Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas" is one of the safest forms of sedation available and can take the anxiety out of most routine dental procedures. Non-allergenic and non-irritating, most feel the onset effects within minutes and these effects are completely reversed within 5 minutes of gas termination. This complete reversal allows you to safely drive home or go to work right after your appointment! Almost anyone can have nitrous oxide treatment. We can vary the depth of sedation depending on your level of anxiety. Nitrous is a safe and effective way to help you relax!

Everyone can benefit from Sedation and Sleep Dentistry. Over 35 million Americans have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. But for many, it is more than being afraid. Some of our patients have had a traumatic experience in a dental chair; others come from a painful past. But regardless of your personal history, we are here to help. We understand that your fears may have kept you from a dentist, but there is no need to feel embarrassed. We are not here to judge you; we are here to help you and encourage you so that you can have the confidence a beautiful smile can bring.

A large number of people had amalgam fillings (silver) or gold filling restorations in the past. Some amalgam fillings contained mercury. Metal fillings were effective, but very conspicuous and tended to blacken in color over time. Another disadvantage of metal fillings is that they tend to cause cracks and break the natural teeth over time.

Dental Veneers are thin shells that are custom crafted and bonded to the surface of the teeth. Although they can be fabricated from different materials, Dr. Krause, most often uses porcelain because of its durability and realistic appearance.
Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, relative to other cosmetic dental procedures, veneers can achieve outstanding improvements in color, alignment, size discrepancies, and general appearance.

Whether replacing a single tooth or several teeth, implants may provide a more natural appearance and feel. Unlike conventional bridgework, implants can provide tooth replacement without the need to cut down adjacent teeth. The dental preparation of healthy teeth can undermine their integrity and lead to further problems later on. In addition to preservation of the adjacent teeth, the implant also prevents the loss of bone in the area of the missing tooth. Immediately following the loss of a tooth the bone begins to melt away. Replacing the tooth with a implant restores function to the bone and prevents the resorption of the bone.

Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far.

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. You and Dr. Krause will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Dr Krause and our dental hygienist, Denise, will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment. Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile. There are two types of dentures–complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

• They are more comfortable and stable than traditional dentures.
• They virtually stop the bone resorption process (deterioration).
• Integrity of the facial structures is maintained.
• Appearance is improved It is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so food can be tasted.
• Relines and repairs are infrequent compared to traditional dentures.
• Natural biting and chewing capacity is restored

To repair damage to the tooth’s biting surface, rather than using a simple filling, or a crown, Dr. Krause will often use an inlay, or an onlay. Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, gold, or composite or ceramic resin, although porcelain is now becoming the material of choice because of its strength and potential to match the natural color of your tooth. An inlay is similar to a filling and lies inside the cusp tips of the tooth. They are custom-made to fit the prepared cavity and are then cemented into place. An onlay is a more extensive reconstruction that covers one or more cusps of a tooth. Onlays are indicated in situations where a substantial reconstruction is required. However, more of the tooth structure can be conserved compared to the placement of a crown.

Cosmetic Dentistry is the science of a beautiful smile. Dr. Krause is concerned about not only your overall dental health but also the aesthetics of your smile. The many extra hours of training and study he has done help him to express the passion and skill he has developed to help you design the smile of your dreams.

Tooth Whitening Makes Your Smile Sparkle! Statistics reveal that Americans place a high value on their smile. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® national survey:
92% of Americans believe an attractive smile is an important social asset. 85% of Americans believe an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex. 74% of Americans believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. 50% of Americans are not satisfied with the appearance of their own smile.

When a tooth is extremely damaged due to decay or fracture, it may be necessary to remove and replace the tooth. Additionally, an extra tooth that is blocking other teeth from coming in or that is causing overcrowding can be extracted to make room for the other teeth. Wisdom teeth also often need to be extracted because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come in.