Smaller Dental Restorations

The majority of gold used in dental fillings today is actually a mixture of gold with other metals, called gold alloy. However, these metals typically do not contain mercury such as amalgam filling restorations. In some cases, such as with direct gold fillings, pure gold is used to fill teeth. However, pure gold is generally only appropriate for teeth that don’t need to withstand biting or chewing forces.

Gold is an excellent material for smaller dental restorations, such as small cavities and inlays and onlays. It doesn’t require as much removal of your natural tooth structure to place the material, and these restorations are resistant to fractures. Your dentist can let you know if gold is a consideration for your smaller dental restorations!

Full and Partial Dental Crowns

You may also have the option of using gold for full and partial dental crowns. Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that have been damaged as a result of decay, teeth grinding, or an accident. Very durable and resistant to damage, these dental crowns can be used to provide dental restorations that last many years.

Gold alloy would be used to fabricate the crown in a lab and then your dentist would place it to restore your tooth. Electroformed pure gold may be used in some dental crown applications, making a highly durable dental restoration with superior performance [2].

The Pros and Cons of Gold

Gold is very durable in dentistry applications and can last for 20 years with the right care [3]. Reactivity to this metal is low, but if you have a metal allergy or sensitivity, you should inform your dentist, as you may not qualify for this restoration material.

While gold is an excellent restoration for damaged teeth, it is more expensive and needs to be placed by a dentist experienced in working with gold. In addition, gold won’t match your natural teeth, and many patients want a more uniform look for their smile. If aesthetics aren’t an issue, you may consider gold for your dental fillings or crowns!

Interested in Gold Dental Restorations? Talk to Your Dentist!

There are many benefits to using gold in dentistry, but it may not be the right material for every restoration. If you’re interested in gold fillings or crowns for your smile, talk to your dentist today about this highly durable material!

Sources:
1. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/81918783.pdf
2. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/bf03215496.pdf
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fillings-gold-inlays

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Dental crown lengthening is a process that involves removing some gum tissue in order to
expose more of your tooth. Why would this need to be done? Here’s what you need to know
about a dental crown lengthening.

To Support a Restoration

If you’ve experienced trauma to your tooth—for instance, a cavity below your gumline or even
a tooth that’s broken off close to or below the gumline—gum tissue may prevent your dentist
from performing a complete restoration.

In cases such as these, a small amount of gum tissue may need to be removed in order for your
dentist to fully access your tooth and properly complete the restoration.

Restorations are the most common reasons a dental crown lengthening procedure is done, and
it’ll typically be done by a periodontist, who is a dentist that specializes in gum tissue. Your gum
tissue will be carefully reshaped in order to support your restoration and facilitate a healthy
smile!

To Help Gummy Smile

You may have gummy smile if an excessive amount of gum tissue covers the crowns of your
teeth. Gummy smile is often a subjective diagnosis and is more pronounced in some individuals
than in others. Gummy smile is typically the result of genetics and is more common in women
than in men.

If you have gummy smile, you may have the option of getting your gums reshaped to expose
more of your dental crown in a crown lengthening procedure done by a periodontist. During
this procedure, a laser will be used to reshape your gum tissue and remove unnecessary gum
tissue that’s covering your teeth and giving your smile a “gummy” appearance.

What Can I Expect?

Fortunately, a crown lengthening procedure is fairly straightforward. The procedure is typically
performed by a periodontist with local anesthesia. If you have dental anxiety and would like to
be sedated, you can talk with your periodontist about this option.

Only infinitesimal amounts of gum tissue are removed during the procedure, and while the full
recovery time will take approximately two weeks, you should be able to return to work and any
normal activities the day after the procedure.

For most patients, dental crown lengthening procedures can be managed with over-the-
counter pain medication. If you’re having a crown lengthening procedure done in order to
support a dental restoration, you’ll need to wait approximately 4-6 weeks in order to fully complete the restoration.

For patients who need a dental crown lengthening procedure, this procedure can go a long way
towards helping your smile get the restoration it needs or helping you enhance your
appearance if you have gummy smile. Your dentist will let you know if you need this procedure
and what you can expect during your appointment!

The post What Is Dental Crown Lengthening and When Is It Needed? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are many types of restorative dentistry to get your smile back on track. Regardless of
whether you’ve experienced tooth decay, missing teeth, cracks, or broken teeth, restorative
dentistry is here to return your smile to its absolute best. What are your restorative dentistry
options?

Fillings

Dental fillings are a very common restoration. Using a filling material that’s safe and effective,
your dentist will fill in your cavity to protect the tooth from further decay and keep the rest of
your mouth healthy. Almost everyone has had some type of dental filling in their lifetime.
Dental fillings will need to be maintained and ultimately replaced to ensure continued
protection.

Bridges

A dental bridge may be a good fit for you if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row. Dental
bridges rely on the surrounding teeth to bridge the gap with a dental crown. Bridges are ideal
for missing back teeth and, like most other forms of restorative dentistry, will need to be
maintained and replaced after a certain number of years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a ceramic tooth replacement that looks very much like your natural tooth.
Crowns are used in restorative dentistry when a filling is too large to be restored or the tooth is
so damaged it needs to be capped to protect it. A sturdy crown will fit over your existing tooth
to prevent it from experiencing further decay or harm. A dental crown will be indistinguishable
from the rest of your teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers, like crowns, consist of ceramic. They are thin and light, yet very durable and
strong. Veneers are placed over your natural teeth and permanently fixed into place. They can
fix a variety of issues with your smile for a complete transformation, from stubborn stains to
extensive chips to worn-down teeth.

Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant that’s inserted into your jaw where your missing
tooth is. Once this is healed, a crown is placed on the end of the implant. Dental implants mimic
your natural teeth and, once healed, will never need to be replaced, although your dental
crown will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin—a tooth-colored material sometimes used
for fillings—to fix cracks, chips, broken teeth, and even gaps. Dental bonding is effective for a
variety of uses in restoration dentistry to complete your perfect smile.

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth that are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. Unlike dental
implants or veneers, dentures are removable and will need to be removed and cleaned daily.
You have the option of a partial denture or a full set depending on how many of your natural
teeth are missing.

For whatever has impacted your smile, restoration dentistry can make it right. Addressing the
root cause of your concern can help you and your dentist make the best choice for your smile.
Make an appointment with your dentist today to talk about your restorative dentistry options
and get your beautiful smile back!

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They Last for Life with the Right Care

Dental implants have a 95% success rate among patients. This means the chances for rejection or infection of your new dental implant are very slim. Since the titanium post is inserted into your jaw, dental implants help facilitate bone growth so your appearance and functionality are the best they possibly can be without your natural tooth. Your dental implants will last for life if you take proper care of them. What this means is brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly to ensure your implants are healthy. You may never need to replace your dental implant as long as it doesn’t become loose, damaged, or infected.

Crown Replacement

The actual implant plant of your dental implant is only part of what completes your smile. The other part is a dental crown, which is affixed to the end of your dental implant to complete the restoration. Although extremely durable and a great replacement for natural teeth, your dental crown will not last forever. On average, crowns will need to be replaced every 15 years. They may last longer if you take proper care of them. Since teeth in the rear of your mouth tend to wear more than your front teeth, any dental implants placed in this area may need a crown replacement sooner.

Things That Impact the Life of Your Dental Implant

Once your mouth fully heals after the procedure, your new dental implant won’t require much more maintenance than your other teeth do! However, in order to keep your dental implant healthy and to make it last for the longest possible time, you need to know about the things that could impact the life of your dental implant.

These things include gum disease—which could affect your gum tissue and cause the implant to loosen—as well as chewing on objects like pencils or ice that can damage your dental crown. Making your implant last will include regular dentist visits, proper care of your smile, and giving up smoking to keep your implants at their healthiest!

From mini dental implants to traditional implants, these effective tooth replacers allow you to fully enjoy your smile again. The great thing about dental implants is that they’ll last for life with the right care! Your dentist can help ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to sustain the implant as well as advise you on when you’ll need a crown replacement. Consider dental implants to replace your missing tooth for your best smile!

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Studies Show Avoiding the Dentist Makes You Unhappier

Recent research has shown that people who avoid the dentist tend to be unhappier in their lives. This is because people who regularly skipped their dental appointments were more likely to have missing teeth, gum disease, and other oral health issues that impacted their day-to- day life.

The research also showed that people who neglected to care for their oral health were also more likely to have poorer overall health. People who have a healthy, beautiful smile are more likely to be happier and take better care of their bodies than people who don’t. This is why having your best smile is so important—not just for overall health, but for your happiness!

Research Proves Smiling Improves Your Mood

Studies have also proved that smiling—whether genuine or faked—can boost your mood and even your immune system. This is because the act of smiling releases endorphins, and your body can’t tell the difference between a real and a fake smile. People who smile more tend to be happier and more confident!

Unfortunately, people who are severely self-conscious of their smiles often avoid smiling altogether. Having oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay can progress if not treated. These problems often get to the point where your smile is compromised and you no longer feel comfortable showing your teeth. When you have a gorgeous smile, you can speak and laugh without holding back and enjoy the increased happiness that comes with it!

A Beautiful Smile Increases Success and Confidence

Often, self-esteem begins in childhood. While having an imperfect smile is considered cute among children, it can be hugely damaging to the image of an adult. Having a subpar smile can impact your success, confidence, and even your approachability. A beautiful smile can make you more attractive and appear more trustworthy and approachable. Your smile affects how people perceive you. A great smile can help you be more warm and open, while hiding your smile or having an unpleasant smile can lead people to be more distrusting or less attracted to you.

Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams. With all the benefits a perfect smile offers you, why not see what can be improved? Maybe you need a simple whitening to help get your confidence back on track, or maybe you need more involved restorative work. Regardless, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to talk about your perfect smile!

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Repair Gum Tissue

Depending on how severe your bruxism is and how long it’s been going on, your gum tissue may have been affected. Bruxism can often cause inflammation of the gums or even gum recession. This means your gums may need to be healed first or you may need to have what’s called a crown lengthening to prepare your affected teeth for the restoration process.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are an effective restoration choice for people who have severe damage from their bruxism. Crowns act as a cap for your tooth to protect your tooth’s root and repair your smile. Dental crowns can repair any existing damage but also are adept at preventing future damage. If your dentist suggests that dental crowns would be your best choice, you may need a crown lengthening in order to fit the crown. When it comes to dental crowns, you have several choices for the material. From traditional gold to porcelain fused to metal to all ceramic crowns, you and your dentist can decide what your best fit would be.

Veneers

Since bruxism can affect the appearance of your front teeth, veneers could be your best choice to restore your worn down pearly whites. For instance, bruxism tends to make your entire row of top and bottom teeth look uniform. Veneers can restore your smile to its natural appearance and help rebuild its functionality as well. Resin or porcelain veneers work well for visible damage on the front teeth to improve your smile.

Stopping Bruxism

In order to complete the restoration work on your smile, you’ll need to stop your bruxism before it continues to damage your restored teeth. This may include wearing a mouthguard at night, which should be custom made by your dentist to properly protect your smile. You may also need to have your bite corrected, as patients with misaligned bites can be more likely to grind their teeth.

Whatever your unique solution will be, your dentist can help you combat your bruxism so you can enjoy your beautiful smile to the fullest! It’s important not to wait to get help when it comes to bruxism. The longer you wait, the more damage you can incur from your habit. Minor damage will require less restorative work than severe damage! It’s also important to find a dentist who’s experienced in restoring smiles that are damaged from bruxism, as you may need some or all of your teeth rebuilt. Seek help today to restore your teeth from bruxism!

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Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can help your tooth return to its original color, but you shouldn’t start whitening your teeth without first getting the tooth evaluated by your dentist. This is because the inner pulp of your tooth may actually be dead and need to be removed. What this means is that you’ll need a root canal. During your visit, your dentist can perform some tests on your tooth to determine if the root is still alive. If it is, your dentist might suggest waiting another few weeks or months to see if the color comes back on its own. If your tooth continues to be dark or become darker, you can then talk with your dentist about getting a professional whitening done to help restore your appearance.

Root Canal

If the root of your tooth is dead, removing the affected pulp that’s been stained may help reverse the darkening of your tooth. This is because removing the stained area inside your tooth will help the tooth naturally become whiter. However, you’ll only need a root canal if your tooth is actually dead. Any inner pulp that’s dead or infected should be removed by an experienced dentist or in some cases, an endodontist (a dentist who specializes in root canals). Your tooth may die after the injury and require a root canal before any whitening can be done. Fortunately, whitening may not even be necessary once the affected tooth is successfully treated with a root canal!

Crown or Veneer

If your tooth is still alive but it doesn’t return to its normal color in six months, a crown or veneer may be needed to help restore your tooth’s color. Porcelain or ceramic crowns and veneers can help cover your tooth and normalize its appearance. After you receive either a crown or veneer, your tooth will be indistinguishable from the other teeth in your mouth. You may not need any cosmetic dentistry done if a root canal or whitening can be done in its place.

Talk with your dentist about what your treatment options are for an injured tooth that’s suddenly turned gray. A simple whitening could help your darkened tooth, or maybe a root canal is needed to relieve any infection and restore your tooth’s color. Regardless of how your tooth got injured, trust a professional dentist to help you get your smile back!

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Accurately Match Natural Teeth

With all-ceramic crowns, no other material is used. This means the ceramic naturally looks more translucent and accurately mimics your natural teeth, much more so than other crowns. There’s no metal showing with ceramic crowns, so these crowns work especially well for teeth that are often seen, such as your front teeth. They blend with your existing teeth to create the impression of a gorgeous, full smile. All-ceramic crowns are perfect for the smaller spaces that your front teeth usually constitute. When you want a crown that looks natural, consider getting a dental crown made solely of ceramic!

Biocompatible Material

Fortunately, ceramic is a biocompatible material. What this means is that it’s healthier for your natural gum tissue as opposed to harsh metals. All-ceramic crowns allow your gum tissue to grow around the edges of your dental crown, meaning it’ll look even more normal and seamlessly integrate with your beautiful smile. Since ceramic isn’t made of any type of metal, there’s no risk for an allergic reaction such as those that some patients experience with metals. You’ll also have limited risk for sensitivity to temperature when eating or drinking. Ceramic proves itself to be the best crown material for many patients.

Best of Both Durability and Beauty

Metal crowns tend to be stronger than ceramic ones, but they may be easily spotted by people who see you smile or speak. Ceramic crowns provide a solution that’s indistinguishable from your natural teeth, but they’re also durable and can protect your teeth for years. In some instances, they’re more cost effective than metal crowns.

Ceramics also tend to be resistant to wear as opposed to other materials. This is in part because your dentist can contour the crown to perfectly fit your bite and smile, which not only looks better but allows your tooth to function as it naturally would and be resistant to any other type of tooth wear.

When you want a crown that’ll be virtually invisible in your mouth but provide you with the functionality of your existing teeth, talk to your dentist about all-ceramic crowns. These dental crowns match your natural teeth and tend to be healthier for your gum tissue. It could be the perfect fit you’ve been looking for!

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After your procedure to place the implant, it’s imperative that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. These care tips usually include avoiding hot or cold drinks in addition to not touching or disturbing the area in any way—this includes brushing. Avoid brushing the site for a few days, but keep the area clean and free of food particles.

The swelling should go away after a few days. Your surgeon may suggest you use ice as needed at first, then mild heat after 24 hours. If you notice any increase in pain and swelling after a few days, you should contact your oral surgeon’s office to evaluate the problem.

Continue to Brush and Floss as Normal

You’ll want to ensure you still brush and floss your teeth after your implant has healed. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss once a day. Some dentists suggest avoiding any type of abrasive toothpaste during brushing, as this can limit the lifespan of your crown.

An electric or manual toothbrush is fine, as long as you choose soft bristles. To protect the area around your implant, using unwaxed tape floss is recommended. Many people with dental implants find success with water flossers as well. As soon as your site has healed, you can begin to brush gently around the implant until your dentist places the crown. Once your crown is in place, continue to brush and floss gently around the site. Once it’s fully healed, flossing may require a bit more work to get underneath your crown, but flossing in that area can help keep your implant free of plaque and bacteria.

Stay on Top of Care for the Best Results

Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings as recommended. Any buildup of plaque around your gumline could still cause an infection whether or not you have dental implants. Staying on top of your oral care will provide the best results for your beautiful new tooth!

Should you be experiencing any type of problem with your new dental implant, getting in to see your dentist sooner rather than later is always the best idea. Talk to your dentist about how often you should come in for checkups after the placement of your implant.

Dental implants are an excellent replacement when you’ve lost a natural tooth. To take care of your dental implants, get a good start by following your surgeon’s instructions. Continue to brush and floss around the site as normal after healing. Stay on top of care to see the best results and extend the life of your dental crown. Dental implants last for life, so take care of them!

The post How to Best Care for Your New Dental Implants appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Once your actual dental implant is placed, this will need to heal for a period of time before you get your crown attached to the end. During this period of time, your mouth will likely be sore and possibly bruised. It’s best to eat cold foods and drinks as much as possible. It’s also vital that you do not touch your dental implant. You can use ice to help with the swelling if needed.

Your dentist may give you a special mouthwash to use during this time, but you should avoid brushing the dental implant while it’s healing; this may take a few days. Always follow your dentist’s care instructions!

Once Your Implant Has Healed

Once your implant has healed and the crown is attached, gently clean your dental implant with a soft-bristled tooth brush. Avoid aggressive brushing—it’s not necessary. You need to keep your dental implant clean and remove plaque daily through brushing and flossing. Keeping your dental implants clean can extend the lifespan of your crown and keep your implant healthy and strong!

If you smoke, getting dental implants is good motivation to quit. Smoking not only increases your risk for gum disease and oral cancer, but prevents healing in the mouth. While your dental implant is healing, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to reduce the chances of infection so that your implant can heal.

Long-Term Care

Brushing and flossing your dental implants regularly just like your natural teeth can help you maintain great oral health. Gentle brushing is easy enough, but flossing may require a little extra effort around your dental implants. You should use the floss to get trapped food and plaque underneath your dental crown near the top of your implant.

Food or plaque that get trapped in this section can cause problems, so take a few extra seconds to get underneath your dental crown. This can help make sure your dental implants are squeaky clean and healthy! You should also visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dental implants are doing great. Your crown will need to be replaced eventually, so your dentist can examine your implants during your visit and let you know how you’re doing with your oral care.

Dental implants are one of the best choices for effective tooth replacement. Taking care of your dental implants requires brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. You’ll also need to visit the dentist just like you do for your regular smile. Enjoy your new dental implants with these best care habits!

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