Dentistry 

Tooth discoloration occurs externally from tobacco, coffee, tea, and certain foods, or internally from aging, trauma, fluoride exposure, and medications. Professional teeth whitening offers safe, effective solutions that dramatically brighten your smile—typically 3-8 shades lighter in a single visit. Our whitening treatments are among the most affordable cosmetic options available and work on most patients. We offer both in-office power bleaching for immediate results and custom take-home trays for gradual, controlled whitening over 2-4 weeks. Results typically last 1-3 years depending on lifestyle and maintenance habits.
 

Professional supervision ensures optimal whitening results while protecting tooth sensitivity—a common concern with over-the-counter products. Whitening may not be suitable for those with gum recession, exposed root surfaces, or existing dental restorations (bonding, crowns, veneers don't whiten), which we assess during your consultation. Cost ranges from $300-600 for in-office treatment or $200-400 for custom trays. Insurance doesn't cover whitening (cosmetic procedure), but results are long-lasting and maintenance touch-ups are affordable. With proper care, you can maintain your brighter smile for years.

Bonding applies tooth-colored composite resin directly to your tooth surface to repair chips, cracks, breaks, close gaps, and cover discolorations. This virtually painless treatment is completed in a single visit with no anesthesia required in most cases. The bonding material is carefully matched to your natural tooth color using multiple shades and blending techniques for a seamless, natural-looking result. The process involves etching the tooth surface with a conditioning solution to allow proper adhesion, applying and sculpting the composite material, and hardening it with a special light. Once complete, your tooth is immediately functional—you can eat and speak normally right away.

Bonding typically lasts 5-10 years before recoating or replacement becomes necessary due to wear or staining. Cost ranges from $150-400 per tooth depending on size and complexity, and insurance often covers bonding for decay but may not cover cosmetic bonding. Bonding is less durable than veneers or crowns but offers quicker results and more conservative tooth preparation. Maintain bonded teeth by brushing and flossing normally, avoiding hard objects (ice, hard candy), and limiting staining foods/drinks. Regular touch-ups keep bonded teeth looking fresh and attractive.

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that fits precisely over a damaged tooth to restore strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are recommended for teeth weakened by large fillings or cavities, cracked or broken teeth, root canal-treated teeth, or cosmetic improvement. The crown fully covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing lasting protection and a natural-looking result. Each crown is individually crafted in a dental lab to match your bite, adjacent teeth, and natural tooth color. Modern materials like porcelain and zirconia create crowns that look incredibly natural while providing exceptional durability and strength.

The crown process involves two appointments over 2-3 weeks. First, we prepare the tooth, take digital impressions, and place a temporary crown for protection. Two to three weeks later, your permanent crown is fitted, adjusted, and bonded into place. Cost ranges from $1,000-3,000 per crown depending on material selected, and dental insurance typically covers 50-75% (check your plan). With proper care—regular brushing, flossing, avoiding hard objects, and dental visits— crowns last 10-15+ years, with many lasting 20+ years or longer. A crown is one of the most durable and long-lasting restorations available.

Dentures are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of a natural smile. They are supported by the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and can be either removable or implant-supported. Depending on the patient’s needs, dentures may replace missing teeth on the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) arch.

Dr. Scharf and his team have extensive experience in selecting and fabricating the ideal denture solution for each patient. Working closely with a state-of-the-art local dental laboratory, they use the latest materials and advanced techniques to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and esthetics.
 

The practice offers a full range of denture options, including temporary, partial, and complete dentures, as well as implant-supported overdentures and fixed hybrids. Implant-supported dentures provide exceptional stability—allowing patients to eat comfortably, speak naturally, and smile confidently without the worry of dentures slipping or requiring adhesives.

Whether restoring a few missing teeth or a full arch, Dr. Scharf’s denture solutions combine precision craftsmanship, modern implant technology, and personalized care to deliver natural-looking results and long-lasting comfort.

Composite restorations, also called tooth-colored fillings, repair small- to mid-size cavities with a durable, aesthetic solution that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth on both front and back surfaces. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composite restorations match your tooth color precisely and require minimal tooth removal, preserving more of your natural structure. The procedure is straightforward: decay is removed, the tooth is cleaned and prepared, and tooth-colored composite material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. The restored tooth is immediately functional—you can eat and speak comfortably without delay or special care.

Advanced composite materials offer excellent durability and strength while providing superior aesthetics. Your tooth color is carefully matched using multiple shades to ensure a natural appearance that blends with surrounding teeth. Cost ranges from $150-400 per tooth depending on cavity size and location, and dental insurance usually covers composite restorations at 80-100% as the standard treatment. Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years with proper care. Maintain composite restorations by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, avoiding hard foods, and attending regular dental visits. With good oral hygiene, composite restorations provide lasting function and aesthetic excellence.

Oral cancer affects approximately 25,000 Americans annually, developing most commonly on the tongue or floor of the mouth. Risk increases for individuals over 40, tobacco or alcohol users, those with a history of head/neck cancer, and those with excessive sun exposure. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes—survival rates increase to 90% when caught in early stages compared to late-stage diagnosis. Every exam includes comprehensive head and neck screening using advanced detection techniques. We check for abnormal lumps, color changes, red or white patches, sores that don't heal, and tissue irregularities that could indicate precancerous or cancerous changes.

Our screening process is quick, painless, and performed at every dental visit. If concerns arise, we work with leading oral pathologists for diagnostic accuracy and can perform brush or excisional biopsies if needed. Common warning signs include mouth sores lasting 2+ weeks, persistent mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, and numbness in the mouth or lips. To reduce oral cancer risk, avoid tobacco and heavy alcohol use, limit sun exposure, and maintain a nutrient-rich diet. Regular screening combined with lifestyle awareness provides the best protection against oral cancer.

For patients with healthy teeth and gums who wish to enhance the appearance of their smile, Dr. Scharf offers custom-made dental veneers—a simple and effective solution for improving tooth color, shape, and alignment. Veneers are ideal for brightening teeth that are permanently stained, closing small gaps, reshaping uneven teeth, or covering chips and worn enamel caused by brushing or everyday wear.

Veneers are thin, durable shells made of porcelain, composite resin, or acrylic materials, designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth. The process typically requires only a few comfortable visits and often does not require anesthesia. Using the latest digital and cosmetic dentistry technologies, Dr. Scharf and his team plan and deliver beautiful, long-lasting veneers with exceptional precision. Each case includes custom shade matching, model previews, and high-quality ceramic materials to ensure natural aesthetics and long-term results.
 

During the procedure, a small amount of enamel is carefully removed, impressions are taken to create a custom model, and the veneers are securely bonded with dental cement and cured using advanced lighting technology. To maintain veneers, patients should practice excellent oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and limit foods or drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. Avoiding tobacco and hard objects like ice or fingernails helps protect against chips or peeling. With proper care, veneers can transform your smile—giving you confidence that lasts for years.

When tooth decay or injury reaches the nerve (pulp), infection develops and causes severe pain. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, stops the pain, and saves your tooth from extraction. The procedure carefully removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue, cleans and shapes the canal system, and seals it with biocompatible material (gutta-percha). The access hole is then restored with a permanent filling (core buildup). To protect the treated tooth from future fractures, a dental crown is strongly recommended after root canal therapy. Saving your natural tooth is always superior to extraction—it maintains jaw structure, bone density, and natural tooth function better than any replacement.

Advanced technology allows most root canal cases to be completed in 1-2 comfortable visits without specialist referral. We use digital X-rays, precision rotary instruments, and high-magnification microscopes for accuracy and efficiency. Cost ranges from $800-1,500 depending on tooth complexity and location, and dental insurance usually covers the procedure. Even after root canal therapy, regular checkups and X-rays are essential since treated teeth no longer contain nerves and decay can progress silently. With proper restoration and ongoing care, root canal therapy has a 97% success rate, preserving your natural smile for many years.