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A dental crown is one of the most common restorative dental procedures. Crowns strengthen and protect natural teeth that are broken, decayed, or damaged. Brett Langston, DMD, and his team at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta in Brookhaven, Georgia, provide the best crown treatments to patients in the Atlanta area. Most crowns can be completed in just one visit, so call our dental office or book your appointment online today.
A gingivectomy is a dental procedure that involves removing gum tissue, usually to treat gum disease or improve the aesthetics of the gum line. The procedure is typically recommended when excess gum tissue has formed, often due to conditions like gingival hyperplasia or periodontal disease, and has not responded to more conservative treatments.
In periodontal disease, a gingivectomy removes diseased gum tissue and eliminates pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can thrive. This helps to stop the disease’s progression and restore the gum tissue’s health.
Some patients have a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue covers more teeth than is aesthetically pleasing. A gingivectomy can reshape the gum line to expose more teeth, improving the smile’s appearance.
The dentist or periodontist will numb the area using local anesthesia during a gingivectomy. Special dental instruments are then used to remove the excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. In some cases, laser technology may be employed for more precision and less discomfort.
The gums need time to heal after the procedure. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and following the dentist’s aftercare instructions. Maintaining good oral hygiene during the healing process is important to prevent infection.
Following a gingivectomy, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent the recurrence of gum issues. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to monitor the health of the gums and teeth.
A gingivectomy can significantly improve oral health and the aesthetics of the smile. However, patients should discuss the benefits, risks, and alternative treatment options with Dr. Miro to make an informed decision.
Crown lengthening is a surgical, dental procedure that aims to expose more of the tooth’s structure by reshaping or removing some of the gum tissue and, in some cases, the bone around the teeth. This procedure is performed for therapeutic and cosmetic reasons and can be essential for various dental treatments. Here’s an overview of why and how crown lengthening is done:
One primary therapeutic reason for crown lengthening is to prepare a tooth for a restorative procedure. For example, if a tooth is broken below the gum line or does not have enough structure remaining to support a crown or a filling, crown lengthening can expose more of the tooth so that there is enough space to place a restorative device properly.
Crown lengthening can also correct a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue is visible above the teeth when smiling. Removing some of the gum tissue will make the teeth appear longer and more proportional.
The procedure typically involves the dentist or periodontist making incisions in the gum tissue to pull it away from the teeth, exposing the underlying bone and more of the tooth itself. In some cases, small amounts of bone might be removed to achieve the desired outcome. The area is then cleaned, and the gums are sutured into their new position.
After crown lengthening, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Following Dr. Miro’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal healing.
The healing process can vary, but generally, the gums should heal within a few weeks, while the new gum line may take several months to stabilize fully. The outcome is a more exposed tooth surface, allowing for further dental procedures or improved aesthetics.
Proper oral hygiene and follow-up visits are essential to ensuring the success of the crown lengthening procedure. Patients must care for the treated area by following specific cleaning instructions to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.
Crown lengthening is a versatile procedure that can significantly impact dental restoration and cosmetic enhancement by modifying the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth or teeth.
A dental post and core is a type of dental restoration used when there is insufficient tooth structure to support a traditional crown. This situation often arises following root canal therapy when the tooth has been significantly weakened and needs additional support for the crown.
The post is a rod-like structure inserted into the tooth’s root canal after the root canal treatment has been completed. The primary function of the post is to anchor the core and the subsequent crown to the tooth.
Posts can be made from various materials, including metal, fiber-reinforced composite, or ceramic. The choice of material often depends on the clinical situation and the dentist’s preference.
The core is a build-up structure that provides a solid foundation for the new crown. It is built around the post and replaces the missing tooth structure.
The core material is typically a dental composite or dental amalgam that is sculpted to mimic the shape of the natural tooth and provide a stable base for the crown.
After a tooth undergoes root canal treatment, the dentist evaluates the amount of remaining tooth structure. A post and core are recommended if the structure is insufficient for crown support.
The dentist will prepare the tooth’s interior, inserting the post into the root canal and securing it.
Once the post is secure, the core material is added around the post and shaped. This reestablishes the tooth’s proper form and provides a stable platform for the crown.
After the post and core have been placed and the material has been set, the tooth is prepared (shaped) to receive a crown.
An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the final crown is fabricated. In the meantime, a temporary crown may be placed.
Once ready, the permanent crown is cemented onto the post and core, restoring the tooth.
The post-and-core technique is a valuable approach in restorative dentistry. It allows teeth that would otherwise be lost to be saved and functionally restored. It’s crucial for the longevity of the restoration that the procedure is carried out with precision and that the patient maintains good oral hygiene afterward.
A core build-up is a dental procedure used to reconstruct and stabilize a tooth significantly damaged by decay, trauma, or after a root canal treatment, especially when there’s not enough tooth structure left to securely hold a crown or filling. The core build-up provides sufficient material to anchor a dental crown, ensuring the restored tooth can function effectively and withstand chewing forces.
The primary goal of a core build-up is to rebuild a tooth’s core structure to provide adequate support for a dental crown. This is especially important when a substantial portion of the tooth’s natural crown is missing or weakened.
The build-up material usually consists of a composite resin or dental amalgam, chosen for its durability and ability to bond with the tooth and the eventual crown. The choice of material can depend on the tooth’s location, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and the dentist’s preference.
Dr. Rachel Miro will first remove any decayed tissue or old filling material and clean the tooth thoroughly. If the tooth has undergone root canal therapy, the opening used for the treatment is sealed during the build-up.
Dr. Miro then applies the build-up material in layers, shaping it to mimic the tooth’s natural anatomy and ensure a proper fit for the crown. The material is then hardened, usually using a special light if the material is a composite resin.
In cases where the tooth’s structure is severely compromised, a core build-up might be accompanied by placing a dental post within the root canal to enhance stability and retention of the build-up material. However, a core build-up can only be done without a post if sufficient tooth structure remains.
After the core build-up is complete and set properly, the tooth is prepared (shaped) to receive a crown. An impression of the tooth is made to fabricate the crown, ensuring it fits seamlessly with the build-up and the overall bite.
A core build-up is designed to last many years, but its longevity can depend on factors like the material used, the quality of the surrounding tooth structure, and the patient’s oral hygiene practices. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the integrity of the build-up and the associated crown.
A core build-up is a critical step in restoring a significantly compromised tooth. It provides a stable foundation for a crown and helps preserve the tooth’s functionality and appearance.
A dental crown is a cap that covers your entire tooth from the gum lineup. When teeth become compromised for various causes, such as weakening or damage, this dental prosthetic acts as a vital precaution, strengthening a patient’s teeth.
A dental crown’s main purpose is to offer another level of protection to a tooth that may no longer be structurally sound. The teeth crown protects a patient’s tooth from further damage and guards it from future fractures or breaking by covering the entire visible portion of the tooth. This strengthening is especially important when a tooth has suffered severe damage from disease, injury, or aging.
Crowns are usually made from ceramic, resin, or metal. Ceramic and resin crowns are popular because they match your natural teeth. Metal crowns are more durable and can be a good choice for molars at the back of the mouth.
Like Inlays and Onlays, Dental crowns restore teeth that have suffered significant decay or damage and can save a natural tooth that can’t be restored with a smaller filling, preserving your smile.
The Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta staff recommends dental porcelain crowns for a variety of patients with common dental issues. These exceptional dental prosthetics, renowned for their blend of sturdiness and aesthetic elegance, provide adaptable solutions to a variety of oral issues. Like Inlays and Onlays, porcelain crown treatment provides a thorough solution for a variety of dental problems, including strengthening a tooth’s structural integrity, restoring a tooth to its former beauty, and improving the overall visual appeal of a smile.
Dr. Langston and the team are happy to offer CEREC® dental crowns to every patient for a better smile. These special dental porcelain crowns treatment technology, known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) crowns, use advanced computer-aided design technology to make getting custom dental crowns faster and easier.
With CEREC technology, you can often get your dental crown in just one trip to the dental office. Depending on what you need, the team can guide you in selecting the ideal crown or restoration for your teeth. Our aesthetic bonded crowns are particularly effective at fixing broken teeth and promoting optimal oral or dental health of a patient.
When you come to Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta, our dentist and the team examine your mouth to determine if a dental porcelain crown is a good option for you. Everyone’s mouth is different, and every crown is custom-developed.
The process for CEREC crowns takes about two hours from start to finish. Dr. Langston takes digital impressions of your mouth, and a milling machine forms the crown from a ceramic block while he prepares your tooth for the crown.
He cleans your tooth, and he may use a bonding material to fill cavities or shape the tooth. He then places your new crown on the tooth and bonds it in place. Before you leave the Atlanta or Brookhaven dental office, our dentists and the team checks your bite to ensure the crown fits in your mouth comfortably.
Crowns made from ceramic and resin are popular because they look just like natural teeth.
Recementation is a procedure that involves reattaching a dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, inlay, or onlay, back onto or into a tooth after it has become detached. Over time, dental restorations can become loose or dislodge due to various factors like wear and tear, decay under restoration, or trauma. Recementation is essential for restoring the function and aesthetics of the tooth while protecting it from further damage or decay.
Recementation is typically a straightforward procedure that helps extend the life of a dental restoration. It ensures that the tooth remains functional and aesthetically pleasing while protecting it from potential complications like decay or fracture.
Call our dentistry office in Brookhaven, GA at (404) 321-4588 !