Everyone wants a bright and shiny smile, but teeth are exposed to many things that can leave their mark over the decades. Foods and beverages that are high in pigments and dyes such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can leave unsightly stains or discoloration on your teeth. Tobacco use is even worse because it can leave yellow stains and nasty buildup on your smile. Luckily, cosmetic dental treatments like veneers and teeth whitening can remove or cover up these unpleasant flaws. Here’s what can make one of these treatments the better choice for you.

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If you’re facing dental challenges such as misshapen, cracked, or discolored teeth, think about a radiant transformation for your smile. Porcelain veneers offer an impressive solution that not only enhances your oral appearance but also bolsters your self-assurance. Let’s explore the five compelling advantages that make porcelain veneers the preferred method for tackling cosmetic issues and elevating your smile to new levels.

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While dentists aim to preserve teeth and prevent them from falling out, it can sometimes be necessary to extract a tooth for the sake of the health of the rest of the body. This can happen because a tooth is infected or injured beyond repair or because the mouth does not have enough room to accommodate it. After a tooth extraction, it’s important to take proper care of your mouth to prevent a painful condition called dry socket. Here are a few tips to keep your healing process smooth and free from dry socket.

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Regular exercise is absolutely necessary for good physical and mental health, but doing it incorrectly can have serious consequences. You might currently be worrying about pulling a muscle, wrenching your back, or dropping a weight on your foot when you go to the gym, but working out comes with some risks to your teeth as well. Here are a few ways exercise can harm your teeth and how to work out with minimal risk to your oral health.

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Considering cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve a more radiant smile might lead to inquiries regarding potential discomfort. Whether you’re interested in teeth whitening, veneers, or orthodontic treatments, a range of choices is available to tackle different cosmetic issues. Becoming acquainted with these procedures can ease concerns and guarantee a pleasant and painless journey. Read on to explore whether discomfort is associated with cosmetic dentistry.

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Are you thinking about going on summer vacation? You’re not alone! Many people are eagerly making plans during this delightful time of year, whether it’s a beach getaway or an adventure in the mountains. However, amidst all the excitement, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of visiting your dentist before you set off to ensure optimal dental health throughout your trip. Continue reading to explore four compelling reasons why scheduling a dental appointment before your upcoming adventure is a good idea.

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Missing teeth not only can negatively impact your desire to engage with others, but it can also affect your everyday functioning, like speaking and eating. However, you don’t have to live with a gapped smile! Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement options, offering unparalleled stability and longevity. But if you have had an incomplete set of teeth for a while, can you still be a candidate for dental implants? Here’s what to know about how long you can wait before getting dental implants.

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Dental crowns are commonly used to fix damaged or worn-down teeth by covering the entire tooth, thus restoring both its natural appearance and function. The success of dental crowns mainly hinges on the type of crown, its fixation, and the degree of care provided.

Why Are Dental Crowns Used?

Dr. Franklin-Pitts, your dentist in Tyler, may recommend getting dental crowns if you have the following:

• severely damaged or decayed teeth
• worn down
• weak teeth
• misshapen teeth
• uneven teeth

But, she can also use them to: 

• cover a large filling
• protect a tooth after a root canal
• hold a dental bridge
• cover dental implants

What Are Dental Crown Options?

Types of dental crowns differ in materials, which can change the appearance, durability, and cost. They include:

• Ceramic crowns or porcelain crowns
• Metal-ceramic or Porcelain fused to a metal framework
• Metals, such as gold or silver-based alloys, titanium, or stainless steel
• Composite resin crowns

What Is Required for Dental Crowns?

For crowns to be effective, a certain amount of tooth structure is necessary to provide support. Insufficient tooth structure may lead to poor bonding and eventual dislodgment of the crowns. Therefore, your dentist may use composite material to create a supportive structure if there is not enough natural tooth to work with.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Initial Exam

Dr. Franklin-Pitts takes X-rays and examines your mouth. She notes the tooth’s color to ensure your crown matches your natural teeth. 

Tooth Preparation

Preparing the tooth involves:

• Administering local anesthesia.
• Removing all the decay.
• Preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
• Ensuring the pulp isn’t infected.

Impressions and Crown Fabrication

Digital images of your tooth are taken, although some dentists may use a special silicone-based putty. The impression is sent to a dental lab where a technician makes your crown or uses an in-house 3D printer. 

Temporary Crown Placement

While waiting for your permanent crown to be made, you are fitted with a temporary crown. The temporary crown protects your tooth and prevents any shifting while you wait. Or you can choose to get a CEREC crown that is milled right in the office.

You’ll schedule an appointment to return when your permanent crown is ready.

Permanent Crown Placement

At the following appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, clean the area, and make any adjustments before placing the brand-new crown. 

Once Dr. Franklin-Pitts is sure that your new crown has a proper fit, she’ll attach it to your tooth using dental cement. She then checks to ensure your bite is even and not bothering or rubbing against other teeth. 

Get Your Dental Crowns in Tyler, Texas

While dental crowns do not need special instructions, you must brush your teeth twice daily and provide proper care for the crowns to last.

If you’re experiencing discomfort due to a damaged or worn-down tooth, crowns may be the solution you need to restore both the look and function of your smile. Contact your dentist at Franklin Dental in Tyler, Texas, to schedule an initial consultation to see if dental crowns suit you. 

Don’t wait any longer to address your dental issues, and start enjoying a healthier, happier smile. Take the first step today towards a more confident and pain-free life with dental crowns!

Whether you just finished your corn on the cob or some BBQ ribs, you are bound to have some food debris left behind in your teeth. Toothpicks may seem like a handy tool in this time of need, but they aren’t necessarily the best option. In fact, they can cause more harm than good, as they pose a variety of risks. Continue reading to learn about the dangers of toothpicks and some safer ways you can dislodge food from between your teeth.

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If you didn’t already know, dental veneers are great at transforming smiles. Once placed, they’ll make your teeth look smoother, whiter, and better aligned! These ceramic layers, though, need proper care to last as long as possible. As such, it’s crucial that you use the best kind of toothpaste for veneers. The prosthetics might get damaged or fail otherwise. That being the case, your Tyler dentist has some suggestions for you. Here’s a summary of what kind of toothpaste you should use for your veneers.

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