Bridges
What is a bridge?
A bridge is a restoration that replaces or spans the space when one or more teeth have been lost. Fixed bridges are bonded or cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist.
How long do bridges last?
The life span of a bridge is dependent on the quality of the supporting teeth and how well they are maintained. If the teeth are well maintained, and free of dental disease such as decay and periodontal disease, a bridge can last for decades.
Crowns
How long do crowns last?
A well-placed, well cared for crown can last decades.
Is a gold or porcelain crown better?
Both are excellent restorations. In general, porcelain crowns are used in visible, esthetic areas. Gold crowns are generally used in less conspicuous areas. Gold restorations also cause less wear to opposing teeth.
Do I need a crown over my root canal treated tooth?
In general, yes. Usually a tooth treated with root canal therapy has already been weakened by decay. The preparation for root canal therapy also weakens the tooth. These teeth also become more brittle over time. A full coverage crown restoration helps reduce the chances of the tooth breaking.
Do all teeth that are treated with root canals need crowns?
Yes, but there are a few exceptions. Some anterior (front) teeth may do better long term without a crown.
Do all teeth with crowns need root canals?
No.
Dentures
My dentures are 10 years old and they are getting loose, do I need new ones?
Not necessarily. If the teeth and base are in good condition, not a lot of bone loss, and you still like the way they look, the fit of your dentures may be restored with a reline procedure. You should make an appointment for a complementary consultation to discuss your condition with one of our dentists.
How long do I have to be without my dentures for a reline procedure?
We would need to have your denture for two working days.
How do I know if I need a new denture, or just a reline?
You would need to make an appointment for a complementary consultation with one of our dentists to examine you and your dentures.
My denture feel fine, but the teeth are broken and worn. Can I just get the teeth replaced?
If it is just one or two teeth we have the equipment here at Plum Grove Dental to replace them. If many or all of the teeth are severely worn, a new denture makes sense.
Fillings
Whenever I get a filling done, my tooth is sensitive to cold. Is there something wrong?
Tooth sensitivity can be a common occurrence following a filling procedure, however, improved dental filling materials have greatly reduced this risk. Sensitivity can occur after the placement of a large filling. This should subside in a few days. Persistent sensitivity may mean that the bite needs to be adjusted or may be a sign of a larger problem.
I have many silver fillings in my mouth. They don't bother me but they have been there a long time. Should I have them replaced with tooth colored ones?
Dental fillings may last many years before they need replacing. However, constant pressure from chewing, grinding, and clenching may cause a filling to wear away, chip, crack, or even fall out. Regular dental examinations allow the dentist to detect problem fillings in the early stages. If a patient is unhappy with the look of the silver fillings, we can replace them, but we try to wait until the filling shows signs of failing before taking this step.
Which material is best for a filling? Silver or White
Due to cosmetic concerns, tooth colored fillings, or composites, are placed predominantly. Silver is still considered to be a fine restorative material and is used in situations where composite is not appropriate.
Partial Dentures
I have broken a wire on my partial, can it be fixed?
If your partial denture otherwise fits well, and the condition of the anchor teeth are good, broken clasps can usually be replaced or repaired.
My partial denture is loose. Can it be tightened, or do I need a new one?
If just the clasp on your partial is loose, we can tighten the clasp to make it fit better. If the acrylic portion is loose, the partial may need to be relined or a new partial may need to be made.
I've heard about clasp free partial dentures. What are they and are they right for me?
"I really don't like the way the clasps look when I smile."
A precision partial can be made to fit into the crowned tooth that supports it. An examination would need to be completed to discuss if this option would work for you.
My back teeth no longer touch on my partial denture. Do I need a new one?
Chances are you have had this partial denture for many years and the acrylic teeth have become worn. We can evaluate your existing partial and discuss treatment options.
Veneers
What is a veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of tooth colored porcelain. It is designed to cover the front surface of the tooth to improve the appearance. The veneer is then bonded to the front of the tooth.
What types of problems can veneers fix?
Veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, teeth that are chipped or broken, teeth that are worn down, teeth that are misaligned, or teeth that have gaps between them.