Saving Hopeless Teeth

Teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected used to require extraction, which can cause a lot of problems and should be done as a last resort. When dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), a simple filling does not suffice. A root canal can save the tooth by removing the pulp and replacing it with a filling material. Root canals of the past were quite painful and gained a reputation as something to be avoided. However, with today’s modern anesthetics and technology, we can perform root canals that are quite tolerable and usually even painless!

We use digital X-ray imaging in our practice. With this technology, images of your teeth are taken with digital sensors and are downloaded into Dr. Sykora’s computer system in seconds. This method uses 75% less radiation than conventional X-rays. No more waiting for images to develop and no more chemical waste to pollute the environment.

Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team

Dr. Sykora works hand-in-hand with patients to create a bond of teamwork. One of the ways we bring this about is through the use of a high-tech tool, the Intra-Oral Camera. This amazing device is a miniature video camera that displays close-up pictures of the inside of your mouth. You can see for yourself what work needs to be done and which teeth are doing fine. You then become a participant in each dental decision. You'll love how this works!

Oral Cancer - Are You at Risk?

Did you know that one American dies every hour from oral cancer? And the mortality rate has remained virtually unchanged for 40 years? The good news is that there’s a 90% cure rate if it’s detected early. We are very pleased to provide one of the most effective oral cancer screenings available today. VELscope^TM is the newest FDA-approved oral cancer screening system. We perform the exam using the specially designed light. Any suspicious tissue is immediately and easily visible. This screening could literally save your life!

Worried About Your Child Knocking Out a Tooth?

Did you know that 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in the United States alone? Many sports can be dangerous without the proper protection. The one-size-fits-all mouthguards found in stores just don't fit very well. Wearing these, how can you breathe while running during soccer or basketball?

On the other hand, custom-made sports mouthguards fit well, protect the teeth, and can be worn for any sport, including soccer, baseball, and basketball, and of course, football and hockey.

Laser Scanner Finds Ultrasmall Cavities Earlier

Have you ever had a dentist find a cavity and place a large filling, and wondered why the filling is so large if the cavity wasn’t there just six months before? The cavity was there six months before - it just wasn’t big enough to show on X-rays, and it wasn’t visible to the dentist yet. The laser scanner can find cavities years earlier, when the small cavity can be removed and repaired with a small invisible bonded filling. Sometimes patients complain of tooth sensitivity, or mild to severe pain, yet X-rays and examination cannot pinpoint the source. Patients are often given sensitivity toothpaste to deal with the problem. However, sometimes, dentists have to perform root canals to get the pain or sensitivity to stop, when the actual source turned out to be undetected decay. The laser scanner can detect previously undetectable decay and, once identified, allow us to remove decay and leave you with a healthy smile.