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What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of the tooth. A small amount of tooth enamel must be removed to accommodate the shell. Veneers are mainly used for cosmetic purposes. A crown covers the entire tooth surface to the gumline & is custom-crafted usually using a metal base with a porcelain coating fused to the base. Crowns can also be crafted from all porcelain for aesthetic reasons. A crown makes the tooth stronger and improves its appearance. Crowns are used to cover dental implants. Because of their thickness more tooth enamel must be removed in the preparation process.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and lumineers?
Lumineers are much thinner (contact lens thin) than traditional porcelain veneers and there may be no need to remove any tooth enamel for placement. It is even possible to remove Lumineers if desired. They can make discolored or yellowed teeth look naturally white, correct uneven spacing, lengthen short teeth, and completely reshape awkward teeth.
What is a root canal and how is it performed?
A root canal is a safe way of saving a diseased or injured tooth. A root canal (endodontic treatment) is performed if the tooth pulp becomes injured or infected. The dentist will remove the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue of the tooth & extends to the tip of the tooth’s root in the jawbone), clean and shape the canal and place a filling. A crown is usually required after a root canal, but this can be discussed with your dentist.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
A crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore structure, function and appearance. In most cases the underlying tooth has been weakened or cracked.
What is a dental implant?
An implant provides a way other than a bridge to replace a missing tooth or to help retain a denture or bridge. .A dental implant is surgically placed in the bone and an artificial tooth is fitted to the post.
What does an implant cost?
The cost varies from case to case. The surgeon’s fee for placing the implant is separate from the fee to restore the implant.
Will my insurance cover implants?
Insurance plans vary greatly but our business staff will help you determine the amount your insurance plan will pay.
What is the difference between amalgam and composite restorations (fillings)?
Dental amalgam is a stable dental alloy and is a safe, commonly-used restorative material. Amalgam restorations can withstand very high chewing forces. Disadvantages are possible short-term sensitivity to hot or cold after the filling is placed and a restoration that is not natural-looking. The dentist may also need to remove more tooth structure to accommodate an amalgam restoration than would be removed for a composite restoration which may, over the long haul, weaken the teeth in certain situations. Composite restorations are a mixture of glass and quartz-filler in a resin medium and provide a tooth-colored restoration. Composites can be adhesively held in a cavity, usually allowing the dentist to remove less tooth structure than for an amalgam restoration.
Why won’t my insurance company always pay for composite restorations?
Some insurance companies look at the cosmetic advantages of a tooth-colored restoration and choose to pay only the cost of a utilitarian (amalgam) restoration.
Should I have my amalgam (silver) restorations replaced?
It is not necessary unless the restoration (filling) has been worn away, chipped or cracked. If the seal between the restoration and the tooth enamel breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the restoration.
Is there a problem with mercury in amalgam restorations?
No. The mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth.
What is a cracked tooth or cracked tooth syndrome?
Some teeth have cracks that are too small to show up on x-rays. Sometimes the cracks are under the gumline. Cracked tooth syndrome is most common in the back teeth (the molars) because these teeth absorb most of the forces of chewing. Teeth with large fillings may be more likely to crack, as are teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and have not been restored with a crown. Many people with a cracked tooth may have symptoms for months before a definitive diagnosis can be made.
How many appointments are involved with dentures?
It depends on whether or not you need to have existing teeth extracted, but there will be at least three appointments. Your dentist will want to make sure you get a precise fit. He will, also, want to check after you have worn your dentures and answer any questions you might have at that time. What is the difference between a crown and a veneer? Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of the tooth. A small amount of tooth enamel must be removed to accommodate the shell. Veneers are mainly used for cosmetic purposes. A crown covers the entire tooth surface to the gumline & is custom-crafted usually using a metal base with a porcelain coating fused to the base. Crowns can also be crafted from all porcelain for aesthetic reasons. A crown makes the tooth stronger and improves its appearance. Crowns are used to cover dental implants. Because of their thickness more tooth enamel must be removed in the preparation process.
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