A Healthy Smile, A Healthy Body
Dr. Gravino believes that the health of your teeth and gums has a direct affect on your overall health. Studies continue to prove that gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are linked to the cause of other diseases in the body, and we are here to help you break that link.
Dr. Gravino, and our expert hygienists will provide support and education to stop existing disease, and then create a plan to prevent it from returning.
The importance of this cannot be stressed enough, because healthy teeth and gums are absolutely necessary if you would like to keep your teeth for your entire lifetime.
Occlusion Dentistry
“Beautiful smiles can only live on a foundation of proper occlusion.” - Dr. Nick D. Gravino
The health of your occlusion (bite) affects everything. A misaligned bite can be the root cause for gum disease, moving/shifting/ breaking teeth and pain, to name just a few. Dr. Gravino has dedicated his career to becoming an expert in this area.
The restorative treatments that you receive here will be superior to an average dental office because Dr. Gravino recognizes the importance of a properly aligned bite. Under Dr Gravino's care your new fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers and implants will always function in perfect balance preventing occlusal disease from developing.
Many patients come to us seeking relief from severe symptoms of occlusal disease due to mis-diagnosis by the average dentist They usually say things like:
- "I had all the recommended work done, but I'm still in pain," or "I go to the dentist three times a year and I still have bleeding gums and recession," or "Something just doesn't feel right."
Occlusal disease is usually the cause of a cycle of deterioration and decay that can include jaw and neck pain; excessive wear, pain, and fracturing of the teeth; headaches, gum issues, and sleep apnea, to name a few.
Dr. Gravino provides expert treatment that will stop the disease in its tracks and begins to build a solid foundation for a lifetime of dental health.
The Importance of Dental Wellness Visits
We believe your routine visits are so much more than “just a cleaning.” Here, you will experience a thorough, caring, and highly personal experience.
We allow time for you to talk with your hygienist, and Dr. Gravino, so your current dental needs and desires will be heard. We understand that your oral health can change, and it’s important to monitor those changes in order to catch signs of disease early. We also love hearing about all the fun things that are happening in your life!
We strongly believe that having your teeth thoroughly cleaned by a professional hygienist, on a schedule that is determined based on your needs, not an insurance company, is so very important, and here’s why.
Even with proper brushing, sticky plaque will cling in the grooves and pockets of your teeth and gums. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss. Tartar also forms below your gum line, creating serious issues that invite decay, and even gum disease, to inhabit your mouth. The speed at which this build-up happens is different for everyone, and home-care routines vary.
Some people remain healthy with a professional cleaning every six months; however, many others require three or four visits per year. That is why we believe that determining your care frequency based on your needs is the only way to your best oral health.
Treatment Planning for Comprehensive Care and Complex Rehabilitation
Dr. Gravino believes that having a plan allows you to take action, and clear goals lead to success. Taking the time to diagnose and plan complex treatment sets Dr. Gravino apart from his peers. He takes every aspect of your situation into consideration; dental needs, aesthetic desires, lifestyle, habits and medical issues among others. Each case is unique, and his confidence in providing successful results comes from over 25 years and hundreds of complex cases.
To create the foundation of your plan, Dr. Gravino uses models, digital photos, and occlusion analysis, as well as the radiographs, chartings, and notes from your initial exam. These essential elements establish your dental records, yielding valuable information that assists Dr. Gravino in developing your individual plan. Then together, you can discuss your best treatment options, guiding you towards reaching your goals and enjoying a lifetime of dental health.
Sleep Apnea: When Snoring is more than a nuisance
If you, or a loved one, find yourself falling asleep during the day, snoring loudly, or experiencing interrupted breathing during sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea deprives your body of the rest and oxygen it needs to thrive. It may also put you at risk for serious disease and stress on the body.
Dr Gravino uses modern dentistry, in the form of an oral appliance, to combat this debilitating disease. This small acrylic device slides over your upper and lower teeth, much like an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard. It correctly aligns your tongue, and jaw, to open your airway and allow more air to flow into your lungs as you sleep. It is easy to place and remove, simple to clean, and convenient for travel. Over 90% of patients have reported success with these oral appliances and consider them a great alternative to their CPAP machine.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, we can help you take the first steps to a diagnosis. We will guide you through the process, make you an oral sleep appliance, and get you on your way to your best sleep yet!
Senior Dental Care is Different
Our teeth age and lose strength right along with the rest of our bodies. There is a chance that your older dental restorations may need to be replaced before cavities develop underneath. Our team is attentive to the dental concerns of our senior patients.
We watch for gum infection, which increases in risk potential as we age. Plaque is more likely to concentrate on the surface of older teeth and lead to decay. We focus on eradicating it before it develops into nasty tartar and a larger problem. After years of caffeine and tobacco consumption, teeth grow dull and you may desire professional whitening to restore their original luster.
Some medications will reduce the necessary flow of saliva, and we have products that will ease this complication. We advocate good nutrition, daily hygiene, and routine check-ups to help your smile stay brilliant and keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.
Solutions for Denture Wearers
Imagine a denture plate anchored so securely that you don’t have to worry about the foods you eat. It’s true. Utilizing the latest breakthroughs in design and fit, we can provide natural-looking, slip-proof dentures. Your meals can be enjoyed without the constant worry of an embarrassing, or annoying, shifting of your teeth. If you are a denture wearer, be sure to ask us about this. It will make your life so much easier.
No Mercury, No Metals, No Kidding
With modern techniques, we offer restorations that are a natural-looking tooth color, contain no metals, and can actually increase the strength of your teeth. This type of composite restoration bonds very tightly with the healthy part of your tooth, creating an extremely strong surface that acts as a barrier from future decay.
What is Xylitol and How Can It Reduce Cavities?
Xylitol occurs naturally in fruits, berries, mushrooms, and other vegetables. Even the human body produces 5 to 10 grams per day. Useful as a sugar substitute because of its sweet taste, it is particularly effective in combating tooth decay caused by foods high in sugars, because it doesn’t break down in your saliva to produce an enamel-eating acid. Over 25 years of clinical testing reveals that xylitol may be the best possible sweetener for teeth, which is why it has been endorsed by dental associations across Europe.
Xylitol can be found in the form of chewing gum, tablets, toothpaste, mouthwash, or even candy. In our practice, we offer and encourage our patients to use xylitol products.
