cavities
Cavities are what you get from tooth decay -- damage to the tooth. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin). What causes decay? When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, cake, or candy stay on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities.
Who Gets Cavities?
Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem, too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. They can also pull away because of gum disease. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque. And if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you’re more likely to get cavities.
Read more at Webmd
dentures
What are the types of dentures?
People who have lost all or most of their teeth are candidates for complete dentures, which replace all of the teeth. The following outlines other types of dentures:
Partial dentures are for people who have some natural teeth remaining; they can fill in the space created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position. This type of denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink plastic base, which is held in place by a metal framework and clasps, or natural-looking connectors called precision attachments.
Conventional dentures are placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and the tissue has healed, which may take a few months. Immediate dentures are placed in the mouth the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. This means you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period, but your denture may need to be relined or remade after healing is complete.
Overdentures fit over a small number of remaining teeth or implants after they have been prepared by the dentist. Your dentist will usually try to preserve your remaining natural teeth. Saving these teeth can help preserve your jawbone and provide support for the denture.
Read more in our Blog at Dentures
crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth -- to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
bridges
What is a bridge?
A fixed bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth, thus bridging the space between the two adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges are made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials.
A traditional fixed bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth fused between two crowns, or caps, that are cemented on the surrounding teeth. An implant bridge is fastened to two or more implants that are submerged in the bone tissue.
Why should I get a bridge?
If you are missing any teeth, the resulting space could cause speech or chewing problems. Missing teeth also can cause your remaining teeth to move out of position. This repositioning can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause further tooth loss. A fixed bridge can replace those missing teeth, correcting your bite, and improving your chewing and speaking abilities. A bridge also can help to maintain the natural shape of your face.
What is the total treatment time?
There are several steps required and several dental visits needed in order for your dentist to create a bridge that meets both your functional and esthetic needs. The total treatment time for a bridge is usually two to four weeks, depending on the type of bridge you receive.
Read more in our blog at Bridges
implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a post, usually made of titanium,
that serves as a substitute for a natural tooth’s root. The implant is placed in the jawbone so that it may fuse with the natural bone to become a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. Implants can be used to replace individual teeth or to support a bridge or denture contain- ing multiple teeth.
Who can receive implants?
Dental implants can be provided to most patients who are missing teeth due to decay, disease, injury or other medical conditions. You also may be a candidate for a dental implant if you can’t wear dentures or find them uncomfortable, or if you don’t want to sacrifice existing tooth structure to support a dental bridge.
Since surgery is required, implant patients must be in good general health with healthy gums and adequate bone structure. If an implant site lacks the adequate structure, a dentist may be able to perform procedures to improve it.
Read more in our Blog Page at Implants
Cavities are what you get from tooth decay -- damage to the tooth. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin). What causes decay? When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, cake, or candy stay on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities.
Who Gets Cavities?
Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem, too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. They can also pull away because of gum disease. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque. And if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you’re more likely to get cavities.
Read more at Webmd
dentures
What are the types of dentures?
People who have lost all or most of their teeth are candidates for complete dentures, which replace all of the teeth. The following outlines other types of dentures:
Partial dentures are for people who have some natural teeth remaining; they can fill in the space created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position. This type of denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink plastic base, which is held in place by a metal framework and clasps, or natural-looking connectors called precision attachments.
Conventional dentures are placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and the tissue has healed, which may take a few months. Immediate dentures are placed in the mouth the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. This means you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period, but your denture may need to be relined or remade after healing is complete.
Overdentures fit over a small number of remaining teeth or implants after they have been prepared by the dentist. Your dentist will usually try to preserve your remaining natural teeth. Saving these teeth can help preserve your jawbone and provide support for the denture.
Read more in our Blog at Dentures
crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth -- to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
- To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic modification
bridges
What is a bridge?
A fixed bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth, thus bridging the space between the two adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges are made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials.
A traditional fixed bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth fused between two crowns, or caps, that are cemented on the surrounding teeth. An implant bridge is fastened to two or more implants that are submerged in the bone tissue.
Why should I get a bridge?
If you are missing any teeth, the resulting space could cause speech or chewing problems. Missing teeth also can cause your remaining teeth to move out of position. This repositioning can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause further tooth loss. A fixed bridge can replace those missing teeth, correcting your bite, and improving your chewing and speaking abilities. A bridge also can help to maintain the natural shape of your face.
What is the total treatment time?
There are several steps required and several dental visits needed in order for your dentist to create a bridge that meets both your functional and esthetic needs. The total treatment time for a bridge is usually two to four weeks, depending on the type of bridge you receive.
Read more in our blog at Bridges
implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a post, usually made of titanium,
that serves as a substitute for a natural tooth’s root. The implant is placed in the jawbone so that it may fuse with the natural bone to become a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. Implants can be used to replace individual teeth or to support a bridge or denture contain- ing multiple teeth.
Who can receive implants?
Dental implants can be provided to most patients who are missing teeth due to decay, disease, injury or other medical conditions. You also may be a candidate for a dental implant if you can’t wear dentures or find them uncomfortable, or if you don’t want to sacrifice existing tooth structure to support a dental bridge.
Since surgery is required, implant patients must be in good general health with healthy gums and adequate bone structure. If an implant site lacks the adequate structure, a dentist may be able to perform procedures to improve it.
Read more in our Blog Page at Implants