Reconstructive Dentistry

In addition to the cosmetic and implant dentistry procedures we offer at Art of Smile Making, our skilled Portland-area dentists provide restorative procedures including dental crowns and TMJ treatments, as well as sedation dentistry options. We also treat TMJ disorders that cause snoring or sleep apnea. If your natural teeth have been damaged due to decay or injury, your smile can be comfortably restored to its natural beauty. Our Portland-area office offers:

• Sedation Dentistry
• Dental Crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Dental Implants with Bridges
• Full Mouth Reconstruction
• TMJ Treatments
• Neuromuscular Dentistry

If you are interested in sedation dentistry or any of our restorative dental procedures, contact our Lake Oswego office and arrange a consultation. Make an appointment with one of our esteemed dentists today.

Sedation Dentistry

If you are one of the thousands of Americans who experience apprehension and anxiety when you visit the dentist, conscious sedation dentistry may be the answer. Dr. Steven Lind offers sedation dentistry – done orally or intravenously – at his Portland-area office. Most patients who undergo sedation dentistry remember very little about their dental visit. There are several different types of sedation dentistry and Dr. Lind can help you decide which one best suits the dental procedure you choose.

Who benefits from conscious sedation dentistry?

• Anyone who has fears and anxiety about dental treatment of any kind
• Anyone who has put off dental care for years because of dental anxiety
• Anyone who wants to have all their dental procedures performed in one day

Sedation dentistry allows patients to become drowsy and, in most cases, sleep right through their dental procedures. Patients who choose sedation dentistry should arrange for someone to drive them home after their dental appointments, as the sedative may take several hours to wear off. Sedation dentistry is not for everyone, rather for patients who have avoided dental care because of fear, paranoia, or severe discomfort. Contact our Portland-area office if you are interested in learning more about sedation dentistry.

Sedation Dentistry Questions

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Dental Crowns

When teeth become damaged or decayed, they can cause you pain and negatively affect the appearance of your smile. Porcelain dental crowns, or “caps,” restore your teeth’s natural appearance and are virtually indictable. Your smile will be stronger, healthier, and still look beautifully natural. Porcelain crowns fit over your natural teeth like jackets. They make teeth stronger and less susceptible to damage. At the same time, dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of the teeth by reshaping them, changing their alignment, and making them whiter.

The Procedure – Dental Crowns

Our cosmetic dentists will first make an impression of the damaged tooth and send it our dental laboratory. Patients will be fitted with a temporary crown, which will be worn while the laboratory at our Portland-area practice fashions the new tooth crown. Typically this process takes about two weeks.

The damaged tooth is reduced so the restoration can slide over it and then the dental crown is permanently cemented into place. With proper care, porcelain crowns usually last 10 to 15 years. When complete, porcelain dental crowns are aesthetically pleasing. The dental crown color can be matched to your natural teeth, just as with porcelain veneers. If you would like to know if dental crowns can revitalize your smile, contact our esteemed cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steven Lind, or one of our other cosmetic dentists today.

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Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a custom-made device that replaces a missing tooth or series of teeth, and is affixed to two dental crowns. Bridges help reduce the risk of gum disease, correct bite complications, and can improve patients' speech by creating full, healthy smiles. Although dental bridges require comprehensive oral hygiene, they often last for more than 10 years. Bridges are constructed from metals, porcelain, or a combination of materials. When deciding which material is right for you, Dr. Lind will consider aesthetics, functionality, and tissue compatibility.

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Neuromuscular Full Mouth Reconstruction

Dr. Lind uses neuromuscular full mouth reconstruction to correct bite position imperfections and improve the appearance of a patient's smile. Candidates for neuromuscular full mouth reconstruction are patients with short, worn teeth or patients with chipped, broken teeth throughout the mouth.

First, Dr. Lind measures the jaw and calculates its optimal position. The mouth is then realigned using an invisible orthotic or a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including porcelain veneers and teeth crowns. Neuromuscular full mouth reconstruction creates a strong, attractive smile that is both functional and beautiful.

Client Testimonials

"My business involves dealing with dentists on a daily basis. I have been searching for a long time for someone to fix my smile. I finally decided The Art of Smilemaking staff had the expertise and training I desired.

"My new smile is fantastic! Every step of the way was professional, caring, and exceeded my expectations. The doctor and his staff identified and fixed any potential discomfort before I even had a chance to think about it. Everything about the process and my new smile is a perfect ‘10’.” -- Randy Harrison, President, Professional Practice Specialists, Inc., LeadingDentists.com, Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies

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TMJ Treatments

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 15 percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain resulting from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, medical problems related to the jaw joint. The TMJs are the two joints that link the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone (skull), but commonly, “ TMJ” is used to refer to these structures in addition to the jawbone, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, and the muscles and ligaments that make it possible to open and close the mouth. If you are suffering chronic jaw pain, our Portland-area practice offers a number of TMJ treatments that can ease your suffering.

Warning signs of a TMJ disorder include:

• Head and neck pain
• Clicking or popping when opening mouth
• Tenderness of the jaw
• Pain in and around the ear
• Difficulty when biting and chewing
• Grating sensation while chewing

There are three main types of TMJ disorders:

• Muscle disorders
• Joint derangement disorders
• Degenerative joint disorders

Once an evaluation confirms the diagnosis of a TMJ disorder, Dr. Steven Lind will determine the proper course of TMJ treatment. Contact our Portland cosmetic dentist today. We will find the right TMJ treatment for you.

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