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Natural Looking Dental Crowns in Watertown MN
A dental crown refers to a cap that is bonded over the entire surface of a damaged tooth to encapsulate the portion of the tooth above the gums. It can be used to repair different types of tooth damage including cracked teeth, large cavities, discoloration, and misshapen teeth. They can also be used alongside other tooth restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, to strengthen the tooth, and dental bridgework to support a tooth replacement.
A cap helps to restore the size, shape, and strength of a tooth while improving its appearance. If you’re a suitable candidate for dental crowns, your dentist may recommend one of the following materials for your permanent crown:
Tooth-Colored Crowns
Tooth-colored crowns that are fabricated entirely from porcelain are referred to as all-porcelain crowns, while those made entirely from ceramic are known as all-ceramic crowns. Dental composite resin is another tooth-colored material that can give you an aesthetic restoration. Composite crowns are highly affordable, but are arguably the weakest material for crowns since they’re prone to chipping, cracking, and rapid wear.
Your dentist may also recommend Zirconium, which is a fairly new dental material that produces crowns that are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. They’re also biocompatible, meaning that they won’t cause allergic reactions, and can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are generally fabricated with a metal base and porcelain coating, which gives them the strength of metal crowns and the aesthetics of tooth-colored crowns. However, porcelain-metal crowns tend to be abrasive to opposing teeth, which increases their wear rate. The metal ring on the crown may also become visible in the event of gum recession.
Metal Crowns
Crowns made from metal are the strongest and most durable option, plus they’re not abrasive to opposing teeth. Different metals can be used to fabricate crowns, including gold, platinum, copper, and alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium. Most metal crowns are made from a blend of metals, like gold and the base metal alloys.
Tooth-Colored vs. Metal Crowns
Tooth-colored materials give the restoration a natural look, which makes them a popular choice for repairing front teeth in order to preserve the aesthetics of your smile. They come in different shades, so you can choose a specific color that closely matches the shade of your teeth to make the restoration unnoticeable.
Metal crowns are primarily used to repair back teeth because they’re strong and highly resistant, and they’re not visible when smiling, which makes aesthetics less of a concern. But they may not be suitable for people who’re allergic to metals or those with aesthetic concerns.
To learn more about Dental Crowns in Watertown MN please contact us today.
Teeth Cleaning Near Me, Watertown MN
There are both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your mouth. The beneficial bacteria aids in digestion, while the harmful kind is associated with gum disease, dental caries, bad breath, and many other oral issues. Through daily brushing and flossing at home, you can maintain a low level of harmful bacteria in your mouth to such a level that it doesn’t adversely affect your oral health in the short-term. Unfortunately, there are areas in your mouth that are hard to clean with a toothbrush, where bacteria may build up in your mouth and cause harm.
Professional cleaning helps to prevent this by targeting every corner of your mouth to remove built-up plaque and calculus. This offers many benefits, including:
- Reduced tooth wear and cavities from acids in the mouth – plaque, the biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth, is responsible for producing acid that can erode your teeth, cause cavities, and damage your gums.
- Maintaining your bright smile – when plaque is not removed properly, it may calcify and mineralize into a hard substance (tartar) that not only changes the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, but also attracts more harmful bacteria. Tartar or calculus can only be removed during dental cleanings using specialized tools.
- Reduced risk of gingivitis – bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in gum infection. The first stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, and is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated with professional dental cleaning and an improved at-home oral care routine.
- Prevention of periodontitis – If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious, chronic, and irreversible case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.
Schedule Dental Cleaning Today
Professional dental cleaning can help you enjoy a healthy mouth and smile. Please visit your dentist for a thorough examination of your mouth and to determine the best type of dental cleaning in Watertown MN to improve your oral health.
Types of Dental Cleanings in Watertown MN
Scheduled professional teeth cleaning is a key component of your preventative dental care to maintain optimal dental health and minimize the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends that dental cleanings be performed every six months by a dental practitioner. However, some people may require more frequent cleanings depending on their risk factors.
Your dentist may recommend one of the following types of dental cleanings after examining your teeth and gums:
1. Prophylaxis (prophy)
This is commonly referred to as “teeth cleaning”, and involves the removal of accumulated plaque from your teeth, which cannot be removed by regular brushing at home. The process also includes tooth polishing, and should be done every 8 to 16 weeks. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding or gum pockets over 3mm.
2. Full Mouth Debridement
If your teeth are not professionally cleaned for more than a year, your teeth may have heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up. In such a case, regular prophylaxis may not be sufficient. So your dental professional may recommend full mouth debridement using hand tools and a micro-ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and calculus from your teeth and gums, and restore the health of your mouth.
3. Scaling and Root Planing
Commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”, this procedure is usually recommended for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth.
4. Periodontal Maintenance
Following treatment for periodontal disease through scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery, your dental professional may recommend this specialized cleaning every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your periodontal treatment follow up to reduce the risk of gum disease recurrence.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
The right type of dental cleaning in Watertown MN will be determined by your dental professional depending on the clinical condition of your teeth and gums, as well as your risk and history of periodontal disease and treatment. Please visit your dentist to discuss your cleaning needs today.
Dental Cleanings Near Me, Watertown MN
While many dental procedures can be dreadful, teeth cleanings are easily tolerated by most people because they’re not only simple and painless, but also an important part of maintaining your long-term oral health. Ideally, dental cleanings should be performed every 6-12 months to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause oral problems such as bad breath, cavities, gum disease, loose teeth, and so on. But your dentist may recommend shorter intervals if you’re at greater risk due to pregnancy, your lifestyle habits, or your general health.
So what exactly happens during a regular dental cleaning?
1. Tartar and Plaque Removal
The actual teeth cleaning process involves the use of specialized tools, such as scalers to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of individual teeth, between the teeth, and around the gum line. This step may take longer if it has been a long time since your last cleaning.
2. Polishing
When all the plaque and tartar has been removed from your teeth, the hygienist will use a special brush with a soft rubber cup. This not only removes any surface stains, but also makes your tooth surface smooth and shiny to make it harder for plaque to form.
3. Expert Flossing
This step helps to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps.
4. Rinsing
The dental hygienist uses a mouth rinse with liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth.
5. Fluoride Treatment
As the final step, your dental hygienist may apply flavored fluoride by putting it in flexible trays that are then placed over your teeth for 30 seconds. This helps to strengthen your teeth and enhance the protection against plaque and calculus.
Following the cleaning, your mouth may feel fresher and your teeth appear brighter. This is because teeth cleaning helps to prevent and treat gum disease and maintain tooth health, but also enhance the appearance of your smile. To learn more about what to expect from a routine dental cleaning in Watertown MN, please contact our office today.
Importance of Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning Watertown MN
No matter how diligent your at-home oral care routine is, harmful bacteria can still hide in your mouth in places that are hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing. After some time, the accumulated plaque and tartar can pose serious risks to your oral health and even affect your overall health if the bacteria spreads from your mouth to various body tissues. As such, it should be removed by a dental professional using specialized oral cleaning tools at a recommended interval.
Bacteria Growth in Your Mouth
The warm and moist environment in your mouth is very hospitable for the growth of bacteria, which manifests as:
- Plaque – the biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth. It is responsible for producing acid that can wear your teeth causing cavities and/or damage gums if not continuously removed by regular brushing
- Tartar or calculus – forms when plaque is not removed properly, causing it to calcify and mineralize into a hard substance that attracts more harmful bacteria. Calculus can only be removed during dental cleanings using specialized tools.
Dental Cleanings Prevent Gum Disease
Bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in gum infection. The first stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, and is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated with professional dental cleaning and an improved at-home oral care routine.
If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine the best type of dental cleaning in Watertown MN to improve your oral health and reduce the risk of advanced gum disease and cavities.
Dental Implant Benefits in Watertown MN
Since the invention of implant dentistry in the 1950s, dental implants have provided patients with a more reliable option to replace one or more missing teeth permanently, allowing them to enjoy the same long-term stability and ease of maintenance associated with natural teeth.
Getting a dental implant for a tooth replacement gives you a similar feeling to having a natural tooth because it stands firmly alone without requiring the support of adjacent teeth like dental bridgework. In fact, dental implants can be used to support other tooth replacements, like bridgework or dentures if you’re missing multiple teeth. Dental mini-implants can also function as temporary anchorage devices for moving crooked teeth with an orthodontic appliance, after which they’re extracted when the orthodontic treatment is completed.
Dental Implants are Good for Your Oral Health
Although there are other dental procedures that can be used to replace teeth or straighten them, dental implants are actually beneficial to your oral health in the following ways:
- Maintain the Structure of Your Teeth, Jaw, and Face – A dental implant will help to prevent the teeth adjacent to the gap from tilting or shifting, which may cause your bite to shift. The teeth on the opposing jaw may also grow irregularly because there’s no mate to make contact with, causing you to injure the gum tissue in that area and create a chronic sore spot. Moreover, the bone tissue under the gums may begin to shrink away (resorption) due to lack of stimulation during chewing, causing your face to appear aged. Implants can prevent this by integrating with the jawbone and providing stimulation when chewing.
- Conservative Restoration – Dental implants stand on their own without depending on the support of surrounding natural teeth, as is the case with dental bridgework. Implants are anchored to the jawbone, and do not affect existing healthy teeth.
- Safe – The implant is made from biocompatible materials like titanium, which fuse to the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, without triggering any allergic reactions.
- Natural Look and Feel – Since implants integrate to the underlying bone tissue, they are so stable that they look and feel like your natural teeth. You can continue to eat your favorite foods without any worry and practice your usual oral care routine.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Dental implants were invented in 1952. With the progress of science and technology in dentistry over the decades, the outcomes of dental implant surgical placement have improved greatly, producing a success rate of over 98%. To find out whether dental implants in Watertown MN are right for you, please visit your dentist today.
Tooth Implant Process in Watertown MN
What tests are carried out during dental implant consultation?
1. Physical examination – The dentist will physically examine the gap in your mouth where you’re planning to get a dental implant placed
2. Digital imaging – X-rays, CT scans, and/or panoramic films are required to assess the quality and quantity of jawbone
3. Medical history review – Your dentist will also review your medical history by assessing any infections, allergies, bleeding disorders, existing medical conditions, and medications before proceeding with the treatment.
How do you manage pain during the procedure?
During all your surgical procedure appointments, the dental surgeon will administer a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site, as well as any sedatives that you may require to calm your anxiety and make you comfortable.
Can I switch from another tooth replacement to dental implants?
The other tooth replacement options are dental bridgework and removable dentures. Dental bridgework is a permanent restoration that should serve you satisfactorily for many years. But if your removable dentures keep slipping due to a poor fit, then you may consider getting implant-supported dentures to improve their stability.
If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend bone grafting to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. If grafting is to be done in the upper jaw at the back where the sinus cavity is located, the procedure is known as sinus augmentation. Bone grafting takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement.
Can problems occur during implant placement?
The 98% success rate of dental implants is attributed to careful planning, which involves making sure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo dental surgery and heal and recover properly. But whenever a surgical procedure is involved, there is always an element of risk and potential complications to the success of the treatment or the patient. Your dentist will work with you to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
For more information on dental implants in Watertown MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
Dental Implants – Associated Costs | Watertown MN
Many dental professionals today consider dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement. Yet, most dental insurance products do not cover the entire cost of dental implant placement because they consider dental implants as an elective procedure. That said, your insurance provider can cover the cost of getting a replacement crown depending on the material you choose for fabrication.
During your consultation, your dental team will discuss with you the expected treatment plan and total cost of getting dental implants. Generally, there is a variety in the price range for a single dental implant. The actual amount depends on:
- The position of the implant site in the mouth
- Experience of the oral surgeon performing the procedure
- The location of the dental practise
- Cost of the replacement crown
- Complexity of your case – affects cost of dental services and dental materials consumed
Costs Associated with Complex Dental Implants
The standard procedure for performing a dental implant includes:
- Tooth or teeth removal and site preparation before placing the dental implant.
- Implant placement – A dental implant (titanium post) is placed into the bone using a special drill and tools. The surgeon will then place a “healing cap” over the implant before stitching up the gum.
- Monitoring visits – You will have to wait for 2-6 months for the site to heal and the implant to integrate with the bone tissue. A temporary denture will be placed at the site for aesthetic purposes. You will need to visit your oral surgeon or dentist to track your recovery and make sure that there is no infection.
- Abutment placement – After successful integration of the implant to the bone, an abutment will be connected to the implant using a screw. Then an impression of the abutment is taken and sent to the dental lab to fabricate your custom crown.
- Tooth replacement – When the crown is ready, it will be secured to the abutment by cementing or with a screw.
But if the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting or sinus augmentation to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. This takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement. During this time, you will need to make regular dental visits for tracking your healing.
Get Dental Implants Today
Although dental implants are expensive, and the treatment takes several months before you can start enjoying your investment, the final result is extremely satisfying. Dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and after treatment, you won’t need to see your dentist for follow-up visits, except for routine professional cleaning.
For more information on dental implants in Watertown MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
Dental Crowns Treatment – What to Expect | Watertown MN
Your dentist may recommend dental crowns if you have a severely decayed or fractured tooth that cannot be successfully restored using dental filling or bonding. Crowns can also be used to strengthen a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy; to support dental bridgework for replacing missing teeth; or to act as the tooth replacement itself when anchored to a dental implant.
There are two categories of dental crowns: those prepared and placed on the same day, and those that are fabricated in a dental laboratory and require two appointments to complete the treatment.
Same-Day Crowns
You can get your permanent crown prepared and installed on the same day, if the material is suitable for crafting in the dentist’s office. This is the case for zirconium crowns. The tooth is prepared the normal way. But instead of making an impression of the tooth, the dentist uses a wand scanner to capture pictures of the teeth. The images are uploaded into a computer where CAD software (computer-aided design) is used to design a 3D model that can be used to fabricate a replacement ceramic crown in about 15 minutes.
Regular Dental Crowns
Most of the materials used for dental crowns, including porcelain and metals need to be crafted into custom crowns in a dental lab. This process takes two to three weeks, so you’ll have to wear a temporary crown in the meantime.
The tooth preparation process involves removal of any decay and infection, followed by filing down the tooth to maximize the retention of the crown and to ensure a good fit that doesn’t distort your smile. This process is carried out under local anesthesia. After tooth preparation, a mold or impression of the tooth will be made and sent to the lab to fabricate your permanent custom crown. An impression of the opposing tooth may also be created to ensure a perfect fit with the mouth closed.
Impressions are created using putty or paste that is spread over the prepared tooth and then pulled away so it keeps the shape of the tooth involved. The dentist can also note down specific details about the replacement tooth, such as the natural shade and fit, so it’s unnoticeable when you smile.
To protect the prepared tooth, a temporary or transition crown will be placed on it. This crown is typically made from plastic material (acrylic), and is held in place using a temporary cementing medium to allow easy removal at your next visit. When the permanent crown is ready, it will be fitted and adjusted for any bite variations. The dentist will check for accuracy and assess the aesthetics. If there are no issues, the crown can be cemented to your tooth.
Maintain Your Healthy Teeth and Smile
To ensure the longevity of your restoration and prevent damage to your other teeth, you should practice good oral hygiene as instructed by your dentist.
To ask about Dental Crowns in Watertown MN please contact us today.
Dental Crowns for Tooth Replacement & Cosmetic Purposes | Watertown MN
A dental crown is a customized tooth cap designed to cover a damaged tooth in order to restore its shape and size, enhance its strength, and improve its appearance. When successfully cemented in place, a dental crown encases the portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing total protection.
Dental Crowns for Tooth Repair
This may be necessary if you have extensive tooth damage that has compromised the structure of your natural teeth. For instance, your dentist may recommend dental crowns to:
- Protect a chipped, broken, or fractured tooth and prevent further damage
- Repair large cavities that cannot be successfully repaired with dental fillings
- Replace previously placed fillings and strengthen the tooth.
- Encase a tooth restored with root canal therapy to strengthen it and cover up the filler material for an aesthetic finish
Dental Crowns for Tooth Replacement
If you want to replace one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend either bridgework or implants. A dental bridge refers to an artificial tooth that is anchored to the teeth adjacent to the gap, holding it firmly in place. The artificial tooth is bonded to the adjacent teeth through dental crowns so it stays suspended in the gap. If you opt for dental implants, a titanium post will be implanted into the jawbone to serve as the tooth root. Once it heals, a crown will be connected to the post via an abutment, becoming your replacement tooth.
Dental Crowns for Cosmetic Purposes
Dental crowns are custom-made to restore the shape, size, and even shade of a damaged tooth if you use a tooth-colored crown. As such, your dentist may recommend crowns to enhance the appearance of imperfect teeth such as:
- Excessively or unevenly worn down – resulting in very short teeth
- Badly shaped teeth
- Severely stained teeth
- Widely gapped teeth
Learn More about Dental Crowns
Depending on your specific case, your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate material for your custom dental crowns, restoring the function or aesthetic of your mouth, or both. To learn more about Dental Crowns in Watertown MN please contact us today.
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Invisalign
With advances in dental technologies, it is now possible to straighten your teeth discreetly without the use of traditional metal braces.
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