You may think that dentists are completely anti-candy. You’d be wrong, though! We all know the end of the year holiday season is filled with delicious treats, and your dentist doesn’t think you should completely miss out on the celebration. Instead, consuming candy in moderation and avoiding some of the more damage-causing treats will leave you with a beautiful smile and a satisfied sweet tooth. Most importantly, keep up your at home hygiene routine and visit your family dentist for checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
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Tag: Dentist in Houston
How Does CEREC Work?
CEREC, the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a significant advancement in dentistry. The digital CAD/CAM system has led to increased reliability, efficiency and accuracy in the fields of restoration, orthodontics and implantology.
CEREC replaces the need for traditional methods of creating impressions, molds, and dental appliances. It is a computerized design unit that also is fitted with state of the art software, and a precise computer-guided milling machine. The system allows dental professionals to create inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers in a single appointment, saving patients time and money.
What Does CEREC Do?
Traditionally, restorations involve two stages of treatment. First, the examination and diagnostics stage, which usually involved goopy impressions. A couple of weeks later, the fitting of the final crown or veneer would take place. By using the CEREC technology system, the dentist is able to take a 3D image of the tooth, which is used to accurately design and mill a new ceramic restoration, and fit it precisely into the exact location, all within a single visit.
What to Expect
The 3D image is taken using a special camera, which then gets uploaded to the design unit to be used to create an accurate and detailed 3D model of the new tooth. This is used as a blueprint by the milling machine, which mills the new tooth from a block of high quality ceramic. The dentist selects from different types of ceramic and custom stains in order to closely match the patients’ remaining teeth.
At the start of treatment, any local anesthetic or sedation is applied to help the patient relax and enjoy a painless and comfortable procedure. Once the impression of the tooth is taken, the tooth is prepped for the restoration – such as reshaping a tooth before a crown is fitted, or removing enamel to place a veneer.
When both the patient and the dentist are happy with the results, the dentist will use a cement bond to firmly secure the restoration. From start to finish, it is possible for a CEREC CAD/CAM based treatment to be completed under two hours.
Benefits of Same Day Crowns
The primary benefit is convenience because the CEREC system removes the need for the two-week wait, the unpredictability of temporaries and the need for a second visit. The dentist is in complete control of the process and can accurately customize the new prosthetic tooth in a way that most benefits the patient.
Contact our Houston dental office to schedule your appointment today. Whether you have decay or it has been over six months since your last professional cleaning. We look forward to helping you attain your best smile!
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Adjusting to your new dentures can be a challenging process. After all, they neither feel nor function exactly like your original teeth. The sensations are different, and it can take some time to get used to them. Dentures might cause you to lisp slightly when speaking, and they might make chewing more difficult. However, Dr. John Krell has a few tips to make the adjustment time as quick and comfortable as possible. Here is some of the advice he gives at his office in Houston.
- Bear in mind dentures feel more comfortable and natural over time, so the first and most basic piece of advice is to be patient. Don’t assume that the way they feel in the first few days is how they are always going to feel. Initially, they can feel bulky in your mouth, pressing against the cheeks and lips. You might even feel like gagging, but these feelings will go away.
- It’s a good idea to wear the dentures at night for a while. This will help you adjust to them faster, and once adjusted, you can begin to remove them at night for regular, thorough cleanings. If you develop a sore in your mouth, rinse your mouth out with warm salt water.
- Learning to eat with dentures also takes time, so start with softer foods that are easier to chew. Once you get used to chewing with dentures, you can gradually introduce firmer foods. Alternate the sides of your mouth while chewing in order to stabilize the dentures. Also, avoid biting into firmer foods using the front teeth so as to prevent the dentures from dislodging.
- The lower denture can be a little harder to adjust to because it does not have the grip or suction of the upper denture. Rest your tongue against the inside front edge to help keep it in place. For a while, you might want to use adhesives, but you can eventually learn to control the position of the denture with your lips and tongue.
If all of this seems more challenging than you expected, bear in mind the initial symptoms are only temporary. The end result is worth the adjustment time, so hang in there. Dr. John Krell can make necessary changes along the way, ensuring that you have the best possible fit. For more information about dentures or to schedule an appointment, contact our office in Houston today.
Is it Time You Considered Dental Implants?
Missing one or more teeth can be hard to adjust to. In addition to possibly affecting your bite or the way you eat, you may also feel embarrassed speaking around other people. When it comes to replacing your teeth, you do have options. One of the best and most effective choices is a dental implant. They are completely natural looking and offer several benefits, including:
Improved Functionality: Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and can improve your smile and the way you speak.
Durability: When placed properly and cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Less Worry: If those gaps in your smile are making you self-conscious, dental implants are the perfect solution.
Bone Protection: If you leave empty spaces in your mouth, this could lead to the deterioration of your jawbone. Dental implants preserve natural bone and also stimulate bone growth.
Keeping Your Face Shape: When teeth are missing, your face can sag. Dental implants are a great way to prevent this from happening.
Better Eating: Do you avoid certain foods because of your missing teeth? Once your dental implants are put in, you will never have to worry about what’s on the menu!
No Cavities: Dental implants still need to be cared for properly, but because they aren’t real teeth, they will never form cavities.
Keeping Teeth in Place: While dentures are an option for missing teeth, there is always the possibility that they will slip when eating, coughing, talking, or doing a number of other common things. With dental implants, you’ll never have to worry about them shifting or moving.
Long-Term Success: Dental implants have proven to be the best choice for long-term success, and are more effective than removable appliances and bridgework.
Protection of Existing Teeth: When a bridge is put in, often the teeth on one or both sides have to be ground down to support it. Dental implants just go in the gaps where teeth are missing, therefore they don’t affect any of the other teeth.
If you are tired of the gaps in your mouth, just get in touch with Dr. John Krell in Houston, Texas. We would be happy to go over all of your options and give you more information about how dental implants can help you.
Welcome to our blog!
We’re excited to announce the official launch of our John H. Krell, D.D.S. blog.
We’ll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.
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Here’s to your best oral health ever!