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.

Family and general dentist in Weymouth, MA

Cosmetic dentistry is the name for any type of dental work that improves the patient’s overall dental aesthetic appearance. It can include treatments such as bonding, tooth implants, dental crowns and bridges, resin composite or porcelain veneers, gum grafts and/or the removal of the gum tissue or tooth structure. Braces and tooth whitening are also considered cosmetic dental procedures.

Over the years, advancements in cosmetic dentistry materials have given more options than ever for patients seeking a smile makeover. Porcelain and zirconium have lasting strength, and are both excellent at reflecting light, allowing for the most natural cosmetic restorations available. Because each patient’s teeth are different, other materials such as gold, palladium, or resin composite could be the best choice. Your cosmetic dentist will guide you in making a choice.

Dental crowns and bridges can be made of metal, including palladium or gold alloys, or base-metal nickel or chromium alloys. Metal provides the longest-lasting of the crown and bridge materials with regard to wearing down. They are not known to break or chip, and they do not affect the opposing teeth over time. Their metallic color is their greatest drawback, and they are most suitable for back teeth, where they can be hidden.

Porcelain can be fused to different metals, allowing for a very natural look for crown or bridge cosmetic dentistry treatments. They can chip over time, and discoloration can occur at the gum line if any metal other than zirconium has been used. Dental composite resin crowns and bridges are a popular choice, but can also chip over time. All-porcelain and all-ceramic dental crowns and bridges look the most like your natural teeth, and are the most natural-appearing of the available cosmetic dentistry materials.

Veneers can be made from composite resin materials or from porcelain. Porcelain appears more natural than resin materials, and resists stains better over time. Resin veneers tend to be thinner than porcelain veneers, and will require less shaving of the natural tooth before application.

Countless warnings have made people aware of the damaging affect smoking has on your general health. Often, people forget that every puff of a cigarette goes through the lips, tongue, teeth, and gums. Though quitting can be difficult and may take several attempts, the payoff is worth your effort.

Smoking makes a negative impact on oral health, including:

Increased risk of oral cancer
Though some individuals with no risk factors battle oral cancer, tobacco use exponentially raises the odds that a person may develop cancer of the mouth, tongue, throat, or lips. Because oral cancer is often discovered in the later stages, the survival rate is low.

Problems with gum disease
Compared with non-smokers, gum disease in smokers moves more rapidly. As well, smoking generates more bacterial plaque in your mouth and it diminishes the oxygen in your blood, which slows down healing.

More cavities
Since smoking causes excessive plaque build-up and contributes to gum disease, it makes sense that the risk for tooth decay also increases. Smokers have three times as many cavities as individuals who don’t smoke.

Trouble with bad breath
Over 4,000 chemicals pass through your mouth every time you smoke, and some of them stay in your oral cavitiy, which can give you halitosis. You can also develop dry mouth because smoking often decreases saliva output.

Stains on Teeth
Typically, people want a bright, white smile. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes actually leaves unattractive, yellow discolorations on your teeth. With time, these stains can seep into tiny cracks in the enamel, resulting in permanent changes to your smile’s appearance.

Family dentist in Weymouth, MA

Cosmetic dentists have a wide range of skills, developed over time to address aesthetic issues, but not necessarily the function of a patient’s teeth, bite or gums. While the American Dental Association does not officially recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty niche of dentistry, there are a plethora of dentists who identify themselves as cosmetic dentists. Prosthodontics and orthodontics both focus on the appearance of your teeth, providing several popular services.

Cosmetic dentistry can refer to the addition of porcelain or resin composite to the teeth in order to maximize the effects of your smile. Examples of these treatments are resin bonding and porcelain veneers. Dental crowns and dental bridges are also choices.

Bonding or veneers are popular treatments that can be used to change the shape of a single tooth. Bonding can last for several years, but is more vulnerable to chipping and staining than a veneer. A cosmetic dentist can reshape and contour your teeth for a more attractive smile and to help correct minor problems with bite.

Sometimes severe gum disease can lead to the need for gum grafts in order to maintain the health of the surrounding teeth. A severely decayed tooth can be cause for extraction or removal of a significant portion of the tooth structure.

Teeth whitening is another example of a common cosmetic dentistry treatment. While many at-home products are available to whiten and brighten your teeth, the most effective whitening is done in the dentist’s office and is supervised by your cosmetic dentist.

Gums that are too dark can lead to self-consciousness. Gum depigmentation is a therapy you are able to discuss with your cosmetic dentist.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of whatever treatment you choose for your teeth, consult your cosmetic dentist today. He or she will be able to answer questions such as:

• What will I look like after treatment?
• What should I expect during my treatment?
• How long will my results last?
• How do I maintain my new smile?

Talk to your cosmetic dentist in Weymouth MA to see what positive changes can come from your treatment!

You don’t need to let the term “root canal” strike fear in your heart. Root canal treatment is required when the nerve inside the tooth has become severely damaged or infected. There are many misconceptions about root canals that can easily be dispelled with answers to a few important questions:

What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment describes the procedure of cleaning the infected pulp (nerve) of the tooth, refilling it so the tooth can remain strong, and sealing the root canals to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Are there alternatives to a root canal? The only alternatives are to either leave the tooth alone or have it extracted. Leaving the tooth is not a good idea because waiting will allow the infection to worsen and potentially spread to the gums and jawbone. Root canal treatment will save the tooth by treating and sealing the root canals.

Is root canal treatment painful? With modern technology and various anesthetic solutions, it is rare to have any pain during treatment. The procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. While you may have heard horror stories about root canal pain, root canal treatment actually relieves the pain caused by inflamed and infection tissues and nerves.

What can I expect from recovery? Your teeth may feel sensitive, but any discomfort should go away within 24-48 hours. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory should lesson any post-treatment discomfort you may experience. Depending on how damaged the tooth is, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to place a crown or other restoration to complete the treatment.

A root canal is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists and is a safe and effective alternative to extraction of an infected tooth.
If you need root canal treatment in Weymouth MA, contact our office today.

A preventative dental care regime should be part of a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring your teeth and gums are in tip top condition will enable you to smile with confidence and eat the foods you enjoy. Read the following do’s and don’ts for practical advice on maintaining a gorgeous smile.

• Do brush and floss frequently. A daily dental care regime will remove plaque bacteria from your mouth before any lasting damage can occur. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day.
• Do use proper brushing techniques. It’s best to pick a soft bristled toothbrush, and make sure you brush all tooth surfaces. If you need any help in improving your technique, ask your dentist in Weymouth, MA for advice.
• Do change your toothbrush regularly. Dentists recommend you change your brush every two or three months, or as soon as the bristles begin to look worn.
• Do use fluoride toothpaste. This mineral helps to harden tooth enamel, reducing the risk of decay.
• Do attend regular checkups with your dentist in Reno. These appointments are vital for prompt detection of any diseases that may not yet cause any symptoms. Early treatment will save you time and money, and should help preserve your teeth for longer.
• Do keep sugary foods for an occasional treat. Eating too many cookies or drinking sodas increases the risk of bacteria building up in your mouth. Instead, choose healthy snacks such as carrots, apples or cheddar cheese.
• Don’t ignore toothache. Any type of pain is a sign that something is wrong, and you should book an appointment with your dental office as soon as possible.
• Don’t put up with a less than attractive smile. Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as even simple procedures such as cosmetic bonding and tooth whitening can transform the look of your teeth.

Family and cosmetic dentist in Weymouth, MA