If all our teeth were properly formed and arranged, we’d have a lot less fuss with our teeth. The reality is that for most of us, things go wrong with our teeth for reasons such as wear and tear, disease, trauma, heredity, diet, etc. When such things affect the building blocks of our smiles, dental restorations such as crowns can restore the useful function, toughness, and appearance of lost or heavily weakened or damaged tooth structure. At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, MO, we want you to know your options when it comes to crowns.

What is a crown?

A crown covers (or “caps”) the visible part of a tooth to restore its ideal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of the tooth. People often ask, “Can you just fill the tooth instead of using a crown?” in order to save time and money. Fillings work dependably when enough sides of a tooth are present and strong enough to retain the filling material. When the sides of the tooth are lost or badly weakened, a crown is the longest lasting solution to restoring a tooth to useful function. Crowns can protect weak teeth from fracturing and prevent a cracked tooth from greater damage. They also correct discolored or misshapen teeth for a more visually pleasing smile.

What’s involved in having a crown made?

Receiving a crown usually spans two dental visits in our Jefferson City dentist office. During the first visit we do an examination of the tooth to see how it should be restored and shape the tooth for the crown. If the tooth lacks sides with enough height, a core build-up (sometimes including a post), is done to ensure the crown stays securely on the tooth during normal use. A provisional crown is produced and temporarily cemented on after making an impression or mold of the tooth for the laboratory. Next comes the insertion of the final crown, produced in a laboratory, a couple of weeks later.

What’s a post and core build-up?

We add a filling material to create a more ideal shape for supporting and retaining a crown (core build-up) when decay or fracture shortens or weakens the tooth’s sides. When much of the visible portion of the tooth is missing, a root canal treatment may be recommended to allow use of a small peg or post within the root to retain the buildup supporting the crown.

Will a crown look natural?

It can, depending on the type of crown you choose to have made. A crown can be fabricated from ceramic, from precious metal, or from a combination of ceramic and metal. A ceramic crown can look so much like a natural tooth you’d swear it was the ‘real thing’. The material chosen for your crown depends on location, visibility, wear patterns on the teeth, underlying color, and perhaps other factors, too.

How should I take care of my crown?

Crowns are very tough and durable, but they’re not completely indestructible, so it’s wise to avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. Grinding or clenching your teeth can damage either crowns or the teeth they oppose. It’s always advisable to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit our Jefferson City dentist office regularly for checkups and hygiene treatment. If you’ve invested in a crown, you want to protect that investment!

DID YOU KNOW THAT WOMEN HAVE special challenges when it comes to their oral health? Hormonal cycles can affect the way women’s bodies react to bacteria and plaque inside their mouths. If you’re a woman—or if you’d like to pass this information along to a woman who could benefit from it—our team at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri encourages you to learn more about these important women’s oral health facts.

Hormonal Cycles Can Affect Gums

Puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation cause increased progesterone and estrogen levels which can lead to increased gum sensitivity. There’s also a condition known as menstruation gingivitis, which can cause some women to experience increased bleeding and swollen gums right before menstruation. This condition is typically not serious and clears up quickly. Gingivitis during pregnancy can be more severe, and may even cause non-cancerous oral tumors. That’s another reason why it’s important for women’s oral health to keep their regular checkup appointments during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives also increase hormonal levels in women’s bodies which can cause increased sensitivity and vulnerability to gum disease. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can also create oral health problems including dry mouth syndrome, which can significantly add to tooth decay risk damaging women’s oral health.

Other Women’s Oral Health Problems That Occur More Than In Men

Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). TMD causes strain on one’s jaw joint and potential damage to teeth, often as a result of clenching and/or teeth grinding.

HPV is becoming more common, and research is increasingly suggesting a link between HPV and oral cancer. Regular oral cancer screenings are important whether or not a woman has high risk factors.

As you know, women are much more susceptible to osteoporosis than men which can cause jaw bone loss and associated periodontal disease problems.

The Great News? Women Take Better Care Of Their Oral Health!

As you might expect, a helpful remedy in many instances is to simply maintain good oral health habits! Fortunately, women are better at this than men! A recent studyof over 800 young men and women shows:

• Women are more consistent when it comes to regular checkups
• Women exhibit better attitudes toward dentistry in general
• Women have better personal oral health habits

OK… Here’s Just A Fun Little Aside From “The View”
This isn’t dentistry specific, but it’s a fun little twist on our discussion. Enjoy!

Questions?
If you have any questions about your oral health or any of the special challenges we’ve talked about above, be sure to ask us! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us—and we promise to be very responsive! You can make a comment below, or even connect with us on our Facebook page.

YOU are a valued part of Stadium Dental Center. Thanks for being our patient!

Enamel and Erosion

 

Your teeth’s enamel may be tough, but your teeth still need your help to protect them from erosion. Find out below how you can avoid problems with enamel erosion.

What is tooth enamel?

Enamel is the white looking outer covering of the tooth crown. This protective shell is the hardest tissue in the human body but it can be softened by exposure to acids.

What does tooth enamel do?

Tooth enamel protects your teeth from daily wear and tear. It also protects teeth from sensitivity to heat and cold.  And, although this tissue is tough, it can chip or crack. Unfortunately, enamel can only remineralize (re-harden) to a certain degree, so it’s important to protect it from damage, and if it becomes damaged, to have Dr. Cardon repair the damage for you.

What is acid erosion of enamel?

Acid erosion occurs when acids wear away at the tooth’s enamel. When this occurs, it exposes the tooth’s inner layers, which increases sensitivity and makes the tooth more susceptible to cavities or tooth decay.

What causes acid erosion of the enamel?

Acid erosion can be caused by the following:

• Excessive soft drink consumption, especially with beverages that contain high levels of phosphoric and citric acids
• Sports and energy drinks
• Fruit drinks
• Plaque
• Diets high in sugar and starches
• Medical factors that damage the enamel including acid corrosion (due to conditions such as bulimia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD)

Damage to the enamel also can be caused by environmental factors, including friction (bruxism) and abrasion (brushing too hard).

What are the signs of enamel erosion?

The signs of erosive damage vary but may include:

• Tooth sensitivity that ranges from mild to severe when exposed to certain foods and temperatures
• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth transparency
• Cracks and chips on the edges of teeth

Another sign of erosion is indentations in the tooth’s surface. These tiny indentations may be referred to as “cupping.”

How can acid erosion of enamel be prevented?

It’s important to brush and floss teeth daily, as well as see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. If erosion is a concern, we may recommend the following:

• Eliminate or reduce highly acidic foods and drinks from your diet.
• Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Acidic foods and drinks soften the enamel, which then can be damaged by the abrasive action of brushing. Wait to brush for at least 30 minutes to allow your mouth to produce enough saliva to neutralize the acidity and allow the enamel to re-harden.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Water helps dilute acidity in the mouth.
• If you drink acidic drinks, use a straw and don’t swish the liquid around in your mouth. (The straw pushes the liquid to the back of your mouth, reducing contact with the teeth.)
•  Avoid sugary snacks
• Chew sugar-free gum between meals. Chewing gum increases saliva production.
• Drink water throughout the day.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste

Ask Dr. Cardon about whether or not you should add a fluoride mouthwash to your daily oral health care routine. For some individuals, this may be recommended.

How is enamel erosion treated?

If enamel loss is minimal, we may apply a bonding material that will protect the tooth and improve its appearance. If the enamel loss is more significant, Dr. Cardon may recommend protecting the tooth by covering it with a crown. Together we can determine the best treatment option for you at Stadium Dental Center.

Learn more at http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth

 

 

 

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD someone say that after you cut your finger, and it heals, that the scar tissue is stronger than normal tissue? Some opinions vary, but it appears that this notion is more myth than truth. But what about your teeth and your restorative dental work? Can a filling or a crown get a cavity?

It’s Important To Keep A Watchful Eye On Fillings And Other Dental Restorations

Regardless of where (or how long ago) dental procedures were performed, it’s really important to keep an eye on them. That’s a big part of your regular checkups at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. Here’s why:

1. Decay can sneak in around dental fillings, crowns, and other restorative dental work.
2. Sometimes, restorative work gives plaque additional nooks and crannies to hide in.
3. Typically, the lifespan of dental fillings is shorter than the lifespan of your tooth.
4. Checking for unusual wear, cracks, and chips can save much bigger problems later including more serious problems like gum disease and tooth loss.

How Long Should A Filling Last?

The results from research and studies into this question vary greatly. One of the reasons it’s difficult to predict the lifespan of a dental filling is because the conditions surrounding that filling are different in every case. It can depend on one or several of the following factors:

• The material used to create the filling. Amalgam, composite, gold?
• Where the filling is situated in the mouth. Under frequent pressure? Rarely used for chewing?
• How the filling is cared for. Consistent, thorough brushing and flossing?
• Is the patient a “grinder”? People who grind their teeth are harder on their dental work.
• Nature of the host tooth. Is the filling a small portion of the tooth? A larger portion?
• Does the patient frequently eat hard, sticky foods and/or candies?

“An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”

Your mom was right—an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. That’s why regular checkups are SO important. When dental fillings and other dental work get older and worn, they can be more prone to cracks (or even falling out). Regular appointments allow these things to be monitored and checked to catch problems before they become emergencies.

Next time you visit Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, ask us about possible options for replacing old dental fillings, and how long you can expect yours to last. For some people, this is also a cosmetic decision because today’s tooth-colored fillings and restorations can look a lot nicer when you smile. If you have concerns or questions BEFORE your next appointment, please comment below or on our Facebook page and we will get right back to you.

We hope this information has been helpful to you.

We can’t express it often enough… Thank you for being our valued patients and friends! We appreciate you.