Services

Dr. Bahu will be examining you on your first visit and subsequent check-up exams. Laura Loera, RDH has been the office’s outstanding hygienist since 2003. She will be performing your routine cleanings as well as more involved treatments for the gums. Please call us to schedule a visit!

Dental sealants are thin, clear coatings that are applied to the surface of your tooth to protect it from tooth decay. Dental sealants are ideal for children or teens who have restoration free teeth and a low risk for tooth decay. Preventive resin restorations are used for patients that have restoration free teeth that are at medium or high risk for tooth decay.

A dental sealant or preventive resin restoration is applied to the surface of the tooth because it prevents germs and debris from getting trapped in the groves of the tooth. This is a very short and easy process. When paired with proper professional and at-home dental care, they can be a very effective way to prevent decay. After a routine cleaning, the tooth is dried and the dental sealant is painted on the tooth and sealed.

If you are interested in learning more about sealants or preventive resin restorations, please contact us.

Scaling and root planing is a technique used to treat periodontal (gum) disease to prevent progression of the disease. It is a deep cleaning that clears the mouth of harmful bacteria. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss and avoiding treatment will eventually lead to tooth loss.

It’s important to not ignore periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to several health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Gum disease may cause puffy, red or bleeding gums, but the disease may be present without these symptoms. Dr. Bahu and our hygienists are trained in diagnosing and treating gum disease and can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Be sure to contact us with any questions or to set up an appointment.

Cosmetic fillings are used to help prevent the spread of further tooth decay and to help restore tooth structure which has been lost. They are made of tooth colored composite and when cared for properly can last for many years.

Bonding is the application of tooth-colored composite resin that helps repair decayed, chipped or discolored teeth. It can also be used to fill in spaces between teeth or change the shape of your tooth.

Unlike dental veneers, bonding may not be a permanent solution for the appearance of your smile. However, bonding can be an effective alternative and can last years. Bonding treatments can generally be done in one office visit.

Dr. Bahu is very experienced in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and would be able to determine if bonding is the right solution for you. Please call our office for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bahu.

Dental contouring is a cosmetic procedure that can reshape the size, length, or surface of your tooth. It provides a very subtle change to the appearance of your teeth but can make a big difference in the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic contouring can be used to reshape a sharp canine tooth or decrease the length of a tooth that seems longer than it should be. Cosmetic contouring can provide instant and painless results and is often used for minor smile changes.

Cosmetic Contouring is ideal if you need small adjustments or repairs to a specific tooth to help it fit in with the rest of your teeth. Dr. Bahu would be able to determine if cosmetic contouring is an appropriate solution for you. Be sure to contact us for more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Bahu.

Crowns and Bridges are cosmetic solutions that help restore your tooth functionality and appearance. They are permanent devices that are attached to existing teeth and can only be removed by the dentist.

Crowns

A crown is a dental restoration used to cover and protect a tooth. It strengthens the structure of the tooth usually following a restorative procedure, such as a root canal. A crown can also strengthen a cracked, chipped or weakened tooth. Crowns are generally made of porcelain or a combination of materials and are created made to match the color of your natural teeth for beautiful, natural results.

Crowns are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants or as an anchor for a bridge.

Bridges

Dental bridges are custom-made restorations to replace one or more missing teeth, restore the natural contour of teeth and produce a proper bite between your upper and lower teeth. It’s important to replace missing teeth to avoid shifting of surrounding teeth.

A dental bridge consists of two or more fabricated teeth that are secured by crowns on surrounding teeth. Dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth for beautiful results. They are generally made of porcelain, gold alloys, or a combination of materials. There are a variety of fixed bridges such as conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Other types of bridges include removable bridges and implant bridges. For more information on the types of bridges or to find out if a bridge is the ideal solution for your missing tooth or teeth, please contact us.
Procedure

The placement of a crown or bridge generally takes a 2-3 appointments. While your custom restoration is being made, you will be given a temporary crown or bridge to protect the tooth. Once the custom crown is created, you would then be required to come back to the office so that the crown can be permanently placed.

Caring for Your Crown

Your crown can last many years with proper care. Brushing and flossing daily is very important, as plaque and debris tend to collect around the restorative area. Also, grinding or clenching can damage the crown, so be sure to consult your dentist if you experience any of these behaviors. Lastly, eating hard, sticky or brittle foods can also shorten the life span of the crown so be cautious of the types of foods you eat.

Dr. Bahu is very experienced in providing beautiful, well-fitting crowns and bridges. Please be sure to contact us with any questions or to set up an appointment.

Dental implants are often a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants are synthetic structures that act as a root and tooth. They are permanently placed and are covered with a dental crown. They can also be used to secure partial or complete dentures.

Dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. They provide a strong, solid structure and feel and look very natural. They allow for natural speaking and eating and can last a lifetime.

Dr. Bahu is very skilled in providing dental implants and would be able to help you in determining if dental implants are right for you. For more information on dental implants or if you wish to see Dr. Bahu for a consultation, please be sure to contact us.

Dental veneers are able to restore the color, shape, size and length of your tooth. Veneers are considered a permanent restorative solution and when cared for properly can last many years. They are often made of porcelain and custom- shaped to cover the front surface of each tooth to drastically improve the overall appearance of your smile.

Dr. Bahu is experienced in providing beautifully crafted, natural looking dental veneers. If you are considering veneers, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Root canal therapy is used for restoring a tooth that has experienced deep decay or trauma. Root canal therapy can save a tooth that otherwise would require extraction. During a root canal, the exposed or infected pulp is removed and disinfected. Once the tooth is treated, it is covered with a crown for protection and strength. If left untreated, the infection can attack the root of the tooth causing pain, sensitivity, or even lead to tooth loss.

In most instances, you will experience little to no pain and will be able to enjoy your restored tooth for years to come.

Dr. Bahu is very experienced in root canal therapy and would be able to restore your tooth and relieve any discomfort you may feel. Please contact our office to request an appointment.

A dental extraction, or removal of a tooth, may be performed for a variety of reasons. Extractions can be performed to remove a problem tooth, make space for orthodontic treatment or to remove wisdom teeth.

Dr. Bahu will determine if extractions are appropriate for your particular treatment plan so be sure to contact our office for a consultation.
Caring for Extractions

Once you’ve had a tooth extracted, it is important to care for it properly and allow time for recovery. Recovery time usually takes a few days depending on the extraction type. The following are a few tips that will help you cope as you recover:

Be sure to take pain relievers or your prescribed medicine as instructed by your doctor
Gently bite on a gauze to help stop the bleeding
Use an ice pack for the outer cheek to prevent swelling
Eat soft foods and avoid drinking from a straw to prevent loosening a blood clot

If you are experiencing any discomfort following your extraction, please call our office immediately.

Invisalign® invisible aligners help straighten your teeth in a discrete and comfortable way. They can be removed while eating, brushing or flossing and are a great alternative to braces. Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and orthodontic practices and can be an ideal solution for improving the appearance of your smile.
What to Expect

With Invisalign®, you will be required to wear new aligners trays every two weeks. With each tray, you will see your teeth shift little by little until they are straight in their final position. Treatment time averages between 9-15 months and will vary by case.

Dr. Bahu is an experienced Invisalign® provider and has received training in the technology and processes involved in providing Invisalign® effectively. If you’re considering Invisalign®, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Teeth whitening is a great option for you if you have stained, dull or discolored teeth. Teeth whitening can be used to help reverse effects of aging or tobacco stains and can instantly provide a brighter smile.

There are many teeth whitening options available such as whitening toothpaste, rinses, whitening strips or gels. However, these products will not provide you with the instant, dramatic effects of professional whitening services.

At Aesthetic & Reconstructive Dental Associates, we provide several teeth whitening options. We provide effective and safe teeth whitening that can last years.

If you are interested in our teeth whitening service, please contact our office.

Botox treatment decreases the size and appearance wrinkles and facial creases to help you look younger and feel your best. It is usually performed on the forehead, around the eyes, and frown lines. Botox doesn’t require anesthesia and generally takes up to 2 weeks to take full effect.

Dr. Bahu is trained and certified to provide Botox treatment. For more information on Botox, please contact us or set up a consultation with Dr. Bahu. He is very experienced and committed to helping you achieve your goal to look and feel beautiful.

Sleep apnea is a condition that can be caused by various health problems. When someone has sleep apnea, breathing stops frequently throughout the night. Breathing is essential to our living; we have to breathe to release carbon dioxide and take in oxygen. When you aren’t breathing in enough oxygen, often times you get dizzy, light-headed and feeling out of breath. Someone who has sleep apnea can stop breathing hundreds of times in one sleep cycle. Sleep apnea has also shown to shorten one’s lifespan because overtime it can cause organ failure due to lack of oxygen. Because of this, it’s important to treat your sleep apnea quickly and effectively.

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The cause of obstructive sleep apnea has everything to do with the airway: specifically whether it is free of blockage when a person lies down to sleep. Airway blockage can be caused by:

• Genetics
• Poor posture when sleeping
• Spinal column problems
• Allergies
• Enlarged tongue, tonsils, and/or adenoids
• Fat deposits in the neck and throat from being overweight

A blocked airway causes the patient to struggle for breath, which can lead to snoring and interrupted sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you think you may have sleep apnea, consider the following symptoms:

• Loud snoring that lasts all night
• Daytime sleepiness no matter how much sleep you get
• Feeling tired and out of breath upon waking
• Morning headaches
• Gasping or choking while sleeping
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping

Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Our team can provide you with a dental device that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the upper and lower jar, and push them forward slightly. This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again. Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleepContact Dr. Bahu dentist for more information about sleep apnea and snoring appliances.

For those patients who are missing several teeth on an arch, implant-retained dentures are a great option. These restorations utilize the strength the implants provide to hold in a denture. The denture cannot be removed like traditional dentures and allow the wearer to be confident that their denture won’t move when talking or eating. Please call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bahu if you are interested to learn more about this terrific life-changing alternative to dentures!