Restoring Your Missing Teeth With Dental Crowns

Restoring Missing Teeth With Dental Crowns
Dental restorations restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth. Fabrication of a crown (a type of dental restoration) usually requires two dental visits. The first visit involves an examination of the tooth to determine how it should be restored and preparation of the tooth for the restoration; this visit may include a core build-up (sometimes requiring a post), fabrication of a temporary crown, and making an impression to be sent to the laboratory. The second visit usually involves delivery of the final restoration, which has been fabricated in the laboratory. In some offices that have access to specialized equipment, the dentist may be able to perform the entire crown procedure in the same day.

A crown is a restoration that covers (or "caps") a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, which can strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth has been damaged significantly and cannot be adequately restored with a filling. A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing; it also can prevent a cracked tooth from further damage. Crowns can cover discolored or misshapen teeth for more aesthetically pleasing smiles.

The dentist may use a filling material to restore a more ideal shape for supporting a crown (core build-up) when a tooth is severely decayed or fractured and lacks sufficient tooth structure. In some cases, a dentist will first perform a root canal, a procedure in which pulp is cleared out of the tooth and the canal is sealed with a special material. After the root canal, the dentist may place a post in the open canal and secure it with dental filling to "build up" the structure of the tooth. Once the material has hardened, the tooth can be prepared for a crown.         

It can, depending on the type of crown you elect to have made. A crown can be fabricated from porcelain, from gold, or from a combination of porcelain and metal. A crown can look just like a natural tooth when it is made with porcelain coverage. Numerous factors are considered when determining the crown material that is best for your particular tooth, including the color, bite, shape, space, and location of the tooth in your mouth.

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. You also should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you have crowns. Use floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. This process helps to prevent both dental decay and gum disease.

What do I do if I'm a still confused about these procedures?
If you are still unclear about the process of placing a crown or a post and core build-up, speak to your dentist. Your dentist can walk you through the steps of the procedures and address any questions or concerns you may have. It is important to have these types of conversations with your dentist so that your journey to an improved smile doesn't start—or end—with a frown. Visit R and R Dental (516) 544-0823 for more answers about Dental Crowns and Bridges or schedule an appointment online at www.randrdental.com.        

Removing Plaque for A Fresh and Clean Mouth

Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, you must practice good oral hygiene every day. Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing bacteria that accumulates on teeth, including where toothbrushes can't reach. Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugary foods are obvious sources of plaque, but there are others that you might not realize can cause harm. Starches—such as bread, crackers, and cereal—also cause acids to form. Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and susceptible to bleeding. This can lead to gum disease, in which gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and teeth may become loose or have to be removed.

How can I get rid of plaque?
The best way to remove plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your toothbrush should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily. Use an antimicrobial toothpaste containing fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from between the teeth, where the toothbrush can't reach. Flossing is essential to prevent gum disease.

The American Dental Association recommends the following techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth:
Brushing        

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Always talk to your dentist about any new products you are interested in trying. Not everyone should use a fluoride mouth rinse. For instance, fluoride rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them. Always check the manufacturer's label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with your dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse. For more information and appointments, contact R+R Dental at (516) 544-0823 or Request an Appointment online.

Enhance Smiles and Increase Confidence with Veneers

Veneers: Enhance Smiles and Increase Confidence
General dentists are able to perform a variety of cosmetic procedures to improve patients' smiles. These procedures range from subtle changes to major repairs, fixing flaws such as discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing teeth. Many patients are discovering the benefits of dental veneers.

A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that is cemented/bonded over the front (visible) part of the tooth as opposed to a crown, which covers the entire tooth. Veneers is a simple and comfortable procedure that only takes a few visits with the dentist. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve a smile.

Veneers are a popular treatment option for several reasons and are a great alternative to crowns in many situations. Veneers provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape. They generally are placed on upper front teeth that are severely discolored, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. Veneers may be used to lighten front teeth that are naturally yellow or have a gray cast and cannot be whitened by bleaching. Veneers are also used to correct chipped or worn teeth and may be used to correct teeth with uneven spaces or a diastema (a large, noticeable gap between the upper front teeth). Generally, veneers will last for many years and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

The two types of veneers are: ceramic veneers (also called laminates) and resin-based composite veneers.
Ceramic Veneers: Ceramic veneers (laminates) are extremely thin shells made of a strong and durable dental ceramic. The dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth. This makes room for the veneer and prevents the restored tooth from feeling or looking bulky and unnatural. Next, the dentist makes an impression of the prepared teeth so that the shape of the preparations and surrounding teeth can be replicated in the dental laboratory. The dentist also looks for the shade that will best match or blend with the other teeth. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory that makes the ceramic veneers to fit your individual teeth, which can take several days. At the next visit, the dentist places the veneers on the teeth to check the fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth with dental cement. Additional adjustments may be done at later appointments.
Resin-based Composite Veneers: Resin-based composite veneers typically are placed in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared or reshaped, the dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material in a color that matches your other teeth. A special light is used to harden the composite. The veneer is smoothed and polished to look like a natural tooth.

Considerations for Choosing Veneers
Teeth must be healthy and free of decay and active periodontal disease before being able to do a veneers treatment. Veneers typically require less removal of tooth enamel than do crowns. However, the process is not reversible once the enamel is removed. Patients who clench or grind their teeth are not good candidates for veneers, because the thin veneers may chip, break or peel. Biting your fingernails and chewing hard objects (ice or pencils) is also not recommended. Like any dental restoration treatment, veneers can be dislodged over time and with wear. If that happens, new ones may be required. Be sure to discuss your expectations and treatment options in detail with your dentist. No special maintenance is required other than practicing good oral hygiene daily. Visit your dentist regularly to maintain healthy teeth and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaner.

Veneers are reasonable duplicates of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It is not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of porcelain veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth. Nevertheless, this procedure can greatly enhance your smile, and can heighten inner satisfaction and self-esteem. Read all about Veneers and Laminates.

For more about Porcelain Veneers and Laminates treatments in New York call R+R Dental at (516) 544-0823 or schedule a veneers appointment online at www.randrdental.com.

The Real Facts About Dentures and Reasons to Make You Smile Again

Facts About Dentures: A Reason to Smile
Replacing missing teeth can radically improve a person's smile and quality of life. Whether you're young, old, or in-between, dentures can help improve the way you look, feel, eat, and speak. It can even help your self-confidence.

A denture is a custom-made removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. A full or complete denture replaces all of the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

Patients can become entirely edentulous (without teeth) due to many reasons, the most prevalent being removal because of dental disease (e.g., periodontal disease and tooth decay). Other reasons include tooth developmental defects caused by severe malnutrition, genetic defects, trauma, or drug use.

Both younger patients and older patients can be fitted for dentures. Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. Dentures can help patients in a number of ways, including:
        

• Mastication—chewing ability is improved by replacing edentulous areas with dentures.
• Aesthetics—the presence of teeth provides a natural facial appearance. Wearing a denture to replace missing teeth provides support for the lips and cheeks, correcting the collapsed appearance that occurs after losing teeth.
• Phonetics—replacing missing teeth helps improve pronunciation of syllables and vowels.
• Self-esteem—patients feel better about themselves.

A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using a denture cleanser. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture, leaving it susceptible to plaque and stains. Don't sterilize your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.

Keeping your dentures clean is vital for good oral health and overall health. Like natural teeth, dentures attract plaque, become stained, and collect food particles that can cause bad breath or irritate your gums.

If you're new to wearing dentures, your dentist may advise you to wear it almost constantly during the first two weeks—even while you sleep. Under normal circumstances, however, it is considered best to remove it at night. Removing the denture at night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. Clean your dentures in cleanser solution, as directed by your dentist. When not in use, you should soak your dentures in water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacing it.

It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so your dentist can examine your oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. As you age, your mouth will continue to change. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself. When in doubt, consult your dentist.

Visit R and R Dental for more about treatments on Denture Care in New York or read the complete article The Real Facts About Dentures and Reasons to Make You Smile Again.       

R and R Dental is a family-owned cosmetic dentist in New York. For denture appointments or more about our services call (516) 544-0823 or visit www.randrdental.com.