A Women's touch to family dentistry
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Dr. Risser

Dr. Lori Risser - Erskine Family Dentistry

Dr. Risser has recently completed dental continuing education courses on the topics of dental implants, cosmetic smile design, and bite corrections.

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Dr. Cocquyt

Dr. Susan Cocquyt - Erskine Family Dentistry

 

 

 

Dr. Susan Cocquyt , a Mishawaka native, graduated from Indiana Universtiy School of Dentistry in 1993.

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Dr. Boone

Dr. Bonni Boone - Erskine Family Dentistry

Dr. Bonni Boone graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1988.
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Services

Treatment Planning:

Comprehensive Treatment Planning

Comprehensive Treatment Planning Drs. Boone, Cocquyt and Risser believe in a sound, comprehensive treatment plan as the foundation of beautiful dentistry. Many patients who desire cosmetic dentistry also have functional problems that they are not aware of. Using a thorough, properly constructed treatment plan can ensure great results in cosmetic and restorative procedures. We will develop a treatment plan that will deliver beauty, strength, and long-term biologic health for you. Our philosophy of dental care is founded on providing our patients with optimum results carried out through detailed treatment planning. The benefit to you is beautiful dentistry that will serve you well for years to come.


Bleaching: Bleaching and Whitening

Bleaching / Whitening: Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think.  Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple bleaching procedures.  It’s safe , quick and affordable.  We offer a 1 hr in office whitening which usually produces a fast 2-3 shade boost.  A great start to the whitening process.  We also offer a take home kit with trays that are custom fit to your teeth.  With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles, working stains right out of your enamel in a very short time and without altering tooth structure or existing dental work.  When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your smile.  Dental bleaching can correct many tooth discolorations due to staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth.  Bleaching is a near-permanent solution for a dull smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile to life. 


Bonding:

Bonding Tooth Color Restorations

  

Bonding can restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misaligned and it is an alternative to veneers.  Bonding can often be completed in a single office visit and can significantly improve the appearance of a tooth, or an entire smile.  Bonding can also be used to fill in spaces between teeth.  Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is needed.  Since the plastic resin material is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel it can stain or chip requiring repair.

 


Crowns:

Drs. Boone, Cocquyt, and Risser’s goal is to create undetectable dentistry. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like natural teeth.

Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems cause by disease, wear and tear, or accidents. They are used for a number of reasons:

  • To support a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining+654

  • To attach a bridge

  • To protect weak teeth from fracturing

  • To restore fractured teeth

  • To cover badly shaped or discolored teeth

  • To cover a dental implant

This extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems can permanently replace missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite.

What is an inlay or onlay?

Inlays/onlays are durable fillings made out of porcelain that are often used when the amount of lost tooth structure is more than what a regular filling can replace but less than what you would need a crown to repair. An inlay fits within the contours of a tooth and an onlay covers the biting surface and one or more cusps (the peaks of the tooth).


Dental Implants:

Radiograph of a Dental ImplantDental Implants are changing the way people live!!!  With implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat , speak, laugh, and enjoy life.  Implants are tiny titanium posts placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing.  The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation on which we can place your dental restoration.  In addition, implants restore underlying structures that make the face full and youthful, and they prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.  Dental implants provide a foundation so that your restoration will look, feel, and function like natural teeth.  You can regain the ability to eat virtually anything, smile with confidence, and take comfort that your dental restorations will look natural.  We work with an oral maxillofacial surgeon on the implant procedure and the results are amazing.

 

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.  After the initial implant placement, three to six months healing occurs within the jawbone as the implants gradually bond with the jaw. In some cases a temporary restoration can be placed at this time.   The second phase begins as we attach a post for an impression and begin fabricating your final restoration to be connected to the implants.  The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months.  Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.


TMJ / Bite Correction:

TMJ Disorder

 Drs. Boone, Cocquyt and Risser have had extensive training on the functional aspects of TMJ and bite issues. Patients with jaw joint problems, or bite problems often experience pain as well as breakdown of the teeth and supporting structures. Our practice will consider these issues in all comprehensive treatment plans.

At our diagnostic appointment we will isolate any factor that could be leading to breakdown of your dentition. One of our highly experienced staff will guide you through our records gathering process.

 

 

  


 Periodontal Treatment and Maintenance:

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth caused by bacteria. If left untreated, gum disease will gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Various disease entities require different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Periodontal DiseaseAdults over 35 lose more teeth from gum disease (periodontal disease) then from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their lives. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by proper daily brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease and decay are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gumline, and it constantly forms on teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

The bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums and cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed. Prolonged irritation can cause the gums to separate from the teeth, which creates pockets (spaces) where the bacteria can spread rapidly. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to stroke, heart attack, and complications for diabetic and pregnant women.

The best ways to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, some people still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent progression.

Some important factors affecting the health of your gums include: smoking, diabetes, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, medication, poor nutrition.

 


Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain VeneersVeneers can help brighten front teeth that have permanent stains that can’t be whitened. Veneers are thin; porcelain shells of ceramic that are bonded directly to the front surfaces of the teeth.

They can correct small gaps between the front teeth, or fix teeth that are rotated, misshapen, or chipped. Veneers placed on your teeth can correct these common problems simply and quickly to help you achieve a beautiful smile.

Will they look like normal teeth?

Drs Boone, Cocquyt, and Risser use only the best laboratory to ensure that the thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable. Their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other options.

 
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