Dental Restorations - Edwards Family Dentistry

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

October 14, 2022 by Admin

Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year.Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. Our team is proud to offergeneral dentaltreatments like dental cleanings. We strive to provide quality services for our patients,and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel onour teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth!Cleanings safely remove the plaque andbacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularlyinflammationcan occur,and this can lead to gum disease. Brushing at home is a great way to removebacteria from the teeth, but brushing cannot clean our teeth like a professionalcleaning.Our certifiedhygienists provide quality cleanings to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel.Enamel is extremely durable,and it is hard to chip or damageduring cleaning exams. Enamel can wearoff if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home.Acidic foodsor drinkscan also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on yourteeth,please let our team know whenyou schedule your appointment.

What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Dental cleanings in our office typically take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. X-rays are taken if needed,and carefully reviewed during your exam to help our team to provide a customized treatment planforeach patient. Our skilled hygienists use special tools tocarefullyremove the hard layer of plaque from apatient’s teeth, and we ensure your mouth is free of any plaque or bacteria.Our staff will discuss thehealth of your teeth and gums,and will recommend further treatment if needed.

Your oral health is extremely important to us, and we encourage our patients to keep up with regularlyscheduled dental cleanings to keep their teeth looking and feeling great. Regular dental cleanings are agreat way to prevent future issues. Dental exams give us the opportunity to catch any potential issuesearly,and prevent serious issues from developing.

Looking for a quali ty dentist in for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a friendly dentist, contact us for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provideexceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions youmay have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please give us a call, and one of ourstaff members will be happy to assist you.

What is Considered a Dental Restoration?

November 15, 2021 by Admin

If you have teeth that are decayed, injured, or missing you may require a dental restoration. Common types of dental restorations include crowns, fillings, implants, dentures, and bridges. Never hesitate to call the dentist if you have an issue with your tooth. In many cases our team can save your tooth with a restoration before the tooth damage progresses. It is always important to address any issues with your teeth promptly, or more serious complications may develop.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are various ways your dentist can help restore your teeth. If you are missing parts of your tooth, have an injury, or decay, restorations can help restore your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a portion of your tooth missing due to decay, or have an old restoration that is in need of replacement, dental restorations can help fix these issues.

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent decay. We recommend attending your regular exams twice a year to ensure your teeth and mouth look healthy. During your regular visits our doctor will check for cavities, and make sure we don’t see any serious issues.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Restorations?

Fillings: Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration and can help save teeth from decay. There are many filling types from tooth colored composite fillings, to silver amalgam, and composite fillings. Depending on the size of the cavity and location, will determine what type of filling material is used.
Crowns: Crowns are a cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, and are matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Crown are used with dental implants, or after a root canal to restore the functionality of a tooth.
Bridges: Bridges are false teeth and help to bridge the gap for missing teeth. Bridges are used along side crowns, and cement is used to permanently secure the bridge into place.
Dental Implants: Dental Implants are similar to a screw that is placed into the jaw. Implants are posts that are made of titanium and attached to a connector or abutment. The implant is then covered with a crown. Implants are permanent and are highly durable, lasting upwards of 15 years.
Dentures: Dentures are made of acrylic resin combined with metal and are a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be used to help bridge the gap and give a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help restore your smile. If you are missing teeth or have decay, and are looking to get that perfect smile back, contact Edwards Family Dentistry to help. Dental restorations can help you speak and eat easier, and give you a smile that restores your confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Restorations?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental restorations contact Edwards Family Dentistry. Our doctors have years of experience in dental restorations, and love to help patients get the smile of their dreams. Your oral health is important to us, and we make our patients a priority, and always have your best interests in mind. Let our team get you on the road to a great smile!

To schedule your appointment with us contact Edwards Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Are Dental Implants Noticeable?

March 9, 2021March 1, 2021 by Admin

If you have missing, damaged, or broken teeth and are looking for the perfect restoration solution, dental implants may be the right choice for you. Dental Implants are a permanent solution and are durable and long lasting. Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. Implants are comfortable and do not slip or click like other restorative options.

Your bright white natural smile will be noticeable and will look natural. Implants act like an artificial tooth root and are made of titanium. Implants are placed into the jawbone and act like a screw. This provides the base for one or many crowns. Custom crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth giving patients a natural white smile.

As part of the implant consultation process we will check to make sure all patients have enough bone present in the jaw to support the new implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to add the support that is needed. This helps to create that strong base that is required for the implants.

Once the implants are placed, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant to hold the crown in place. Temporary crowns may be used until the permanent crowns are ready to be installed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Provide patients with a natural looking smile and functions like natural teeth.
Provide long term value financially.
Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other solutions.
Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth, and this helps to stimulate new bone growth.
Dental implants are built to last upwards of 25 years, but can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are right for you, we encourage you to set up your initial implant consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to take a detailed look at your teeth and mouth, and discuss treatment options. We also will develop a customized treatment plan, and answer any questions or concerns you may have with the dental implant process.

Dental implants can be life changing, and can allow patients to live a normal healthy life eating and drinking as they would with natural teeth. Taking that first step is worth it to achieve that beautiful smile you have always wanted.

To schedule your implant consultation please call our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns?

December 21, 2020 by Admin

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that places a cap over a tooth or dental implant. Crowns help keep the underlying tooth from breaking apart, and can be used to help fix an area on a tooth that is broken. There are different types of crowns available to patients, and depending on the severity of the tooth will determine which type of crown is best. Crowns are typically made of hard materials such as porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made of gold, resin, or stainless steel. They can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth and blend in nicely.

Pros of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns improve your appearance, and can help correct any cosmetic issues in the mouth. There are many benefits to dental crowns, and crowns are commonly used today.

Crowns are used to replace large or worn out fillings in the teeth
Restore dental implants
Restore cracked, injured, or damaged teeth
Correct discoloration or alignment
Reshape your teeth
Keep cracked or damaged teeth from breaking down further
Protect the underlying tooth after a root canal
Crowns are durable and last for years

Cons of Dental Crowns

With any dental procedure there are always some disadvantages patients should consider. In some cases, crowns may need to be repaired or replaced. This is not common but does happen occasionally. During a crown procedure the tooth has to be filed down to ensure the crown can be securely placed. If a crown is not fitted properly there is risk that it can fall out, or allow bacteria to enter underneath the crown. Patients may become more sensitive to hot or cold after their crown is placed. Our office typically recommends a sensitive toothpaste to help with this issue.

If patients ever have an issue with a crown we encourage them to contact our office right away. Leaving a damaged crown untreated can lead to further issues or complications. Overall, crowns are extremely helpful in preserving teeth, and give patients a beautiful natural white smile. The benefits of crowns definitely outweigh the risks.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental crowns, or if you have a damaged or discolored tooth, a dental crown may be the right solution. Our team is available to help you take the next step towards that perfect smile.

To schedule your consultation with our team contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!