General Dentistry-North Carolina, Raleigh, Dentist, Brian J. Kelleher DDS PA, Anthony J. DeStefano DMD - dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, dental procedures, dentist

General Dentistry

Preventive Oral Medicine

Oral Medicine - a specialty area of dentistry based upon a sound understanding of pathophysiology of oral disease and medical-dental relationships. We pride ourselves in understanding the nature and management of any diseases affecting your oral and maxillofacial region.

Oral Pathology - the inside of the mouth is normally lined up with special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process and this is where we come in - if you feel that you or someone you know have any of the symptoms of oral pathology or if you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask our office so we may be of some assistance to you.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are routinely used to cover teeth which are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned.

Porcelain veneers, often alternatively termed dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which are bonded onto the front side of teeth in order to cosmetically improve their appearance.

Typically veneers are difficult to stain, making veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color. Veneers are typically done in only two one and a half hour long appointments, and can actually strengthen your tooth.

Bonding

Composite bonding can work wonders for your smile. Using materials that match the shade, translucency and the texture of your teeth, gaps between teeth can be closed, spots and discolorations can be eliminated, and your self-confidence can be enhanced through the improved appearance of your smile. Composite bonding is excellent for small defects in the teeth -- spots, chips, or gaps between teeth. For smile alterations involving an entire tooth or multiple teeth, porcelain is the material of choice.

Bonding for teeth involves the use of composite resin tooth-colored filling material. This material can be used on the anterior (front) teeth or posterior (back) teeth. The procedure is sometimes referred to as bonding is because an adhesive agent is used to actually bond the resin to the tooth structure.

In-Office Bleaching

Bleach is placed directly on tooth surface for two 12 minute applications. This is the safest, healthiest and most effective way to bleach your teeth.

Implant Dentistry

In many situations, dental implants can give back patients their confident smile. The benefits are improved esthetics, the ability to eat comfortably and a clean, healthy oral environment for the patient.

Dental Implants are small prosthetic posts that are placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. They act as replacements for the root portion of lost natural teeth and also serve as an anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth -- in fact, no-one will be able to tell the difference. Dental implants are appropriate for almost anyone who is currently missing teeth or is at risk of losing teeth.

There are many different types of dental implants available. Our dentists have extensive experience in dental implants and would be pleased to discuss the benefits of implant prosthetics with you. Ask about implant restorative treatment at the time of your consultation.

Restorative Dentistry

For most fillings on back teeth we use a natural looking, cosmetic resin. This is a strong, plastic material that is easy to apply and difficult to detect. This material produces a long lasting, natural looking filling.

When the size of a cavity is too large for this material, we are then able to use ceramic, tooth colored partial crowns called onlays. These onlays are made in 2 visits to the office and are also a durable, cosmetic solution.