Even 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
Posts Tagged ‘tooth removal’
Do you have loose dentures?
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010What 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 about dentures?
Monday, June 14th, 2010Dentures (plates, false teeth) are nothing today like they used to be. The materials have changed and have made dentures significantly more cosmetic as well as comfortable and functional. There are also new designs that eliminate the acrylic across the roof of the mouth (palate) making it easier to speak and taste foods. We can also use implants with dentures to eliminate much of the movement and create a better ability to eat all foods. If you are wanting a new denture, we can now give you more confidence and a more youthful smile while at the same time giving you a better ability to eat and speak. Dr. Carson Kutsch 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
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Thursday, April 1st, 2010Although we focus our practice on family dentistry, we provide several other types of services that most people may not know about. I work very hard to have the best technology available in dentistry and have put together a team of individuals who pride themselves in providing great customer service. We don’t have the largest, fanciest building, we have the best technology, materials, and educated dental team in Albany. We are also proud of the fact that we have a small practice setting so that patients see the same people every time they come to our practice and we treat one patient at a time. So, what types of services do we offer? Cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, laser gum treatment (Lanap), Velscope oral cancer screening, Carifree cavity testing, mercury free fillings, single appointment Cerec crowns, laser fillings, digital x-rays, intra-oral digital photos, laser whitening, root canals, extractions (tooth removal), micro airabrasion, and much more. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon dentist www.drkutsch.com
What is a dental extraction?
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth. This can be done for a variety of reasons including things like a tooth infection, pain, a broken tooth, periodontal disease (gum diasease), orthodontics (braces), or wisdom teeth. Today in dentistry, we have more options for replacing missing teeth with the development of dental implants. Thus, unlike in the past where the dentist continued to repair a broken tooth multiple times until it was finally removed (extracted), it is more common to remove a problematic tooth sooner and place a longer lasting and more predictable dental implant. Of course, this decision is up to the patient. Dental extractions are also done routinely to remove wisdom teeth or sometimes to provide more space during orthodontics. In any event, dental extractions are far more comfortable today due to advances with technology and techniques. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com