Dental composites are various types of man made resins which are used in bonding, the application of these composites. The composite will act as a restorative material or adhesive for a decayed, fractured, chipped, or discolored tooth. Bonding is particularly popular because, unlike veneers, this can be done in a single visit.  Continue reading »

Many have felt twitching pain or momentary discomfort in their teeth from seemingly innocent activities such as drinking a cold or hot liquid, eating sweets, or even simply touching one tooth with another.  This is called sensitive teeth.  It can be annoying and even excruciating at some points; however, it can be treated.  Moreover, many times sensitive teeth are an indicator of a much more serious disorder that requires professional attention.

There are two types of tooth sensitivity.  The first is dentinal sensitivity.  This occurs when the outer protective layers of enamel are broken down exposing the dentin or middle layer of the tooth.  The dentin is filled with nerve branches, and once it is exposed pressure or hot and cold liquids will trigger the nerves and cause twinges of pain.  Continue reading »

Sometimes a tooth has lost so much of its shape, size, and strength that a dental crown is necessary to rebuild the tooth back to its former state.  A tooth can be in this state for many reasons; however the primary reason is through tooth decay.  Dental crowns are used all the time, are easily applied, and have become an effective way of protecting the tooth.

Tooth decay is a prevalent disorder that spreads fast and hard.  Plaque joins with bacteria to form an acid that burrows and decays the tooth.  The decay can be unexpected and often goes unnoticed.  Unfortunately, the longer the decay goes unnoticed, the more the decay spreads and gets worse to the point of infection.  As the decay spreads, the tooth structure dwindles, and becomes increasingly weak.<!–more–>  It is in these, unfortunately all-too-common, extreme cases where the decay has spread this far that a crown is necessary to use.

The process of applying a crown on the tooth is sometimes grueling and requires local anesthesia to damper the pain; however, any Modesto dentist near you will be able to do the procedure.  The dentist removes the decay on the tooth with a drill leaving the small structural remains of the tooth.  He or she then inserts a personalized and sturdy crown on top of the tooth.  The crown can be made of metal, gold, porcelain, or porcelain attached to metal.  Whatever the material, the new crown will offer a healthy tooth no longer susceptible to further decay.

Although tooth decay is where crowns are primarily used, they do have other services.  They are used to restore chipped, broken, or worn down teeth, to act as support for dental bridges or implants, and even to whiten or straighten an existing tooth for cosmetic purposes.  If you need a dental crown one of these reasons, call your Modesto dentist today to schedule an appointment.

Dental crowns are a useful means of healing an impaired tooth.  Without dental crowns, the damaged tooth would continue to decay leading to serious decay and, in severe cases, death.  They look nice and often give your teeth a straighter and whiter appearance.  In conclusion, dental crowns are great tools for protecting and maintaining good teeth.