February 2016 - The Dental Place

February 19, 2016

A dental crown is an incredible restoration because it restores badly damaged and diseased teeth to their proper shape and size. With a crown, patients with severely affected teeth can enjoy renewed and comfortable oral function. Since our dentists utilize very strong bonding agents to place a crown over a tooth and because a crown is made specifically for a patient, those with crowns will be able to eat all types of food without discomfort or obstruction.

What is a crown exactly?

More extensive than a filling or inlay, a crown is a custom restoration that is tooth-shaped in appearance and fits over the entire tooth above the gums. Essentially, a dental crown is a permanent cap. Not only will a dental crown cover a tooth so that a patient can eat comfortably, it will protect what’s left of biological tooth structure from further damage or decay. The placement of a crown can prevent the need for root canal treatment and surgical extractions.

What makes up a dental crown?

A dental crown can be made from a few types of materials. The most popular are precious metals, porcelain, zirconium, or a combination of porcelain laid over metal. The type of materials used will depend on the patient’s needs and budget as well as what is recommended by your dentist.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns can last for long periods of time. This is because they are made from durable materials to exact specifications so that they fit in between teeth properly and restore a patient’s occlusion. A crown is not indestructible, however, and it may fall out or break over time. Fortunately, old crowns can be replaced.

What is the difference between a temporary crown and permanent one?

A temporary crown is used to protect the tooth and restore oral function while a patient waits for their custom, permanent crown to be made. Since crowns are highly customized, they are crafted in dental laboratories by trained technicians.

To learn more about restorations or to schedule an appointment, call our office to reserve an appointment with our experienced dental team.

February 5, 2016

As scientific research and accessibility to information has improved, people as a whole have become more health conscientious. Many of our patients have inquired about ways to improve their oral health at home. While our dentists and our team are always happy to answer our guests’ questions and concerns, we have compiled some helpful tips for protecting one’s oral health.

Never Go to Bed Without Brushing

At the end of a long day, it might be tempting to just fall into a comfy bed the minute you get home but forgetting to brush your teeth is a huge mistake. Bacteria colonize as you sleep – especially if you have leftover food particles and debris stuck in your teeth. Our team strongly encourages patients to brush their teeth before bed and to avoid eating or drinking anything with sugar or acid afterwards.

Always Remember to Floss Daily

Some folks may feel that flossing is unnecessary if they believe they brush thoroughly. While brushing is important to keeping teeth clean, a toothbrush cannot reach certain areas of the mouth. Flossing is essential to cleaning in between teeth. Moreover, patients who floss will disrupt colonies of bacteria that form along the gum line.

Don’t Skip Visits to the Dentist

Skipping dental cleanings and routine checkups can put your oral health at great risk. Many people are surprised to learn how comprehensive checkups are. During checkups, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease, perform an oral cancer screening, and evaluate the health of teeth, gums, and bone.

Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s important to be prepared. If you wake up with a debilitating toothache or injure a tooth from an accidental fall, be sure to keep our practice number on hand so that we can fit you into our schedule for treatment.

Don’t Ignore Symptoms

Ignoring symptoms like toothaches, bleeding gums, or changes in the color or texture of soft oral tissues can be problematic to overall health. If you notice any changes in the appearance of oral structures or experience new sensations, let our team know as soon as you can.

For additional tips or to reserve a cleaning or checkup, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today.