Welcome! The dental professionals at Al Raed Dental Center are pleased to welcome you to our practice. Our web site loaded with valuable information about dentistry and dental problems and treatments. We have doctors and other professionals who are qualified, experienced and caring.
We, at Al Raed Dental Center, are your partners in keeping your smile healthy and aesthetically pleasing. We are committed in providing healthy smiles for our patients. Our professional staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of care. Because we are dentist owned, we are patient driven. This means we can focus more on providing excellent care and less on the bottom line.
Al Raed Dental Center dental professionals focus on each patient individually to understand your expectations for the appearance of your teeth. We strive to prevent future dental problems by emphasizing regular dental visits and good oral hygiene
Our doctors maintain proficiency in the latest technologies and techniques in cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, implants, braces and laser whitening techniques. You get state-of-the art treatment from experienced doctors you can trust..
Al Raed Dental Center offer comprehensive dentistry in a comfortable and relaxed setting. We use state of the art sterilization procedures for the protection of our patients.
Find out more about our practice on these web pages and then give us a call to learn how we can help you achieve the open, satisfying smile you dream of. For more information, please contact us.

Al Raed Dental Center Services

Initial Oral Examination
Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination and charting.
For proper diagnosis and treatment plan Al Raed Dental Center will also take X-Rays, which includes Panoramic X-Ray that shows all teeth inside the mouth as well as Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). These steps will help us provide our patients with ideal treatments they need.

Cosmetic Dentistry

While not every person is born with a perfect teeth, thanks to developments in the field of cosmetic dentistry by which people can change their teeth to get the smile they love.
Dental Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Crowns and Bridges
Inlays / Onlays
Cosmetic Filling

Dental Veneers

Veneers are very important as a cosmetic tool. Chipped, broken, discoloured teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using a Porcelain or Zirconia Veneers. A dental veneer can be applied onto the surface of a tooth. A dentist in Al Raed Dental Center may use single veneer or multiple to create a "Hollywood" type of smile. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening in Al Raed Dental Center is perhaps the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or alcohol beverages) or poor oral hygiene. Teeth whitening can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. This procedure consists of few easy steps that are easy to follow and bring satisfying results. When our dentists examine you, they can give you more details about this procedure.

Crowns And Bridges

When a tooth is heavily decayed, it is more likely to fracture and loose considerable tooth substance. Here we use crowns to contain the remaining structure of the tooth which cannot be restored with a simple filling.
Crowns may be made from several different materials, porcelain and gold being the most common types.
Bridge allows the dentist to replace lost tooth or teeth by preparing and taking support from the natural teeth on sides of the space to be restored. This procedure is recommended specially if the supporting natural teeth also need to be restored.
Crowns and bridges in Al Raed Dental Center can be made to appear very natural through the use of porcelain materials. The new technology of Zirconium material can be the best choice for the front teeth to give the smile you looking for.

Inlays / Onlays

Also known as indirect fillings. Inlays and Onlays in Al Raed Dental Center are made from porcelain materials which make it a long-lasting yet cosmetic way to provide a “filling” to teeth with tooth decay or similar structural damage. Whereas dental fillings are molded into place during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and cemented into place by your dentist.

Cosmetic fillings

Cosmetic fillings (Also called composite) are a tooth-colour alternative to traditional metal "amalgam" fillings, and it is our best material to restore and fill areas of decay in a tooth. Our dentists remove the decay from the tooth and fill the cavity with this hard durable cosmetic material to retain the remaining structure of the tooth. It matches the same shape, colour and shade of the tooth so nobody can notice that you have it in your tooth.
They are made of a composite resin, and they look just like natural teeth.
Cosmetic fillings in Al Raed Dental Center bond very tightly to your existing teeth and work extremely well for chipped and cracked teeth. There is obviously no danger of metal-sensitivity. If you want the very best for your smile, then you want to use materials that appear very natural and tooth-like. That is exactly what cosmetic fillings were designed for.
Silver fillings (Amalgam) fillings in Al Raed Dental Center are much darker than natural tooth structure
and give the “metal-mouth” look. Amalgams can corrode and leak over time, potentially staining teeth and gums. Additionally, many are now concerned over the health consequences of mercury content in amalgams. Now, we can replace your old silver filling with a new cosmetic filling with no danger to the tooth.

Orthodontics (Braces):

Orthodontics is the straightening of crooked, protruding, or misaligned teeth through the use of braces or appliances so the teeth can look and function better.

Gentle pressure is placed on the teeth so that they slowly move into the right place over a number of months or years. If you are interested in finding out about orthodontics for yourself or your child, please call our practice to set up a consultation appointment with our Orthodontist, Dr. Raed Al-Sharabati. He will discuss the treatment plan with you and if you are a good candidate for treatment, we can proceed with taking the appropriate models and x-rays to start treatment in the next visit.

Full Orthodontic Treatment:

This is comprehensive orthodontic care for adolescents and adults. This type of orthodontic care is a single phase of treatment and the results last a lifetime. Full orthodontic treatment in Al Raed Dental Center should address the results of occlusion (bite), as well as an attractive smile. We will not only ensure that your smile is beautiful, but we will also ensure that a functional bite is produced.
How Is Orthodontic Therapy Done?

Fixed Braces

Most often the choice of treatment is braces. Braces in Al Raed Dental Center can be done for any age above 9 years old. Treatment time lasts anywhere from 6 months-2 years, depending on the age and position of teeth. Prices of treatment vary depending on the complexity of the case, years that patient will be in braces and also the type of braces.
There are a variety of types of brackets, colors of wires and elastics to choose from. You can talk to Dr. Raed about which ones are right for you. You may like colored metal braces, cosmetic ceramic, Gold, or even the invisible ligual. With the use of new copper NiTi wires, Dr. Raed can move teeth in a gentler manner than years ago. This means teeth are less sensitive after adjustments and while they are shifting position in your mouth.

Removable Appliances

Removable appliances are not as precise as braces. They are only used to move one tooth or a small group of teeth in one direction. We have used appliance therapy in Al Raed Dental Center on many children and a few adults with minimal misalignment of their teeth. Patients are required to wear their appliance 24/7 during therapy and come in for regular observation and adjustment visits. Therapy can take anywhere from 6-18 months.

Appliance Therapy

Appliance therapy is a catch-all term. It includes palatal expansion in preadolescence or early adolescence, as well as appliances to assist with habits such as thumb sucking.
Dr. Raed Al-Sharabati in Al Raed Dental Center can examine patients as early as age seven to see if they may require braces in the future. Sometimes he may choose to have your child wear an appliance before all the adult teeth come in to improve eruption patterns and jaw alignment. This is called "Interceptive Orthodontics". Children may or may not require braces after wearing the appliance; it just depends on the complexity of the case and the growth pattern of your child's teeth and jaw.

Retainers:

We believe in Al Raed Dental Center that patients should wear braces only one time through their life. To ensure this, we make sure to give our patients the proper kind of retainers. Retainers help keep teeth in the right place after finishing the treatment.
Fixed retainers are almost invisible. It’s a wire that is attached to the inside of the teeth permanently in a way that nobody can see it. These wires are placed on in such a way that patients can feel it smooth with their tongue, clean and floss easily between the teeth.
Removable retainers in Al Raed Dental Center are made of a pink colored acrylic material and attach to teeth like an appliance would. Some patients are required to wear these retainers, while others can have the fixed ones.

Considerations

Orthodontic treatment in Al Raed Dental Center does take time to complete. Treatment involves a time commitment from patients and in general, adults take a bit longer to treat then children or teenagers. Treatment can range from 6 months to even 2 years in some cases. Patients are required to come in regularly for control visits every 3-5 weeks. Brushing and flossing are very important because food gets stuck around the braces and can cause decay and decalcification quickly. Patients should have professional cleanings done more frequently as well. Your diet needs to change too in order to prevent the braces from breaking off. Patients are recommended to stay away from nuts, gum, chewing ice cubes, chewing pens and pencils, sticky foods, foods high in sugar, toffee, and beef jerky. Orthodontics is a big commitment, but it has a lifelong result.

Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
Understanding your Teeth And It’s Pulp Tissue

The Pulp Tissue
Your teeth are in fact calcified objects with a hollow space within. The hollow space is known as the pulp chamber, which comprises of the nerves, arteries, veins, lymph vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.

Root Canals
The nerve of each tooth enters at the tip of its root and runs through the centre of the root in small root canals that merge ultimately with the pulp chamber. The number of canals varies according to the teeth. Generally, the front teeth have a single root canal while the back teeth often have two, three or more canals.
What Is The Purpose of the Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is performed when the pulp tissue inside the root canals of the tooth has become infected, in order to prevent the formation of abscess and eventual spreading of the infection to the surrounding tissues.
How Is The Pulp Damaged?

The pulp can be damaged as a result of:
• Untreated tooth decay – causing bacteria to spread into your tooth and infect the pulp.
• Severe gum disease – causing gums to pull away from the teeth, thereby creating a gap called a periodontal pocket, which traps bacteria that can infect the pulp.
• Injury- due to accident that affects and infects the pulp

What Happens If the Tooth Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated it leads to the formation of an abscess, which is the collection of pus as a result of the multiplying bacteria, and it pushes beyond the root tips. As the abscess expands within the bone, the tooth rises slightly out of its socket making it feel tender when you bite down. Without treatment, this infection can further spread to the surrounding tissues and nerves resulting in
• Nausea
• Fever
• Difficulty in swallowing

How Can Root Canal Treatment Help?
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp and disinfects the pulp chamber thereby stopping the spread and formation of further infection. This helps to retain the teeth in its natural form.

What are the indications for a root canal treatment?

By Symptoms
Persistent toothache
Presence of tenderness in your gums near a tooth.
Presence of swelling in your gums near a tooth
A tooth that is partially or completely darkened following a trauma
By dental examination
X-Rays - show a dark spot at the tip of the tooth's root, indicating a reduction in the density of the bone surrounding the root's tip as a result of the infection inside the tooth.
Routine evaluation - A persistent or recurring pimple on your gums detected by the dentist
Further dental work for restoring the functionality of the tooth
Often the tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may require restorative dental work to make them sturdier. Also, restoration work helps to seal the teeth protecting its interior cavity from contamination by bacteria or other debris. The common restorations recommended by your dentist will vary according to your dental condition, and may comprise of any of the following:

1. A dental post
Posts are placed in teeth that have large portions of their tooth structure missing. To increase the stability of the tooth, dentists will have to increase the amount of tooth that extends up to the centre of the dental crown. This can be accomplished by using a dental post which will serve as the anchor for the filling material used to increase the height of the internal core of the tooth.
2. A dental crown
Used to restore or repair a broken tooth and improve its appearance. Crowns are made of porcelain or metal and serve as excellent seals for tooth by preventing the contamination by bacteria or other debris in the mouth.

Dental Jewelry

Dental jewelleries are a tiny piece of jewellery, which designed to be placed on tooth surface with dental cements. Dental gems come in different shapes and designs. They are small and have a patented slightly curved back to fit the shape of the tooth.Luxurious designs have diamonds embedded on a setting of 22 or 24 k yellow gold. The patient may also choose the 18 k white gold. It is cemented to tooth surface in the same way of placing braces, which leaves the tooth intact and allows an easy removal whenever the patient wants to.

Children's Dentistry

Usually children’s primary teeth are erupted by age two or three and this is a great time to introduce them to our office in a positive way. After making your child feel comfortable, we will examine their mouth. The examination will include the teeth, gums, tongue, lips and roof of the mouth. We usually wait until between the ages of four and six on taking x-rays to detect cavities, unless there is an exceptional circumstance. We may also in Al Raed Dental Center clean your child's teeth and apply fluoride as early as age 3. It all depends on how your child feels about it. Children are ready at different ages.

What Can I Do And Say To Prepare My Child For Their First Visit?
Your attitude, expressions, and vocabulary can convey the message that going to the dentist is a fun, and exciting adventure. Emphasize the attention that your child will get while in the chair and all the exciting things they will see. Try to schedule the appointment for the time of day when your child is most rested and cooperative, we find early morning appointments or right after lunch work the best. You can help prepare your child by reading a story or watching a video about a trip to the dentist or even playing dentist with a flashlight and looking in each other's mouth.
Baby Teeth Cleaning
It is very important to maintain a consistent daily oral care program with your child as soon as their first tooth appears. After every feeding, wipe your child's gums with a warm, wet terry washcloth, small gauze pad, or a finger cot (available at most Pharmacies). This removes excess food and bacteria to help prevent caries. Once more teeth start to appear, brush them with the smallest, soft-bristled toothbrush you can find, and do not introduce toothpaste yet. They will just swallow it may make them sick.
Trauma
If your child falls down, and experiences trauma to their lips, teeth, or tongue, please bring them in as soon as possible to have one of our dentists check the area. If a tooth is knocked out, you must act quickly.
Space Maintainer

If your child does end up having to lose a primary tooth prematurely, we will need to place a space maintainer appliance. This must remain in place until the adult tooth begins to erupt in the space properly. If the tooth is severely decayed, and will not hold a filling material once all the decay is removed, we may need to place a Stainless Steel Crown over top of the tooth until it falls out. This allows the child to still use the tooth for chewing, and maintains the space for the adult tooth to erupt properly.

Pit And Fissure Sealants

When your child's first permanent molars, usually about age six, begin to erupt, you should consider placing sealants on the chewing surface to protect your child's back teeth from decay. In some cases, we might also recommend applying sealants to primary teeth as well. We will thoroughly clean the tooth, then apply a blue gel to help the material stick to the tooth, followed with a thin white resin coating material that is light cured. This resin coating will "seal" the deep grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Fluoride Treatment
Check with your dentist about the need for fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a major component in the prevention of childhood dental caries. This is because fluoride alters the molecular structure of the tooth, making it more resistant to acid attack and decay. Your dentist may recommend the application of a concentrated fluoride application for few minutes during the dental visit.

What Is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?

Periodontal disease is a general term describing the inflammation and destruction of the tissue supporting the teeth, which includes gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis—is the early stage of gum disease that can be recognised when the gum becomes red and swollen and bleeds easily when you brush your teeth—this is often the first sign of the disease, and is fully reversible at this stage.
Periodontal Disease—this is the later stage of gum disease when the bone and gum supporting the teeth is progressively destroyed. Persistent bad breathe and tall looking teeth (recession), are often warning signs. Moderate stages of periodontal disease can be maintained for years with 2-3 month scaling appointments and good home care. More advanced stages can lead to permanent damage and loss of tooth.
Early diagnosis is the key to maintaining your oral health.

How Is Periodontal Disease Detected?
A Periodontal (gum) assessment in Al Raed Dental Center is an evaluation of your gingival health. The collar around the tooth where the gum does not attach to the tooth is measured with a calibrated probe. Healthy pocket depths are 2-3mm. In conjunction with pocket depth, bleeding and recession indexes and x-rays are also used to provide a complete diagnosis.

How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?
Patients have different needs and may require seeing the dentist at different intervals. Each patient is assessed on their particular circumstances, level of hygiene and risk of disease. A six-month check up is often recommended for patients who are maintaining their oral hygiene and have no active gum disease. A 2- 4 month periodontal therapy scaling may be recommended for patients who have difficult areas to maintain, have a higher degree of build up, smokers, patients who have active gum disease or patients who are genetically susceptible to gum disease.

How Long Does The Cleaning Appointment Take?

Appointment time varies with individuals. If the general build up on the teeth is not heavy and the patient is attending regularly a 6-month visits, dental cleaning and polishing will take almost 30 minutes. If a patient has not attended for years, is a heavy smoker or has moderate to heavy build up they may require a few longer sessions. If the teeth are sensitive during a cleaning appointment, local anaesthetic is often used to provide a more comfortable session. Maintainence techniques and aids are discussed, to help educate patients about daily oral home care.
It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Extractions

The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth can’t be saved, extraction (Removal) of the tooth may be the only treatment of choice for that tooth. A panoramic x-ray is an excellent diagnostic tool to give us a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and wisdom teeth to determine whether there is sufficient space for it to erupt or no. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible infections or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our office. For complicated multiple extractions where patient require removal in the same visit, our dentists will refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon.
Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons:
• Decay has reached deep into the tooth
• Infection has destroyed a large portion of the tooth or surrounding bone
• There is not enough room for all the teeth in your mouth
Many dentists recommend extracting impacted teeth that are only partially erupted. Bacteria can enter around a partially erupted tooth and cause an infection, which can extend into the surrounding bone and become extremely serious. Impacted teeth continue trying to break through the gum tissue even if there is not enough room to accommodate them. The continued pressure caused by this attempted eruption can eventually damage the roots of nearby teeth. Removing a tooth that is impacted can often prevent infection, damage to adjacent teeth and bone, and save pain in the years to come.

Before a tooth is removed, your dentist will thoroughly review your medical and dental history and take the appropriate X-rays.
X-rays reveal the length, shape, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. From this information, your dentist can estimate the degree of difficulty of the procedure and decide whether to refer you to a specialist called maxillofacial surgeon.
When deciding to remove the tooth, the area around your tooth will be anesthetized. Dentists use a local anaesthetic to numb the area of the mouth where the extraction will take place.
For a simple extraction, once the area is anesthetized, the tooth is loosened with the help of a special tool called an elevator, then extracted with dental forceps. Your dentist may also want to smoothen and recontour the underlying bone. When he or she is finished, they may choose to close the area with a stitch.
It is critical to keep the area clean and prevent infection immediately following the removal of a tooth. Postoperative instructions will be given to ensure your comfort and prevent any possible complication.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following a wisdom tooth extraction. Your dentist will prescribe the appropriate medication for you to prevent this. It may help to apply an ice pack to the face for 15 minutes at a time. You have also to limit strenuous activity and avoid hot liquids for the first 24 hours. The day after the extraction, your dentist may suggest that you begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (do not swallow the water). Under normal circumstances, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks.

Specialty Dentures
Dentures are designed for people who lost all their teeth. They might be designed to replace the top teeth only, bottom teeth only or both at the same time. Technological advancements have resulted in dentures that are lightweight and mimic the look of natural teeth in shape and colour. Most dentures are made from a combination of metals and synthetic material such as acrylic resin.

Types of Dentures

Dentures in Al Raed Dental Center are generally classified as full or partial. Full dentures generally replace an entire set of teeth such as upper and lower dentures. Many candidates for conventional dentures (also called “immediate” dentures) are able to wear the appliances immediately following removal of affected natural teeth. Before immediate dentures are worn, a mold of the patient’s mouth – specifically the jaws – must be made in order for the dentures to be customized for the individual.

Partial dentures in Al Raed Dental Center designed to replace a small section of teeth, and help prevent existing healthy natural teeth from shifting position. Also sometimes called “overdentures,” when designed to fit over a small section of implants or natural teeth. Partial dentures are characteristic by their pinkish gum-like plastic bases, on to which replacement teeth are attached. Small clasps are used to attach the denture to existing teeth. Some clasps, which can be more expensive, are made of natural-looking material that is hard-to-detect.

Common Concerns

Technology advancements in Al Raed Dental Center have made dentures very natural looking; however, it is only natural for first-time denture wearers to be self-conscious about their appearance and speech. Over time, a denture wearer’s confidence level increases, and this usually ceases to be an issue. Like any new thing, caring for dentures takes practice. Under normal circumstances, denture wearers can eat most foods with confidence that their appliance will not shift. Caution must be taken, however, to avoid certain kinds of, hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky foods. During the break-in period, denture wearers are usually advised to eat on both sides of their mouth so the appliances don’t get out of balance, or tip to one side.

Dental Implant

Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.
Dental implants in Al Raed Dental Center are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a dental crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. 

Implants are so well- designed, they mimic the look of natural teeth. It replaces the root of a missing tooth and is made of Titanium alloy. In general, good candidates who have dental implants can expect high success rates with the procedure.
Dental implants in Al Raed Dental Center are not subject to dental decay and have an excellent long term prognosis. The placement of a dental implant is typically completed in less than an hour, as an office procedure with only local anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is normally less than that of a tooth extraction. It is often possible to have a temporary restoration so that you are not without a tooth. After a period of three to six months of healing, the temporary abutment is removed and a final one inserted into the implant and the crown fitted.
Cosmetic dentistry in Al Raed Dental Center offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, Al Raed Dental Center  encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in Al Raed Dental Center occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

What Causes TMD?
The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Common symptoms of TMD include:
1- Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak or open your mouth wide
2- Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
3- Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
4- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
5- Ringing of the ears.
6- A tired feeling in the face
7- Uncomfortable bite as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
8- Swelling on the side of the face
9- Other common symptoms include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches and hearing problems.
Treatment

Most of the time treatment in Al Raed Dental Center  begins with making a hard splint to orthopedically align and relax the bite and muscles that are not balanced. After a few months of wearing the splint several options are available to finalize treatment. The patient in Al Raed Dental Center can continue to wear the splint, correct the bite with orthodontics, or crown and bridge treatment at the new jaw position and use of a bite guard at night to open the mouth and prevent further teeth grinding.