Do you go to the dentist on a regular schedule? Or do you wait until something is wrong? You may have heard the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That saying is especially true when it comes to dentistry. Maintaining your dental health is always preferable to repairing damage to your teeth from lack of dental care.
Need a reason to start going to the dentist more often? Here are the top 3 reasons to see your dentist regularly.
1. Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease.
The ultimate goal of dentistry is to maintain the health of the teeth through regular teeth cleanings and oral exams. These routine dental appointments should take place every 6 months to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque clings to the teeth without being removed through brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Plaque contains bacteria that erodes tooth enamel, creating pits or holes called cavities.
Plaque can also cause gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacteria on the surface of the teeth along and below the gumline. Teeth cleanings help to prevent gum disease and oral exams detect gum disease in the early stages of gingivitis, which is much easier to treat.
2. Save Time and Money.
Preventive dentistry can save you time and money. Most dental insurance plans cover teeth cleanings and oral exams at 100%. If you go to the dentist every 6 months for preventive care and you take good care of your teeth at home, you can avoid the need for restorative procedures in most cases.
When the teeth develop decay, restorative procedures repair the damage when possible, depending on the degree of damage. A small to medium-sized cavity can typically be treated with a filling, which is a simple procedure. However, insurance only covers the cost of restorative procedures up to a certain percentage or amount, meaning the rest of the cost is up to you.
If the extent of the decay is significant, such that the tooth needs a root canal or a crown, the out of pocket cost after insurance will be even higher. In the event that a tooth is too damaged to save, replacement teeth are at the high end of the cost range for dental procedures.
Restorative procedures also take time, sometimes multiple appointments to complete, which can mean taking a significant amount of time out of your busy schedule to go to the dentist.
3. Keep Your Natural Teeth for Life.
Preserving the health of your natural teeth can help them stay in place in your mouth for the rest of your life. As you age it is normal for there to be an increase in the need for restorative dental procedures. But if you go to the dentist regularly, any problems that arise can be detected early and addressed promptly before the damage is too extensive to save the tooth.
While advancements in technology have made dental prosthetics better than ever, nothing functions more effectively or looks more natural than your own teeth.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Has it been more than 6 months since your last dental appointment? If so, it’s time to schedule your next visit now at Lane Family Dentistry. You only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime; keep them healthy and in place with regular dental care.
Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
When you need a dental crown, adequate tooth structure is crucial for a successful procedure. But what if there isn't enough tooth left to support a crown? In this blog post, we'll discuss the options available if you find yourself in this situation. We'll explore the different treatments used to restore teeth with limited remaining structure, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Read on to learn more about what you can do if there isn't enough tooth for a crown.
What Is a Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to improve its strength, functionality, and appearance. It covers the entire tooth above the gumline, providing protection and support while restoring its natural shape, size, and color. Crowns can consist of different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. They address a variety of dental problems, including severe tooth decay, cracks, chips, fractures, root canals, and cosmetic imperfections. Crowns last many years with proper care and maintenance.
What Happens When You Don't Have Enough Tooth for a Crown?
Dentists use crowns for protecting and repairing teeth severely damaged by decay. These crowns are designed to attach to small tooth surfaces, so dentists evaluate the remaining tooth and determine if it meets the criteria for crown placement. When a dentist evaluates the remaining tooth, they consider several factors, including the amount of tooth structure, the tooth's location, and the position of the gum line. If the patient lacks enough natural tooth to securely attach the crown, a dentist first reconstructs the tooth using composite resin. The crown is placed over the resin tooth structure and functions like a natural tooth.
However, when a natural tooth fractures into the gum tissue, two techniques are required: crown lengthening and a core build-up. Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue to expose more of the tooth structure. A core build-up involves adding more tooth material to the tooth structure so there is enough tooth surface to support the crown.
If there is inadequate tooth for a crown, the dentist may recommend alternative treatments such as a dental bridge or implant. Always discuss all options with your dentist to find the best solution for your dental needs.
How Much Tooth Do You Need for a Crown?
When getting a dental crown, you must have enough tooth structure to support the restoration. The good news is only a minimum of 1/4 of the natural tooth structure is necessary for a dental crown. However, the more natural, healthy tissue, the better. Dental crowns restore significantly damaged teeth, so even if you lost a fair amount of tooth structure, a crown could allow you to enjoy a healthier smile.
Dental Crowns in Vilonia, AR
If you are in need of a dental crown in Vilonia, AR, Lane Family Dentistry can help. With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our team of experts handles even the most complex dental cases. To learn more about our dental crown services, call us at 501-796-3903 or request an appointment online.