The Specialty Center for Periodontics Dental Implants

When it comes to restoring damaged or compromised teeth, dental crowns are an excellent solution. Dental crowns not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also provide strength and protection to weakened teeth. However, determining whether you are a good candidate for dental crowns requires a thorough evaluation by a dental professional. In this guide, Lanap and Implant Center, a renowned dental practice specializing in restorative dentistry, will help you understand the factors that make someone a suitable candidate for dental crowns.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are custom-made prosthetic restorations designed to encase a damaged tooth. These tooth-shaped caps are placed over the tooth, covering it entirely above the gum line. Dental crowns are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, allowing it to function normally and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

Conditions That May Indicate a Need for Dental Crowns

1. Extensive Tooth Decay: When a tooth has severe decay that cannot be repaired with a filling, a dental crown may be necessary to restore its structure and prevent further damage.
2. Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Teeth with significant fractures or cracks can be vulnerable to further breakage. Dental crowns provide protection and reinforcement to these weakened teeth.
3. Large Fillings: If a tooth has a large filling that compromises its structural integrity, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional support and prevent future problems.
4. Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often require dental crowns to strengthen and protect the treated tooth, as the procedure can weaken the tooth structure.
5. Cosmetic Enhancements: Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as improving the appearance of misshapen, severely discolored, or heavily worn teeth.

Qualities of a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns

1. Sufficient Tooth Structure: A good candidate for dental crowns should have enough healthy tooth structure to support the crown. In some cases, prior treatment, such as a root canal, may have removed a significant portion of the tooth, making it unsuitable for a crown.
2. Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are vital for the success of dental crowns. Candidates should have good oral hygiene practices and be free of gum disease, as gum disease can compromise the stability and longevity of dental restorations.
3. Good Oral Health: Candidates for dental crowns should have a generally healthy mouth, free of untreated cavities, gum infections, or other oral health issues. These issues should be addressed before considering dental crown placement.
4. Realistic Expectations: It’s essential for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcome of dental crowns. While crowns can greatly improve the appearance and function of a tooth, it’s important to understand that they require regular care and maintenance to ensure their longevity.

Consultation with Lanap and Implant Center

If you’re considering dental crowns, scheduling a consultation with the experienced professionals at Lanap and Implant Center is the first step. During the consultation, the dental team will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if dental crowns are the right solution for you. They will explain the procedure, discuss the materials available, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Conclusion

Dental crowns offer a versatile and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth and enhancing your smile. However, determining your candidacy for dental crowns requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified dental professional. By seeking the expertise of the Lanap and Implant Center, you can trust that you’ll receive personalized care and the highest quality dental crown treatment available. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Many people avoid visiting the dentist because of the fear of pain. However, modern dentistry has developed successful pain management techniques to make oral procedures less painful. Here are three methods your dentist might use to manage pain during in-office oral procedures.

1. Sedation Techniques

Sedation therapies help patients relax while the dentist works in their mouths. There are different levels of sedation: minimal, moderate, deep, and general. General sedation is rare and mostly used on young children or those who cannot cooperate. Discuss your needs with your dentist to determine which option is best for you.

2. Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a type of minimal sedation. A mask delivers the gas to the patient in an oxygen mixture, causing the brain and body to relax. This is one of the most common methods of sedation for oral procedures. There are many advantages to nitrous oxide sedation during oral surgery.

The gas takes effect quickly and wears off quickly, so patients don’t feel dopey or sleepy. Nitrous oxide sedation is also one of the safest methods of controlling pain, with almost no side effects. The amount of medicine delivered is easily adjustable, so doctors can quickly ease patients’ distress. Once the gas is working, dental surgeons use topical and injectable anesthetics to make the procedure pain-free.

3. Conscious and Oral Sedation

For procedures that require more pressure, like root canals, your dentist may suggest conscious sedation. A combination of medications is delivered to the bloodstream using either an intravenous line or a shot into the muscle. Patients will feel drowsy and may think they are sleeping. During sedation, it is common to experience slurred speech, but these effects are not serious and fade quickly.

Oral sedation is another option for more flexible pain management. Your dentist may choose to sedate you using a combination of medications taken orally. Typically, a dose of anti-anxiety medication is given to the patient, and within 30 to 60 minutes, the patient is relaxed enough to tolerate oral procedures. This method works well for those who want minimal to moderate sedation while avoiding needles.

Conclusion

Don’t avoid getting the dental treatment you need because you’re afraid it will hurt. Talk to your dentist about options for managing pain during oral surgery. Sedation techniques, nitrous oxide sedation, and conscious and oral sedation are three effective methods your dentist may use to make your oral procedure as pain-free as possible. The LANAP and Implant Center provides these pain management techniques and can help you determine which option is best for you.

Having teeth that are stained or discolored can have a big impact on the way you feel about your appearance, especially when you smile or talk to other people. This can end up affecting many areas of your life, including work and interpersonal relationships. Teeth whitening can help you improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. Keep the following information in mind, so you can determine if this might be the right option for you.

Common Causes of Discolored or Stained Teeth

In order to choose a teeth whitening option that works best for you, it’s important to understand why your teeth are stained or discolored. Teeth can develop stains or discolorations from tea, coffee, red wine, and other acidic beverages that make your tooth enamel weaker. Smoking or using other tobacco products can also stain or discolor your teeth. Other common causes of tooth stains include certain kinds of antibiotics and injuries that damage your teeth. You might also develop discolored teeth as you get older. This occurs as your tooth enamel erodes over time, making the yellowish interior of your tooth more visible. Keep in mind that some teeth whitening treatments are not as effective for certain types of stains or discolorations.

Types of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening options include over-the-counter products that you can get at local drugstores and professional treatments. Over-the-counter products, such as teeth whitening strips and toothpaste, provide a convenient way to make your teeth whiter. However, these products contain bleaching agents that are not as effective as professional teeth whitening products. Professional teeth whitening options include in-office treatments and take-home treatments. 

In-office treatments involve applying a whitening agent to your teeth, while take-home treatments involve using kits that contain a whitening tray and bleaching agent at home. In-office treatments typically offer the most effective teeth whitening option, although take-home kits can be more convenient.

Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening

Not everyone with stained or discolored teeth is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening treatments. Whitening usually works more effectively on mild stains and discolorations, but it might not work at all if your teeth have been discolored from antibiotic use. In general, teeth whitening tends to be more effective at breaking up stains and discolorations that are a yellowish or brownish color rather than a grayish color. More severe stains and discolorations usually respond better to professional treatments done in the office instead of take-home kits or over-the-counter products. You should also be aware that teeth whitening products are not intended for changing the color of cosmetic treatments, such as veneers, crowns, and other artificial teeth.

If you need more information on teeth whitening to improve your smile or if you’re wondering if you are a good candidate for it, please contact The LANAP and Implant Center us today.

Good gum health is the foundation for a great smile. If you’re like many people, though, you don’t think too much about your gums as you are putting in the effort to keep your teeth clean and healthy. There are a number of easy things you can implement into your daily life to foster good gum health.

1. Know If You Have Risk Factors

Like other conditions, there are certain risk factors that can make you more prone to having poor gum health. While some of these risk factors — such as pregnancy, genetics, and crooked teeth — are beyond your control, there are others that can often be managed or addressed. For example, if you smoke or chew tobacco or have poor oral hygiene, your gums are at risk.

2. Signs of Poor Gum Health

In addition to knowing if you have any risk factors that could affect the health of your gums, you should also be aware of the signs that could indicate issues. These include gums that bleed easily or that no longer meet your teeth, gaps in your permanent teeth that weren’t there previously, partial dentures that no longer fit like they used to, and changes in your teeth’s bite or the way they fit together.

3. Practice a Good Diet

Of course, eating a sweet treat is one of life’s many pleasures and they can often be enjoyed guilt-free on occasion. However, most days you should aim to practice good dietary habits. Not only is doing so the best way to protect your overall health, it can also contribute to good gum health, too. Incorporate more foods like apples and leafy greens into your diet. The extra chewing they require helps reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Add ginger root and raw onions to your diet on a regular basis. Both contain properties — such as anti-inflammatories and antimicrobials — that can kill bacteria and promote better gum health.

If you are concerned about an issue with your gums, give The LANAP and Implant Center a call. At The LANAP and Implant Center, we partner with you to provide top-notch dental services for your whole family. For more information about us or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

We know that the cold winter weather and dry air wreak havoc on the skin. Did you know that these weather conditions can also facilitate dental problems? Being aware of these winter dental woes, as well as how to combat them, will help to keep your mouth healthy in the cold, and avoid the tooth pain and increased sensitivity which many of us experience in the wintertime.

4 Reasons to Visit the Dentist in Winter:

1. To Avoid Crowds and Long Waits:

The winter is a great time to schedule a dental appointment! Summertime means that there will be an influx of parents taking their children in for a check up, especially during the back-to-school season. Many college students might make appointments during spring break, but the longer winter break means that the appointment times won’t be as concentrated. We recommend that you come in now to ensure your dental health all year long––without the wait!

2. Getting sick affects your teeth, too:

Maybe you were unlucky enough to catch a cold or flu. Cough syrups, cough drops, and other remedies contain high amounts of high fructose corn syrup or other sugars. These can have a negative impact on the teeth, especially if you are not flossing and brushing regularly. Other drugs may contain citric acid or alcohol, which attack the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, it’s important to switch out your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. You don’t want to reinfect yourself!

3. To Fight Harsh Winters:

The cold weather and lack of sunlight that accompany winter can be tough for the best of us. As many as 20% of Americans, especially those in Northern climates, can be afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This form of depression arises during the winter season and may make it hard to perform even basic oral hygiene activities. Depression is highly correlated with poor dental health, so it’s important to try to maintain oral hygiene all year long.

4. Prepare for Spring:

Winter means that many of us are huddled up in our homes, whether we are enjoying the heater or a toasty fireplace. Fewer outings are planned, which means more free time. It’s a good idea to schedule a winter dentist appointment to get out of the house and to take advantage of these more idle months. Springtime consists of spring cleaning, gardening, chaperoning the kids’ sports and other activities, so be sure to schedule your appointment now before things get too busy!

Final Verdict:
If you need one of your regular dental checkups, December is just the right time. Book your appointment and visit The LANAP and Implant Center this winter!

Contact The LANAP and Implant Center today to schedule an appointment!

Gum disease, medically termed gingivitis, is a serious condition. If left untreated, it can actually cause your gums to be unable to hold your teeth in place and could lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, there is no way to correct the damage that gum disease has caused. As such, it is best to not let it progress to a point where damage is done.

Being aware of what causes gum disease may help you to know when you should visit a dentist. A dentist can help you treat the condition before serious damage is done. Here are a few of the signs that you may have gum disease.

Gum Disease: 3 Signs To Be Aware Of

Your Gums are Red, Puffy, or Swollen
One of the first signs you may experience if you have gum disease is gums that begin to turn red, get a bit puffy, or begin to swell. Unfortunately, there is no standard color for gums or appearance. Some people may naturally have darker, pinker, or redder gums than someone else.

This is a sign that is hard for dentists to see. However, you should be aware of what your normal gum color and appearance is and when things begin to change. When you notice these changes taking place, you will want to bring it to the attention of your dentist so they can document the changes and begin you on a treatment course for the early stages of gum disease.

Your Gums are Bleeding
Odds are, you have experienced bleeding gums at some point in time. You may have brushed too hard or gotten a little vigorous when flossing. An isolated incidence of your gums bleeding is nothing to fret over. You simply want to be careful the next time you brush or floss.

However, if you notice some pink in the sink after brushing or flossing routinely, you want to bring this to the attention of your doctor. The bleeding is often caused by irritation, which is a tell-tale sign of gum disease. Unfortunately, if left untreated, the bleeding may get worse as well. As such, you want to correct and treat the problem.

Your Gums Are Receding
The last sign of gum disease is receding gums. If you notice or experience this symptom, you have advanced gum disease. When gum disease is left untreated, it begins to kill your gum tissue, which is what causes the receding to occur. This leaves more of your teeth exposed and fewer gums holding them in place.

Eventually, the gums will erode away, leaving nothing holding your teeth in place, and they can fall out. Dentists are beginning to check for gum recession during normal appointments.

Technological advancements have made it easy to determine the length of a person’s gum tissue and see how much, if any, is lost from one appointment to the next.

If you are showing signs of gum disease, you will want to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can offer you treatment options to correct the problem, as well as monitor your symptoms to ensure the condition is improving.

If you are showing these signs, contact The LANAP and Implant Center today for help!