Our patients often are under the impression that implants and implant crown take a long time to complete. You have to wait for the bone to heal but in most cases the crown can be placed in about 3 months after the implant is placed. With some implant systems this can be shortened to 6-8 weeks. You must realize that bone takes a certain amount of time to heal. If you broke your arm you would be in a cast 2 months waiting for the bone to heal. The jaw is no different. In many cases however the patient is not left without a tooth for this period of healing. There are many different options available to provide a temporary tooth during this time including temporary dentures. There are situations where implant healing may take longer depending on the quality and quantity of bone.
How long does it take to have an Implant Crown
January 26th, 2010Symptoms of a cracked tooth
January 18th, 2010Symptoms of a cracked tooth. You may experience pain in the tooth when you bite or chew. However, it probably will not happen all the time. The tooth may be painful only when you eat certain foods or when you bite in a specific way. You will not feel a constant ache, as you would if you had a cavity or abscess, but the tooth may be more sensitive to cold temperatures. If the crack worsens, the tooth may become loose. Many people with cracked tooth syndrome have symptoms for months, but it’s often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not consistent. If you are experiencing these symptoms let either the doctor or hygienists know. Ultimately the need to restore the tooth with a crown or other restorative option may be necessary.
Cracked tooth syndrome: What Is It?
January 12th, 2010Cracked tooth syndrome: What Is It?
Unlike teeth with obvious fractures, teeth with cracked tooth syndrome usually have fractures that are too small to be seen on X-rays. Sometimes the fracture is below the gum line, or under an existing crown making it even more difficult to identify. Cracked tooth syndrome more often occurs in molars, usually lower molars, which absorb most of the forces of chewing. People who grind or clench their teeth may be more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome because of the constant forces put on their teeth. Sometimes a person’s normal bite causes certain molar cusps (the highest points of the tooth) to exert so much pressure on the opposing tooth that it cracks. Teeth with large fillings or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are weaker than other teeth and may be more likely to crack. People with one cracked tooth are more likely to have others, either at the same time or in the future. In our office we use special instruments to help identify cracked teeth and recomend treatment before tooth fracture occurs.
Take this test and change your life.
January 6th, 2010Take this test and change your life. Research has shown, not just once or twice but repeatedly, that for most people your smile outranks your eyes, hair and body as your most attractive feature. It is probably also the first thing you notice or avoid when you look in the mirror or at a photograph of yourself. Only you know how your smile has affected your happiness and success.
Ask yourself:
Are you totally happy with the way your teeth and smile look?
Do you habitually hide your smile with your lips or your hands when you smile?
Do you try not to smile in front of others, especially people you don’t know or have terrific smiles?
When the camera comes out do you avoid smiling?
Would you like a smile that makes you feel proud and confident?
Once you have decided to improve your smile Dr. Lerner, Dr. Lemongello and our dental team is here to help you explore your options to improve your smile. Teeth whitening, Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Invisalign all can help create your ideal smile often in only one or two visits. We look forward to helping you pass this test.
Good Oral Health is Ultimately Up to You!
January 4th, 2010In our office we encourage our patients to take responsibility for their health. This includes systemic health as well as their teeth and gums. Oral health is an essential part of overall health. Research has shown a link between oral health and diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and possibly stroke. Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary snacks, sodas, acidic soft drinks or sports drinks are a good way to prevent cavities and the need to restore your teeth while maintain a healthy smile. Daily hygiene and regular professional cleanings and exams with our dental team are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Is chewing gum bad for your teeth?
December 31st, 2009Is chewing gum bad for your teeth? Chewing gum after a snack or meal stimulates salivary flow, clearing food from the mouth and neutralizing plaque acid. Gum Chewing stimulates saliva production by up to ten times the normal rate. Stimulating the salivary flow changes the chemistry of the saliva. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Saliva stimulated by chewing gum also has a greater buffering capacity, providing more relief from gastric reflux. Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. We still recommend seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and keep up with brushing and flossing to keep that smile healthy and avoid cavities.
What can you do to avoid tooth decay?
December 28th, 2009What can you do to avoid tooth decay? Here are some practical tips from our office to help you avoid cavities and the need to restore your teeth or tarnish that beautiful smile.
*Limit the number of sodas, citric juices and sports drinks.
*Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
*Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners.
*Eat a balanced diet and limit between meal snacks.
*Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
*Ask about dental sealants to protect your teeth.
*Repair or replace old dental restorations at the first sign of deterioration before they get worse.
Juices vs. Your Teeth
December 24th, 2009Juices vs. Your Teeth. It is important to consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. These food groups provide vital nutrients that allow your body to function at its best. Multiple studies have shown that orange juice, lemon juice and grapefruit juice all can be acidic and harmful to your teeth. It is possible for these acids to harm not only your teeth but dental restorations as well. These fruits are important parts of your overall diet but limiting the amount of citric juice intake to once or twice a day is recommended. In our office we recommend you avoid sipping on acidic liquids all day long. Using a straw to avoid contact with the teeth and gently rinsing your mouth with water after drinking acidic juices is a way to reduce your risk. This way you can keep your smile looking healthy for years to come.
Sports Drinks vs. Your Teeth
December 16th, 2009Sports Drinks vs. Your Teeth. Sports drinks and energy drinks might seem like healthy alternatives to soda, but they are not healthier for your teeth. In our office we often see damage to the teeth and smile due to sports drinks. A new study from New York University College of Dentistry shows that sports drinks contain high levels of acids that may be linked to a condition called erosive tooth wear. In just 90 minutes of exposure to sports drinks over the course of a day the enamel coating on the teeth can be damaged and the teeth weakened. This can lead to tooth decay or erosion and the need for restoration.
Soda vs. Your Teeth
December 15th, 2009Soda vs. Your teeth. In our office we often see the damage to teeth caused by soft drinks. Most people seem to be aware of the damaging effect of soft drinks on their teeth but are not concerned by it. According to the American Dental Association, Americans drink more than53 gallons of soft drinks per person per year. Some soft drinks contain more than 11 spoonfuls of sugar which is used by the bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. Of greater concern is dental erosion which is caused by acids in soda such as carbonic acid, citric acid, and phosphoric acid. You have seen what happens to a penny when you soak it in soda for a few hours. Over time these acids can damage the enamel of your teeth and lead to decay and need to restore those cavities. If a beautiful, healthy smile is your goal than avoiding soda is a good idea.
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