Family Dentistry
Best Reno Dentist for the Whole Family
At DiGrazia Dentistry, you can enjoy the convenience of having all of your family members cared for at the same family dentistry practice. We provide dental services for people ages 4 and older. At any age, good dental health will benefit you. Dr. DiGrazia prides himself on providing the care you and your family need.
Your Child’s Dental Needs
At our dental practice, our family dentist and our team is experienced in treating children. We create an environment that is welcoming to every member of your family. Our dental services for children include dental sealants, dental fillings, teeth cleanings, and more.
These early appointments are an important way to accustom your child to dentistry visits. It is also important for your child to feel comfortable receiving dental care, so he or she will continue taking care of his or her teeth for a lifetime. We work to create positive experiences for all of our patients.
Your Dental Needs
For adults, we provide all general dental care. As an adult, you may want to improve the appearance of your smile. Our dentistry services include cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers, in-office teeth whitening, dental crowns, and more.
Over the years, your teeth can accumulate stains and begin to show wear. Our cosmetic dentistry treatments can help you restore an appealing smile appearance.
Excellent family dentistry understands the unique dental concerns of older adults, including gum recession and missing teeth. To make sure you have flexibility in your treatment choices, we offer dental implants, dental bridges and dentures as tooth replacement options. We can also discuss cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening to rejuvenate your appearance and boost your confidence in your smile.
Tooth Cleaning
Dental Fillings
Dental Crowns
Dental Bridges
Dentures
Root Canals
Gum Treatment
Tooth Extraction
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Our Family Dentistry Services
Maintaining good dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good dental hygiene is important to your overall well-being. Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop. Regular visits to a general dentist will also help you maintain good oral health.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
- Use dental products which contain fluoride, including toothpaste
- Rinse with a flouride mouth rinse if advised to do so
- Make sure children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
- Visit your Reno dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
The following are indications of good oral hygiene:
- Your teeth are clean and free of debris
- Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath is not a constant problem
If you would like more information about dental hygiene and teeth cleanings , contact DiGrazia Dentistry today: (775) 786-2077
A dental filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, a Reno general dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. Dental fillings help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
There are a variety of dental filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. Our Reno dentist will work with you to determine which material is best, depending on the extent of repair, where in the filling is needed, and cost. Each filling material is briefly explained below:
- Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.
- Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are tolerant to wear. However, due to their dark color they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.
- Composite (plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years and may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
- Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown (or “cap”) may be recommended. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated through root canal therapy or through a procedure called pulp capping.
For more information about the dental fillings offered by our Reno general dentist, contact DiGrazia Dentistry today to schedule a consultation at our Reno general dentistry practice.
Dental crowns are a type of tooth restoration. Providing more extensive protection than dental fillings, dental crowns are used when a tooth is especially vulnerable or damaged. A crown can also be utilized with other restorations to replace missing teeth.
If you think you could benefit from a porcelain crowns, we can determine if the restoration is the right answer to your dental problem.
Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have many different uses for oral health problems and common cosmetic dental problems. dental crowns are used to:
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- Protect a damaged, weakened or decayed tooth
- Prevent a tooth from fracturing
- Hold together a fractured tooth
- Replace a large dental filling
- Serve as the tooth on a dental implant
- Create a dental bridge
- Restore a tooth after root canal therapy
A crown is like a cap that fits over your tooth. Before placing a crown, our dentist removes a little bit of the enamel of your tooth so the dental crown will fit and can be bonded to your tooth.
At DiGrazia Dentistry, we offer crowns fabricated from tooth-colored porcelain material. Our natural-looking ceramic crowns are precisely matched to the color of your teeth and made on-site at our dental practice, which means you can have your tooth prepared and your permanent crown placed in the same day. You won’t have to wear a temporary crown or wait for your permanent crown to be created.
Your permanent restoration will be created in just minutes using the CEREC machine. This machine lets us see a 3D image of what your crown will look like on the machine’s computer monitor. Then, inside the CEREC, your customized crown is created.
Dental bridges are an effective way to replace a missing tooth and restore the appearance of your smile. Dental bridges are often one of the most affordable tooth replacement options, and they can last many years before needing to be replaced.
If you are missing one or more teeth, it’s important to replace them. Replacing missing teeth keeps your bite and teeth aligned, prevents shifting of other teeth, and generally improves the function and appearance of your teeth. Ask our Reno dentists about bridges and other options meeting your needs.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
If you have a missing tooth, a dental bridge can:
- Restore the function and comfort of your teeth
- Restore the appearance of your smile
- Restore your ability to speak well and chew
- Prevent shifting of teeth into the space of the missing tooth
- Ensure a proper bite position
A dental bridge may not be your only option. Dental implants are a long-term, highly durable way to replace teeth. Dentures may also be an option for tooth replacement.
How Dental Bridges Replace Missing Teeth
Reno dental bridges replace a missing tooth by utilizing an artificial tooth and dental crowns. In a typical dental bridge, the artificial tooth is fused between two dental crowns. The replacement tooth is placed in the space of the missing tooth and is supported by a crown on either side. The crowns are placed over the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
Because a dental bridge is bonded to your teeth, the restoration is secure in your mouth. You should not experience any sliding or dislodging of the bridge, even when you eat or laugh.
A dental bridge can last many years, but is not permanent. If you practice good oral hygiene habits, your dental bridge is likely to last between five and ten years before it may need to be replaced. Good oral hygiene includes brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly.
Learn more about the dental bridges to replace missing teeth available at our Reno general dentistry practice. Please contact DiGrazia Dentistry at (775) 786-2077 today to schedule a consultation.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available at our Reno general dentistry practice, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
Dentures are used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned to take the place of natural teeth. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached go a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using adjacent teeth for support.
New dentures may feel awkward or loose for the first few weeks until the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place and you are comfortable eating and speaking. Although this may require some practice, you will adjust and enjoy the benefits of a full mouth of teeth with Reno dentures.
To learn more about how our Reno dentist can help improve your smile with dentures, contact DiGrazia Dentistry at (775) 786-2077 today.
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when an untreated cavity reaches all the way to this pulp. Root canal treatment may also be needed when deep restorations or trauma to a tooth cause nerve damage. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is known as an abscess). If the pulp is infected, not only is it painful but it will require treatment as it cannot heal on it’s own. Symptoms that indicate the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. However, sometimes no symptoms are apparent and you may be unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A Reno root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. Alternate treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal is filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
If you would like to learn more about root canals and the other dentistry services offered at our dental practice, contact DiGrazia Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our general dentist.
Bacteria in your mouth can cause your gums to become inflamed. When this condition is not addressed with proper oral hygiene and special gum treatment, it can begin destroying the gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. Ultimately, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss or the need for tooth extraction.
At DiGrazia Dentistry, our dentist in Reno can help you prevent and treat this type of gum infection. In Reno, gum treatment is provided by our Reno periodontist to halt the destruction and prevent tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you have gingivitis – the early stage of gum disease – you may not notice any signs of a problem. At this point, the inflammation can usually be stopped by brushing correctly and flossing once a day, every day.
As the infection worsens, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red or purplish gums
- Swollen, tender gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should ask our Reno general dentistry office about the need for gum treatment, which will depend on the stage of gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria are concentrated in plaque, a sticky film that builds up on your teeth. The bacteria produce toxins inflaming your gums and causing gingivitis. As bacteria makes its way beneath the gum line, down to the roots of your teeth, infection can break down the gum tissue and the bones around your teeth. At this point, your gums begin pulling away from your teeth, forming pockets that become infected.
Gum Treatment at our Practice
The main gum treatment options available are:
- Re-establishing your oral hygiene routine. Gingivitis can often be stopped with more effective brushing and flossing. Our team may suggest an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Ultrasonic teeth cleaning. A special deep-cleaning device lets our dentists remove plaque in between your teeth and underneath your gums.
- Scaling and root planing. Scaling involves the hygienist removing hardened plaque from your teeth and tooth roots. In root planing, the rough areas of tooth roots are smoothed out so they will not collect plaque.
Whether early or advanced, gum disease must be treated if you want to enjoy your best oral health. This type of disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for adults in the US. By stopping it before it gets worse, you can protect the optimum function of your teeth and the best appearance of your smile.
If you want to know if gum treatment is right for you, please contact DiGrazia Dentistry at (775) 786-2077 to schedule a consultation with our Reno periodontist.
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although our dentists in Reno will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth extraction is necessary. A tooth may need to be extracted for the following reasons:
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Infection or abscess
- Orthodontic correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or roots
- Impacted teeth
After careful examination and treatment, your general dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth extraction, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialized oral surgeon.
For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the tooth extraction procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches. We will then provide you with care instructions to alleviate discomfort and ensure proper healing.
To learn more about tooth extractions, please contact DiGrazia Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our Reno dentist.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars or “third molars” that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require wisdom teeth removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may also grow in sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
A Reno wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Your Reno dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.
After the tooth is removed, we will provide care instructions to ensure proper healing. Some pain and swelling may occur but will normally subside after a few days. You should call your Reno general dentistry office if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction, contact DiGrazia Family Dentistry in Reno, NV today to schedule a consultation.