When a tooth does not need to be extracted, but needs its functionality restored, a dental crown is typically used. It is an effective treatment for those who have misshapen or discolored teeth and it is oftentimes complemented with a root canal. We will be going over what a dental crown exactly is and some of its uses. At River Run Family Dentistry we want to ensure you are informed about what you are getting.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown can be described as an artificial layer or shell that goes over a tooth. Think of it as a protective helmet, but for your teeth. A crown is in the shape of a regular tooth can be made up of a wide variety of materials depending on the patient’s preference. A crown can be made up of resin, porcelain, or metals such as gold, nickel, and chromium. There is something for everyone, but there are differences in the longevity of the materials at hand. Metal crowns will last the longest but are more expensive than lower-cost options such as resin.
Crowns fully restore the appearance and functionality of a compromised tooth – and depending on the material such as resin, it can also restore the appearance of a tooth and make it look natural.
What Are Dental Crowns Used For?
A patient might need a dental crown for a multitude of reasons. A dental crown typically follows a root canal to restore the structural integrity of the tooth. A crown can also be used if a person has suffered from a broken, cracked, or worn-down tooth to restore the appearance and functionality. Someone might also get a crown for purely cosmetic reasons such as restoring a discolored tooth or a tooth that is misshaped but not necessarily deprived of functionality.
Crowns are indeed incredibly versatile when it comes to restoring a smile or eating functionality. They can make a tooth functional that would otherwise be unusable.
How to Know If You Need A Dental Crown
We have described some of the scenarios where someone might need a dental crown and it ultimately comes down to what treatment is best for you when the time comes for discussing with us on what actions to take. If you have a large cavity, you might require a crown to be placed over the compromised tooth after a large amount of filling has been used. In addition to this, a lingering, painful toothache can be a sign that you need a root canal to remove then infected pulp, which is then followed by filling the tooth and covering it with a crown.
If you have a misshaped or broken tooth, you might also be recommended a crown. In the end, depending on the circumstances, you might be given multiple choices on how you want certain dental problems treated.
At River Run Family Dentistry we are committed to proving you with the best oral care in a warm, welcoming environment that makes you feel at home. If you have any questions regarding getting a dental crown or anything else, you can call 830-387-3040 to talk to us. You can also book an appointment this way to take the next steps.
Having missing teeth, especially visible missing teeth is a dental nightmare for many people. There are serious complications when it comes to missing one or more teeth such as compromised structural support, difficulty eating, and risk of gum infection. Luckily, there is an effective solution to this called dental bridges. At River Run Family Dentistry we want to provide the best options for our patients, and there are a few of them.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Bridges are what the name implies, they bridge the gap of missing teeth between either natural teeth or implants. They are a small set of artificial teeth that fit where natural teeth used to be, restoring both the functionality and appearance and can be made from a wide range of materials from porcelain to a variety of metals such as gold and nickel.
The Different Types Of Bridges
There are multiple types of bridges available to work with a variety of special circumstances and needs. Some bridges will work better than others depending on where the missing tooth is.
Traditional
Traditional bridges are the most popular and are true to the name. They fill a gap with the support of natural teeth or implants on both sides. A downside to bridges is the fact that these supporting teeth need to essentially be sacrificed to fit the crowns on both sides of the bridge. These teeth that act as supports for the bridge have their enamel worn down significantly, and since enamel cannot be restored once it is gone, the crown acts as the replacement for that tooth. However, because the goal is to restore missing teeth in the first place, many don’t mind this practice.
Maryland
Maryland bridges are considered very efficient when it comes to bridges. Instead of wearing down the enamel of the abutment teeth to extreme levels and fitting a crown over it, Maryland bridges only require the material to be bonded to the back of the teeth. These are a more cost-effective solution to traditional bridges.
Cantilever
You don’t always need two supports for a dental bridge, another option called a cantilever bridge is also an effective option. These are primarily used for frontal teeth rather than the back where biting forces are the strongest and can compromise the abutment tooth. Because there is only one support with cantilever bridges, more consideration needs to be made on the placement of these false teeth.
Implant-supported
Implant-supported bridges are considered among the sturdiest of options available and it typically will require two surgical procedures to completely finish. The bridges compose of implants planted on both sides in the jawbone with a bridge of artificial teeth placed – secured by the implants. It is a complex procedure and it may take a couple months to fully complete, but it is highly recommended if you are looking for a set of teeth that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Talk To Us About Dental Bridges
At River Run Family Dentistry we are highly committed to providing your dental needs in a warm, welcoming environment. If you are in need of dental bridges, we would love to help you! Simply call 830-387-3040 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Having a dental exam is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. We recommend patients return every 6 months for an examination to allow us to check for potential problems. At River Run Family Dentistry we are serious about providing the best oral care for our patients.
One of the reasons certain people develop serious oral health issues such as late-stage tooth-decay is that they do not catch the issues until it is too late. This is like a traditional medical clinic checking for issues many people would not know that they have, and it is equally as important because oral health issues can turn into overall health issues. For example, studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and high blood pressure that could lead to a stroke.
What to Expect During an Exam
When you come in for an exam, we will ask various questions regarding aspects of your lifestyle that affect oral health. Questions such as “Do you currently smoke?” and “ How often are you brushing?” are some of the key questions that will be asked. This gives us an idea of what to specifically look for once we start examining your mouth. For instance – heavy smokers are at risk of developing oral cancer, and so that gives us an idea of what to be mindful of.
The examination process itself involves checking all aspects of the health of your teeth, such as seeing if your teeth are properly aligned when biting, looking for cavities or teeth that show decay, and seeing if there are signs of gum disease. Essentially, anything that could go wrong with teeth or your gums is what we actively look for.
If we do find a problem inside of your mouth, we will talk to you about the next steps. If you simply have an average-sized cavity – a common occurrence, it can be filled. However, we will tell you about proper dental hygiene habits for the future so that you can have a fantastic check-up on your next visit. This is all for your wellbeing, we are here to help you have the healthiest mouth possible!
Cleaning
In addition to checking for any oral health issues, we will provide a deep, thorough clean for your mouth that involves completely getting rid of built-up tartar and plaque. This is an additional reason why it is a good idea to see us every 6 months, a lot can happen in that span of time – even if you are practicing good brushing and flossing habits, it is still entirely possible to have a little bit of tartar build-up.
To sum up the cleaning process of the examination, we will clean, rinse, and polish your teeth – providing you with the freshest, cleanest mouth possible. We think that once you experience how good you will feel after a dental exam, you will look forward to your return!
We are here to help with your oral health and at River Run Family Dentistry, we want you to feel at home with us. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us, you can call 830-387-3040. We hope to see you soon!
Periodontal scaling and root planing are procedures used to treat periodontal disease. Thought of by many as a ‘deep cleaning’, this in-office procedure involves the careful removal of hardened plaque near the gum line, where harmful bacteria can grow and cause damage to both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. The treatment starts with scaling, during which special instruments are used to scrape tartar away from the teeth and gums. Root planing follows, which is a process of smoothing the surface of the tooth’s root in order to prevent bacteria from accumulating there in the future. Finally, an antibiotic is administered to ensure that no bacteria remain at the treatment site.
Did you know…
that you cannot brush or rinse away hardened plaque that causes periodontal disease? The only thing you can do is prevent is from accumulating by using good brushing and flossing habits. Once tartar has formed, the only way to remove it is via a professional dental or periodontal cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a periodontal scaling and root planing?
You may need scaling and root planing if you are suffering from mild to moderate periodontal disease. Visit your dentist for an exam if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, such as inflamed or receding gums, chronic halitosis, or loose teeth. If your periodontal disease is advanced, you may require grafting or flap surgery.
What should I expect during a scaling and root planing?
If you require a scaling and root planing, you’ll first be made comfortable – perhaps using a local anesthetic. You should feel little or no discomfort other than the sensation of the cleaning tools scraping away hardened plaque. Procedure lengths vary according to the extent of the disease and the areas it is located within the mouth. If your periodontal disease is widespread, you may need to spread out your treatment into multiple visits.
Will I need to follow any special post-treatment care instructions?
Yes. You’ll need to follow all instructions for antibiotic usage following your treatment. You’ll also be advised to avoid certain habits that can cause recurrences of periodontal disease in the future, such as smoking. Most patients experience little or no discomfort after scaling and root planing, although your mouth may continue to be numb for several hours following the procedure.
It is estimated that between 9 and 15% of American adults avoid going to the dentist because of fear. Studies show that fear of the dentist is more often due to society’s misplaced belief that dental treatments are all painful more so than an actual painful experience. Dentists use nitrous oxide to help patients have a relaxed and pain free dental visit.
Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is used by dentists to help patients relax during treatment. It is a safe sedative that is combined with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask during treatment. This mild sedative will not put a patient to sleep. Patients are able to hear and respond to questions. They may experience some sensations of lightheadedness or tingling in the arms and legs. Once treatment is complete and the mask is removed the effects of nitrous oxide fade quickly as fresh air is breathed into the lungs.
Nitrous oxide is used on patients for two reasons. First, when patients are undergoing a procedure that may take a long time or an uncomfortable treatment, nitrous oxide can help them to relax and be comfortable throughout treatment. Nitrous oxide is also helpful for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or for children or those with special needs who may not understand the importance of dental care or be able to sit still during treatment. Dentists have extensive training in the use of nitrous oxide and other sedation techniques to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate dosage to keep them calm and relaxed throughout treatment.
Dentists are dedicated to providing the best possible patient care. They understand that the needs of each person are unique and they take the time to listen to them and address their concerns with an approach tailored to their needs.
At River Run Family Dentistry we want the best dental care for our patients, and one of the keyways we help people have their best smile is by providing a thorough dental cleaning. It is highly beneficial to get your teeth cleaned by us every 6 months for a multitude of reasons such as making it more difficult for plaque to stick to your teeth within those 6 months. Here is what you can expect when you come in for a standard cleaning.
Cleaning Procedure
To start with, we will do a thorough examination of the mouth to watch out for any oral health problems such as cavities or gum disease. This step alone is why it is important to see us every year because a lot can happen in 6 months. Typically, dental problems are spotted in their early stages with people that come in regularly and this allows us to take care of the issue before it snowballs into something more severe.
In addition to this, we will remove any built-up plaque and tartar, the latter being especially important since it cannot be removed at home with brushing and flossing alone. Once your teeth are ready to be cleaned, then we will essentially brush them using a special toothpaste and toothbrush that are efficient at providing a deep clean.
The reason why brushing in this way, every day at home cannot be done because it can damage your enamel – but a cleaning like this is completely safe and beneficial twice a year. You will notice that the toothpaste has a gritty texture to it compared to the typical toothpaste you can purchase at stores — this is what provides the “rough” cleaning.
To wrap up the cleaning aspect of the appointment, we will thoroughly floss in-between your teeth to ensure that no tartar and plaque gets left behind when you leave. Finally, we will rinse your mouth out and have fluoride varnish placed on your teeth to help prevent dental problems.
We like to look at this cleaning as a fresh start for your mouth and it will lower your chances of developing cavities and gum disease down the road. From here, practicing healthy brushing habits daily will ensure that the next time you come in, you will have yet another smooth check-up.
If we have found a problem during your visit, do not worry, we are here to both treat and set you on the right path–not judge you! Oral care is a learning experience for many people and new habits are required to form. Many patients come in after years of not visiting the dentist and end up being regulars with smooth checkups. In fact, we are confident that you will want to keep up the clean feeling you leave with for as long as possible!
We Would Love for You to Visit Us
If you are interested in coming in for a thorough, professional cleaning. We would love to have you! At River Run Family Dentistry we strive to make every patient feel at home with us. You can get in contact with us by calling 830-387-3040 to set up an appointment. We are looking forward to seeing you!
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At River Run Family Dentistry we want the best dental care for our patients, and one of the keyways we help people have their best smile is by providing a thorough dental cleaning. It is highly beneficial to get your teeth cleaned by us every 6 months for a multitude of reasons such as making it more difficult for plaque to stick to your teeth within those 6 months. Here is what you can expect when you come in for a standard cleaning.