Exceptional Dentistry of the Tri-State Region

How can cosmetic dentistry improve the appearance of your smile and enhance the health of your teeth and gums? Cosmetic dentistry combines artistic restoration techniques with advanced dental health strategies to establish and maintain your most natural, beautiful smile. If you have ever dreamed of showing off a healthier, more attractive smile, AACD-accredited, LVI-trained cosmetic dentist Dr. Ted Murray can turn those dreams into reality using the most current cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology available today. He works as a team with his daughter, Dr. Berning, who is also receiving LVI training. Cosmetic Treatments Available For a discussion of your treatment options and an evaluation of your smile, please call Exceptional Dentistry at 563-556-2711 today. Dr. Murray, Dr. Berning, and Dr. Oetken serve patients in and around Davenport, Cedar Rapids and other nearby communities from our office in Dubuque, Iowa. Tooth Whitening Tooth whitening can take years off your appearance. At Exceptional Dentistry, the safe and effective ZOOM! In-Office Whitening System can dramatically brighten your smile in under one hour. ZOOM! Whitening is the perfect choice for busy individuals who want to enjoy a more youthful appearance without spending hours in the dentist’s chair. Invisalign® Invisalign® straightens teeth invisibly, without the discomfort or awkward appearance of conventional metal braces. We use advanced 3D computer imaging to create your treatment plan. A series of clear, custom-made, comfortable aligners can gently realign your teeth over time for a straight, stunning smile. Porcelain Veneers In two short, pain-free visits, Dr. Ted Murray, Dr. Kristen Berning, and Dr. Alexia Oetken can restore the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers. They are thin shells of fired porcelain that fit perfectly over your teeth, effectively correcting almost any smile imperfection. Porcelain veneers remain strong, attractive and durable for years. Laser Gum Recontouring If your smile reveals excessive gum tissue, making your teeth appear short and unattractive, you may be a candidate for laser gum recontouring. This is a safe, comfortable procedure that gently reshapes and sculpts the gum line for a more natural and beautiful smile. Metal-Free Restorations Exceptional Dentistry offers metal-free restorations. Silver mercury fillings and amalgams can eventually weaken and break teeth, causing further decay. Metal-free fillings are safer and stronger and look so similar to your tooth enamel that they are undetectable as fillings. Contact Our Experienced Cosmetic Dentist No matter what your cosmetic dentistry needs are, we can help you achieve your healthiest, most stunning smile. To learn just how wonderful you can look and feel, please call 563-556-2711 or email our cosmetic dentistry office for a personal consultation. We serve Galena, IL, as well as Dubuque,Dyersville and Davenport, Iowa.

Who doesn’t long for a straight, healthy, beautiful smile? When common dental health issues such as tooth decay or periodontal disease threaten the longevity and beauty of your smile, comprehensive general dental care is crucial. Good dental health is the foundation of cosmetic dentistry and the underpinning of your attractive smile. Exceptional Dentistry is among the top Dubuque family dentists. Call us at 563-556-2711 to schedule an appointment and learn how our skilled Dubuque family dentists can help. Why Your Family's Dental Health Is Important When gum disease is not promptly and properly treated it can lead to other serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Good oral hygiene can protect not just the teeth, gums and bite, but also the entire body. Regular brushing, flossing and use of antiseptic mouthwash comprise the basics of good at-home oral care. In some areas of the country, and for some age groups, fluoride treatments help to maintain strong teeth. Eating a healthy diet high in calcium and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can have a direct, positive effect on your family's dental health. We use a dental device called DIAGNOdent to detect early tooth decay. It uses a laser to find caries before any other method can do it, and that reduces the dental work necessary to repair decay. From young children to adults and seniors, the Dubuque family dental professionals at Exceptional Dentistry offer complete family dentistry. Here, you will receive compassionate care from dentists with LVI-trained experience, using top-level materials and precise technology. Exceptional Dentistry provides both family dentistry and general dentistry to the communities of Dubuque, Dyersville and Davenport, Iowa, as well as Galena, Illinois. Please contact our Dubuque family dentist office today online or by calling 563-556-2711 to schedule your personal consultation.

Did you know the latest dental research shows that oral bacteria and inflammation can play a hidden role in systemic diseases? Inadequate oral care can lead to unnecessary health risks, including heart disease, arterial blockage and stroke. Dental Phobias Fear of the dentist is often what holds people back from taking better care of their oral health. The sound of the drill, the bright lights, and other factors can cause you to neglect your oral health, possibly leading to other ill health effects. Why take that chance? However, if you have procrastinated about the dental care you need, we can float your fears away with the calming effects of sedation dentistry. Nitrous Oxide Nitrous oxide, also called "laughing gas", is a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is delivered via a fitted mask placed comfortably over the nose. You simply relax and breathe normally as your dental procedures take place. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective treatment for both children and adults. While you wear the mask you feel calm and unconcerned. Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly and you can resume your normal daily routine. Oral Medication Oral conscious sedation is delivered via a pill taken before dental treatment to block pain and discomfort. The oral medication is similar to a sleeping pill. Although you will be able to speak and respond throughout the procedure, it is unlikely you will remember the entire appointment. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards, as the effects take some time to wear off. Intravenous (IV) Medication IV conscious sedation, is a safe and effective treatment for anxious dental patients. Administered directly into the bloodstream by a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), IV sedation is fast-acting and can be adjusted quickly according to your needs. Like oral sedation, you will be able to breathe on your own and respond during the appointment. It leaves you with little memory of the dental treatment. If anxiety is affecting your dental health or appearance, sedation dentistry may be the answer to making your smile dreams come true. Techniques used in sedation dentistry are safe and effective in eliminating dental anxiety, so you can relax completely and have a pain-free visit. Please contact our Dubuque sedation dentists today by calling 563-556-2711 or complete the form on this page to schedule your personal consultation. Exceptional Dentistry serves Iowa communities such as Dyersville and Davenport, as well as visitors from Galena, Illinois

Do you wish you could magically straighten your teeth without an embarrassing mouth full of metal? You can, with Invisalign®. Invisalign - A Revolutionary Concept in Teeth Straightening Invisalign® is a virtually invisible method for achieving the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always dreamed of, and no one ever has to know you are doing it. The treatment uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to slowly reposition your teeth without conventional metal braces. You remove the aligners to eat and drink and for brushing and flossing. There are no food restrictions. Advanced Computer Imaging Makes Invisalign Happen How does Invisalign® straighten your teeth so effortlessly? Our dentists will take measurements, photographs and X-rays of your entire mouth. Using 3-D computer imaging, we then create your treatment plan, determining how many aligners will be necessary in your series, how much pressure each aligner will apply, and exactly where it will be applied. You will be able to preview the final positioning before beginning your treatment. Each pair of aligners is worn for two weeks, with each new pair moving the teeth incrementally until optimal positioning has been achieved. Deciding If Invisalign Is Right for You If you would like straighter teeth and an improved smile, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign®. Candidacy can only be determined by your cosmetic dentist. Your aligners are entirely customized and made according to specifications by the Invisalign® company. You will know before you begin treatment that your new smile is going to look great, and make you feel great as well. It is important to consult with an experienced dentist to learn exactly how Invisalign® will fit your unique needs. Please call 563-556-2711 or email Exceptional Dentistry serving Dubuque, Dyersville, Davenport and Galena.

Restorative dentistry is the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems, with the goal of restoring function and beauty. At Exceptional Dentistry in Dubuque, Iowa, we offer metal-free restorations, full mouth reconstruction and endodontics to help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile and excellent oral care for life. How Restorative Dentistry Can Help Your Smile Replacing Old Fillings with Metal Free Restorations Metal amalgam fillings have received criticism as a potential health risk. Our dental office proudly offers metal-free restorations for safe and effective resolution of dental problems. Metal-free restorations can be made of either: A white composite resin (dental bonding material); or Dental porcelain They are durable, strong and attractive and they will strengthen your teeth rather than gradually weakening them, as metal fillings do. Metal-free restorations are available in a wide variety of colors, so that our dentists can closely match them to your natural tooth color. That makes them unrecognizable as dental restorations. Full Mouth Reconstruction Full mouth reconstruction combines multiple restorative dentistry options to rebuild your bite, restoring function and an attractive appearance. You may be a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction if you are experiencing difficulties or pain with chewing, speaking or biting down, or if you have a number of damaged and/or missing teeth. A full mouth dental restoration can address: Overbites Underbites Crossbites Tooth trauma TMJ Tooth decay Restorative Dentistry Using Endodontics Endodontic therapy, commonly called a root canal, focuses on the interior of the tooth. Inside the tooth’s crown (visible part), there is an area called the pulp chamber. It contains blood vessels, connective tissue and the tooth’s nerves. Each tooth has a canal that continues down through each of its roots (up to four per tooth). These are the root canals and they provide space for the nerves and blood vessels to enter the tooth from the body’s overall nervous and circulatory systems. When a tooth is so decayed that the tooth pulp is infected, it cannot be repaired with a filling. It must either be extracted or given a root canal treatment and a crown. Endodontics removes decay and bacteria from the tooth’s root canals. It then fills the canals with a special dental cement to preserve remaining tooth structure. Once a root canal is performed, the tooth requires a crown. Contact Our Restorative Dentist To Learn More The professional dental team at Exceptional Dentistry strives to remain up-to-date, offering you the best treatments and techniques to restore and maintain your beautiful smile. Please email our dental office or call 563-556-2711 to schedule your consultation at Exceptional Dentistry, serving Dubuque, Dyersville, and Davenport, Iowa.

ongue Ties and Lip Ties What are tethered oral tissues? The mouth naturally has frenum attachments, which are small bands of tissue attaching from one location to another. Some of these oral tissue attachments can be too tight and restrictive, and therefore adversely affect function (such as feeding), dental development, and oral-facial growth. When these frenum attachments are too tight, they are called tethered oral tissues. They are also called lip ties, tongueties, and buccal ties. A frenum can also be called a frenulum, and those names can be used interchangeably. Research has determined that 5-10% of the population has a tongue tie. What is a lip tie? A tight upper lip frenum may compromise lip flanging during latching on a breast or bottle, making it more difficult to feed well. The lip may appear tense during nursing, and cause shallow latch. When teeth are present, a tight upper lip may trap milk, resulting in enamel decalcification and tooth decay. If the frenum attaches close to the gum tissue ridge and is thick, a future diastema (gap between front teeth) can occur. What is a tongue tie? A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is an embryological remnant of tissue in the midline between the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth that restricts normal movement such as elevation, protrusion, lateralization, and cupping. This can result in an inability of the tongue to function correctly for feeding. Long term, a tongue tie may result in speech or feeding problems. A tongue tie may hinder the development of proper adult swallow, and be associated with a high palate, narrow dental arches, and crowded teeth. What is an anterior tongue tie? An anterior tongue tie is when the frenum attaches to, or very close to, the anterior tip of the tongue. The tongue tip then is sometimes “heart shaped”. This type of tongue-tie is easily recognized by parents and medical providers. What is a posterior tongue tie? A posterior tongue tie is when the frenum attachment is restrictive, but the frenum attachment is further from the tip of the tongue (more posterior) and sometimes submucosal. These types of tongueties require a hands-on assessment from an experience provider in order to find and feel the restriction. During the functional assessment, the medical provider will also note the tongue may be limited in elevation, protrusion, lateralization and cupping. What is a buccal tie? A buccal (pronounced like “buckle”) tie is a restrictive frenum attachment from the cheek area to the gum tissue on the side of the dental arch. This area is where the baby molar teeth or adult premolar teeth are, or will be, located. When tongue ties and lip ties cause a functional problem, how are they treated? Laser Frenectomy A laser frenectomy is a treatment option for babies, children, or adults with a restrictive frenum (also called a frenulum). A frenum is a band of tissue extending under the lip and/or cheek to the gumline, or a band of tissue under the tongue extending to the floor of the mouth. Oftentimes frenum attachments are normal, but a restricted frenum may not function normally and lead to other problems with feeding or growth and development. The laser is used to remove the tight frenum attachment, release the restriction, and allow for improved range of motion. Topical and/or local anesthesia may be used. There is minimal bleeding and the area will heal over the course of 1-3 weeks. For both adults and children, a restrictive frenum can lead to gum recession, a large gap between the teeth, or difficulties with eating or speech. In babies, these restrictive frenums are called lip ties and tongue ties, and can contribute to difficulties with breastfeeding. One of our dentists, Dr. Kristen Berning, experienced the difficulty herself with breastfeeding her own tongue tied babies. Please read about her experience in our blog. Dr. Berning provides support for breastfeeding moms who have babies with tongue ties or lip ties. She uses laser technology to release restrictive frenums, including posterior tongue ties. She performs this laser procedure routinely, often as much as 1-4 times per week. Please contact our Dubuque laser dentist today by calling 563-556-2711 or complete the form on this page to schedule your consultation. Exceptional Dentistry serves Iowa communities such as Dyersville and Davenport, as well as visitors from southwest Wisconsin and northwest Illinois.

Lasers can be used in dentistry for a variety of dental treatments and procedures. This technology is very precise and offers you a number of other benefits. Our office has been dedicated to using modern technology since Dr. Ted Murray first opened the doors to his dental office. To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Dubuque dentists, please call Exceptional Dentistry of the Tri-State Region at 563-556-2711. Advantages of Laser Dentistry Here are some of the major benefits associated with laser dentistry: Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require local anesthesia. Bacterial infections are minimized because the laser energy sterilizes as it works. Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding and may speed healing time. Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized since the laser beam is very precise. Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers often do not require sutures (stitches). Laser Frenectomy A laser frenectomy is a treatment option for babies, children, or adults with a restrictive frenum (also called a frenulum). A frenum is a band of tissue extending under the lip and/or cheek to the gumline, or a band of tissue under the tongue extending to the floor of the mouth. Oftentimes frenum attachments are normal, but a restricted frenum may not function normally and lead to other problems. For both adults and children, a restrictive frenum can lead to gum recession, a large gap between the teeth, or difficulties with eating or speech. In babies, these restrictive frenums are sometimes called lip ties and tongue-ties, and can contribute to difficulties with breastfeeding. One of our dentists, Dr. Kristen Berning, experienced the difficulty herself with breastfeeding her own tongue-tied babies. Please read about her experience in our blog. Dr. Berning provides support for breastfeeding moms who have babies with tongue-ties or lip ties. She uses laser technology to release restrictive frenums, including posterior tongue-ties. She performs this laser procedure routinely, often as much as 1-2 times per week. So you can rely on Dr. Berning's experience in this area. Laser Dentistry in Dental Hygiene To treat gingivitis and periodontal disease, our experienced hygienists use laser dentistry. When your gums get infected, it allows bacteria, plaque and tartar to accumulate in pockets formed between the gums and the teeth. This can lead to chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, infected tissue, bone loss and loose teeth. In advanced cases, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Laser dentistry dramatically reduces the amount of bacteria and it promotes wound healing. The laser light energy is collected in the mitochondria which "jump starts" the healing process. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy is precise, comfortable, and can be used on nearly every segment of the population regardless of age. Pictured above is an actual case completed in our office where the ultrasonic scaler, hand instruments, and laser treatment were used to treat gingivitis and periodontal disease and return the patient’s gum tissue to optimum health. Notice how the gums were very puffy and swollen in the “Before” photo. In the "After" photo, the gums are pink and healthy. If you are searching for experienced and compassionate Dubuque dentists to provide laser dentistry and other advanced care, please contact Exceptional Dentistry of the Tri-State Region online or by phone at 563-556-2711 to schedule a consultation.

If you snore, or share your bedroom with someone who snores, you know how it can disrupt a good night’s sleep. Snoring may be occasional and harmless, or it may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If that is the case, you will be experiencing daytime fatigue, decreased concentration, and a general feeling of poor health. If you or your partner suffers from snoring and you suspect sleep apnea might be the cause, please don't hesitate to contact Exceptional Dentistry: 563-556-2711. Our dentists serve patients from Galena, Illinois, and Iowa communities including Davenport and Cedar Rapids from our office in Dubuque. Why We Snore Snoring is the result of the airway being partially blocked. The sound of snoring comes from the soft tissues vibrating at the back of the throat. Either the tongue falls back into the airway during sleep and partially blocks it or throat tissue collapses into the airway. With minor snoring, enough air may pass through to allow the snorer to receive adequate oxygen. Some individuals snore all their lives and do not experience any major adverse health problems. Sleep Apnea OSA sufferers stop breathing many times each hour, sometimes for ten seconds or more each time. It is easy to imagine how this disruptive pattern could affect a good night’s sleep. Chronic OSA deprives the body of oxygen and you wake up to gasp for air, then fall asleep again. Sleep apnea sufferers are not always aware their sleep is repeatedly disrupted. Some sufferers choke or gag as they struggle to get oxygen, but in the morning, they may not remember. Usually, the sleeping partner is first to note the affected person’s difficulties. Sometimes a visit to the family doctor with concerns about unusual daytime fatigue brings the issue to the forefront. CPAP to Treat Sleep Apnea A common treatment for OSA is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). It is a machine that delivers pressurized air through a mask worn on the face while sleeping. The CPAP machine is a very effective treatment for OSA. However, the device can be noisy, cumbersome, bulky, uncomfortable, and irritating to facial skin. Therefore, people attempting treatment with CPAP often give up before they experience the benefits. Oral Appliance: Mandibular Advancement Splint If a person has mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance can be considered as first line treatment. At Exceptional Dentistry, we recommend sleep apnea oral appliances to reduce or eliminate snoring. These custom-fitted oral appliances are similar to an orthodontic retainer, and are worn during sleep to treat snoring and OSA. It fits over the upper and lower teeth like a mouthguard. Unlike a mouthguard, an oral appliance for sleep apnea is a precision instrument, clinically tested to perfectly position your lower jaw slightly forward. It tightens the tissue at the back of the throat and prevents it from collapsing. When your airway remains open, breathing remains unobstructed, preventing the heavy snoring, choking and sleep disruption that accompanies OSA. Studies prove oral appliances can be very effective treatment for sleep apnea. If you would like to know more about this modern snore prevention technique, please call 563-556-2711 or contact Exceptional Dentistry online to schedule a personal consultation. Our office serves the Dubuque, Dyersville and Davenport, Iowa, area, as well as Galena, Illinois.

Do you grind your teeth at night, suffer from head and neck pain, or hear popping or clicking sounds in your jaw joints? These are some of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD. TMJ/TMD is the name for a misaligned bite, which occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly. A misaligned bite can affect your quality of life, causing chronic pain, premature tooth wear, tooth fracturing and tooth loss. Neuromuscular dentistry is both an art and a science, using sophisticated technology to diagnose TMJ, then applying innovative computer analysis and a variety of treatments to permanently correct the bite position. The treatment goal is to permanently position your lower jaw correctly. This will reduce or eliminate the chronic pain and discomfort of TMJ symptoms. Diagnosing TMJ Dr. Ted Murray begins his initial evaluation of your symptoms with a thorough medical and dental history that includes: Digital X-rays Muscle palpation Analysis of your posture Digital photographs Computerized technology also plays a vital role in evaluating your TMJ symptoms and includes: Electromyography Sonography Computerized jaw Ttacking TENS (transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation) – to relax the jaw muscles Possible TMJ Treatments The following treatment options may be included in the plan to restore your bite to its optimal position: TENS electrical stimulation for relaxing the chronically stressed muscles Oral appliances to retrain the jaw joint muscles Medication Dental work to reposition or reshape teeth Surgical remedies Physical therapy Could TMJ be the cause of your chronic pain? Don’t continue to suffer in silence. Dr. Murray can evaluate your symptoms using the most progressive diagnostics, answer your questions, and recommend sophisticated treatments. Please email Exceptional Dentistry or call us at 563-556-2711 to schedule your in-depth TMJ evaluation. Our dentists serve Dyersville, Davenport, and Galena.