Tag Archives: dental crowns

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Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth

Cosmetic Dentistry, , ,

When a tooth is chipped or broken, it is not only an aesthetic problem. In fact, this can lead to functional issues, further tooth decay, and even tooth loss if not treated. That is why a damaged tooth requires immediate attention and emergency dental care. In this article, we will talk about the options for repairing a chipped or broken tooth.

First Steps if Your Tooth Is Broken or Chipped

Of course, the first step is to make an appointment at a clinic that has emergency dental services. While you are waiting for your appointment, try doing the following:

  • Preserve a piece of your tooth that broke off—it might be possible to use it for restoration.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water to eliminate the bacteria and prevent inflammation.
  • If you have to eat, chew on the other side of your mouth and opt for soft or liquid foods to eliminate the possibility of damaging the tooth further
  • Be careful if the broken tooth edges are sharp—they might damage the surrounding soft tissue in your mouth. You can place a sugarless gum over it.
  • If you feel acute pain, take over-the-counter painkillers, for example, Ibuprofen.
  • If your tooth is knocked out of its socket completely, you should act quickly. Make sure that the tooth is clean by rinsing it with water or milk. Do not try to dry it with any materials. Then, try putting your tooth back in its socket. It will increase the chances of its survival. If you can not put it back in the socket, put it in milk or water within 5 minutes after it was knocked out and try to see a dentist within the first 30-60 minutes after the trauma.

Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth

When you finally see your dentist, they might suggest different options for restoration, depending on the severity of the case.

Dental Filling or Bonding

In cases when a small piece of enamel is chipped, the tooth can be repaired with dental filling. If a front tooth is damaged, then dental bonding can be a more suitable option. A tooth-colored composite resin is typically used for the procedure of bonding. The procedure of dental bonding is usually painless. Firstly, the surface of the tooth will be prepared by making it rougher so the bonding material can adhere better. Then, the resin will be applied with the help of a special adhesive material. The resin will be shaped like your natural tooth and then hardened with an ultraviolet light.

Dental Crowns

If a larger piece of a tooth breaks off, a dental crown can be the right solution for the problem. Your doctor will help you choose a material for your crown. Then, the tooth will be prepared by filing down its enamel, after which the crown will be placed to cover the tooth completely. Dental crowns are used to support the damaged tooth structure, prevent it from further damage, and improve the tooth’s appearance. If you choose a porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic crown, it will most likely be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

In cases when the entire tooth is broken off at a gum line, but the root still remains in the socket, you might require root canal therapy. A metal post can be placed in the canal to support a dental crown that will be put on top of it. Root canal therapy is also used if the pulp of the tooth is exposed due to the damage. The dead or infected parts of the pulp will be removed, and the root canal will be cleaned and sealed to avoid infections in the future.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an especially great option for restoring chipped or broken front teeth. Veneer is a thin porcelain shell that covers the front of the tooth and looks exactly like your natural teeth. It can effectively mask any cosmetic imperfections of your teeth. Dental veneers can also be used to adjust the shape, size, and color of your teeth. One thing to note is that receiving veneers involves filing down the enamel of the tooth, thus this procedure is considered irreversible.

Make an Appointment Today

If you had a dental trauma resulting in a chipped or broken tooth, do not postpone a visit to a dental office. Call Samaritan Dental today, and we will sign you up for an appointment with an emergency services dentist. Our specialists will make sure that your tooth is repaired and your dental health is preserved. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office.

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Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Cosmetic Dentistry,

Dental crowns are a great way to save your natural teeth and improve the function of your mouth. Dental crowns can be used to prevent you from having to have more extensive dental work in the near future. Crowns have many benefits, including their durability. With proper care, they can last for many years. It is important to know how to prevent damage. These five tips will help you maintain beautiful smiles for years, regardless of whether you have one crown or many. Let’s look at the top ways to care for dental crowns.

Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns can be used to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. The benefits of porcelain crowns don’t end with the procedure. To ensure your porcelain crowns last a lifetime, there are some aftercare guidelines our emergency dentist in Downtown LA has that you can follow.

Brush and Floss Your Crowns Daily

Dental crowns typically last between five and fifteen years. Your oral hygiene and other habits will determine the lifespan of your dental crown as well as your natural teeth. However, permanent crowns require less care than temporary ones. Regularly brush your teeth and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Treat your crowns like you would your regular teeth, making sure to keep them free from plaque and tartar by engaging in daily dental activities.

Invest in a Night Guard for Restful Sleep

Nightguards are similar to retainers and protect your upper and lower teeth from touching. This is a good option for those who grind their teeth while sleeping. Grinding can cause your crown and other teeth to wear down. The best dental nightguards are comfortable enough to sleep in while helping you break your bad dental habits. To prevent unnecessary damage and rising restorative dentistry costs, practice prevention with a nightguard to keep your crowns and natural teeth protected.

Stop Bad Dental Habits

Avoid bad habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing your nails. They can cause damage to the crown. People also enjoy chewing ice, which can cause damage to the crown. When performing your daily oral hygiene, be sure to pay attention to the gum line. Brushing too harshly or eating hard items can cause irreparable damage to your gums, which can contribute to a lifetime of gingivitis or gum disease. Stop these habits as soon as you can to keep your crowns and all of your dental health safe.

Avoid Chewing Hard or Chewy Foods

Although crowns are strong and durable, they can still be damaged just like natural teeth. You should replace your crown sooner than usual if you are chomping on hard candy or ice. Sticky and chewy foods can also cause problems. They can weaken or loosen your crown, or cause sticky bits to stick between your gum and your crown. Avoid these foods whenever possible.

Remember that the durable porcelain used in crowns is resistant to staining. It can’t be bleached like natural teeth because of its resistance to staining. To ensure your crown looks the best, it is a good idea to get a professional whitening treatment before you have it done. If you do decide to whiten your teeth in the future, your crown will match your natural teeth perfectly.

Learn More About Dental Crowns Today!

You might have difficulty eating or speaking if you have chips, cracks, or missing gaps in your teeth. Your smile might not be what you want when you look in the mirror. Our top-of-the-line dental crowns in downtown Los Angeles can restore your smile and give you the functionality you have always wanted. Call our friendly professionals today to find a customized treatment plan catered to your budget and oral health needs. To ensure your crown fits perfectly, we can arrange a personal consultation with you. Contact us today to start your journey to good dental health!

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Busting Myths About Cavities

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Even in our adult lives, cavities still remain a mystery to some of us. Cavities happen over time and are not often noticeable, so being aware of how they can form and how to take care of them is essential to our dental health. The more you understand your mouth, the more precaution you can take in your everyday life. Below are some common myths about cavities and the truths that lie behind them.

For more information on preventing cavities and receiving dental crowns, contact Samaritan Dental today!

Myth: Sugar is the cause of all cavities.

Truth: While sugar is a big culprit of cavities, it isn’t the cause of all cavities. Starches, for example, are a huge bacteria stimulator that erodes away at the enamel. It’s important to know the workings behind a cavity: they’re caused by bacteria that have a high acidic pH. When the mouth is particularly acidic, which may be caused by sugary food, candy, soda, starches like bread or pasta, etc, the bacteria or biofilm that covers our teeth, turns acidic and starts to destroy the enamel — otherwise known as tooth decay.

Myth: I’ll know when I have a cavity because I’ll feel it.

Truth: When thinking of myths about cavities, it can be easy to go by feel. Most of the time, we have no idea we have cavities at all. Cavities don’t actually hurt unless the decay becomes really bad. However, it’s important to not let it get to this point, as by now it may have caused some serious issues that will cost more or take longer to repair. It’s important to stay up-to-date with regular check-ups to avoid this from happening.

Myth: Brushing & Flossing will fight the decay away.

Truth: While brushing and flossing help keep teeth clean and ward off a good amount of bad bacteria, it doesn’t actually remove all the plaque. Plaque that hangs around eventually calcifies and become tartar, which can only be removed with special dental tools. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular dental cleaning.

Myth: Fluoride will stop the decay.

Truth: Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash does help manage tooth decay, but it won’t completely keep plaque at bay or cure cavities that are already there. Overall, fluoride works to reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria and therefore strengthens enamel because it’s being exposed to less of this acid. However, some people are staying clear of fluoride as it can cause a slew of other health issues, including: “skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, compromised kidney and thyroid health, and female puberty acceleration.” (link) While some fluoride use is natural and healthy for teeth, at the end of the day, use your best judgment and consult with a professional dentist on whether or not fluoride products are right for you.

Myth: Regular snacking prevents cavities.

Truth: One myth that has gained popularity is that snacking frequently will prevent cavities. The thought behind this is that snacking will produce saliva, and saliva, which is full of minerals that aid in protecting enamel, will help keep teeth healthy and cavity-free. Unfortunately, this myth has one problem: it forgets the part about the food you’re eating. Adding sugars and starches to your mouth regularly actually increases the production of acid and is therefore detrimental to teeth enamel. Your teeth need time to recover between eating, so, if you must snack, try to do it in moderation with plenty of time in between.

Myth: The mercury in fillings is dangerous.

Truth: There’s a lot of talk about the mercury used in fillings — is it safe? Will I be paying for this later on in life? The dangerous mercury we’re thinking of is not the same as the one used in our teeth. Our tooth fillings contain a small amount of mercury, but also other materials like zinc, copper, etc. This substance is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is absolutely safe for anyone over 6 years old.

Cavity Fillings in Downtown Los Angeles

At the end of the day, if you have any cavity concerns, it’s best to get your answers straight from the source: a professional dentist. Give Samaritan Dental a call to have other myths about cavities, put to bed.

Close up portrait of cute little girl in Halloween costume holding pumpkin bucket outdoors at the park. Little girl child out for trick or treating on Halloween.

Candy Substitutes for Halloween

Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, , , , ,

 

Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there are plenty of sweet treats to go around. This is also the time where many people may see a decline in their dental hygiene, with kids being the most susceptible to dental problems. For any dental needs you may have, including dental crowns in Los Angeles, be sure to talk to Samaritan Dental and schedule an appointment today.

Statistics About Halloween and Your Teeth

Halloween is a great time to dress up and enjoy some well-deserved treats, but it is important to know the risks involved with that sack full of candy. Because bacteria loves to feed off that sugar that you are feeding on, there is an increased risk of dental problems during the Halloween season, especially due to all the candy readily available. Three of the most prominent dental problems that are seen during Halloween are cavities, infected teeth, and gum disease. You may also experience problems with previous fillings and crowns that you have. Because of the increased risk to your dental health, be sure to contact a dental professional at the first sign of symptoms. Samaritan Dental can help you with all your dental needs, including dental crowns in Los Angeles.

Candy Alternatives for Halloween

There are many reasons why you may want to elect to give out substitutes for candy during Halloween this year, but the trick is to find an alternative that kids actually like. First, try giving them something other than an edible treat. It doesn’t say anywhere in the Halloween handbook that a “treat” is solely something you can eat. Things such as little toys, bouncy balls, mini flashlights, stickers, coloring books, bubbles, novelty gag gifts, and spooky jewelry are just some ideas for fun, non-candy treats. There are plenty of alternatives that are edible as well, including honey sticks, organic candy, trail mix, oranges, popcorn packs, pretzels, and even snack packs with a bunch of these things together. Ultimately, the goal is to find something with significantly less sugar so you are not adding to the problem, but also being something enjoyable that kids want. And the added benefit is that without the candy in the house, the adults are being better about their dental health as well.

Tips and Tricks to Keep Dental Health in Check During Halloween

According to the American Dental Association, there are a bunch of tips and tricks that you can use to be safer with your teeth this Halloween season.

  • Eating candy is alright as a treat, but be careful not to snack throughout the day, choose candy that doesn’t sit in your mouth for a long time, and eating your sweet treat directly after or during a meal will help cancel out the acids produced by bacteria that can harm your teeth.
  • If you are going to enjoy some candy during the Halloween season, be sure to maintain a healthy diet the rest of the time, drink more water than normal to prevent tooth decay, and do not tempt yourself by buying more candy than you need.
  • Two things you should avoid if you are going to treat yourself to candy is sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, and sticky candy.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day to be sure that sugar does not get more time to prey on your teeth.

Halloween can be an extremely fun time as long as you enjoy candy in moderation, and don’t take your teeth’s health for granted. Scheduling routine appointments with your dentist is a great way to make sure that you do not run into any tooth trouble. Samaritan Dental offers many services to help your family, including dental crowns in Los Angeles; contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth as healthy as can be!