Smiles For Life

Sources:

If you would like more information on Smiles for Life, please check out this short video: http://youtu.be/asAom_V5ukY or visit them at: http://www.smilesforlife.org

If you would like to learn more about the organization we specifically work with, Hope Arising, you may check out this video: http://youtu.be/zi06jlAVQOc or visit their website here: http://hopearising.org (you may even see some of our great Doctors pictured on their page!)

Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Alameda Dental Care, charity, children, hope arising, North Stapley Dental Care, Shalimar Family Dentistry, Smiles for Life, whitening
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February 16, 2015

What is a Sealant?

Katie Moynihan RDH

What is a Sealant?

Dental sealants are thin plastic-like coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. They work by providing a protective shield over the deep grooves and pits to seal out plaque and food. Often times, your toothbrush bristles do not reach all the way into the grooves to remove plaque and food. Once these vulnerable areas of your teeth are sealed, you can decrease your chance of tooth decay and be on your way to maintaining a healthy mouth!

How are sealants applied?

In 5 easy steps:

1. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned.

2. It is then dried properly and covered in cotton, so it stays dry.

3. A solution is applied on the tooth to make it rough, so the sealant sticks better.

4. The tooth is rinsed, dried and again covered in cotton, so it stays dry.

5. The sealant material is painted on the tooth and hardened with a light.

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life. Sealants are often applied on children as a preventative method once their adult molars come in. However, adults with deep grooves on their teeth can also benefit from sealants. The process is a quick and painless method. Once applied, sealants can withstand the force of normal chewing and last for several years. During your regular dental visits, we will check the condition of the sealant and re-apply as needed.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

Hood, Alex. Sealants: A Weapon Against Cavities. http://www.deltadentalar.com/blog/sealants-a-weapon-against-cavities

Dental Sealants. (2013). http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/faqs/sealants.htm

Sealants. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

Posted in Health, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Talk, Uncategorized, What is...
Tagged Alameda Dental Care, Cavity, children, dental, Dental Sealants, North Stapley Dental Care, prevention, Shalimar Family Dental, teeth, tooth
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February 8, 2015

Dental Fears

Becky Larson RDH

I once had an elementary school teacher who would scream if she heard the word “dentist.” About 75% of the population has some form of dental anxiety while about 5-10% of the population has an actual dental phobia. There are various degrees of dental anxiety/phobia, some even requiring psychiatric help. Those who experience this fear of going to the dentist will often avoid dental appointments until they are in extreme pain. I think we all realize that sometimes going to the dentist is just not fun. However, some signs that you may suffer from legitimate dental anxiety/phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment, nervous feelings that increase in the dental office waiting room, crying or feeling physically sick when thinking about the dentist, and/or panic attacks or difficulty breathing when at or thinking of the dentist.

So what causes dental anxiety or dental phobia? Some common reasons for experiencing dental anxiety are fear of pain, fear of injections, fear that injections won’t work, fear of anesthetic side effects, fear of not being in control, embarrassment, and loss of personal space. The key to dealing with any of these fears is to talk to your dentist. If your dentist is aware of your fear(s) he/she can suggest ways to make you feel more comfortable when in the dental chair. Some helpful strategies include:

Having your dentist explain procedures in detail prior to and during treatment
Topical anesthetic and/or closing your eyes during injections
Establish a “stop” signal when you want your dentist to stop or give you a break
Nitrous oxide prior to treatment
Prescription pre-medication (such as Halcion)
Sedation/general anesthesia

At our offices we do offer intravenous sedation techniques for dental treatment. With these techniques, sedation drugs are administered through an IV in the patient’s arm or hand. While the patient is sedated, they will still be still be conscious and able to respond to dental staff. They will also be able to breathe on their own.

Recognizing dental fears and finding ways to cope with them is extremely important to your dental health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent recurrent decay, which in turn can reduce the amount of time and money you spend at the dentist.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_phobia

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/The-Dental-Visit/article/What-is-Dental-Anxiety-and-Phobia.cvsp

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dnetal+anxiety&FORM=HDRSC2

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged Alameda Dental Care, Dental Anxiety, Dental Fears, Dental Phobia, dental sedation, dentist, hygiene, mouth, North Stapley Dental Care, Shalimar Family Dentistry, teeth, tooth
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January 26, 2015

Hydrogen Peroxide

Lora Cook RDH

Is Using Hydrogen Peroxide as a Mouth Rinse Safe?

Many commercial mouth washes and whitening strips have hydrogen peroxide as one of the key active ingredients. However many are using straight hydrogen peroxide as a mouth wash to kill germs. Is this a safe and effect practice?

Hydrogen peroxide is compose of water and oxygen that works to kills germs and bacteria, and helps to whiten teeth. It comes in either 1% or 3% concentrations. You can even see it in action! When it foams in your mouth you know that it is working at killing bacteria. It also can be used to clean your night guard, retainers, or even soak your tooth brush in. Best of all it is inexpensive.

However this is not the magic cure all, there are some strong precautions that I would like to share with you. While there are many benefits it can be harmful on gum tissue if used in too strong a solution or too long. It is very drying to the tissues. This will also work to kill good bacteria in the mouth. This will leave opportunity for yeast infections of the mouth to flourish, also called thrush. Candidiasis is a fungal or yeast infection of the mouth or throat. Candida yeast that normally live in the mucosa membrane will flourish causing a over growth of candida, commonly called yeast infections.

This can be a relatively safe practice by following a few guidelines; dilute peroxide with 50% water, and do use every day. If you are one of the many people who suffer from dry mouth stick with a over the counter rinse formulated for dry mouth sufferers.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/hydrogen-peroxide-as-mouthwash.html

http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/tooth-whiteners/l-3/6-tooth-whitening-side-effects.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/thrush#Symptoms4

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged bad breath, brush, dental, dry mouth, gingivitis, gums, hygiene, inflammation, mouth, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, oral hygiene tips, periodontal disease, whitening
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January 20, 2015

What is a Dental Implant?

Amanda Orvis RDH

A dental implant is a titanium post used to replace missing teeth and support dental prosthetics. Implants are surgically guided into the jaw bone and integrate with the bone to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge and/or denture.

Success or failure of dental implants can depend on a few factors. Smoking is one of the number one causes of implant failure. Smoking can slow down the healing as well as act as an irritant to the tissue and bone surrounding the implant. Certain prescription medications can affect the integration of the implant with the surrounding bone as well. Stress to the implant due to clenching and/or grinding, also known as bruxing, can also be a significant factor on the success or failure of the implants. All of these potential issues will be discussed during your implant evaluation appointment.

Individual tooth replacement

For an individual tooth, an implant is selected and placed into the site of the missing tooth. The implant is given 3-6 months time to heal and integrate into the surrounding bone so that it becomes permanently stable. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone the implant is ready to be restored. An impression is taken to allow a custom crown to be fabricated. Once the crown is fabricated, an implant abutment is placed into the implant and secured by a screw. The crown is then cemented in place on top of the implant abutment.

Implant supported bridge

An implant supported bridge is a group of teeth supported by two or more dental implants. The process of placing an implant supported bridge is very similar to the individual implant placement discussed above. To begin, implants are selected and placed into the sites of two or more missing teeth. The implants are given time to heal and to integrate with the surrounding bone. Once the implants have integrated with the surrounding bone the implants are ready to be restored. An impression is taken to allow a custom bridge to be fabricated. Implant abutments are placed into the implants and then secured with screws. The implant abutments will act as anchors to support the floating teeth between the implants known as pontics. The bridge is then cemented in place on top of the implant abutments.

Implant Supported Denture

Implant supported dentures can be made to be removable or permanently fixed into the mouth. Removable implant supported dentures can be disconnected from the implant abutments with finger pressure by the wearer. To enable this, the abutment is shaped as a small connector, which can be connected to an adapter on the underside of the denture. A permanently fixed implant supported denture is secured in place by your dentist with screws. Even though dentures are placed, it is still import to note that you must visit with your dentist at least once a year to have your tissue and implants examined.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://www.google.com/search?q=dental+implants&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS478US479&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=rdJqVJ6MK8XNiAKv9YCQCQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=2133&bih=952&dpr=0.75#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=eMm4N-kgaUlBlM%253A%3B3WWM7H1IqnqHuM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.elkgrovesmilecenter.com%252Fthedentalsitecontent%252F887%252FImage%252Fdental-implants-scenarios.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.elkgrovesmilecenter.com%252FServices%252FElk-Grove-Village-Dental-Implants%252F2390%3B700%3B190

https://www.google.com/search?q=parts+of+a+dental+implant&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS478US479&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zdFqVKW1F8bAiAL3ooCQCw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=hx7UArv80aA4QM%253A%3B9CZitcw3Pnhl3M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.orlyvilla.com%252Fparts-of-a-dental-implant-250x.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.orlyvilla.com%252Fapps%252Fvideos%252F%3B250%3B188

https://www.google.com/search?q=implant+supported+bridge&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS397US398&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=p4tjVM-nPI-sogTz8ILQCw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=708%20-%20facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=ky4WogzaSbnB7M%253A%3BzRnYA9mCT4yCFM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.longislandperio.com%252Ffiles%252F2012%252F01%252F3-unit-implant-bridge_ti-abutments_tcm261-41493.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.longislandperio.com%252Fdental-implants%252#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=BaJFRVOs6xP5WM%253A%3BWRT69acQ4lnnqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.foralifetimeofsmiles.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F07%252Fimplant-supported-bridge.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.foralifetimeofsmiles.com%252Foral-surgery%252F%3B400%3B164

https://www.google.com/search?q=types+of+implant+supported+denture&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS397US398&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=JY1jVJDkCNLSoATo-YDQBg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=708%20-%20facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=o0SUhE97Ov1DRM%253A%3B9ZakGA12S_8WBM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Floulyprostheticdentistry.com%252Fuploads%252F3%252F2%252F4%252F8%252F3248400%252F6261953.jpg%253F318%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.loulyprostheticdentistry.com%252Fdental-implants

Posted in Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged dental, Dental Implants, dentist, hygiene, Implant retained denture, Implant Supported Bridge, mouth, smile, teeth, tooth
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November 21, 2014

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Peggy Storr RDH

Just as in other areas of medicine, lasers are increasingly becoming more common in dentistry. Lasers are instruments that produce a very narrow but intense beam of light. The light can remove or shape tissue. While lasers have been used in dentistry since 1985, its estimated that only 6% of dental offices utilize lasers. With improvements in technology and as the cost of lasers decrease, a greater number of dentists and hygienists will feel confident in incorporating lasers into their treatments.

How are lasers used in dentistry?

Hard Tissue (or Tooth) Laser Procedures

Cavity detection: Lasers provide readings of by-products produced by tooth decay
Tooth preparation for fillings- dental lasers may soon eliminate the need for anesthetic and the dental drill.
Tooth Sensitivity-lasers may be used to seal tubules located on the root of the tooth that are responsible for sensitive teeth.
Help treat infections in root canals

Soft Tissue (or Gum) Laser Procedures

Reshaping of gum tissue to expose tooth structure if needed to place a filling
Reshaping gum tissue to improve the appearance of a gummy smile
Remove inflamed gum tissues and aid in the treatment of gum disease
Removing muscle attachments causing “tongue-tie”
Removing benign tumors from gums, palate, sides of cheeks and lips
Reducing pain and minimize healing of cold sores
Treat pain and inflammation of temporomandibular joint disorder

While lasers do not yet replace the traditional dental drill, or the instruments the dental hygienist uses to scale teeth, improvements in laser technology will soon offer quicker, more effective and more comfortable procedures than in the past. This is good news for all especially those of you are anxious at the thought of visiting the dentist!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/laser-use-dentistry

www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-21/dental-lasers

Lesley Ranft, The Future of Dental Lasers, Retrieved from http://www.Consumer Guide to Dentistry

Lesley Ranft, Laser Dentistry: Enhancing Dental Treatment with Lasers, Retrieved from http://www.Consumer Guide to Dentistry

http://www.Know Your Teeth.com/infobites/abc/article What is Laser Dentistry? http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/laser/

www.dentistrytoday.com300

Posted in What is...
Tagged Alemeda Dental Care, dental laser, dentist, dentistry, gingiva, gums, mouth, North Stapley Dental Care, Shamilar Family Dental, teeth, tooth
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November 7, 2014

Sugar

Arianna Marsden RDH

With all the candy that has come into our homes as a result of trick or treating, now seems like a great time of year to review strategies for preventing cavities. Cavities are caused by acid-producing-bacteria that are present in our mouths. Bacteria consume the sugars in the foods we eat and produce acid. This acid produced by bacteria in our mouths softens the hardest outer layer of our teeth, the enamel, and causes tooth decay or cavities. Some of the best ways to prevent cavities are to eat sugars in moderation, limit the amount of time our teeth are exposed to acid, and practicing proper oral health habits.

In order to prevent cavities, it’s important to eat sugars in moderation. The sugars being referred to be not just the sugars found in candies and soda, but also natural sugars such as those found in fruits and nuts! Bacteria are not picky about the type of sugar they like to eat, and will produce enamel-softening acid even from something as healthy as sugar in an apple. Keep in mind that while fruits are important for a healthy diet, how frequently these sugars are consumed plays a big part in their capacity to cause cavities. This is why it’s important to limit the amount of time our teeth are exposed to acid.

When sugar is eaten, acid-levels in the mouth spike for a period of about one hour before they are neutralized again by the saliva. The longer sugar is in contact with our teeth, the longer bacteria have a chance to produce acid. Sticky candies, like sugared fruit snacks, caramels, or lollipops should be avoided, because they tend to stick to the teeth for a longer period of time.

Another factor that causes acid-levels in the mouth to stay high is grazing on candy throughout the day. This grazing-style of eating prevents the saliva from being able to neutralize the acid levels in the mouth, as they are continuously spiking from the intake of sugar. This high acid-level environment is the perfect storm for causing cavities, but there are some strategies we can use to assist our saliva in neutralizing the acid-level in our mouths. Drinking a glass of water, or thoroughly brushing teeth after eating sugar are great for neutralizing acid. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after eating has also been shown to stimulate saliva flow and quickly neutralize the acid-level in our mouths.

We should be brushing our teeth at least twice a day, with a soft toothbrush and a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing at least once a day is critical for removing plaque bacteria from between the teeth. Brushing and flossing removes plaque bacteria from our teeth, and fewer bacteria present in our mouths means less potential acid that can be produced. Fluoride has been demonstrated to dramatically reduce the damage caused by cavities, and when used properly, is a great strategy for preventing cavities.

Fluoride in our toothpaste and water at home can help prevent cavities, as well as professional fluoride treatments provided at the dentist’s office.

Being selective about the types of candy that we are giving to our trick or treaters, when and how much candy we are eating, and being especially conscientious about our oral health practices will be helpful strategies in preventing cavities this holiday season.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/caring-for-teeth/sugar-free-chewing-gum

Sources

http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/halloweendw.html

http://www.rudyard.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/toothbrush-and-toothpaste-and-floss.jpg

http://i3.dainikbhaskar.com/thumbnail/300×259/web2images/www.dailybhaskar.com/2014/05/15/4907_lollipop.jpg

http://stayhealthyla.org/blog/uploads//2010/03/sugar.jpg

https://www.dentalhealth.org/uploads/images/chewinggumchart.jpg

Posted in Tooth Talk
Tagged Alameda Dental Care, carie, Cavity, dentist, Halloween Candy, hygiene, North Stapley Dental Care, oral hygiene, Shalimar Family Dental, smile, sugar, teeth, tooth, tooth decay
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October 20, 2014

Stay Hydrated …and Keep Smiling

Ann Clark RDH

For a lot of people, summer fun means time in the sun and chilling in the pool. While cool water might feel good on the outside, it won’t lower your core body temperature. To do that, and avoid dehydration, you need to get enough water and other fluids inside your body.

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Did you know that if you are thirsty or feel worn down, you are already dehydrated? Other symptoms include light-headedness, headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, or dry mouth. Diet beverages although thought to make you hungrier and dehydrate you, actually do hydrate you and bonus…make you less hungry says a recent clinical trial published in the June issue of “Obesity”. Also consuming fruits and vegetables higher in water content can also aide in proper hydration (watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes etc). Staying hydrated can also reduce the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension, exercise asthma and hyperglycemia. Not only is a dry mouth uncomfortable while wearing a sport’s mouthguard, for example, but changes in your saliva’s composition can diminish it’s natural ability to buffer against decay-causing bacteria.

So keep our summer smile happening! Drink plenty of fluids-especially water-before, during, and after your fun in the sun!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

(http://www.mi-paste.com/about.php)

Information from the American Beverage Association 7/24/14

Referenced- “3 Tips to Staying Hydrated This Summer”

pic source: www.alsplumbing.com

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged dentist, dry, dry mouth, hydrated, mouth, thirsty, xerstomia
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October 14, 2014

Tooth in a Tube

Kara Johansen BS RDH

If your dentist said that there was a procedure he/she could do to prevent and reverse cavities would you do it?

Well, guess what, there is such a procedure! As a hygienist I would have appointments that were very frustrating. These patients use mouthwash, brush two times a day, floss 2 times a day, they don’t rinse out their toothpaste, they come to their 6 month appointments, have great nutritional habits, don’t smoke or drink, and don’t take medications. However, some of these fabulous patients still get cavities. Then the dentist says that he/she is going to “watch” the tooth hoping that through good oral hygiene habits it will get better. Most of the time, honestly, the “watch” areas do not resolve. Finally we found a solution. This miracle procedure is made possible by MI Paste Plus aka Tooth in a Tube.

What is MI Paste?

Besides good oral hygiene our body has ways of remineralizing or strengthening our teeth. In our saliva we naturally have Calcium and Phosphate. These are minerals like fluoride and can reverse small cavities. However, when we have habits that decrease saliva flow and the mouth becomes more acidic. MI Paste is a product that helps balance out the decrease in saliva and acidity of the mouth. MI Paste has Calcium and Phosphate and MI Paste Plus has fluoride.

MI Paste and MI Paste Plus (with fluoride) contain RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP); Casein Phosphopeptide (CPP) are natural occurring molecules which are able to release calcium and phosphate ions and stabilize Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP)
RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is milk derived with lactose content less than 0.01%*
MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are water-based, sugar-free topical tooth crèmes
5 Flavors melon, mint, strawberry, tutti-frutti and vanilla

Who benefits from MI Past Plus?

When a patient comes into our chair we access their cavity risk level. Here is the list of low risk patients.

Low Risk-

Fluroide exposure
Occasional sugary foods and drinks at meal time
No cavities in mother, care give/or siblings for past 24 months (for patients ages 6-14)
Has a dental home- patient of record, recieves regular dental care
No special Health care needs
No Chemo/Radiation Therapy
No Eating disorders
No Medications that reduce Salivary Flow
No drug or alcohol abuse
No tobacco/electronic cigarette
No new carious lesions
No missing teeth in past 36 months
No visible plaque
No unusual teeth shapes
No fillings between the teeth
No exposed root surfaces
No fillings with a large ledge
No spaces where food gets caught
No braces
No dry mouth

After a patient has been given a risk level the clinician will decide if they are eligible for MI Paste Plus. Looking at the low risk evaluation most people would say yes to one or more of the list above. If you have said yes to one of the above listed items you are at high risk for cavities. Most people would benefit from MI Paste Plus.

What can MI Paste Plus do for You?

reduce sensitivity
reduce symptoms of xerostomia (dry mouth) : medications, medical conditions, chemotherapy, decreased salivary gland function, smoking, drug use, and stress
it can help remineralize weak enamel
remove white spot lesions. Your dentist can also use MI paste Plus to remove weak enamel and white spot lesions on the teeth with a process called enamel microbrasion. Ask one of our Dentists about this procedure.

How to Apply? (from the MI Paste web site)

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and at night
Apply a pea-sized amount of MI Paste to your teeth’s surface using a cotton swab or gloved finger
Leave undisturbed for 3 minutes
Expectorate (spit) but do not rinse; leave the excess to slowly dissolveIt’s that simple!Your dentist will likely use one of the following methods to apply MI Paste/MI Paste Plus:Custom Tray Application:
Fill a custom tray with MI Paste
Place it in your mouth
Leave undisturbed for 3 minutes
Remove tray and spread remaining MI Paste over tooth surfaces with a gloved finger

Where do I purchase MI Paste?

MI paste cannot be purchased at your pharmacy or local grocery store. You can buy MI Paste Plus from your Dentist or on amazon.com.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.marlboroughdental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CROWNS.jpg

Picture Sources:

www.dentaleconomics.com

www.mi-paste.com

Posted in Tooth Talk
Tagged Cavity, Decay, dental office, dentist, hygiene, MI paste, MI Paste Plus, mouth, oral hygiene, smile, teeth, tooth, white smile, white teeth
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September 30, 2014

What is a Dental Crown?

Julie West BS RDH

A dental crown is a manufactured covering that fits over a prepared tooth to protect it from decay or fracture or to protect a tooth that has had root canal treatment. A crown may also be used to replace a tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped due to chipping or defects during formation.

Typically, the process of getting a crown involves two visits that are two weeks apart. The first visit consists of the dentist removing any decay that may be present and using a dental handpiece to shape and prepare the tooth for a crown to fit over top. An impression will then be taken of the prepared tooth structure. Your dentist or dental assistant will then make a temporary crown that will serve to protect the tooth over the next two weeks while your permanent crown is being made at a dental lab. At your second visit, the permanent crown will be tried in to ensure the color and fit are ideal. If both are satisfactory, the crown will be cemented to the prepared tooth surface.

Sensitivity after a crown is placed is common and may take several weeks to subside. Over the counter pain medication may be used to handle any discomfort. Contact your dentist if the pain persists or gets worse.

Patients should be aware that crowns, like natural teeth, may not last for life. The longevity and durability of your crown is affected by several factors including: your diet, oral homecare with brushing and flossing daily, and the type of material the crown is made out of. Please ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions.

image source: bendfamilydentist.com

Want to learn more? Visit us at