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 extraction’
What happens if you crack a tooth?
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010Why would I need a dental bone graft?
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010As people lose teeth or suffer from periodontal disease, they typically lose bone along with the lost teeth. This situation can often make it impossible to make a denture, place dental implants, or have a cosmetically pleasing smile. Thus, we can do several types of bone grafting procedures in order to prevent this problem. The most common type of bone graft is done when teeth are extracted. Bone is placed into the empty socket in order to reduce the amount of bone loss. There are also other types of bone grafts in order to replace larger amounts of bone. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What can lasers do in dentistry?
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010There are many different types of lasers. Some are used to treat soft tissue, like the gums (gingiva), and others can treat hard tissue such as the teeth. On soft tissue, lasers are much kinder to the gums allowing for less postoperative pain and faster healing. We use these lasers for procedures such as frenectomies (eliminating being tongue tied for example), gingivectomies (changing the shape of the gums), tissue grafting for recession and treating gum disease. Hard tissue lasers can be used for preparing fillings, root canals, dental extractions (having a tooth “pulled”), and dental implants. Again, it creates less sensitivity for the patient and promotes faster healing. Lasers have been around in dentistry for over thirty years and allow us to use technology to provide better care for our patients. 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 if I am missing teeth?
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010It is very common to have missing teeth. Whether it is due to something unplanned, like dental decay or breaking a tooth, or it was done on purpose to make room for braces or to remove wisdom teeth, it is not uncommon. If you have missing teeth you are not alone. The decision that you can make is whether or not you want to replace the teeth you are missing. In many cases, patients get along just fine with one missing tooth. However, most people begin to want to replace teeth when it affects their bite, ability to eat, and smile. Today we have the ability to place dental implants. Dental implants are the most natural, cosmetic, and longest lasting solution to missing teeth. You can replace one tooth or an entire set of teeth with dental implants. Other solutions include dentures, partial dentures, and dental bridges. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Do you have loose dentures?
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010Even the tightest fitting dentures can become loose over time. While many denture wearers do not have any teeth it is important to visit the dentist for an annual exam to look at the fit of the denture (plate) and to perform an oral cancer exam. If the fit of the denture has changed or it doesn’t fit as tightly as the patient would like, a couple of things can be done. The denture can be relined, which means that the inside of the denture is filled with new material to help it fit tightly with the gum tissue again, or implants can be placed so that the denture has something directly holding it in place. Most patients have more problems with the fit of a lower (bottom) denture than on the top. Typically this can be solved with two implants that enable the denture to “snap” into place. Dentures continue to get more comfortable and functional. Don’t let loose dentures keep you from smiling or eating the foods that you enjoy. 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
Don’t be embarrassed about your mouth
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010It is never too late to do something positive for your oral health. Our dental team is very competent in working with patients who are just looking to get back into an oral health routine or who haven’t been to the dentist in a very long time. Having dental problems can be embarrassing and they always seem to happen at the most inopportune time. We are here to help anyone who is interested in taking a step in the direction of better oral health. Whether you just want an exam or have problems with things like gum disease (periodontitis), dental cavities (caries), missing teeth, cosmetics, or simply want a cleaning, we are here to help. Your oral health plays a crucial role in your overall health, especially your cardiovascular system. Dr. Carson Kutsch DDS Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Tooth pain
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010Pain is one of the most common driving forces in getting patients to the dentist. However, there are several things that can cause dental pain and not all of them should cause concern. If you have spontaneous pain, swelling of the gum tissue or face, redness, fever, or acute pain on a tooth that hasn’t hurt before, then you should contact your dentist immediately. If you recently had dental work performed and there is mild muscle soreness or slight sensitivity in the tooth, this is very typical and usually goes away within a few days. If you have a history of fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, or sinus problems, there may be another cause of discomfort other than the teeth. Patients that have recession can experience sensitivity to hot and cold as well as patients with bite (occlusion) problems. Consequently, there are several reasons for tooth pain. It is generally a good idea to call your dentist and inform them of your symptoms as small problems are typically easier to manage, take less time, and are more comfortable for the patient. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com