SERVICES

Dental Specialty Group offers a full array of prosthodontic services to help you restore balance and comfort to your mouth. You can read more on this page about specific services.


Consultation
Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough oral examination and a consultation to discuss your specific problems and concerns. Usually your diagnosis and treatment options can be discussed and finalized at your initial appointment, however, depending on the complexity of your diagnosis and treatment, a second appointment may be required in order to thoroughly explain your treatment options. This second appointment, if required, is done at no additional charge. Since a lot of information is provided at this second consultation appointment, it is recommended that you bring your significant other, if applicable. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

  1. Your referral slip and any X-rays, if applicable
  2. A list of medications you are presently taking
  3. If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms or your insurance card(s).

This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to your initial examination (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)

Cosmetic Dentistry
Do you give a tight-lipped smile in order to hide the appearance of your teeth? Are you self-conscious of your silver fillings? Are your teeth too short, too far apart, or stained? Strange as it may seem, the appearance of your mouth can make you look older than you are, affecting the first impressions you make on others and your self-confidence. Millions of people undergo cosmetic dentistry every year to improve the appearance and health of their mouth and smile.
Flaws commonly fixed by cosmetic dentistry include stained teeth, gummy smiles, gaps between teeth, unsightly silver fillings, chipped and crooked teeth. Cosmetic dentistry includes everything from subtle changes to major repairs, and utilizes teeth whitening, composite and porcelain tooth veneers, dental implants, dental bonding, dental bridges, tooth contouring and reshaping, dentures and denture fillings, dental caps, root canals and gum reshaping. Ask Dr. Reza Khazaie , which procedures are optimal for you.

Dental Crowns and Bridges
If something unfortunate happens to your teeth, it is important to consult Dental Specialty Group, crown and bridge specialist, Dr. Khazaie, to minimize the impact on your entire mouth. Missing teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to become displaced, and make brushing and flossing more difficult. Cracked or damaged teeth should be fixed to save as much of the tooth as possible, and to ensure that the teeth are easy to clean.

By taking care of dental problems immediately, you minimize the risk of future problems.

  • Crowns fix and protect teeth that are so damaged or diseased that they need more support than a simple filling.
  • Bridges replace missing teeth and offer support for the surrounding teeth to help retain the integrity of the jaw and face structure.

Dental Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, restore damaged teeth. A crown covers a tooth and mimics the shape, size and color of the surrounding teeth. Crowns are indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; to protect teeth that have been filled by root-canal treatment; to provide extra support for bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or colored teeth. Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials. They are custom-made and fitted for each patient in conformation with the patient's bite, and the size and length of the natural teeth. Crowns typically last five to eight years, but can last much longer with proper oral hygiene.

Dental Bridges
A bridge stabilizes the bite of a patient who is missing one or more teeth. Bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from moving or shifting in the mouth. A missing tooth that is not replaced may cause surrounding teeth to become unstable and require removal or make the teeth harder to clean, compromising oral health or change the shape of a face and diminish the beauty of a smile.

Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanent; patients cannot remove them.

There are three main kinds of bridges. In a traditional bridge, the pontic ("false tooth") is fused between the two crowns of the abutment teeth on either side. In a Maryland bridge, a metal band (hidden from view) binds the pontic to the abutment teeth. A cantilever bridge is necessary when there is an abutment tooth on only one side of the pontic. Maryland bridges work best when the teeth are front teeth adjoining healthy teeth that do not have large fillings.

Dentures

If teeth are missing, Dental Specialty Group Dr. Khazaie can replace them with dentures for the health of your mouth, as well as for appearances sake. If you don't replace missing teeth, you will find it harder to keep your gums and your other teeth healthy; without the support of the missing teeth, your jaw may become slack, thereby changing the shape of your face. Replacing missing teeth keeps you looking young and healthy longer.

You can replace missing teeth with full ("complete") dentures on the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both; if only a few teeth are missing, you can replace them with partial dentures that fit between the teeth you still have.

Complete Dentures
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures are made from prefabricated acrylic and sized to fit the shape of your jaw and mouth. They mimic the color and appearance of your natural teeth. The unique impression of your teeth, bite, and the shape of your jaw shape will be used to create the dentures. Typically, conventional complete dentures require a one-to-two month wait after the extraction of your teeth, so that your mouth and gums will have time to heal, permitting a more accurate fitting. However, if you cannot afford to be without the missing teeth even for a short time, dentures can be inserted immediately after the extraction.
Over time your mouth will change, but your dentures will not. The jaw bones and gum can shrink or recede. You can have your dentures remade or refitted when necessary.

Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable devices that replace a few missing teeth, instead of all the teeth on the jaw line. They can be attached either by metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments require crowns to be put on the remaining abutments teeth that hold the partial dentures in place. Regardless, these supporting teeth must be in good health.

TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular joint - disorders (commonly known as TMJ or TMD) afflict millions of Americans, mostly women. Although some have only one-time bouts with TMJ, others suffer from many symptoms for years, symptoms that often worsen with time. As with most disorders, TMJ is best relieved by early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Appropriate treatment varies with the cause and symptoms of the TMJ, the symptoms, and how far it has progressed.
The temporomandibular joint lies above and behind the ears on either side of the head, where the lower jawbone meets the temporal bone of the skull. The joint works constantly, when you chew and when you swallow, when you open your mouth to speak or yawn. TMJ disorders can bring:

  • headaches
  • facial pain
  • tenderness in the jaw
  • clicking and grinding noises in the jaw
  • difficulty in opening the mouth (as if the jaw were locked)
  • an uneven or uncomfortable bite
  • trouble chewing certain foods
  • aching in or near the ear

TMJ usually arises from the grinding or clenching of teeth (called bruxing), especially during sleep, of which you are likely to be unaware, but your dentist may detect it by looking at the wear on your teeth. To prevent bruxing, your dentist may recommend relaxation techniques or fashion a night guard - a shield to be worn in your mouth to keep your upper and lower teeth from touching.

Another frequent precursor of TMJ is uneven bite, which can occur if one row of teeth is higher on one side than on the other. When that happens, the ordinary grinding of the teeth during chewing stresses your two temporomandibular joints unequally. One joint overcompensates for the other, just as when you have a pebble in a shoe, you will probably limp, favoring the foot without the pebble. To fix your bite and prevent TML, the dentist may balance the biting surfaces of your teeth. Replacing missing teeth, fillings or crowns or may help significantly. In some cases, a bite plate fashioned for your mouth can help by removing uneven stress on teeth and jaws, thus realigning your upper and lower jaws.

Although some sufferers from TMJ may need nothing more than ordinary ibuprofen tablets to minimize pain and inflammation, the most serious cases require surgery to fix the joint. Regardless, prior to any attempt at treatment, a thorough examination by an experienced dentist is necessary.

Prosthodontic
Prosthodontics embraces the repair and replacement of broken, missing, diseased or malformed teeth. Your smile leaves a lasting impression on people you meet and interact with. Diseased, ravaged, or missing teeth can affect how others see you as well as how you see yourself. Healthy-looking, white, straight teeth not only look more attractive, but bolster your self-confidence as well.

Unhealthy or missing teeth aren't just a cosmetic problem. A missing tooth that is not replaced can change the shape of your face, promote decay and disease, and eventually require other teeth -- teeth previously supported by the missing tooth -- to be pulled.

Prosthodontists are dental specialists who have completed three years of post-graduate study and passed exams for board-certification. Prosthodontists combine medical knowledge with artistry to create natural-looking restorations. They offer sophisticated treatment to patients with missing or damaged teeth, congenital defects, and trauma- or neglect-induced oral problems. Moreover, thanks to their special training and interaction with researchers and clinical experts, prosthodontists have wider diagnostic insights.

Veneers

What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are a thin, semi-translucent laminant permanently bonded to your teeth. While they're not suitable for every patient, veneers are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the front teeth, including:

  • Diastemas (spaces between teeth)
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
  • Permanently stained or discolored teeth that can't be bleached
  • Crooked teeth

Advantages and Benefits of Veneers
There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers placed on your front teeth:

  • The procedure takes only two appointments
  • A conservative amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure
  • Veneers are the most biocompatible material you can use next to the gingiva (part of the gum tissue that immediately surrounds the teeth and alveolar bone)
  • A healthy "natural" look is achieved; in fact, porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic restoration in dentistry

How are Veneers different from Bonding or Crowns?
Bonding is a resin filling material that was used for several years to cover the front surface of teeth. Today, we generally use bonding only to fill in small surfaces or cavities and repair chips in teeth. A full crown is when a tooth has had root canal treatment, or when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost.

How are Porcelain Veneers done?
At the first appointment the teeth are prepared for the veneers and an impression is taken. This impression is then sent to a lab where each porcelain veneer is custom made to the dentist's specifications and beautiful temporaries are fabricated to simulate your new smile so you can expect to leave the first appointment looking better than when you came in. At the second appointment the veneers are permanently adhered to the natural teeth.

What to Expect
Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are taken care of by the patient. Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping. You must maintain regular oral hygiene at home, and visit us for routine cleanings and exams. This is to ensure that your new veneers will look as good as new. Another important point is that oral habits that damage natural teeth such as nail biting, opening bobby pins, and chewing on hard objects can also damage your new veneers. Once veneers are applied, just treat them like natural teeth. They look great and are extremely durable.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Full Mouth Rehabilitation corrects improper bite position in addition to enhancing the appearance of the smile. This treatment is specifically for those with extremely short or worn teeth or those that are chipped and broken throughout the mouth. Full Mouth Rehabilitation combines the science of Neuromuscular Dentistry with the artistry of Cosmetic Dentistry, resulting in a smile that is functional, comfortable and beautiful. In Neuromuscular Dentistry, the optimal position of the jaw is obtained through specific measurements. In order to achieve and maintain this optimal position, the jaw is then treated with the use of an orthotic (a clear acrylic appliance that fits over the top of either the upper or lower teeth, gently repositioning the jaw) or the application of dental restorations, such as crowns and/or porcelain veneers. In addition to correcting the bite, dental restorations offer the added benefit of exceptional strength, while creating a beautiful and attractive smile.

How is it done?
With the use of advanced instruments, measurements are taken of the jaw's muscle function. If an imbalance is found, Dr. Khazaie determines whether to treat the imbalance first with an orthotic appliance, or to fit the patient with dental restorations. An orthotic is a removable appliance made out of clear acrylic that artificially builds up the patient's bite.

The jaw will naturally drop to its most comfortable position after the orthotic has been worn for several weeks to several months. When this natural position has been achieved, Dr. Khazaie can then begin to restore the bite. Porcelain restorations (crowns and/or bridges) will be placed to either raise or lower the bite to this new comfortable jaw position. Patients, with this correction, experience decreased or eliminated pain and discomfort, and better overall health.

Inlay/Onlay
When the tooth's biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay/onlay. Inlays/onlays can be made of porcelain or gold. They are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay (which is similar to a filling) is used inside the tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction (similar to the inlay), but extending out over one or more tips of the tooth. Gold inlays are the best, safest, oldest and longest lasting dental restorations. They are usually indicated for use in the back part of the mouth, the bicuspids and molars.

Why is gold superior to silver-mercury amalgam?
First of all, gold is relatively stable and inert in our bodies. A tooth containing gold inlays never discolors over time. Yet if you look at teeth containing silver-mercury amalgam, you can see the discoloration of the tooth structure as the silver-mercury corrodes and the byproducts enter the surrounding tissues. Traces of dental mercury in the body is presently a controversial issue within the dental profession. Another reason is that gold shares expansion contraction properties similar to natural tooth structure. This is called the coefficient of thermal expansion. It results in less tooth cracking and damage over time. Gold has wear resistance similar to natural tooth structure maintaining a good biting surface over time without damaging the opposing teeth. Gold does not corrode and is highly polishable leaving a pleasant feeling in the mouth over time. Cast gold restorations don't just fill the tooth, they support the tooth from the crushing forces if chewing. When a cusp of a tooth is damaged, it can easily be replaced with a variation of the gold inlay called the gold onlay. In many circumstances, this can avoid the necessary over reduction of healthy tooth structure by conventional crowns and caps.

Gold inlays are made during two dental visits. On the first visit, the preparation is made, an impression is made of the tooth and a temporary if placed in the tooth. In the laboratory, a wax pattern is fabricated and cast into gold by the lost was casting technique. It is finished and polished and returned to the dentist. At the second visit, the final casting is permanently cemented with a dental adhesive.

Teeth Whitening
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they've been dreaming of with our simple whitening procedure. It's safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. In only a day or two your custom whitening splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special prescription whitening gel that you put into the clear, almost invisible splints. With an hour or two of use per day, special whitening agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and our prescribed system?
Yes! Consult with doctors before using any products. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Also such products often damage the enamel and cause significant sensitivity. Just one hour a day with our custom trays and prescription strength gel will give you the results you want in about 6-10 days.

Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average improvement of three to six shades* after just three nights of use. Our doctors will help you determine how many applications are right for you. You have control over your own results.

Home Care Instructions:
After Cosmetic Dentistry
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an adjustment appointment. It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort. Don't be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You'll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week. Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments. Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries. If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouth guard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

After crown and bridge appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off. Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration. To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky and hard foods (gum, candy, popcorn, nuts), and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don't pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but, instead, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown. It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (925) 680-1805.

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lips while you are numb. It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office. You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off. Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (925) 680-4444

Prosthodontist - Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Antioch - Dental Specialty Group, 1255 Willow Pass Rd, Concord CA, 94520 (925) 680-4444