What You Should Know About Crowns

Having great white teeth is an absolute must to everyone nowadays. As we grow old, so do our teeth. It is just typical that we take care of them as well. So let us start to taking care of our teeth because once they start to decay, there is no way of taking the lost parts back but by replacing them.

Crowns or more commonly as dental crowns is a tooth shaped cap that is placed over a tooth that has holes or missing bits of pieces. They will be cemented into place and will fully encase the entire too above the gum line. This will help restore the tooth’s shape, size, as well as improve its firmness.  If you have gone to your dentist, he or she may have mentioned you getting a crown for some of your teeth. This may just be an advice but a good one indefinitely. Ask yourself, do you need to have a dental crown and why?

Getting a dental crown maybe because of different situational factors, here are some examples:

•        To protect a weak tooth from decay or breakage
•        To restore an already broken tooth
•        To cover and support a tooth
•        To hold a dental bridge in place
•        To cover a severely discolored teeth
•        To protect a dental implant
•        To provide a cosmetic modification

Like adults, children can also use crowns primarily to protect their baby teeth. This is because children have different behaviors due to their age. There are also different kinds of crowns available today.  Examples of these crowns are the:

•  Permanent Crowns – Made from stainless steel, metal alloy or gold, all resin, or all ceramic.
•  Stainless Steel -  Prefabricated crowns that are used on permanent teeth.  In general, this type of crowns is used for children’s teeth because they do not require numerous dental visits.
•  Metal Crowns – Mainly used for out of sight molars, metal crowns rarely chip or break. They last longer that other types of crowns and can withstand biting and chewing.
•  Porcelain-Fused-Metal Crowns – These crowns are best used for front and back teeth. Unlike other crowns, this crown can easily chi or break off. It also has chances of wearing that might occur with the metal and porcelain showing out.
• All-Resin Crowns – Is a less expensive type of crown but has a risk of wearing down over time and it is more prone to fractures.
• All-Ceramic or all-Porcelain Crowns – Provide the best looking crowns with a natural color feel to it. These crowns are also a good choice from the front teeth.  Yet, all ceramic or all porcelain crowns are not that strong either.
• Temporary and Permanent Crowns –Temporary crowns are made at your local dentist office and is made of acrylic  or stainless steel material while a permanent crown is made in a dental laboratory.

So if you want to have a great smile and a good set of white teeth. Go to your local dentist and get your teeth cleaned up. Ask for advices and start living a more healer life with a healthier eating habit. Acquaint yourself with proper oral care so that your teeth will stay protected and healthy. 

- Dr. Joe Kim
Evergreen Family Dental
Mill Creek, WA

Learning More About What A Root Canal Is

Do you have rotten teeth that have holes in them or do you experience pain every time you chew on a tooth? This might be a sign that you will need a root canal treatment. If you what to learn more about what they call a root canal, then here is a simple fact about it. A root canal is a treatment that involves the pulp of the tooth. When it is inflamed, dead, or infected by bacteria, then the pulp of the tooth will require treatment as well as cleaning. This will also make the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone healthy. When the root canal has been treated, the pulp will be removed and all the canals and pulp chamber will be sealed to prevent bacteria from entering and doing more damage to your tooth.

A root canal treatment sometimes is also called an endodontic treatment which is the more correct terminology for a certain procedure that treats the nerves of the tooth. Endodontics is a special field in dentistry that deals specifically with the tooth pulp as well as the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. A root canal can be performed by a general dentist but may refer to an endodontist who is much more qualified and experienced particularly with root canal treatments.  

While many people go to the dentist just for checkups and getting their teeth cleaned, they sometimes do not follow the right oral health procedures and usually end up with unhealthy teeth. So if you are thinking that a root canal is not necessary then you are wrong. There are many factors that contribute to pulp damage in teeth. Common factors such as the following are essential warnings that we must always bear in mind:

• Pain - It is the most common sign and symptom of unhealthy tooth and ends up in getting a root canal.  If the tooth is still alive, it is exceptionally sensitive to hot and cold temperatures even after the sensation has passed.  The tooth will hurt, bleed, and irritate you every time you put pressure on it. Thus affecting your daily eating or drinking habit.

• Abscess - If some of your teeth are abscessed, then you will require a root canal. This can also contribute to a pimple like bump on your gums and even have pus accumulating leaving a bad taste in your mouth. 

• Deep cavity – As tooth decay infects your teeth, the pulp will become infected with bacteria. The only way to remedy this is by getting a root canal treatment to remove the areas that have been affected by decay.

• Trauma – Impacted with a great amount of force, a nerve can be severed and die leaving a very traumatic experience lasting for several years.

•  Fracture – With fractured teeth, the fracture can also extend down to the root and pulp. This will need crown restoration as well as a root canal to help in the restoration.  

•   Repeated dental procedures – Causes a lot of stress to the teeth as well as to you.

Having great with teeth that are complete and healthy is a must. This will also prevent the need for a root canal that is quite a stressful experience to undergo because of unhealthy oral care habits. So if you do not want to experience having a root canal, then take care of your teeth, brush three times a day, go regularly to your dentists for checkups, eat healthy food, and start living a more healthy life.

- Dr. Joe Kim

Mill Creek Dentist

Caring For Your Teeth With Fillings

Have you ever wanted to get teeth fillings? Do you have decayed teeth? Then it might be time for you to get fillings for your teeth. Fillings are dental restorative materials used to fill up the area wherein there are missing or decayed parts of your teeth. From the word “fill”, these fillings repair broken or worn down teeth for you to have a complete feeling again on the teeth that once had the missing parts. So if you are thinking of getting fillings for your teeth, then check in for an appointment now with your family dentist or head to the nearest local dental shop near you.

In putting teeth fillings, we dentists will first need to numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia. With the help of a drill, a laser, or air abrasion instrument, we will need to remove the decayed area of the tooth. After, the area is cleaned and prepared for the filling to be placed in. This might take some time as well as involve a little pain but it will defiantly be worth it in the end. It is really going to be a happier life with clean and complete teeth to complement your sweet smiles.

There are several types of dental fillings available so you can have several choices.  Depending on your dental condition, your dentist will help you decide which fillings will be suitable to your need. Some factors that might affect in the decision making will be the location and severity of your tooth decay, the costs, and your dental insurance.

Types of Dental Fillings:

• Gold fillings –The sturdy and non-corrosive choice. This type of filling can last up to 15 years giving you a long lasting oral health care. However, gold fillings are more expensive that other types of fillings and can take much time in fitting them properly.

• Silver Amalgam fillings – Offers both strength and durability at a lower cost. Compared to other fillings, amalgam fillings can expand and contract leaving a low chance of tooth cracks.

• Composite – Fillings that are made of tooth colored composite.  This type of filling matches your teeth and is a popular choice as well. Yet, this type of filling only lasts for 5 years and a little bit expensive also.

• Ceramic – Aesthetic and durable, ceramic fillings are often made of porcelain material. The only downside is that it can ruin or wear down opposing teeth when the porcelain becomes jagged.

• Glass ionomers – This type of fillings are one of the best choices for children whose teeth are still altering. Made of glass and acrylic fillings, glass ionomers only lasts less than 5 years. On the other hand glass ionomers can discharge fluoride which is an important factor in helping prevent tooth decay.

Also, taking care of your oral health is the key goal you have to do in keeping your teeth clean and strong. Brushing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for regular checkups, and eating healthy are just some of the added preventive things you can do to take care of your oral health. If you have more questions about fillings, you can visit your dentist and know more about it plus your overall oral health.

- Dr. Joe Kim

Evergreen Family Dental

Mill Creek, WA

10 Things You Need To Know About Braces

Have you ever wanted to get braces? Do you have misaligned teeth? As dental health professionals say, it’s never too late to achieve the perfect smile. Almost four million people in the world today use braces and adults account for nearly a half of these numbers.

 Since the 18th century, Braces have been a part of man’s life and has continued to evolve over the past years.  There are several types of braces available. They vary from cheap braces to the expensive braces. Braces also come in different colors based on your color preferences.  Best of all, these braces can bring the perfect fit for your teeth and the satisfaction you need when it comes to having a wonderful smile.

Types of Braces:

•                Traditional metal wired - Traditional metal wired braces are made from stainless steel. These braces are the most common type of braces which is sometimes combined with titanium.

•                Clear - Clear braces provide a cosmetic alternative from the traditional metal braces. Made from ceramic, these braces blend more making it hidden and less conspicuous.

•                Gold-plated stainless steel - Gold-plated stainless steel are used when patients have allergic reactions to nickel which is a basic component of stainless steel braces. However it is also used if patients prefer to have a gold look rather that the traditional type of braces.

•                Lingual braces - Lingual braces also serve as a cosmetic alternative for people who do not want their braces to be seen.

•                Titanium braces - Titanium braces are lighter but more expensive type of braces.

•                Customized orthodontic treatment systems - Customized orthodontic treatment systems are robotically customized and applied. Treatment can be faster but also has a high price.

•                Progressive, clear removable aligner - Progressive, clear removable aligner are the most recent type of braces that is used to gradually move teeth into position.

•                Spring aligners - Spring aligners are used in less difficult cases and can align the front six top and bottom teeth primarily.

•                Smart brackets - Smart brackets contains a microchip which reduces orthodontic therapy as well as expenses and discomfort.

•                A-braces - A-braces are in the shape of a capital letter A and they provide a self-adjustable retainers or palate expander.

But why have braces? It does not really matter if you are an adult or even a senior citizen when it comes to having braces. Most people want a great smile and that is why some of them want to have braces instead. Some people might just be health conscious or merely want braces just for show. But if you truly want to have braces then there is certainly no cause for you to be concerned if you can afford the cost and adjust to the temporary inconveniences that braces bring. Once have adjusted to your braces, then you can be pleased about them as you will be rewarded by a healthy smile as well as a healthy life. If you are still not sure about braces, then you might want to ask your dentist and get the right advice you need.

- Dr. Joe Kim

Evergreen Family Dental

15224 Main St #301

Mill Creek, WA 98012

425-338-4999

http://evergreenfamilydental.com