Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

If you are looking to save a tooth that has been severely damaged, you may be discussing dental crowns with us soon. A dental crown is a cap that is placed on top of a damaged tooth. This cap is tooth-shaped and is used to cover, protect and restore the function and appearance of teeth.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are needed to:

• Cap a decayed or damaged tooth

• Protect teeth after a dental implant

• Protect teeth after a root canal treatment

• Hold together a tooth that is cracked

• Hold dental bridges in place

• Improve discolored teeth

Depending on your specific situation, our doctors will suggest a crown material from the following crown types:

• Ceramic

• Porcelain fused to metal

• Porcelain

• Metal

Dental Crown Preparation

We conduct a few steps to assess and trim your tooth for a dental crown. Patients who have deep cavities need to have a root canal treatment performed first. In addition, if there isn’t much of the original tooth left above the gum line, we might use a filler material to build a foundation for the dental crown.

Under normal circumstances, getting a crown requires a minimum of two visits. During the first appointment, we might trim your tooth down so that the dental crown can fit comfortably. A dental impression is then taken for the formation of the crown.

A temporary crown is then fitted on the tooth. Lastly, the dental laboratory uses the impression to make the final crown. At your next appointment, our dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one.

Once the crown is in place, you might experience some sensitivity, which often means that the crown needs further adjustment. Make sure to brush and floss regularly so that your gum line and crown remain healthy and in optimal conditions.

To schedule an appointment with us and benefit from high-quality dental services, contact our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City today!

The Benefits of a Routine Dental Exam

If you want healthy teeth and gums, you should never miss your routine dental examination. We encourage you to mark at least two days in your calendar each year so you can visit us for your routine dental checkup. Even if you believe there is no reason to visit us, you should not skip your visit. Various dental problems begin with little or no signs or symptoms. The sooner we examine your mouth, the quicker we can solve the problem.

Benefits of a Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups not only help avoid any unforeseen dental problems but also help to prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque. These are the main causes of tooth decay and cavities. If you skip your dental appointment with us, this could eventually result in something major like a root canal or even a tooth extraction. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting rid of plaque and tartar is almost impossible. This is something our professionals are masters at. This is why you must keep up with your dental appointments at our clinic.

Healthy Gums and Stronger Teeth

Gum diseases are sneaky. It does not take them long to spread and for a long time, you won't even know you have this disease. The only way one can identify gum diseases is when our professionals examine your mouth. Gum diseases can spread quickly and cause dental issues that are hard to treat. If you want your teeth and gum to stay healthy, don't miss your dental appointment.

The dental exam also involves a thorough cleaning which helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This not only reduces the risk of dental problems but also ensures you will not suffer from bad breath. Bacteria in your mouth caused due to plaque and tartar are what causes bad breath. When our professionals clean it regularly you won't have to worry about reaching for a breath mint every time you step into an enclosed space. It's your responsibility to look after your teeth and gums. Make sure you give us a call at our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices to book your routine dental exam.

Tongue Cleaners Can Boost Your Oral Health

There are several components to good oral care. Common actions include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending biannual checkups and exams with our team. One often-overlooked task is cleaning the tongue. A simple solution for cleaning tongues is the use of a tongue cleaner. Having a dedicated tool for this task can be beneficial for the patient’s mouth and body when the tongue cleaner is used correctly.

Benefits of Tongue Cleaners

Research shows that tongue-cleaning twice a day increases the effectiveness of taste buds. Tongue-scraping also removes the white coating that accumulates on the tongue; this is vital since the white coating is often an accumulation of problematic items such as bacteria and mucus. Tongue-scraping reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risks of bad breath and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the mouth will lead to better overall health as well. Some studies show that tongue cleaners also provide gentle stimulation to the patients’ internal organs.

Potential Issues with Tongue Cleaners

First-time users of tongue cleaners may trigger their gag reflexes or even induce vomiting. Placing the tongue cleaner no further than the center of the tongue will reduce the risk of activating the gag reflex. Also, some models of tongue cleaners are designed to minimize or eliminate the possibility of triggering the gag reflex. Misusing a tongue cleaner, or using a tongue cleaner with uneven edges, can injure the mouth. Patients are urged to inspect their tongue cleaners before purchasing and using them. In addition, patients should be mindful of how much pressure they exert with their tongue cleaners. Patients will need to clean their tongue cleaners regularly to prevent tongue infections.

If you have questions about tongue cleaners and how to properly use them, call our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices for a free consultation.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

How Caring for Veneers is Different Than Your Original Teeth

Porcelain veneers are thin covers that go over your natural teeth and conceal chips, gaps, or discrepancies in tooth size, shape, or color. Even though veneers are highly durable and look very natural, they are different from your original teeth and require slightly different care. If they are properly maintained, your veneers should last ten to fifteen years.

How to Care for Porcelain Veneers

The most important aspect of caring for your veneers is the same as for your original teeth: practice good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once, and always keep up with your regular dental checkups. However, when you have porcelain veneers you have to pay slightly more attention to the oral hygiene products you are using. You should always use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the polish on your veneers. You should steer clear of toothpastes containing harsh abrasives, which can also be damaging.

There are also some habits you should avoid in order to keep your veneers looking as flawless as possible. Veneers are not as strong as natural teeth, so they can chip or even break if you chew on hard objects like pencils, ice, or bones. Even biting your fingernails can chip or scratch your veneers. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth can potentially damage your veneers as well, and these habits are harmful for your overall dental health even if you do not have veneers. When it comes to staining, most porcelain veneers are stain-resistant but the adhesive used is not, meaning that certain drinks like coffee and tea can cause discoloration around the edges of your veneers – use a straw to minimize the contact these drinks have with your teeth and prevent staining. Finally, smoking can stain or discolor veneers, on top of the many other serious health issues smoking can cause.

If you are interested in getting veneers or have questions about caring for your veneers, call our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices today. We want to help you keep your veneers as long as possible.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334