Diagnosis
Accurate Diagnosis
“I am from Moldova and was raised to speak Rumanian and have been in the United States for several years.
I had been told, by another dentist, that my three year old daughter Daniella had a lot of cavities. They recommended hospitalization. My husband asked his medical doctor about this, and he recommended a second opinion. Then we called Dr. Hardinger and made an appointment.
Dr. Hardinger was very careful, and thorough, in looking over my daughter’s teeth. He used a diagnostic laser light. This helped determine that the dark marks on her teeth were not cavities, but stains that he easily removed. It was such a relief knowing my daughter did not need to be hospitalized. Daniella liked her visit at Dr Hardinger’s and she was very proud of her no cavity patch. Now we supervise her brushing every day.
I recommend Dr. Hardinger, and his office staff, for your child’s dental care too.”
– Angela Beglet
One hallmark of a good diagnosis is a baseline of information that is best collected at regular examinations. At my office we take records on the wear of the teeth, the condition of the jaws, periodontal probing, restorative condition, cavity detecting methods (DiagnoDent), the amount of stain and calculus on the teeth, and make note of areas that bleed. We also note any soft tissue lumps and bumps on the outside of the face and inside of the mouth. We also do radiographic examination as needed. 
Let’s say you have a problem… We make note of your chief complaint, and collect the information by various diagnostic tests depending on the need for pulp vitality tests, biting tests, decay testing solution, palpation of the area, percussion of the involved teeth, and we note any open contacts where food is impacted, and crack and craze lines in the enamel. Then we compare this with the norm and come up with a working diagnosis on what treatment is recommended.
Endodontic Therapy
Root Canals
The pulp chamber is a primary component of a tooth. A tooth can function quite normally without the nerve, and the goal of root canal therapy is a normal pulp-less tooth. In most cases, the main reason a tooth must have endodontic therapy is that the nerve tissue in the pulp chamber has flared up and cannot heal itself. Whether root canal therapy is to relieve pain, or done for restorative convenience the technique is the same. The nerve is completely removed and then the canal space is shaped to receive restorative materials.
Periodontic Therapy
Gum Disease
Signs of gum disease include bleeding, redness, and swelling of the gum (gingival) tissues. Other signs include areas where food gets stuck between teeth and loose teeth, or teeth that have shifted, or bad breath. Many individuals recognize the accumulation of hard deposits on their teeth, and this can promote the disease, especially if it is below the gumline. You also may notice areas where the gum has receeded exposing the root surface. It is important to have your teeth evaluated for gum problems, especially if you notice some of these signs of gum disease.
There are many aspects of gum disease treatment which are based on an assessment of your teeth and gums. Treatment may include but not limited to scaling to remove the hard deposits and root planing to smooth the root surface, adjusting the bite or wearing a prescribed mouthguard, taking prescribed medication, and following your individualized home care regimen.
Pediatric Care
Children’s Dentistry
“I liked the music that they had at Dr. Hardinger’s office. I like to brush my teeth after my visit to the dental office. Assistant Carol was so fun and nice!”
– Sydney
“I appreciate the care from start to finish. I was confident with Dr. Hardinger’s and Assistant Carol’s plan. On the day of her appointment all was taken care of and Syndey was taken home happy and calm.”
– Karl (Sydney’s Parent)
Dr. Hardinger and his staff are particularly interested in caring for children so that they enjoy good dental health. Our office has enjoyed watching many children grow up, and we take pride participating in a child’s success with oral health. Dr. Hardinger will see infants as necessary, however, most children are able to come at two or three years of age. As needed, Dr. Hardinger’s office is equipped with happy gas, or nitrous oxide for your child’s comfort.
Oral Surgery
Tooth Removal
“Many new patients are introduced to my office when they need to have a tooth removed and we try to make a good first impression with our neat and clean office and picture windows looking out upon Cheslea Creek.” Dr. Hardinger
Dr. Hardinger’s office does oral surgery services including but not limited to tooth removal, ridge shaping, biopsies, frenum resection, and referral for possible implant placement for replacement of missing teeth.
“We really put out the red carpet for folks who have a toothache, and we try to see them as soon as possible. We have nitrous oxide sedation, headphones, and a device to deliver the local anesthetic, the Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA)”.
– Dr. Hardinger
Restorative Dentistry
Silver Amalgam Restorations
Silver, mercury, tin, and copper comprise the majority of dental amalgam components. Dental Amalgam is mixed by the assistant from spherical particles. The buzzing sound you hear from under the counter are the parts being mixed up in a capsule. The new mixture can then be condensed into the tooth preparation.
So why isn’t dental amalgam with mercury harmful? There are no known diseases or toxicity caused by dental amalgam. This is because the elements in dental amalgam all combine to make a new molecule whose properties are unlike the elements. Take for example the gases oxygen and hydrogen which combine to make liquid water. In dental amalgam all of the elements combine to make a unique solid mass that sets up while it is placed into a cavity preparation and restores the tooth. Properly handled and placed dental amalgam has an excellent track record. The dental amalgam restoration placed in my mouth in 1977 is still in service, now over 30 years! Silver amalgam has an edge over composites in longevity in the restoration of posterior teeth in individuals with a high decay incidence.
Composite Resin Restorations
Plastic and glass particles are combined in unique ways to create a composite restorative material. I began my dental career as the first resin restorations were developed, and they have seen steady improvement over the years. Although the physical properties of the two kinds of materials are optimized in the laboratory under special heat and light conditions, still the materials placed chairside have achieved good color stability, better seal, better tooth like appearance, and ease of placement.
I applaud all of the fine companies (I happen to use 3M) for bringing fine composite restorative materials that make restorative dentistry look and feel great. Dental composite is my choice for most restorative needs in the front of the mouth. Dental composite is also used to construct beautiful resin veneers which cover the entire front surface.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Esthetics
“I come from nearby Hereford, Texas where the minerals (fluoride) in the water had left my teeth mottled and stained. Through most of my adult life, this was my smile.
However, when it came time, when the teeth were wearing out, I decided to improve my smile, and I found Dr Hardinger ready with a plan to place porcelain veneers.
This was done in 2001. Now I wish I had done these 30 years ago!
I still come regularly to have my teeth cleaned, and keep my gums healthy. The hygienist, Nancy Miller, is excellent at keeping up with my medications, and their effect on my dental health.”
– Jim Kuhlman
Bonding
Beautiful Smile
“Dr Hardinger has helped me with my dental health in a number of ways.
I was told that I had TMJ and I got advice from different doctors about what could be done. Dr Hardinger took the time to carefully check my jaw function and told me things to do to improve my jaw hygiene. I am glad I did not have to go to a TMJ specialist in Rochester.
I am a beautician, and along with that I believe that my smile should look good. I had some crowded teeth and chipped teeth, and after going over all the options for treatment, I decided to replace some old bonding and add a new resin veneer to my front teeth. They never looked better!
Dr. Hardinger took the time to create the right shape and color for my teeth, and they shine just like my enamel. The treatment was so well planned and although it was not porcelain veneers, or braces, it fit my budget and really looks great.”
– Brittany Hanson
Along with composite restorations, I would like to explain bonding. In enamel, it is the mechanical attachment of the tooth to the restorative material, and in the dentin it is part mechanical and part chemical. Various bonding agents are recommended for specific situations and they make the tooth stick to the restorative material. A great bond decreases post operative sensitivity, makes the restoration stay in place and the seal keeps out stains. Last fall I proved my technique by winning a local bonding contest, the prize was a new curing light!
Cement Restorations
A special formula of glass and cement can be used for restorations, and there are two types. They are either set up when the parts are mixed and placed, or placed and light cured. These types of cement restorations are often needed when the cavity extends down onto the root of a tooth. One unique aspect of these cement restorations is their fluoride release, which helps prevent nearby new decay.
Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics
Crowns, Bridges, Implants Accessories & Dentures
Our Family Dentist
“Dr. Hardinger has been our family dentist since 1999! He has been gentle and works with me in my particular concerns.
Lately he constructed a new bridge for me that fits perfectly and looks and feels like my natural teeth. He also has taught me good home care techniques for improving my oral health because he truly wants to help me keep my natural teeth.
The office has a great relaxing view. The dental assistants Helen and Carol really care about me and look after me.”
– Brenda Hare
This custom dental restoration has the ability to recreate the natural shape of a tooth (emergence profile, color, contacts, anatomy etc.) thus preserves their function. Dental crowns can be made from many materials.
1. Zirconia (Bruxzir) an all ceramic milled from a block of ceramic.
2. Feldspathic Porcelain, is used to make porcelain veneers, or applied to metal or ceramic substrates. These are very tooth like and are weak without proper support.
3. Non Precious Metals, relatively inexpensive but contain nickel and some individuals are allergic to nickel.
4. Gold alloy or precious metal crowns are the traditional standard to which dental restorations are compared in regard to wear, longevity, fit and comfort.
Dentures
Big Talker – New Teeth
“Hi, I am Bill Kasik and I am very proud of having been Vice President at Curries years ago. Now I am retired…and when I needed dental work done…and I tell you…this is a fine office…and the office girls are friendly and helpful.
I am scared of shots, and now that I am old, I don’t like having them in my mouth for very long. When I needed teeth pulled, Dr. Hardinger sent me to a fine oral surgeon, Dr. Todd Juhlin, who took great care of me too.
Dr. Hardinger made me a new set of teeth, and I could chew better and talk better, and I am a big talker!
I have been to Washington DC with the honor flight and met a lot of nice people and when I come to Dr. Hardinger’s they treat me just like that.”
– Bill Kasik
Dentistry at the Hospital
General Anesthetic at NIMHC for Dental Services
Dental Care that Requires General Anesthetic
I am an affiliate staff member of North Iowa Merch Health Center and patients can be served there in Same Day Surgery on the second floor, with general anesthetic.
Typically, I schedule this on Wednesday.
– Dr Hardinger