Signs You Need Dentures

signs you need dentures - College Hill Dental Group

Signs You Need Dentures

Your smile is one of the first things people will notice about you. So, it’s important to take good care of your teeth if you want them to last a lifetime. However, College Hill Dental Group understands keeping your teeth for life is harder for some. Don’t feel down if you’re missing one or more teeth. We offer many restorative dentistry services in Easton, PA.  Treatments like dental implants, bridges, and dentures have allowed cosmetic dentists in Easton, PA, to fill gaps in teeth. In this article, our dentists explore some signs you need dentures.

Do I Need Dentures?

While these treatments work for patients of all ages, a lot of folks assume that dentures are only for elders. True, a large percentage of the people missing most of their teeth tend to be advanced in age. However, tooth loss can really happen at any age.

According to Louisiana State University Health, 69% of adults between 35 and 44 have lost one or more permanent teeth, and recent surveys have found that approximately 20 million women over age 40 wear full or partial dentures. So, how do you determine if you need dentures? If any of the following applies to you, you should contact College Hill Dental Group for a consultation.

Some Signs You Need Dentures

You Don’t Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Most dentists in 18042, Easton, PA, would agree that prevention is better than cure. Visiting your Easton, PA dentist at least once every six months allows them to keep an eye on your oral health. Issues like decay, cavities, and gum disease can be nipped in the bud if you keep up with your dentist appointments. 

However, if you don’t have them treated early enough, they will progress, ultimately leading to severe dental issues like tooth loss and periodontitis. So if you haven’t seen your dentist in a long time, you may be sitting on a time bomb that may require you to have dentures later on.

You Have One or More Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is fairly common, with around 178 million Americans missing at least one tooth. While dental implants and bridges can work for one or two missing teeth, experts from College Hill Dental Group recommend dentures for people who have lost more than two or three teeth to prevent excessive pressure on the remaining teeth. Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that if the missing teeth aren’t replaced, the remaining ones will shift over time, affecting your bite.

Additionally, when you have fewer teeth, they work harder and are exposed to more wear and tear than they can withstand, and you may lose them in the future. Depending on how many natural teeth you have left, you can use either partial or complete dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when there are still some natural teeth left. If you seek treatment early enough, you may be a suitable candidate for partial dentures.  

You Have Gum Disease

Also called gingivitis or periodontal disease, it is caused when bacteria in plaque build-up. As a result, you have inflamed and bleeding gums, especially when you brush your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease advances into the more severe periodontitis. Dr. O’Grady, a cosmetic dentist in Denver, CO, explains that this causes the inner layer of the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth, exposing part of their roots and forming pockets.

As the disease progresses, the pocket grows as more gum and bone tissue is destroyed. Without a strong, stable surface to anchor on, the teeth become loose, which can easily lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Luckily, it can be easily prevented by proper oral hygiene. Watch out for any of the following symptoms:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums.
  • Bleeding gums, especially during and after tooth brushing. 
  • Receding gums
  • Persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth
  • Deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
  • Loose or shifting teeth

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, from College Hill Dental Group immediately for treatment.

However, if you are suffering from tooth loss, gum disease, or are seeking wisdom tooth removal in Easton, PA, contact our dentists at College Hill Dental Group today for a consultation. We’d love to help.

Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth

ways to replace a missing tooth - College Hill Dental Group

Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth

You cannot deny the importance of a strong, healthy smile. Your teeth allow you to chew properly and speak clearly, but they can also determine your confidence. A clean, beautiful smile will fill you with confidence. So, what do you do if you are missing one or more teeth? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to replace a missing tooth.

An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Similarly, about 40 million are missing all of their teeth. So, you’re not the only one. Although adult teeth are meant to last your entire life, they can be lost through tooth decay, gum disease, and physical trauma. It takes quite a while for tooth loss to occur through decay and gum disease. So, make sure you keep up with your regular appointments with your Easton, PA dentist at College Hill Dental Group to catch it in time. This, coupled with a thorough dental hygiene routine, will keep your teeth strong and healthy.

However, if you already have a missing tooth, here are a couple of ways Easton PA, dentists can help restore your smile:

Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are among the most popular treatments for tooth replacement in Easton, PA. If you are missing at least one tooth, you are a good candidate for a dental implant. The implant is a titanium cylinder or screw that is planted into your jawbone. This acts as a root for your artificial tooth. The procedure can take a couple of visits, but it can also be done in a day if your Easton, PA dentist has the required equipment. Essentially, the dentist cuts into the gum and installs the implant right into your jawbone. 

As the wound heals, the implant and jawbone will use together, providing a strong, stable base for a dental crown. The crown is a tooth-colored and tooth-shaped shell that is cemented onto the implant and acts as the new tooth. However, if your jawbone isn’t dense and wide enough to support the implant, your dentist in Easton, PA, may recommend a bone graft beforehand. Dr. O’Grady, a Denver, CO dentist, adds that an implant might not work for you if you have additional dental problems, such as gum disease. Only because it could compromise the dental implant’s success. Contact College Hill Dental Group for a consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.

Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth

Like implants, a dental bridge is another popular prosthetic used to replace missing teeth. However, instead of using a surgically installed implant to hold an artificial tooth in place, your cosmetic dentist in Easton, PA, will use a bridge. This is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap to replace the missing tooth. The dental bridge is essentially an artificial tooth called a pontic, and it is propped up and held in place by the adjacent teeth, called abutment teeth. Pontics are usually made from tooth-colored materials to blend with the rest of your smile.

Bridges work best when you have strong, natural teeth on either side of the gap to support the pontic. A traditional dental bridge consists of the false tooth or teeth held in place between two dental crowns. Your dentist then cements the crowns onto each of the abutment teeth, thus ‘bridging’ the gap between your teeth without digging into your jawbone. A dental bridge will help restore your smile, your ability to chew properly and prevent your teeth from shifting. Contact College Hill Dental Group to see if you are eligible for a bridge.

Dentures for Missing Teeth

Admit it, you probably thought of dentures when the topic of missing teeth came up. Dentures have been around for a while, and the technology has improved greatly in the past couple of years. If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, you may be a candidate for dentures. A denture is an artificial set of teeth and gums, specifically designed to fit your mouth and replace lost or removed natural teeth. There are two types of dentures.

Types of Dentures

Complete dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower arch of your mouth. There are two types of complete dentures:

  • Conventional dentures – Are made after teeth have been removed, and the gums have started healing, and they are usually ready to be placed 8 to 12 weeks after teeth have been removed.
  • Immediate dentures – Are made in advance and can be placed right after the teeth have been removed. These are usually considered temporary until the conventional dentures are ready for placement. 

Partial dentures are used when you still have one or more natural teeth in your upper or lower jaw. A partial denture usually consists of artificial teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base connected to a metal framework that holds the denture in place in your mouth. It works like a bridge, where one or more artificial teeth are held in place by crowns cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap. The precision partial dentures offered at College Hill Dental Group are removable, and they have internal attachments that attach to the adjacent crowns for support.

As you can see, there are many different choices when it comes to tooth replacement options in Easton, PA. Our dentists in 18042 have been restoring smiles for years, and we would like to help you too. Contact us today for a consultation. 

All About Dental Crowns

same-day dental crowns - College Hill Dental Group

What Happens When You Get a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are among the most common dental treatments out there. Teeth are generally designed to last your entire life, but they are susceptible to breakage and decay. Plenty of Easton, PA dentists see dental crowns as a suitable treatment. A crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic or ‘cap’ specifically designed to fit over a broken, cracked, or damaged tooth. It’s designed to help restore its shape, strength, overall appearance, and chewing or biting function. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, ceramic, zirconia, composite resin, or a combination of materials. Most crowns are either all-porcelain, porcelain fused with metal or all metal.

Usually, your College Hill Dental Group dentist will recommend dental crowns in Easton, PA to:

  • Stabilize sections of a cracked tooth.
  • Cover and protect a tooth weakened through decay.
  • Repair a broken tooth.
  • Cover and strengthen a tooth with a large filling and very little tooth structure remaining. 
  • Reinforce a tooth that has had a root canal.
  • Encase a dental implant.
  • Repair misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
  • Repair a tooth that has been severely worn down.
  • To anchor a dental bridge in place.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dr. Chris Green, a cosmetic dentist in Parker, CO, explains that dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials:

  • Ceramic – Made with a porcelain-based material, they are popular due to their close resemblance to natural teeth in color. They are usually used for restoring front teeth as they blend in easily.
  • Base metal alloys – Usually made from non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion, resulting in a stronger, long-lasting crown compared to those made from ceramic.
  • Porcelain fused to metal – Are made from porcelain layered over metal, and they are stronger and more durable than regular ceramic crowns.
  • Gold alloys – Are made from a mix of gold, copper, and other materials. They provide a strong bond in the mouth, don’t fracture, and don’t wear away the tooth they are covering.

Porcelain-metal and gold and metal alloy crowns are the most durable compared to all-porcelain crowns. However, porcelain crowns are highly resistant to wear but can irritate opposing teeth if the adjacent surface becomes too rough. On the other hand, gold and metal crowns are both resistant to wear and tear and gentle on the opposing teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you may have a condition called bruxism, and it could wear down your teeth, both natural and artificial. Contact an Easton, PA dentists at the College Hill Dental Group for a consultation.

Same-Day Crowns in Easton, PA

Traditional dental crowns tend to require at least two visits to the dentist, and it will be a couple of weeks before your crown is in place. However, College Hill Dental Group offers same-day crowns to patients in Easton, PA.

Thanks to advanced technology, you can now get same-day crowns in Easton, PA. Your dentist at College Hill Dental Group will create a 3D image of the damaged tooth. Using methods such as computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) will fabricate the crown on-site. The entire process usually takes two to four hours, and you will leave with your permanent crown in place. However, not every dentist has the technology required to make same-day crowns in Easton, PA, so make sure you ask your dentist if this option is available.

Taking Care of Your Dental Crown

A dental crown can last from ten to fifteen years, but that depends on how well you take care of it. The best cosmetic dentists in Easton, PA recommend:

  • Careful brushing. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and make sure you do it gently. Consider using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if the crown or your teeth are feeling sensitive to temperature.
  • Floss daily, and make sure you go easy on your gums.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods as they may cause your crown to crack, especially if you have porcelain crowns. 
  • If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your Easton, PA dentist. He may recommend a nightguard to protect your crown and the surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns are a relatively quick and painless way to restore the functionality and aesthetic of your smile. If you prefer convenience and speed, we recommend same-day crowns in Easton, PA. Whatever your dental needs are, our team is always happy to help. Contact College Hill Dental Group today for a consultation.

Advantages of Same-Day Crowns

Same-Day Crowns - College Hill Dental Group

Advantages of Same-Day Crowns in Easton, PA

Cracked or broken teeth are among the most common dental emergencies that our team sees on a regular basis. Whether it is due to normal wear and tear, traumatic injuries, decay. Either way, the enamel on your teeth can be compromised. Damage like this exposes the delicate tissues inside your tooth to risks of infection. Getting same-day dental crowns at College Hill Dental Group in Easton, PA, can treat the problem. Here Dr. David Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, shares the benefits of same-day crowns.

You Spend Less Time at the Dental Office

At College Hill Dental Group, we pride ourselves on having an office environment that makes our patients comfortable. We recognize how valuable your time and money is, which is why we’re consistently upgrading our dental technology. Our friends at Digital Doc say that using intraoral cameras helps dentists give the best treatment possible.

We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be, which is why we offer our patients same-day crowns. Not only are you saving time, but the sooner the treatment starts, the sooner you’ll be out of pain.

You Don’t Have to Deal With Temporary Crowns

A temporary crown is normally placed on a tooth while the traditional crown is fabricated by an external lab. Because the temp crown is intended to last a short time, minimal effort is invested in making this restoration look appealing or fit well. Additionally, your tooth will be strong enough to stand up to the normal stresses of using your teeth to bite and chew. With same-day crowns fitted by your dentist in Easton, PA, you won’t have to worry about the hassle. 

More of Your Existing Tooth is Preserved

The extensive tooth preparation for traditional crowns involves drilling and shaving off material from your damaged tooth to create space for the crown. As you may know, once enamel is lost, it cannot be restored. So, preparation leaves your natural tooth weaker than when you went to the dental office.

In contrast, same-day crowns don’t require elaborate tooth preparation since the crown is designed to fit your tooth’s specific dimensions. Consequently, the prep done is minimal, and most of your natural tooth is preserved.

Greater Comfort with Same-Day Crowns

Ask any dentist in Easton, PA, and they will tell you that it is difficult for you to be totally comfortable with traditional crowns after they are fitted. This is because they rarely align perfectly with the natural tooth, among other reasons.

With same-day crowns, however, you get a better fit because the crown is made by the digital impression of your tooth. Dr. O’Grady, a Denver Highlands dentist, agrees that patients are much more comfortable with the same day crowns placed because the crowns are a perfect fit.

If you need a crown to fix a damaged tooth, same-day crowns are viable options. Contact College Hill Dental Group, and our experienced staff will be more than happy to help.