Posts for: August, 2017
At your child's latest dental visit, you found out one of their primary (“baby”) teeth has become decayed and in danger of loss. Of course, you may think, it's only a primary tooth — it's going to come out sooner or later.
But a primary tooth lost “sooner” rather than “later” can create long-term negative consequences for your child's dental health. For the sake of the future permanent tooth, the best treatment strategy could be to put forth the effort and expense to save it.
Besides its role in eating and chewing, a primary tooth's most important function is as a “trailblazer” for the permanent tooth developing below it. A primary tooth doesn't normally loosen and let go until the new permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Until then they hold the new tooth's space in the jaw.
But if the primary tooth is lost prematurely, nearby teeth can drift into and crowd the space so that the permanent tooth comes in out of position. This can result in a malocclusion, or poor bite.
Depending on the state of your child's jaw development, it may be advisable to attempt saving the tooth through a filling or, in the case of deep decay, a modified root canal treatment. If the tooth can't be saved, then placing an orthodontic appliance known as a space maintainer might be necessary. Cemented to a tooth next to the empty space, this appliance has a looped band of metal that butts against the tooth on the other side of the gap, and prevents both teeth from drifting into the space.
Intervening for a decayed primary tooth can seem a waste of time and money since it has a limited lifespan to begin with. But for the health of its companion permanent tooth, as well as possibly avoiding orthodontic treatment, it could be well worth it for your child's long-term dental health.
If you would like more information on dental care for your child, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Importance of Baby Teeth.”
Many people put off going to the dentist until they are experiencing pain, signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or have suffered an accident. But it is often cosmetic imperfections like stained or chipped teeth that can damage or ruin an otherwise healthy and attractive smile. Many people admit that shame and embarrassment over a less than perfect smile have had a negative impact on their quality of life, and affected everything from work to social interactions and even personal relationships. The dentists at Abington Dental Arts offer a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures in Clarks Summit, PA, to correct imperfections and improve the overall look and function of your teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Clarks Summit, PA
You don't have to win some mythical genetic lottery to have strong, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile that you love (and love to show off!) Whether your teeth are stained and discolored from diet or smoking or other common cosmetic problems like spacing problems, cracked or uneven teeth or even missing teeth, there are a number of dental treatments available to give you a smile you can be proud of.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
- Cosmetic bonding
- Porcelain veneers
- Crowns and bridgework
- Professional teeth whitening
- Dental sealants (for children)
- Dental implants
- Composite (tooth colored) dental fillings
- Invisalign clear aligners
Depending on your situation and the extent of the damage, some cosmetic dentistry treatments can be completed in as little as an hour in a single appointment. Cosmetic dental improvements also have benefits beyond your teeth and oral health. A professional whitening treatment can make you look younger, and brighten your entire face. Repairing broken or replacing missing teeth can help to prevent sagging around the mouth and caving in of your cheeks, as well as improve your general health by making it easier to eat and enjoy your food.
Find a Dentist in Clarks Summit, PA
Don't let damaged teeth hold you back. To find the cosmetic dentistry procedure that is right for you, contact Abington Dental Arts by calling (570) 586-1411 to schedule an appointment today.
During his former career as a professional footballer (that's a soccer star to U.S. sports fans) David Beckham was known for his skill at “bending” a soccer ball. His ability to make the ball curve in mid-flight — to avoid a defender or score a goal — led scores of kids to try to “bend it like Beckham.” But just recently, while enjoying a vacation in Canada with his family, “Becks” tried snowboarding for the first time — and in the process, broke one of his front teeth.
Some fans worried that the missing tooth could be a “red card” for Beckham's current modeling career… but fortunately, he headed straight to the dental office as soon as he arrived back in England. Exactly what kind of treatment is needed for a broken tooth? It all depends where the break is and how badly the tooth is damaged.
For a minor crack or chip, cosmetic bonding may offer a quick and effective solution. In this procedure, a composite resin, in a color custom-made to match the tooth, is applied in liquid form and cured (hardened) with a special light. Several layers of bonding material can be applied to re-construct a larger area of missing tooth, and chips that have been saved can sometimes be reattached as well.
When more tooth structure is missing, dental veneers may be the preferred restorative option. Veneers are wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They can not only correct small chips or cracks, but can also improve the color, spacing, and shape of your teeth.
But if the damage exposes the soft inner pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment will be needed to save the tooth. In this procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp tissue is removed and the tooth sealed against re-infection; if a root canal is not done when needed, the tooth will have an increased risk for extraction in the future. Following a root canal, a tooth is often restored with a crown (cap), which can look good and function well for many years.
Sometimes, a tooth may be knocked completely out of its socket; or, a severely damaged tooth may need to be extracted (removed). In either situation, the best option for restoration is a dental implant. Here, a tiny screw-like device made of titanium metal is inserted into the jaw bone in a minor surgical procedure. Over time, it fuses with the living bone to form a solid anchorage. A lifelike crown is attached, which provides aesthetic appeal and full function for the replacement tooth.
So how's Beckham holding up? According to sources, “David is a trooper and didn't make a fuss. He took it all in his stride." Maybe next time he hits the slopes, he'll heed the advice of dental experts and wear a custom-made mouthguard…
If you have questions about restoring damaged teeth, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Trauma and Nerve Damage to Teeth” and “Children's Dental Concerns and Injuries.”