Dr. Nathan Brooks knew from a young age that he wanted to be a dentist. There was just one problemhe didnt care much for science. With encouragement from his grandfather, a biology professor at Purdue University, Dr. Brooks persevered, even receiving his Masters Degree in biology from Purdue. He then enrolled at Purdues arch-rival, Indiana University, to pursue his Doctorate in Dental Surgery. Although his grandfather had forbidden him to wear Indianas colors, he was proud to take part in Dr. Brooks graduation ceremony.
In preparing to take over his dental practice, Dr. Brooks reflected on his own childhood trips to the dentist. He remembered how his family dentist took the time to explain why it was important that he take care of his teeth and that no matter, his dentist always made him feel at ease.
Thats one of the things that I pride myself on: education. I dont want to just take this instrument and put it in your mouth; I want to explain why Im doing it and how it can benefit your oral health. Knowing whats going on eases fear and anxiety and gives every patient the tools to improve their oral health in the long-run.
On weekends, Dr. Brooks and his wife love to go adventuring with their four young children. They pull up the map, drive somewhere theyve never been, and explore itcompletely spontaneously. At home, they play board games, read, play music, and hold dance parties. Dr. Brooks and his wife have recorded an album in Nashville and plan to keep making music together. He serves his community through his church and with special projects at his practice like Free Cleanings for Veterans each Veterans Day and Toys for Tots every Christmas.
Today, more and more individuals are becoming aware of the importance of oral health, changing their lifestyle to maintain a healthy set of teeth and gums. However, dental procedures may, at times, still be necessary to remedy common dental problems. One of the most common dental treatments you may encounter is dental crowns.
If youve been told you need a dental crown, or think you might, and are looking to know more about it before proceeding, youre in the right place. This article will tell you all about dental crownswhat they are, how theyre used, and more!
When you think about the word crown, chances are, you think of the ornament that a king will place on his head. A dental crown is similar to that, albeit less jewelry and more porcelain or another material. The crown is placed over the surface of a patients tooth to cover it up for various reasons, which we will answer in the next question.
There are many reasons an individual may need a dental crown placed on a tooth. Most commonly, a patient has signifcant decay or cracks in a tooth that is too extensive to fill with standard fillings, so the decay is removed and a crown is placed over the tooth to build the tooth structure back up to normal. Patients whove had root canal therapy to remove infection from teeth roots also often require dental crowns placed over the root canal. Some people may be unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, and theyre receiving dental crowns as a cosmetic improvement to cover misshapen or discolored teeth, restoring their appearance and improving their smile. Filling open spaces left by missing teeth is another reason dental crowns are used.
Overall, the dental crowns main use is to restore a tooths appearance, utility, and strength. In other words, it can be categorized as both cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry as it can achieve various goals.
A dentist will diagnose the need for a crown based on his or her assessment of the affected tooth. Persons interested in using dental crowns for cosmetic dental reasons may bring that to the dentists attention. For instance, if you are dealing with discolored or damaged teeth, you can improve their appearance with a dental crown.
As mentioned earlier, porcelain (or ceramic) dental crowns can be used when undergoing a dental crown procedure. This is one of the most commonly used materials since the materials color matches real teeth. Add the fact that porcelain is quite durable and strong and does not incite metallic allergies, it is one of the best materials to be used. The only possible downside to this kind of crown is that it may not be as strong as metal crowns. However, with proper maintenance, they will continue to last for many years to come.
Other than porcelain and ceramic, there are other materials such as resin, zirconia, stainless steel, and even a mix of porcelain and metal. All of these materials have their upsides and downsides but are still used for specific reasons.
For example, metal-infused porcelain is generally used for the back teeth as the metals added strength is needed to maintain shape and utility. However, over time, subtle metal color can start to appear as the porcelain begins to degrade.
Another example would be with resin crowns, where people who do not have much money can still get the dental crown they need for a lower cost. The apparent disadvantage of resin crowns is that they are not as durable longterm and are prone to fracturing and cracking, compared to other long-lasting options like porcelain.
Typically, dental crowns can last anywhere between 5-15 years or more. The number will depend on a few factors, such as the crowns material and the stress it is generally put under. Proper maintenance can also extend the time that the crown can last, and being proactive in avoiding activities that can damage the crown will also do the same.
Since dental crowns are quite an investment, knowing how to make them last longer is something you would like to do. However, it is crucial to remember that crowns do not last forever, so do not expect them to last you a lifetime. With that in mind, if you are going to get dental crowns, here are a few habits you can start picking up.
The first thing you should always do is maintain good oral health. Maintaining a dental crown is as easy as that, and if you nail down good oral hygiene, your crowns will last. This includes flossing daily, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and visiting your dentist at least every six months, or as prescribed by the dentist.
The second thing you should do is avoid or limit eating hard and sticky foods like hard candy, nuts, and chewy or sticky treats. This will reduce the chances of chips and cracks from occurring, keeping your crowns safe and sound.
We hope you have learned important information about dental crowns. We also hope that we have cleared out some of the questions you may have had, and that you now feel comfortable discussing dental crowns with your dentist and undergoing necessary dental crown treatment.
That said, if you are unsure as to whether or not you need dental crowns, we highly recommend visiting the dentist for an accurate diagnosis. They will identify any problems you may have with your oral health and advise on what possible actions you can take to improve it. Do not forget to bring up dental crowns in the conversation if you are interested in discussing how they can be used to satisfy your needs, whether for aesthetic or restorative purposes!
Anderson Dental Care is a family dental office offering various dental services such as bridges, implants, crowns, and more. If you require dental crowns in Cincinnati, schedule a visit to our dental clinic today!
Teeth are easy to stain certain foods and drinks, brushing habits (or lack thereof), and environmental factors all contribute to teeth stain. For many people, these stains can negatively affect self-confidence and serve as a source of embarrassment.
Here is what you need to know about the causes of teeth discoloration and what you can do to whiten your teeth. Use the information below as a guide, and consult your dentist, to help you regain your perfect smile and confidence.
Your teeth can be stained for various reasons. For example, if you smoke, the smoke you inhale to your mouth can cause your teeth to darken or stain. But what appears to be stain may not always be what it seems teeth can certainly stain on the surface (extrinsic), but they can also stain from the inside (intrinsic).
Extrinsic discoloration is caused by changes on the surface of your teeth, much like the smoker example we provided earlier. But there are many other ways such discoloration can happen too. Certain types of berries, tomato sauce, sugary sweets, colored candy, and dressings all pack lots of dyes and pigments, while also leading to other problems like plaque buildup, increasing the risk of dental cavities if not properly cleaned and treated. Some drinks also cause staining, most notably, tea, coffee, sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices. All of these drinks contain coloring that can stain your teeth.
Intrinsic discoloration can stem from many different causes. Internal bleeding can cause a tooth to become discolored; antibiotics used by a mother during her pregnancy can cause permanent tooth discoloration in the child; extended fevers can cause stains and marks on permanent teeth that have yet to erupt in children; and some people may also be born with rare conditions that can discolor teeth.
There is one factor that can cause both intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration: aging. As you get older, your teeth start to lose their enamel. This means that they will be more prone to stains externally, and any stains that are already present will begin to become much more apparent.
For example, if you had any tooth trauma earlier on, it may not be evident because of the enamel. However, as you age, the enamel becomes thinner, making the color change. Simultaneously, with thinner enamel, stains become much more likely as they can more easily latch onto your teeth.
Then try using a straw for drinking liquids, other than milk or water, so that the colored liquid will bypass your teeth. Also, drinking plenty of water and rinsing your mouth after a meal can ensure that potential staining foods and drinks are quickly removed and less likely to affect your teeth color.
Another tip is to chew on sugar-free gum, preferably one containing xylitol. The act of chewing increases the flow and production of saliva in your mouth, neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth, and making sure any stains that may be hanging around are washed away. Eating cheese and drinking milk can have a similar effect, with an added benefit of dairy products providing additional protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which can protect your enamel.
You can also eat cocoa-rich food like chocolates. While you may think that this will stain your teeth, the fact is that a small amount of chocolate will not cause issues. Cocoa can protect your teeth and address inflammation, both of which can help improve your teeth and overall oral health. Rinsing with water afterward is still a good practice, though.
If your teeth have already been stained, rest assured that dental treatments can still restore them. The most obvious approach would be a dental procedure to whiten your teeth, the processes of which can be slightly different from one individual to another.
Other methods, such as opting for dental veneers, can also give you whiter teeth. While these will not whiten your original smile, the veneers can cover any teeth discoloration you might have, making you look like you have perfectly white teeth. Veneers can also cosmetically fix minor teeth misalignments.
Some of these procedures can be expensive. While an investment in your smile and confidence is certainly worthwhile, we recommend that you first improve your lifestyle habits before considering dental procedures. Consult with your family dentist to see what he or she recommends as necessary lifestyle adjustments.
There are many causes of teeth discoloration, all of which can leave teeth looking dark, dull and generally uncared for. Fortunately, there are also plenty of different solutions to help bring them back to white, allowing you to smile confidently again.
With that in mind, try your best to avoid staining your teeth whenever possible. This can mean reducing or avoiding food items like beets, curries, and starchy foods, and brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth right afterward.
However, if your teeth are already stained, dont worry. Your dentist can discuss your desired results with you and help you make a plan for regaining your beautiful white smile. Once your teeth have been whitened, it will be necessary to maintain them properly by seeing your dentist regularly and brushing and flossing daily. Doing so will ensure your teeth stay white for as long as possible.
Anderson Dental Care is a family dental office in Cincinnati that offers various dental services, from fillings and cleanings to implants and crowns. If you are looking for cosmetic dentistry to whiten your teeth, schedule a visit to our dental clinic right away!
While you may have heard that the use of fluoride in dental care has sometimes been controversial, there is no denying that fluoride treatment is vital for maintaining great oral health. Fluoride treatment is generally included as part of a routine dental cleaning and exam, where a patient visits their dentist to have their teeth cleaned and to identify any potential problems that need treatment.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many items such as food, drinks, and toothpaste. In the dental industry, fluoride is used in treatments to fight the harmful effects of oral bacteria and strengthen a persons teeth. The type generally used by dentists is sodium fluoride, which reduces the risk of cavities, strengthens enamel and helps to regulate the bacteria in your mouth.
The first benefit of fluoride treatment is that it protects your tooths enamel. The enamels main job is to protect your teeth from general decay and damage. However, eating and drinking certain foods, especially acidic ones, can cause this enamel to degrade and demineralize. Without this layer of protection, a tooth is at high risk for developing cavities. With fluoride treatment, you enhance the enamels protective properties and reduce tooth sensitivity.
The second benefit of fluoride treatment is that it prevents tooth decay, also known as cavities. When you eat, you provide various starches and sugars that feed the bacteria in your mouth, which triggers them to produce an acid that can break down your teeth. This leads to tooth decay. With fluoride treatment, you neutralize bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel, so the risk of cavities drops significantly. While it does not eliminate the possibility, it significantly reduces the risk.
The third benefit well mention is that fluoride treatment helps you save a lot of money in the long run. While some insurance carriers cover the cost of fluoride treatments, many only cover them up to a certain age (usually teens and younger). For adults, there may be an out-of-pocket fee for receiving fluoride treatment. However, though the treatment itself may not be free to you, the small investment will pay off in the long run because it helps reduce the risk of various oral-related problems. These problems, like the need for fillings, crowns and tooth extractions, are costly to treat. With fluoride treatment in addition to your regular dental visits and daily personal oral hygiene, you might be able to avoid all of these issues. If problems do occur, theyre often less extensive in severity, which means they will be less expensive to treat.
Unless there are certain health reasons you are unable to use fluoride, everyone over age two should consider receiving fluoride treatments at least twice a year, in addition to using fluoride toothpaste for twice daily brushing. If you are at high risk of dental cavities, which your dentist or hygienist will be able to tell you, then additional fluoride treatments are excellent to bolster your teeths health and address the bacteria that lead to cavities. If you are unsure whether you need such treatment, visit your dentist and ask for the information you need. They will closely examine your oral health and can recommend fluoride treatments as needed. Your dentist may also recommend particular toothpastes, some requiring a prescription, with higher fluoride content to address particular concerns like tooth sensitivity or high caries risk.
While the process can vary from one dentist to another, fluoride treatment is generally performed with swabs, plates, brushes, or mouthwash. The dentist will use any of these tools or products to apply fluoride to your teeth for a few minutes. After that, your treatment is complete.
Fluoride treatments are completely painless. However, note that your dentist might instruct you to avoid eating or drinking anything for half an hour or more after receiving the treatment. You need to follow their advice to ensure that the fluoride properly sets on your teeth, allowing it to do its job and produce the best results.
If you have a lifestyle or medical condition that makes you prone to dental problems, multiple treatments throughout a year may be necessary for best results. For example, if you have diabetes or gum disease, or if you are a heavy smoker, you may need to visit your dentist more often, about once every three months, but ask your dentist to be certain.
As we said earlier, fluoride treatment offers you plenty of advantages. It restores fluoride in your teeth, which helps prevent cavities. In fact, studies have found that individuals who have been exposed to fluoride have had a significantly lower risk of developing tooth decay and other dental problems.
If you still have questions about fluoride treatment, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. They will give you the information you need to know regarding the treatment and clear any of the confusion you may be facing that is preventing you from taking advantage of this service.