Restorative Dentistry
Most of the procedures Dr. Zhou performs are restorative. He takes great pride in only performing dental procedures when necessary, and thus considers himself a conservative dentist. Dr. Zhou always conducts a comprehensive oral exam, then creates a treatment plan. He will present your treatment plan and discuss it with you. Everyone on our staff believes that patients need enough information to make wise decisions about treatments, so please never hesitate to ask questions. Our restorative dental procedures include, but are not limited to:
Fillings
Cavities are the most common issue we treat. Only one percent of the human population avoids cavities, so it’s likely you’ll need a dental filling at some point, if you don’t already have a few. Dr. Zhou places composite resin fillings, not amalgam. Composites are custom-shaded to the color of tooth, so the fillings are virtually undetectable.
Crowns
When a cavity grows large, or a tooth endures fracture, breakage, or a failing filling, Dr. Zhou will recommend a dental crown. While fillings are placed directly to a tooth in one visit, crowns are made in a dental lab and require two visits for the complete procedure. Depending on where a damaged tooth is located, Dr. Zhou will recommend an all ceramic, metal, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or zirconia crown. He will explain which is best for your case during your appointment.
Root Canal Therapy
In some situations, a dental crown cannot repair a damaged tooth. When the inner core of a tooth is subjected to bacteria through decay, fracture, cracking, or a failing restoration, that tooth’s nerve will die. Unless it can be saved with root canal therapy, the tooth will require extraction. Modern root canals can often be completed in a single office visit, and with microtools and contemporary anesthetics, root canal therapy is less invasive and more comfortable than ever before.
Extractions
Only when necessary will Dr. Zhou suggest dental extraction. He pays close attention to patient comfort and will make sure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Common cases for extraction include, but are not limited to:
- A dead/dying tooth
- Preparing for a full denture
- Making space in the mouth prior to orthodontic treatment
- Removal of wisdom teeth
Orthodontics
Misaligned teeth can be corrected with traditional orthodontics or the modern, fast, effective alternative: Invisalign®. Dr. Zhou provides orthodontic treatment with Invisalign for both teenagers and adults. Not all cases qualify, but Invisalign has helped thousands of people across the globe enjoy comfortable and convenient orthodontic treatment. In addition to its inconspicuous, clear appearance, Invisalign aligners are removable. Treatment normally takes just 9 to 18 months, instead of years.
Bridges, Partials, and Dentures
Replacing missing teeth is extremely important for a few reasons. Functionally, missing teeth can allow for remaining teeth to drift out of alignment. This leads to a slough of issues, ranging from bruxism to malocclusion to TMJ disorder. Esthetically, teeth missing in the front of the mouth make a person appear aged and unhealthy. Dr. Zhou offers a complete range of dental prosthetics. Bridges replace one tooth or a few teeth in a row. Partials, or partial dentures, replace many teeth across the upper or lower arch. A full denture replaces all teeth on the upper or lower arch.
Dental Implants
People who do not want to hassle with partials or dentures, and those who suffer from loose, slipping, or uncomfortable dentures, should ask us about dental implants. We can replace one tooth or secure an entire denture with implants. Dr. Zhou works with an oral surgeon for implant placement, then provides complete restoration in our dental office.