Dentist Serving Medford, Central Point, and Ashland, OR

Services

WHITENING

Call us today for a Brighter, Whiter Smile

Over time our teeth tend to become discolored or stained. Whether this is from smoking, coffee, or any other foods, a beautiful smile could be closer than you think. We offer a safe, inexpensive solution to an unsightly smile. Whitening your teeth is a very simple procedure that can be completed in relatively short period of time in the comfort of your own home. We will make you a set of bleaching trays that you will wear for about 20 minutes a day, several days a week.

TMJ

TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) syndrome is the term often used to describe a number of variable symptoms affecting the head and neck. CMD (Cranio-Mandibular Disorders) and TMD (Temporo-Mandibular Disorders) are other terms used for the same condition. Although TMJ is probably the most recognized name, it is very limiting by referring only to the two jaw joints. In reality the symptoms most patients experience are much more generalized.

Probably the most important point regarding TMJ is that no one person has the answer. There are many factors which can contribute to a person having TMJ symptoms.

Being a dentist, I can identify and recommend treatment for the dental factor. I can also assist you in finding other methods and techniques to relieve your symptoms. However, in most cases, the percentage of the problem directly related to a dental condition is, in my opinion, usually less than other factors. People with bad "bites" don’t necessarily have TMJ symptoms. Conversely, people with good "bites" aren’t necessarily free of TMJ symptoms. When the bite is incorrect and a person has TMJ problems, then it is important to consider what might be accomplished by improving the bite.

The symptoms, causes, and treatments listed below are all related to what I believe is the central core of TMJ problems; that core is muscle tension. Therefore, treatment is aimed at reducing muscle tension.

Causes / Factors:

Stress - definition is a change (good or bad); stress causes muscle tension (result of stress is muscle contraction to prepare for the "fight or flight" reaction); stress can be physical (injury or exhaustion), emotional, or dietary

Trauma - whiplash, blow to head

Nutrition - caffeine, nicotine, and high levels of sugar increase muscle tension

Inadequate sleep - poor quality or low quantity

Treatments:

NTI appliance - see http://www.headacheprevention.com/ for information.

Stress reduction - relaxation exercises, dealing with & feeling emotions (E-motions = Energy in motion), biofeedback, Physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture / acupressure, Rolfing, massage

Dietary changes - reduce caffeine, nicotine, foods with high sugar content, softer diet Psychological counseling - probably the most difficult for many and also can be the most rewarding for those committed to improving the quality of life

Stretching - we have some handouts for starting

Myofunctional therapy - to correct improper swallowing patterns

Exercise - ideally should be aerobic (walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, etc.)

The best results are usually obtained by incorporating as many of the above treatments as are applicable. Each treatment can raise the pain threshold a notch until the sum of the notches results in the symptoms being gone or significantly improved.

Treatment You Probably Don’t Need:

TMJ surgery - last resort, in my opinion. Some "experts" recommend TMJ surgery early in treatment. I believe surgery should be considered only after more conservative attempts have not been successful.

Computerized diagnostic tests of the jaw opening and jaw muscles - I sold my equipment when I realized it wasn’t usually necessary; there are simpler, less expensive tests available for most cases MRI’s, CAT scans, etc. - except when the possibility of tumors needs to be considered

Medications - except limited use for pain relief or to break the pain cycle in the beginning of treatment; muscle relaxants or tranquilizers may be useful to help break the pain cycle

Symptoms:

Headaches (usually referred pain from jaw, neck, or shoulder muscles that are tense), neckaches, backaches, tender muscles

Other stress related problems (ulcers, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, emotional disorders, shortness of breath, stomach aches, lethargy, nausea, etc.)

Limited range of motion

Ringing in ears or dizziness

Clenching or grinding the teeth

Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw joint

Limited opening of the jaw and/or difficulty chewing

Much of what I have presented here is based on personal experience and study. There are many opinions, many of them quite strong, among health care providers involved in TMJ treatment. Many of the dental "experts" rely on surgery, technical diagnostic equipment, or other methods which I believe tend to be short-sighted and limiting. If you consult with 10 different providers, you will likely get 10 different opinions. I believe this leaves you with the choice of going with the person you feel most comfortable with. The definition of "doctor" is a teacher. This is especially true with TMJ patients. I don’t believe I can "fix" a TMJ patient.

Since much of what we are dealing with is stress - related, the patient needs to be responsible for their own level of health. My role is to assist, with the help of other health care providers, in this process.

INLAYS AND ONLAYS

Inlays and onlays are ceramic restorations that can be used instead of plastic or silver filllings. Many patients have chosen to replace their old silver-colored fillings with these longer lasting, tooth colored restorations. Inlays and onlays are utilized when there is still a healthy enamel portion of the tooth. An inlay or onlay will be fitted into the remaining portion of the tooth to help increase its strength. An inlay is used when there is not damage to any of the cusps of your tooth and is essentially place within these cusps. An onlay is used when there is slightly more extensive damage to the tooth structure. This type of restoration is placed over at least one of the cusps on the tooth. This procedure can be performed in just 1 dental visit.

CROWNS

Creating or renewing a beautiful smile can easily be accomplished in as few as one or two visits. Spaces, gaps, chips, or irregular teeth can be transformed to ideal proportions and color. Excessively short or long teeth can also benefit from cosmetic dentistry. Discolored, stained, or yellowed teeth can be made bright again. Old metal dental work including gold, silver/mercury fillings or metal-based porcelain crowns (caps) can be made to look natural again. Even a smile that shows too much gums can be reshaped to ideal proportions.

As we get a little older, our teeth begin to change. There are many possible reasons for this change in your smile. These reasons can include bruxism (teeth grinding), general decay, cracked fillings, root canals, cracked teeth and many others. If your tooth is beyond repair with a filling material, we may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. The reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function. We create three types of crowns: the CEREC (see below), Porcelain fused to Metal (tooth colored porcelain fused over a metal base where part of the metal shows), or Gold (an alloy that contains gold).

CEREC is an advanced dental technology that is utilized for the restoration of decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth. CEREC can create full crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. The CEREC machine crafts a restoration in a matter of minutes. CEREC restorations are made of compressed porcelain. It is for this reason that they are stronger than laboratory restorations, which are layered porcelain. The most beneficial feature of receiving a CEREC restoration is that it is accomplished in one visit. In addition to the benefit of a one visit restoration, there is no uncomfortable impression material to bite on or temporary to wear. (see high tech page for more information)

Solid blocks of ceramic material are converted into beautifully fitted inlays, onlays, partial crowns, full anterior and posterior crowns and veneers. The final result is a beautiful, natural-colored tooth restoration that is much stronger than before. The restoration closely matches the composition of natural teeth. The ceramic material is chemically bonded to your tooth, so we can preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. CEREC provides dental restorations that actually strengthen your teeth.

BRIDGE

A bridge is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.

More important, though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can alter your bite and place unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.

In addition, due to the increased stress, the gum tissues and the bone that holds the teeth in place can break down from the resulting gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to decay. As a result, even more teeth may eventually be lost.

Missing teeth also can affect the way you chew and speak. Chewing on one side only may cause stress in your mouth and jaw joints.A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. A pontic is attached to a crown (restoration that covers a tooth). Crowns, which are cemented on natural teeth, serve as abutments that provide support for the bridge.

VENEERS

Porcelain veneers are thin facings of ceramic that are bonded to the front of the patient’s tooth to create a new smile. Porcelain veneers are placed over the front of teeth that appear too small or large, slightly discolored, or simply are not cosmetically pleasing to the patient. For many patients, teeth may have chipped, become discolored, or are slightly crooked. If cared for properly, your veneers will last you a long time.

CLEANINGS

Our dental hygienist are Debbie and Sandy. They will perform for you a gentle, yet extremely thorough teeth cleaning. In addition to the meticulous cleaning of your teeth, they will also take the time to help you develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. They will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed.

If Dr. Schneck, Debbie, or Sandy feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend a root scaling. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth. If you suffer from extreme periodontal distress, then Dr. Schneck will refer you to a gum specialist (periodontist).

Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)

Treatment involves removing the bacterial substance known as plaque which is the principal cause of periodontal disease and calculus which is an accumulation of hard deposits on the tooth above or below the gingival margin.

The treatment involves scaling which uses hand instruments and/or ultrasonic to remove calculus, plaque, and bacteria; curettage which scrapes any necrotic (dead) tissue and cleans the area or pocket, and root planing which smoothes and contours the root surface to remove the debris and cementum found in the periodontal pocket. Medications or a special mouth rinse to help control the growth of bacteria may be part of treatment.

The success of the treatment depends in part on your efforts to brush and floss daily, receive regular cleaning as directed, follow a healthy diet, avoid tobacco products and follow proper home care taught to you by this office.

Regular professional cleanings create a clean environment in which your gums can heal, reduce the chances of further irritation and infection, make it easier for you to keep your teeth clean, and decrease the cost of replacing teeth lost due to gum disease.

Root Planing

Root planing is a procedure where our dental hygienist removes plaque and calculus build-up from below the gum line. The root surfaces are cleaned with dental scalers and sometimes with the use of an Ultrasonic scaler. It is important to remove the plaque and calculus from the pockets, because aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of calculus make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold which can cause extensive damage to the root of the tooth. In extreme cases of poor dental hygiene care, you can loose your tooth.

Treatment involves removing the bacterial substance known as plaque which is the principal cause of periodontal disease and calculus which is an accumulation of hard deposits on the tooth above or below the gingival margin.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Healthy—gums have a pink color that adhere tightly to the teeth

Gingivitis—gums bleed easily when brushed or lightly probed. They are inflamed and sensitive to touch. This is a very common stage with most adults.

Early periodontal disease—gums begin to pull away from teeth with bleeding and inflammation more pronounced. There is slight bone loss and pockets of 3-4 mm between the gums and the teeth.

Moderate periodontal disease—gum abscesses may occur and gums begin to recede from the tooth. Front teeth may move apart showing gaps. There will be more extensive bone loss and bad breath with pockets from 4-6mm.

Severe periodontal disease—teeth may become loose and roots may become exposed. There will be severe bone loss and pockets greater than 6mm.

Bad Breath

Drink Tea--research suggests that the polyphenols in green, white or black tea helps to reduce bacterial growth that causes bad breath.

Yogurt--a small container of plain yogurt each day can decrease odor-causing bacteria.

Water--since bacteria thrive in a dry mouth, drinking plenty of water helps rinse away bacteria and food particles.

Chew sugarless gum--chewing gum increased saliva which hydrates your mouth.

Eat vegetables--vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples help clean your tongue and mouth.

EXAM

You will receive a comprehensive dental examination by Dr. Schneck which will include the following areas:

Examination of tooth decay

Dr. Schneck will examine all of your tooth surfaces checking for decay, cracks, chips, broken fillings, discoloration, evidence of grinding or clenching. He will examine your existing restorative work to check their condition. Digital X-rays will be taken which is essential for the detention of dental problems unseen with a visual exam. X-rays can detect decay, abscesses, bone loss, heavy calculus, tumors and cysts and impacted teeth. In children, the panograph x-ray lets Dr. Schneck know how the permanent teeth growth is progressing.

Periodontal (gum disease) examination

Your gums and teeth will be checked for the health of the tissue and bone surrounding each teeth. Dr. will check for the presence of any periodontal disease. He will determine which type of cleaning you will need and refer you to a periodontal specialist if the need arises.

TMJ (Temperomandibular Joint) Examination

Dr. Schneck will ask you many questions and examine your bite and bone to determine if you have any TMJ difficulties. If you suffer any TMJ symptoms, he will offer a diagnosis for your own individual problems.

Occlusion/Orthodontic Examination

Your bite will be examined and diagnosed. If there is any need for functional orthodontics, Dr. Schneck will discuss your options with you. If you would like to have orthodontics performed for cosmetic reasons, a plan of action can be addressed. Invisalign is the "new braces" using clear retainers that are nearly if not entirely invisible while wearing them. A great alternative for the adult who doesn't want "metal mouth."

Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Schneck will check your oral tissues for red or white patches or recurring sore areas. This screening can help detect cancer at an early stage when it can be more successfully treated.

See our "High Tech" page for more information on the benefits of Digital X-rays and the new diagnositc tool, HAPPY VISITS

For you child's first visit, it is important that your child becomes familiar and feels “at home” with our office environment and staff. We encourage you to bring your child in for a complimentary Happy Visit. Our happy visits are for kids who have never been to the dentists or who have developed a fear of the dentist. We have your child come into our office for a NO CHARGE visit. Once here, they can play in the playroom watching movies, playing the X-box or playing with the toys. In this atmosphere, they will be able to hear and see that the dental office is a safe place to be. The will get used to our staff and Dr. Schneck who are all new to them. Your child can sit in a dental chair and play in our treatment room and getting used to our equipment.

It is even fun to have their mom or dad sit in the chair while they play assistant. We encourage you to bring your child in for these happy visits as many times as it takes to make your child feel comfortable before we start any major dental work. One parent who had a child who had been traumatized brought her daughter in to play in the play room on 4 separate occasions until she was comfortable enough to sit in the dental chair and have her cavity filled.

INFANT VISITS

We offer a NO CHARGE infant visit with a trained dental assistant. This is not an exam by the dentist, but an educational visit on infant dental care. Call today for an appointment and to receive your information filled infant packet.

INFANT CARE Begin cleaning the baby’s mouth with a clean damp washcloth or a infant gum "tender". Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle or sippee cup that contains milk, formula, juice, soda or other sweetened liquid. Only water should be put in a bottle or cup if your child cannot fall asleep without it. While your baby is breastfeeding, wipe the teeth with a damp washcloth as soon as he or she falls asleep and stops sucking.

As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, start to brush twice a day. Use soft-bristled baby brushes with water. When your child can spit, you can begin using a fluoride toothpaste. Swallowing fluoride can give some children a stomach ache. Also ask your pediatrician about fluoride supplements.

YOUR CHILD'S FIRST DENTAL EXAMINATION

At your child’s first dental exam appointment, we will teach your child to be comfortable with dentistry by using words that they will understand, explaining the procedures, showing them our dental equipment and letting them play with it themselves. This visit should occur when the first tooth comes in and will include a thorough oral examination, x-rays, a cleaning and fluoride. If your child is only ready for the examination, we will do the cleaning at another day convenient for you.

Your child will receive stickers, a fun electric toothbrush and floss. Dr. Schneck will discuss your child’s dental needs with you and you will receive a written summary of his diagnosis. Our trained dental staff will give your child an oral hygiene demonstration. You will also receive literature on tooth eruption, care of teeth and nutrition.

Routine dental care which includes a cleaning every 6 months and a yearly exam will help your child prevent cavities. As children learn from their parents, it will also help your child's maintain good dental habits if they come with you on your 6 month cleanings and check ups. Regular tooth brushing can be a fun family event. We look forward to meeting your child and you.

Diagnodent. See our "Kid's Corner" page for information on infant and children's examinations.

ROOT CANAL

Root canal treatment is intended to allow you to keep your tooth for a longer time, which will help to maintain your natural bite and the healthy functioning of your jaws. Root canal treatment may relieve symptoms such as pain and discomfort.

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment involves removing the nerve tissue (called pulp) located in the center of the tooth and its root or roots (called the root canal). There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth, or an abscess of an infected tooth. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot at the tip of the root. Any pain is caused by the pressure of the abscess on the surrounding tissue. Antibiotics are given to clear up the abscess.

Once the root canal treatment is completed, it is essential to return promptly to begin the next step in treatment. Because a temporary seal is designed to last only a short time, failing to return as directed to have the tooth sealed permanently with a crown or filling can lead to other problems such as deterioration of the seal, resulting in decay, infection, gum disease, fracture, and the possible premature loss of the tooth.

Signs/Symptoms

• Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.


• Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth


• Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth


• Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night


• A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood


• Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another


• Swelling of the jaw and face

Missing Teeth

Replacing missing teeth is important if you want to maintain a healthy smile. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. It often is difficult to clean crooked teeth. This may lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Bridge

A bridge is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.

More important, though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can alter your bite and place unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.

A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. A pontic is attached to a crown (restoration that covers a tooth). Crowns, which are cemented on natural teeth, serve as abutments that provide support for the bridge.

Implants

In many cases dental implants are the most natural and comfortable way to replace missing teeth.

Dentures

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patients mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months. A complete denture may be attached with several implants (artificial roots that attach directly to the jaw), which allows for a more secure fit. Properly healed implants can help reduce jaw and gum shrinkage.

An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, the gum tissue usually shrinks and a reline may be needed sooner than with a conventional full denture.

Partial Dentures

If you are missing teeth, a removable partial denture may be for you. A removable partial denture helps you chew your food properly, which often is difficult when teeth are missing. By supporting your lips and cheeks, a removable partial denture also can help improve your speech and prevent your face from sagging.

ORAL SURGERY

An extraction involves removing one or more teeth. Depending on their condition, this may require sectioning the teeth or trimming the gum or bone tissue. If any unexpected difficulties occur during treatment, I may refer you to an oral surgeon, who is a specialist in dental surgery.

Once the tooth is extracted, you will have a space that you may want to fill with a fixed or removable appliance. Replacement of missing teeth may be necessary to prevent the drifting of adjacent and/or opposing teeth to maintain function, or for cosmetic appearances. The options of a fixed or removable appliance are implant and crown, partial, bridge, or stayplate. (See Missing Teeth for options).

Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers are thin facings of ceramic that are bonded to the front of the patient’s tooth to create a new smile. Porcelain veneers are placed over the front of teeth that appear too small or large, slightly discolored, or simply are not cosmetically pleasing to the patient. For many patients, teeth may have chipped, become discolored, or are slightly crooked. If cared for properly, your veneers will last you a long time.

Inlays and Onlays are restorations that will remove the silver fillings and replace them with ceramic tooth colored restorations.