General Dentistry

Our office appreciates serving you and your family as your first line of defense against oral health problems.

Restorative Procedures

During a dental examination your dentist will use instruments, tests, radiographs, and clinical expertise to diagnose potential or existing disease states and pathologies. The general dentist’s primary focus is on the oral cavity, head, and neck. An individualized plan is developed to prevent or treat disease states of the oral cavity. In the case of cosmetic dentistry, your dentist will work with you to identify your esthetic goals.

Dental Fillings: Dental fillings are used to repair damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth. Structural damage can be caused as a result of tooth decay, wear, or trauma. After the removal of a problematic tooth structure, the tooth is restored with a resin-based material called composite, or a porcelain crown.  

Bonding: Bonding is the term used to describe the process of using composite resins to “glue” materials to the surface of a tooth for restorative purposes. Chipped or cracked teeth are typically repaired through bonding. An enamel-like composite material is applied to the surface of a tooth, sculpted and shaped, contoured and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.

Orthodontics: Misaligned teeth and malocclusions can be straightened and corrected with dental braces and retainers. Orthodontics is both a functional and cosmetic treatment, and has become an increasingly popular field of dentistry. 

Root Canals: Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The disinfected and prepared tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is “capped” with a crown for protection. Endodontists and general dentists can provide this procedure depending on the complexity of the case.

Dental Crowns: Dental crowns can repair extensively decayed or damaged teeth. Dental crowns in the past were made of gold metals, silver metals, porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology for the fabrication of dental crowns. In some cases, conservative dental veneers may replace the need for a dental crown. Our office utilizes the finest dental labs to create a life-like shape and color to mimic the look of a real tooth with the strongest materials utilizing the best technologies.

Dental Bridges: Dental bridges replace missing teeth with artificial replacements (pontics) held by the adjacent teeth (abutments).  Bridges are an excellent was to esthetically and functionally replace a missing tooth in an efficient and cost-effective manner.  The results are very esthetic and require an additional level of home care to promote longevity and long-term success.

Dentures: Dentures are used to replace missing teeth or damaged teeth that cannot be otherwise repaired. General dentists and Prosthodontists can create dentures that are both tissue supported and implant supported.  There are many options to choose from, and a well-trained dentist can help facilitate your long-term goals of restoring your teeth back to a full mouth with a few appointments.

Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures: Oral and maxillofacial procedures range from the less invasive treatment of abnormalities of the mouth, jaw and face – including accompanying structures such as the teeth – to major oral surgeries. Our office will provide emergency and planned oral surgical procedures including traumatic lacerations, infections, extractions, and if needed refer to an Oral Surgeon for implant placement or complicated surgical procedures like wisdom teeth.

Periodontal Treatment: Early gum disease treatment may include tooth scaling and cleaning at three-month intervals along with use of medicated mouthwash and proper flossing. Later-stage gum disease treatment may include deep-plane scaling, periodontal surgery and laser surgery. General dentists, family dentists, periodontists and cosmetic dentists may perform gum disease treatment. However, availability of the latest material, technology and the level of expertise varies among dentists.

Laser Procedures: In some cases, laser dentistry can replace the need to drill teeth or to use other, more invasive dental equipment. Dental lasers can be used during a bonding procedure and to remove tooth decay, replace scaling, perform periodontal surgery, enhance tooth whitening and treat some forms of sleep apnea. General dentists, family dentists, periodontists and cosmetic dentists may perform laser dentistry. Availability of the latest technology varies among dentists.

Dr. Ortale has a unique ability to relate and often treat individuals with special needs.  He will evaluate their needs, treat them in a safe and productive environment, or he may refer them to a specialist or sleep dentist for hospital care. We evaluate babies starting at 12 months for well-baby exams, educate parents on proper infant oral health, and answer any questions they may have.  These visits allow Dr. Ortale to develop a bond with the child that helps all future appointments because the child develops confidence and trust in case of an emergency or any treatment needs.  As for kids with ASD, ADHD, or developmental or special needs, Dr. Ortale’s experience has allowed him to interrelate with them in a constructive way.  He also deals with elderly with dementia and is trusted with their care as their loved ones bring them in to help maintain their oral health.