Teeth are the hardest structure in the body, however, when they have dental decay (dental caries) or large fillings, they are at high risk for cracking and breaking. Teeth that have cracked or broken are consequently at even higher risk for a root canal or being lost (dental extraction). Therefore, for patients that want to keep their teeth we routinely place dental crowns (caps, cerecs) over teeth that begin to crack, or have already broken, in order to prevent losing the tooth. Today, dental crowns are made by computers and can be completed in one appointment with a technology called the Cerec. This makes getting a crown more comfortable, predictable, and convenient for our patients. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Posts Tagged ‘dental cap’
What happens if you crack a tooth?
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010Do you suffer from TMJ pain?
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010There are many patients in our practice that live life with constant TMJ pain. In many cases this can be treated without surgery. Sometimes the position of the teeth and bite (occlusion) is in a position that is uncomfortable for the TMJ (temperomandibular joint). If the teeth are in good condition and haven’t broken down as a result of this, orthodontics (braces) can often solve the problem and eliminate TMJ pain. This is a very conservative treatment and helps preserve both the TMJ and the teeth. If the teeth have been worn down or broken, it is often necessary to cover several of the teeth with crowns to reconstruct a bite (occlusion) that is comfortable for the joint and protective of the teeth. If you suffer from TMJ pain, you have options. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Single appointment crowns
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010With computer technology, we have the ability to make dental crowns (caps) in one appointment without having to take impressions or make a temporary crown. Thus, we can eliminate the need for two appointments, getting numb a second time, and much of the postoperative sensitivity. The computer, or Cerec, takes a three dimensional picture of the tooth, which is more accurate than an impression, and relays this information to another computer that makes the crown. These appointments typically take 1-2 hours with time during the appointment for the patient to take a break. Having a crown doesn’t have to be as uncomfortable or time consuming as it used to be now that we have the Cerec technology. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Are you missing teeth?
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010Do you have missing teeth that you would like to replace? This is very common in our dental practice and can be solved in a couple of ways. For those that want something that feels, looks, and functions like a natural tooth, dental implants are the best option. A dental implant essentially replaces the tooth root and enables us to build a whole new tooth in the missing space. Missing teeth can also be replaced with dental bridges and removable partial or full dentures. A bridge consists of crowning (capping) the adjacent teeth to a space and connecting them together. This is usually done when a patient wants solution that doesn’t come in and out of their mouth and they are not a candidate for dental implants. Removable dentistry can also be a great option. Removable dentistry won’t feel and look quite as natural as a dental implant, however, this option is the most economical and can give you back the smile or bite that you want. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What does dental insurance cover?
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010Dental insurance is very different depending upon what you or your employer pays for. Typically, insurance covers preventative care such as dental cleanings (prophylaxis), deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), x rays, or exams, very well. In some cases they may pay 100% of the cost after you have met your deductible. On other procedures such as root canals, dental implants, fillings, bridges, dentures, crowns (caps), or extractions (pulling a tooth), they may pay a percentage of the cost. However, every insurance is different and it is a good idea to find out what they will pay prior to having treatment to determine your budget. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Stefanie or Sarah at our office. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
No more “goop” in your mouth…
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010On most dental crowns (dental cap) we are able to take impressions with a digital camera instead of the mouthful of “goop” that you may have had before. This provides us with a three dimensional model on the computer that we can use to make the crown during the same appointment. Not only is this more accurate, but it allows the patient to get a crown in a single appointment without having impressions or a temporary crown. We have found that this creates less sensitivity for the teeth, has better cosmetics and comfort, and saves the patient from multiple appointments which may require additional shots (anesthetic). If you need a crown on your tooth, ask about CEREC CAD/CAM technology. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What happens when a tooth breaks?
Monday, July 5th, 2010More often than not, teeth break that have large mercury (silver, amalgam, alloy) fillings in them. When a tooth has a lot of fractures in it or starts to hurt upon biting, it is a good time to consider your long term plans for the tooth. For patients that intend to keep the tooth, we place a dental crown (cap, CEREC) on the tooth to keep it from breaking and decrease the risk of having a root canal. Once a tooth has already broken, we evaluate whether or not it can be saved, if it needs a root canal, and how to provide a long term solution for the tooth. If you have questions about your older fillings or want to create a long term plan and budget, a routine dental exam with x rays/photos will help you work toward your oral health goals. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What is a dental implant?
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010When a person is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, these can be replaced with dental implants. Implants act like a root replacement and allow us to build a new tooth in the space without having to make a dental bridge or denture. The downside to a bridge is that it requires crowning the adjacent teeth and it isn’t as strong, while a denture tends to not feel like natural teeth and has to be removed in order to clean. Dental implants are the most natural in appearance, feel like real teeth and are longer lasting than any other option. Implants can also help those who have complete dentures and have a problem with their denture moving around. The denture can be attached to the implant in order to “anchor” it securely in the mouth. While there are many options in dentistry, dental implants are one of the most exciting and give patients the ability to never have missing teeth. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Why do I keep getting cavities?
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010Dental decay is a bacterial disease, called Caries, that cannot be solved by only providing dental fillings, crowns (caps), or root canals. The bacteria enjoy living in an acidic oral environment and make acid from any form of carbohydrate that you eat. This acid demineralizes the teeth and causes holes, or dental decay. Your saliva acts like a buffer and dilutes this acid in order to protect your teeth. Thus, diet and medical condition can affect your risk for getting decay. In a healthy mouth, it takes about an hour for the saliva to neutralize the acid after eating. However, in individuals with acid reflux or dry mouth, for instance, this can compromise their ability to neutralize the acid and result in a higher risk of getting decay. At our office we test the bacteria on the teeth on an annual basis to determine risk of decay. This enables us to help treat patients with alternatives to “drilling and filling.” Dr. Carson Kutsch DDS Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Single appointment dental crowns- Cerec
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010Did you know that with the advances in digital technology, it is no longer necessary to take impressions (molds) and make temporaries while getting a new crown? This means no more gagging on impression material and no more temporary crowns being sensitive for two weeks and falling off along the way. The Cerec is a technology that allows us to take digital images of the tooth and design a crown while you are waiting. How long does it take? The appointment takes no longer than a standard crown appointment! This is more comfortable for the patient, eliminates extra appointments and anesthetic (shots), and is more conservative for the tooth. Eventually, all impressions will be eliminated in order to make dentistry more accurate and comfortable. For now, we can make the process of getting a dental crown a more enjoyable experience. Dr. Carson Kutsch DDS Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com