June 2014 - The Dental Place

June 24, 2014

A tooth may be fractured if it is significantly weakened by decay or if it is injured due to facial trauma. The dentist will recommend a course of treatment that is appropriate considering the extent of the damage.

If it’s feasible to preserve the tooth, the dentist can perform a root canal and give the tooth additional protection and support by placing a crown. It is generally preferable to keep a biological tooth whenever possible.

In some cases, a tooth unfortunately cannot be saved, and a tooth extraction will be recommended.

The tooth extraction then raises another series of choices for treatment. The patient must decide what to do about a replacement tooth.

In some cases, a tooth unfortunately cannot be saved, and a tooth extraction will be recommended.

Generally, the patient may choose between a fixed dental bridge or dental implants to replace a missing tooth. A partial denture may also be an option.

Patients who are in need of a replacement tooth should consider a number of factors. The first is durability. After all, many patients will want to minimize future trips to the dentist to be refitted for the appliance.

Dental implants have significant advantages in this area. Because the bone forms a bond with the titanium implant, the device is a permanent fixture in the jaw and provides a source of stability to the bone. In comparison, the jawbone will atrophy in the presence of a dental bridge or denture because there is no structure that extends into the bone.

Convenience is another important characteristic. Dental implants do well here, too, as their similarities to natural teeth make it easy to care for these appliances. Patients can also continue to enjoy a complete diet with dental implants, while a dental bridge may not be as effective at chewing certain foods.

Deciding on treatment for a fractured tooth can be a difficult choice for a patient. Talk to your dentist to learn more about your options, and give careful consideration to longevity and stability, in addition to appearance, which is always a concern.

Call our experienced dental team at The Dental Place to learn more about your tooth replacement options today.

June 15, 2014

For patients whose natural teeth have been marred by damage or decay, a dental crown can help to restore a tooth and enhance its appearance.

A dentist will typically use a dental crown to restore and strengthen a tooth that has developed a large cavity or one that has been damaged due to a facial injury of some sort. Dental crowns also may be used to support a biological tooth following a root canal procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, a dental crown may also be used on an unusually small tooth to bring it into the proper proportions with the rest of the smile.

The process of getting a dental crown takes just a few weeks and requires two appointments. At the first session, the dentist examines the tooth and plans the specifications for the crown. The dentist will also prepare the tooth for the crown at the first visit by removing enough enamel to make room for the crown.

The dentist then forwards the information for the crown’s design to the dental laboratory tasked with creating the crown. That process takes a couple of weeks, but the patient will wear a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one to be fabricated.

The patient then returns to the dentist’s office to try in and cement the crown. The patient will want to be sure that the crown’s appearance is acceptable, because that cannot be altered after the crown is bonded to the tooth.

Dental crowns can be made of all porcelain or porcelain fused to metal (for additional strength). Both options are remarkably lifelike in their appearance. They reflect light in a similar fashion to biological tooth enamel.

Patients who want to improve the aesthetics of a tooth that is severely decayed or otherwise damaged can consider a dental crown as a possible treatment option. Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists by calling 972-264-5795. We will evaluate your case and make recommendations as to how to best proceed.

June 5, 2014

Many patients think that the dentist is only concerned with their teeth, but that is not the case. During a routine exam, your dentist will examine all of the structures in your mouth, including soft tissues like the gums, as well as your tongue. Furthermore, the dentist will inspect both the top of your tongue and its underside to look for any signs that could indicate a problem.

Your tongue can signal important things about your dental health. Most importantly, certain markings on the tongue may be symptoms of oral cancers or areas/lesions that could develop into cancer.

Therefore, the dentist will look for things like white or red patches on the tongue or thickened areas, non-healing sores or lumps. Any of these symptoms may point to a more serious problem, although they can easily be benign as well.

Your tongue can signal important things about your dental health.

If you do have any suspicious regions on your tongue, the dentist may also remove a tissue sample for biopsy in order to get an accurate diagnosis. The results of that biopsy can then inform a treatment plan if an additional intervention is needed.

Oral cancer, like all cancers, is a very serious condition. However, when it is diagnosed in an early stage, it is easily treatable. In fact, the five-year survival rate for stage I oral cancers of the tongue is more than 70 percent.

Unfortunately, though, in a large number of patients, the cancer is not detected until stage three or four, when the five-year survival rate for most of the oral cancers drops to less than 50 percent.

Patients whose lifestyle choices, such as tobacco use, put them at greater risk for oral cancer should be vigilant in monitoring their tongues for any noteworthy changes or signs of concern.

Your tongue is for more than just tasting your food. Pay attention to your tongue and be aware of any signs that may suggest a problem. If you have any concerns about your tongue’s appearance, point them out to your dentist at The Dental Place at your next exam.