Crowns are dental restorations designed for teeth that cannot be repaired by a simple filling, and to protect teeth that have undergone root canal procedures. Crowns are custom-made restorations that cover the entire surface of the affected tooth, right down to the gum line. Crowns are nothing new in dentistry – in fact, they have used by dentists for many decades. But there is something new regarding this dental procedure – same-day crowns!

Over the past few years, more and more dental offices have utilized a new technology called CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). Thanks to CEREC®, the dentist is able to use CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) to create a crown right in the dentist office, while the patient waits.

Before we discuss all the advantages of same-day crowns, let’s review what it was like to be fitted with a traditional crown. It always involved two trips to the dentist office. During the first trip, the dentist would make an impression of the affected tooth. This would involve a somewhat messy material being applied on the patient’s tooth, and the patient having to sit for a period of time while the impression hardened. That impression would then be sent to a dental lab, where the permanent crown would be created – a process that usually required about two weeks to complete. After making an impression of the tooth during the first visit, the dentist would then remove any existing decay and fit the patient with a temporary crown that would need to be worn while the permanent crown was created by an outside dental lab. This whole process would require at least two trips to the dentist office and about two weeks.

But thanks to CEREC®, all that has changed. Many dentists can now provide same-day crowns to their patients. The process begins with your dentist taking digital images of the affected tooth – no more messy impressions necessary! Those digital images are then used to create your new permanent crown right there in the dentist’s office. In the meantime, while your new crown is being made, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any existing decay and thoroughly cleaning and sealing off the affected tooth. Then, just a short time later, you’ll be fitted with your new crown and sent on your way – all in a single visit to your dentist office.

CEREC® same-day crowns are not only just as attractive and durable as “old-fashioned” crowns created by a dental lab, they also cost just about the same as traditional crowns. Considering the time saved, the need for just a single visit to the dentist, the quality of the crown, and the cost being the same, isn’t it time you asked your dentist about same-day crowns?

It’s safe to say that virtually all of us would like to have an attractive smile. And one of the simplest, least expensive ways of getting a brighter smile is by having your teeth whitened. Although there are several over-the-counter products available, nothing works as well as professional teeth whitening performed by your dentist. Whitening is a great choice for most adults who enjoy good oral health.

Although there’s no doubt that whitening can make a real difference in the appearance of your smile, teeth whitening is not the best choice for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you should think twice before having your teeth whitened.

• Cavities: If you have tooth decay, you should have that issue addressed with either fillings or crowns prior to having your teeth whitened. The whitening agent can increase any amount of discomfort you might be feeling due to the tooth decay.
• Sensitive teeth: People with naturally sensitive teeth may want to avoid whitening, or at least discuss the options with their dentist before deciding whether or not to go ahead with the procedure. Whitening products increase tooth sensitivity, and although this is usually temporary, people with sensitive teeth may find the whitening process very uncomfortable.
• An abundance of dental work, particularly in the front of the mouth: Remember that whitening products don’t work on dental restorations like fillings, crowns, partials, bridges, etc. If you have a lot of dental restorations – particularly in the front of your mouth – you may want to think twice before whitening your teeth. While the whitening product will work on your natural tooth enamel, the material used in your dental restoration may have been matched to an earlier tooth shade, which means you could end up with two different shades of teeth. This would, of course, be more noticeable in the front of your mouth.
• Compromised enamel: People with eroded enamel will notice that their teeth are naturally a little more yellow than people with healthy enamel. Unfortunately, whitening products won’t work if your enamel is compromised.
• Gum disease: Teeth whitening is not typically recommended for people with gum disease since the whitening agent can make gum tissue even more tender than usual, and can be uncomfortable or painful for the patient.

Fortunately, there are some other options that will help to brighten your smile, even if you have one or more of the conditions listed above. If your enamel is eroded, for example, your dentist might recommend crowns or porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers or bonding might also be a good choice for people with sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist to decide whether or not teeth whitening is right for you, and to discuss some of the other options available to improve the appearance of your smile.

As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids. That’s especially true when it comes to good overall health and good oral health. In order for your child to enjoy healthy teeth and gums, two things are critical: good oral hygiene habits at home and regular trips to the dental office. You can make those dentist office trips a lot more enjoyable if you focus on one thing every kid loves: having fun! Here are a few creative ways to help your child enjoy the next trip to the dentist.

• Choose the right dentist. Make sure your dentist is accustomed to working with children. Select a dentist that markets his or her practice as either a pediatric dentist or one that specializes in family dentistry.
• Take your child on a dental shopping trip. In preparation for his or her trip to the dentist, take your little one to the drugstore to buy a special soft-bristled toothbrush, flavored floss, and toothpaste made especially for kids. Getting ready for the dentist by putting together a special kid-friendly oral hygiene kit will keep your little one excited about brushing and flossing, and later telling the dentist all about it!
• Prepare your child ahead of time with fun and educational books. For a week or two ahead of the dental appointment, choose children’s books at story time that focus on taking care of your teeth or taking a trip to the dentist. Let your little one get used to the idea well ahead of the actual appointment.
• Allow your little one to bring a toy to the dentist’s office. The best choice is something cuddly that your child can hold onto during the dental exam. Having a beloved and familiar toy is a great way to help your child relax during the appointment.
• Help your child choose a costume to wear for the appointment. Last year’s Halloween costume would work, but if you have the time, help create a special dental office costume for your little one. Superheroes, for example, are never afraid of going to the dentist!
• Plan a special reward after the visit. Think of something your child will really enjoy – like a children’s museum or a carnival ride, for example – and tell him or her ahead of time what they can expect after the appointment.

Making trips to the dentist fun for your child is a great way to help them actually look forward to trips to the dentist. Between those regular visits, and helping your little one to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home, you can help to ensure that your child enjoys a lifetime of good oral health!

If your child is in the process of getting baby teeth or losing them and beginning to get adult teeth, there is some important information to keep in mind regarding baby teeth. From a dental perspective, baby teeth serve as a transition. Although they perform the same function, baby teeth are only meant to last for a few years, until the child is old enough for his or her adult teeth to begin to erupt. In the meantime, keep in mind these facts about baby teeth so that you and your child will know what to expect.

• Most little ones will begin getting their baby teeth at about the age of one, although the exact age varies from one child to the next. Most experienced parents are all too familiar with teething babies. As it turns out, baby teeth are much more painful coming in than they are going out. If your toddler is teething, you can try massaging his or her gums gently with a little moistened gauze or try cooling down the gum tissue by giving your little one a baby bottle full of cold water.
• Take your toddler in for his or her first visit to the dentist around the same time as the first baby tooth erupts. The earlier you start, the more accustomed to the dental chair your child will become. Your dentist can also show you the proper way to clean your toddler’s gums and baby teeth.
• Baby teeth are usually somewhat more yellow than adult teeth. Don’t worry — this is normal. Just focus on keeping your child’s teeth and gums as clean as possible by gentle brushing with a dab of baby-approved toothpaste and a very soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember that teeth whitening products are NOT recommended for young children with baby teeth.
• The process of getting adult teeth usually starts sometime around the age of 6. The baby teeth will start to fall out, one by one and very gradually, over a period of a few years. Unlike the discomfort involved in getting baby teeth, losing them is usually not very painful at all. Baby teeth typically fall out in the order in which they came in, so the first baby tooth that your little one got will be the first one to fall out. It may take some time for baby teeth to fall out, so if your child notices that a tooth is loose, it may take as long as a few months for that tooth to fall out, depending on how much your child wiggles the tooth. After the tooth falls out, have your child swish a little warm water around inside his or her mouth, which should stop any minor bleeding that takes place. The replacement adult tooth should come in within six months after the baby tooth falls out. Most children go through this process of losing baby teeth and getting adult teeth between the ages of about 6 to 13.

From the time your little one is old enough to understand, you should start teaching and demonstrating good oral hygiene habits by helping him or her to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Those good habits, along with regular trips to the dentist, will ensure that your child enjoys a lifetime of good oral health.

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your own good oral health is to brush and floss each and every day. And the sooner a person learns how, the more accustomed that person will become to performing these simple oral hygiene steps every day for the remainder of his or her life. So when it comes to teaching your own kids how to brush their teeth, it’s best to start early.

You can start when your child is a baby. Of course, a baby doesn’t have teeth to brush and wouldn’t be able to do that on her own if she did, but you can help your little one become accustomed to oral hygiene by gently cleaning your baby’s mouth after every meal. Use a clean wet towel or wet gauze to very wipe your baby’s mouth. Xylitol wipes are also an excellent choice.

Later, when your child’s first tooth erupts, you should start brushing the teeth right away. Use a very soft bristled brush and toothpaste specifically for young children. You won’t need much toothpaste – just a pea-sized amount should do for most toddlers. It’s helpful to talk to your child while you brush his teeth, explaining what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Teach your toddler how to spit out the toothpaste after you’ve completed brushing, and how to swish with water afterward. It may take time for young toddlers to learn, but it’s still important to get your child used to the routine of having their teeth brushed.

Once your child is capable of brushing on her own, teach her how to brush all teeth thoroughly on both the front and back surfaces, using a back-and-forth motion and angling the toothbrush downward toward the gum line. Remind her to also gently brush her tongue surface to remove any bacteria there.

After your child’s baby teeth come in close to one other, teach him to floss every day. Show him how to hold a length of floss between his thumb and index finger, then how to move it between each tooth in a C-shaped curve. Caution him to not press down too hard into the gum tissue, but instead to just use enough pressure to remove any remaining bits of food. Remember, it’s always helpful to explain not only how to brush and floss, but why we do it each day as well.

It’s safe to say that all of us want our children to be happy and healthy throughout their lives. By taking the time to teach your child how to brush and floss on a daily basis, you’ll be setting him or her up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Most of us would love to be able to keep our natural teeth for all of our lives. And dentists do their best to help people do just that. But the truth is that no matter how diligent you are about your own oral hygiene habits, and no matter how hard our dentists try to avoid it, there are those times when tooth extractions are necessary. If you’re wondering whether or not to have a tooth pulled, we have compiled a list of when dental extractions are necessary.

• A tooth cannot be saved by other dental procedures: Whenever a natural tooth can’t be restored using other dental procedures – such as a filling or a crown, for example – your dentist may recommend that the tooth be extracted. This could be due to some type of trauma or damage to the tooth, or extensive decay that cannot be resolved in any other way.
• Too many teeth in too small a mouth: If you have more teeth than your mouth can accommodate (also called “crowding”), it can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. In these circumstances, your dentist may suggest tooth extraction to alleviate the pressure on your other teeth.
• A tooth has become infected: A tooth that has developed an infection (abscess) is usually a good candidate for a root canal. But that doesn’t always resolve the problem. If you have an abscessed tooth that does not respond to a root canal procedure, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction. This is particularly urgent for people who have a compromised immune system, and for whom an infection could be a very serious matter. It’s much better to simply remove the tooth rather than compromise the patient’s overall health due to an abscess.
• Teeth that are impacted by periodontal disease: Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. The reason is that gum disease leads to bone loss, and you need bone to hold your teeth in place. Without that, the teeth become loose. Once this happens, there’s often no alternative – the teeth must be extracted.
• Wisdom teeth erupting: Some people get a third set of molars in the very back of their mouths. These are called “wisdom teeth.” For many of us, this doesn’t present a problem. But if your mouth isn’t big enough to accommodate this third set of molars, your dentist may recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted.

While having a tooth pulled does not sound appealing to the vast majority of people, you should know that tooth extraction is a very safe and common procedure – one that most dentists have performed countless times. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a tooth pulled, talk to your dentist. He or she can help you decide what would be best for your oral health.

Most of us experience some amount of apprehension when visiting the dentist or doctor. But for some people, fear of the dentist is so overwhelming that they actually postpone their regular visits or – much worse – don’t visit the dentist at all. If you don’t visit the dentist for professional exams and cleanings on a regular basis, it’s extremely likely that you’ll compromise your oral health. And poor oral health is linked to poor overall health. So if you experience a great deal of anxiety and fear of going to the dentist, it’s time to take steps to alleviate those feelings!

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make it easier to keep your dental appointments.

• Find the best dentist for you. Locating a dentist who understands your level of anxiety is the first and one of the most important steps in overcoming your fear. Many dentists offer a variety of dental sedation techniques that can help. And some dentists go a step further by specializing in treating patients with dental phobia. Call the dentist office first, and be open with them about your level of anxiety. Ask what measures they take to help patients with their fear of the dentist.
• Start out with simple procedures. If you have a lot of apprehension about going to the dentist, starting out with a root canal isn’t a good idea. Instead, ask your dentist if you can begin with just an oral exam, maybe followed later by a professional cleaning, then milder procedures sometime after that. Allow yourself to get used to sitting in the dentist chair and to have relatively positive experiences before having any major work done.
• Ask a trusted friend or family member to go with you to your appointment. Make it someone who is comfortable with dental visits. You know the old adage that there are safety in numbers. You’re likely to feel more at ease if you’re accompanied by someone who understands your anxiety and can be there to provide moral support.
• Try different relaxation methods. Techniques like controlled breathing, for example, really do help to put us at ease. Breathe in deeply, then let it out very slowly. This practice actually slows down your heartbeat and helps to relax your muscles.
• Ask your dentist about dental sedation. Most dentists offer some form of sedation, such as laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or oral sedation. Find out what forms are offered by your dentist, and ask which might be the best choice for you.
• Seek counseling for your anxiety. You need to enjoy good oral health for a whole list of reasons, so it’s important to be able to visit your dentist on a regular basis. If you try everything else and nothing works, consider seeing a counselor or psychologist for more help.

Dental phobia is no laughing matter. If your anxiety is causing you to cancel dental appointments, take steps to overcome your fear. And don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about it. Sometimes the simple act of talking about our fears will help to ease them and allow us to make good decisions about any other steps we should be taking to overcome the anxiety.

When it comes to good oral hygiene habits, it’s never too early to start teaching your children. In fact, from the time their first baby teeth erupt, you can begin that process with your little one. But you don’t have to do it alone – your dentist can help. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents bring in their toddlers at the time their first baby teeth erupt, typically around the age of 1. Your dentist can provide more information regarding fluoride treatments and deal with oral habits such as thumb-sucking, etc., but there are some simple steps you can perform at home that will properly care for your toddler’s teeth.

• Treating tender gums: Although many children get their first baby tooth around the age of 1, baby teeth can erupt at any time from the age of 6 months up to about the age of 3. During this time, your little one will probably experience tender gums. Rubbing your toddler’s gums gently with your finger can help. A teething ring that has been cooled in the freezer is another effective way to alleviate the discomfort of tender gums. If your toddler still experiences pain and discomfort, ask your dentist what other steps can be taken to help.
• Brushing baby teeth: Once your child gets a few baby teeth, it’s time to start brushing. Use a tiny amount (about pea-sized) of high-quality fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently brush the inside of your toddler’s teeth first, moving the brush back and forth and making certain that the entire tooth surface is reached, down to the gum line. Continue cleaning the front of the teeth until all are brushed thoroughly.
• Treating thumb-sucking: Although it’s normal for toddlers to want to suck their thumbs or fingers, engaging in this habit too much can have a negative impact on the position of the child’s front teeth, as well as the way in which the mouth and jaw grow over time. The most effective way of treating this issue is by providing positive reinforcement to your little one when he or she is not engaging in the habit. Some parents have found that applying a bandage to the child’s thumb can help prevent thumb-sucking. Using a bad-tasting medicine (prescribed by your dentist or pediatrician) applied to the toddler’s thumb can also be an effective deterrent.

The earlier you take your child to the dentist, the sooner your child will become at ease and comfortable in the dentist’s chair. And the same holds true for caring for your toddler’s teeth. Showing your little one how to practice good oral hygiene each and every day will help ensure that your son or daughter enjoys a lifetime of good oral health.

If you have teeth, you need to be concerned about the dangers of decay. One of the methods for combating that insidious menace is by applying a dental sealant to keep those hard-to-reach areas from collecting bacteria and causing gum disease and infection. All of these things can bring on tooth decay.

But how do sealants work and what exactly are they? Glad you asked…

Dental sealants

When you have a sealant placed onto your tooth, you are basically having a thin layer of plastic coating applied to the surface for the purposes of bonding the various grooves and fissures that exist. But fissures are a bad thing, right? Wrong. Many of your teeth have natural gaps in the areas where you do most of your chewing.

This brings us back to the main reason why sealants are so important for keeping decay at bay. Those crevices are prone to an increase in bacteria development since food particles can get caught in those chewing grooves.

When that occurs, your teeth are at a higher risk for infections and erosion. But when you have a sealant added to the exterior, you can greatly reduce these risks.

Routine maintenance

Even with a sealant applied to your teeth, you must always practice good dental hygiene. That means brushing and flossing after every meal and before you go to bed. Even the most dedicated among us will have a tough time cleaning out all of the particles from the crevices and pits in the chewing regions of your teeth.

A sealant can minimize the damage missed particles can have on a tooth’s exterior enamel which can easily be worn away by bacteria left behind to rot in the grooves of the tooth. Plaque build-up in these areas can set in and remain there until enough of the tooth erodes into a cavity.

But a sealant can act as a protective layer to keep the enamel from being worn off from an accumulation of tartar, plaque, and the germs that come with them.

Application procedures

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that having a sealant applied to your teeth does not hurt. In fact, you might not even feel any discomfort at all. The dentist simply preps the surface of the tooth that will be sealed. The sealant is applied to the tooth and then exposed to light, which will help the sealant bond properly with the tooth’s surface.

Once the procedure is finished, you can eat and chew as you normally would before you had the sealant applied. It may be a few years down the road again before you need to have it re-applied, but that depends on the force with which you usually chew.

Patients who develop cavities and other oral problems are looking for someone else to blame for their troubles. One of the most popular culprits is genetics. Bad genes equal bad teeth. Though such a thing might sound crazy, it’s not entirely untrue. The fact is, family genes can play a rather significant role in the overall health of your teeth and gums but you can’t blame them entirely.

You are just as complicit in the well being of your teeth as the foods you choose to eat and your oral hygiene habits are also major contributors and it’s up to you to make the right decisions. Genes are only a small part of the equation.

Genetic sweet tooth

Though genes aren’t the entire reason behind whether or not you have bad teeth, you may be surprised to know that genes play a role in your likelihood to want sweet foods like candy, cake, cookies, and any other tooth rotting foods that might start with the letter “c”.

The more you want to pound junk food on a regular basis is actually a genetic trait, one that can be damaging to your teeth. When you reach for those sugary treats you’re actually increasing your chances of tooth decay. That’s why it’s so important for you to take responsibility for your actions and refrain from blaming genetics when it comes to the foods you consume.

Enamel strength

Another thing you might be able to blame on genetics is the strength of your tooth enamel. Much like other parts of your body, the thickness of your enamel can be delineated by your genetic makeup. Some people have better enamel than others and those of us with weaker tooth enamel are more prone to tooth loss.

Good dental practices

Those with a genetic proclivity towards eating sugary foods or those that have thin enamel can take matters into their own hands and fight off the dangers of tooth decay, plaque build-up, and gum disease by adopting certain habits for taking care of their teeth.

Brush and floss twice a day and after every meal. Limit those sugary snacks and drinks when you get the urge to splurge, and schedule routine check-up appointments with your dentist. Be sure you remove all of those harmful food particles through brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

Remember, genes are a powerful influence on your dental hygiene but the health of your teeth and gums is up to you.