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How Long Do Same-Day Crowns Last?
Hebron Family Dentistry is pleased to offer cutting-edge CEREC technology, which allows us to design and place a custom dental crown in just one short office visit. The convenient same-day restorations eliminate the hassles of traditional crowns, including messy putty impressions, wearing a temporary crown, waiting weeks, and taking time away from your busy schedule for multiple appointments. The question is, how long do same-day crowns last?
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as caps, are tooth-shaped custom restorations that encase the visible portions of weak or damaged teeth. They are commonly used for the following purposes:
- To restore teeth with deep decay
- To support teeth with large or damaged fillings
- To hold together cracked or fractured teeth
- To strengthen teeth after root canal therapy
- To replace missing teeth by covering dental implants or supporting dental bridges
- To make cosmetic enhancements in terms of a tooth’s color, size, shape, or alignment
Same Day CEREC Crowns – An Overview
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. The state-of-the-art system designs and produces high-quality porcelain restorations in a single appointment. CEREC uses computer-aided design or CAD and computer-aided manufacture or CAM technology to capture digital impressions of your teeth and create virtual, 3D models of your crown without needing messy impressions.
The digital model of your crown is sent to our on-site milling machine, which will create your ceramic restoration out of a single block of porcelain closely matched to the color and texture of your natural teeth.
How Long do CEREC Same-Day Crowns Last?
Many patients wonder if their same-day restorations are of the same quality as traditional crowns. You can rest assured that the porcelain ceramic same-day crowns are not only convenient and beautiful, but they are also incredibly durable, with the potential of lasting 10 to 15 years or even longer.
There are things you can do to ensure the longevity of your restoration. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid hard foods which can chip or break your crowns as well as your natural tooth enamel. Limit sticky foods which can loosen your crown and are harder to remove, increasing your risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure to avoid biting your nails or using your teeth for tasks more suited for tools. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, a custom night guard can help protect your crown and your teeth from damage.
Lastly, it’s important to maintain your professional twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Watson and her team will ensure your smile stays healthy and your same-day crowns stay in tip-top shape!
Same-Day Dental Crowns Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about restoring your smile with a durable, aesthetic same-day crown. You can count on Dr. Watson and her exceptional team for the state-of-the-art care you deserve. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule a consultation today!
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Transform My Smile?
If tooth flaws have you hiding your smile, your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry is here to help. We’re pleased to offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions focused on improving the color, shape, size, or overall appearance of your teeth with dramatic, long-lasting results. A consultation with Dr. Watson will get you on track to achieving a smile that will make you want to smile!
What Are the Most Sought-After Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
The following are some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures offered right here at our Hebron office:
Teeth Whitening: If you’re in search of a solution to virtually erase teeth staining and discoloration, you’ve come to the right place. We’re pleased to offer in-office professional whitening treatments to brighten your teeth several shades in just one short office visit. We’re also happy to provide you with custom trays and a professional-grade bleaching gel if you’d rather whiten your teeth at home.
Cosmetic Bonding: Cosmetic bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to your tooth surfaces to instantly mask any imperfections. The affordable and conservative cosmetic dentistry solution fixes those little things that may be bothering you about your smile. From repairing decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth to protecting exposed tooth roots, correcting the size or shape of teeth, closing small gaps between teeth, and covering stained and discolored teeth, cosmetic bonding delivers a flawless smile every time.
Dental Veneers: Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to improve their color, shape, size, spacing, and overall appearance. These custom restorations are perfect for whitening severely discolored teeth and correcting gapped, chipped, broken, crooked, worn, or misshapen teeth. Porcelain veneers provide strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel, dramatically improving your smile’s health and appearance.
Invisalign Clear Aligners: Invisalign, brought to you by Align Technology, is the world’s most advanced clear aligner system. Virtually invisible aligners worn snugly over your teeth will gently and discreetly straighten misaligned teeth without impacting your life. Imagine achieving the smile of your dreams without anyone having to know!
Same-Day Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations used to repair teeth with large fillings, cover severely stained teeth, and improve the shape, color, size, length, and appearance of not-so-perfect teeth. Our same-day crowns look just like your natural teeth, delivering a seamless smile in one short office visit!
Dental Implants: Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing one or more missing teeth with unmatched results. Small titanium posts placed in your jawbone replace missing tooth roots, stimulating the bone in the area and preventing bone loss. Dental implants provide an incredibly stable foundation to support implant restorations, such as single crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures. Your restorations will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth!
Cosmetic Dentures and Partials: Dentures offer an affordable and time-tested solution to restore one or more missing teeth. Today’s modern dentures are sleeker, lighter, and more comfortable than ever. Once in place, a cosmetic complete or partial denture will allow you to chew your foods with ease, speak clearly, and smile with confidence once again!
Cosmetic Dentistry Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about transforming your smile with the help of our cosmetic dentistry solutions. Whether you want to correct minor tooth flaws or want a total smile makeover, Dr. Watson will create a treatment plan with one or a combination of cosmetic dentistry solutions to achieve your desired results. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Should I Expect During a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
At Hebron Dentistry, we believe in prevention as the first line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. When you first visit our office, we’ll conduct a comprehensive oral health exam to determine your immediate needs and plan for future dental care. Our goal is to ensure our valued patients enjoy healthy smiles for life. Here’s a look at what you can expect during your visit.
Your History and Personal Goals
Dr. Watson will spend some time getting to know you, your unique needs, and your goals for your oral health and your smile. She will ask you about your medical history, any health conditions, and current medications. She will also ask about any previous or current oral health concerns.
Digital Dental X-Rays
We will take x-rays of your mouth to get a closer look at what’s happening below the surfaces of your teeth and gums. X-ray images uncover a wealth of information not visible during a physical examination, including early decay, bone loss, cysts, tumors, and so much more.
TMJ Examination
We will evaluate the health and condition of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures. We will also assess your bite and check for signs of teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism.
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a quick, easy, and potentially life-saving procedure. It involves thoroughly examining the soft tissues in the oral cavity and the surrounding muscles to rule out any abnormalities. Detecting oral cancer early on offers the best chance for positive treatment outcomes.
Tooth by Tooth Exam
A tooth-by-tooth examination involves taking a close look at each of your teeth to rule out tooth decay, chips, or cracks. We will also assess the condition of your tooth enamel to determine whether you’re at risk of tooth decay. The last step is examining and charting existing restorations and ensuring they are free from damage.
Periodontal Evaluation
We will evaluate the health of your gums and look out for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Treating gum infection and inflammation in the earliest stages can fully restore your gum health. Left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Next Steps
Dr. Watson will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your comprehensive evaluation. She will recommend the most conservative treatment options to repair any tooth damage and restore your oral health. She will also discuss preventive measures to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Comprehensive Dental Exams Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about our comprehensive dental exams. Dr. Watson and her outstanding team are all about prevention to maintain healthy smiles for life. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing, is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and maintain a healthy smile. However, it’s not always possible to effectively clean every groove and crevice, especially on those hard-to-reach areas on the molars at the back of the mouth. Dental sealants provide a barrier to protect your teeth, keeping tooth decay and cavities at bay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a clear plastic resin material. We easily paint them onto the tooth surfaces of the back teeth to smooth out the depressions known as pits and fissures. That essentially seals out bacteria and food particles, protecting your pearly whites. Applying sealants is painless, doesn’t require anesthesia, and takes a few short minutes to complete.
Dental sealants have been shown to lower the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80 percent in permanent molars. They can even stop the early stages of decay from progressing and becoming cavities. Placing dental sealants will prevent the need for extensive dental treatments down the road.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Children and adults are perfect candidates for dental sealants; however, the earlier these protective coatings are placed on permanent teeth, the better. The first set of molars starts appearing around age 6, while the second set comes in around age 12. Sealing the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars as soon as they erupt helps prevent tooth decay right from the start.
Candidates for sealants also include patients of any age who have a history of decay or those who have deep grooves or depressions on their teeth, which provide the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to flourish. Sealants also benefit patients with lifestyles that promote dental problems, including smoking, eating plenty of sugary treats, neglecting oral hygiene care, and maintaining poor diets.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants have the potential to last up to ten years with proper care. However, they may begin to show signs of wear over time. When you come in for your twice-a-year dental visits, our team at Hebron Family Dentistry will check your sealants to ensure they are still intact. If we see signs of wear or damage, we will reapply the protective coatings, so they continue safeguarding your smile.
Dental Sealants Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about our preventive dentistry procedures, including dental sealants. Dr. Watson and her team are all about prevention to maintain healthy smiles for life. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Are Modern Tooth Fillings Made Of?
In the past, getting a dental filling usually meant a gleam of metal in your mouth. Advancements in modern dentistry now offer high-tech filling materials that blend long-lasting strength with seamless results. Today, metal-free, tooth-colored fillings have become the norm in many dental offices.
Tooth-Colored Fillings – An Overview
Tooth-colored dental fillings are made of a composite resin material that we closely match to the shade of your natural tooth enamel. When in place, the non-toxic material bonds to the natural tooth structure, strengthening and fortifying the affected tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings are constantly improved and reinvented. The earlier versions were best suited to repair small to mid-sized cavities on teeth exposed to moderate chewing pressure. However, today’s modern white fillings are suitable for any tooth, providing strength, durability, and virtually unnoticeable results.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings
Composite resin fillings offer many advantages over their silver amalgam counterparts, including the following:
- Unlike silver fillings with their metallic color, white fillings match the color and shade of your natural teeth, providing a cosmetic tooth restoration solution.
- Tooth-colored fillings are more conservative because they require the removal of minimal tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings.
- Unlike white fillings, silver fillings contract and expand with temperature changes, often causing damage to the natural tooth structure.
- Composite fillings are metal-free, lowering the risk of metal allergies.
- Even though the mercury content in amalgam fillings is deemed safe by the American Dental Association, some patients prefer mercury-free fillings.
- Tooth-colored fillings are versatile restorations that can repair many tooth flaws, such as chips, wear, or discoloration.
What Is the Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure?
After numbing the area using a local anesthetic, we will remove the decayed tooth structure and clean and sterilize the area. Next, we’ll place the composite filling material in layers and hard it using a special curing light. The last step is shaping and polishing the filling material until it matches the shape and sheen of a natural tooth. Once in place, tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. With proper dental care, your restorations will enhance your oral health for many years to come.
Maintaining Healthy Smiles
The best way to treat cavities is to prevent them altogether. We encourage our valued patients to maintain good dental hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Steer away from hard foods to avoid chipping your natural teeth or restorations. It’s also important to schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor your oral health and your dental work.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about repairing cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Dr. Watson and her team are committed to enhancing your oral health and the appearance of your smile using the latest technology, techniques, and materials. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies tend to happen at the most inconvenient times, and Hebron Family Dentistry is here to help. We’re fully equipped and prepared to provide quality dental emergency services to patients in Hebron, KY, and the surrounding communities. Here’s a look at what constitutes a dental emergency and what you can do to lower the chances of complications.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation requiring urgent care to alleviate severe pain, save a knocked-out or damaged tooth, control infection, or stop bleeding. While inconvenient, some dental issues, such as a lost filling, chipped tooth, or broken dental appliance, don’t constitute a dental emergency and can wait until the next day.
To determine whether you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there severe, persistent tooth pain?
- Are there signs of infection, including swelling of the mouth, jaw, or face?
- Has the mouth or face sustained a blow?
- Are there any knocked out, dislodged, or loose teeth?
- Is there bleeding from the mouth?
If you experience any of these symptoms, you’ll likely require urgent dental care. Please call our office immediately to get your smile back on track. If you’re not quite sure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office for guidance. We will evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action. If, however, you or a loved one experience a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 for assistance.
Common Dental Emergencies and What You Can Do to Help
If you experience a dental emergency, timely treatment can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Make sure to contact us right away.
Severe Tooth Pain: Pain may indicate a serious infection requiring emergency care. Rinse with warm water and floss to dislodge any trapped food or debris, and take over-the-counter pain medication for relief. Do not place aspirin on your gums to avoid tissue damage. Call us for an emergency appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick up the tooth from its crown and rinse it gently. Try returning it to its socket, and if that’s not possible, place it in some milk. The quicker you seek emergency care, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
Other Dental Emergencies: A cracked, broken, dislodged, or loose tooth can be very painful and require urgent dental treatment. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and contact us for an emergency appointment.
Bleeding: Gentle pressure can help stop the bleeding. However, if you have heavy, uncontrollable bleeding, head to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
Emergency Dental Care Near Me in Hebron, KY
Our team at Hebron Family Dentistry hopes you never experience a dental emergency but are here for you in the event you do. We are committed to delivering quality urgent dental care you can trust. Please keep our number on hand and call us at 859-689-2021 if you experience a dental emergency.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures offer an outstanding alternative to traditional dentures with unmatched stability, durability, and aesthetics. If you’ve ever wondered if you are a candidate for this superior tooth replacement option, contact Hebron Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Watson will determine whether you’re a candidate for implant surgery and if not, she’ll work with you to get you there.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screw-like posts that we place in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation to support one or multiple replacement teeth, with unmatched results. Implant dentistry offers a cosmetic and restorative solution, delivering replacement teeth that are the closest you’ll ever have to healthy, natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures continue to grow in popularity due to the many benefits they offer, including the following:
- They help prevent bone loss, enhancing your oral health, and providing a comfortable fit that lasts.
- They restore the form, function, and aesthetics of missing teeth, delivering healthy, beautiful smiles.
- They allow you to chew and bite your food as efficiently as your natural teeth.
- They don’t shift or tilt, allowing you to maintain your standard speech patterns.
- They provide support for your facial muscles, reducing sagging and preserving your face’s natural shape.
- They are much more stable, comfortable, and functional than traditional dentures.
- With proper care, your implant-supported dentures can last a lifetime.
Are You a Good Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Candidates for implant dentistry need to have good overall health and healthy gums. If you have periodontal (gum) disease, you may still be a candidate for implant-supported dentures, as long as the condition is being treated and managed. However, you may need to delay the dental implant placement until the periodontal disease is under control.
To qualify for implant-supported dentures, you need adequate bone density to support the implants. If, however, you have bone loss, you may require a bone grafting procedure to build up the bone in the area, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of implant-supported dentures.
Caring for Your Implant-Supported Dentures
You must maintain excellent oral hygiene practices to ensure the long-term success of your implant-supported dentures. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and visit Hebron Family Dentistry for your routine dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your oral health and restorations to ensure you enjoy a healthy smile for life.
Implant-Supported Dentures Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about restoring your healthy, confident smile with the help of implant-supported dentures. Dr. Watson and her team look forward to enhancing your smile and quality of life. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
How Often Should I Have My Teeth Whitened?
If your smile is not as bright as you’d like, you may want to consider teeth whitening, one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures today. The simple treatment will leave you with a lot to smile about. Your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry will evaluate your unique needs and recommend how often you should whiten your teeth for the best and safest results.
How Do Teeth Get Stained and Discolored?
As the years go by, your teeth may become dull and discolored due to many factors, including the natural aging process, consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages, tobacco use, and certain illnesses and medication. Chips or tooth injuries can also cause discoloration, especially if tooth pulp damage occurs.
Can Teeth Whitening Lift All Types of Stains?
Teeth whitening treatments are highly effective at lifting yellowish stains resulting from smoking or consuming foods and beverages such as berries, wine, or coffee. Brown or gray teeth, on the other hand, may not respond as well. Whitening will not work on dental restorations, such as crowns or fillings, or if the discoloration results from trauma or the use of medications. If you’re not a candidate for teeth whitening, we may recommend other cosmetic dentistry solutions, including dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or cosmetic bonding.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Also known as chairside whitening, in-office bleaching involves the application of a hydrogen or carbamide peroxide gel to your tooth surfaces, then using a special light to speed up and intensify the whitening process. Professional teeth whitening at Hebron Family Dentistry can whiten and brighten your teeth several shades in just one office visit.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Many whitening products are available for purchase over-the-counter, including peroxide-based gels and strips. There are also whitening toothpastes that contain mild abrasives that remove some surface stains.
While most do-it-yourself home whitening kits promise spectacular results, many are sure to disappoint. Worse yet, some can cause severe damage to your tooth enamel and your gums.
For safe and effective home whitening, we’re happy to provide you with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel. It may take a little longer to achieve your desired results, but you’ll do so without damaging your teeth or gums.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Whitened?
Most patients require yearly in-office whitening treatments with touch-ups at home at intervals determined based on individual needs. Some people require touch-ups every few months, while others need more frequent whitening, including people who consume highly pigmented foods or those who smoke.
Teeth Whitening Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about whitening and brightening your smile. We look forward to having you in a sparkling, stain-free smile. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
Can a Root Canal Save My Tooth?
At Hebron Family Dentistry, we understand that many people dread the thought of root canal therapy. Dr. Watson and her team would like to reassure you that the treatment relieves tooth pain rather than causing it. The endodontic procedure is often the only viable treatment option to save a damaged tooth, restoring its health, appearance, and function.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that’s indicated if the dental pulp inside the root canals becomes infected due to severe tooth decay, tooth chips or fracture, or trauma. The treatment is also recommended to save a dead tooth, which is one that no longer has blood flow.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Save Damaged Teeth?
Unlike the rest of the body, damaged teeth can’t heal themselves. Without treatment, pulp infection and inflammation can lead to severe pain and may result in an abscess. As the condition progresses and deteriorates, it may result in the need for a tooth extraction, which may require a tooth replacement option, such as an implant or bridge, to maintain your oral health.
Root canal therapy is the only viable option to save a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp and nerves. The relatively comfortable procedure restores the affected tooth’s natural form and function. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!
What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
Dr. Watson will start by numbing the area and administering dental sedation, if needed, for your comfort. The procedure involves making a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access and remove the affected pulp tissue. Dr. Watson will shape, sterilize, then seal the root canals with a rubbery material known as gutta-percha.
After a root canal procedure, a tooth is susceptible to breakage and will need a dental crown for protection. Dr. Watson will remove some of the tooth structure to accommodate the restoration. Next is taking impressions of your teeth to send to our dental laboratory for fabrication. A temporary crown will protect your prepared tooth as you wait. During an upcoming appointment, Dr. Watson will make any needed adjustments and cement the new crown in place. Your restored tooth will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about saving a damaged tooth with the help of a root canal treatment. Our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options will ensure that you are comfortable and free of stress throughout any procedure. You can always count on our team for care that exceeds your expectations. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
Will Invisalign Really Straighten My Teeth?
If you’re wondering if Invisalign will really straighten your teeth, the answer is a resounding yes! Despite the misconception that Invisalign’s clear aligners can only correct slightly crooked teeth, the discreet treatment continues to transform lives by addressing a wide range of mild to complex orthodontic cases.
Invisalign: An Overview
Invisalign by Align Technology offers an effective solution to straighten your smile over time using clear, custom-created aligners. Your invisible braces are designed to place the precise amount of pressure needed to shift your teeth into the desired position. You must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day for the best results. As you swap an aligner set for the next, about every two weeks, you’ll see your teeth gradually move into alignment.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign treats a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth and problems with the bite. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without interfering with the appearance of your smile.
Your aligner trays are made from a soft and comfortable material, unlike metal braces with their wires and brackets. They are also removable, allowing you to achieve your ideal smile without impacting your life. Time for dinner? Getting ready to brush your teeth? Going to an important event? Just take out your clear aligners and wear them once again when done.
Invisalign will straighten your teeth and perfect your smile up to 50 percent faster than traditional braces. The SmartTrack material and the SmartForce features make Invisalign effective in correcting complex orthodontic cases with precision. Invisalign works well for both adults and teens, with Invisalign Teen featuring compliance indicators to ensure they are worn for the required amount of time.
What Is the Invisalign Procedure?
During an initial consultation, we’ll evaluate your smile’s unique needs and determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you. The procedure involves taking 3D scans of your teeth to map out your custom treatment plan, including your teeth’s precise movements and your anticipated length of treatment. You’ll even get a preview of your new, improved smile.
We’ll send the scans of your mouth to a laboratory that will create your series of custom aligners. Once they are ready, you’ll return to our office for a follow-up appointment. We will ensure your first aligner set provides the correct fit and will discuss how to wear them and clean them moving forward.
Invisalign Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about straightening your smile with Invisalign. The discreet and gentle orthodontic solution will deliver your desired transformation without impacting your life. Call us and schedule your appointment today!