I am the new proud owner of 2 beautiful porcelain crowns that the talented Dr Cook and his team delivered. His precision and excellent denistry keeps me smiling! The procedure was comfortable, efficient and a total success! We travel from the west coast to continue to be his patient. I highly recommend Dr Cooke in every way!
Madelyn Foster
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies that require our attention can occur at anytime. Pain in the mouth, teeth or oral structures is a signal that something is wrong. Often, dental pain does not go away on its own. A careful evaluation by Dr. Cooke is necessary to determine its etiology. Any injury to the teeth or tissues in the oral cavity can be serious and should not be ignored. Dental pain can be a sign of inflammation or injury to the nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth. Untreated, this can lead to an infection which may be dangerous to your health.
Common sources of dental pain include, but may not be limited to, advanced decay and associated inflammation, dental abscesses, dental trauma relating to injuries, fractures, tooth displacement and periodontal (gum) infections.
Our office reserves specific times in our daily schedule for our emergency patients. Dr. Cooke can be contacted 24 hours a day via the office phone number (440-892-4600) and its associated voicemail. Additionally, you may reach Dr. Cooke via the office dental emergency cell number (216) 401-9390. Please contact our office using this number if you feel you are experiencing a dental emergency.
Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. The main goal of periodontal therapy is to control this infection. The early stage of periodontal disease is often referred to as gingivitis due to the fact that the inflammation present is limited to the gingival (gum) tissues. Clinical signs include inflammation of the gum tissues (red and swollen) and bleeding upon brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is reversible. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis in which the infection spreads beyond the gingival tissues to the supporting bone. Tooth mobility may occur and the teeth become at risk. At this stage in the disease process, referral to a specialist is often necessary.
Treatment options for periodontal disease depend upon the stage or severity at diagnosis. Non-surgical treatment methods can be used when the disease is diagnosed in the early stages. Upon advancement of periodontal disease, non-surgical treatment modalities are often unsuccessful.
Dr. Cooke works closely with a network of highly trained periodontists, specialists in the field of treating progressive periodontal disease. Upon complete assessment of your periodontal health, Dr. Cooke may refer you to one of these specialists for complete examination, evaluation and possible treatment.
The periodontists that Dr. Cooke works closely with are an integral part of the quest for overall dental wellness. The periodontium (gum and bone) is the foundation of the oral cavity and prior to restorative care, these structures must be sound, healthy and free of disease. Many of the restorative cases in our practice involve cooperation between Dr. Cooke and the periodontist in an effort to restore periodontal health and provide a sound foundation for restorative rehabilitation.
Visit the website for the American Academy of Periodontology.
Visit the website for Dr. David Sorboro, DDS, MS, whose practice is limited to Periodontics and Dental Implants.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that pertains to the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort and appearance by restoring natural teeth and replacing missing teeth with prosthetic substitutes. Examples of prosthodontic treatments provided at our office include dental veneers, ceramic (porcelain) crowns, porcelain onlays and inlays, and fixed bridges. (See section entitled Restorative Dental Care Services)
In addition, Dr. Cooke works closely with dental specialists (periodontists and oral surgeons) when missing teeth require replacement with dental implants. Dental implants have become an integral part of prosthodontics and are often the option of choice when replacing missing teeth during dental reconstruction. Dental implants serve as single or multiple units placed strategically in the dental arch to support both removable and fixed bridge work. Additionally, dental implants can be placed when full dentures are necessary as a means of support in implant supported full denture cases.
Dr. Cooke is committed to providing prosthodontic treatment designed to produce a balance between function, longevity and aesthetics. Please contact our office for a consultation and comprehensive dental examination so that we can assess your prosthodontic needs.
Endodontic (Root Canal) Therapy
Endodontic therapy is the process by which the inner structures of a tooth (pulp chamber) are treated in the presence of disease. The pulp chamber of a tooth contains nerves, blood vessel and connective tissue. It provides nutrients and helps preserve the tooth's health and vitality. At times, the pulp chamber of a tooth can become diseased or injured (abscessed or infected) from trauma or decay. In these situations, bacteria can enter the pulp chamber of a tooth and create an infection.
Endodontic therapy requires removal of the diseased pulpal tissue, thorough cleansing or sterilization of the diseased canals and placement of special medicaments in the chamber(root canals) once occupied by the pulp. If a diseased pulp chamber is left untreated, byproducts of the infection can spread into your jawbone and potentially cause serious infection.
As a part of the comprehensive services offered at our office, Dr. Cooke provides endodontic therapy to patients requiring this type of treatment.
Common symptoms associated with endodontically involved teeth include prolonged pain to hot and cold, sensitivity to touch or biting pressure, swelling or the appearance of a sore (pimple) on the gum tissue, and spontaneous or throbbing pain that can awaken you at night or worsen when lying down. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office for an evaluation.
TMJ Therapy
The TMJ or temporomandibular joint, is the joint of the jaw located on either side of the face. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. With the support of attached muscles, the TMJ allows us to open and close our mouths, chew, speak and swallow. An articular disc is located between the two bones that form the joint, the temporal bone and the mandible (lower jaw).
Pain or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is referred to as TMD; temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction. This term is used to describe a group of problems involving the joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and tissues. Many times dental patients experience pain in these structures. Infrequently, the articular disc can become displaced causing pain. Commonly, pain associated with temporomandibular dysfunction is related to myofascial (fascia surrounding muscle tissue) pain involving the muscles of mastication that allow us to chew. One of the common factors contributing to pain in the temporomandibular joint is a bite problem.
Dr. Cooke begins his diagnosis of TMD with a thorough clinical examination and appropriate radiographs. Clinical exams include palpation of the muscles and joints for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty opening or closing. In addition, Dr. Cooke performs complete analysis of each patient's bite and the relationship of the upper and lower teeth in function. When there are discrepancies or bite irregularities, temporomandibular disorders can result causing discomfort.
Therapy for TMD can require the individual fabrication of bite appliances or splints. These appliances are custom made in our dental laboratory from custom impressions and study models taken at the examination visit. They are worn over the teeth during specified hours of the day and require follow-up evaluation and monitoring of your symptoms.
If you are experiencing any type of muscle or jaw pain and suspect that you may be experiencing TMD, please call our office for an examination and evaluation by Dr. Cooke.
