Premier Pain Free Dentistry

Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. – Dentists in Elk Grove CA


One of the most important things for our health and appearance is taking care of our teeth and preserving our smile. That is why Dentists in Elk Grove CA are vital to those plans. Friendly staff set the right tone when calling to set an appointment, and when showing up to see the dentist. You can relax knowing that everyone will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible. Dentists in Elk Grove CA are aware that many people are anxious about what their exam will show.

Common Procedures Done By Dentists In Elk Grove CA

• Dental health is the primary reason for seeing the dentist. Getting teeth cleaned, polished, and flossed helps keep the gums healthy. Your Dentists in Elk Grove CA hygienist can see if we are taking care of our teeth between checkups. General comments include needing to floss more. Sometimes a review of proper flossing and brushing is done.
• Dental bonding requires the skill of Dentists in Elk Grove CA. When a tooth is injured and needs a touchup, it can be etched slightly and have a bonding liquid put on. Plastic resin is applied once the liquid is set. The Dentists in Elk Grove CA use the other teeth as models to sculpt the shape of the resin. Once the resin sets, the repaired tooth is smoothed, trimmed, and polished. This procedure can usually be done in one visit. The plastic resin isn’t as strong as natural enamel, but will last up to five years. It’s a relatively painless way for your smile to stay beautiful.
• Crowns are also known as caps. It looks like a tooth, shape and all. Dentists in Elk Grove CA will cement it over the base of the previous tooth, which may have been damaged or is unable to take further filling. Crowns make the base tooth look better. They also add strength and support to the rest of the teeth, thanks to Dentists in Elk Grove CA.

Like any medical practice, there are emergencies. Same day appointments are given to those who need them. Dentists in Elk Grove CA do not like to make any patient wait, but at times, it is necessary. If your appointment time is extended, or you need to see someone besides your regular dentist, feel good that they would do the same for you, when needed.

Kid-Friendly Dentists In Elk Grove CA

Dentists in Elk Grove CA know the key to good dental hygiene is working with children when they are young. The fear that some adults feel won’t exist when kids find out going to the dentist can be fun. Things like stickers, colorful toothbrushes, waxed dental floss, and tasty toothpaste appeal to the young, and the not-so-young, to be truthful. Staff is ready to answer the 101 questions that kids seem to have. Usually, this is when kids find out braces may be in their future. Dental X-rays show the adult teeth under the gums, allowing the Dentists in Elk Grove CA to make notes for the orthodontist.

Pay the Dentists in Elk Grove CA in a variety of ways, including insurance, cash, and credit cards. If you have to make weekly or monthly payments to get treatment, talk with Dentists in Elk Grove CA. Arrangements can usually be made with Dentists In Elk Grove CA.

The Best in Pain Free Dentistry

Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. – Dentist Elk Grove

Whether living in or visiting Elk Grove, Dentist Elk Grove is the answer for all your dental needs. From tots to seniors, it is important to maintain good dental health with regular checkups and care. In case you have a dental emergency, walk-in appointments are accepted. Dentist Elk Grove accepts different payment types, including credit card, cash, and insurance. Sometimes we need to have something fixed right away. Talk to Dentist Elk Grove friendly, professional staff regarding your situation.

Reasons to Visit the Dentist Elk Grove

• Dental implants are the answer to dentures. Metal anchors substitute for the roots of your teeth, which have deteriorated. Dentist Elk Grove puts them in the jawbone, and attaches small posts on top of each one. The posts are stable and will hold created teeth, which will look natural and beautiful in your mouth. While you are waiting for the anchors to become part of the jaw, Dentist Elk Grove will give you temporary false teeth so you can eat. It takes about a year to complete the process. Once it’s over and you see your beautiful smile in the mirror, you will agree it was worth the wait.
• Root canals are common dental procedures, even at Dentist Elk Grove. A root canal is done to restore good health to sick teeth, and avoid the necessity of bridges or dental implants. When the pulp in your tooth gets infected, the bad pulp needs removed. Dentist Elk Grove will then clean the root canal and seal it. Some of the things that can cause the infection are cracks in the teeth or unchecked decay.
• Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shapes that are bonded to the teeth in the front and on the top surfaces. Dentist Elk Grove is ready to help the clients who will benefit from the strong, durable covering. Your smile will be widened because of how beautiful it is, thanks to Dentist Elk Grove.

The routine visit is usually for teeth cleaning. The dental hygienist at Dentist Elk Grove is your best friend when it comes to the health of your teeth. If you aren’t flossing correctly, or missing certain spots on your teeth when brushing, a review of those two essential dental hygiene practices will be given.

Other Ways Dentist Elk Grove Can Keep You Smiling

Dentist Elk Grove is qualified to help your smile. Cosmetic fillings can be designed to match your teeth and/or bridges. No more wimpy smiles because your mouth is full of metal. Teeth whitening can be done to clear stains from your teeth and make them look brighter. If it is time for dentures, and your jawbone won’t accept implants, Dentist Elk Grove will do all the steps necessary to make certain your new dentures will fit snugly and comfortably.

Start the children on the right path of good dental care at Dentist Elk Grove. By learning the proper way to brush their teeth and floss, they will form good habits for the rest of their life. One of the best moments for kids is when they are praised by the staff for the steps they are taking towards healthy teeth and gums at Dentist Elk Grove.

The Best in Pain Free Dentistry

Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. – Dentist Elk Grove

In beautiful Elk Grove, you can expect the best in living, along with some of the finest hospitals and other healthcare facilities, but when it comes to your teeth, it is better to leave them in the care of the Dentist Elk Grove who cares – Dr. Tom Tinney.  This is not your ordinary dentist.  He not only has the strong schooling and background, which will be discussed later, but is also a United States Air Force Veteran.

Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. Dentist Elk Grove

Dr. Tinney began his career immediately following University studies, in 1979, as a resident and practitioner for eight years.  After extensive experience with patients and with the dental offices he went on to the Air Force, within one of the largest Dental associations in the military, The Dental Corps.

He is an active member of DOCS, the Dental Organization of Oral Conscious Sedation, having completed (at this time) over 450 Sedation Dentistry cases.  He’s also a member of the Comfort Academy: Dental Professionals Dedicated to Patient Comfort, as well as the Dental Anxiety network.

He became a Level IV Instructor-Trainer in Air Abrasive Micro Dentistry, certified, at the Texas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.  He has received his Category II Certification in Laser Dentistry through the Academy of Laser Dentistry.  He is a member of Centers for Dental Medicine, an organization committed to the education and treatment of mouth-to-body diseases, oral and systemic health.

The Best Dentist Elk Grove Office

This dentist Elk Grove is a graduate of FACE: the Foundation for Advanced Continuing Education where he was trained in Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry, Full Mouth Rehabilitation and treatment of TMD (“TMJ”, joint and “bite” disease).  At one time, Dr. Tinney was a traveling dentist for 17 convalescent rest homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, before opening his private practice in Sacramento, Ca. in May of 1987.

So, as you can see, the background checks out.  You cannot find a more learned or confident dentist Elk Grove.  Not only would you be enjoying the gorgeous Elk Grove weather and climate, but you can be sure that when it comes to your teeth and gums (maintain care for gum disease), Dr. Tom Tinney will give you the best possible care.

Tom Tinney is not only a dentist, but a family man.  He has a wife and daughter, which shows that Dr. Tom Tinney is more than just a doctor of dentistry.  He lives where his patients live, and is a dentist Elk Grove with a strong heart for people.   Most people do not like the dentist chair, but Dr. Tom will make you comfortable and eased.  He uses the state-of-the-art equipment you can expect from an ex-military man, and his Air Force experience led him to be knowledgeable of about every type of dental disease and malformed condition that can exist in the human mouth and head.

As a professional, Dr. Tinney will take your dental care to the next level, utilizing his vast knowledge and experience to bear when handling any and all of your mandible and sub-mandible problems.  Nothing is too steep or so difficult that the issues can be solved at the dentist Elk Grove offices, California.

Dr. Tom Tinney, DDS (916) 236-4551 – Dentist Elk Grove

Treating Gum Disease

Dr. Tom Tinney, D.D.S. – Gum Disease

If you have bleeding, puffy, or agitated gums, you may be one of the adults who have gum disease. Periodontal disease can lead to receding gums, loss of teeth, chronic bad breath, and has recently been linked with heart disease. Treating gum disease can reverse the process and help both teeth and gums to become healthy again. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, afflicts about 85% of adults. This condition is not to be taken lightly; when untreated; gum disease can lead to recession of the gums, loss of teeth, and heart disease.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treating gum disease, and even laser dentistry. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontists are familiar with the latest techniques for treating gum disease. In addition, they can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.

Dentist Elk Grove Can Help With Gum Disease

Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment in treating gum disease. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.

Limited research suggests that the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. In addition, when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery.

Don’t Hide From Gum Disease

If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:

  • A pocket reduction procedure has been recommended because you have pockets that are too deep to clean with daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine. During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.
  • Your periodontist may recommend a regenerative procedure when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed. These procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue. During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.
  • During a crown lengthening procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile. Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible. If your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
  • Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

Habitual brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease. However, once gum disease develops, brushing and flossing alone are not enough. Treating periodontal disease requires a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums (to avoid gum disease), followed by continual treatment of the area with a FDA approved, Elk Grove Dentist prescribed solution.

Dr. Tom Tinney, DDS (916) 236-4551 – Dentist Elk Grove

gum disease

Diseases of the Mouth

There are a number of common mouth diseases that can affect people at various points in their lives. It’s important to look after your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly and by visiting your Elk Grove dentist on a regular basis. Diseases like hand-foot-mouth disease, thrush, and gingivitis all need to be treated promptly.

Hand-foot-mouth disease is usually seen in babies and children. Symptoms include blistering in the mouth, sore throat, fever, and lack of appetite. This common mouth disease also presents as a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The virus is spread from person to person and frequent hand washing is a good strategy to keep the risk of spreading it down. Since hand-foot-mouth disease is a virus, there is no specific treatment ordered to treat this example of common mouth diseases. Specific symptoms can be treated, though. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and treat the pain caused by the mouth sores.

Another example of disease of the mouth is thrush. This is an oral yeast infection that affects children and adults. Yeast is normally present in a person’s mouth and if the levels are at a normal level, this is not a cause for concern. However, when the individual’s resistance to infection is low, the level of yeast can get out of balance, and cause an infection. Thrush looks like white lesions on the tongue and in the mouth. The tissue underneath the lesions will appear red in color and my bleed. Your doctor or dentist can diagnose a case of thrush and recommend treatment options. When babies have thrush, most of the time no specific treatment is needed and the infection will clear up on its own. In adults, a special mouthwash or lozenges with anti-fungal properties may be ordered.

Periodontal disease is often a result of poor oral care and hygiene, though not always. In some cases, weakened immune systems or genetic disorders can result in chronic periodontal disease. A far more common cause of periodontal disease is the long-term neglect of the teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria build up in the mouth, on the surface of teeth, and between the teeth and gums to forms plaque. If plaque remains on the surface of the teeth and between the teeth and gums, it becomes a much harder substance called tartar. Gingivitis is yet another example of common mouth diseases. This condition causes the gums to swell. Bleeding after brushing may be a sign of gingivitis, but there are other factors that my increase your risk of developing the disorder. Tobacco use, poor nutrition, substance abuse, and the hormonal changes present during pregnancy have been linked to gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious mouth disease. It’s a good idea to look after your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene. Seek medical attention if you notice something that doesn’t appear normal, and be on the lookout for symptoms of these common mouth diseases.

In healthy mouths, the buildup of plaque occurs naturally, but is easily controlled by regular brushing and flossing and routine professional teeth cleanings. However, if the bacteria begin to increase either due to neglect or to a medical condition, the tartar eventually destroys the gums and supporting structures. Periodontal disease occurs more frequently in people with diabetes, osteoporosis, herpes, and diseases that weaken the immune system. Other risk factors for developing periodontal disease are preventable and include smoking and vitamin C deficiency. Short of poor oral hygiene, smoking is the leading preventable cause of periodontal disease.

Laser Periodontics

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists are also expert in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Today there are two dozen indications for use with various dental laser devices; and the clinical applications continue to increase, making the laser one of dentistry’s most exciting advances with unique patient benefits. Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP™ ) is therapy designed for the treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than resection. This therapy and the laser used to perform it have been in use for more than a decade. In surgery a variable dental laser is used by a trained and certified Elk Grove dentist or periodontist to treat the periodontal pocket. The laser energy selectively removes diseased or infected pocket tissue from the underlying connective tissue. Since the laser energy is quite selective for pocket epithelium, the underlying pleuropotential connective tissue is spared, thereby permitting healing and regeneration rather than formation of a pocket seal by long junctional epithelium.

Each wavelength has a somewhat unique effect on dental structures, due to the specific absorption of that laser energy in the tissue. Some lasers are only absorbed by blood and tissue pigments, while others are only absorbed by water as well as hard tissue, like enamel, dentin, and bone. More specifically, the wavelengths can be categorized into three groups. Diode and Nd:YAG wavelengths target the pigments in soft tissue and pathogens as well as inflammatory and vascularized tissue. Carbon Dioxide lasers also easily interact with free water molecules in soft tissue as well as vaporizing the intracellular water of pathogens. Erbium lasers are sometimes called all tissue instruments because of their very short temporal emission mode and absorption in the water of soft and hard tissue.

Lasers produce light energy that can be absorbed by a target tissue, and this absorption process produces a thermal reaction in that tissue. Depending on the instrument’s parameters and the optical properties of the tissue, the temperature will rise and various effects will occur. In general, most non-sporulating bacteria, including anaerobes, are readily deactivated at temperatures of 50 degrees C. The inflammatory soft tissue present in periodontal disease can be removed at 60 degrees C; moreover, hemostasis can also be reached within the same heat parameters. Soft tissue excisional or incisional surgery is accomplished at 100 degrees C, where vaporization of intra- and extra cellular water causes ablation, or removal of biological tissue. Likewise, the aqueous component of tooth structure and bone also boils at this temperature; thus cavity preparation, calculus removal, and osseous contouring can proceed.

After the procedure, most patients experience new root surface coating and new connective tissues formation  on teeth roots, preventing tooth loss. Pocket depth reduction is comparable to that achieved by conventional pocket reduction surgery, but without the gingival recession normally associated with osseous surgery. Significant post-operative reduction in gingival indices, gingival inflammation, and bleeding on probing are also common desirable results of using lasers in periodontics. Lasers use spares more healthy tissue than scaling and root planing, patients experience minimal post-operative recession and disfigurement or root sensitivity. These results reduce the future risk of root caries and dental decay of the tooth root. Minimal pain is easily controlled through the use of ibuprofen. Patients are encouraged to improve and maintain standards of oral hygiene to prevent further active periodontitis.