Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  X-rays are the only way to identify problems that aren't externally visible. X-rays are very essential in doing a complete and thorough dental examination. They are especially important in diagnosing serious conditions early to allow for effective treatment before you experience discomfort. X-rays show bone anatomy and density, decay between the teeth or how extensive the decay is, whether an abscess is present, impacted teeth, or if children have permanent teeth.
• X-rays
  Dental X-rays can now be taken using sensors that transmit the image directly into a computer monitor. This larger image helps the patient understand the doctor's explanations more easily and enables the doctor to "zoom in" on a specific area of the tooth. An important advantage to this new technology is that it reduces the amount of radiation by 90%. Digital X-rays are also faster. The digital image only takes 20 seconds to appear in the monitor. In addition, this new technology is friendly to the environment since no chemicals are needed for developing the image.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  The cavitron is an ultrasonic scaler. Power scalers do a more thorough job in less time. This results in significantly decreased scaling time and healthier, cleaner teeth and gums. Hand scalers require repetitive scraping movements and are restricted to adaptation of only one or two sides of the instrument. In comparison, all four sides of a power scaler can be adapted, because the device moves in an elliptical motion. This comes in handy when removing stain and deposits from behind and between the teeth. Ultrasonic scalers are more effective in removing stain as well. The ultrasonic vibration helps control oral bacteria by breaking down the cell wall of the bacteria. The water used to cool the cavitron then helps to rinse away bacteria, stain and debris.

Restorative

• Fillings
  White fillings replace silver or gold fillings with a more natural looking tooth-colored material. Since teeth are translucent, dark fillings cause the whole tooth to appear darker when viewed from the side. Replacing older dark fillings with white fillings will keep your smile glowing!
• Resin Composite
  White fillings: White fillings are an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings. White fillings are made of a strong composite resin that is matched to the surrounding tooth color. In the past, white fillings were placed only on front teeth, but recently a stronger more durable material has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure of back teeth.
• Veneers
  Veneers are custom, porcelain facings that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to whiten teeth, close spaces, straighten teeth, or repair chipped or worn teeth. The veneers are only about 1 mm thick (the thickness of a fingernail). That same thickness is "shaved" off the natural tooth surface so when the veneer is bonded to the tooth, the tooth doesn't feel or look "thicker".
• Crowns
  In many cases of dental decay, tooth fracture, or even in instances where an individual has "short" teeth, a crown lengthening procedure will allow us to properly construct an esthetic and functional crown, bridge, or restoration.
• Bridges
  A Partial Denture or "removable bridge" replaces one or more missing teeth, but there must be teeth remaining for the partial to attach to. Unlike a Fixed Bridge, a partial is removable. A partial will prevent other teeth from shifting, preserving your remaining teeth.
• Dental Bonding

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  When the nerve of a tooth becomes infected or abscessed, Root Canal Therapy is the only way to save the tooth. A tooth can become abscessed as a result of deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the tooth. The only alternative to Root Canal Therapy is an Extraction.

Periodontics

• Deep Cleaning
  Scaling and Root Planing is a common non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. By using special instruments, we remove bacteria and infection from the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth below the gum line. This is often referred to as a "deep cleaning".

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  As gums change over time, a sore spot will occasionally develop due to changes in how the denture or partial rests on the gums. If a sore spot develops, contact us for an adjustment or relining of your denture or partial.
• Overdentures
  An Overdenture usually requires that at least 2 roots be kept. These roots may be used to hold the denture in place by placing inserts in the roots and in the denture. The denture then attaches to the roots. These roots also give support to the denture and help retain the ridge the denture sits on.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. Dental implants involve cooperation between a specialist and our office. The surgical phase of treatment is completed by the specialist, and the restorative phase is completed at our office.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Tooth Extractions

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  Children often grind their teeth when their teeth are erupting. This is not uncommon, nor is it a problem if it is mild. However, in more severe cases the child can develop a malocclusion. Malocclusion may then lead to TMJ problems or to a need for Orthodontics. If you have any concerns about your child's Bruxism, be sure to have Dr. Vertin check for signs of excessive wear so that treatment options can be discussed and implemented to prevent serious problems.
• Invisalign Orthodontics
  Patient's Chief Concern This 27 year old female was unhappy that her upper and lower jaws seemed to be misaligned. This caused her upper teeth to bite on the inside of her lower teeth, and she could tell it was causing excessive wear. Her doctors told her this issue could also cause gum disease and bone loss. Her Invisalign treatment lasted approximately nine months.
• Braces
  Adult "invisible braces" (which are not really braces at all, but clear plastic retainers) are a new technique for adults to obtain the results of braces without wearing braces! This technique, which is effective only for mild to moderate crowding, utilizes a series of retainers (computer generated or lab constructed) that are worn sequentially until the desired correction is achieved.

General

• Teeth Whitening
  Teeth Whitening is actually a mild bleaching process that restores stained or discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don't be misled by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions. Our office uses an advanced procedure that is only available from your dentist.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  Whitening is a very popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry. It is a relatively easy and effective technique for obtaining a dazzling, whiter smile, at home, in a matter of days.
• General Dentistry
  Dr. Matthew Vertin, a Detroit native, completed his undergraduate training at Michigan State University. Subsequently he graduated from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1989. He completed a one year General Practice Residency at Sinai Hospital in Detroit. Dr. Vertin is a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Vertin has over 25 years experience.