Archives for December 2011 | Balcones Family Dental

Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

As a tooth replacement method, dental implants are the optimal choice. They do the best job of filling in for a missing tooth both structurally and aesthetically.

With all of the advantages offered by dental implants, an increasing number of patients are choosing this option. Understandably, those patients who take advantage of implant dentistry in Austin also want to care for their dental implants properly.

In the first few days after implant placement, you will need to use a lighter touch in your oral hygiene routine as you heal. Brush gently, perhaps with a brush with softer bristles, and include a mouth rinse as an extra component for keeping your mouth clean.

After you have healed from your surgery, caring for dental implants is not much different from maintaining your natural teeth. Your implant dentist will recommend a home oral hygiene routine that is probably quite similar to the one that you already follow. Dental implants are structurally similar to natural teeth, so you can continue to brush and floss in the same way that you always have. Professional dental care is also an important part of dental implant maintenance. You will need to continue to have periodic professional cleanings and exams.

Although dental implants can be maintained in the same way as biological teeth, dental implant patients should be sure to protect their oral health from conditions that could compromise the implants. For example, if you have a history of advanced periodontal disease, it’s important to take steps to prevent a recurrence that could put your dental implants at risk.

If you care for them properly, your dental implants will serve as stable, durable replacement teeth that will last for decades. The good news is that you won’t need to make any major adjustments to your oral care routine.

Contact our experienced team at Balcones Family Dental in Austin, Texas for more information about dental implants and to schedule a visit.

Porcelain Crowns: A great option for restoring teeth

Most dentists would unanimously agree that restoring and saving a natural tooth should always be a top priority. In many cases, the outcome of saving a natural tooth will outweigh the alternative: tooth loss.

There are a number of alternatives for restoring teeth, many of which can yield long-lasting and natural-looking results. Patients who are seeking an experienced dentist serving the 78729 area can schedule a consultation in order to determine the appropriate dental restoration.

Porcelain has been used in dentistry to address both cosmetic and restorative needs for many important reasons. Porcelain is:

strong enough to withstand normal biting and chewing forces
not affected by extreme temperature changes or moisture
resists staining from foods and beverages
low potential for allergic reaction
can be customized and shaded to mimic a natural tooth
can be used to restore front teeth or back teeth

When a tooth has become weakened or compromised due to large fillings, decay, or root canal treatment, a porcelain crown is a great option for restoring the tooth. Porcelain crowns may also be indicated to restore broken teeth, fractured teeth, and dental implants. They are also an appropriate solution for improving the appearance of a tooth that has not developed properly or a tooth that has old or worn fillings.

Your dentist will often recommend a crown when it is necessary to completely cover and protect your tooth. A crown, also known as a cap, covers all surfaces of the tooth and is permanently cemented in place. Patients are able to enjoy porcelain crowns just as they would enjoy a natural tooth, and there are generally no restrictions in terms of caring for the crown.

Although dental crowns can be fabricated from various combinations of materials, porcelain is the most commonly utilized, and your dentist will often recommend it due to its many advantages and beautiful appearance.

To learn more about porcelain crowns and to find out if they are the right choice for you, contact the office of Dr. Paul Lounsberry at 512.200.7422 and schedule your appointment today.

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