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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. Steven McConnell of Novato


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CEREC Single-Visit All-Porcelain Crowns


CEREC CAD/cam is a state-of-the-art computer system that designs and generates ceramic dental restorations to conservatively replace broken, cracked or chipped teeth.

Instead of traditional crowns, Dr. McConnell uses the high-tech CEREC system to replace broken fillings and fractured or decayed teeth. Here are just a few of the benefits of CEREC:
  • Single Visit! CEREC crowns conserve tooth structure and require fewer injections, less drilling and less time out of your schedule
  • Restorations contain no metal. CEREC uses strong, tooth-colored ceramic materials;
  • Repairs teeth that have too much damage to be restored with regular fillings;
  • Strengthens the repaired tooth. Silver amalgam fillings can actually cause fractures in the tooth
  • Enhances the life and longevity of the tooth
  • Conserves tooth structures. Silver fillings and old-fashioned crowns require the removal of much more of the original tooth than the CEREC system does;
  • Healthier for gum tissue
  • Less traumatic for the tooth. Our restorations are chemically bonded to the tooth, requiring less extraction of healthy tooth material
  • Less discomfort afterwards. Our materials closely match the composition of your natural teeth, which means they react to heat and cold almost the same way your natural teeth do.

If you grind or clench your teeth, these damaging effects will dramatically speed up the process of normal aging.

If you have any signs or symptoms of an unbalanced or bad bite, our first step is to do a Bite Analysis. Just as we take X-rays to check for cavities, we make diagnostic models of your mouth and teeth so that we can learn exactly how your teeth touch and where the damage is occurring. Using these models, we determine which areas are out of balance and the amount of stress that is being placed on your jaw joints, gums, and teeth. We'll then use this information to make recommendations on how to help you get a healthy, stable, balanced bite, and a healthy bite means better overall health!


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Porcelain and Dental Veneers


We use dental veneers and bonding to repair damage from decay and fractures, or to simply make your teeth look better. We use bonding to restore damaged teeth to bring back the smile of your youth, or to create the naturally beautiful smile you've always wanted. Other ways we use veneers and bonging are:
  • Close spaces between teeth
  • Lengthen or reshape teeth
  • Disguise misaligned teeth
  • Whiten stained or darkened teeth
  • Whiten naturally beautiful teeth
  • Repair chips, decay and damage
  • Rebuild worn teeth
  • Protect teeth from damage
  • Replace old crowns and metal fillings
  • Restore teeth to their original appearance
  • Restore ideal shape for proper health and function



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Full Mouth Rejuvenation


Full mouth rejuvenation addresses the condition of the entire mouth, from the position of the bite to the health and appearance of the teeth and gums. It is a highly specialized procedure requiring advanced technology that few dentists know how to use.

All mouth rejuvenation procedures start with necessary diagnosis to determine what has caused the damage to the teeth and gums. Dr. McConnell and the treatment coordinator will sit down with you to prescribe a plan for dental health esthetics that aligns with your individual goals.


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Dental Implants


Missing teeth can affect speech, chewing and self-confidence. If you're concerned about missing teeth, damaged teeth, or the discomfort of wearing dentures, dental implants may be the solution for you.

A dental implant is the closest thing dental science offers to your natural teeth. Whether you need one tooth, several teeth, a bridge, or dentures, dental implants offer a secure, stable, natural alternative.

Dental implants are cylinder-shaped screws made of titanium or other materials. They are designed to look and function like a natural tooth. The implant is attached to the jawbone and gum tissue, and it provides a stable base for replacement teeth. Because they are rooted in your jawbone instead of glued in, dental implants provide a more natural chewing surface and prevent the sunken appearance that comes with missing teeth.


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Tooth-Colored Fillings


Dr. McConnell can use tooth-colored, metal-free and mercury-free materials to quickly and comfortably improve your appearance and to help protect your teeth from stress and fractures.

Tooth colored fillings can be used to:
  • Restore cracked or chipped teeth;
  • Mask stains, such as the deep, dark stains from taking antibiotics;
  • Close visible gaps in front teeth;
  • Restore decayed teeth;

Protect exposed tooth roots due to gum recession.


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Teeth Whitening


Are you tired of stained, yellowing teeth? Have you tried over-the-counter products for tooth whitening, but with little or no result? Our professional products provide a higher level of whitening in a safe environment..

Zoom! Power Whitening System:

The Zoom! System is a safe, easy and effective bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of your enamel and dentin. The procedure takes about two hours in our office, during which you can relax with a heated neck roll and your favorite music.

Home Whitening:

For patients who prefer a home whitening system or who need additional whitening after their Zoom! treatment, we offer a home whitening system. Home whitening can take from one to six weeks.


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Healthy Teeth Services


Our goal is to provide optimum dental health for our patients. Healthy teeth not only make great smiles, but they also feel great and last a lifetime. We have many services and treatments to improve the health of your teeth and to keep them that way. It's never too late to undo the damage that time or neglect has done. Our healthy teeth services address:
  • Dental aging and TMJ treatment
  • Full mouth rejuvenation
  • Smile makeover
  • Unbalanced bite
  • Periodontal disease
  • Root canal therapy
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Cavities
  • Cleaning

Fresh breath treatments.


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Periodontal Disease & Overall Health


Periodontal Disease - It's not just about dental health, it's about overall health.

Also known as gum disease, it is a bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone around the teeth. The word periodontal means "around the tooth", and that is what periodontal disease doesÖit destroys the bone and tissues that surround and support your teeth. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults and is almost as widespread as the common cold.

Numerous independent research studies indicate that periodontal disease is linked to:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory disease
  • Strokes
  • Pre-term low birth-weight babies
  • Poor digestion
  • Overall health issues

Some studies suggest that periodontal disease may pass through saliva, meaning that you could infect your partner or children.

Diagnosing Periodontal Infection and Treatment Protocol

Comprehensive treatment first starts with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. In our assessment of your gums, we look for any signs of active bacterial infection beyond the areas you are able to clean or access with home care techniques...tooth brushing, flossing, and other interdental tools. Based upon our clinical findings, we will make a continued care recommendation, or if indicated, a plan for clinical treatment. Clinical treatment typically involves a series of periodontal therapies to help stabilize bacterial infection in your gums. The infected area is treated with microsonics instrumentation, detailed hand instrumentation, and a diode laser which uses light and heat to remove infected tissue which promotes reattachment of new, healthy gum tissue.


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Sleep/Sedation Dentistry


Do you avoid getting dental help every year because you find the idea of getting a check-up, cleaning or dental work too stressful?

You are not alone. In fact, an estimated 30 to 40 million adults feel the exact same way Whatever the reason for your fear or stress, we can make your visit relaxing and stress-free with sedation or sleep dentistry.

Advances in medication have given dentists oral sedatives that safely produce a deep state of relaxation and make it possible for you to have a dental procedure without feeling a thing. Dr. McConnell has more than 25 years of experience using the latest in sedation technology and patient care methods.

Nitrous Oxide

For our patients who are not quite so anxious, but who still get a little tense during dental procedures or are unable to tolerate pain well, we offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'laughing gas.'

But don't worry, you won't be laughing throughout your treatment. You'll just feel very relaxed, maybe a little giddy, and you won't mind all those pesky people and instruments around your mouth.


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Steven L. McConnell
Marin Cosmetic Dentistry

Office Address:

1730 Novato Blvd.
Ste A
Novato, CA 94947
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