7 Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover an entire tooth’s surface to restore its original shape and size—and they are a popular solution to restore damaged or weakened teeth. They also protect and strengthen your original tooth structure when fillings and other treatments aren’t an option.
Whether you have tooth decay or recently had a dental implant, a crown may be your solution for a long-lasting, beautiful smile. From helping you decide if a crown is the right solution for you to making sure you know what to expect on the day of your procedure, we’re here with the answers you need.
1. Why Do I Need a Crown?
You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including after a root canal or due to a broken, fractured, or decayed tooth. According to the American Dental Association, crowns can also help with large fillings. When there isn’t enough tooth to hold the filling, a crown strengthens and protects the tooth.
2. What About Missing Teeth?
If you’re missing a tooth, crowns can be used with dental implants or as part of a bridge. When placed on an implant, the crown acts as a replacement tooth and blends in with your natural teeth. As part of a dental bridge, crowns anchor the replacement tooth (or teeth) to your healthy teeth on either side.
3. What Are Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Porcelain crowns are most popular for their natural appearance. Your dentist can match the color to your existing teeth to help the crown blend in with your smile.
4. What Happens During the Dental Crown Procedure?
A crown procedure usually takes two appointments. During your first appointment, your dentist will take several molds to create your custom crown. These molds will also help your dentist create a temporary crown, which you will wear for a couple of weeks until your permanent crown is ready from the dental lab. Your dentist will numb, clean, and shape your tooth before placing your temporary crown.
At your second appointment, your dentist will replace your temporary crown with your permanent one. They’ll make sure it feels comfortable and that you’re biting properly. You’ll go home with care instructions and have regular dental visits to check on your crown.
5. Do Crowns Hurt?
Overall, crowns are generally painless. Your dentist will numb your tooth so you won’t feel anything during your procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel minor soreness or discomfort, but it usually goes away within a few days.
6. How Long Do Crowns Last?
Crowns are highly durable and last between 10 to 15 years. With proper care, they may last even longer. However, like most dental restorations, they will eventually need to be replaced.
7. How Do I Care for My Crown?
You should care for your crown just as you would for your natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups. You’ll also want to avoid extremely hard, crunchy, or chewy foods.
Dental Crowns in Bartlesville
If you have tooth decay or damage, a dental crown could offer some extra support and protection. The skilled team at Bartlesville Family Dental has the expertise you need to achieve your perfect smile. Contact us today to discuss dental crown options.
Dentures 101: 7 Things to Know About Teeth Replacements
Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth and gums that replace all or some of your teeth. But they actually more than simply replacing missing teeth; they help restore functionality, comfort, and confidence. Whether you need all or some of your teeth replaced, dentures may be the right option to achieve your perfect smile.
7 Important Denture Features
Replacing your teeth is a big decision, and you might feel nervous or overwhelmed when researching your options. Here are seven things you should know about the fit, feel, and functionality of dentures.
1. They Have a Comfortable, Natural Feel
Today’s dentures feel and look more natural than ever before. They’re made from materials like acrylic, resin, nylon, metal, and porcelain to mimic your real teeth and gums. Your dentist will mold your set to fit your unique mouth structure, so you may even forget you’re wearing them.
But as with any oral appliance, it takes time to get used to your dentures, especially your first set. You may struggle to eat and speak with them at first, but this discomfort won’t last forever. Lifestyle adjustments, like eating softer foods, can help you adapt faster.
2. They’re Functional
Dentures can help you achieve your dream smile, but they perform other functions, too. For one, they make it easier to chew and speak—tasks that may have been difficult without teeth. Dentures also help fill out the appearance of your face and prevent sagging from tooth loss.
3. They’re for Anyone
You may assume dentures are only for older adults, but tooth loss can happen to people of all ages—whether from a physical accident or tooth decay. Dentures can help anyone without teeth regain their smile and mouth function.
4. They Can Be Full or Partial
You don’t have to be missing all your teeth to receive dentures. While full dentures replace all your teeth, partial dentures replace only some of your teeth. Partial dentures attach securely to your existing natural teeth to stay in place.
5. They Can Be Temporary or Permanent
You’ll probably have your dentures for a long time. But if you’re having your teeth extracted, you may need a temporary set first. Immediate dentures are a temporary solution while your jaw and bone heal from an extraction. The best part? You can go home with a new smile the same day as your procedure. After a few months of healing, your dentist will create your permanent set to fit better.
6. They Require Care
Artificial teeth require regular care, too. You’ll need to clean your set at least twice a day with a special denture brush and paste. Regular toothpaste will scratch and wear down their material.
The American Dental Association recommends soaking your dentures in water or a dissolvable cleaner overnight to maintain their shape. Never place your set in hot or boiling water, which could cause them to warp.
Taking your dentures out at night gives your gums a break and helps prevent infections. You can also brush your gums with a soft toothbrush or washcloth to keep them clean.
7. They Don’t Last Forever
Even with perfect care, dentures don’t last forever. Most sets last between 5 and 10 years. Over time, your mouth and dentures change, which means your set may not fit the way it used to. Damage and discoloration are other common reasons for replacement. Your dentist will do regular checks to help with denture repair and suggest when you need a new set.
Dentures in Bartlesville
Dentures could be the solution to restoring your smile and confidence. The expert team at Bartlesville Family Dental uses the latest training and equipment to give you the best results.
Contact us for a tooth replacement consultation. We’ll help you make an informed decision about your smile and oral health.
5 Tips to Make Tooth Extractions Less Stressful
Tooth extractions, like wisdom teeth removal, are sometimes necessary to protect your other teeth from damage, prevent disease, or alleviate discomfort. They’re also important for oral health, especially if you’re experiencing overcrowding, pain, decay, or other issues.
Still, it’s common for patients facing an extraction to feel anxious about the procedure. But here’s the good news: We’ll do everything we can to clean and restore your teeth first. And in cases where removal is unavoidable, we’ll make sure you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way—starting with suggestions for easing your fears.
5 Tips to Ease Your Tooth Extraction Fears
Even though an extraction can help you achieve a healthier smile, you may still feel uncertain about what to expect. Here are a few tips to calm your fears and prepare for your procedure.
1. Know What to Expect
During your consultation, your dentist will explain the extraction process. This usually includes taking X-rays of your teeth ahead of time to plan the procedure. At the start of your extraction, your dentist will give you anesthesia to prevent pain and help you relax. They’ll use a tool to lift the tooth and loosen ligaments and tissue around the area. Then, they’ll grab the tooth with forceps and gently rock it back and forth until it comes out.
After removal, your dentist will pack gauze into the empty socket or use stitches to close the hole. According to the American Dental Association, you’ll likely experience some bleeding as your mouth fills the empty tooth root with a blood clot.
2. Ask Questions
Your consultation with your dentist is the perfect time to get all your questions answered before your procedure. Even though they’ll go over the extraction with you, it’s always a good idea to bring a list of questions to your appointment so you don’t forget anything important to discuss.
3. Prepare for Your Procedure
Preparing for your extraction ahead of time will make your entire experience smoother and less stressful. Your dentist will give you some pre-procedure instructions to follow. These may include avoiding food and drinks for a few hours and arranging a ride home after your extraction.
4. Follow Your Care Plan
After your extraction, it’s important to follow your care plan for a smooth recovery. Your dentist will give you instructions to gently clean the area while it heals. You’ll also need to stick to soft foods and avoid using straws, which may dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket. These issues can cause additional pain and delay your healing time.
It’s normal to experience some soreness during recovery, but it usually resolves within a few days. Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers or suggest over-the-counter medication to help with the discomfort. If the pain doesn’t go away, or you have signs of infection, let your dentist know.
5. Prevent Future Extractions
Caring for your teeth and gums now may help prevent future procedures. Remember to brush and floss daily and see your dentist for regular dental checkups. Your dentist can spot issues before they become serious.
Tooth Extractions in Bartlesville
At Bartlesville Family Dental, we use efficient techniques to protect your teeth and keep your smile intact, including same-day services for emergency tooth extractions. When a tooth extraction is the right option for you, you can count on our caring team to explain every step of the process, so your experience is as stress-free as possible.
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