Why Choose CEREC for Your Dental Crown?
Here are some key reasons to consider CEREC for your next dental crown:
1. Time Efficiency: Traditional crowns require at least two appointments, with a temporary crown worn while the final version is crafted in a lab. CEREC crowns are made and placed in just one appointment, saving you time by eliminating the need for multiple visits.
2. No Temporary Crowns: CEREC eliminates the need for temporary crowns, offering a more convenient and comfortable experience.
3. Material Benefits: CEREC crowns are made from ceramic, avoiding metals that may cause allergic reactions in some patients.
4. Fewer Anesthesia Requirements: With fewer appointments, you’ll need fewer anesthesia injections, making the overall experience more comfortable.
5. Less Impact on Your Natural Tooth: The high-quality imaging used by CEREC requires less drilling on your natural tooth compared to traditional crown methods.
6. Fewer Gaps for a Better Fit: CEREC crowns create smaller gaps between the crown and neighboring teeth, resulting in a more secure and natural fit with fewer chances for failure.
7. Full Control for Your Dentist: With CEREC, your dentist can design and create the crown in the office, giving them full control over the process rather than relying on an outside lab.
8. Cost Savings: Although CEREC crowns generally cost the same as traditional crowns, you can save on expenses like travel, time off work, and childcare by reducing the number of office visits.
If you need a dental crown to restore a damaged tooth, a dentist trained in CEREC technology can provide a quicker, more efficient solution with fewer hassles and great results.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Fresno dental office to schedule your consultation!
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal treatment is performed when decay or trauma has damaged a tooth causing it to die. A dentist or endodontist performs a procedure to remove the diseased or damaged pulp from the tooth and then refills the tooth cavity.
Is root canal therapy painful?
In reality, root canal treatment is intended to relieve pain, not cause it. Because the procedures are very similar, you should experience no more discomfort than having a cavity filled.
What happens after root canal therapy?
Your tooth may be slightly sensitive for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to relieve any pain you may experience. In order for your tooth to return to full functionality, a crown or other restoration will need to be placed after the root canal therapy is performed.
What if I opt not to choose root canal therapy?
Untreated damage or infection in your tooth can travel through the roots and lead to an abscess or larger infection.
Is there an alternative to root canal therapy?
You could relieve the pain and infection by having your tooth removed. However, this can cause problems such as bone loss, migration of teeth, and bite problems.
In the case of a severely damaged or decayed tooth, the ideal solution is to save your natural tooth through root canal therapy and restoration. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed in a cavity, and can have enormous benefits to your long-term oral health. Consult with your dental professional to get answers to any other questions or concerns you may have regarding root canal therapy so you can alleviate your fears and return to your healthy smile.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Fresno dental office now and experience personalized care.
This state-of-the-art technology utilizes digital equipment to create a 3D image of your tooth, replacing the traditional physical impressions used by dentists. The digital scan is then used with CAD software to design a highly accurate restoration that fits your tooth perfectly.
One of the major advantages of CEREC is the ability to mill the restoration directly in the office. In approximately 15 minutes, your ceramic restoration is ready for placement. The process includes fitting, bonding, and polishing, restoring your tooth on the spot.
CEREC is versatile and can be used for various dental restorations, including:
With CEREC, you can enjoy quicker, more convenient dental restorations without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Fresno dental office.
]]>The primary reasons many people opt for dentures include:
Eating – Just like natural teeth, dentures allow you to chew and eat a variety of foods, eliminating the need to rely solely on soft foods or liquids.
Speaking – Replacing missing teeth improves your ability to speak clearly and comfortably, making communication easier.
Smiling – Dentures can boost your self-confidence, allowing you to smile and laugh without hesitation. They also help restore fullness to your cheeks and may give you a more youthful appearance.
When you first get dentures, it’s normal for them to feel unfamiliar. It may take time to adjust, especially when learning to speak and eat with them. Be patient during this adjustment period, but if discomfort persists, it’s important to visit your dentist to ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Fresno dental office now and experience personalized care.
Is CEREC Better for My Oral Health?
CEREC restorations allow you to preserve more of your natural tooth. Typically, only the damaged portions of the tooth are altered, keeping more of the healthy tooth intact. The material used in CEREC restorations mimics the properties of tooth enamel, making it both hard and abrasive like your natural tooth. It also expands and contracts in response to hot or cold foods, reducing the stress on your teeth. CEREC material can be color-matched to your other teeth, ensuring a natural appearance. Unlike traditional restorations, CEREC doesn’t require temporary crowns that can put additional stress on the tooth and increase the risk of damage. With proper care, CEREC restorations have been shown to last a long time.
Is CEREC Simpler for Me?
Yes! CEREC restorations are completed in just one dental visit. There’s no need for temporary crowns, no messy impression materials, only one injection, and a single appointment to complete the entire process.
What Does the Restoration Look Like?
CEREC restorations are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The tooth-colored ceramic used in CEREC is designed to mimic the appearance of a real tooth, making it a perfect fit in your smile.
Is CEREC Safe?
CEREC technology is safe, reliable, and has been widely accepted by dental professionals. It is recognized for providing high-quality solutions to dental problems.
How Do I Know if CEREC Is Right for Me?
CEREC is often an excellent choice for patients who want to preserve as much of their natural tooth as possible, prefer a single visit to the dentist, desire a realistic-looking restoration, and seek a long-lasting solution. To determine if CEREC is the best option for your dental needs, speak with your dentist for personalized advice.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Fresno dental office.
]]>Dental veneers can address a wide range of issues. Some of the most common reasons people choose veneers include:
Regardless of the imperfections you’re looking to conceal, veneers offer several advantages:
Do you live in Fresno or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Made out of durable and natural-looking porcelain, veneers are thin shells that cover the fronts of your teeth so that imperfections are no longer visible. Problems that caused you to hide your teeth in the past will be covered up by these porcelain tops. The process for getting veneers is simple. There is no surgery or anesthesia required. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to enable your custom-made veneers to fit perfectly. These will be sent to a laboratory for veneer development, which can take several weeks. Your dentist may need to prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel, and then the veneers will be adhered to the fronts of your teeth with a secure resin.
There are other options for handling various kinds of tooth damage, but veneers may be the simplest and most durable choice. For example, chipped teeth can be improved with dental crowns, but this can be a more invasive procedure. Yellowed teeth can be whitened with various methods, but this is not as permanent as porcelain veneers. Durability is one of the greatest benefits of veneers, because they don’t discolor and are permanently secured to your teeth. If you properly care for them with good oral hygiene, veneers can last a lifetime.
Another major selling point for veneers is that they can exactly replicate natural teeth. Your dentist will have your customized veneers created by matching the color and shape of your face and personal features. Others may not even realize you have them, other than the fact that those who knew you before will notice your beautiful new smile. So if you are unhappy with the current appearance of your teeth and want to quit being embarrassed to smile, porcelain veneers may be just what you need.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Fresno dental office now and experience personalized care.
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:
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 Fresno dental office at Smith Sedation Dentistry for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment options.
]]>Your dentist will begin by conducting a thorough gum examination, which includes:
If the gum pockets are extensive, this could indicate bone loss, and your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum disease.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. Treatments typically include:
With early intervention, gingivitis is reversible, and your gums can heal over time.
When gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis, deeper treatments may be required, such as:
If non-surgical methods fail to resolve gum disease, surgery may be necessary to remove diseased tissue and create an environment conducive to healing. Common procedures include:
While treatments exist for all stages of gum disease, prevention is always the best approach. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily. Combine this with regular dental checkups to catch gum issues early before they progress.
If you’re concerned about gum disease, consult your dentist in Fresno for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.
Do you live in Fresno or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Amalgam fillings consist of:
The material’s malleability makes it easy for dentists to shape the filling to fit perfectly into the tooth without altering the patient’s bite. Amalgam has long been trusted for its durability and longevity in treating cavities.
Concerns about silver fillings are mainly related to mercury exposure, which, in large amounts, can be associated with:
However, extensive studies have been conducted by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to evaluate the safety of amalgam fillings. The results conclude that the mercury levels in amalgam are too low to pose significant health risks for most people, including:
The American Dental Association (ADA) also supports this conclusion, maintaining that amalgam fillings are safe for dental use.
For patients who remain uncomfortable with amalgam fillings, modern dentistry offers an excellent alternative: composite resin fillings.
If you already have amalgam fillings and are concerned about them, speak with your dentist in Fresno. Your dentist can evaluate whether replacing silver fillings with composite resin is a viable option for you.
While silver fillings have stood the test of time, composite resin fillings offer a modern, more discreet solution. Discuss your options with your dentist to ensure the best choice for your health, comfort, and confidence.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Fresno dental office to schedule your consultation!