Dental implants provide long-lasting, permanent replacements for missing teeth. When you only need to replace one or two teeth, they also give you the advantage of not having to restructure adjacent teeth as is necessary with bridges and some other types of partial dentures. A consultation with an implant dentist will help you determine how implants can help you regain your perfect smile.

Implants vs. Bridges

When only a few teeth are being replaced, one frequently used option for replacement is a bridge. Bridges are partial, permanent dentures, and can be anchored with wires or by attaching the prosthetic teeth to adjacent teeth. In both approaches, the adjacent teeth must have material removed to make room for the wires or crowns that hold the bridge in place.

A crown and bridge replacement usually involves a denture with one or two teeth, anchored by crowns on either side of the prosthetic teeth. So, two teeth must be restructured to make room for the crowns. Bridges anchored with wires require less restructuring, but still involve modifying the adjacent teeth.

How Implants Work

Dental implants do not require adjacent teeth to be modified in anyway. Instead, an artificial root made of titanium is placed directly in the jawbone. If only one tooth is missing, one root is placed and a single prosthetic tooth is attached to it. Because the implant is anchored in the jawbone, adjacent teeth can be left unmodified.

If two or more teeth are missing, a similar process allows you to have each tooth replaced individually, with each new tooth anchored by its own implant, or two or more teeth supported by one or two implants. Your implant dentist will evaluate your bone mass as well as the condition of your gums and other factors to determine how many implants will give you the best support for your new, replacement teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact our caring dental team to schedule a consultation to find out how dental implants can give you back a fully intact, natural looking smile. Call our office today.

Intrinsic tooth discoloration is staining that affects the deeper levels of the teeth. It is less common than extrinsic discoloration, which affects only the tooth surfaces. Intrinsic staining is more difficult to treat than extrinsic staining, because it does not respond as readily to tooth whitening. It is usually treated by a cosmetic dentist, often with porcelain veneers.

Causes of Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration

Intrinsic tooth discoloration most commonly occurs while the teeth are developing. Teeth develop bands of dark color due to exposure to certain type of antibiotics, and can develop a similar kind of discoloration when there is too much fluoride present during the teeth’s development. Because this staining affects the deeper layers of the enamel, teeth whitening is often ineffective.

Intrinsic tooth discoloration can also occur due to injuries to the tooth. Trauma to the tooth can cause blood to fill small holes in the enamel, darkening the teeth. This type of staining can fade over time. The tooth can also darken, becoming yellowish, if the enamel is subject to wear and tear that causes it to erode. The underlying dentin shows through the enamel, giving the teeth a yellowish cast.

Treatment for Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration

In some cases, though this is rare, intrinsic staining responds to teeth whitening. In most cases, though, your cosmetic dentist is likely to recommend porcelain veneers.

Veneers are a popular treatment for severe discoloration and surface damage to the teeth. The veneer is made of thin porcelain, carefully color matched to your other teeth. They are affixed to the tooth surfaces with a special adhesive. The porcelain requires little restructuring of the tooth because they are so thin, and the porcelain lasts many years if well taken care of. A veneer can also be used to treat pitting, cracks, or chips in the teeth, or to improve the look of slightly misaligned teeth.

If your teeth are discolored by intrinsic staining, please contact our office at our office for a consultation to find out how we can restore your perfect smile.

Teeth whitening is a common and very safe procedure, but it is a good idea to avoid whitening if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. While you’re pregnant, it’s important to keep your growing child as safe as possible. While whitening agents probably are not harmful, insufficient research exists to confirm this.

Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you want to look and feel your best. This means regular visits to the dentist to be sure your teeth and gums remain healthy. However, some formerly routine dental procedures should be avoided. One of these is X-rays, which can harm a developing fetus. Another is teeth whitening. [pullquote]The ingredients in whitening agents that remove stains and discoloration are safe for an adult, but could be harmful to your baby if you are pregnant or nursing.[/pullquote]

Whitening procedures, usually administered by a cosmetic dentist, use a bleaching agent that is placed on the teeth and left there for a specific amount of time. Results are often dramatic, and can be seen immediately. The ingredients in whitening agents that remove stains and discoloration are safe for an adult, but could be harmful to your baby if you are pregnant or nursing. Insufficient research has been done into the question, so it’s best overall to avoid this procedure while you’re pregnant.

General Dental Care during Pregnancy

Taking the best possible care of your teeth during your pregnancy is the best way to keep yourself looking and feeling your best. If you’re concerned about staining, try to avoid staining agents in your diet, and definitely avoid cigarette smoking, which not only stains your teeth but can seriously endanger your unborn child. Coffee and tea can also stain your teeth, and many doctors recommend avoiding these beverages during pregnancy as well, because of their caffeine content.

Your teeth and gums are more susceptible to cavities and gum disease during pregnancy because of the changes in hormone levels in your body. For this reason, it’s important to brush and floss regularly and to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy and letting your dentist ensure your gums and teeth are in good shape can help alleviate any concerns about stains or other dental problems.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy before, during and after pregnancy, contact our experienced dental team at the doctor Family Dentistry today.

Regular dental visits are just as important for your child as they are for you. One of the best things you can do to ensure your child’s future dental health is to prepare her for the first visit to the dentist so she won’t be afraid or nervous. By making sure she feels comfortable, you’ll pave the way for future health.

Getting Ready for the Dentist

When your child is just a baby, you can begin to get her used to the idea of oral care by cleaning her gums. A soft cloth or piece of gauze is enough to reduce bacteria that builds up in the mouth and remove milk or food particles that remain on the gums. When the first teeth come in, you can continue to clean them with gauze, and then move up to a small, soft toothbrush made especially for children.

Getting your child used to caring for her teeth is not the only way to help her prepare for her first dental visit. Talking about what will happen in the dental chair will prevent unpleasant surprises. Take your child with you for your own appointments and discuss what you’ll be doing there. Answer any questions your child might have about the process. Books or movies about going to the dentist might also be helpful.

When to Take Your Child to the Dentist

The first dental visit can occur any time after the first tooth comes in. About a year to eighteen months is usually a good time to take this step. Choose a dental office that is child-friendly to defray any anxiety. These offices often have toys, games, and books available to keep your child entertained in the waiting room, and the staff is friendly and particularly skilled at alleviating any concerns your child might have. Encourage your child to ask questions and to let you know if she feels uncomfortable. Familiar music or a favorite toy can also accompany her to the office to help her feel more at home.

Our caring dental team will ensure that your child has a successful first dental appointment.  Call us at our office to schedule an appointment today.

Periodontal, or gum disease is a serious condition. Your gums are the gateway to the rest of the body, and it’s important to keep them healthy. An experienced periodontist can help you achieve this goal.

There are several degrees of periodontal disease, which develops when plaque builds up and the bacteria it contains leads to inflammation. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease diagnosed by periodontists, and it involves mild redness, swelling and bleeding, but often little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is typically reversible when a patient adheres to a good oral hygiene routine at home.

If gingivitis is untreated, however, it can progress to a more serious condition known as periodontitis, which occurs when plaque begins to grow underneath the gumline. That plaque growth leads the gums to separate from the teeth, and the pockets that develop are susceptible to infection that can lead to the erosion of gum tissue and the underlying bone.

Be on the lookout for symptoms of periodontal disease, including bleeding and redness, gaps between the gum and the teeth, loose teeth and bad breath. Stress, certain medications and smoking also have been linked to periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are at risk for periodontal disease, it’s important to schedule regular visits with [DOCTOR’S NAME] who can offer treatment and ongoing monitoring of your condition. Gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss, and it has even been linked to a host of other systemic conditions, ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Periodontists are able to treat gum disease with a variety of treatments, ranging from less invasive options like scaling and planning to surgery in cases of advanced periodontal disease.

Veneers are a popular choice for cosmetic work on the front teeth. In many cases, they are an excellent alternative to a crown, particularly if the tooth is not severely damaged or has not undergone a root canal. For situations where damage is minor, or where treatment is meant to correct severe discoloration, a veneer is a much better choice.

Veneers vs. Crowns—What is the Difference?

There is a big difference between veneers and dental crowns. The major contrast is between the procedures used to place the restorations. A crown requires significant restructuring of the tooth, while a veneer requires very little modification. A veneer also looks much more natural; because the thin porcelain reflects light much like your natural enamel. A crown, even a natural-colored crown, tends to be more opaque, and does not always look like natural enamel.

Because a veneer is so much less invasive, many cosmetic dentists recommend this treatment over a crown for a number of cosmetic applications. A consultation with your cosmetic dentist will help you decide which treatment is most appropriate for your needs. [pullquote]There is a big difference between veneers and dental crowns. The major contrast is between the procedures used to place the restorations.[/pullquote]

Uses for Veneers and Crowns

Veneers are used for a number of different cosmetic dentistry applications. These include treating:

•    Cracked teeth
•    Pitted tooth surfaces
•    Severe or intrinsic staining
•    Small gaps between the teeth
•    Minor misalignment

Although crowns were once used regularly for similar treatments, they are more often reserved now for more serious issues such as:

•    Anchoring a bridge for tooth replacement
•    Repairing severely damaged teeth
•    Repairing cracked teeth that have already received fillings
•    Treating a tooth after a root canal procedure

Both these procedures require a two-step process. First, the tooth is restructured as necessary and molds are made of the teeth. The veneer or crown is then constructed at an off-site lab and temporary restorations protect the teeth during this period, which usually only takes a few days. At the second office visit, the permanent veneer or crown is placed.

Contact the doctor Family Dentistry and find out which option is best for you and your smile.

If you are planning to have dental implants, one of the most important decisions you can make is your choice of implant dentist. Be sure you know what questions to ask and how to determine which dentist you’ll be most comfortable with. Choosing the right dentist will help ensure you get the best possible results from your implant surgery.

How to Choose a Dental Implant Specialist

As with any major surgical procedure, your dental implant procedure will begin with a consultation with your implant dentist. You’ll discuss your goals for your surgery, and the dentist will evaluate your eligibility for the procedure and any issues that might affect your healing or the long-term success of your implants.

During this consultation, be sure to ask any questions you might have about the procedure. Your dentist will want to know if you have any conditions or are taking any medications that could make it harder for you to heal after your procedure, or that could cause other problems, such as some medications to treat osteoporosis. Be sure you feel comfortable with the dentist, and that he answers all your questions clearly. Also ask to look at before and after pictures of the dentist’s work, and speak to previous clients if at all possible. A referral from a friend who has already had implants is invaluable.

Determining Your Eligibility for Implants

There are some conditions that can affect your eligibility for dental implants. In some cases, your implant dentist can help you determine an alternative treatment that can overcome these problems. In other cases, you might discover implants are not the best choice for you. Your dentist should be up front with you about these issues.

Some conditions that can affect your eligibility for implants include:

•    A history of smoking
•    Gum disease
•    Lack of bone mass in the jaw
•    Diabetes
•    Immune system disorder
•    Some medications

If any of these problems are applicable, consult with your dentist to determine if implants are still appropriate. Some treatments, such as bone grafting or pre-surgical treatment for gum disease, can enable your implant procedure to move forward successfully.

Contact our skilled and experienced dental team to learn more about any of our procedures by calling our office to schedule an appointment today.

Crowns, veneers and bonding are all used in cosmetic dentistry, but for slightly different applications. Your cosmetic dentist can determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best for your individual needs. These procedures are used for different types of cosmetic problems and can also be used for restorations.

Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular treatment for the front teeth. They can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including:

• Severe discoloration
• Chipping, pitting or minor cracking
• Slight misalignment
• Slight gaps

Veneers are affixed to the tooth surfaces with a special bonding agent. They are carefully color-matched and custom-made so they are indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Veneers are now used in many cosmetic applications for which crowns were previously the only option. [pullquote]Crowns, veneers and bonding are all used in cosmetic dentistry, but for slightly different applications. [/pullquote]

Crowns and Bonding

Dental crowns are a more invasive treatment than veneers and so are used less often. To place a crown, the dentist must reshape the tooth to make room for it. The crown is then secured over the tooth and cemented in place. Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, or metal that is bonded with porcelain. In general, metal or porcelain-bonded metal are better materials for the back teeth, as they must withstand higher levels of pressure. Porcelain crowns are better for the front teeth, since they provide a more natural appearance.

Crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth, cracked teeth, or teeth with decay that have already had large fillings placed. They are also used to repair teeth after a root canal.

Bonding uses a resin to repair breaks or chips in the teeth. Your cosmetic dentist might also recommend it for misshapen or asymmetrical teeth. The resin is placed on the tooth, cured with a light, then sculpted into the correct shape. Bonding is a much easier way to correct the shape of the tooth than a crown, which used to be the treatment of choice for this type of restoration or cosmetic application.

Contact our skilled team of cosmetic dentists at the doctor Family Dentistry to learn more about which of these procedures is right for you.

Dental sealants are an innovation that have greatly reduced the likelihood of childhood tooth decay, especially in the molars, which are particularly vulnerable. Dentists have begun to use sealants on patients as soon as their permanent molars have come in. If your child’s permanent molars have emerged, you should discuss the option of sealants with your dentist.

How Sealants Work

Sealants are a special, protective substance that is painted over the surface of the molars. The sealant fills the small crevices in the molars, making it less likely that food particles will become caught in them, creating an environment friendly to bacteria that cause tooth decay. Although you should be sure your child practices proper oral hygiene to help prevent decay, sealants can provide additional protection.

The procedure for placing sealants is simple and relatively quick. First, a special gel is painted onto the tooth. This gel will roughen the tooth surface slightly so the sealants adhere better. The gel is then removed, and the tooth is clean. Then the sealant is painted directly onto the molars, then hardened with a light. There is no discomfort involved, so you can reassure your child that the process will be comfortable. Your child will have to sit still for several minutes while the sealants are hardened, so discussing this with her before the appointment might help the appointment go more smoothly.

When Should My Child Have Sealants?

Sealants are usually applied as soon as the first set of permanent teeth has completely grown in. This usually occurs when a child is about six years old. Dentists observe these teeth to be sure they have come in all the way, at which point they usually recommend that sealants be used. When your child is about twelve, the second set of molars arrives, and these should also be sealed to prevent decay. Additional applications of sealants might be necessary at intervals, since the sealant can wear off due to everyday wear and tear. Your family dentist at the doctor Family Dentistry will evaluate the state of the sealants over time and determine if they should be redone. Call our office at our office to schedule an appointment today.

Teeth whitening is a great way to spruce up your smile without undergoing an extensive procedure or spending a large amount of money. In general, teeth whitening focuses on the front teeth, which are most visible. Results are dramatic and rapid, giving you a brighter smile as soon as you get up from the dentist’s chair.

Whitening Your Teeth

Most people, when correcting discolored teeth, are most concerned about the front teeth. These are the teeth we see when you smile or talk, so these are the teeth you want to look their best.

In-office teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent on the front surfaces of your front teeth. Your cosmetic dentist paints this on your teeth after applying a protective gel to your lips and gums. The whitener remains in place for about twenty minutes, then is removed so the process can be repeated one or two more times for optimum results. [pullquote]In general, teeth whitening focuses on the front teeth, which are most visible. [/pullquote]

Another whitening process uses special trays custom made to fit your mouth. You place the whitening agent in the trays, and then you wear the trays for about fifteen minutes once or twice a day according to your dentist’s instructions. This type of whitening can extend to some of your back teeth, depending upon how far back the tray goes and how your dentist instructs you to use the whitening agent.

Ways to Whiten Back Teeth

Traditional teeth whitening often causes mild sensitivity to treated teeth. If you are concerned about sensitivity in your back teeth, you might want to avoid exposing them to a whitener. However, if you’d like to see your back teeth look a bit whiter, a whitening toothpaste might be a good option. This way you can whiten your teeth easily while you brush. These toothpastes typically use baking soda to gently remove stains. A whitening mouthwash might also help brighten your back teeth if you are concerned about their appearance.

Contact our team of dentists at the doctor Family Dentistry for additional information about brightening the look of your molars if you are self-conscious about their appearance.