Why You May Need a Dental Bridge?

A missing tooth or teeth in your mouth can affect you in several ways and a dental bridge can address the changes. They are capable of:

• • • Restoring your smile.
    • Restoring the ability to chew properly.
    • Restoring your pronunciation and speech.
    • Maintain the shape of your face.
    • Readjust your bite to distribute the force of chewing when you bite.
    • Prevent your remaining teeth are moving out of position.

Types of Dental Bridges

When you visit dental bridges Katy for the replacements you will be offered four types of dental bridges. They are traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.

A traditional dental bridge has a false tooth or teeth held in place by dental crowns that have been bonded onto the abutment teeth. This is the most popular type of dental bridge and is useful when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing tooth.

A cantilever dental bridge despite being similar to a traditional bridge has a Pontic that is held in place by a dental crown bonded to just one abutment tooth. If you choose a cantilever bridge you will need to have one natural tooth next to the gap created by the missing tooth.

The Maryland dental bridge is also similar to a traditional bridge but these utilize two natural abutment teeth on each side of the gap. A Maryland bridge will use a framework of metal or porcelain bonded to the backs of abutment teeth, unlike traditional bridges that use dental crowns on the abutment teeth.

A Maryland bridge can be used only when you have a natural tooth on either side of the gap caused by the missing tooth or teeth like a traditional bridge.

Implant-supported bridges will use dental implants, unlike crowns or frameworks. One implant will be inserted surgically for every missing tooth and the implants can hold the bridge in position. The bridge may have a Pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns if it is not possible to have one implant for every missing tooth. This is considered as the most stable and strongest system and requires two surgeries to be accomplished. The first will be to insert implants into the jawbone and the 2nd to place the bridge. This procedure will require several months to be finished completely.

You have the option of choosing a removable dental bridge or a fixed Bridge dental if you prefer in consultation with your dentist.

What Is the Cost of a Dental Bridge?

Several factors can affect the price of dental bridges including:

• • • The number of teeth you need to bridge the gap.
    • The materials you have chosen such as composite resin, metal alloy covered in resin, and zirconia.
    • Your geographical location.
    • The difficulty or complexity of the placement.
    • Any additional treatments needed for dental issues such as gum disease.

The cost of the dental bridge will also depend on the variety of bridges you select.

• • • Traditional or cantilever bridges will cost approximately $ 2000-$ 5000 for a Pontic and a crown for every abutment tooth.
    • Maryland bridges can cost approximately $ 1500-$ 2500 for a Pontic with a framework or wings that are attached to the abutment teeth.
    • Implant-supported bridges will cost approximately $ 5000-$ 15,000 for a bridge with a couple of dental implants covering 3 to 4 teeth.

Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridges

Dental implants are considered permanent solutions while dental bridges may need replacements every 5 to 15 years. Several factors can reduce the life of all types of bridges as well as implants like proper dental hygiene. Dental bridges in Katy, TX, will offer you the guidance needed to understand whether dental insurance providers are covering dental bridges to understand the financing options available to you besides providing you with a dental bridge to cover the ungainly looking gap between your teeth.

The Basics of Dental Implants

If you lose a tooth, then you take a bit of time to get an implant, the surrounding teeth may be affected. Since teeth rely on each other for stability, gaps between teeth can result in loose teeth. Years ago, bridges were used as the prosthesis, but they damaged the surrounding teeth. Many patients opted for dental implants. Dental implants are so ideal, as they have the feel, look, and function as a natural tooth. If you are still wondering, dental implants are titanium screw-like frames that are root replacements that are attached to the jawbone.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants date as back as 1954, and they have evolved ever since. But there are two main types:

• • • Endosteal – are dental implants that are inserted directly in the bone. These are the implants that are currently being used.
    • Subperiosteal – are implants that are placed beneath the gum and on top of the jawbone. However, they are no longer being used because of their poor results.

Primarily, dental implants are used for teeth replacement, but they can also aid in other dental procedures. Dental implants are stable and can be used to provide support for a removable denture.

In orthodontic procedures, mini implants are used as anchorage devices that help the teeth to move to the desired position. They serve as temporary support to the teeth being moved, and once the teeth are in place, they are removed.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Dental implants serve as tooth replacements because they are placed in the jawbone. You might need tooth replacement treatment if:

Dental Implant Procedure

The standard procedure of placing the implants is done as follows;

• • • First, if the diseased or damaged tooth is still intact, the dentist will perform an extraction. This will give way for the implant.
    • Then, the jawbone has to be examined and prepared for surgery, and at times bone grafting may be necessary. It would be best if you had a strong jawbone for the implant to be stable. If our dentist finds that the jawbone is weak, then a bone transplant will be performed to provide a more stable foundation.
    • The titanium-based implant will be screwed into the gum line after the jawbone heals.
    • After the insertion of the implant, the bone around the implant is given time to grow and unites with the implant, making it a permanent part of the gum line. This process is known as osseointegration.
    • Once the integration has taken place, an abutment (is a piece that the artificial tooth is screwed on later) is attached to the implant.
    • Finally, our dentist will help you choose your artificial tooth.

The screwing may sound a bit too painful, but extraction is much worse. Not to worry, local anesthesia must be used, so you will not feel a thing during the procedure.

It is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, a bit of pain, and minor bleeding after the surgery. But if you feel as though the symptoms are getting worse, feel free to contact Katy Dental Experts, where our dentists will address the problems.

The procedure will take several months because of the healing process before the final artificial tooth is placed. It would be best if you remained patient as the healing time will vary from patient to patient. Regardless, getting dental implants in Katy will be worth the wait. After the procedure, your smile will be fully restored.

Root Canal Treatment Is Not Painful

Decades ago when the lack of modern technology and anesthetics made the root canal procedure painful. However, things have changed dramatically over the last years with the improvements in technology and anesthetics making the procedure just as painful as a routine filling. The pain you feel is from the damaged tissues in the tooth which can be remedied easily by an endodontist who will remove the infected pulp by the treatment. Additionally, endodontists are experts in managing pain and most cases will be treated quickly and comfortably.

Illnesses Will Be Caused by the Root Canal

You may find information over the Internet or from other sources stating that if you undergo a root canal therapy in Katy, TX, you are likely to contract illnesses or disease. Nothing could be farther than the truth. The claim is made by research that was designed poorly and conducted a century ago when modern medicine hadn’t understood the causes of many diseases. No valid or scientific evidence is available to link the root canal treatment to disease anywhere in the body. Therefore you can rest assured you will be free from illnesses as well as the pain you are suffering from just because you are not following the recommendation made by Katy dental experts in Katy, TX.

Extracting a Tooth Is Better Than Having a Root Canal Treatment

Preserving your natural teeth if possible is the goal of every dentist or endodontist. Artificial restorations can never substitute the looks or the function of a natural tooth. Therefore if you are recommended root canal treatment in Katy, TX, you should consider it as an option to save your tooth rather than to extract it. The success rate of endodontic treatment is his high and many teeth that have undergone the treatment last for a lifetime.

Extracting the tooth is an option at your disposal which is better avoided because replacing the extracted tooth with dental bridges or implants will require additional time in the treatment and may endure the adjacent teeth and supporting tissue to further procedures. The costs of the restorations will be higher than the cost of having a root canal treatment. Therefore, it is suggested that you follow the advice of the dentists that recommended the treatment to you rather than consider other options.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Your dentist would in every likelihood have referred you to an endodontist that specializes in treating conditions inside the tooth. He or she will administer anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth before creating a small opening in the crown to gain access to the canals. The goal of the endodontist will be to remove the infected pulp and to disinfect the tooth before filling it with gutta-percha temporarily. The procedure will be completed in one or two sittings.

After the completion of the root canal therapy, you will be required to return to your dentist again to have a crown over the tooth which would have been rendered fragile by the treatment. The crown will be placed by the dentist after having one created especially for you. The placement of the crown will ensure your tooth has the protection it needs and is restored to its original functionality to last you for a lifetime. As you return home after the treatment you can continue with your regular oral hygiene habits but try to avoid smoking because it can cause adverse risks.

What Kind of Mouthguards Should Be Preferred by Sports Persons?

The risk of an injury to the mouth exists in all types of contact sports. The injuries could lead to the loss of teeth or even damage soft tissue in the mouth. Sportspersons involved in activities like boxing, football, baseball, skating, and even gymnastics are preferring to use mouthguards to safeguard themselves from the problems they will undoubtedly face in the event of an impact to their mouth’s. Many are opting for stock mouthguards that do not provide the level of protection desired when they should be considering a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist. Sportspersons are perhaps considering the higher prices charged by dentists as a deterrent when choosing stock mouthguards for themselves.

Stock Mouthguards Are Inexpensive but Are They Effective?

Sportspersons must understand that despite stock mouthguards being affordable and offering lower protection than custom made mouthguards they aren’t effective in providing the kind of protection needed. Perhaps the individuals are only considering the costs of the mouthguard without taking into account the expenses they will have to incur to repair damages to their mouths after an accident. A knocked-out tooth will cost thousands of dollars in restorations alone without considering the time spent at the dentist’s office for the treatment needed. Therefore, these individuals should avoid stock mouthguards and look for custom-made mouthguards that can be provided by a dentist which will offer them adequate protection.

A Sports Mouth Guard Is Better Developed by a Dental Professional

Some dentists may be recommending the use of stock mouthguards to sports persons despite the knowledge that the protection offered is not adequate. However, some like sports mouth guard at Katy, TX, do not recommend stock mouthguards but instead advise sports persons to contact them for a custom-made mouthguard that will be developed in a dental laboratory.

The dental care experts at this clinic will obtain an impression of the mouth from the sportsperson before sending it to the laboratory to be developed. The sports mouth guard will be made from a thermoplastic material by heating it in a pressure or vacuum forming machine and when it has softened it will be placed over the impression. Air pressure is applied to adapt the soft material to the impression provided by the dentist.

A sports mouth guard in Katy, TX can offer better protection than the stock variety and perhaps save the individual thousands of dollars in dental care which they would be exposed to if unfortunate enough to become involved in an accident. This is the type of mouthguard sportspersons must be choosing over the commonly available stock mouthguards.

Are Custom-Made Sports Mouth Guards Essential?

This kind of sporting activity the individual is involved in will determine whether a custom-made sports mouth guard will be essential or not. However, these appliances offer better protection against injuries of all types because they have been developed to fit the individual perfectly which is not the case with most stock mouthguards. Mouthguards should be an essential part of sporting gear but having a custom-fitted mouthguard is always better than one that does not fit appropriately.

Sportspeople must decide whether they are prepared to spend a higher figure for dental care or rather prefer to prevent dental care for injuries with the help of a sports mouth guard in Katy, TX.

What Are Dental Veneers

To protect your teeth, dental veneers near you are most recommended. Thin plastics films are manufactured that fit the shape of your teeth. These films adhere to the teeth and your teeth are protected. The appearance of your mouth is enhanced with dental veneers.

What Are Laminates

Laminates are another kind of veneer. According to Mosby’s Dental Dictionary, laminate veneers are aesthetic restorations for treating discolored, misaligned, and deformed teeth.

Why Do I need These Treatments

Following are some reasons that demand laminates or veneers:

• • • Chipped teeth
    • Cracked teeth
    • Broken teeth
    • Misaligned teeth
    • Discolored teeth
    • Or any other deformation of teeth

What Is the Procedure to Get Dental Veneers and Laminates

The procedure for getting dental veneers in Katy, TX is quite simple. You do not need multiple visits to the dentist. Just two visits and you will have the best smile. Here is what you can expect during the treatment.

Your dentist will ask for an x-ray of your denture. This will help the dentist to identify any other serious problems. Veneers cannot treat tooth decay or gum infection. If you have any of these issues, the x-ray can clear things out. You can have the issues treated first. If not, the dentist will move on with the process.

Now that your teeth are clean, the dentist will numb your mouth. After anesthetizing the mouth, teeth will be shaped if needed. Shaping your teeth may hurt that is why local anesthesia is used to numb the area first. The right shape of your teeth will ensure accurate laminates in Katy, TX.

The shape of your teeth will be sent to the laboratory. It takes about two to three weeks for the veneers to be ready for placement. You will have an appointment scheduled as needed.

On your last visit, laminates or veneers will be available. Your teeth will be etched to make the surface of the teeth rough, as they stick better. The dentist will place them temporarily to match the color of the veneers. Once the size and color match, laminates or veneers will be permanently placed. The dentist will shape the veneers accordingly. A beam of light will be used to adhere the film to perfection.

Do Laminates and Veneers Have Other Benefits?

Yes, you can enjoy several other benefits after getting any of these tremendous techniques. Here are a few. Check them out.

Your appearance is completely changed after getting veneers. Any deformity is camouflaged. The discoloration stays hidden. Your smile gets more attractive and so does the overall appearance.

You are more confident about your personality. Since the perfect smile is back with you, you are confident around people. Teenagers feel insecure if their smile is not attractive. It gives them the confidence to roam around without any complex.

Only one treatment and you can treat several other problems as well. Laminates in Katy, TX is a single solution to several problems. Do not visit the clinic and get different treatments.

You will not have to bear any pain during the treatment. The only pain you feel is when the dentist injects anesthesia. The pain or sensation is bearable. Other than that, you enjoy a painless treatment.

There are no special aftercare tips for the veneers. You must follow the regular oral hygiene routine you have. After successful completion of the treatment, you can enjoy as much as you can. There are no strict restrictions on eating habits as well.

Katy Dental Experts provide dental veneers at Katy, TX under a controlled and satisfying environment. There are no hassles for the appointments. Our staff is friendly and welcoming. Additionally, our dentists will make sure that you are relaxed during and after the treatment. Contact us now to help you with your veneers and laminates.

Stages of Gum Disease

The periodontal types can be classified into four categories which are as follows:

• • • • Gingivitis

Periodontitis begins with gingivitis, which is the primary stage of gum disease. The first sign of gum disease is bleeding, red, and irritated gums. There can also be some discoloration of the teeth. This is the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is caused because of the build-up of food particles and bacteria on the teeth.

Bacteria are always present in our mouth, but the condition worsens when their level increases. Lack of brushing and flossing can lead to gingivitis. It is to be noted that, gingivitis is curable as well as reversible. Thus, if the gum disease gets diagnosed in this stage, it can be completely reversed with the help of Periodontal treatments.

• • • Early Periodontal Disease

During the early phase, the gums recede or pull away from your teeth and small pockets are formed between the teeth and gums. These pockets become the storehouse of harmful bacteria and your immune system tries to fight back the infection. Eventually, the gum tissue begins to recede. You are likely to experience bleeding while brushing and flossing along with some bone loss.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

If the disease is left untreated, it will progress and lead to bleeding and pain around the teeth along with gum recession, says the dentist near you. The teeth will begin to lose bone support and become loose.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

In the advanced disease, the connective tissues holding your teeth in place begin to deteriorate. Also, the gums, bones, and other tissues supporting the teeth get destroyed. In the case of periodontitis, you will experience severe pain while chewing along with bad taste in mouth and halitosis. If you have been avoiding the treatment for a long time, it is time to get the periodontal (gum) treatments by seeing a dentist near you.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

• • • Bad breath
    • Gums which bleed while brushing and flossing
    • Changes in the position of teeth/ loose teeth
    • Receding gums
    • Tooth loss
    • Red, tender, and swollen gums
    • Foul taste in the mouth
    • Buildup of plaque
    • Pain while chewing
    • Inflammation throughout the body

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is time for you to see the dentist near you for a periodontal treatment plan.

Periodontal treatment phases

• • • Oral Hygiene Measures

The dentist will instruct you to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use an electric brush for effective results. Flossing at least once a day is important. You must make it a point to see the dentist in every 6 months for cleaning and examination. Smoking and chewing tobacco are a big NO.

• • • Professional Cleanings

During a professional cleaning, the dentist will remove the plaque build-up and tartar from your teeth and roots followed by polishing your teeth and treating them with fluoride. The periodontal pockets may need a deep cleaning for healing. Scaling and root-planing help in scrapping the tartar and removing rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria get accumulated.

• • • Antibiotics

In some cases, the dentist prescribes antibiotics for dealing with persistent gum infections that don’t respond to cleanings. The antibiotic is not always in the form of pills but it can also be in the form of gel and mouthwash as well.

• • • Follow-Up Appointments

The dentist will ask for a follow-up appointment after a week or two and then every six months for evaluating your progress. If the pockets are still present, he may recommend surgery.

• • • Surgery

If inflammation persists after trying all other types of treatments, the dentist will recommend getting a surgical procedure done known as flap surgery for cleaning the deposits under the gums. The gums are lifted and the roots are cleaned followed by suturing the gums back into the place.

Causes of Gum Disease:

The contributing factors giving rise to this chronic dental problem include:

• • • Inadequate Oral hygiene
    • Poor diet and deficiency of nutrients
    • Organic changes in the mouth
    • Certain hormonal changes
    • Patient’s medical condition
    • A person who is ill, diabetic or have severe heart issues
    • Saliva Flow Inhibitors
    • Poor Functional Habits

Gum Disease sounds scary. However, taking timely precautions like brushing regularly, using mouthwash, opting dental check-ups can help to prevent and cure gum diseases.

Advance treatment gum disease

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry which deals with the issues related with the structure supporting teeth. If gum disease is advanced, periodontics offers certain treatment procedures to help you heal your gums soon. These advance treatments may include:

• • • Tissue Regeneration: If your gum inflammation is severe and resulted into bone damage, then to strengthen the structure and functionality of your gums, professional gum disease treatment expert might suggest you to go for tissue regeneration therapy.
    • Pocket Elimination Surgery: It includes reshaping your jaw bone to eliminate the gaps that might have lodged bacteria leading to gum disease.
    • Laser Therapy: It helps in restoring the damages gum tissues.

Based on the severity of gum infection and one’s budget, periodontics can offer treatment and medications. If you are also facing constant pain and swollen gums, it’s time to seek professional help. Go for an initial diagnosis to detect and cure your gum infections.

What are Dental Veneers?

The dental veneers are sometimes also known as porcelain dental veneers or porcelain laminates. They are thin shells that are custom-made for patients to improve their esthetic appearance. The veneers are placed on the front surface of the teeth and are made choosing the color, which is nearest to the shade of your teeth as it helps them in blending seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They can also be made from resin composite, but the porcelain ones are more popular as they are stain-resistant and also have the light-reflecting property of natural teeth. However, the dentist can help in determining the best choice of material for veneers for you.

Issues Fixed by Dental veneers

• • • The veneers can help in fixing the discolored teeth. The discoloration may happen due to many reasons such as root canal treatment, smoking, excessive exposure to fluoride, and anything else.
    • The dental veneers help in offering a new look in case of the worn-down teeth.
    • Chipped or broken teeth can also be covered with dental veneers.
    • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth can also be camouflaged by dental veneers.
    • The gaps between the teeth can be addressed with the help of veneers.

Dental Veneers Procedure

• • • Consultation and Planning the Treatment

The first step is treatment planning. The dentist first has a look at your teeth and the dental issues that you are facing. You can also let them know about the kind of smile you want and ask them to show some before and after pictures of their previous clients. He will take some x-rays and discuss it with you about the treatment. The dentist may also take some impressions of your teeth and mouth.

• • • Preparing the Teeth for Veneers

The next step is preparing your tooth for getting veneers placed on them. The dentist will remove about ½ millimeter of the enamel from the tooth surface. He may administer local anesthesia before trimming off the enamel. Next, the dentist will take the model or an impression of your tooth and send it to the lab for preparing the veneers. It may take 2-4 weeks for you to get the veneers made. If required, the dentist in Katy, TX may place a temporary veneer.

• • • Fixing the Veneers

Before cementing the veneers on your teeth, the dentist will check the fit and size and make necessary trimming so that the veneers can fit well. Next, he will clean your teeth, followed by polishing and etching so that the surface can become rough for attaching the enamel. A special cement is applied to the veneers and then they are placed on the teeth. After placing the veneer, the dentist will show a special light for hardening the veneer. He will then remove the excess cement and examine your bite.

Benefits of Porcelain veneers

• • • They offer a natural-looking appearance to teeth.
    • The porcelain veneers are stain-resistant.
    • They don’t need extensive shaping.
    • The gum tissues have been observed to tolerate the porcelain well.
    • The color of the veneers can be selected in a way that you can whiten your teeth.

Taking Care of the Veneers

You must take care of the veneers just like your natural teeth. You must maintain the routine oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste for keeping your mouth free of decay and cavities. Make sure that the dental hygienist uses nonabrasive polish during the cleaning appointments. Also, wear a nightguard if you have a habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.

Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride is one of the most important element to make your teeth stronger. Most of your fluoride requirements are completed from water that you consume every day. If you still feel that your tooth needs a little more protection in the enamel, choose a fluoride mouthwash as it will give your tooth the strength to fight against decay.

Alcohol-Free, Chloride or Organic Mouthwash

Natural and herbal mouthwash can be a choice for you if you like to stay away from the regular mint flavored mouthwashes.

Antimicrobial Mouthwash

If you suffer from a problem of bad breath and oral cavity, you should consider scheduling an appointment at your dentist to get rid of this dental problem. A dentist might prescribe you an antimicrobial mouthwash. Antimicrobial mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine that helps you treat your gums and other problems. It might it stain your teeth a little bit but it will work ok in getting rid of any gum disease or mouth sores that you have.

Remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing every day. You need to brush and floss your teeth every day in order to maintain good dental health.

If you feel that you have a toothache or your tooth is sensitive suddenly, this is not a co-incidence. You need to make sure that you take a immediate appointment of any dentist near you. Call Katy dental experts in order to schedule an appointment an get rid of all your dental problems once and for all. We have expert doctors which will help you understand the problem that you have and an effective solution that you can have immediately.

Cavities are caused by infectious germs

Cavities are generally caused due to germs and if not treated at right time, it may spread to your near and dear ones. Sharing the same utensils, foods and kisses can spread these germs and thus cause cavities. If you are pregnant, it is high time you get cavity treatment so that germs of cavity do not get into a child.

Snacking too frequently can cause cavities

It is not always that high sugary snacks or high carb food are to be blamed for cavities. Intake of snacks quite frequently throughout the day can also increase the effect of cavity germs. Every time you eat something sweet, the germs remain behind your mouth which multiplies to develop an acid. This can affect mouth, resulting in cavities.

Even “healthy” foods can lead to decay

Many believed that energy drinks and chocolate bars are good for teeth but this is not true. Cavities may be caused due to extra sweet or chewy food. It is thus better to intake healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, water and nuts.

Over your lifetime, a cavity costs more than $2,000

If cavities exceed, the treatments become quite essential but with right and healthy snacking and eating habits, this can be prevented. It is always better to go for regular checkups. You can also use fluoride toothpaste with suggestion from dentists near you. Right care helps you stay away from cavity and thus it could also help you save the amount you would have spent for treatment cost.

Just by taking right care of your mouth and maintaining appropriate oral health and hygiene, you can say no to cavity for lifetime. It is important to get regular checkup for identifying cavity at right time.