Severely damaged, injured or diseased teeth can lead to not only cosmetic problems with your smile, but also functional ones. Your dentist may recommend dental crowns or dental bridges to treat your dental issues.
Dental crowns are a restorative dental therapy that covers the affected tooth completely, serving as the new outer surface of the tooth. A dental crown maintains the natural roots of a tooth and can prevent extraction. A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth and is affixed to bordering teeth with an anchoring crown.
Both dental crowns and dental bridges are made from a variety of materials that can be designed to match the color of your surrounding natural teeth. As opposed to removable prosthodontics such as full or partial dentures, dental crowns and bridges are permanently bonded to existing teeth or dental implants, allowing them to function and appear as natural teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges have a number of advantages and benefits, such as:
Dental crowns protect the natural tooth after a root canal therapy, helping to prevent bacteria re-infecting the tooth that could lead to extraction.
Dental bridges restore gapped or missing teeth, providing support to the surrounding teeth, preventing them from shifting in to fill the empty space and affecting your speech, bite and smile.
Your dentist can typically place dental crowns and bridges in as few as two appointments.
Dental crowns and bridges are both long-lasting, durable therapies, designed to protect your natural tooth for years to come.
Dental crowns prevent bone loss by preserving the natural tooth roots, thereby stimulating the jawbone, preventing resorption, or shrinkage, of the bone following extraction.
If you have questions about what a dental crown or bridge can do to improve the form and function of your smile, talk to your dental professional today. You can restore your healthy smile and preserve it for years to come with a dental crown or dental bridge treatment.
We look forward to seeing you in our Sicklerville dental office
Most people are well aware certain foods are bad for teeth, but did you know some are very good for oral health? Listed below are just a few of the foods that could help your teeth and gums stay in tip top condition.
Salmon
Salmon is packed full of vitamin D which helps your body to absorb calcium from other foods, keeping your teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Onions
Onions might give you temporary bad breath, but they also contain sulfur that lowers the amount of decay causing bacteria in your mouth.
Strawberries
Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamins C, ensuring your gums are able to repair themselves and fight infection.
Pineapple
Pineapple is also high in vitamins C as well as an enzyme called Bromelain which helps promote healing. In addition pineapple increases saliva production, helping to wash away excess bacteria and sugars that could cause disease.
Quinoa
This fashionable grain is full of minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and calcium, all of which help strengthen your teeth.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain plenty of calcium, helping to strengthen your teeth.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms not only taste delicious, but also contain something called Lentinan which helps prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Wasabi
Wasabi is a type of Japanese horseradish that contains particular compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Sea Salt
Sea salt contains numerous different minerals that help strengthen teeth.
Xylitol
Your dentist in Reno may recommend chewing xylitol gum after every meal as this ingredient helps inhibit bacterial growth, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Stevia
Ordinary sugar promotes bacterial growth, increasing acidity in the mouth. Stevia is a natural sweetener that doesn’t have this effect.
Of course a great diet is only half the story, and needs to be backed up with professional dental care from your dentist in Reno, and great daily dental care at home.
Visit our Sicklerville dental office for a dental cleaning.
Fun in the summer sun can cause unpleasant side effects such as cold sores and fever blisters. Brought on by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), cold sores and fever blisters are transmitted from person to person by saliva or by skin contact. With cold sores, you generally develop clusters of tiny blisters on the lip. Most people are exposed to HSV-1 before age 10. After the first infection, the virus remains inactive until stress, illness, or sun exposure causes a new outbreak.
During the first exposure, you may have headache, nausea, fever, and/or vomiting. Patients may also have painful swelling and open mouth sores. Most of the time, cold sores or fever blisters appear on the edges of your lips. Usually, these outbreaks start with tingling or burning followed by swelling or redness. One or more blisters will typically appear within 24 to 48 hours.
Initial symptoms can last for 7 to 14 days. When the cold sores or blisters reappear, they generally crust over in about four days and then heal within 10 days. You may want to visit your doctor or dentist the first time you develop cold sores or fever blisters, but after that, you shouldn’t need medical attention. Keep the area clean and apply topical medication to lessen symptoms as well as promote healing.
Preventing a first infection for loved ones involves making sure that no one with an active fever blister kisses your kids or other family members. Sunscreen can help protect your lips from cold sores brought on by too much time in the sun.
Dental bridges make a bridge between two anchor teeth and are meant to fill a space left by a missing tooth. Teeth can be missing due to trauma, decay or some type of natural loss. Dental crowns cap the anchor teeth, giving the bridge stability and giving the replacement tooth the strength to function as a natural tooth.
What is a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a restorative treatment meant to protect a tooth that has gone bad due to cracking, acute decay, or has received root canal therapy. A crown is crafted to fit in your mouth and to function exactly as your natural tooth would. They work by covering the damaged tooth entirely and can change the shape or alignment of the prior natural tooth.
Isn’t a dental crown the same thing as a dental cap?
A dental cap and a dental crown are two different terms for the same thing.
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns can be made of 100% ceramic (porcelain), porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold or other metal alloy, including zirconia. Metal alloy dental crowns are typically stronger and more suited for back teeth.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Crowns made from porcelain or ceramic can be very natural looking. Many materials have excellent translucency, and mimic your natural teeth very well.
Is a dental bridge an option for me?
Are you missing a tooth? Are your adjacent teeth healthy and stable? If so, dental bridge treatment may be right for you.
Are there options available to me other than dental bridges to replace missing teeth?
The best alternative option to replace a missing tooth is a dental implant. Dental implants can restore one or more teeth by being placed directly into the jawbone, fusing securely over time.
If you’re considering moving forward to replace your missing tooth or teeth, discuss options with your cosmetic dentist. Get the answers you need to determine if dental crowns or dental bridges can help you reach your smile goals.
We treat patients from Sicklerville and the surrounding area
Many people think all that’s required to maintain good dental health is to floss and brush regularly. Unfortunately certain oral habits can negatively affect teeth, causing substantial damage. Trying to quit or at least curb these habits will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Habits to avoid include:
Chewing Ice Cubes
Most of us have crunched on an ice cube on a hot summer’s day and thought nothing of it. Teeth are covered in a hard substance called enamel, but continually biting on items such as ice cubes or chewing on pencils and pens can eventually cause tiny fractures in teeth. Over time these fractures will become larger and you might require costly restorative work.
Nail Biting
Nail biting damages your nails and your teeth. You risk chipping or fracturing teeth, especially if they have been bonded or veneered. In addition, every time you put your fingers in your mouth you are transferring bacteria, increasing the risk of illness and infection.
Over Brushing Teeth
Some people think the harder they scrub their teeth the cleaner they will become. In fact you don’t need to brush your teeth particularly hard, and it’s best to choose a soft bristled toothbrush. Ask your family dentist in Sicklerville if you’re not quite sure which brush is best.
Clenching and Grinding Teeth
Clenching and grinding is also known as bruxism and can cause teeth to become worn down, chipped and damaged, or may even lead to them becoming loose. The damage caused by bruxism can extend to your face, head and neck, and sufferers will often have headaches. Your general dentist in Sicklerville can provide you with a custom-made night guard to prevent your teeth from biting together while you sleep.
Overusing Whitening Products
Most of us want to have a healthy white smile, and tooth whitening is one way to achieve this. Unfortunately some people take this too far and will overuse whitening products, causing tooth sensitivity and damaging tooth enamel. It’s best to book a professional tooth whitening treatment for the brightest and safest results.
If you need a dentist in Sicklerville contact us today
Each year, more than 30,000 Americans receive an oral cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, less than 57 percent will live beyond five years. In fact, the death rate for oral cancer is higher than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, brain cancer, and liver cancer. Usually seen in older patients, oral cancer in individuals under 40 is on the rise.
Fast Facts about Oral Cancer
• Early detection increases the survival rate to almost 90 percent.
• Initially, oral cancer patients may have few obvious symptoms of the illness.
• Certain factors, such as gender, lifestyle choices, and age can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. An estimated 25 percent of oral cancer patients, however, have no risk factors for the disease.
• Famous people who have battled oral cancer include Michael Douglas, Roger Ebert, Aaron Spelling, Humphrey Bogart, Eddie Van Halen, and Babe Ruth.
• Signs of oral cancer include a sore that does not heal after two weeks, color change in oral tissue, hoarse or scratchy throat, and difficulty with chewing or swallowing.
• Side effects of oral cancer may include chronic discomfort, loss of oral function, and difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
• Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables decreases your chances of developing cancerous lesions.
• Routine dental visits allow your dentist to look for signs of oral cancer, which can lead to early detection if there is a problem.
• Tobacco and alcohol use can result in a 75 percent chance of receiving an oral cancer diagnosis.
We treat patients from Sicklerville and the surrounding area