Restorative Dentistry

Dental Crown vs Dental Filling

Posted on: 06.9.15 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

The first time you are told that one of your teeth needs a dental crown (cap) you may wonder why you can’t simply have a filling done? There is a very big difference between a filling and a crown, and the recommendation is based on the condition of your tooth and which treatment will give it the best chance of long term stability and health. All filling material starts out soft and then gets more firm once placed inside the tooth. Fillings being successful are dependent on good strong outer walls of your tooth to provide support.

When the inside of your tooth has been decayed or removed to a point where the outside enamel walls are fragile placing a filling subjects the tooth to unnecessary risk of a new cavity forming or the walls of the tooth fracturing off. A crown is placed around the outside of your tooth, supporting the entire tooth and adding strength and resilience. In addition to a tooth that has been weakened from the inside by a cavity or previous filling, if your tooth is cracked or broken reinforcing it from the outside is the best treatment.

Both fillings and crowns have a lifespan and will need to be replaced in the future. Our goal is to recommend the treatment that will last the longest based on the condition of your tooth and has the least risk that that tooth will have future problems.

Dental Implant Abutments Explained

Posted on: 06.2.15 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

Today when a natural tooth is lost the ideal solution to replace both the function and esthetics is to use dental implants. the process of replacing a tooth requires several steps and three distinct replacement pieces, the dental implant, implant abutment and crown. Dental Implants are replacement tooth roots and are placed in the bone below the gum tissue and fuse to your bone. In order to connect a dental crown, dental bridge or a denture to a dental implant once it is healed a connector piece is required, called a dental implant abutment. Dental implant abutments come in many shapes and sizes but all accomplish the same goal. The abutment nests inside a hollow area in the center of the implant and then is retained in place with a screw. The majority of the abutment extends above the gum tissue, then the crown is attached to the abutment. The shape, size and material the abutment is made of will be chosen based on the type of tooth being replaced (front tooth or back tooth), the type of replacement tooth or denture being planned and the material from which the replacement tooth or teeth are being fabricated. If you are having dental implants abutments are a required piece of completing your care.

What Are Dental Implants?

Posted on: 01.8.14 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

For many people with missing teeth, a dental implant can be the best choice for replacing them. The main benefits of dental implants are:

The next best thing to natural teeth
Strong, stable & comfortable
Protects healthy bone
Protects healthy teeth
Longest term solution vs. other restorations

Dental implants are a titanium replacement for the tooth root. Every tooth has two major parts; the part you can see above your gum tissue is called the “crown” of the tooth. The majority of the tooth is hidden beneath the gum and this is the “root” of the tooth. When you loose a substantial portion of the crown of the tooth due to a cavity or fracture the root alone can no longer be used to hold a replacement such as a porcelain crown. In these cases the root of your tooth will be removed and you can have a dental implant as a replacement to the tooth root.

Modern dental implants are made of titanium and come in varying lengths and diameters. Once the dental implant is placed, your body will attach bone to its’ external surface. Once this “integration” process has taken place, a porcelain crown can be attached to the implant. The inside of a dental implant is hollow and threaded to accept a screw; an “abutment” screws into this hollow area and extends above the gum line to hold the pretty porcelain crown.

For most people, dental implants are a great choice due to their predictability, function, comfort and appearance!

Why Do I Need a Post and Core in My Tooth?

Posted on: 09.5.13 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

A “post and core” dental restoration allows us to save teeth that have had a root canal but are severely broken down by cavities or fractures. A post allows the dentist to secure the filling material and a dental crown to what is left of the tooth and the root. A post can come in many types of materials from stainless steel to porcelain.

The post is placed into the center of the root of the tooth where previously there was living tissue. This living tissue was removed during the root canal and the very end of the root sealed or filled to prevent bacteria from entering. The space is fitted with the post and it is cemented inside the tooth.

Teeth that require a post are already significantly damaged. The most important consideration in the lifespan of a tooth with a post is the amount of your real tooth that is left to support the crown. The more of your real tooth that is left the better. The advantages of a post include keeping your natural tooth and maintaining the most natural appearance and health of gum tissue and bone around the tooth root.

If you might require a post and core restoration, we will help you understand the process and expected lifespan. An alternative to a post and core dental restoration is a a dental implant. We can help you understand the benefits these restorations provide and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Dental Implants Versus Dental Bridge?

Posted on: 08.29.13 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

Dental Implant Replacing a Missing Tooth

Sometimes despite a lifetime of good dental care, a tooth will be lost. Replacing a missing tooth is very important and there are several options available. Most patients today want something that stays in their mouth, isn’t removed for cleaning and lets them eat anything they want. Two such solutions are a dental bridge or a dental implant.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge requires that we place a dental crown on the tooth in front of and the tooth behind the missing tooth space. These two “anchor teeth”, once crowned, can still get new cavities and they could need to have a root canal; these are two of the most common reasons we replace dental bridges. A dental bridge can last as long as 15-20 years, but on average you can expect it to last 7-10 years. Because the three teeth are hooked together you will no longer be able to floss between them, but we will teach you how to floss with a special device called a floss threader.

Achieving an exquisite long lasting result with a dental bridge requires several key steps. The first step will be creating a thorough treatment plan that allows us to understand the esthetic goals as well as plan for optimal function. Using the treatment plan as a guide, models of your teeth may be sent to a dental laboratory and a prototype of the bridge created in wax. This prototype is used to fabricate a transitional or temporary bridge to confirm the esthetic and functional results and make any necessary adjustments. The final step is fabrication of the final bridge and cementation over the teeth or implants being used as supports. The total time to complete this process averages 2-3 months.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made of titanium. It is placed into the bone in the space left by the missing tooth. Once it heals a dental crown is placed on top of this new artificial tooth root. The two teeth beside the space will not need to be crowned. and you will still be able to floss between these teeth as before. The process of placing a dental implant and crown will take 3-9 months to allow time for the implant location to heal and strengthen. Once the dental implant is ready and the crown placed, it provides long term stability with no risk of cavities and other risks are minimal. It is difficult to predict a replacement time frame as the implant and crown may be stable for many decades.

A dental implant and crown will cost between 10-15% more then a dental bridge initially, however you can expect much lower recurring costs and need for future dental treatment.

Do You take My Dental Insurance?

Posted on: 08.28.13 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

Many people have dental insurance, and rightly so want to take advantage of their benefits. There are three types of dental insurance plans. The first, referred to as a DMO, requires that you see an in-network provider to receive benefits. The second type, referred to as a PPO, allows you to go to both an in-network and an out-of-network provider of your choice. The last type of dental insurance, called indemnity, does not have a network of providers and therefore you can see any dentist.

Desert Sun Smiles is always happy to file your insurance and allow the insurance company to pay us directly. We will verify your insurance benefits before treatment is started and based on the information will estimate your portion. At the time of treatment we will collect only your estimated portion. We normally receive the insurance company payment in 2-4 weeks. For patients who have a PPO and Desert Sun Smiles is out-of-network”, the difference will be an increase in your portion of the fee. This increase can be as little as 10-20 dollars for an exam and cleaning appointment.

I Have a Black Line Around My Crown

Posted on: 08.26.13 By Dr. Lee Ann Brady

Photo of teeth with black lines around crowns

Black Lines Around Teeth

Have you ever noticed a black line around the edge of a tooth that has a dental crown? If so, you may be concerned that this is a new cavity or that something is wrong with your tooth or the crown. Anytime you notice something new or different in your mouth you should consult with your dentist to determine what may have caused the change. Often a black line around a crown is nothing to be concerned with. An older method for making dental crowns used a layer of metal that fit over your tooth and was covered with tooth-colored porcelain.

Photo of teeth with no black lines around crown

Black Lines Eliminated

The porcelain was tapered down close to the edge of the metal underneath, but did not cover it completely. Originally the point at which the crown and your tooth met was placed under the edge of your gum tissue to hide this thin band of metal. Over time as you have aged and your gum tissue has receded the thin band of metal may have become visible. Today most dental crowns can be made without this thin band of metal so that they stay beautiful over time.

If you have any questions or concerns about your own teeth or gums, let us know. We can tell you if the black line you see is simply the band of metal, and rule out any other issue or cavity that would need attention.