Taking care of your family’s health is one of the most important things you will ever do - and that includes their oral health. Finding the right East Texas dentist isn’t as easy as it might sound. In fact, it can be challenging to find a dentist and an office that you really like.
How do you make a decision without having to test out every single dentist in the area? Check out these tips to help you make an informed decision and find the right fit.
Assess Expertise and Experience
We often assume that because it is a dentist office they have expertise, but the truth is they don’t all have the same expertise. We’re not referring to brand-new offices here. Every dental provider has to start somewhere. However, we are referring to making sure they truly are licensed and certified to do the dental work you need.
In addition, even a brand-new dental provider should have spent time learning or interning under an experienced provider. Consider the experience and expertise that they bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to try out a new office, but do your due diligence about their experience, training, specializations, etc.
Look for Family-Friendly Environments
Every office is going to have its own aesthetics and setup. If you’re taking the whole family to the dentist, you want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. If you walk into a silent office that makes you feel awkward bringing in the kids, this likely isn’t the right fit for you.
The whole family should be comfortable, so take the time to find a welcoming, warm, family-friendly atmosphere to put everyone at ease. Take a look at the aesthetics. Are things clean, comfortable, relaxing, and inviting? Is there anything for the children while they wait? How do the staff engage and interact with your family? All of these details matter.
You Can Learn a Lot from Online Reviews and Testimonials
There are some things you simply can’t learn from a website. A few of these things will only be clear when you actually visit the office. However, you can often get a feel for real-life experiences and feedback by reading online reviews and testimonials.
Remember that not everyone will be pleased every single time. Instead, look for overall positive feedback and testimonials or reviews that speak to things you are concerned about or looking for. Look for discussion about customer service, wait times, atmosphere, and pain management.
Consider Services Offered and Services Needed
We don’t all need the exact same things when it comes to dental care. In fact, we all have very unique needs, and even within your household the needs could vary significantly. Look for an office that provides a wide range of services and will be able to handle the diverse needs of your family.
Here are some basics to cover:
Preventative Care: regular cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, x-rays
Restorative Care: crowns, root canals, fillings, dentures, etc.
Orthodontics: braces, Invisalign, and orthodontic specialties
You might also consider cosmetic care, sedation dentistry, and other needs that suit your family.
Technology and Techniques Do Matter
A dentist’s office that is willing to invest in technology to have the best possible solutions and techniques is absolutely crucial. Modern practices use state-of-the-art technology to ensure their patients get the best care and comfort, no matter their needs. You can ask questions about their equipment and techniques, or just look around to see if things feel outdated or up-to-date.
Some common modern technologies and techniques include the following:
Sedation solutions
Digital Impressions
Digital x-rays
These are just a few examples. If the office is using the best technology, you’re going to be able to tell.
Financial Details
Quality dental care isn’t cheap, so it’s important to understand the financial details before you commit. Check to find out if your insurance plan is accepted by the office you are considering. You will want to be aware of the coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses so you can plan accordingly.
Some dental offices provide payment plan options to give you some flexibility to work with your budget. These are more common for extensive procedures like a crown, root canal, or braces. You might even be able to find discount programs for family packages, but this will vary from office to office.
Trust Smith Dental Care as Your East Texas Dentist!
At Smith Dental Care, we believe in providing quality service for every smile. Whether you need basic services or something more detailed like sedation dentistry, we can help. Our providers and staff care deeply about our customers and strive to offer excellent service in an inviting and caring atmosphere.
At Smith Dental Care, we take great care to offer a variety of services to meet our patients’ needs. Dental crowns are one of the most effective and reliable solutions available to help restore the health and appearance of your teeth when you face issues such as tooth decay, fractures, or other cosmetic challenges.
Dental crowns will help to improve and maintain long-term oral health and aesthetics. There is a lot to know about this common procedure. Join us as we share information about what exactly crowns are, what you can expect, pros and cons, and more to learn everything you need to know.
Contact us today for high-quality dental crown solutions from skilled and experienced providers to help you protect and rejuvenate your smile!
The Importance of Dental Crowns in Oral Health
Dental crowns are not just something to make your smile better. While they certainly can contribute to an improved smile, they also help to maintain and enhance your overall oral health when needed. Dental crowns address several key aspects of dental care, and understanding their significance is important to making an informed decision.
Benefits of Crowns for Long-Term Dental Health
Dental crowns will contribute to your long-term health goals and needs. These crowns provide protection and reinforcement to a tooth, or teeth, that might otherwise be weak or deteriorating. Teeth that are severely damaged by decay, trauma, or even wear are far more vulnerable to additional deterioration. Once a tooth begins to deteriorate, it is typically downhill from there.
Crowns work to provide a protective barrier for the vulnerable tooth. It’s an encasement that wraps around the tooth in question, protecting it from any further harm. This encasement will shield the tooth, preventing any additional damage from happening. It can help to prevent fracturing or breaking, among other things.
You will find that crowns can significantly extend the lifespan of a tooth, reducing the need to remove that tooth. Covering and reinforcing the tooth structure helps to maintain integrity and functionality of the tooth that is already there, helping prevent more invasive procedures from being required.
When a crown is made with high-quality materials, it will be long-lasting and hold up just fine for everyday use and needs.
Restoring Functionality and Aesthetics
Crowns are used to protect the tooth that may need some extra care, but they also look nice. A damaged or compromised tooth could make someone feel self-conscious about their teeth or less likely to smile. But everyone should smile as much as possible, and a crown on the damaged tooth just might improve that.
Crowns restore functionality so that a damaged tooth doesn’t deter you from chewing and using that tooth. It provides additional strength and reinforcement so you can use it like you normally would. The crown will also improve the appearance of your smile, covering up teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or uneven. It covers up those imperfections, helping to create a natural-looking and visually appealing smile.
In addition to these elements, a crown might help maintain proper bite alignment. By replacing missing or damaged teeth, the adjacent teeth are less likely to shift into the gaps, helping prevent misalignment and other similar dental problems.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps or coverings that are placed over a damaged tooth to restore the natural elements of the tooth. This includes the following restorative details:
Size
Shape
Strength
Appearance
Use
Crowns are always custom-made to your own teeth and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. When properly cared for, a crown will last for many years before needing to be replaced or requiring an alternative method. There are different materials and types of crowns, which could affect the appearance, durability, or functionality.
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to each of the different types of crowns. These are the most common materials that are used for dental crowns:
Porcelain
Metal
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Resin
Learn more about each of these below.
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns are well-known because they have a very natural appearance. The crown is made with a high-quality ceramic material that will even have the translucent appearance that natural teeth have in color. It’s an excellent choice for front teeth or highly visible teeth for this reason.
The primary advantage of porcelain crowns is their very clear aesthetic appeal. They blend seamlessly with your other teeth. If you’re looking for the right aesthetic, this is your best solution. On the downside, the porcelain material is not as durable as some of the alternative materials available. They may be more likely to chip or wear down over time, especially with heavy pressure.
Metal
Metal crowns are a common choice because they tend to be the most affordable. If you have a tooth that is not highly visible, this is a go-to solution. Metal crowns can be made from various metals, including gold, palladium, and other metal alloys. They are incredibly durable, which is another reason they are a great choice.
The metal crown has exceptional strength and is highly resistant to wear. They are used most commonly for molars and other back teeth, as these teeth are not highly visible and usually have the hardest work in significant chewing requirements.
The primary advantage of a metal crown is the longevity, affordability, and the strength of the materials that are used. The downside is that these crowns will generally be the same color as the metal that is used for them, meaning they aren’t going to blend with your natural tooth color. They are practical, reliable, and affordable. This makes metal a good option for teeth that don’t affect your smile aesthetics as much.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain fused to metal, also called PFM, crowns combine the hearty benefits of metal with the aesthetic benefits of porcelain. The exterior of the crown is porcelain, providing that appealing white and translucent look that people typically prefer.
Underneath the porcelain layer is a metal base that gives the patient all of the durability they could possibly desire. The porcelain is fused over the metal base, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. This has quickly become one of the most common choices for that exact reason.
Thanks to the metal base, you can experience strength and resilience. And thanks to the porcelain coating over the metal, you also get to rest assured that the crown blends in naturally with your other teeth. PFM can be used for front or back teeth thanks to these details. The advantage is experiencing the benefits of both porcelain and metal in one.
The downside is that the porcelain overlay or fusing doesn’t always cover every last millimeter of metal. Some PFM crowns still show a dark or metal line right at the gum line.
Resin
Resin crowns are made using composite materials. The composites can vary, but they are typically chosen for the ability to fabricate the tooth as desired and the affordability of materials. If you’re looking for an economical solution to get you by for a while, this can be a good choice. It should be known that resin crowns are considered to be temporary in most cases and not a long-lasting option like the other materials.
Resin crowns can be made quickly and affordably. They do have a natural appearance, but they won’t have the same durability as porcelain crowns. Resin tends to be more apt to staining and will not be able to handle long-term pressure or chewing needs. However, they do make a great temporary solution while you plan for the next type of crown to be more permanent for your needs.
There are several common reasons why a dental crown may be necessary. Here are the most common reasons:
Restore damaged teeth
Post-root canal treatment
Cosmetic improvement
Supporting dental bridges
Protecting weakened teeth
Let’s explore each of these further below.
Restore Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth that are damaged, whether that damage is from decay or trauma. In some cases, they are even used for severe cavities that need to be addressed. When a tooth has extensive decay or a fracture, the remaining tooth structure is not always enough to support a filling or other basic restorative options.
A crown will provide a protective covering over the damaged tooth, effectively shielding it from any further damage or decay. It’s a restorative measure that will provide a repair for the tooth while also preserving its functionality and strength in the process. Crowns allow you to continue eating normally and speaking normally without the typical side effects or discomfort of a damaged tooth.
Post-Root Canal Treatment
Following a root canal, the tooth that underwent the procedure is typically very weak. It may also be more susceptible to additional damage. During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is removed, which leaves the remaining tooth hollow. Adding a crown will protect the remains of the tooth, but it will also restore the tooth’s functionality. It is very common to place a crown over the treated tooth.
The crown will provide a robust shield to the tooth, reinforcing the weakened structure and preventing further problems like cracking or breaking. You can chew normally and use that tooth as though nothing ever happened with the reinforcement of the crown.
Cosmetic Improvement
Cosmetic improvements can apply to a wide variety of needs. Whether you’re concerned about teeth discoloration or you have irregularities or other damage to your visible teeth, crowns can provide ideal solutions. A dental crown can be placed to enhance the appearance of teeth that have cosmetic defects. Things like discoloration, misshapen, or uneven teeth can be corrected with crowns.
Supporting Dental Bridges
Dental bridges create replacements for multiple teeth and provide a bridge between teeth. Crowns can play a major part in supporting dental bridges to provide anchorage for the bridges replacing missing teeth. The crown will act as an anchor for the bridge, helping ensure it is attached to a stable structure so it can last much longer.
This approach is all about stability for that bridge. Even if the tooth near the bridge is not damaged, heaving that extra stability of an anchor can provide substantial support for the bridge.
Protecting Weakened Teeth
Finally, crowns can be used to provide support to weakened teeth. When a tooth has had a large filling or experienced excessive wear and tear from something like teeth grinding, it becomes weak. A crown is used as a protective barrier of reinforcement in these cases. It helps to prevent any further damage, providing additional strength to the weakened tooth.
Teeth can be weakened for many reasons. Things like wear, cracks, fillings, and more will weaken a tooth. That weakness makes the tooth more susceptible to breaking or fracturing, but a crown can help protect it against these issues and other severe dental problems.
Dental Crown Procedures
There is a certain process to receiving a dental crown. It will be important to closely work with your provider to ensure you get the best results. Most of the time, placing a crown requires two separate visits because of the steps involved.
Here’s how the process typically works.
Consultation and Exam: during an initial consultation, the dentist can perform a full exam to determine whether a crown is the best option and discuss your options with you. X-rays and some sort of impression will be taken in preparation for the crown placement.
Tooth Preparation: the tooth receiving a crown will need to be prepared to make sure there is room for crown placement. The dentist may need to remove a portion of the tooth for a proper fit. Typically, the dentist relies on impressions to help custom-make the crown.
Temporary Crown Placement: while waiting for the permanent crown, a temporary crown might be placed to help protect the tooth in the meantime. This temporary crown will be removed when the permanent one is placed.
Fitting and Placing Permanent Crown: when the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will double check the fit and color to be sure it works as planned. Then, the dentist will place it as a permanent fixture.
Final Adjustments and Patient Instruction: the dentist will closely inspect the crown and make any necessary adjustments for it to fit and function properly and comfortably. They will also provide you with any necessary instructions for caring for the crown.
Every step of the process is important to ensure that the crown will fit properly and function properly. A provider who has experience working with crowns will advise you of the process every step of the way.
If a provider determines that a crown may be necessary during a general cleaning or another procedure, the consultation typically takes place at that time rather than in a separate appointment.
Dental crowns can provide a wide variety of benefits to patients who are considering them. These benefits support appearance and aesthetic goals, but they can also significantly support your oral health in multiple ways.
These are the primary benefits:
Durability and Longevity: crowns are designed to last so they can provide a long-term solution for your oral health needs. They are strong and reliable, offering protection for many years without needing replacement or repair.
Improved Aesthetics: crowns are going to improve or enhance the look of your teeth. They cover up imperfections and can be color matched to your teeth to ensure you have a perfect and pleasing smile.
Restored Functionality: crowns will allow you to continue to use your teeth as they are intended to be used. They take an otherwise weak tooth and reinforce it to restore the full function of your teeth. With crowns, you can speak, chew, and smile as normal.
Enhanced Oral Health: crowns will protect the tooth in question, which will help prevent further issues related to that tooth. They are typically used to support or protect weakened teeth, which can help reduce the likelihood of far worse problems.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications you should be aware of. Knowing and understanding these can help you make a fully informed decision. We recommend speaking to your provider about any concerns and questions you may have as well.
Dental crowns are considered generally safe, but let’s take a look at the potential risks.
Sensitivity or Discomfort: sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is normal after receiving a crown. In most cases, this will subside naturally as your mouth becomes accustomed to the foreign crown object. This sensitivity is usually to hot or cold temperatures, but may include soreness from the procedure.
Crown Loosening or Falling Off: over time, it is possible for a crown to become loose or even fall off. This typically happens because the cement setting the crown wears away or breaks down. This is usually rare, but if it does happen, you should reach out to your dentist right away.
Allergic Reactions: allergic reactions are not common and can usually be avoided if known allergies are disclosed. However, there are times a patient may experience a reaction to the metal that is used in certain crowns. If you do experience or suspect a reaction, contact your dentist immediately.
Gum Irritation or Recession: if for some reason the crown does not quite fit right, this may cause some irritation to your gums. It can also lead to gum recession because of the pressure it causes. This can lead to discomfort or potential infection, so be sure to contact your dentist if you are experiencing irritation.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Crowns
Proper care for your dental crown is very important. If it is not properly cared for, it may lead to irritation, reactions, or even failure of the crown. The good news is that proper care is fairly simple. These things will make a difference.
Brush and floss daily, following recommended daily oral hygiene and care
Have regular dental check-ups as recommended, which is usually every six months
Avoid habits that can lead to damage, such as chomping ice or hard candy, using your teeth as a tool, or other actions that are not recommended
Address issues early - if you experience discomfort or notice anything that doesn’t seem right, contact the dentist right away
Being aware and proactive will be an important part of proper maintenance. Follow your provider’s instructions and don’t ignore it if you suspect an issue.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
It is important to know that a crown can cost money out of pocket. On average, crowns can cost anywhere from $1000-$2,500. The total cost might depend on the tooth for placement, as well as the selected crown materials. Your provider will be able to give you a more accurate estimate for your crown needs.
If you have dental insurance, it will likely cover a portion of this expense, but insurance varies significantly. Your provider can check with your insurance to see what they cover. They may offer payment plans or financing options if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs upfront.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns can be a powerful tool for many dentistry needs. They help to restore functionality and appearance for many causes. At Smith Dental Care, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care for every patient and can help with your dental crown needs. We specialized in comprehensive dental care, offering customized solutions for your oral health.
Contact us today to discuss your oral health needs and schedule an appointment!
Sedation has become one of the most valuable tools in modern medicine, especially in the dentist’s office. Many people suffer from dental phobias and dental anxiety. Whether it’s from a bad experience or simply not always knowing what to expect, this often makes it challenging for people to receive the dental care they need for prime oral health.
Thankfully, sedation has become more acceptable to help potential patients overcome their fear and anxiety as they seek treatment. There are many different types of sedation. In this guide, we are going to focus on pill sedation in Tyler, TX. Below, you will find everything you need to know, including how it works, who might benefit from it, and what to expect. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Pill Sedation?
Pill sedation is an oral medication that is prescribed by a qualified dentist. The medication will be taken as instructed by your dentist. Generally speaking, you will take the pill before coming to the office to give it time to start to work. The pill will induce a state of relaxation and mild drowsiness that should help you maintain calm throughout your entire appointment or procedure.
The pill sedative used can vary, but some common options include diazepam and triazolam. These are known for helping to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote comfort. The pill calms the patient without completely putting them to sleep, although it may make them feel sleepy.
Another name for pill sedation is oral sedation or oral conscious sedation. These terms are used because, under pill sedation, the patient will be deeply relaxed but also awake and aware.
How Does It Work?
If you have ever taken any kind of oral sedation or pill, this will work similarly to those. When you take over-the-counter medicines at home, they usually start to provide relief in approximately 30-60 minutes. This pill will work in the same general way, but it is a prescription rather than an over-the-counter option.
After you take the sedative, the medication in it is absorbed into your digestive system and enters your bloodstream. It will begin to take effect in approximately 30 minutes, and you will start to feel calm and relaxed. Many pills cause you to experience drowsiness, which contributes to the calm feeling.
It is recommended that you do not drive when you use pill sedation since it can make you drowsy.
Check Out the Benefits
There are benefits to using a pill sedation method as opposed to alternative options. What works for you may vary depending on your needs. These are the top benefits of oral sedative options:
Non-invasive approach
Helps to relieve anxiety
Convenient method
Minimal recovery time
Who Should Consider Pill Sedation?
Not everyone will be a good candidate for oral sedation. However, there are many who may choose this method. It is important to understand that these pills can affect everyone differently and may not work as well for some as they do for others.
Pill solutions are typically chosen for people who have a fear of needles or feel claustrophobic with a mask on their face. If you have low pain tolerance or just need to feel relaxed, it can also be a strong choice. This method is easy and non-invasive, if that is what you are looking for.
What to Expect
Before you use this method, your dentist will provide you with clear instructions on how to prepare and when you should take the medicine. Here are some tips:
No eating or drinking for a few hours before your appointment and no caffeine within 12 hours of your appointment
Take the sedative at the recommended time (usually 30-60 minutes prior to appointment)
Arrange transportation to and from the office; do not drive yourself
Wear comfortable clothing and bring anything that helps you feel more at ease
The pill will lead to you feeling deeply relaxed and probably drowsy. Your dental team will monitor your vital signs for your safety. You will remain conscious, although you may fall asleep naturally. You will likely have limited memory of your appointment because of the sedative. The pill will wear off naturally on its own, but you may feel groggy for a few hours.
The best way to recover from the procedure is to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and allow yourself to rest. Avoid taking or using anything that could interact with the sedative.
Final Thoughts
Using pill sedation is a decision that should be made based on your needs. It is important to be aware of your options and how this solution could affect you. There are benefits to oral methods, as well as other options. Be sure to speak to your dental provider about your options to choose the right approach.
At Smith Dental Care, we know that every patient has unique needs. Let us help you with any sedation dentistry questions and work with you closely along the way. Schedule your appointment today.
Precision is one of the most important elements in dentistry. Precision allows dental providers to ensure their patients get the best possible care. Tools like the iTero scanner have made a significant impact on revolutionizing smiles. Advanced technology like this creates digital impressions, giving us the ability to move away from those uncomfortable and messy molds and move into the future with much better results.
Dentists looking for the best solutions have moved to technology like this. The goal is to improve and enhance patient care, and the iTero system helps to make that happen. Learn all that there is to know about digital impressions vs traditional dental molds. Keep reading to learn more!
What is an iTero Scanner?
iTero embraces the future of technology, giving dental offices the ability to reinvent their patient care and treatment solutions. The brand offers several different products, but one of the most noteworthy is the digital scanner that provides 3D images. The intention of those images is to completely replace the manual molds of old that were bulky, messy, and uncomfortable.
Since the 3D scan is directly of the patient’s mouth, it captures very specific and accurate images with 3D technology. The images will capture the teeth and gums and can do so in a matter of minutes. The iTero will scan the inside of the mouth using a wand device. That scan then creates a detailed digital model that can be viewed by office personnel in real time.
The iTero scanner is most popular for orthodontic treatments, restorative procedures, and cosmetic dentistry. However, it can be used for any type of dental treatment that might normally require a mold to provide accurate treatment.
These digital scans are surprisingly easy to work with and incredibly accurate. Plus, they are digital, which means no physical elements have to be sent off or captured through photos.
Say Goodbye to Messy Molds
Traditional molds have always been captured by putting a cumbersome tray filled with gooey materials into the client’s mouth. The materials ooze out and form around the teeth, creating an impression of your teeth. However, any wrong movement or mis-bite can lead to incorrect details in those impressions.
Many patients who have experienced those trays for manual molds have known the feeling of stretching cheeks, serious discomfort, or even gagging from the bulky piece in their mouth. With iTero, all of this can be avoided. It’s as simple as a small scanning wand gently gliding over the teeth. The results are accurate digital impressions without the mess and without the extreme discomfort.
Precise and Better Results
The reality of old mold processes is that they were not always very accurate. There were a lot of details that could easily cause a provider to get a bad mold. When that happened, anything that was based on the mold could be inaccurate as well. Those molds affect your treatments, and any incorrect detail could negatively impact the treatment received.
With high-definition digital images from the iTero, dental offices get digital impressions that are extremely precise. The wand scans every little detail. As long as the providers know how to properly scan, the results are far more accurate than manual impressions. This allows dentists to devise restoration needs or create tailored treatments that are perfectly designed for every detail of the teeth in question.
This helps reduce the possibility of errors or adjustments that have to be made and streamlines the process as well.
A Faster Path to Treatment
When it comes to dental care, playing the waiting game isn’t always possible. With traditional molds, they had to be sent off and then any necessary treatment equipment was created according to those molds. The process was long and could require multiple appointments to even get started. If there were any errors with the impressions, that dragged the process out even more.
Since iTero scanners provide instant digital impressions, the process is much faster for everyone. The provider can get to your treatment far more quickly, speeding up the entire process to get you taken care of.
Eco-Friendly Dental Care
Sustainability and reducing waste are becoming more and more important. A transition to digital impressions makes practices far more eco-friendly in their approach. There is less waste and fewer disposable materials that are used when digital impressions are utilized rather than physical models.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that dental impressions and dental care are quickly turning to digital solutions in many different ways. Digital impressions vs traditional dental molds offer substantial benefits for all. Technological upgrades like the iTero scanner are game-changers for dental practices as well as their patients, transforming processes and quality of care for every patient and the outcomes of their dental experience.
Solutions like these certainly revolutionize smiles in all the right ways. Thanks to easier, more efficient methods, the future of dentistry is at our fingertips. Schedule your appointment with us today!
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