Category

Restorative Dentistry

Jan 29
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illustration of mouth with missing teeth

Why People Have Missing Teeth and The Available Solutions

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

While tooth loss is common, it isn’t inevitable. Most of the time, missing teeth are entirely preventable. Our job as dental professionals is to help patients maintain healthy and complete smiles for their entire lives! Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. For those instances, we offer restorative treatments that reestablish beauty and function.

One of the best ways to prevent missing teeth is to educate yourself on what causes them. In this blog, we discuss the main reasons for tooth loss and the most popular solutions.

Reasons for Tooth Loss

Understanding what causes missing teeth can help you find ways to prevent tooth loss. Here are the four main reasons for one to several missing teeth:

1. Poor oral hygiene

The most effective oral hygiene routines include brushing twice a day and flossing daily. A proper diet and bi-annual visits to the dentist are also imperative to maintaining a healthy smile. Disregarding these guidelines may result in cavities or gum disease which may result in tooth loss.

2. Decay

Dental decay, or cavities, can lead to tooth loss when the cavity isn’t treated in time. As the plaque and tartar continue to eat away at the dental enamel, the tooth may become so infected that it can’t be saved. Patients will likely feel severe pain at this point, causing them to visit the dentist who may recommend a dental extraction.

3. Gum disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. What begins as bleeding gums could eventually lead to major tooth loss. Gum disease slowly progresses over time, so patients who visit the dentist regularly should avoid these consequences.

4. Trauma

Accidents happen and, most of the time, they are beyond our control. Sports injuries and car accidents can cause instant tooth loss or enough damage to a tooth that it must be extracted. Our dentists recommend wearing a mouthguard while playing sports to prevent tooth loss caused by trauma.

Solutions to Missing Teeth

Most patients seek treatment for missing teeth because of the negative impact on their appearance and confidence. However, tooth loss can also lead to serious oral and overall health issues. To avoid these consequences, most dentists offer these three restorative options:

Dentures

Traditional dentures are a non-surgical option for patients who want to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This restorative option is extremely popular, but may not provide the stability, function, or health benefits that most patients desire.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of two dental crowns and one, two, or three prosthetic teeth. The dental crowns attach to the adjacent teeth which are shaved down. Dentists often recommend bridges to patients with only one to a few missing teeth in a row. Dental bridges are safe and secure.

Dental Implants

Dental implants can be attached to a single crown, a dental bridge, or a denture. These small, titanium rods take the place of tooth roots. During a surgical procedure, the dentist places one or more dental implants, then once the mouth has healed, he attaches the restoration.

Of all the restorative options, dental implants are the most durable, life-like, and safe.

Seek Treatment Today

Whether you already have missing teeth or want to avoid tooth loss, a trip to the dentist is always a good idea. At Magic Smiles, we desire to see patients of all ages maintain their natural teeth through preventive care. When that isn’t possible, our gentle and expert dentists offer safe and effective restorative solutions.

Call us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an appointment.

Dec 30
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white tooth with gold crown

What is the purpose of a tooth crown?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

It’s nearly impossible to know how many people have a tooth crown, but chances are, you know a few people who do. So, how do you know if you’ll ever need one? And what’s the purpose of a dental crown anyway?

The most common purposes of a dental crown are to protect a tooth or hold something in place. Check out this blog to learn more.

Reasons You Might Need A Tooth Crown

Dentists often recommend dental crowns for one of these reasons:

1. To support a tooth with a large filling

Patients who have had multiple fillings in one tooth or have had a filling replaced so many times that there is more composite resin material than tooth may need a dental crown. When there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left, it will become weak and more susceptible to breaking. A dental crown can restore strength to the tooth.

2. To protect a weak tooth

A weak tooth may be one like we just discussed, but it can also be one that has been damaged by a trauma of some kind. In the same way a dental crown helps a tooth with a large filling, it can help strengthen a weak tooth so that it functions properly.

3. To restore a tooth that has been chipped or cracked

Chips and cracks can be especially dangerous if the tooth has been damaged beyond the crown. Cracks can especially create a way for disease-causing bacteria to enter into the inner part of the tooth, causing immense pain. Once the infection spreads, the tooth may need to be extracted.

If you’ve experienced some sort of trauma to a tooth, be sure to contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

4. When the patient needs a dental bridge

A traditional dental bridge is made up of two tooth crowns and one to three prosthetic teeth. When a dentist places a dental bridge, he must first remove a small amount of enamel from the neighboring teeth. These teeth must be healthy to keep the bridge in place.

5. To cover a dental implant

Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or an entire arch of missing teeth. Once placed, the dentist covers the small, screw-like implant with a custom-made tooth crown. Dental implants require surgery, but they are the most effective way to replace missing teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

A tooth crown can be crafted from several materials, including:

  • Composite resin
  • Metal
  • Ceramics
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal

To determine which material is best for your smile, your dentist will consider the following:

  • Location of the tooth
  • Function of the tooth
  • How much the tooth shows when you smile
  • Gum tissue
  • The color of your natural teeth

These considerations ensure that your dental crown looks and feels natural. Of course, the patient always has the final say on the type of crown!

When deciding on a dental crown material, most patients are concerned with cost, aesthetics, and durability. Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of each type of crown material.

Tooth Crown Placement in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour

Searching for a dentist to place your dental crown? Our experts at Magic Smiles are prepared to help! But first, we’ll determine whether you actually need a dental crown or not. For many dental issues, there are multiple treatment options.

To schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team, contact one of our convenient locations today.

Dec 16
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yellow sticky note with checks

Are dental implants right for me?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic issue, they contribute to more oral health issues, low self-esteem, and even overall health issues. To combat these problems, most dentists recommend dental implants.

These small, screw-like posts insert into the jawbone through the gum line and take the place of the tooth roots. Dental implants are the only restorative option that offers this type of stability. Dental bridges and dentures use other teeth and the gums to stabilize themselves; unfortunately, those don’t offer the same kind of strength or durability.

For these reasons, many patients prefer dental implants! The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you is to visit an experienced dentist. For now, here are five indications that someone is a suitable candidate for dental implants:

1. Good oral health

Patients who desire dental implants should be free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. These problems can lead to failed dental implants if the disease-causing bacteria attack the implant site. Fortunately, as long as the problems haven’t progressed too far, the dentist can treat these issues before beginning the dental implant process.

Once the patient’s mouth is restored, the dentist can plan for dental implant placement.

2. Sufficient jawbone density

For the implant to be stable and secure, the patient must have the appropriate amount of jawbone density. If not, the implant will likely become loose.

Bone loss begins as soon as a tooth goes missing because the jawbone requires the tooth root to keep it stimulated. The good news is that when an implant is inserted into the bone, it regrows!

3. Good oral hygiene habits

Good oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing every day. What you brush and floss with, how often, and when all matters too.

Dentists recommend that patients of all ages brush once in the morning and once in the evening for two minutes at a time. Patients should use a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for optimal cleaning. Flossing should take place in the evening after the last meal of the day. Talk to your dentist about rinsing with a mouthwash and which brands he recommends.

Good oral hygiene also includes:

  • switching out your toothbrush at least every three months or when the bristles are worn
  • drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • eating healthy, mouth-friendly foods
  • avoiding tobacco use

When patients abide by these guidelines, their dental implants are more likely to last a lifetime.

4. No bad oral hygiene habits

Patients who desire dental implants must stop using tobacco products throughout the process. Our hope is that they would continue this even after the implants are placed!

Tobacco use creates an unhealthy and imbalanced mouth where problems like gum disease and decay thrive. These are poor conditions for dental implants to live in and will impede the healing process.

5. Willingness to endure the process

Unlike other restorative options, dental implants require surgery and months of healing time. Patients must be willing to abide by the aforementioned guidelines and trust their dentist throughout the entire process. While the process to a fully restored mouth is long, the results are certainly worth it!

Dental Implants in Woolgoolga

If you’re considering dental implants, contact our experienced and compassionate team members today at (02) 6654-0650. During your initial consultation, we’ll determine if implants are the right option for your smile.

Oct 23
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illustration of root canal therapy

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

So, you’ve been told you need root canal therapy. There are probably one hundred questions running through your mind, or maybe you don’t know which questions to ask! Although root canals have a reputation for being dreadful, the procedure is simple, comfortable, and extremely beneficial.

Root canal therapy allows patients to keep their natural tooth while eliminating the infected pulp inside of it.  This permits the patient to maintain chewing and biting force, keep a natural appearance, and protect his or her mouth from further infection.

To help prepare patients for their root canal treatment, we’ve answered five of the most frequently asked questions about root canal therapy in this blog.

1. What are the most common reasons for root canal therapy?

There are several reasons a patient may need a root canal, including:

  • Deep decay caused by untreated cavities
  • Having several procedures done on the same tooth
  • A poorly fitted crown
  • Severe crack or chip in the tooth
  • Injury caused by car accident, sports injury, etc.

The bottom line is that any time the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected, root canal therapy is one of the most practical and effective solutions.

2. How painful is a root canal?

One of the most common misconceptions about root canals is that they are painful. While that may have been the case in the past, modern technology has made this treatment about as painless as having a cavity filled. In fact, the infection or damage is much more painful than the treatment.

3. Is it better to have the tooth extracted?

Because root canal therapy saves the natural tooth, it is a much better option than pulling out the tooth. Prosthetic teeth cannot replace the look and strength of the natural tooth and people who choose to have the tooth extracted will most likely need to have the tooth replaced with a bridge. These may not last long, but root-canaled teeth typically last a lifetime.

4. What happens during the procedure?

After taking X-rays, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia and places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry.

Then, he accesses the pulp of the tooth to remove the bacteria and decay with root canal files. Water or sodium hypochlorite is sprayed throughout the inner tooth to flush away the debris.

During a second appointment, the dentist fills the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta percha, then seals the tooth. If necessary, he will reinforce the tooth with a dental crown.

5. How can I avoid another root canal therapy in the future?

Avoiding another root canal is simple: amp up your oral hygiene routine. This is especially important for patients who had a root canal due to dental decay. However, a good oral hygiene routine keeps all types of oral health problems away.

Here’s what your oral hygiene routine should consist of:

  • Brushing in the morning and evening
  • Flossing daily
  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Eating properly
  • Visiting the dentist every six months

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether you need root canal therapy or its time to schedule your dental clean, our team at Magic Smiles is prepared to help. If you’re nervous about a procedure, ask us about our sedation methods.

Call (02) 6654-0650 to schedule your appointment today.

Oct 13
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parts of dental implant

What can implants do for me?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

There are various reasons why patients are missing teeth, including medical conditions, gum disease, accidents, and medication use. Regardless of the cause, these individuals want to achieve a beautiful, natural look. At Magic Smiles, we use dental implants to give our patients a brand-new smile that they’ll love. 

During a consultation, our dentists examine your mouth to determine if implants are the right choice for you. We check the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to see if your oral health is optimal. If not, our dental team can resolve any underlying issues to make sure that your implant surgery is successful. Before choosing the treatment, patients should understand how the restoration can benefit them.

Restore Appearance

Anybody with missing teeth knows how much it can affect the appearance. Patients might look older and more worn. Additionally, for some people with many missing teeth, the entire shape of their mouth can change. Patients with lost teeth might feel insecure about their looks, shy away from smiling, and might not want to participate in social settings. 

When patients are ready to boost their self-esteem, dental implants are an ideal solution. The replaced teeth provide a beautiful, seamless smile that will look natural. After the treatment, you’ll love the way your teeth look so much that you won’t be able to stop smiling and showing off your new teeth.

Restore Function

One of the biggest downfalls of tooth loss is the fact that you aren’t able to chew and bite down properly. This can affect a patient’s ability to eat their favorite foods. They may only be able to eat softer foods and miss out on eating a wide selection of items. Consequently, with such limited choices, patients might end up suffering from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These individuals might begin to experience health problems that will also need to be resolved.

Since dental implants replace missing teeth, function is restored. The teeth align naturally, so you are able to bite down and chew with ease. 

Provide Stability

Compared to treatments like dentures, dental implants provide greater stability. Since the titanium post fuses with the jawbone, patients get that extra security to ensure the implant stays in place. Your dentist places a restoration like a crown to ensure that your implant is stable and performs like a natural tooth. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about it shifting or moving when talking or eating.

Provide Permanency

While there are some temporary types of restorative treatments for missing teeth, they can be a hassle. Just imagine if your missing teeth are replaced permanently, and you don’t have to worry about things like putting in or taking out dentures.  The beauty of implants is that they provide permanency since once they’re placed, they remain.

Of course, you should visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure your implants are performing as they should. Overall, the titanium post that’s placed in the jaw is designed to last a lifetime. 

Schedule a Consultation

When you’re ready to learn more about dental implants and to see how they can benefit you, contact one of our three offices to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Woolgoolga office at (02) 6654-0650 or the Coffs Harbour practice at (02) 6652-3242. Patients can also contact us online for more information.

Oct 08
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dental bridge illustration

The Pros and Cons of a Traditional Dental Bridge

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Though there are several options for replacing missing teeth, dental bridges are among the most popular restorative treatments. A traditional dental bridge—the most common type—is made up of two dental crowns with one, two, or three prosthetic teeth suspended in the middle. There are three other types of dental bridges: the Maryland bridge, cantilever bridge, and an implant-supported bridge.

Each bridge comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but for this blog, we’ll focus on the traditional dental bridge.

Here are the pros and cons of traditional dental bridges:

Advantages of a Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional dental bridge offers several benefits to patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. Aesthetically, the bridge is carefully crafted by a dental lab technician so that it matches the rest of your smile perfectly. Only you and your dentist will know it isn’t real!

Oftentimes, missing teeth affect a person’s ability to chew and speak properly. Dental bridges restore those functions by permanently replacing those missing teeth. Although patients may want to reduce their consumption of sticky foods, there are no food restrictions associated with dental bridges.

When a person has a missing tooth, there is a high probability that the neighboring teeth will shift towards the gap. This can cause a domino effect throughout the mouth. dental bridges fill that gap to keep the rest of the patient’s teeth in proper position.

A traditional dental bridge may also help reduce jawbone deterioration which leads to facial atrophy, though dental implants are a more effective solution to this issue.

Finally, patients prefer dental bridges because they are fixed in the mouth, unlike dentures. This provides stability, security, and a simple cleaning process. Dental bridges can be treated just like your regular teeth—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist every six months.

Disadvantages of a Traditional Dental Bridge

When considering a dental bridge, it’s important to have all the facts—even the not-so-good ones! Thankfully, the disadvantages of a dental bridge are few and many of them are avoidable when you choose an experienced and trusted dentist.

The disadvantages of dental bridges include:

  • Risk of decay under an ill-fitting crown
  • Removal of enamel from the healthy neighboring teeth
  • Risk of failure if the neighboring teeth aren’t strong enough
  • Won’t last forever
  • Don’t replace the tooth root

While dental bridges can last up to 15 years, they aren’t considered a permanent solution.

More Tooth Replacement Options

Not sold on a dental bridge? Continue your research by looking into other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental implants.

While dentures are a more affordable option, dental implants offer incredible benefits and last a lifetime. They’re both worth considering!

Restorative Dentistry in Woolgoolga

At Magic Smiles, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. Our vision for a family-friendly dental practice means that your needs are more important than our profits. That’s why you can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and high-quality care.

When it comes to restorative dentistry, we offer dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures. Based on your unique dental situation, preferences, and budget, we will recommend your best option and simply leave the final decision to you.

Contact our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule your initial consultation.

Sep 09
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5 Reasons You May Need A Dental Crown

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Each time a dentist places a dental crown, their goal is to restore the look and function of the damaged tooth. Dental crowns are popular restorative options because they are extremely effective, durable, and versatile. Most dentists offer several types of dental crowns, such as all-ceramic, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The patient and dentist will work together to choose the material that works best for the patient’s lifestyle and smile.

Not sure if you need a crown? Here are five reasons why your dentist may suggest a dental crown:

1. Large cavity

Cavities can create large holes in a tooth when not treated early enough. In cases like these, a dentist will clean out and fill the cavity, but the surrounding tooth structure may still be weak. When that occurs, a crown is used to protect the rest of the tooth from breaking.

2. Broken cusps

The cusp of a tooth is the pointed part of the biting surface used to break up foods. These are typically broken when a person chews on things like ice or crunchy foods often. Though these types of cracks or breaks aren’t usually painful at first, they enhance a person’s risk of further breakage, tooth decay, and disease. It is important for patients to seek dental treatment for a broken cusp as soon as possible. In many cases, the dentist will recommend a dental crown.

3. Excessive wear

Bruxism (teeth grinding), acid reflux, and consuming large amounts of highly acidic foods can cause teeth to wear over time. Sometimes this process is quick and other times, teeth wear from years of neglect. Patients eventually notice that their teeth aren’t as sharp or as long as they once were.

Dentists will place a dental crown over the damaged tooth along with treating the underlying cause of the tooth wear. For example, if bruxism has caused the damage, your dentist may recommend wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth while sleeping.

4. Root canal

A patient may need root canal therapy for any of the following reasons:

  • Severe decay
  • Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
  • A faulty crown
  • A severe chip or crack in the tooth

Regardless of the reason, once the procedure is complete, the dentist will most likely place a dental crown on top of the root-canaled tooth to reinforce the tooth’s strength and function. The natural tooth serves as a pillar for the crown, keeping it secured and supported.

5. Dental implants

When a patient wants to replace a missing tooth, most dentists recommend dental implants. This tooth-replacement option is one of the safest, most durable, and natural-looking options available.

The procedure consists of placing a titanium, screw-like rod through the gums and into the jawbone—this acts as the tooth root. Once healed, the dentist will place an abutment that secures the crown to the implant. To replace more than one missing tooth, the patient may choose an implant-supported dental bridge or denture.

Dental Crown in Woolgoolga

Not sure if you need a dental crown? Visit your local dentist for an initial consultation to learn about your restorative options.

Our gentle and experienced dentists are prepared to create a dental crown that restores function and completes your smile. To schedule your initial consultation, call (02) 6654-0650.

Aug 19
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illustration of missing front teeth

Got missing teeth? Here are your restorative options!

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

A full, beautiful smile comes with many benefits, including higher self-esteem which significantly impacts every area of a person’s life. While having all your teeth doesn’t necessarily equal good oral health, missing teeth certainly indicates poor oral health.

This is because just one missing tooth raises a person’s risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth movement, and jawbone atrophy. The gums become more susceptible to disease-causing bacteria, the neighboring teeth begin to move towards the gap, and the jawbone in that area is no longer stimulated, therefore, it diminishes.

Thankfully, most dentists offer several ways to solve these problems through restorative dentistry. At Magic Smiles, our goal is to restore your smile so you can live a better, more fulfilling life. To do this, we offer dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants to our patients with missing teeth.

Continue reading to learn how each of these restorative dentistry options can complete your smile.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap between teeth. Two crowns on either side of the one, two, or three missing teeth, hold the bridge in place. These offer stability and permanency that patients don’t usually experience with dentures.

Dental bridges are most beneficial to patients with minor to moderate tooth loss. They will certainly restore function, boost self-esteem, and reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, but will not help with jawbone atrophy. Additionally, patients with scattered missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth would benefit more from other restorative options.

To place the dental bridge, patients must be in good oral health and commit to maintaining good oral hygiene. Furthermore, the patient should have two healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth. The dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the patient’s natural teeth and fit the custom dental crowns on top of them.

Dentures

Our custom dentures are a great option for patients with several missing teeth throughout their smile or a full arch of missing teeth. Our prosthetist, Harry Ramana, creates both full and partial dentures in our office.

Partial dentures can be made from several materials, including acrylic and metal. These are held in place by small metal clasps that attach to the patient’s remaining natural teeth.

Full dentures are an aesthetically pleasing option for patients missing all their teeth on the top and/or bottom arches. Along with filling in their smile, full dentures also fill out the cheeks to reduce the sunken-in appearance that comes with missing teeth. Suction and dentures adhesives hold the full dentures in place.

We also offer permanent or removable implant-supported dentures.

Dental Implants

If you’re looking for a restorative option that most resembles natural teeth, dental implants are the answer. These small, titanium rods take the place of the missing tooth roots and can support a dental crown, bridge, partial denture, or full denture.

Dental implants provide optimal stability, fully restored function, and long-lasting results. One of the greatest advantages of this option is that the implants stimulate the jawbone to undo and prevent jawbone atrophy.

Though the process of placing dental implants is significantly longer than other restorative options, most dentists agree that the time is worth it. The dental implant procedure is highly successful, and patients rarely experience complications afterward. Once complete, patients reap the benefits for decades to come.

To learn if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact our team today to schedule an initial consultation.

Restorative Dentistry for Missing Teeth in Woolgoolga

At Magic Smiles, our team of experienced and gentle dentists is prepared to restore your smile back to health, function, and beauty. To discuss your restorative options, call our office today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Aug 04
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parts of dental implant

Why We Offer Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Most people think about missing teeth as an aesthetic issue, but as dental professionals, we understand that missing teeth can significantly impact a person’s oral health. Just one missing tooth puts you at a much higher risk of developing gum disease and cavities, not to mention the negative impacts it can have on your overall wellness and appearance.

A missing tooth can also cause the rest of your teeth to shift. The neighboring teeth will likely move into the empty spot, and even the tooth adjacent to it will lengthen. This creates a domino effect, and before you know it, many of your teeth have moved away from their proper positions.

Replacing the missing tooth is the only way to avoid these problems.

While there are several options for replacing missing teeth, like dental bridges and dentures, most dentists recommend dental implants.

At Magic Smiles, our compassionate dentists work with each patient to create a personalized restorative treatment plan. Here are three reasons why we recommend dental implants to our patients:

1. Dental implants replace the tooth root.

Unlike any other restorative option, dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth. This is important because the root is responsible for keeping the jawbone intact and strengthening the tooth crown.

Like a natural tooth, the implant inserts into the patient’s jawbone. The bone and the implant create a permanent bond during a natural process called osseointegration. This fusing-together process may take up to six months. Once complete, the dentist can place a crown, bridge, or denture on top of the implant and abutment.

As a result of osseointegration, the jawbone is restored to its natural strength, patients can avoid facial sagging due to atrophy, the neighboring teeth are less likely to experience decay, and their restoration should never require replacement. None of these things can be said about other dental restorations!

2. Dental implants restore function.

Having just one missing tooth makes chewing and talking much more difficult. With dental implants, these functions are fully restored as if the natural teeth were never lost.

This is mostly due to the osseointegration process we explained earlier. As the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone, it creates a long-lasting, durable anchor that frees patients of food restrictions and speech impediments.

Unlike dentures, dental implants provide comfort and stability that keeps them from moving and shifting denture patients so often complain about. This problem isn’t just uncomfortable and painful, its also embarrassing. Dental implants allow patients to avoid these issues while experiencing the complete function of their new restorations.

3. The dental implant procedure is highly successful.

Past studies have found that the dental implant procedure is 90-95 percent successful when they are placed by a skilled dentist. The importance of choosing a dentist who has years of experience with dental implants cannot be stressed enough.

These dental professionals know a good candidate for implants when they see one, and they can spot any risk of complications that may occur during or after surgery and work to avoid it.

Though unforeseen complications do arise, they are few and far between. Most can be avoided when the patient takes proper care of the surgical site during the healing process.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today

To learn if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery, contact our team to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate dentists. We can’t wait to help you gain a beautiful, fully functioning smile again!

Call (02) 6654-0650 to speak with one of our friendly dental team members.

Jul 09
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person flossing teeth

Caring for Dental Crowns

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Teeth that are weak, damaged, or decayed can be restored with dental crowns. These restorations are custom made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, metal, and zirconia. Crowns are versatile and can restore natural teeth as well as dental implants.

Our Coffs dentists place dental crowns at Magic Smiles. Our surgery proudly serves Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, and surrounding communities. Here, our team will offer tips and tricks for prolonging the life of your new restoration.

What’s the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?

On average, crowns last between five and 15 years. However, as dental materials continue to advance, crowns are lasting longer and longer. In fact, with appropriate care and maintenance, dental crowns can last 30 years or longer.

Part of preserving your dental crown is taking good care of it. In the sections that follow, we’ll discuss how to properly clean your restorations. We’ll also offer some recommendations for reducing the risk of damage.

Cleaning Dental Crowns

Fortunately, dental crowns don’t require a lot of additional maintenance. However, there are certainly some guidelines that can help your restoration last a long time:

  • Brush two to three times a day. Whether you have restorations or not, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you have porcelain or zirconia crowns, however, it’s important to choose a toothpaste that won’t damage the surface. Some toothpaste formulas have harsh ingredients, which cause micro-scratches in the crown. It’s best to choose a formula without baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Floss daily. Clean between the teeth every day. This can be done with traditional dental floss, but there are other tools available as well, such as interproximal brushes and dental picks. If your crown is supported by a dental implant, be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate proper flossing techniques.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash. While crowns don’t decay, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to cavities. An antibacterial rinse can help protect the teeth from harmful bacteria and promote overall oral health.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. You should see your Coffs dentist routinely for exams and cleans. During these visits, we can assess the health of your crown and ensure it’s still in good condition. Professional cleans will also remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas.

Other Maintenance Tips

In addition to oral health recommendations, there are a few other tips and tricks that will help prolong the life of your crown:

  • Avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Hard foods like nuts and popcorn can actually damage your crown. Taffy, caramels, and other sticky foods can dislodge or loosen your crown. It’s best to avoid these foods altogether. But if you must eat them, try to chew in an area that doesn’t have a crown.
  • Never use your teeth as tools. Opening packages or tearing tags off of clothing can seriously damage your crowns, not to mention your natural teeth.
  • Quit bad habits. If you chew on ice, pen caps, or pencil erasers, it can eventually damage your restorations. In the same way, biting your nails can be detrimental to your oral health.

Learn More about Dental Crowns

If you have dental crowns, proper care and maintenance is essential. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a Coffs dentist at Magic Smiles. Contact us online or call us at one of our three convenient locations.

Woolgoolga

43 Beach Street
Woolgoolga
NSW 2456
P: (02) 6654-0650
[email protected]
Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

    Coffs Harbour

    176 Pacific Hwy, Suite 2
    Coffs Harbour
    NSW 2450
    P: (02) 6652-3242
    [email protected]
    Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
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