Reasons a Dentist May Extract Your Tooth

In an ideal world, you keep all of your original adult teeth. Trips to the dentist would include cleaning, maintenance and minor repairs at best. However, life isn’t perfect, and teeth can become damaged or infected. It may be necessary to extract your tooth, and a skilled dentist can help ease you through this procedure.

1. Infection

Unfortunately, broken or decayed teeth can become infected with bacteria, especially at their roots. If not treated, the infection can spread and worsen, causing swelling, constricted airways, sinus infections or even brain infections. After removing the problem tooth, the dentist can clean the infected area, thus allowing the gums to heal.

2. Overcrowded Gums

Often, wisdom teeth can grow in crooked, causing them to impact. This can be painful, as well as make it difficult to eat. Additionally, teeth can be pulled to prepare for orthodontia work or to correct a tooth that cannot emerge properly through the gum line.

3. Gum Disease

Teeth can become loose due to advanced gum disease. Gingivitis, its first stage, can progress into periodontitis, an advanced condition that impacts bone and adjacent tissues. In these cases, there may be no other option except to remove the affected tooth.

Having a tooth extracted can be scary, but a reliable dentist will help you with both the removal and the necessary aftercare to ensure good healing. Visit this website to find out more about dental extractions in Morrisville.

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How to Choose the Best Dental Crown for Your Smile

With so many options to restore a tooth, it can be hard to decide. While your dentist can best guide you, it’s helpful to know the types of crowns typically used in tooth repair. Some options are designed for durability, while others are crafted to blend in with the natural look of existing teeth.

Metal Crowns

Two types of metal-only crowns are used by dentists: stainless steel and metal alloys. Stainless steel crowns are inexpensive, mostly appropriate for children’s teeth that are eventually expected to fall out. In contrast, metal alloy crowns permanently restore form and function to a damaged tooth. These crowns are commonly used for back molars, as they stand up well to repetitive chewing and biting.

Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns

Designed to match the natural color of your teeth, porcelain and ceramic crowns are a great option for visible teeth. Additionally, they are a wonderful solution for people with metal allergies.

All-Resin Crowns

All-resin crowns are less expensive than most other kinds. Because they can be installed onto either front or back teeth, they are rather versatile.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns

Crowns constructed of porcelain fused to metal offer both aesthetics and sturdiness. The porcelain top is attached to a metal base, offering the look of ordinary teeth with added strength.

Knowing your options can help you and your dentist decide what’s best for restoring your teeth. Visit this website to learn more about dental crowns in Apex.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be used to strengthen cracked or damaged teeth, to cover a dental implant or to improve a tooth’s appearance. There are several varieties of crowns for different purposes. Here is a quick overview of the three main types of dental crowns.

1. Metal

Metal crowns may be made from stainless steel or from alloys of different metals, including gold. These crowns tend to be the strongest and most durable type. They also look the least like natural teeth, however. Due to their appearance and the strength benefits they offer, metal crowns are generally placed on back teeth such as molars.

2. Porcelain Fused to Metal

Porcelain fused to metal crowns can provide a good balance of strength and appearance. These crowns can generally match the color of the teeth around them, though the underlying metal does sometimes show at the gum line.

3. Ceramic

Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain and tend to be easiest to match to the color of the surrounding teeth. For that reason they are often used on front teeth where appearance is most important.

Dental crowns can restore strength and durability to weak or damaged teeth. They can also be used to help improve your smile. If you would like to learn more about dental crowns in Chapel Hill, you can visit this website.

Fillings That Match

 

If you are worried about the appearance of dark metal fillings, ask your dentist about other options. Some fillings may be made to closely match the color of your teeth for a more natural look.

The Benefits of an Emergency Dentist

No one ever wants to experience a dental emergency. At some point, though, it is possible you will find yourself needing immediate dental care. Consider the following three advantages of calling an emergency dentist.

1. Immediate Access

An emergency dentist knows that accidents and infections do not respect business hours. If your excruciating toothache hits in the middle of the night or if your child gets teeth knocked out in a weekend hockey game, you need help right away. Many emergency dentists work after hours and will respond whenever you require care.

2. An Ounce of Prevention

Problems with teeth need to be addressed as soon as they start to become serious. An infected tooth can become dangerous if not treated. Teeth that have been knocked out or broken are sometimes repairable, but need immediate care. Getting dental problems treated immediately, no matter when they occur, can prevent much larger problems later on.

3. Quick Relief

Many people have endured excruciating pain for hours until a clinic opened. With the help of an emergency dentist, you do not have to keep suffering. The dentist may be able to quickly pinpoint the source of your pain and determine what needs to be done to resolve the situation.

Dental emergencies are unpleasant, but it is possible to get the assistance you need. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Chapel Hill, visit this website to find out more.

How to Prepare for a Root Canal

Root canals are sometimes necessary to fix broken or decayed teeth that have become infected. If you end up needing a root canal, here are four things you can do to prepare.

1. Avoid Blood Thinners

Many dentists advise that you should stop taking aspirin and other NSAIDs at least a week to ten days before having a procedure like a root canal. These medications can make it harder for your blood to clot and may cause bleeding problems. For the same reason, you should avoid consuming alcohol for at least a day before the root canal.

2. Dress Appropriately

Root canal procedures may sometimes take a while. You should wear loose fitting clothing that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Avoiding excessive makeup can also help make your root canal go more smoothly.

3. Follow Instructions

Depending on the state of your tooth, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics or give you special instructions about how to handle pain and infection. Be sure to follow all these instructions for the best outcome.

4. Stay Calm

Root canals can be intimidating. If you have chosen a trustworthy dentist, though, you should not have anything to worry about. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that your dentist has years of experience. If you know your procedure will be done by someone who is skilled and compassionate, you may find it easier to stay calm.

Many people end up needing root canals at some point in their lives. You can visit this website to learn more about endodontic treatment in Durham.