At your initial dental visit, Dr. Fina and his staff will perform a comprehensive dental exam. At regular check-up exams, Dr. Fina and the hygienists will include the following:

Examination of diagnostic radiographs (x-rays): Essential for detection of decay, cysts, tumors, and bone loss. X-rays also help show tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening: Examine the face, neck, tongue, lips, throat, gums, and tissues for any indications of oral cancer.

Gum disease examination: Check the tissues and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Evaluation for tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with specialized dental instruments.

Evaluation of current restorations: Check existing crowns, fillings, etc.

Oral Cancer Exam       Recent statistics from the American Cancer Society establish that about 37,000 people will get oral cancer in the United States this year, and that about 7,300 of these people will die because of it. The average age of this cancer is 62, is more common in men, and equal among blacks and whites. The 5-year survival rates are greatly increased with early diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that we are trained to look for and identify oral cancer in its early stages.       You could possible identify oral cancer yourself.   See our FAQs " What does oral cancer look like?”

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are always performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDA). Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of food debris, living bacteria, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the beginning of periodontal disease!       Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms below and above the gum line and can only be removed with special dental scalers.       Teeth polishing: Remove plaque and stain that is not otherwise removed during tooth scaling and brushing.

	A service we are happy to provide at every visit is a blood pressure reading. Because we see you every six months or so, we're in a good position to monitor changes in your blood pressure, changes that can signal the onset of heart disease and stroke.
	Your blood pressure reading yields two numbers, 120/70 for instance. The first figure is systolic pressure, or the force of blood against the arteries as it is pumped out of the heart. The second is diastolic pressure, the force of blood against the arteries between heart beats. A high reading--above 140 systolic, or above 90 diastolic--means your heart is working too hard.
	Hypertension (high blood pressure) has many causes, some as simple as diet and stress, or even the process of aging. Genetics are also a factor. Overweight people tend to have higher blood pressure, as do women during pregnancy. Smoking and alcohol are clearly contributing factors.
	But even if you don't fall into this profile and your blood pressure has always been "normal," regular readings are a good idea. Hypertension may be symptomless and it can come along in spite of the best lifestyle habits. If we find you borderline, or clearly hypertensive, we will discuss with you any contributing factors that you can control, and refer you to your physician.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and tissues that support your teeth. It is caused most often by the build-up of plaque and tartar when teeth are not routinely brushed and flossed.

There are two major stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis affects only the gums. It is a mild form of gum disease, and if properly treated, may be reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis. During this more destructive disease stage, bacteria penetrate into the deeper pockets of tissue where bone and membrane support your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems.

Research shows that 47.2 percent of American adults over the age of 30 have mild, moderate or severe gum disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. It is also possible to have gum disease without experiencing any symptoms. The best way to avoid or manage gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly.

How do we treat gum disease?   How Dr. Fina treats gum disease is largely dependent upon the stage of your infection and the amount of deterioration involving your gums, teeth, supporting tissues and bone.   After reviewing your x-rays and performing a thorough periodontal exam, Dr. Fina will discuss your treatment options, answer questions, and explain what happens:       Non-Surgical Treatment The most well-known type of non-surgical treatment is known as scaling and root planning. This under-the-gum procedure involves a careful removal of plaque and tarter from the tooth roots. During this procedure, your hygienist will remove harmful bacteria and irritants from deep beneath your gums to prevent plaque from accumulating again.   Surgical Treatment A recommended periodontist may perform periodontal surgery to eliminate bone infections or to regenerate lost bone. The most common surgical treatments include pocket reduction and bone regeneration.   Maintenance after Surgical or Non-Surgical Gum Treatment After gum treatment, regular dental checkups are highly recommended to keep your teeth in good shape. Also recommended are excellent home care including regular flossing.

Laser Dentistry has rapidly emerged with a new level of quality care for patients. Features like the ability to perform more procedures in less time without sacrificing patient care and comfort are an added advantage. A wide range of dental practice specialties and their patients benefit from laser treatment. For instance, lasers can be used around metal crowns, on patients with pacemakers and braces, on teeth with metal amalgams, and in procedures involving bone structure - all with few negative effects. Patients report that laser treatments are much gentler than those administered with an electrosurge and result in little or no recession, swelling, less necrosis, and a quicker post-op healing process. Additionally, laser surgery is substantially less invasive and therefore generates less bleeding during the procedure. Lasers are predictable, precise and produce a reduction in the need for suturing.

Dental x-rays are vital preventative, diagnostic tools that provide invaluable information that would otherwise not be available. Without x-rays many problems could go unnoticed. Dental hygienists and dentists use the information yielded by x-rays to accurately detect any hidden dental abnormalities and help craft and execute a comprehensive treatment plan. We at Fina Family Dental have invested in the latest digital x-ray technology. This technology had the distinct advantages over the older film method : about one-third of the x-ray dosage and easy portability of sending images through the internet.

Dentists X-Rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information that would otherwise not be visible. Dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

X-rays may reveal     Poor tooth and root positions   Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line   Abscesses or cysts   Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors   Bone loss   Developmental abnormalities       Treating the dental problems that x-rays can detect can save you time, pain and, of course, your teeth.       A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients and a full series is usually sufficient for three to five years.  Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at check up visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect any potential new dental problems

Bite Wing Digital X-Ray

Periapical Digital X-Ray

Dental Implants are the most natural and most secure solution for replacing missing teeth. They are a technological breakthrough and are fast becoming the most popular choice for teeth replacement due to their comfort, stability and dependability.

Natural teeth work well because they are firmly secured to your jawbone, so there’s no slipping, pinching or sliding. That’s also the secret to the success, stability and popularity of today’s dental implants. Strong, stable and comfortable, an implant is a small, permanent post that bonds to your bone like the roots of a tooth and serves as the foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth. The beauty of an implant is that it will look and feel almost exactly like a natural tooth—giving you a very good reason to smile.

Looking good and enjoying eating and speaking naturally aren’t the only benefits of implants. Implants mirror the way your natural teeth work, keeping your gums and jawbone healthy, and leaving nearby teeth untouched. Implants are more convenient than removable dentures or bridges because you don’t have to remove them for cleaning or secure them with adhesives. Implants are permanent, and they will last many years, probably a lifetime, and they can make a big improvement in your quality of life, whether you’re replacing a single tooth or using implants to secure a complete denture.

A denture (also known as false teeth) is a custom-made removable replacement for multiple missing teeth. Full dentures replace most or all of your teeth, and partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth. Both types of dentures support facial muscles and lips, and keep them from sagging and receding which will make you look younger, improve speech, and improve your health by enabling you to eat properly. Dentures are custom made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, full dentures can last up to ten years. Over a period of time as your mouth naturally changes shape, dentures need to be relined, remade, or rebased. (Rebasing a denture means a new base is created utilizing the teeth on your current denture).

Full dentures may be recommended by Dr. Fina if you have lost, or are about to lose, all of your teeth as a result of disease, decay, injury, or surgery.

Denture Types

There are two main types of full dentures, conventional and immediate:

Conventional dentures are fabricated and placed in the patient's mouth after teeth have been removed and tissues have healed. If tooth extraction is required, months of healing needs to take place before conventional dentures will fit well. Conventional dentures can replace:         All of your teeth on your upper arch, lower arch, or both – called full dentures. State of the art treatment necessitates that implants are places in the lower jaw to support the lower denture. The same can be done with the upper jaw if no palatal coverage is desired.       Dentures can also replace some of your teeth. In this case, a partial denture is fabricated to fit over remaining healthy natural teeth.       Immediate dentures are inserted in the patient's mouth as soon as any remaining teeth are removed. With immediate dentures, the wearer has teeth to use during the healing period. Often times, denture wearers switch to conventional dentures when their gums have shrunk after the healing period, or the gum surfaces of the immediate dentures are refitted.     After a thorough exam of your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, Dr. Fina will discuss treatment options with you and answer your questions. If the agreed-upon treatment includes dentures, here's what to expect:         It is common that some oral surgery may be required to prepare your mouth for full dentures. Sometimes teeth must be extracted or the bony ridge of your gum must be improved to provide your dentures with optimum stability.       A putty-like material is used to make an impression of your arch. Your dentures will be fabricated based on this impression. Sometimes a try-in appointment is required to fine tune the tooth color, shape, and to customize the fit.       Dentures and oral tissues need to be checked annually. Damage to oral tissue can occur without any pain or other symptoms. Early detection and elimination of inflammation is important to minimize shrinkage of the supporting bone and tissues.

When a tooth needs to be removed this is called an extraction. While not all problems with teeth require removal, extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future.

Some of the most common reasons to have a tooth removed include:         broken or decayed teeth   abscessed teeth   any tooth that cannot be restored       Recovery from an extraction is based on your health and the number of teeth extracted. Usually it is sensitive or achy for a day or two, and then resolves itself.       Extractions are common and are performed under local anesthesia. For difficult cases a specialist might use intravenous (IV) or general sedation for dental surgery. Following any extraction Dr. Fina and his staff will give you specific home care instructions for how to best care for the extraction sites.       For those having extractions of teeth, Fina Family Family Dental has a number of dental procedures to bring back your smile, confidence and complete chewing functionality. You can count on us for expert dental extractions and tooth replacements including dentures, bridges and implants.

It's understandable if you are concerned, maybe even scared, about the possibility of having a root canal procedure done. Over the years, root canals have become synonymous with serious pain; but they've actually come a long way. New technology now enables Dr. Fina to perform the procedure usually pain-free. And once the root canal procedure is complete, it's likely you'll be free of pain afterwards, too!

Root canals are needed when a dental infection, or tooth decay, reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The infection destroys the nerves located within the pulp chamber of the tooth, eventually causing the tooth to die. Years ago, the only option for this type of dental problem was a tooth extraction. Now, thanks to dental technology, Dr. Fina can save your tooth even if there's a major infection.

If you're in need of root canal therapy, you may be having trouble eating or sleeping. A toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold is common for those with infected pulp, and you may even have swelling or tenderness in the gums. While toothache remedies may relieve your pain, they won't fix your problem. Pain from infected root canals is often a signal that you need professional dental treatment to save the tooth. When serious infection or damage is present, Dr. Fina may refer you to a root canal specialist (an endodontist).

Luckily, you don't need the nerve for a tooth to survive -- the nerve's purpose in a grown tooth is to provide nutrients and send signals to the brain, letting you know when dental problems come up. Now that you know your tooth needs help, your dentist can take the appropriate measures to fix it.

To keep you comfortable, you'll receive a shot of local anesthesia -- usually the most painful part of root canal therapy. You may feel a slight sting as the anesthesia enters the tissue, but it should only last for a second or two. If necessary, Dr. Fina offers oral sedation and nitrous gas to relieve any dental anxiety you might have. Once the area is numb, Dr. Fina will drill through the tooth's crown and remove the pulp and nerves located within the root. Like a tooth filling, the area is cleaned and the root canal is filled to keep the infection from returning. Your dentist will then cap the tooth to further protect it. You may experience some sensitivity for a few days as the tooth heals.

Nitrous Oxide Gas (Laughing Gas) for Calming Effects

Are you nervous about an upcoming dental procedure? If so, laughing gas, comprised of nitrogen and oxygen, may be just what the doctor ordered. This odorless and colorless gas probably won't make you giggle while you're in Dr. Fina’s chair. However, for those of you who get uptight or squeamish before or during dental treatment, this commonly used sedative and anti-anxiety agent can help promote a sense of relaxation, calm and general well-being.       Laughing gas is known for having very few side effects, and for this reason, can be used on patients of all ages. This gas is used both alone and together with agents such as pain relievers and local anesthetics. Nitrous oxide laughing gas by itself is a form of what is often referred to as conscious sedation. Although it can leave patients somewhat tired, those who opt for conscious sedation as their sole form of treatment will remain awake and responsive during the entire dental procedure.       Nitrous oxide laughing gas is a smart and widely used option for many smaller procedures. The sedative effects of laughing gas wear off so quickly after discontinuation that you can drive home directly following its use. And, unlike most other forms of sedation dentistry, you can eat within 12 hours of the procedure.       Administering Laughing Gas: Breathe In, Breathe Out       The best part about laughing gas is that no needles are required for its administration. Instead, laughing gas is inhaled through a small rubber face mask. Your dental professional will adjust the amount of gas administered based on your individual need.       For more information on Laughing Gas?   See our FAQs "Are you a good candidate for Laughing Gas?”

For many patients who require tooth restoration, the prospect of returning again and again to the dentist for fitting appointments while wearing a temporary crown is unappealing. If this describes you or a loved one, schedule an appointment with Fina Family Dental and find out how our CAD/CAM dentistry services fit patients in the Northern Neck area with same day dental crowns.

CAD/CAM Dentistry and Same Day Crowns

Due to recent advances in technology, dentists who once relied on effective but slow lab-based construction practices can now leverage the power of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, known in the dental and computer-related fields as CAD/CAM. At Fina Family Dental this applies specifically to the design and construction of same day crowns.

During the same day crown process, Dr. Fina takes 3D pictures of the affected tooth and sends it to a software program called CEREC. Also known as Ceramic Reconstruction, CEREC uses the 3D images to design and build a permanent porcelain crown. The crown milling process occurs on-site and takes only a few minutes instead of the two weeks usually required by prior technologies.

Once the mill completes the crown, Dr. Fina cements the CEREC crown directly to the tooth.  For many patients, the entire visit lasts about an hour and a half.

How CAD/CAM Works

During the CAD portion of the patient’s visit, the computer analyzes the affected tooth and surrounding teeth and designs an appropriately sized and shaped crown, under the direction of the dentist. Once Dr. Fina is satisfied with the design, he sends the three-dimensional image to a special milling machine that sculpts an exact model of the crown. The mill constructs the crown through the use of CAM.

There are a variety of advantages to CEREC. First, because a computer program designs and constructs the crown, greater accuracy is assured. Time-consuming molds, designed by humans and created in an off-site lab, are no longer necessary. The need to wear a temporary crown is eliminated, because the permanent CEREC crown is created, crafted and fitted in just one visit, thus saving time and stress.

CEREC Single Visit Restoration

Years ago, dentists had no choice but to restore damaged teeth with metal fillings and crowns. Modern technology has given us more options. With CEREC crowns, Dr. Les Fina can restore stability to your mouth without compromising the health and beauty of your smile. The CEREC system allows Dr. Fina to fashion and produce an attractive, durable crown, inlay, or onlay in just one visit.

You have a big filling that needs replacement. Do you have to get a full crown? Not necessarily. A more conservative option, inlays and onlays fit into a tooth similar to a filling, yet they are milled restorations, much like a crown. The bumps on top of a tooth are called cusps. Inlays fit between cusps, while onlays fit over one or more cusps. Inlays and onlays allow a patient to retain more natural tooth structure, which is always best.

Not every situation is right for an inlay or onlay, but the dentist will assess your problem and determine the best solution for you. Because they are created in-office with our CEREC machine, only one appointment is needed to complete the restoration. During your visit, we will prepare your tooth by removing your tooth decay or old filling and cleaning the area. We will then take a digital impression. This image is converted into a 3D computerized model of your tooth, which is used as a guide to design your new restoration. Once your dentist is happy with the newly designed tooth, this data is sent to an onsite milling machine, which fabricates your new teeth from a high-quality ceramic block. The CEREC machine creates a custom inlay or onlay for you.

We are excited to be able to offer this state of the art technology to our patients.

To read more about our CEREC machine.

See our FAQs "What is a CEREC Crown Machine?”

If you’re unhappy with the shape, color, or spacing of your teeth, veneers can make a remarkable difference in your smile. Dr. Fina can combine his skill and artistry to bring about a dramatic change, usually in just two office visits.

Veneers are very thin, translucent facings that are applied to your front teeth and look completely natural, though they’re made of very durable porcelain. Your veneers will be perfectly matched, in shape and color, to your ideal of a dazzling new smile—one that will last for years.

Getting veneers is fast and painless. The first step is to meet with your dentist, who will consider a host of factors— face shape, bite, oral health, coloring, and more. He or she will listen to your goals and answer all your questions. To prepare your teeth to receive the veneers, they usually are lightly buffed and an impression is taken. From that, your veneers will be carefully custom-crafted. On your final visit, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and your veneers will be permanently bonded in place.

A natural smile is important and we can help! To make it easy to afford porcelain veneers, we offer flexible payment options through Care Credit.

Claudine England's new veneers.

After

Before

Clear Braces (ClearCorrect and Invisalign)

ClearCorrect is a set of clear aligners used to straighten teeth and is a recent alternative to traditional braces. Similar to other clear aligner brands like Invisalign, ClearCorrect straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually move teeth a little bit at a time. In the end this straightens teeth in a variety of ways to give a new and revitalized look, feel and function.

ClearCorrect aligners are worn all the time except when eating and drinking or while brushing and flossing. Unlike traditional metal braces, aligners are barely visible and after you get accustomed to them, won’t affect your daily routine at all.

After wearing each aligner set, results will be noticeable as your teeth adjust and align. At periodic visits with Dr. Fina, your progress is evaluated and you will be given the next set of aligners. This process will continue until the movement is done. Treatment time varies from about one to two years depending on the degree of movement required.

Find more answers to questions on braces  See our FAQs "Who can benefit from clear braces?”

Composite filling material (white filling) is a tooth colored material that can be used to restore cavities. Fina Family Dental also offers silver fillings, and the choice is discussed with each patient.

Composite fillings have become the preferred choice for many dentists and patients because they can be custom matched to the natural teeth. Composite fillings also have the unique property which allows them to bond to the surrounding tooth structure offering greater strength and retention.

There are different types of composite material each having advantages and disadvantages. The options of tooth restoration materials are best discussed with your dentist. The major advantage of composite filling material is that it can be custom matched to the existing teeth.

Composite filling materials are placed for the following reasons: A tooth is chipped, cracked, worn, broken or decayed, or to restore cavities. Composite fillings can also be used to close the space (gaps) between teeth.

Composite fillings can easily be placed in one appointment. At the appointment Dr. Fina will usually numbs a tooth and carefully remove the decay and clean the surface of the tooth. Then the composite filling is placed and shaped to restore the tooth to its original contour.

You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold following placement of the material, however this will subside at the tooth heals and becomes accustomed to the filling.

Following each visit you will receive home care instructions for how to best care for your new composite fillings. Regular dental visits combined with good eating habits and oral hygiene help lengthen the life of your fillings.

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one esthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Although somewhat effective, home whitening is not as effective as whitening that the dentists can provide. Dr. Fina uses a rubber material on your gum tissue which protects them, so a stronger whitening solution can be used on your teeth.

Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).   Normal wear of outer tooth layer.   Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).   Yellow, brown stained teeth.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

Is teeth whitening Safe?  See our FAQs "Is teeth whitening safe?”

If you're not sure if a dental problem is an emergency, we offer this advice: If it hurts, it's an emergency. This is because even injuries that seem small can affect the living tissues inside the teeth. Quick treatment improves the odds of saving injured or damaged teeth.

Any obvious damage to a tooth should be treated as soon as possible. Chips or fractures can affect the living tissue inside the tooth, causing more problems in the future. We can prevent the damage from getting worse with early treatment.

The same is true of a lost filling or crown. Even if you don't have symptoms, the tooth has lost its support and it could easily become damaged. Pieces could break off or crumble, and you would need more extensive treatment. If you see us right away, there's a good chance we will be able to repair the damage more easily.

See our FAQs for more answers to other Dental questions.

I injured my tooth. What should I do?

I have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. What should I do?

My tooth is knocked out. What should I do?

I have a partly dislodged tooth. What should I do?

I lost filling or crown. What should I do?

I have a lot of pain. What should I do?

I have an injury to my lip and/or gum. What should I do?