What Is A Dental Crown?

Crowns are placed on a tooth for many different reasons, they are used as a protective capping mechanism around an original prepped tooth. The purpose for this is to strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth and give it back its original form. There are many materials that a crown can be made out of, porcelain or ceramic and gold alloys or non-precious alloys are just a few. Some materials are stronger than others and are more aesthetically pleasing so its best to discuss which material is best for you by discussing it with your dentist.

The process of prepping and placing a crown is a very tedious process, but that is expected when making a great crown. The existing crown or filling is removed and any present decay is cleaned out. The tooth is then prepped by the dentist, a shade and material is chosen and an impression or scan is taken and sent to the lab. The lab will then create your crown based on those things and will be delivered in a couple of weeks, and at that time you will wear a temporary crown until the final one is delivered. You will then come back to your designated office and they will remove your temporary crown, clean off any excess cement or debris and permanently cement your crown.

Now that your crown is cemented it is imperative that you take care of it properly. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing is very important, To prevent damaging the crown and ensuring that it lasts a long time try to avoid chewing hard foods or ice and keeping up with your regular cleanings.

Your finished crown should blend in with your natural teeth and should go unnoticed.  The bite and shape of the tooth should be comfortable and there should be no issues.

For more information on how your diet can affect your oral health, Visit our office at Verde Pointe Dental!

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick Mcgrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office. They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering an emergency dentist coupon for $100.00.

Fillings Aren't Forever! Why Your Fillings Need To Be Replaced.

There are many reasons as to why old fillings need to be replaced. It is best to replace old fillings before new decay forms underneath them and with modern technology dentists can now detect beginning decay. A dental filling may last many years before it needs to be replaced. Chewing, grinding and other movements that can cause stress on your tooth will eventually cause your filling to wear away and fall out. When fillings are worn they start to pull away from the tooth which leaves gaps at the filling edges, which provides an entry point for bacteria. If the seal is broken between the tooth and the filling, the bacteria works their way into the opening and that can cause decay. If the decay is left untreated, that can lead to the pulp becoming infected which then leads to a possible root canal.

There are several factors that play a part in the longevity and performance of dental fillings. These factors are:

·         Where and how fillings are placed.

·         The components of the filling material

·         How much pressure the tooth has to endure during chewing.

A dental filling may last many years before it needs to be replaced. Chewing, grinding and other movements that can cause stress on your tooth will eventually cause your filling to wear away and fall out. Advances in modern dental materials can create a more natural looking smile. Amalgam or “silver fillings” are now making their way out of the dental field where as ceramic and plastic compound fillings are making more a profound entrance, due to the fact that they resemble more of a natural tooth.

Regular dental examinations are important because early decay can be detected. Although you may not know that your fillings are worn your dentist can identify any issues with your old fillings.

Have your old fillings examined and replaced at Verde Pointe Dental Associates!

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick Mcgrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office. They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering an emergency dentist coupon for $100.00.

Love to Snack and Sip? Your Teeth Don't!!

A basic diet today consists of sugary snacks and sodas, not only is that bad for your health but what many don't know is that it negatively affects your teeth as well.

Snacking and Sipping all day leads to decay.

We skip meals and fill that empty space with sugary energy drinks and snacks, now while that temporarily boosts our energy levels it leaves behind a sugary film on our teeth, which leads to decay. When bacteria mixes with the sugar in your mouth it produces acid, which then breaks down your enamel and is very harmful to your teeth. The more sugar you expose to your teeth the more you increase your chances of tooth decay.

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• Limit the amount of sugary snacks and beverages you're consuming. No need to cut yourself off from it cold turkey, but by replacing your sugary cravings with a more nutritious food choice, you are reducing your sugar intake. Try chewing sugarless gum! It increases saliva flow and helps wash out food of your mouth.
• Drink more water, less soda!
• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Also, make sure to visit your local dentist regularly!

You can learn more about reducing your sugar intake and improving your oral health by making an appointment and visiting our office at Verde Pointe Dental Associates.

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick McGrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office.  They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering a emergency dentist coupon for $100.00.