All walks of life can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. The treatment methods available can help to whiten and straighten teeth. Several cosmetic dentistry practitioners also provide free services and for charitable purposes, so it is accessible to all.
In addition to teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, dental bonding, inlays/onlays, crowns, and orthodontics, cosmetic dentists offer teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers, dental implants, dental bridges, and Invisalign. Nevertheless, the price of these dental procedures may still be determined by your chosen dental practitioner.
A patient is typically treated for oral issues based on the type of condition he is diagnosed with. These are some of the cosmetic procedures available to patients today.
Teeth whitening – This process is available in two forms: laser teeth whitening in a dental clinic and gel trays at home.
Dental Crowns – Teeth can become fractured, split, or decomposed over time as they are worn down by the forces of nature. In the procedure, a ceramic is placed over damaged teeth in order to restore their original appearance.
Dental Implants – In order to replicate a missing tooth, a synthetic root is embedded into the jaw of the patient in the form of dental implants. This embedded root is additionally fused to a prosthetic tooth to restore the patient’s original set of teeth.
Dental Bonding – If you have decay in the teeth, it is much better to have them repaired by a dental bonding procedure than to lose them in an extraction procedure. This procedure involves filling in the scarred teeth with composite material and polishing them to resemble the great looking set of teeth that they once were.
Tooth-colored fillings – Composite materials used for reconstructing scarred teeth are usually amalgam fillings. A white filling will have the same effect as your natural white teeth, restoring the beauty and health of your teeth.
Inlays and onlays – They are more reliable than fillings, and crowns, because less teeth are needed. Split teeth can therefore be repaired and filled using these procedures.
Braces – Some adults avoid wearing braces for fear that they will look silly with the teeth they’re fixing and correcting. If the teeth alignment is seriously irregular, such as overlapping, gapped, or disproportionate, Invisalign is the best option.
Dental clinics, specialists, and laboratories offer all of these cosmetic dentistry options. Clients need only discuss what kind of dental treatment they want in order to determine the best choice. When a diagnosis is made and a visit is arranged, the treatment can be scheduled.
Is it possible for dental crowns to develop problems?
Being forced to wear it is not always comfortable. After the anesthesia has worn off, the tooth with the crown may become sensitive immediately. If there is still a nerve in the tooth, heat and cold sensitivity may be experienced. For sensitive teeth, your dentist may advise you to use toothpaste that has been formulated specifically for them. Having a crown too high on the tooth will sometimes result in pain when it comes to eating or biting into things. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to fix the problem. A fused porcelain crown or a full porcelain crown can chip. While the crown is still in your mouth, resin will repair the chip if it happens to be a small chip. If the chipping turns out to be worse than anticipated, the crown will need to be replaced. In some cases, the cement below the crown may wash away. In this situation, bacteria can remain inside the tooth without the cement, causing the tooth to decay. Call your dentist as soon as you notice the cement has been washed out.
In the event of your crown falling off, what happens?
It is possible for the crown to fall off. This may be caused by decayed teeth and loose cement. Ensure your front teeth and the crown itself are cleaned thoroughly if the crown comes off completely. If the crown needs to be replaced, the patient should make an appointment with their dentist after cleaning it. In the meantime, the patient can go to their local store to purchase temporary dental adhesive. Before your next appointment, the dentist will explain how you should handle the tooth and crown temporarily. If recementing the crown is not successful, another crown has to be made.
In the event of an allergic reaction, what happens?
Due to crowns being made of so many metals it is possible that some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to these metals, though this is very rare.
My gums have a dark line. What is it?
It’s perfectly normal to have a dark line on your gum line or just next to it, especially if you have a porcelain fused to a metal crown. However, the dentist may decide to replace the crown with an all-porcelain or ceramic crown if the dark line is unacceptable.
Why do we need ¾ crowns and onlays?
Different techniques are used for these variations on dental crowns. Crowns such as these and the ones I mentioned earlier are different in how they cover the underlying tooth. Onlays and ¾ crowns do not completely cover a tooth like the normal crown.
What is the lifespan of dental crowns?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is between 5 and 15 years. Your crown’s lifespan is determined by how well you practice your oral hygiene practices and your personal habits. You may damage your crown if you grind your teeth, clench your teeth, chew ice, open packages, and bite your fingernails.
Is there any special care required for a crowned tooth?
Despite being crowned, a crowned tooth is still susceptible to decay or disease, so special care is not required. In order to prevent tooth decay or gum disease, a patient’s mouth must be regularly cleaned with floss and their teeth should be brushed twice a day. Mouthwash can also prevent decaying teeth or gum disease.
How much does it cost to get a crown?
Their prices vary from $800 to $1700 per crown, depending on where you live. The good news is that your insurance may cover part of the cost. Check with your insurance provider so you know exactly how much it covers.
Cosmetic dentistry, at it’s best, is all about improving a patientâs oral health, their appearance and ultimately their lives. When you work with a person who has mastered their craft, more times than not, you end up with work that will last a lifetime. On the flip side, when you work with someone just because they are the “cheapest” option, your results are along the lines of 50/50. As is the case with most things in life – you get for what you pay for.
Dental implants have revolutionized dental care by providing patients with optimal treatment. Patients have teeth that look and feel real because they are time-tested, predictable, and safe. While implants are one of the best treatments out there, they are still quite expensive, despite some reductions in prices. Letâs discuss less costly alternatives.
A set of new dentures made from accurate impressions and the best materials can make a significant improvement in fit and appearance for those with ill-fitting dentures or dentures that do not appear “natural.” It can also be retrofitted to dental implants at a later date, if finances permit, to deliver even more security and stability.
Partially fitted dentures are used when several, but not all, teeth are missing. Modern materials and designs can conceal unsightly metal clasps and provide a snug, comfortable fit with special precision attachments. A thorough examination of the remaining teeth and the treatment of any cavities or gum disease ensures long-term success.
When only a few teeth are missing, or none are missing, it is often possible to treat cavities and gum disease conservatively. New generation filling materials and techniques can sometimes negate the need for expensive crowns while preserving your natural teeth. A treatment like this can delay one’s need for a more definitive intervention until their budget allows them to afford a more permanent solution.
No matter which solution you decide on, be it dentures or implants, just remember to go with a specialist that has a great online reputation. All these places like Yelp, and the Google Business Listings, are all there for a reason. They give you insight into the work being produced by the practice you’re considering. Use these resources in your research, and they will give you even more information to use in your consideration.
Living with missing teeth today is more a choice than anything else. There are financing options available, and payment plans that some practices provide themselves. It doesn’t cost you anything to ask, and the more information you gather, the better choices you can make.
If you are looking for an inexpensive and effective way to get your teeth and gums back into the best shape possible, teeth cleaning is the answer. Many people find that brushing twice a day with a high quality toothpaste is enough to maintain healthy teeth. If you are not sure that it is an option for you, there are other solutions that you can explore.
If you do not have a dentist that accepts your insurance, then a dental hygienist may be the next best thing. They can clean your teeth and mouth regularly, and give you the added protection that you need. It also helps to make sure that your teeth are in good condition as well. While some people enjoy having a clean mouth, they can still suffer from bad breath and an unhealthy smile.
You will also need to purchase some oral hygiene products that are designed to make brushing your teeth easier. These include special toothpaste that contains fluoride to help reduce the risk of cavities. Also, you can choose from a wide range of toothbrushes that are designed to prevent stains on your teeth and support healthy gum lines.
When you brush, try some plain apple cider vinegar as a pre-rinse for your teeth. Gargle the pre-rinse twice a day for half a minute, and then brush your teeth as usually do.
Oral supplements can also be used to help improve oral health. There are a variety of herbal remedies that can be purchased to help promote healthy teeth and gums. If you are not a fan of buying supplements on your own, you can check with your pharmacist to find the correct supplement that you should take to keep your mouth in the best condition.
Tooth paste can also be used to clean your teeth before you go to bed at night. This is something that many people tend to forget and leave to chance, but this is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your teeth stay clean throughout the night. Your dentist can also teach you how to apply the toothpaste properly to help keep your teeth clean all night long.
Oral care is very important when it comes to keeping your teeth and mouth healthy. Most dentists offer other types of dental treatments in addition to regular teeth cleaning services. For example root planing and scaling is a procedure that involves cleaning the area of your teeth under the gum line to remove any plaque development. This process can also be used as an alternative to brushing if you do not feel like you can brush at night or if you are not comfortable with the idea.
If you have been experiencing signs of teeth grinding, you are certainly not alone. In most cases, individuals who suffer from this condition experience jaw pain, jaw ache, difficulty chewing, and other symptoms. Many times, these individuals also find that their teeth grind excessively, and that it interferes with their ability to carry on with daily tasks.
Teeth grinding, however, is a serious problem that can easily be treated. In many cases, habitual teeth grinding can lead to jaw injuries, loosening, and eventual loss of teeth. The habitual grinder can wear down his or her teeth, causing changes in facial shape, and other aesthetic issues. The muscles and TMJs of chewing can also be adversely affected by the constant forces of grinding teeth.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is important to know that teeth grinding can often be treated by visiting your dentist for a thorough exam and assessment. While you are there, your dentist will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms, as well as determine whether or not teeth grinding is the diagnosis.
If you do find that teeth grinding is a problem, you may find that you need to undergo treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid the complications that may arise from untreated grinding, and other dental problems. Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not grinding is a possibility by doing several tests to see what exactly is causing your symptoms. These tests will help the dentist to determine whether or not your symptoms are caused by the grinding of your teeth, so that appropriate treatment can be given.
It is important to understand that teeth grinding can also be a symptom of other more serious conditions. If your grinding seems to be more severe, it may be a sign of a disorder such as periodontal disease or an overgrowth of plaque. Once your dentist has determined that you are suffering from one of these issues, it is important that you seek treatment as soon as possible.
Teeth grinding is a common problem that can easily be treated. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should contact a dentist in your area right away, and make an appointment to meet with them so that your symptoms can be properly evaluated. In many cases, your local dentist will be able to prescribe treatments such as orthodontic braces or mouth guards.
Sedation dentistry is simply a form of dentistry that is done by the administration of certain sedatives through an oral or intravenous route to calm patients who fear a dental procedure. This form of dentistry has existed for several decades, and it has gained popularity as the age of high incidences of dental phobia has become more widespread.
In general, there are a couple of different kinds of sedation that can be administered to patients who are undergoing dental procedures. The most common type of sedative used is benzodiazepines or tranquilizers and the other type is muscle relaxants. Sedative dentists typically recommend that their patients use these forms of medications while undergoing treatments. It is important to note that sedation and anesthesia can both have serious consequences if not administered properly.
Sedative dentistry can take several forms, but in general they involve an oral route that is used to provide the patient with the necessary amount of sedative to complete the dental treatment. This process can take several hours depending on the severity of the condition, and the type of treatment that needs to be done. A sedative dentist will need to discuss each patient’s individual case with them and determine which course of treatment is best for them. For example, a patient may be sedated through general anesthesia or the sedatives could be given through intramuscular (IM) injections, which are used to also administer sedatives. Intramuscular sedatives are considered a safer way to administer the medications.
Some sedatives that are used in dentistry come as a pill that is taken orally, or it can come as a numbing spray. The most commonly used of these are the benzodiazepines, and they are most often administered through the nose or mouth. When patients require more of an extended amount of sedatives, they are usually administered through the intravenous route and in this case, the doctor will insert a needle into the vein for a faster amount of sedative being delivered to the patient.
While sedatives are commonly used in dentistry, they are also commonly prescribed for patients suffering from post-surgery pain, and those who have had surgery. Some patients may only require a mild sedative and others may need a stronger medication such as morphine or narcotics for chronic pain that cannot be treated using sedatives alone.
There are a few side effects of sedation dentistry that should be noted before being given this form of dental treatment. Because sedatives can cause drowsiness, it is important for patients who are to be given sedatives, to not drive while they are still feeling the effects of the medication. Sedatives can cause some people to become drowsy, and may even result in individuals falling completely asleep.
The terms may sound so similar, so how do they differ? What process is right for you, really? Read on to find out the differences between some cosmetic dentistry procedures and a dental smile makeover, and help you decide which process is best for you.
Dentists perform an assessment on your mouth and evaluate whether you need to have your smile made over. Most procedures will be able to work around the entire enamel of your tooth. But, there are some dental procedures that are only done to areas such as the gum line, or the teeth surrounding the gums. You may even have your smile made over with veneers that cover the teeth.
If you have a missing or chipped tooth, dentists can rebuild it to look and feel like your natural teeth. A crown, a composite or metal piece that fits over the natural tooth, can be used in the process to replace the tooth. This process also helps keep your teeth from decaying, as it provides a barrier between the natural tooth and the root.
For some people, a new tooth can improve their smile. The process of filling a gap between teeth by building a tooth onto another tooth will require dental bonding. The bonding of two different tooth surfaces will allow the new tooth to fill an empty space. Your dentist may even offer a custom-made dental bridge.
Before you go into surgery, your cosmetic dentist will be able to offer you advice. They can even recommend cosmetic products that can improve the appearance of your smile. Some of these include gum balms and gum trays that provide a smooth surface for your gums.
So, if you are considering cosmetic dentistry, talk to your dentist today. They will be able to answer any questions that you have about your smile makeover. As they discuss the process, they will help you plan ahead, and make the most of your smile makeover.
It is also a good idea to research the procedures and products that are available. Visit the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to get the latest information.
You will also want to look at cosmetic dentistry magazines, both online and off. Check out magazines that focus on cosmetic dentistry, so that you can gain a general understanding of the type of procedures that you might be having done.
If you think that your smile needs a little work, consider trying to fix it up. A cosmetic dentist can help you come up with ideas for a makeover that will improve your smile in no time.
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist helps you achieve the smile you desire. Unlike your typical dentist, a cosmetic dentist focuses on the overall aesthetics of your teeth.
Sometimes, even if your teeth are all free from cavities, you may still feel shy about flashing your smile. This is especially true if your gums tend to show a lot, or if you have yellowish teeth. Thankfully, you can always turn to cosmetic dentistry to resolve such dilemmas.
It is not that easy to find the right dentist though. Nevertheless, you have to spend more time and effort in knowing your potential dentist. By doing so, you can avoid faulty dental work that will cause you stress and costly corrections later on. If you do not know where to start, below are the steps in searching for your next dentist.
1. Flash your smile in front of a mirror first. Stare intently at your own reflection. What bothers you the most about your smile? Is it your gummy smile or set of crooked teeth? If your teeth are all healthy but yellowish, you may consider dental whitening and other services, especially if that stops you from presenting your best smile.
2. Have an idea about the kind of dental work you will need. If you have limited knowledge about dental services, you can search for before and after pictures of cosmetic dentistry. Often, the dental work is indicated along with the picture.
3. Make a list of dentists in your area. The first one you should ask for recommendations should be your GP. If one or more of your loved ones underwent cosmetic dentistry, you can also refer to them. Ask them about the kind of dental problems they had, and the advice they got. Then, inquire about their experiences with certain dentists.
4. Do a background check about the cosmetic dentists online. Reading patient testimonials online can help narrow down your search for the best cosmetic dentist. You can find pictures of their work online. But, try to do an image search to find out whether the pictures are not stolen from another specialist.
You should also find out the educational background of the cosmetic dentists in your list. Search about their experience and memberships as well. Make sure the dentists also have the necessary permits and licenses to do general dentistry.
5. Schedule a visit. During your visit, you can ask about the techniques, materials and equipment used. Pay attention to how they treat you as well. You should be with a dentist who makes you feel comfortable. If it is possible, inquire about the preparation you will need for the dental work.
Finding the best cosmetic dentist for you should not take more than a week. Once you are sure of the dentist, prepare for your dental procedure.
Having the perfect smile is an important part of an individual’s self-esteem and these days, no one wants to be seen in a photograph that reveals a set of teeth and gums that are less than “photogenic.”
Enter the cosmetic dentist, a licensed professional who can practice traditional dentistry, but chooses to focus more on improving a person’s smile, and the appearance of the mouth and teeth.
The first thing you notice in a person’s smile is usually the color of his teeth. Embarrassing smiles often result from teeth stains caused by food, drinks (tea, coffee or red wine), smoking or bad oral hygiene.
A cosmetic dentist may perform or recommend three teeth whitening methods.
a. Clinic Treatment
The patient is treated in the dentist’s clinic with a peroxide gel for bleaching effect. The peroxide stays on the teeth for 15 minutes to an hour. Patients with stubborn stains are advised to have one or two more sessions, or use a home bleaching system.
b. Professional Take-Home Kits System
For safer treatment and for a longer lasting whitening effect, a professional home-use kit is recommended. A lower strength peroxide gel is applied on customized mouth guards, and remains on the teeth for more than an hour or overnight.
c. Commercial Whitening Kits
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products have peroxide gels with a much lower concentration than the ones used in professional home system kits. The gel is placed on strips, trays or paint-on applicators. This teeth whitening procedure usually affects only a few of the front teeth resulting in an uneven shade of white.
2. Dental Fillings
The conventional dental fillings like gold and amalgam that are used to cover damaged surfaces of the teeth usually leave uneven dark spots. Modern fillings such as porcelain and composite fillings can be formulated to imitate a patient’s natural tooth color.
3. Inlays or Onlays
While dental fillings are shaped and molded in the clinic to fit the cavity of a damaged tooth, inlays or onlays (also called indirect fillings) are created in a dental laboratory prior to doing the restorative treatment.
Customized to match a patient’s teeth color, indirect fillings provide superior fit, long-term resistance to discoloration, strength and stability, and protects weak areas of the teeth.
4. Composite Bonding
A type of dental bonding, composite bonding uses composite dental materials that are the same color as human tooth. The materials are attached to the damaged teeth with the use of an adhesive, a bonding agent, and extremely focused curing light. Prior to hardening, the composite material is sculpted according to the normal shape of the teeth to create a natural-looking smile.
One should never hesitate to visit a cosmetic dentist if one sees or feels something wrong with teeth. The world can seem brighter and happier when a person has no worries about their smile.
When you have a broken, discolored, misshapen, or decayed tooth but do not want to have it extracted, your next best course of action is to have it replaced with a dental crown.
A dental crown is primarily needed to restore the function, and improve the appearance of a tooth without getting rid of it.
In dentistry, crowns are the artificial replacements for the visible part of the damaged or decayed tooth. Since dental crowns replace a tooth, they are constructed to mimic the size and shape of a real tooth. They are cemented on top of the tooth along the gum line.
Here are the specific conditions that require you to use a dental crown:
1. For cosmetic improvement
Having missing or damaged front teeth can leave a detrimental effect on your personal appearance and psyche. Often, the best solution to this problem is to get dental crowns. All-porcelain or all-resin crowns are good front teeth replacements since they closely mimic natural teeth colors.
2. For dental bridge placements
Getting dental bridges for missing tooth replacements cannot be complete without having dental crowns installed over the adjacent teeth next to an absent one. The teeth with dental crowns will act as support for the bridge teeth cemented over the old location of the missing one.
3. For tooth protection
Dental crowns are also used to protect weak and decayed teeth. To protect the weak teeth from further damage and decay, the dental crowns are placed over the teeth. This situation often applies to children, or those who are genetically predisposed to have weak teeth.
4. For tooth filling support
Sometimes, a tooth can be saved from further decay or damage by using teeth fillings. However, in some cases, there is not enough teeth left to keep the filling in place. In this case, it is best to use a dental crown.
5. For dental implant protection
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are embedded deep into the gum line, and into the roots of the tooth to prevent further bone loss. With an implant in place, it will need a tooth replacement on the surface. This is solved by using a dental crown.
6. For correcting discolored teeth
Another use of a dental crown is as a covering for discolored and crooked teeth. Patients do not need to wait a long time to straighten, or uniformly whiten their teeth since a dental crown onlay can readily resolve this issue.
7. For controlling general anesthesia use
In children, the use of general anesthesia during dental procedures is strictly limited for their safety. For children who still have their baby teeth but are having dental issues, a stainless steel crown may be used. A dental crown in children will protect the teeth and ensure that the child does not undergo repeat dental visits. Also, stainless steel crowns in children will gradually fall off as their permanent teeth appear.
A family dentist is someone who will be there taking care of every family member’s dental concerns for years. That is why it is vital to be careful when looking for a family dentist. One important aspect you should start with is the fact that the dental professional will have to deal with different individuals from various age ranges in the family. Considering that, it is essential to look for a dental expert with experience in treating a wide range of people.
This is especially important in the cases of children. Time has proven that the younger the children are, the more they are difficult to deal with as patients. But an experienced dentist will know what to do, and how to handle them patiently, and with care. More than these two aspects, an experienced family dentist can ensure a pleasant experience for these youngsters. This will likely lessen the number of children who are afraid of dentists.
Although difficult, it is not impossible to find that kind of dentist for your family. You can inquire regarding the policies, incentives or social programs they use when working with children patients.
There is also the matter of trust, your comfort and the services you look for. Trust is something you will build towards your family dentist in two ways. First is through good references and positive reviews, and the second is by experiencing the dentist’s service for yourself. The latter may also cover the experience you have with the dental office staff. Did they make you feel welcome and comfortable?
Another factor is the services they offered. Ask yourself, does the dentist provide the kind of dental services you need, or may require in the future? Again, this aspect gives strong emphasis on the dentist’s experience and knowledge in family dentistry, or a more specific oral health issue.
You can only determine whether you have the right professional by your side by scheduling a consultation with them. Use this opportunity to see how much knowledge and experience they have regarding the dental issues you have. If you are not satisfied with their services, then it is best if you focus your attention to other prospects.
Lastly is the location of the dentist’s clinic. Generally, it is best to find a family dentist that is near your location for easy access. However, there are other cases when this is not applicable, so you can simply focus on these three important things: look for a family dentist that you trust, are comfortable to be with, and who are service oriented. The location may prove to be an inconvenience, but you are certain that when it comes to the level of service and experience, you have chosen the right one.
Dental caries affects a lot of people’s lives. It is more commonly known as caries, cavities, or, as most commercials for toothpaste would call them, tooth decay. Cavities are visually different in that some of them can come in the color of yellow or black.
Understanding the general idea of what causes dental caries can go a long way in helping to prevent them. Dental caries affects billions of people. The World Health Organization once estimated that around 2.43 billion people have a tooth that is infected with a cavity.
Knowing their cause, signs, and symptoms helps in avoiding the condition. Thankfully, understanding and learning more about dental cavities is not difficult.
What is the general cause of dental caries?
Dental caries are caused by bacteria. It is a result of the bacteria growing and breaking down the hard tissues of a tooth, that is to say, the cementum, enamel, and dentin. The breakdown is fueled by the acid produced by sugar or crumbs of food on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria thrive on simple sugars, which is why people who have a high sugar diet are at a high risk of acquiring dental caries.
There are other risk factors that can increase the chance of having cavities. Conditions that lower saliva production have a strong chance in increasing the risk of getting a cavity. Conditions such as Sjorgens syndrome and diabetes can lower saliva production, and thus increase the chances of getting a cavity.
Medications can also be contributory to the decrease in the production of saliva. Some forms of antihistamines and antidepressants can lower saliva production. It is strongly recommended to consult with a dentist to avoid such complications.
Dental cavities are strongly associated with other factors such as poor dental hygiene, receding gums, as well as poverty.
Signs and symptoms
One of the biggest problems with dental caries is that most people might not be aware that they have them. Some of them might not even know what it actually is.
The earliest sign of a dental cavity is a chalky white spot on the tooth’s surface. This is an indication that there is a demineralization of the enamel. This white chalky spot is referred to by many names such as microcavity or white spot lesion.
If the condition is still a white spot lesion, then the process can still be treated and reversed. However, severe damage caused by dental caries can no longer be repaired.
Lesions that are dark brown in color and shiny suggest that there was once a cavity. However, demineralization of the tooth has at this point stopped. Lighter-colored cavities are indicative of active decay. Immediate consultation with a dental healthcare professional is strongly advised.
Dental problems happen every day. People have different reactions the moment they run their tongue through their mouth and notice that there is something wrong. There are people who freak out or panic and think that it is an emergency that warrants waking up their dentist at four in the morning. Then there are those who are laid back without a worry or care in the world.
The truth is that most dental issues are rarely a major issue that requires immediate attention. Here are some steps people can take once they realize that their crown gets loose or broken.
The Do It Yourself Approach
The first thing a person has to do is to examine the area. Look at the cracked or loose crown to check if pieces are displaced or missing. If the crown is shaky or loose, it is usually a good idea to just pull it out to avoid accidentally swallowing it.
Once the crown is taken out, check if the area is painful or not, and if the sensation can be tolerated for one or two days. If the pain is too much to handle, some over the counter pain medication should be able to make it tolerable.
Repairing The Crown
A broken or loose crown does not usually call for a replacement. The dentist still has to check if the damage actually merits such a response. Treatment really depends on the severity, and size of the damage to the crown.
More often than not, all the dentist has to do is to reform or smoothen what remains of the crown into shape.
In the event that the damage or loss is indeed severe, the dentist may call for a replacement of the crown. This will of course involve creating a new crown. Replacing the broken crown is a course of action that dentists will resort to only in the most severe cases.
When It Is The Tooth And Not The Crown
When the problem is the tooth, and not the crown, then it becomes a situation that warrants immediate dental attention. A cracked or broken tooth can often become infected. Once infection takes root, issues can become much bigger and problematic.
It is strongly recommended to seek immediate dental help once a problem with the tooth has been discovered for immediate care.
The Causes Of Broken Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are broken or shaken loose for a wide variety of reasons. It may be the result of biting too hard. Sometimes, they break simply because of age. The crown has been in place for too long, and the crown has succumbed to normal wear and tear. Actions such as grinding or clenching are other factors that contribute to the destruction of dental crowns.
Wisdom teeth appear between ages 17 and 25, and although it is fine to let them come through, there are cases when it is best to remove them. Why? That is because they may become impacted, meaning there is no longer enough space for them to break through your gums completely. This fact is just one of the many things you have to learn about wisdom teeth and their removal. If you want to learn more, then proceed to read the information below.
1. Humans during the prehistoric times had stronger and larger jaws. These were large enough for wisdom teeth to come out without a problem, thereby helping them chew coarse foods. However, evolution has made modern jaw size smaller, making it less likely for wisdom teeth to come through, hence, the need for removal.
2. People may or may not feel the symptoms if their wisdom teeth erupt. However, it does not mean that if there are no symptoms, they will also become disease-free. In fact, this is the time when you need to monitor them to prevent the development of diseases, such as infections, damage to the neighboring teeth, lesions, and cysts or tumors.
3. In terms of wisdom tooth removal, the procedure is best done while the roots are about two-thirds developed – this is the stage when it is easy to remove them. Otherwise, you will lose that window of opportunity to remove them, and increase the risk of injuring a nerve.
4. The procedure entails receiving either local anesthesia or laughing gas. You may choose to receive local anesthesia wherein you will be sedated during the process, and feel less alert and sleepy afterwards, or the laughing gas, which would not let you feel anything, but hear everything.
5. The discomfort you may feel afterwards is dependent on your tolerance level. Regardless, your oral surgeon may prescribe you with narcotics, or if you do not want that option, you can combine Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Just make sure not to take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol and 2,400mg of Ibuprofen within the 24-hour period. Expect that swelling will occur within 48 to 72 hours, so prepare your ice pack compresses to help reduce the swelling.
6. Intermittent bleeding may occur within the first few days as well. To control it, you will be provided gauze to bite for about 15-30 minutes. It also helps to bite on a moist tea bag because of the natural constrictors tea contains.
7. You will be on a soft diet for 4-5 days, which means you can enjoy eating as much ice cream, yogurt, smoothies or puddings as you want during this period. You also need to avoid foods that require too much chewing, so pastas, scrambled eggs, and mashed potato are your best choices for the meantime.
8. Yes, you may brush your teeth, but not too vigorously. Avoid brushing or flossing around the affected sites, and rinsing for the first 24 hours.
9. If you have work you cannot set aside for a few days, it is best to have the removal scheduled on a Thursday or Friday. However, if you know you will need strong pain medication, take the needed time off from work.
There are things you need to keep in mind before and after a wisdom tooth removal procedure. However, one thing you should not definitely remember most of all is not to drive when taking narcotics, or engage in strenuous workouts or heavy lifting. Even playing wind instruments is prohibited within the first week after the surgery.
Malocclusion or “poor bite” is a term commonly used to refer to various possible conditions. The most prevalent types include:
Upper Protrusion or Overjet – Commonly known as buck teeth, upper front teeth are pushed in an outward direction, probably due to a small lower jaw. Bad habits as a child like excessive thumb-sucking and pacifier use may also lead to this condition. The upper palate or the roof the mouth’s roof may also be forced to change shape.
Crowding or Spacing Problems – Having too little or excessive room for the teeth may lead to crowding or spacing problems. If there is crowding, the permanent teeth may be impacted or prevented from properly coming in.
Misplaced Midline – If your midline is misplaced, this means that the center line of your upper front teeth does not match up with its counterpart in the lower front teeth.
Open Bite – While a person with an open bit may have molars that fit together, there is no overlap between the lower and upper front teeth. Thus, an opening in the mouth exists. Either or both the left and right sides of the mouth can have an open bite.
Overbite – If you have an excessive overbite, your upper front teeth are reaching down too far over your lower front teeth. In your case of overbite is severe, your lower teeth may even touch the roof of your mouth.
Underbite – In this case, the lower front teeth are positioned farther forward in relation to the upper front teeth.
Cross Bite – This happens when an upper tooth or any number of upper teeth is positioned in the wrong side of the teeth on the lower part of the mouth.
Rotation – There is a rotation when a tooth is abnormally tipped or turned out of position.
Transposition – This happens when a tooth erupts or grows in another tooth’s place.
The Normal Fit
Ideally upper teeth should be positioned slightly forward compared to the lower teeth. If the fit is not normal, the classification is determined by how the upper teeth are matched up with the lower teeth. The jawbone is likewise checked for the appropriate position relative to the teeth.
Class I – While upper and lower molars may be positioned properly, the teeth either have too much space or crowded together. In severe cases, rotations, cross bites, and overlapping may occur as well.
Class II – The lower and upper molars fit. However, they are positioned in the direction of the throat, and this causes the chin to draw back.
Class III – In this case, lower molars are way ahead of the upper molars. This results to jutting lower front teeth and jaw that figure in a cross bite.
Children born with jaw structure problems may experience malocclusion. Likewise, malocclusion may force the jaw joint out of position.
In the past, finding an orthodontist to work on your teeth straightening requirements was a simple and straightforward process. Just ask your family dentist for a recommendation, and he will probably give you a name in an instant. After all, he was probably the one who suggested you needed to have your teeth realigned. Things are different today however, as the task of choosing an orthodontist has become somewhat confusing. For one, there are myriads of procedures available, and even non-specialists are now offering orthodontic treatments.
Following are some guidelines that you can use when in the process of finding an orthodontist.
Things to Consider Prior to Booking a Consultation
The recommendation of your family dentist is still important. This is because part of his job entails coordinating with orthodontists on matters relating to patient care, as well as viewing the results of orthodontic procedures. He can pass his evaluation on to you.
Your friends, relatives, and co-workers may also be able to recommend a name or two, especially if they had sought treatment for their child before. You can also contact the local dental school’s orthodontics department for a recommendation.
The prospective orthodontist must be a member in good standing of the American Association of Orthodontists to make sure that they adhere to ethical standards, and have undergone rigorous training.
Things to Consider During Your Orthodontic Consultation
When meeting with a prospective orthodontist, ask how long they have been practicing, how extensive their expertise is, and their current level of experience. Check the results of their work by looking at before and after pictures of some past patients.
It is also important to know how advanced and varied the treatment options they offer are. There are new revolutionary technologies available today that are more inconspicuous, more comfortable to wear, and help reduce the total treatment time.
If the orthodontist has examined your condition, what is the diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. They must be able to clearly explain everything to you, and provide possible alternatives. Is the recommended plan of action affordable for you, and is it practical in terms of your social and business needs?
It is best that you meet inside the clinic. This way, you can check out the ambience and if possible, observe how the office works with patients. See if you or your child would be comfortable under their treatment. The staff must also be friendly and accommodating since treatments usual run for several months and even years, so it must be easy to develop good rapport with them. The clinic must also be easily accessible to the patient.
Finally, ask about the cost and acceptable financing options. There are dental loan providers endorsed by the American Association of Orthodontics, but there are alternative options as well.
Orthodontic treatments take some time, and cost a considerable amount of money. Thus, it is best that you find an orthodontist that will address your particular needs without costing an arm and a leg.
We’ve all experienced that late night hanging with good friends with increasingly foul breath as the tortilla chips and tequila shots pile up and the night carries on. We are all too acquainted with that sour aftertaste after eating a delectable bowl of Frosted Flakes. Why does our breath appear to so deeply enjoy being the party pooper? Why is it so … bad?
PICK YOUR FRAGRANCE
Researchers have determined around 150 different molecules in human breath. Above are what a few of the more stinky compounds smell like.
GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA ARE THE STINKERS
About 85% of bad breath cases arise from oral conditions– the result of stinky substances excreted by the millions of germs feasting on food and dead cell particles in our mouth. You’ll be pleased to find out that our mouth has 100-200 bacterial species (and numerous millions to hundreds of billions of private bacteria) populating it at any provided time.
Above the gum line, gram-positive germs form most of dental plaque– the living film of bacteria and polysaccharides covering your teeth. These types like sugar and produce acid that can cause cavities, but they are not heavy manufacturers of stinky smelling compounds.
On the other hand, gram-negative bacteria, the foul-smelling types that burrow listed below the gum line, are much gassier. They prosper in spaces between the gum and tooth and in the crevices of your tongue. These little guys produce gassy smelling unpredictable sulphuric substances– the real perpetrators behind foul breath.
Gram negative bacteria consist of the stinky ones. They love to hang under your gum line, so it is very important to floss for fresher breath. Gram unfavourable bacteria consist of the smelly ones. They enjoy to hang under your gum line, so it is essential to floss for fresher breath.
THE STINKERS FLOURISH IN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENTS
Our gram negative bacteria– the stinkers– thrive in acidic, oxygen-poor environments. These guys are the real foul breath wrongdoers. In acidic environments (a pH of lower than 7), gram-negative bacteria flourish and displace our oral-health related, pH neutral caring bacterial species.
THE STINKERS LIKE DEHYDRATION
Our saliva, which is oxygen-rich and pH neutralising, naturally keeps the development of our stinky germs and halitosis in check. Our stinky germs therefore ENJOY it when we dehydrate ourselves because dehydration lowers our saliva circulation (our body’s natural defence). Lowered saliva circulation typically leads to increased level of acidity (aka lower pH).
COMMON WAYS WE DEHYDRATE OURSELVES (AND GET HALITOSIS).
COFFEE.
Caffeine dehydrates our mouth. This dehydrating effect integrated with the fermentation of milk or sugar residue in our mouth often contributes to dry, sour breath.
If you can’t cut back on coffee, just consume a lot of water after you drink coffee to counterbalance dehydration. In fact, if you consume sufficient water with your coffee, it might be an advantage. Scientists from Tel Aviv University discovered that coffee may even prevent bacteria that cause bad breath.
ALCOHOL.
Alcohol really dries out your mouth. The bacteria simply enjoy it.
Tips:.
Have a glass of water for every drink taken in to prevent halitosis.
Choose your mouthwash carefully. Numerous brand names consist of up to 27% alcohol. When the minty fresh disappears in an hour or two, mouthwashes can leave your mouth drier and more stagnant.
STUFFY NOSE.
Colds can force you to breathe through your mouth, which dries your tissues and lowers saliva flow. With lowered saliva flow your mouth becomes more acidic. The acid-loving, stinky bacteria grow in this acidic environment and can trigger foul breath.
Gram negative germs– the stinkers– love alcohol. Here’s why:.
Here’s why:. 1. Alcohol dehydrates you. 2. Salivary flow reduces. 3. Level of acidity in your mouth boosts. 4. Stinkers party and multiply.
THE STINKERS LOVE SUGAR.
Stinky germs have a craving for sweets. When you consume sugary foods, your bacteria delight in the sugar. They ferment sugar (transform sugar to acid), launching acids that lower the pH of your mouth.
OTHER POSSIBLE REASONS FOR FOUL BREATH.
Foul breath does not constantly come from your mouth. Other possibilities include, however are not limited to: Medications, diet (garlic, onions), infections, metabolic conditions or disorders.
REMEDIES FOR HALITOSIS.
MANICURE YOUR TONGUE.
Our gram negative bacteria enjoy the dark, moist crevices on our tongue‘s surface. As much as 70%+ of the bacteria that trigger foul breath live and breed here. You can try carefully scraping your tongue with a soft toothbrush or tongue scraper.
EAT FRESH.
The modern-day diet plan has plenty of sweet processed foods( think about those delicious snickerdoodles, wheat thins, Joe Joes and so on). 2 foul breath triggering things take place when we consume processed foods.
We chew less so there is less friction to remove germs in the digestion procedure and less salivary flow.
Second, bacteria love the processed sugar. As germs ferment the sugars in your mouth, they release acids and volatile sulphuric compounds (think garlic, fish, rotten eggs). Remember that sour taste in your mouth after consuming a bowl of cereal or a doughnut?
Replace processed foods with fresh fruit, proteins and vegetables and you must notice a significant difference in your breath quality.
EAT YOGURT.
In a research study carried out by the International Association for Dental Research Study, those who consumed yogurt two times a day for six weeks saw an 80% drop in the levels of hydrogen sulphide– a major cause of bad breath.
CONSUME MORE WATER.
Remaining hydrated assists us maintain ideal salivary flow. Water also assists neutralise the pH to keep stinky bacterial nests (that love acidic environments) and halitosis in check.
MOUTHWASH.
Mouthwashes work by means of one (or both) of the list below mechanisms to mask or neutralise foul breath:.
Mask odours:.
A lot of mouthwashes do not improve oral ecology, however consist of substances that help mask undesirable odours.
Carpet bombing:.
Mouthwashes, such as those containing Chlorhexidine, target and kill all germs. While carpet bombing isn’t the ideal technique since it eliminates the good and bad germs alike (essentially decreasing bacterial counts– the great and the bad), it can temporarily minimise bad breath. A variety of researchers are dealing with more ideal options to particularly target the stinkers.
OIL PULLING.
Oil pulling is a folk remedy that originated in India. It initially appeared in an early text of Ayurvedic medication (aka Indian traditional medication). Via this strategy, you are encouraged to gargle one tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame, sunflower etc.) for 20 minutes as soon as per day.
Practicers of oil pulling have noted fresher breath amongst a myriad of additional, purported benefits. It’s believed that the swishing action of oil pulling may loosen up germs via a soap-like mechanism which the medium chain fats in coconut oil may prevent bacterial growth.
FLOSS.
Don’t let the germs party in your mouth! Floss daily to beat bad breath!
Practically everybody wanting to brighten their smile can attain this from teeth bleaching. Clients with teeth that are blemished due to age, smoking cigarettes or other extrinsic staining aspects are excellent candidates for teeth whitening.
Research study suggests that teeth whitening is totally reliable in more than 78% of individuals. As teeth whitening continues to grow in appeal, research continues into all kinds of lightening systems.
Teeth whitening is not long-term, and works by removing the natural materials in the enamel by dissolving them with a peroxide derivative. Teeth brightening is only efficient if there is a lot of enamel.
There are two principle kinds of teeth lightening: professional whitening and teeth whitening packages.
Specialist Teeth Whitening
The most effective and best technique of teeth whitening is the dentist-supervised procedure. The dental professional will determine whether you are a prospect for teeth whitening and exactly what type of bleaching system would provide the finest results.
The dentist needs to likewise discuss exactly what you personally can expect for your private circumstance. Before the teeth brightening treatment, a lot of dentists clean the teeth, fill any cavities, and make certain the patient’s gums are healthy.
Dental practitioners will normally recommend attempting teeth bleaching first, to avoid the requirement for more complicated cosmetic work. Complications that can happen in expert teeth whitening are infrequent and are usually minor in nature. In general,
teeth whitening under professional guidance is an efficient technique for lightening the teeth.
Teeth Whitening Kits
An option technique to professional teeth bleaching is to utilize a teeth whitening system or kit. A lot of teeth lightening systems consists of a brightening gel that is put in mouth pieces that fit over your teeth for an extended length of time.
The American Dental Association has actually granted its seal of approval to some teeth whitening products, so be sure and try to find the ADA mark of approval if you are going to buy a whitening set. It is very important that the producer’s instructions are
followed specifically when using an at home teeth whitening kit. Do not utilize a teeth whitening item for more than 14 days without consulting a dental specialist.
Disadvantages and Limitations of Teeth Whitening
Although teeth bleaching is very efficient, there can be short term disadvantages, such as aching gums or sore teeth from the bleach. Crowns, bridges, bonding, and fillings just return to their initial coloring; they do become any lighter or brighter with expert
teeth bleaching. Various stains require various solutions, for that reason it is necessary to have an assessment with an oral health professional before trying a teeth whitening item.
While teeth bleaching does produce brighter smiles, some individuals expectations are really high and they are dissatisfied with the results.
Research study continues into all kinds of whitening systems.
Due to its effectiveness, teeth bleaching makes sure to continue to grow in popularity. Routine expert teeth cleaning up by your dental professional will assist support the lasting success of teeth bleaching.
Think about teeth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, smoking, tea, wine or coffee.
Our prehistoric ancestors had strong, large jaws that helped them chew raw, coarse food. This included using their wisdom teeth that fully developed because at an early age, 6 or 12 years old, our ancestors already lost many of their teeth. This paved the way for their third set of molars to grow with enough space in the oral cavity.
Unfortunately, after thousands of years, changes in our eating habits and oral health have failed to allow our wisdom teeth to grow out into a functional position. As a result, some of us today experience impacted or erupted wisdom teeth.
Detecting Wisdom Teeth Early
In some cases, an impacted or erupted wisdom tooth may cause pain when chewing, limited jaw mobility, and swelling in the back of your oral cavity. However, you may also experience no symptoms at all. This does not mean that you should not worry about it. If not treated right, your impacted wisdom tooth can lead to lesions, infections, damage to adjacent teeth, cysts, and worse, tumors.
On the other hand, if you are not feeling any of the symptoms above, you have a chance of developing gum disease. It is a serious dental condition where plaque and tartar buildup cause your teeth decay and can fall out due to infection. If ignored, it can become life-threatening. In most cases, wisdom teeth need to be removed. If they have grown out without any issues, then it is perfectly fine to leave them.
The best way to know if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed is through a check-up with your dentist. Depending on the expertise of your dentist, he or she may be able to detect erupted wisdom teeth before they get out-of-hand. You may be recommended to a dental surgeon specializing in care, and removal of wisdom teeth.
Removing Wisdom Teeth at the Right Time
As you grow older, the roots of your teeth continue to grow and reposition. By the time you reach the age of 30 and over, the difficulty of removing your wisdom teeth increases. Along with this, the risk of injuring a nerve during wisdom teeth extraction heightens. Recovery after surgery becomes longer as well.
You may opt to get anesthesia or laughing gas for the extraction. Either way, your dentist will still apply local anesthesia on the area where your wisdom teeth will be removed. This is to numb the area, so you will not feel pain. You also need someone to drive you home after the surgery because the sedation will make you feel dazed and confused.
Post-Surgery Observations
After surgery, you may still feel pain, intermittent bleeding, and puffiness in your cheeks. These are all normal. Your dentist will give you medications for these symptoms.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is common, but this does not mean that you can undergo the same procedure without knowing the complications and risks involved. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist is your best ally in this endeavor.
There are times when teeth need to be replaced or restored, and such ways to return teeth to their undamaged state are tooth restorations. In restoring teeth, the dentist can repair missing portions of the tooth’s structure or replace missing teeth.
Some of the causes of missing tooth structure are tooth fracture, tooth decay, or deterioration of a tooth restoration that was previously worked on. Some tooth restoration examples include:
1. Dentures are a detachable replacement for missing teeth, and their nearby tissues. Dentures are made out of acrylic resin, and they may also be made with metal attachments. Partial dentures are done when there are still some teeth left. Here, the partial dentures are held in place by metal clasps that are attached to existing teeth.
2. Dental implants are tooth root replacements. A tooth implant is a small metal post that is placed in the bone socket where there are no teeth. The implant is then covered with a crown, which is a replacement tooth. Click here to read more about dental implants.
3. Bridges are false teeth that are meant to connect the gap, which is a result of one or more missing teeth. Crowns anchor the bridges on either side, and the bridges are permanently cemented into place.
4. Crowns are caps that are made to resemble teeth. They are placed over a tooth to restore its size, shape, appearance, and strength. Crowns also cover a dental implant or hold a bridge in its place.
5. Fillings are perhaps the most implemented types of tooth restoration. Teeth can be filled with silver amalgam, gold, or tooth-colored materials made out of plastic, which are called composite resin fillings.
Tooth Preparation
What are tooth restorations and how is tooth preparation important in the restoration process?
Restoring a tooth to good function and form involves two steps. These are:
a. Preparing the tooth for the positioning of restorative materials and
b. Positioning of the restorative materials.
The preparation process normally entails using special dental burrs to cut the tooth. This is done to provide space for the restorative materials. Cutting the tooth is also aimed to remove decaying teeth or tooth portions that are structurally unsound.
If it is impossible to immediately carry out permanent restoration after preparing the teeth, the dentist may perform temporary restoration. Tooth preparations may be intracoronal or extracoronal.
In tooth preparation, various factors will be considered to determine the extent and type of the preparation. Tooth decay is considered the most important factor, wherein the state of decay will define the preparation’s extent. In turn, the subsequent restoration materials and restoration method are considered.
Another factor to consider is unsupported tooth structure. When preparing the tooth for restoration, enamel that is unsupported is taken away to allow for a restoration that is predictable. While enamel is the human bodys hardest substance, enamel is especially brittle. This means unsupported enamel is easily fractured.
What are tooth restorations, and how can they contribute to one’s confidence?
When done properly, tooth restorations can increase a person’s quality of life, making him/her more confident in his/her interactions with other people.