requires endodontic therapy (root canal treatment).

Today, with profound anesthesia, root canal treatments are virtually very comfortable and painless.

The nerve tissue is removed and the canal is filled with an inert material.

In most cases, a tooth that has received root canal therapy requires post and core, and a crown.

Wisdom Teeth

Most of the third molars (wisdom teeth) are poorly accessible to flossing and brushing.

If they are partially covered by gum tissue, gum disease and decay on the tooth is expected.

Completely impacted wisdom teeth are prone to developing cysts.

Sometimes they push against their front tooth and start to damage them.

In these cases removal of wisdom teeth are highly recommended.

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Cosmetic Esthetic Dentistry, Dental Oral Implants, Porcelain Laminate Veneers, Lumineers, Invisalign, Tooth Teeth Whitening, Bleaching, Crown and Bridge, Oral Conscious Sedation, Pain Anxiety Free Dentistry, Gum Treatment, Extreme Smile Makeover, TMJ TMD Treatment, Jaw Joint Treatment, Wisdom Teeth, White Filling, Cosmetic Bonding, Implant supported dentures, Digital X-Ray and Imaging, Root Canal Treatment.