Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Barbash at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, Dr. Barbash and our hygienist, Sylvia, will include the following...
• X-rays
  Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
• Oral Cancer Screening
  Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  This is related to altered/reduced salivary flow. The saliva no longer has the protective qualities that naturally prevent tooth decay. To compensate, the dentition must be protected by the daily, indefinite use of fluoride, meticulous home care, and frequent dental cleanings.
• Fluoride Treatment
  Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
• Dental Sealants
  Disease care ”. That’s why we focus on thorough exams – checking the overall health of your teeth and gums, performing oral cancer exams, and taking x-rays when necessary. We also know that routine cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride are all helpful in preventing dental disease. Not only are we focused on the beauty of your smile, we’re also concerned about your health. A review of your medical history can help us stay informed of your overall health, any new medications, and any illnesses that may impact your dental health.

Restorative

• Fillings
  There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. 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.
• Veneers
  As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
• Crowns
  A crown (or cap) 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.
• Bridges
  Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
• Dental Bonding

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment

Periodontics

• Deep Cleaning
  Patients can have many dental procedures. Others are contraindicated. Special care must be taken. Restorative procedures such as fillings and crowns can be performed. However, many patients have difficulty swallowing and opening their mouths. Treatment tends to be slower and extra care should be taken to prevent /minimize aspiration. Endodontics (root canals) can be safely done. The fillings should not extend beyond the apices of the roots. Periodontics, gum treatment, should be limited to the non-surgical modality, i.e. deep cleaning in areas where the bone received a significant dose of radiation. Removable prostheses such as complete dentures and removable partial dentures are generally fabricated 6-24 months after completion of radiation treatment to minimize the breakdown of the soft tissue covering radiated jaw bone. Dental implant treatment can be accomplished in many cases. It involves interpretation of isodose maps (IMRT) and simulation films (external beam) to determine the radiation dose to the proposed implant sites. It may sometimes involve pre and post operative hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote healing. Oral surgery, i.e. removal of teeth in areas of the jaw that have been radiated should generally be avoided due to the risk of osteoradionecrosis, a progressive non-healing wound. If the extraction of the teeth is required in areas that received a high dose of radiation, it is done in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). Twenty or more HBO treatments or dives are done prior to surgery and 10 or more post surgically to assure normal healing.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
• Overdentures
  An alternative to a fixed bridge is a removable overdenture, which is anchored on 2- 4 implants. The placement of 4 implant results in a more retentive prosthesis. The old fashioned denture has many disadvantages and should be avoided if possible.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Dental implant replacement of the missing teeth will provide the strength and stability required to eat whatever you want. It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  The complications of exposed bone and osteoradionecrosis have become more common with the advent of combined chemotherapy and radiation therapies to treat cancer of the tongue, tonsil, and throat. The presence of exposed jaw bone several months after completion of treatment is quite common. Many times the body will shed it and the area will cover with soft tissue. A more ominous presentation is exposed bone that develops spontaneously or secondary to oral surgery several years after radiation therapy, i.e. osteoradionecrosis. Treatment consists of hyperbaric oxygen treatment which re-establishes microcirculation in conjunction with the appropriate surgical management.
• Maxillofacial Surgery
  Dr. Barbash has always had a strong interest in academics and continuing education. In 1987, he cofounded the dental implant program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center with Dr. Richard Finn. For nine years, he was the Director of Prosthodontics and Chairman of the Dental Implant Program at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. During that time he was involved in the training of residents in both Prosthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the surgical, restorative, and laboratory phases of implant dentistry. He also participated as a clinician and lecturer with the Head and Neck Cancer programs at both the University of Texas Southwestern Medical center and the Dallas Veterans Administration Medical Center. Currently, Dr. Barbash maintains a full time private practice and serves as a clinical assistant professor at both the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and TAMU Baylor College of Dentistry. Additionally, he is a member of several of the major head and neck cancer treatment teams in the metroplex.
• Tooth Extractions

General

• Cosmetic Dentistry
  A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients deserve. We provide comprehensive treatment planning and use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to achieve your optimal dental health. Should a dental emergency occur, we make every effort to see and care for you as soon as possible.
• General Dentistry
  Dr. Bruce Barbash chose to specialize in Prosthodontics because it provides the opportunity to solve challenging dental problems. He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University Dental School in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduation, he practiced General Dentistry in Ft. Worth, Texas for three years. During that time, he was profoundly influenced by the struggles of completely edentulous (no teeth) and partially edentulous (some teeth) patients to find treatment that restored both complete oral function and facial appearance. This led him to a residency in Prosthodontics and a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.