Any tooth that suffers from damage, such as decay or trauma that sits in between too damaged to have a filling but not also damaged for a full crown, can be treated with either an inlay or an onlay. These are indirect fillings, where the parts of the synthetic tooth are fabricated in a dental lab, and then bonded to the tooth. Inlays refer to restorations that fit the center of the tooth, primarily where either the molar grooves sit inside or where the pointed cusp/edge extends outward. For onlays, they replace the outer areas of the molar grooves and cusps of the tooth. These tooth parts are made to match the surrounding teeth and help restore any damage present, making aesthetic-looking teeth a higher possibility.
Did you know…
That inlays and onlays have an extremely high success rate compared to other dental treatments? This rate of success is because they are custom made to fit each patient, thus making them last longer than traditional fillings. These forms of restorations can match the natural shade and shape of the tooth, especially when other types of treatment are unable to repair the tooth properly. These kinds of restorations also restore your teeth’ natural health by protecting the root from infections and are typically highly resistant to damage and degradation, depending on the materials used.
If you have moderate tooth damage or decay present, such as parts of a missing tooth that has the dentin and root exposed, you could qualify for either of these procedures. Inlays and onlays can significantly benefit your health by cementing into the crevices and grooves of the teeth’ enamel, making them stronger and giving off a perfect seal from bacteria. Contact Dr. Karl if you have any questions regarding your qualifications for either inlays or onlays.
Whether you’re getting an inlay or onlay, you should expect the treatment plan to last over multiple appointments. First, Dr. Karl will need to take an impression of your teeth using either an alginate mold or digital scanner and then send the impression to the dental lab for fabrication. A temporary restoration will be installed onto the tooth using temporary glue. Once the restoration is complete, Dr. Karl will bond the restoration to the tooth.
Avoid sticky and hard foods during the time that you have your temporary restorations in place. However, once the permanent restorations are set in place, you can resume eating, brushing, and flossing habits as usual. If you wish to learn more about inlays/onlays, contact Dr. Karl at St. Clair Dental today.
Root canals have just as much of a reputation as tooth extractions, yet are just as essential. Root canals are used to preserve teeth with badly infected roots. It’s valuable in its ability to save teeth because when the root of the tooth becomes infected, tooth loss can occur at its most harmful stages. The root canal procedure is used to remove the damaged parts of the tooth, and any organic parts left are restored underneath a crown to create a natural-looking appearance and give back normal tooth function. At Dr. Karl’s office, she can perform root canals using the most advanced and painless procedures to assure that her patients receive the most out of their care.
Did you know…
That the term “root canal” refers to both the root of the tooth and the procedure itself? While many patients think of root canals as painful and uncomfortable local anesthesia and other advancements in technology, have made the procedure a highly painless one. You can safely compare it to a composite filling, because once the infected parts of the tooth are removed, the end of the procedure will result in an almost undetectable treatment that’s saved the tooth’s integrity, allowing it to last for years to come.
Many factors can cause toothaches; sometimes they’re caused by cavities, a microfracture, or even a sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. These factors don’t always mean you need a root canal, because root canals are used primarily for removing the infected pulp from the center of the tooth. Because of the way bacteria grow, infections can spread into the gums and bloodstream and cause complications such as abscesses, which can turn into tooth loss. Still, it’s essential to go to the dentist in these cases, because if an infected root canal is present, Dr. Karl will be able to treat it quickly and efficiently.
Dr. Karl will assess the overall health of your teeth and gums and observe the toothache to diagnose it. If an infected root canal is present, she will numb the tooth area with local anesthetics. After the area is numb, it will remove the infected portions of the tooth pulp and treat the area for bacteria infections. Once cleaned, the tooth will be sealed with a composite filling.
Your gums around the tooth will become inflamed due to the intensive procedure gone through – this is normal. You may experience sensitivity during the first few days after treatment, and while you can presume flossing and brushing habits, you should be careful with the foods you eat. Use ice packs and take over-the-counter medications for any pain, and contact Dr. Karl if the pain continues to persist.
Like a bridge, partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps where one or more teeth are missing. But unlike a bridge, partial dentures are fully removable by the wearer. Partials are affordable alternatives to other types of dental prosthetics and are custom-made to blend in with each patient’s natural teeth. It takes a little time to adapt to new partials, but many people find that they reclaim much of their original function and aesthetics with partial dentures in place.
Did you know?
Partial dentures require gentle care and frequent cleaning. Once you get your new partial dentures, you’ll need to:
- Keep them moist at all times by soaking them in a denture solution when not in use
- Gently brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristled tooth brush
- Be careful not to drop your partial dentures, as they may break
- Avoid exposing your partial to hot temperatures that could cause warping
You may be a candidate for partial dentures if you have one or more missing teeth, and the space they once filled is surrounded by other teeth or permanent restorations. To find out more about whether partial dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist.
If you decide to get a partial denture, you’ll need to visit your dentist to have metal clasps attached to your surrounding teeth and an impression made of the area your partial will fill. The impression will be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will fabricate a custom denture that includes a gum-colored base that will fit securely over your gums. A metal framework will be used to attach your new partial to the clasps on your natural teeth to ensure a secure fit.
Yes. Good oral health is still important – even if you have a few missing teeth. In addition to caring for your new dental prosthetic, you’ll also need to brush your gums and tongue twice daily to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria that could cause gum disease. Continue seeing your dentist twice yearly for exams and cleanings, and be sure to bring your partial dentures along to each visit. After a few years, you may find that your partial needs to be rebased to better fit the changes to the bone structure in your mouth.
A bite guard is a dental appliance custom-fit to a patient’s teeth. Bite guards serve varying purposes and are often recommended for use in patients of all ages. It is important that bite guards be professionally fit, rather than purchased over the counter, as this ensures maximum comfort and protection during wear. Professional dental guards are usually prepared in a dental lab using an oral impression taken in a dentist’s office. These guards are created uniquely to each patient to prevent discomfort, slippage or inadequate protection. There are many reasons why a dentist would prescribe a mouth guard to a patient. They include:
Did you know?
Caring for a dental bite guard is simple. You’ll need to rinse it before and after every usage using a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste and cold water. From time to time, cleanse it with cold water and a mild soap. When not in use, store your mouth guard in a hard, ventilated container and keep it away from hot temperatures that could cause your guard to warp.
You absolutely need to be fit for a custom bite guard if you participate in sports or activities that put your oral health at risk. These guidelines also apply to children, who often play sports like football or participate in activities like martial arts, which can cause tooth-related injuries. You may also need a bite guard if your dentist diagnosis you with bruxism, or tooth-grinding. Over time, grinding or clenching the teeth can lead to wear and irreversible damage. Sleeping with a bite guard can protect the teeth from these unwanted side effects.
Being fit for a bite guard is simple. You’ll visit your dentist, who will take an impression of your teeth and send it off to a dental laboratory. The lab will carefully construct a durable and comfortable new bite guard that you can pick up at your dentist’s office in just days.
Yes. Although custom bite guards are made of durable materials and designed to last through many uses, they do need to be replaced from time to time. Keep an eye on your bite guard, checking it frequently for wear. Also, bring it with you to your normal dental cleanings and check-ups for a professional inspection. Be sure to tell your dentist if your bite guard no longer offers an optimal fit or if it has become uncomfortable to wear.
Dentures have always been a trusted source for replacing missing teeth; they’re affordable, effective, and removable. At St. Clair Dental, Dr. Karl gets asked numerous questions about dentures and whether they would be able to suit their needs. Dentures are custom-fit solutions to tooth problems, and depending on the patient’s lifestyle, dentures can provide the functionality and appearance needed to give a dazzling smile. Dentures are typically made out of durable plastic resin and sometimes porcelain, and can appear as either partials or full dentures. They’re crafted for maximum comfort and fracture resistance, giving people the confidence needed to speak freely.
Did you know…
Ten percent of people miss all of their teeth and require a prosthetic solution, such as dentures, to restore their smile. Dentures are the most popular prosthetic solutions, as approximately 35 million Americans currently wear either partial or full dentures. Dentures, whether temporary, partial, or full, can replace teeth in a non-invasive way, avoiding all surgical elements and giving a quick and easy solution. The only challenges presented with dentures are its ability to become loose when speaking or eating, which, thanks to modern technology, are being designed to become more fitted and secure.
People looking for an alternative and affordable solution to their missing teeth can qualify for dentures, as they can be designed and custom-fitted to your needs. Some alternative options even include implant dentures, combining the benefits of implants with the ease of dentures. To find out if you are a candidate for dentures, please contact Dr. Karl today and schedule a consultation.
First, Dr. Karl will need to remove any decaying and damaged teeth from the area you wish to get dentures for and will take either alginate or digital impression of your remaining gums. The denture mold will be sent to the dental lab for fabrication, and during that time, you will need to take medication and take time to heal from the tooth extractions. Once the dentures arrive, you will receive a final fitting that will give you back your smile.
Dentures have to be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria from growing on the dentures. You will also need to brush your gums to prevent infections and keep the dentures in water when not used to prevent warping. Wearing dentures will take some time to adjust to, but overall, you’ll feel more comfortable with your full prosthetic set. If you want to understand more about dentures, contact Dr. Karl at St. Clair Dental to schedule a consultation today.
St. Clair Dental not only treats adults but is also a kid-friendly office, so one of our main priorities is to focus on preventative care for children. By using preventative methods, we can help your child grow and avoid any negative experiences with the dentist, which is why we offer dental sealants the best form of preventative dentistry. Dental sealants help seal the deep ridges of a child’s teeth to prevent plaque, food particles, and bacteria from getting trapped in those ridges. These ridges are so deep that they’re particularly tricky to clean, even by regular oral hygiene standards. Dr. Karl believes in dental sealants as a preventative measure, and by using dental sealants, it not only prevents kids from experiencing cavity pains but gives parents peace of mind.
Did you know…
Dental sealants can be durable as long as ten years? Sealants can be applied to children as young as six years old when their first primary molars begin to form. Dental sealants provide a protective layer in and along the grooves and crevices of the molars and have been clinically shown to prevent cavities and tooth decay up to 80% during the first two years and 50% up to four years. They eliminate the need for invasive treatments such as root canals and tooth extractions, and applying them is painless and straightforward.
Because the sealants bond directly to the teeth, the sealant hardens to either a clear or tooth-colored coating. Most children will quickly adapt to the presence of the sealant, although it may feel weird at first. You may even find your child exploring the sealant with their tongue for the first few days. If you have any concerns about dental sealants, Dr. Karl will be happy to answer them.
The most your child will be the warmth of the sealant as it bonds to the tooth’s surface, but no more. Dental sealants are painless, and during the procedure, Dr. Karl will first clean your child’s teeth and gums before applying the sealants to prevent any bacteria from sealed into the molars. Once applied, the sealant will immediately harden and act as a barrier between the bacteria and the molar of the tooth.
Dental sealants are a preventative measure, meaning that while it’s highly effective at preventing cavities, it does not replace good oral hygiene. Make sure you reinforce brushing and flossing and keeping a regular, balanced diet low in sugar will assure excellent, long-term oral care for your child.
Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that adheres a composite (tooth colored) resin to the surface of your teeth. It helps to create a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile without the use of prosthetics like dentures and tooth implants.
This procedure is most commonly used to treat teeth that are cracked, decayed, or discolored. It can also be used to make teeth appear longer and close spacing between teeth.
Did you know?
Dental bonding is one of the most affordable and quick cosmetic procedures that can be done to improve the appearance of your smile. In fact, within one visit you could get a more attractive smile and a boost in self-confidence!
Dental bonding is a great option for individuals who want an attractive smile, but do not want to undergo an invasive procedure like dental implants. If you have minor chips, cracks, and fractures in your teeth, discolored teeth, or decay that can be built upon, dental bonding might be a great option for you.
Ultimately, it’s important to consult with the dentist to determine if you’re a candidate.
Teeth that have undergone dental bonding can still be stained from things like coffee and tea. To avoid this, it’s advisable to avoid drinking any of these beverages for at least 48 hours after undergoing the procedure. Additionally, you can extend the life of your bonding by brushing regularly and visiting the dentists every six months.
When properly cared for, dental bonding can last up to ten years. You’ll get the most out of it by following a healthy oral hygiene routine, avoiding hard candies and chewing on ice, and staying away from food and drink that could stain your teeth. If you happen to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, be sure to brush immediately afterward.
Medical technology has been advancing at a breakneck pace for the past several decades, and dentistry hasn’t been left behind. Dental professionals are constantly looking for the newest forms of treatments and technology that will aid in providing their patients with the best possible care, and we’re going to introduce you to some of the newest advancements that have been made.
This technology employs a special form of light that our dentists use to detect dental abnormalities. VELscope is particularly effective in the detection of disease and cancer in its earliest stages as part of an oral screening.
A common concern of patients is the amount of radiation they’re exposed to during a dental exam. The newest forms of imaging technology employ digital x-rays, which not only employs 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays but provides viewable films to the dental staff immediately. These images are able to be zoomed in on for highly accurate assessments of dental health.
For decades braces have been the go-to method of straightening misaligned teeth. While effective, braces are uncomfortable and unsightly. Invisalign is an innovation in this area of dental care that provides the benefits of braces while remaining nearly invisible. Additionally, Invisalign can be removed when eating, removing dietary restrictions associated with braces.
Past techniques for whitening, reducing tooth sensitivity, tumor removal, and filling cavities have often been uncomfortable for the patient, and time-consuming. New innovations in laser technology have created painless alternatives that also aid in eliminating harmful bacteria.
Traditional dentures are often ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and prone to embarrassing mishaps like slippage. Modern dental implants provide prosthetic teeth that are nearly indistinguishable from normal teeth and are long-lasting.
This innovation uses ozone (O3) to rapidly kill bacteria and fungus painlessly. It also makes a great tool for detecting tooth decay and suppressing it before it becomes more advanced.
This cutting-edge technology is capable of detecting cavities in places that traditional x-ray techniques can’t locate. By employing DIAGNOdent your dentist ensures that no early signs of cavities go unnoticed, saving you time and money on future dental treatments.
This tool employs a special camera that provides well-defined and precise images of places difficult to see in a patient’s mouth with traditional imaging. Just one more tool to aid your dentist in a thorough and accurate assessment of your dental condition.
These are just some of the technologies that have been brought into common use in recent years in our dental offices. Every year we keep an eye out for new methods of treating our patient’s dental concerns by improving visibility, reducing discomfort, and aiding us in providing complete and thorough assessments. If you have any questions about the technology your dentist is using in your exams, don’t hesitate to ask! Curious patients are educated patients, and we love to encourage our patients to be knowledgeable about their dental care.
