Tooth Colored Fillings, Dental Implants, Dentures, TMJ - San Mateo, Menlo Park, Palo Alto

Dr. Jean Barthman sees dentistry as both an art and a science. As part of her commitment to crafting a beautiful, healthy smile, she offers an extensive line of top-notch dental services, including tooth colored fillings, dental implants, dentures, and treatment for TMJ. We invite you to read more about our services and to contact our Redwood City office if you have any additional questions! We also welcome inquiries from people in nearby areas such as San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.

Tooth Colored Fillings

Historically, dentists would fill and seal cavities using a silver and mercury amalgam, called a filling. Composite, or tooth colored fillings, are considered a stronger, safer and more natural-looking alternative to mercury. In addition to Redwood City, we offer tooth colored fillings to patients in Palo Alto, San Mateo, and Menlo Park.

Made of a thin but durable tooth-colored resin, tooth colored fillings are virtually undetectable and can be used on back teeth. Tooth colored fillings are bonded to the tooth and require the removal of less tooth structure, adding strength and allowing you to keep more of your natural tooth. Tooth colored fillings are harder and more durable than amalgam fillings, so they can be expected to last for many years.

Patients who select tooth colored fillings say the color and appearance are so natural and blend so well with the tooth color that they look 'invisible,' meaning you can chew, talk, and smile with confidence! In addition, tooth colored fillings can add strength and durability to your teeth while enhancing the overall appearance of your smile. To learn more about how you can benefit from tooth colored fillings, please contact Dr. Barthman’s dental spa in Redwood City today. We also welcome patients from nearby cities such as Palo Alto, San Mateo, and Menlo Park.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer patients a stronger and more permanent way of replacing missing teeth than either bridges or dentures. Made of titanium, dental implants are strong, safe, and attach easily to the underlying bone. In addition to Redwood City, we offer dental implants to patients in Menlo Park, San Mateo, and Palo Alto.

Dental implants provide the support structure to which restorations can be attached. Because dental implants fuse to the jawbone, they offer better stability, look extremely natural, and provide a secure fit. There are several different types of dental implants, and we can discuss with you the best one for your individual case. The dental implants procedure typically involves three steps: implantation, osseointegration (while the jawbone heals), and attachment of restorations.

If you have missing teeth and are looking for a solution that will provide strength, support, and long-term results, dental implants may be an appropriate option. If you live in Redwood City or surrounding areas such as Menlo Park, Palo Alto, or San Mateo, please contact our office for more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment!

Replacement of Missing Teeth - Dentures, Bridges, Partials

A number of options are available for those seeking to replace lost teeth in a natural and aesthetically pleasing way. Dr. Jean Barthman recommends and uses bridges, partials, and dentures to help her patients from Redwood City and surrounding areas such as Menlo Park achieve beautiful, complete smiles.

Bridges consist of a replacement tooth connected to two crowns. The crowns are slipped over the teeth adjacent to the gap, creating the 'bridge." The beauty of a bridge is that not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but in many cases it also makes chewing and speaking easier. Partial dentures are often used in cases where some natural teeth remain and can be used as anchors.

Finally, dentures are also available for those seeking authentic-looking replacements for lost teeth. Teeth can be lost for a number of reasons, including injury, gum disease, and tooth decay. Missing teeth often cause problems with speech, eating, and self-confidence. Unfortunately, in some cases, natural teeth may be unsalvageable. Complete dentures can be used in these cases to help improve appearance and chewing power. At first, speech may be awkward, but in the long run, dentures make speaking easier. If you are missing teeth, we can help you determine what your best option is.

Dentures can benefit both your appearance and your health. When teeth are missing, the facial muscles can sag, making you appear older than you really are. Dentures also make it easier to eat and speak - things many people take for granted until they lose their natural teeth.

Dentures can replace more than just missing teeth; they can restore your confidence in your smile as well. If you think dentures may be right for you, and you live in Redwood City or nearby areas such as Menlo Park, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

TMJ - Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry is a dental approach that works to balance the bite with the muscles and therefore keep a dental patient from becoming a victim of temporomandibular joint disorder ( TMJ), or what is commonly referred to as “lockjaw” or “jaw popping." We specialize in a variety of treatment options designed to alleviate and eliminate the symptoms of TMJ for patients in San Mateo, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Redwood City.

TMJ, which is caused by an improperly aligned jaw, contributes to a myriad of problems, including neck, shoulder, and eye discomfort, tinnitus (ringing of the ears), and, most commonly, jaw pain. Additional symptoms of TMJ include an inability to open the mouth comfortably, headaches, a bite that feels uncomfortable, and popping, clicking, or grinding sounds when the jaws are opened widely.

Neuromuscular dentistry seeks to cure TMJ by retraining muscles, tissues, and nerves to properly align the jaw at rest. If the jaw is not in proper position at rest, it must work harder to perform basic functions—such as chewing or speaking—and in turn may repeatedly injure surrounding muscles. TMJ can grow progressively worse if left undiagnosed, meaning a minor problem could become a major source of pain if left untreated. In addition, the earlier treatment for TMJ is started, the better the chances of a successful treatment. There are a variety of treatments available for TMJ, including medication, ultrasound, splints, and restorations.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, please contact us immediately. We are located in Redwood City, but we also welcome patients from surrounding areas such as San Mateo, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto.

Comprehensive Exam

Dental care at Dr. Jean Barthman's office begins with a comprehensive exam. During your first visit, our friendly office staff will examine your mouth for cavities, tooth fractures, and fractured fillings. We will also look at the alignment of your teeth, checking to make sure they are not lining up in a way that could cause annoying health problems such as persistent headaches, sinus pressure, or temporomandibular joint syndrome ( TMJ), which could lead to neck and joint pain. X-rays are usually a part of the comprehensive exams; they help us gain an in-depth understanding of your mouth and its health. These are not painful and can be completed quickly. At Dr. Barthman's, our number-one concern is providing you with a healthy and beautiful smile. We believe that begins with a complete examination of your mouth.

Dr. Barthman sees dentistry as both an art and a science. As part of her commitment to crafting a beautiful, healthy smile, she offers an extensive line of top-notch dental services. We invite you to read more about our services and to contact our office if you have any additional questions!

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Above all else, Dr. Barthman wants for you to have a beautiful, new smile. Prevention is the key to staying healthy and so we recommend the following tips to get you on your way:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

* Chew sugarless gum instead of sugary varieties.

* Floss daily and if possible, after every meal.

* Prevent plaque and cavities by reducing your daily intake of sweet snacks.

* Schedule a cleaning and oral examination with Dr. Barthman once a year.