May 27, 2011

Benefits of dental crowns

crown Fort WorthMany patients come to the dentist with complaints of teeth that are cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. Our Fort Worth dentists can use dental crowns to restore those teeth. In fact, the dentist can place a crown in order to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth. A crown, which can be made of a composite resin or porcelain that is fused to metal to increase its strength, is attached to the tooth with a bonding agent, making it a permanent solution. The material can be adjusted to fit in with the natural shade of the surrounding teeth, and crowns are stain-resistant and maintain that shade over time.

Crowns are versatile devices. In addition to resolving more cosmetic problems with the teeth, crowns can be used to cover a tooth following a root canal, especially if it is in the back of the mouth. Some teeth may become brittle and prone to breakage after a root canal, and a crown can protect these teeth from further damage.

The dentist also places crowns on adjoining teeth to anchor the replacement tooth in a fixed, permanent bridge. Crowns are also appropriate for restoring teeth in which cavities are too far advanced to be treated with fillings alone.

Crowns tend to be strong and durable, making them able to withstand many forces. With proper care, your crowns can last for decades. Even so, you should still be cautious when biting into hard materials, and try to avoid placing too much strain on the crown. If you grind your teeth, you should also get treatment for that condition to extend the life of your crown.

If you have a damaged or compromised tooth, visit our office to see if you are a candidate for a dental crown.

May 16, 2011

What is gingivitis?

If you’ve noticed that your gums are red rather than pink and that they bleed rather easily when you floss or even brush vigorously, you may have gingivitis, or an inflammation of the gums.

Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline. That plaque contains bacteria, which can irritate the gums. If the plaque is not cleared away through regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria multiply and exacerbate the gum tissue inflammation.

As gingivitis becomes more advanced and evolves into full-blown gum disease, it can lead the gums to separate from the underlying bone, forming pockets that serve as havens for more bacteria. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to the point where the jaw bone begins to break down, as well.

The most important thing to remember about gingivitis is that it is easily reversible.  It can even be treated at a routine appointment at the dental office. A professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar goes a long way in healing gingivitis. Be sure to schedule cleanings and exams at least every six months if you have a tendency to develop gingivitis. Patients who accumulate plaque and tartar quickly may need to visit the dentist even more often.

Dental cleanings alone are not sufficient to prevent a recurrence of gingivitis, though. You have to do some work at home, too. Your dentist will advise you on what steps you can take to keep your gums healthy. For example, it is often helpful for people with gingivitis to use an electric toothbrush with a built in timer to ensure that they are brushing for a long enough period of time.

Patients with gingivitis should take the dentist’s advice to heart. It is important to address gingivitis early, to prevent the onset of more severe periodontal disease. The best way to prevent a recurrence of gingivitis is to be diligent in your oral hygiene habits.

If you’ve noticed recent changes in your gums, schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth dentistry practice to see if you may have gingivitis. Taking early action to fight gingivitis will help to prevent adverse outcomes later.

May 6, 2011

Restore your smile with dentures

dentures Fort WorthWhen you lose your teeth, whether it’s due to decay, injury, or some other cause, the effects are wide-reaching. Your ability to talk and chew will be compromised, and you can suffer a crisis of confidence in everyday interactions, even when engaging with family and friends.

Fortunately, Fort Worth patients can turn to dentures to replace their missing teeth. A set of custom-designed dentures can help patients overcome all of the negatives associated with tooth loss. Dentures can restore a patient’s ability to eat, speak and, most importantly, smile. Whether you need full upper and lower arches, or just a partial to replace a gap left by a few missing teeth, dentures can be the solution.

Many patients have a negative perception of dentures. They think of their grandparents’ ill-fitting devices that were unattractive, uncomfortable and prone to shifting. Dentures have come a long way since then, though. Modern-day dentures are crafted based on the specifications of a patient’s unique facial structures, which improves fit and lowers the likelihood of embarrassing denture slip-ups.

Dentures are made of durable materials, and they last for many years, as long as they’re handled and cared for properly.  It’s also important to remember that, although dentures are artificial, they still need to be cleaned regularly to keep gum disease-promoting plaque and bacteria to a minimum.

Although denture technology has improved drastically in recent decades, dentures still require an adjustment period. Patients should give themselves time to get used to wearing dentures. If they are still uncomfortable after a few weeks, then a follow-up appointment for an adjustment may be in order.

If you must replace a number of missing teeth, take advantage of the advances of modern dentistry by choosing dentures. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the comfort and level of function that they offer. Of course, they’ll improve your appearance, too.