Crowns
A crown is used to entirely cover or cap a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.
We may recommend a crown to:
- Replace a large filling when there isnt enough tooth remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
How do Bridges Work?
A bridge may be recommended if youre missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. We can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
At My Greenbelt Dentist, we provide dental crowns and bridges for patients throughout the Prince George’s county. These procedures are very efficient to restore a tooth that has either become infected, damaged or has fallen out.
If you live in Prince George’s county and the surrounding areas call My Greenbelt Dentist at 301.220.1790 to schedule your appointment today!
Fillings
Fillings are the most common dental procedure that is performed in the dental office. When you have a cavity or decay, your dentist removes the decay with a drill and replaces the subsequent cavity with a filling. Fillings are of two types: tooth colored filling or composite and silver fillings or amalgam.
White Fillings
The resin based filling is bonded to your tooth, to replace missing or damaged surfaces. Resin based fillings have micro-mechanical properties that are ideal for smaller restorations. Composite resins can also achieve optimal aesthetics, making them the ideal choice for anterior teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings or “silver fillings” consists of silver and mercury. Amalgam fillings are known to last longer than composite fillings, but are used less frequently due to poor aesthetics.
The advantages of amalgam fillings are:
- They are less expensive
- Less technique sensitivity when restoring a tooth
The disadvantages of amalgam fillings are:
- Does not match your natural teeth color
- Over time these cause cracks in your teeth by expanding
- They are ugly looking and dark in color and
- It consists of mercury raising a potential mercury toxicity concern
The advantages of tooth colored fillings are:
- The tooth structure nor the gums stain
- They seal the tooth really well
- They do not crack the tooth
- They look just like your natural tooth
The disadvantages of tooth colored fillings are:
- more technique sensitive
- Relatively more expensive
- Some insurance companies deny coverage
Dental Implants
Dental Implants help to prevent bone loss and stabilize your bite. Implants can also help hold loose dentures in place. Implants are strong and solid. They look, function and feel just like natural teeth. This procedure can truly improve the quality of a person’s life!
How is a dental implant placed?
Many people can feel extremely nervous about the idea of dental surgery, especially when it comes to dental implants. The process of placing a dental implant is actually much easier than many patients may think. The benefit of implant therapy over denture teeth is that they are able to offer much more stability, allowing your chewing ability to be restored. They can feel quite natural after the healing process is completed. Here are some of the basic steps involved in dental implant placement:
Implants are typically fabricated from titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material that is not rejected by the jawbone, and serves as a sturdy replacement for your teeth. Your natural bone fuses with the implant surface, creating a solid interface capable of withstanding jaw forces.
The abutment is then crafted to sit on top of the implant. This will be the connecting piece between the tooth and the top crown which will resemble the natural tooth. This section is usually made of porcelain, titanium or gold and it will be attached directly to the implant with a screw.
The restoration section: This crown section is generally made out of a porcelain that is used directly with metal alloys. The crown will be cemented or screwed directly into the abutment and then covered with tooth material or composite.
Generally this entire process takes around 5 to 6 months depending on healing and implant placement site. After the implant surgery takes place, your doctor needs to first make sure that the bone has properly integrated with the implant before the crown is installed. The dental implant can resembling your natural tooth and provide the same type of support and stability that you would receive from a natural tooth.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
If you feel as though you would be a good candidate for a dental implant therapy, contact us today at 301.220.1790 for your caring and compassionate Greenbelt dentist.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Teeth can become damaged or fall out for a number of reasons, including disease and trauma. Ideal candidates for full mouth rehabilitation need to be in good general health but have multiple missing or badly damaged teeth. Many full mouth rehabilitation patients also require the replacement of existing dental restorations that have worn over time. Although most full mouth rehabilitation plans require extensive work over multiple appointments, the result is a fully functioning mouth and excellent oral health that can last for decades.
In addition to providing full mouth rehabilitation, My Greenbelt Dentist can meet your family’s needs for dentistry services. We promise you the best in professional, friendly service.
To explore the possibility of a new set of teeth and the resulting surge in self-confidence and quality of life, make an appointment today to learn more about the difference that full mouth rehabilitation could make in your life.