Imagine a smile makeover in two visits. No shots, no drills, no long appointments...and much more affordable than the cosmetic dentistry that is typically needed for cosmetic smle enhancements. Enter the snap on smile....an appliance made to snap over the existing teeth and provide a complete and extreme makeover.
What can a Snap On Smile fix?
1. Missing Teeth
2. Severely Discolored Teeth
3. Severely crooked Teeth
4. Space between Teeth
In one appliance, you can make the teeth look whiter, close the spaces between teeth, give the appearance of straighter teeth and replace teeth that are missing. For less than the cost of 2 crowns, 1/4 the cost of orthodontics, 1/2 the cost of replacing one missing teeth, the Snap On Smile delivers with ease, expediency and perfection! Ask Dr.Glasmeier, your Nashville dentist, about getting a Snap On Smile today!
Question: What are the pros and cons of metal free crowns?
Answer: Metal free crowns are a great alternative to the more traditional gold crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns we have seen over the past 20 years. The reason is due to the esthetics as there is no metal in the crown and no darkening of the tooth can occur. Color matches tend to be better and also are typically more stable since they are made of 1 material versus multiple materials. Many patients with porcelain fused to metal crowns(aka PFM crowns) will see a gray line at the gumline over time as the gum recedes or pulls away from the tooth. This can lead to very unsightly esthetics over time. Even if the gum does recede, a metal free crown will not yield a gray line because their is no metal present. Although esthetics are exceptional, there are limitations on where they can be placed such as the bite. Patients that have a "tight" or "deep" bite may not have sufficient room for these type of crowns. If the crowns are placed anyways, they are more susceptible to fracture. Metal free crowns are more at risk for fracture if the patient is a severe grinder or clenches their teeth often. Talk to Dr. Glasmeier about metal free crowns!
Question: Is Valium still used for oral sedation at the dental office?
Answer: While valium remains a medication used in oral sedation dentistry, its effectivess as well as the longevity it provides makes it not the best choice. Valium is typically part of a prescription regimen that is used but not used exclusively. Most dentists will prescribe valium the night before the dental appointment to help the patient sleep the night before; however, Triazolam (aka Halcion) is usually given the day of the dental appointment to help heighten the level of anxiolysis/sedation for the patient. Adding additional sedatives to the regimen also warrants that the dentist is monitoring specific vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respirations and O2 saturation.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Do you know the difference sources of tooth sensitivity? Do you know what sensitivity can be an issue and which are of small consequence?
Consider these questions:
1. Is the sensitivity brief or lingering? Lingering refers to more than 30 seconds.
2. Is the sensitivity all the time or occasional?
3. Does the sensitivity happen when you do something or does it happen on its own?
4. Does it hurt when you chew or when its exposed to hot or cold or both?
5. Do you have receding gums? Receding gums can make teeth more sensitive?
6. Is there a filling already present on the tooth?
7. Is there a cavity present on the tooth?
8. Does the sensitivity keep you up at night?
9. Do you have to use OTC meds to help with sensitivity?
These are several questions a dentist will use to assess not only the problem but also the severity of the problem. Come visit Dr.Glasmeier to find out the source of the sensitivity and to assess if treatment is needed.
True or False?
Good oral hygiene prevents cavities. TRUE. (Of course.) As simple as this is, regular brushing and flossing is the best way you can prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing after every meal for 2-3 minutes will help prevent cavities by removing food particles that normally create an environment for bacteria in your mouth to cause cavities.
HOWEVER, while good hygiene does help prevent cavities, the fact is that some people are more susceptible to cavities(and gum disease) in spite of the person's best efforts. There are genetic factors, medical history factors and prescription factors that will contribute to having problems.
True or False?
If your tooth is chipped tooth, it is likely because there is tooth decay present. True and False. While tooth decay(cavities) are the most common reason for a chipped tooth, there are many other ways a tooth can chip or crack.
A tooth is more susceptible to fracture regardless of decay if: large filling already present, parafunctional habits exist, patient is a grinder, tooth has been fixed multiple times, and malalignment of the teeth. Tooth decay will either exacerbate a preexisting condition or can alone cause fracture of a tooth.
True or False?
If a tooth is chipped but there is no cavity, then I should not be concerned. Depends. Assuming your hygiene is good, you do not grind your teeth and you are getting regular checkups, your risk for problems is decreased. The biggest concern is that bacteria can flourish around fractured areas if they are not kept clean and cause bigger problems.
True or False?
A filling should last forever and never need replacement. False. Most fillings at some point require replacement or maintenance to prevent further problems. Good hygiene can certainly offset the need for replacing a filling but much like everything else in life, fillings will likely need to be replacement for reasons such as new decay, leakage, chipping due to grinding forces.
True or False?
All silver filling should be replaced with tooth colored fillings. Absolutely false. If you know the expression "If its not broke, don't fix it", then you know my practice philosophy. Replacing a filling that has no issues can potentially create new issues. So when would we replace a filling? When tooth decay is present, filling is leaking, filling is chipped and/or patient is having symptoms.
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