Hampstead Teeth Whitening, Dental Implants, Veneers

Smiles by RK offers a full array of dental services to help you maintain healthy teeth. You can read more on this page about specific services.
 

Initial Oral Examination
Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal probing, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.

Restorative Dental Implants
Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures. Read More...

Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Read More...

Crowns and Bridges
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Read More...

Teeth Whitening
Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth.The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco. Read More...

Invisalign®
Invisalign's® invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. And best of all, no one can tell you're wearing them. Invisalign is great for adults and teenagers. Read More...

Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root. Read More...

Toothaches
Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and other matter. Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between the tooth and another tooth. Avoid placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain, because the dissolving aspirin can actually harm your gum tissue. Read More...

Dental Emergencies
Our goal is to help you to minimize the risk of emergency treatment. This is why we commit a generous amount of time designing a Lifetime Treatment Plan that will help you to offset the possibility of unforeseen pain or tooth breakage. Read More...

Digital X-Ray
Digital x-rays are quickly becoming the standard in dental imaging. Digital x-rays allow the doctor to get a much better view of your teeth and potential dental conditions. The digital imaging software allows the doctor to see a number of different views of the tooth to gain a better understanding of the proper course of management. Digital x-rays provide a great benefit to the patient. Not only are they an excellent diagnostic tool, but they decrease radiation to the patient by over 80%.

CEREC One Visit Dentistry!
CEREC is the world's only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. With CEREC at your dentist's side, you can be in and out in a single visit with a permanent, all ceramic crown, onlay, or veneer! For you, the patient, this means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care. So, why are thousands of people worldwide choosing the CEREC restorative technique for their dental needs?.

OralCDx Brush Biopsy
5-15% of the general population has an oral lesion.
Oral cancer has a 50% mortality rate because it is not detected early enough!

The OralCDx oral brush biopsy is a reliable non-invasive and simple chairside procedure to determine if an oral lesion is benign or potentially harmful. Pre-cancerous and early-stage oral cancerous lesions can be determined. It is essential that these early-stage malignancies be checked to improve diagnosis. The painless procedure can be done without local anesthetic.

The oral biopsy brush is pressed against the lesion and rotated 5-10x or more depending on the thickness of the lesion. The cellular material collected on the brush is then transferred onto a glass slide.

All brush biopsy specimens are sent to OralScan Laboratories for computer image analysis, assisted identification, and display of any abnormal cells.

Our office is faxed a report with a pathologist's explanatory results within three days after the specimen is received by the lab. If a positive report is obtained it will be necessary to obtain a histological section to grade the abnormality once it is identified in order to completely characterize the lesion histologically.

When to ask:
If you see something that doesn't look right or has not been there before, it's time to ask. Maybe it's not just a common canker sore or a sore from biting your tongue or cheek. And maybe it isn't from biting into a hot slice of pizza. If it doesn't go away in a week or so, call your dentist and have it checked quickly. Early detection saves lives.

Two fees are included. One for the dentist performing the test and a second from the lab for the computer-assisted analysis of the specimen. Usually, both fees are covered by dental or medical insurance.

Post-Op Care
It is must be remembered that a side effect of aspirin is it can increase bleeding because it inhibits blood clotting! Any dental treatment that can cause bleeding can be affected by this medication.

Cavitron
The Cavitron ultrasonic cleaner is a state-of-the-art instrument that has proved to be an extremely successful tool in removing tartar from both above and below the gumline. Instead of scaling your teeth with bulky metal hand scalers, the cavitron ultrasonic cleaner is a blunt tip that uses oscillating sound waves to gently vibrate the tartar away from your teeth. The Cavitron unit is so gentle that it can even be used to administer deep cleaning and gum therapy, many times without the need for an anesthetic. Having your teeth cleaned with the Cavitron unit is a safe, effective, and painless alternative to traditional cleaning methods. A Cavitron vibrates at the speed of sound, so quickly that you can hardly feel any movement this ultrasonic method is a more pleasant alternative.

The main advantages of this type of cleaning procedure are listed below:

- Speed, reliability, and labor-savings that are not associated with manual and mechanical cleaning methods
- Increased productivity
- Quality control
- Reduced workplace stress
- A cleaning mechanism that utilizes environmentally friendly chemistry

Sapphire Bleaching
Zero sensitivity
With Sapphire Professional Whitening, you can bid farewell to sensitivity - the most common patient complaint about whitening. Not even a pre-treatment Aspirin is needed when you use this breakthrough chairside formula. We offer our patients the more gentle way to whiten.

Easy maintenance for lasting results
Not only can you create bright, white smiles with Sapphire Professional Whitening, but also included in the kit is everything you need to maintain that radiance. Sapphire After Care is a complete maintenance kit with Sapphire Take Home Whitening and Sapphire Brilliance Toothpaste. Sapphire combines the speed of in office whitening with the longevity available with home whitening.

Unbelievable brilliance and health
Sapphire Professional Whitening allows you to achieve dramatic results quickly. When used with the Sapphire Supreme Light1, the system is proven to whiten smiles up to 7 shades in only 30 minutes. Sapphire Professional Whitening also allows you the flexibility to whitened smiles without light activation. Beyond beautifying smiles you can also protect them from demineralization and caries, thanks to the integrated fluoride.

With the Sapphire Supreme Light you can also say goodbye to complicated patient setup. Unlike other lights, it does not expose your patients to harmful UV rays and thus does not require protective sunscreen or face masks.

Smile Makeovers
Create a whole new look for yourself! If you undergo a smile makeover at Smiles by RK, you can attain the smile you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Klima is skilled in a wide-range of cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry procedures — including porcelain veneers and crowns (CEREC), Sapphire Bleaching and teeth whitening, dental bonding, and more — allowing them to turn your dream smile into reality.

We invite you to take the first step by contacting our cosmetic dentistry practice to schedule a consultation, viewing our gallery of smile makeovers, or reading more about a few of our popular procedures.

Intra Oral Camera
An intraoral camera is an indispensable diagnostic and educational tool. The tiny device is a video camera that moves around inside the mouth and generates a tooth by tooth video exam of the teeth. The images can be stored, and later enlarged and printed.

As it is nearly impossible to see inside your own mouth, intraoral cameras provide a previously unseen view. The pen-sized camera features a disposable cover to prevent contamination is completely painless to use! As the camera moves around your mouth, it sends video images to a computing unit where the images are enlarged and transmitted to a television screen.

With the images produced by the intraoral camera, patients can see each of their teeth and dentists can indicate problems such as broken teeth, plaque, decay, gum disease, defective fillings, and so on. Using an intraoral camera allows patients to better understand their dental needs by seeing what the dentist sees and then having it explained.

Since the intraoral camera generates images that are stored, enlarged, and analyzed, often dental problems are caught in the early stages and sometimes even problems that dentists might otherwise miss with a visual examination are discovered. Once treatment options are discussed and agreed upon, intraoral cameras can be used to effectively track treatment progress.

Micro Dentistry
Micro dentistry is one of the greatest advancements in the field of dentistry. It offers the ultimate flexibility and capability. It is also the most tooth conservative dentistry available. About 50% of cavities are candidates for this technique and there is no drilling, no needle, no extra fee, and no pain! No kidding! And because this process is so efficient, it reduces your appointment length.

Microscope assisted dentistry, Micro-Dentistry, is performing the highest quality dental procedures possible in our office. Tooth structure can be conserved, oral tissues can be handled better and surgeries can, therefore, heal better and faster with less post operative symptoms.

Microscope Dentistry is the “cutting edge” of the most advanced care available through the use of 21st Century technology.

Casey
Having a thorough understanding of the dental procedures we perform allows our patients to make informed decisions about their treatment. Our Casey Interactive System is state-of-the-art multimedia software that helps us educate patients in a clear, concise manner. It has a wide array of modules on a variety of cosmetic and general dental topics. We customize the modules that each patient views depending on their dental needs and interests. The Intra-oral camera, a diagnostic tool that displays areas of a patient's mouth on a high-resolution video monitor, combines with the Casey system to show the patient exactly how a procedure is to be performed. With our educational and diagnostic equipment, you'll always know what we're going to do, and why it's being done.

White Fillings
In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with amalgam (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

Direct Composite
The most simple form of 'white filling' is technically called a Composite. It is made up of a composite quartz resin and usually contains some sort of light sensitive agent. These light cured composites are extremely cosmetic and most often bonded into place in one appointment. For this reason, they are often referred to as "bonding". They can be used in both the front of the mouth as well as in your back teeth. These materials come in a variety of shades so that they will match the color of your own teeth. Some of these composite materials have been specifically designed to actually withstand the incredible forces you can exert when chewing on your back teeth.

In order to bond a filling material to your tooth it is first necessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. The bond strength of these fillings is incredible. Today we can bond plastics and even amalgam (silver fillings) to your teeth. Bonding increases the strength of these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.

After placement, composites are hardened by shining an intense light on them for a specified period of time, usually around 40 seconds. Since we tend to look at this light all the time ( many times a day) it is necessary for us to protect our eyes from it with an orange shield. It is not necessary for us to protect your eyes since you look at this light only once in a while. However, it is probably a good idea for you not to look directly into the light anyway. An ounce of prevention, is indeed, worth a pound of cure!

We are constantly asked the same question, " When can I eat?". Well, after placement, as long as you brought your own food and you share, you may chew right away. These fillings are instantly hardened by the light. Your teeth may experience some degree of temperature sensitivity for a few days to a week. If it does not disappear within that period of time, contact your dentist.

Indirect Composite/Porcelain Inlay
The other type of 'white filling' is called a Composite or Porcelain Inlay. These fillings are usually placed in back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern. In order to increase their strength and longevity, they are fabricated in the laboratory, or in-house with the CEREC Machine, and then bonded into position in the office. This is a two visit procedure rather than the one visit required to place a composite filling. However, when it comes to strength and cosmetics, the extra time and expense is well worth it! I hope that you now understand a little bit more about white fillings.

Lumineers (Veneers)
Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks. Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks. Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

Porcelain Veneers and Composite Resin Veneers
The two most common materials used in the manufacture of dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain veneers. Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory; composite veneers can also be directly fabricated inside your mouth at the dental office.

Dental veneers that are indirectly fabricated – fabricated in a dental laboratory – are bonded to the teeth with various types of resin cement. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more expensive.

When are Veneers Appropriate?
Bonding often serves as an inexpensive and effective restoration for small chips and cracks in the teeth. Such minor problems may be functionally and cosmetically repaired with a composite "white filling." A composite resin material is bonded to the tooth in order to fill in the chip or crack and better protect the surrounding tooth structure. But for more severe cases of dullness, wear, discoloration, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven teeth, dental veneers may be recommended as a more appropriate solution.

Veneers or Whitening?
Teeth whitening may provide a white smile for mildly discolored teeth. Some people who are interested in veneers will find that their cosmetic dentist will steer them to the simpler alternative of whitening, perhaps combined with some simple orthodontic alignment. The placement of dental veneers requires the “shaping” or “prepping” of all teeth being fitted with the custom-designed shells. This process permanently alters the teeth that are treated and is therefore not recommended if your natural teeth are functionally and esthetically adequate.

If you have a severe case of dull or discolored teeth, you may have to opt for dental veneers. Veneers do have the added benefits of longevity and a proven ability to enhance the appearance of the mouth, smile, and possibly other areas of an aged face that would be better supported by properly shaped teeth. Although veneers require a much larger commitment than teeth whitening, the results are typically well worth it.

A Restorative Benefit to Veneers
In addition to being esthetically pleasing, dental veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. In some cases, veneers may replace the need for a dental crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation.

Because dental veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping when bonded onto the tooth. Once veneers are bonded into place, they are relatively strong and durable; however, care must be taken so as not to abuse veneers because the thin porcelain shells can damage or break. Dr. Klima may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies (such as eating carrots) and may recommend you wear a protective appliance while your sleep, especially if you are a bruxer.

Orthodontics
The best (and most conservative!) way to improve your smile and the health of your teeth is through orthodontic treatment. With either conventional orthodontics (clear or metal braces) or Invisalign treatment (clear removable trays), Dr Klima will create for you a beautiful and natural smile. We specialize in orthodontics for patients of all ages.