A Crown Fixes Everything
Or does it? Often, dental crowns are cemented over a tooth as a form of dental restoration. They encase the whole visible tooth; so in essence, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. Some reasons a dental crown may be recommended for dental restoration is to restore a tooth to its original form, strengthen a tooth, or improve the appearance of the tooth. These tend to last anywhere from 5-15 years, usually in the $500-900 price range per crown, but these are generally covered by insurance. Most often, there are not complications from crowns, but sometimes, problems could develop. Some issues that may arise include discomfort and sensitivity, chipped crown, loose crown, a crown falling off, allergic reaction, or a dark line on a crowned tooth next to the gum line.
Dental crowns are not recommended to only be used to improve the appearance of the tooth if there is another alternative. This is because the procedure requires the dentist to grind a portion of a tooth away. If there is another way to improve the tooth’s appearance that can produce equal results, then it is best to go with one of those alternatives. Some procedures that can help with tooth appearance are porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or teeth whitening. If the crown also restores a tooth’s original shape or strengthens the tooth, then a dental crown is a good choice.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Benefits of Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Often times, people encounter issues with their gums. Whether it is the appearance of very long teeth, a gummy smile, or missing or receding gum lines, many people with these issues opt to have cosmetic gum surgery. Gum surgering involves replacing gume tissue that is missing or receding or may also be required for people that have teeth that appear small but have dominant gums at the same time. For missing or receding gums, the gum tissue needs to be brought down. For gums that are too visible, cosmetic gum surgery is done by raising the gum tissue or doing a gum lift, so some of the gums are being removed or reshaped.
One issue to address when considering surgery is the object of cost. Depending on the amount of grafting required during the procedure, the cost of cosmetic gum surgery can vary greatly. The costs tend to range from $600 to $3,000. Many insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost, particularly if the procedure is preventative.
With little pain and a quick recovery time, it is worth it to have the surgery done if you are one of those people with gum issues. An improved change in appearance of your smile will be noticeable right away. Cosmetic gum surgery can improve the health of your gums and teeth as well as reducing sensitivity and preventing decay or loss. Make sure you carefully select your cosmetic surgeon, not simply based on price. It is your mouth and your smile, so find a surgeon that meets all your needs in making this surgery a successful one.
One issue to address when considering surgery is the object of cost. Depending on the amount of grafting required during the procedure, the cost of cosmetic gum surgery can vary greatly. The costs tend to range from $600 to $3,000. Many insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost, particularly if the procedure is preventative.
With little pain and a quick recovery time, it is worth it to have the surgery done if you are one of those people with gum issues. An improved change in appearance of your smile will be noticeable right away. Cosmetic gum surgery can improve the health of your gums and teeth as well as reducing sensitivity and preventing decay or loss. Make sure you carefully select your cosmetic surgeon, not simply based on price. It is your mouth and your smile, so find a surgeon that meets all your needs in making this surgery a successful one.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Use Them or Lose Them
Whether we like it or not, there comes a point when you have to find out whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed, or if you are one of the lucky ones, are able to let them grow in as normal without removal. More often than not, wisdom teeth tend to be misaligned or impacted and require removal. Sometimes, they can be useful, but in most cases, wisdom teeth extraction is necessary. This is when the wisdom teeth are surgically removed from the mouth, usually as a person approaches their late teens or early twenties. Dentists often suggest wisdom teeth extraction before they have grown in, simply to avoid problems that can develop. Extracting the wisdom teeth while the patient is young is often easier since the wisdom teeth roots are not completely developed and the teeth are far less dense.
It is always better to be safe than sorry; people often think they can put off the surgery if the teeth are not bothering them. The problem with putting off the wisdom teeth extraction surgery is that the risk of serious complications rises as you get older, so it is best to have them removed at a young age. Sure, it may not be the most pleasant procedure, but take your dentist’s advice; don’t wait until it is too late. The slight pain is worth not having to deal with a more complex surgical procedure down the road if you do decide to keep the teeth. My vote: lose them! They do more harm than good and that is enough of an answer for me!
Whether we like it or not, there comes a point when you have to find out whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed, or if you are one of the lucky ones, are able to let them grow in as normal without removal. More often than not, wisdom teeth tend to be misaligned or impacted and require removal. Sometimes, they can be useful, but in most cases, wisdom teeth extraction is necessary. This is when the wisdom teeth are surgically removed from the mouth, usually as a person approaches their late teens or early twenties. Dentists often suggest wisdom teeth extraction before they have grown in, simply to avoid problems that can develop. Extracting the wisdom teeth while the patient is young is often easier since the wisdom teeth roots are not completely developed and the teeth are far less dense.
It is always better to be safe than sorry; people often think they can put off the surgery if the teeth are not bothering them. The problem with putting off the wisdom teeth extraction surgery is that the risk of serious complications rises as you get older, so it is best to have them removed at a young age. Sure, it may not be the most pleasant procedure, but take your dentist’s advice; don’t wait until it is too late. The slight pain is worth not having to deal with a more complex surgical procedure down the road if you do decide to keep the teeth. My vote: lose them! They do more harm than good and that is enough of an answer for me!
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