If your teeth are badly damaged from decay or facial trauma, or if you have several missing teeth, your dentist may recommend removable prosthodontics to solve your dental problems. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), bone loss, or serious tooth decay can make you a poor candidate for restorative options such as dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants. Removable prosthodontics can restore your smile so that it looks and functions as it should, while also boosting your confidence as you eat, smile, and laugh.
Just hearing the word “dentures” might give you pause, reminding you of your older relatives, but advancements in dental restorative therapies now allow your dentist to craft a removable prosthodontic that not only looks but also feels like your natural smile.
Types of Removable Prosthodontics:
Partial Dentures:
Partial dentures correct gaps when only a few of your natural teeth are missing. A partial denture may be the best choice if your remaining teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Overdentures:
Overdentures provide restorations when one or more of your natural teeth are in place in an arch – typically two teeth for a bottom overdenture and four teeth for an upper overdenture.
Immediate Dentures:
Immediate dentures are placed immediately after an extraction, allowing the bone and gums to heal while preventing adjacent teeth from collapsing into the empty space and affecting your bite.
Complete Dentures:
Complete dentures are designed for edentulous patients (patients with no teeth at all) and replace all of the teeth in one or both arches of your mouth, restoring your smile and your ability to eat and speak clearly.
Because of advancements in materials and techniques, many dentures today are so lifelike that they can be mistaken for natural teeth. Only you – and your prosthodontist – will know your secret. Talk to your prosthodontist today to see what removable prosthodontics can do for you. Don’t wait to start enjoying your life with your new, healthy smile.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Longview dental office!
If you have been living with a mouth full of badly decayed teeth, infected gums, or painful tooth infections, your dentist may have discussed how dentures can transform your smile. While no one looks forward to extracting all of their teeth, if your natural teeth have been a source of pain and embarrassment for years, having a beautiful new set of dentures could genuinely change your life.
Dentures are highly natural-looking replacements for an entire mouth of missing teeth and gum tissue. Unlike dental crowns or dental bridges that are permanently affixed, dentures are removable and can be thoroughly cleaned daily.
Badly decayed teeth and other oral issues often lead to chronic pain that radiates from the mouth to the face, head, and neck. This discomfort can disrupt your life, leaving you irritable, moody, and withdrawn. Pain medications might make you feel groggy or unsteady, impacting your interactions and daily activities. Once the problematic teeth are removed and underlying infections treated, the relief can be transformative. The absence of persistent pain will feel like a weight lifted, allowing you to experience life without discomfort.
Years of poor oral health might have left you self-conscious about smiling, hesitant to speak publicly, or uncomfortable eating and drinking in social settings. You may have avoided friends, family, or new relationships altogether. After replacing your damaged teeth with dentures, you will rediscover confidence and joy. The bright, flawless smile reflected in the mirror might remind you of a movie star’s grin, but it’s all yours. With your new dentures, you can embrace life with renewed assurance.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Longview dental office now and experience personalized care.
once the best available for restoring functionality and appearance, modern advancements in dental technology have introduced dental implants, which offer a superior alternative. One of the primary limitations of dentures and bridges is that they often fall short of mimicking the natural look and feel of real teeth. Chewing tougher foods can also be challenging. Dental implants, however, deliver exceptional results by closely replicating the appearance, strength, and performance of natural teeth.
Dental implants are crafted from titanium, a lightweight yet durable material. These implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they act as secure anchors for replacement teeth. After the healing process is complete, custom crowns are attached to the implants, providing a seamless solution for missing teeth. A single implant can support multiple crowns, allowing flexibility in restoring several teeth at once.
Because dental implants are designed to resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function, they are virtually indistinguishable from your original teeth. They integrate securely with the jawbone, giving you the confidence to eat, chew, and smile freely without concern. Unlike bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants are self-sufficient and do not place unnecessary strain on adjacent teeth. This reduces the risk of damage to healthy teeth while offering a long-lasting and comfortable solution.
With dental implants, you can achieve a functional, natural-looking smile that improves your quality of life, helping you enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Longview dental office to schedule your consultation!
Good oral health is a key factor in bringing smiles to the faces of the entire family. When everyone has healthy teeth and gums, there’s more to smile about. Oral health issues can sometimes run in families, so addressing one person’s issue may help alert others to potential problems. A family dentist is a valuable asset for everyone in your household. This type of dentist cares for individuals of all ages, from young children to seniors, all in one practice. Family dentistry is dedicated to meeting the oral health needs of every family member, offering a wide range of benefits.
Establishing a relationship with a family dentist means that everyone in the household visits the same office for their appointments. Over time, the dentist and staff become familiar with each person’s needs, fostering comfort and ensuring that everyone receives consistent, high-quality care. A family dentist understands the unique needs of each family member, making the experience more personalized.
Family dentists are highly trained and equipped to handle various dental concerns. This includes routine services like cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings. Some family dentists also offer advanced procedures such as implants, veneers, bonding, contouring, root canals, and even orthodontic care. When choosing a family dentist, it’s important to find one that provides services to meet the diverse needs of every family member.
In addition, family dentists are skilled at educating patients on how to care for their oral health. They teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques, remind teenagers about the importance of maintaining braces, and offer special care to adults for maintaining healthy gums. Seniors may require attention to keep their natural teeth in good condition. Family dentists are well-versed in addressing the oral health challenges unique to each stage of life, ensuring tailored care for optimal results.
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining good oral health should be a priority. Finding a trusted family dentist is the first step toward safeguarding your family’s oral well-being.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Longview dental office now and experience personalized care.
CEREC, or Ceramic Reconstruction, is a state-of-the-art method for repairing teeth damaged by disease, decay, or injury. With CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), a skilled dental professional uses digital scanning to capture the treatment area and then creates the restoration on-site using a milling machine. This streamlined process is not only time-efficient but also provides a well-fitting, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting restoration.
CEREC for Various Dental Restorations
Anyone needing dental reconstruction on an existing tooth may be a good candidate for CEREC. The technology can be used for various procedures, including crowns, bridges, and porcelain veneers. CEREC is particularly attractive to patients who want to minimize time spent in the dental chair. Traditional restorations require multiple visits: one to take impressions and another to place the restoration once it has been fabricated in a lab. With CEREC, all these steps are completed in a single visit, saving you valuable time and effort.
The CEREC Procedure: Fast, Precise, and Natural
If you’re a candidate for ceramic reconstruction, your CEREC-trained dentist will take a 3D image of your tooth to ensure a precise fit for the restoration. The CEREC machine will then create a custom-made, permanent restoration that matches the natural appearance of your smile. These restorations are durable, long-lasting, and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing both comfort and excellent function.
Consult a CEREC Professional
To find out if ceramic restorations are right for you, consult with a CEREC-trained dentist. In just one visit, you can restore your smile to a healthy, beautiful state.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Longview dental office now and experience personalized care.
Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt, typically appearing in the late teens or early 20s. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, many require removal due to potential complications. Below are some common questions and answers about wisdom teeth:
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they aren’t causing problems, they can remain in place. However, many wisdom teeth become crooked or impacted, leading to issues with surrounding teeth. Additionally, they are often difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
When should I have these teeth taken out?
Most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 22. At this stage, the roots are not fully developed, reducing the risk of complications during and after surgery.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgery, wisdom tooth extraction carries some risks. The primary concerns include:
- Nerve Damage: This is more common in older patients because the roots are fully developed and closer to the nerves.
- Dry Sockets: Occurring when blood clots dislodge after surgery, dry sockets can lead to pain and delayed healing.
Does my age matter?
Although symptoms may not appear until the 30s, 40s, or even 50s, surgery is generally easier and recovery is faster when performed at a younger age. Older patients often face more complex extractions and longer healing times.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or suspect an issue with your wisdom teeth, contact Longview dental office at Scott Distefano, DDS for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment options.
