In my book, The Smile Owner’s Manual, I compare a custom porcelain crown to a high-end smartphone. Both represent the cutting edge of modern technology. Both are designed to be beautiful and functional. However, you don’t use your phone to crush solid ice or bathe it in corrosive coffee. Your dental restorations must be built to survive some of the harshest conditions imaginable while still looking perfectly natural.
During my 18-month sabbatical and MBA studies, I spent a lot of time thinking about the “price” of excellence. For the busy professionals and families of the Truckee Meadows, that price is often paid in time.
Eliminating the “Two-Visit” Tax
The traditional dental model requires two appointments for a single crown: one for the preparation and a messy impression, and a second weeks later to replace a leaky temporary. As a Clinical Architect, I view this as a structural flaw in the patient experience.
By integrating CEREC same-day technology and SprintRay 3D printing, we have largely eliminated the need for the second visit. We can now design, mill, and bond a custom restoration in a single appointment. This isn’t just a “gadget”; it is a strategic investment in your schedule.
Precision Meets Efficiency
While I am an expert in the technical application of these tools, I remain a dentist who values the human connection first. Technology should never replace the relationship. Instead, it should enhance it by allowing us to focus on your “Clinical Architecture” without the distraction of multiple, fragmented appointments.
Whether you need a single crown or a complex 3D-printed solution for your entire smile, our goal is the same: precision, beauty, and a result that respects your time.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to manage and eliminate gum disease. In this article, we will explore the quickest ways to get rid of gum disease, focusing on various gum disease treatment options. Additionally, we’ll touch on the role of Invisalign, laser dentistry, dental implants, and the expertise of a dentist in Reno, NV in achieving optimal oral health.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is primarily caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Gum disease ranges from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis.
Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. It is usually reversible with good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This more severe stage involves the gums pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Eventually, it can lead to tooth loss and damage to the surrounding bone.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Receding gums
Persistent bad breath
Loose or shifting teeth
Painful chewing
Quickest Ways to Get Rid of Gum Disease
1. Professional Dental Cleaning
The most immediate step in treating gum disease is a professional dental cleaning. During this procedure, a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline. Regular cleanings are essential to prevent and manage gum disease.
2. Scaling and Root Planing
For more advanced gum disease, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing is often necessary. This non-surgical treatment involves:
Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
Root Planing: Smoothing rough spots on the tooth root to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
This treatment helps reduce the size of the pockets around the teeth and promotes healing.
3. Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is an innovative approach to gum disease treatment. It uses focused light beams to remove infected gum tissue and bacteria with precision. The benefits of laser dentistry include:
Minimal discomfort and pain
Reduced bleeding and swelling
Faster healing times
Preservation of healthy gum tissue
Laser dentistry is a quick and effective way to treat gum disease, particularly in its more advanced stages.
4. Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate the bacteria causing gum disease. These can be administered in various forms:
Topical antibiotics: Applied directly to the gums.
Oral antibiotics: Taken in pill form to treat infection.
Antibiotic therapy can be an adjunct to scaling and root planing or laser treatments, providing a comprehensive approach to gum disease treatment.
5. Improved Oral Hygiene Practices
Adopting good oral hygiene practices is crucial for both preventing and treating gum disease. Key steps include:
Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three months.
Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
Educating yourself and your family about proper oral care can significantly impact the effectiveness of gum disease treatment.
The Role of Invisalign
While Invisalign is primarily known for its role in straightening teeth, it can also contribute to better gum health. Misaligned teeth can create areas where plaque and bacteria accumulate, leading to gum disease. Invisalign helps by:
Correcting misalignments that make it difficult to clean between teeth
Reducing overcrowding, which can trap food particles and bacteria
Improving overall oral hygiene accessibility
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent gum disease.
The Impact of Dental Implants
For patients with severe gum disease that has led to tooth loss, dental implants offer a long-term solution. Dental implants not only restore the function and appearance of missing teeth but also promote healthy gums and jawbone structure. Benefits include:
Preventing bone loss in the jaw
Maintaining the natural shape of your face
Providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth
A dentist in Reno, NV experienced in dental implants can provide personalized treatment plans to restore your smile and oral health.
Finding the Right Dentist in Reno, NV
Choosing the right dentist in Reno, NV is essential for effective gum disease treatment. Look for a dentist who offers comprehensive periodontal care, including:
Expertise in scaling and root planing
Access to advanced laser dentistry technology
Experience with Invisalign and dental implants
A focus on patient education and preventive care
Regular visits to a skilled dentist can help you manage and prevent gum disease, ensuring long-term oral health.
Conclusion
Gum disease is a common but serious condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. The quickest way to get rid of gum disease involves a combination of professional dental care and good oral hygiene practices. Professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, laser dentistry, and antibiotic therapy are all effective treatments. Additionally, incorporating Invisalign and dental implants into your treatment plan can help maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, is crucial for preventing gum disease. By working with a qualified dentist in Reno, NV, you can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve optimal oral health.
Don’t wait until gum disease becomes a severe problem. Take action today to ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy and strong for years to come.
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental issues. If you’re in Reno, NV, visiting a dentist in Reno, NV, for regular checkups can have numerous benefits, including early detection of problems and access to cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why regular dental checkups are crucial and how they contribute to a healthy smile.
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Preventive Care
Regular dental checkups allow your dentist in Reno, NV, to detect any signs of dental problems early on. From cavities to gum disease, early detection enables prompt treatment, preventing minor issues from escalating into major ones. This proactive approach to dental care helps maintain your oral health and saves you from more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
Dental Examinations
During a dental checkup, your dentist performs a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This includes checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues. These examinations are crucial for identifying any abnormalities or concerns that may require further attention.
Access to Cosmetic Dentistry
Enhancing Your Smile
In addition to preventive care, regular dental checkups also provide access to cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, cosmetic dentistry procedures can help improve its aesthetics. Whether you want to whiten your teeth, correct misalignments, or replace missing teeth, your dentist in Reno, NV, can recommend the best cosmetic treatments to achieve your desired results.
Secondary Keyword: Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding can enhance the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. During a dental checkup, you can discuss your cosmetic goals with your dentist and explore the available options for achieving them.
Restoring Functionality with Dental Implants
Replacing Missing Teeth
For individuals with missing teeth, dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution. Dental implants replace both the root and the crown of a missing tooth, providing stability, functionality, and aesthetics. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to assess your suitability for dental implants and plan the treatment accordingly.
Secondary Keyword: Dental Implants
During a dental checkup, your dentist can evaluate your oral health and determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. They can discuss the benefits of dental implants, address any concerns you may have, and create a customized treatment plan to restore your smile and oral function.
Preventing Future Dental Problems
Personalized Oral Care Plans
One of the key benefits of regular dental checkups is the opportunity to receive personalized oral care plans. Your dentist in Reno, NV, can assess your oral health status, identify areas of concern, and recommend specific preventive measures to keep your teeth and gums healthy. These may include changes to your oral hygiene routine, dietary recommendations, or the use of preventive treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants.
Educational Resources
In addition to personalized oral care plans, regular dental checkups also provide access to valuable educational resources. Your dentist can offer advice on maintaining good oral hygiene habits, managing dental anxiety, and addressing specific concerns related to your oral health. By empowering you with knowledge and information, your dentist helps you take proactive steps towards preventing future dental problems.
Building a Strong Patient-Dentist Relationship
Trust and Comfort
Regular dental checkups play a crucial role in building a strong and trusting relationship between you and your dentist. By visiting the same dentist for your checkups, you develop a rapport and familiarity that fosters trust and comfort. This trust enables open communication, allowing you to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and collaborate with your dentist on your oral health goals.
Consistent Care
Having a regular dentist ensures consistent care over time. Your dentist in Reno, NV, becomes familiar with your dental history, preferences, and specific needs, allowing them to provide more personalized and effective treatments. This continuity of care is essential for maintaining your oral health and addressing any ongoing or chronic dental issues.
Conclusion
Regular dental checkups with a dentist in Reno, NV, are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems. From early detection of issues to access to cosmetic dentistry and dental implants, these checkups offer numerous benefits that contribute to a healthy and beautiful smile. Don’t wait for dental problems to arise – schedule your next checkup today and invest in the health of your smile.
Dental crowns are restorations cemented over a tooth. They are held in place with a strong adhesive, but on occasion they can come off, especially after a number of years have gone by. Here are some tips from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV if this should happen to you.
Here’s what to do:
Find the crown if you can. You might be able to put it back in place. If you do, clean it first. You can reapply it with dental cement, which is available in most drug stores. Do not use ordinary glue!
Give us a call to schedule an appointment. We’ll fit you in as soon as possible to repair or replace your crown. In the meantime, if it’s sensitive, put a little clove oil on the tooth. Use a cotton swab. Clove oil, too, is often in drugstores or in the spice aisle of a supermarket.
It’s important that you don’t wait too long to see us. What remains of your tooth isn’t very strong without the crown over it.
At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, dental crowns are among our restorative dentistry services. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our practice to maintain their dental health. Call us to schedule an appointment today!
Dental crowns are restorations that are cemented over a tooth that has been repaired, and we place a lot of them at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.
While the cement is strong and reliable, they have been known to come off. It may have loosened or come off while brushing or flossing, or eating something sticky. Here is what to do if your crown comes off.
There are three steps:
First things first: find your crown if it has come off entirely. If you can’t find it, don’t worry. We can make a replacement.
Next, give us a call. Even if we didn’t do the original we can reattach it.
If your crown comes off after business hours, use denture adhesive to get it back in place temporarily. Do not use ordinary glue! You can find denture adhesive at a drugstore.
At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we place a lot of dental crowns, and with great success. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for our complete restorative dentistry, and much more. Schedule an appointment today!
A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).
It all starts with a consultation.
At your first visit to The Reno Dentist, we’ll take X-rays and evaluate your mouth. We will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Be prepared to consider your physical health in general and your medical history.
If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting surgery. This common procedure is described on our website.
2. Tooth Implant Placement
The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how rapid and easy the procedure is.
First, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the implant location.
Dr. Sykes will make an incision in the gums. This opens the gums so the bone is accessible.
Then, we drill a small hole the precise diameter and depth of the post.
The implant post is screwed into the hole in the bone.
We’ll take an X-ray to validate the implant is in the correct place.
We will then sew the gums back over the implant.
The tooth implant procedure will take from one to two hours.
OTC pain relievers are usually sufficient for post-surgery soreness. Most dental implant patients can go back to work after the surgery.
Soreness and swelling should subside after a few days. An ice pack (used on the cheek, not inside the mouth) can ease swelling.
If the implant site (and missing tooth) is visible when you smile, we will create a removable partial denture or flipper. You can wear this while you are waiting for the final restoration.
Make sure you practice proper oral hygiene but be extra gentle when cleaning around the surgical site.
3. Osseointegration
Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome a non-biological tooth root. Implant dentistry is only possible because the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant. This creates an extremely durable foundation for the post.
Titanium readily integrates with bone. The official term for this quality is “osteophilic.” For most individuals, it takes from three to six months for the post and jawbone to form a (hopefully!) inseparable bond.
4. Placing the Final Restoration
The last step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root.
The beautiful crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.
When you have your new smile at the end of this process, it will all be worth it!
Today’s message explains how behind-the-scenes dental technology helps us serve our patients.
CAD/CAM
CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) are used for many restorative procedures. These include same-day inlays/onlays and crowns.
Dentists who offer dental implants can use CAD/CAM technology in every phase of the dental implant procedure.
CAD/CAM is also used in dental laboratories to create crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and ceramic braces.
Digital Imaging
Most Nevada dental offices use digital X-rays. Realtime digital images help dentists to easily make a diagnosis. Dentists can enlarge and otherwise optimize a digital image to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
Digital X-rays emit up to 70% less radiation. Plus, they are easier to store and access. Because they don’t require film or processing chemicals, they are more eco-friendly than traditional X-rays.
Lasers
Pinpoint-precise Diode lasers are used in dental care including crown lengthening, root scaling, biopsies, root canals, teeth whitening, oral lesion removal, and treatment of decay.
Laser procedures often decrease the need for anesthesia. They cause less bleeding because the laser activates blood clotting. Lasers help sterilize the treatment area, reducing the risk of infection.
The latest technology helps our team provide superior dental service to our patients. The future of dentistry is here today at The Reno Dentist.
We treat all of our patients royally here at The Reno Dentist, but some of them receive actual crowns. We’re not talking about crowns a king or queen wears, but crowns for your teeth! If you live in Reno, The Reno Dentist is the best place to get your teeth looking better than ever. And putting a crown on a tooth with problems could be just what you need to realize a dazzling smile.
protect a weak tooth from decay, breaking, or to hold together a cracked tooth
cover and provide durability to a tooth with a large filling and little tooth structure remaining
restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
add strength to a tooth following a root canal procedure
If you feel like you have a need for a crown, don’t look any further than The Reno Dentist. Our dentists and lab techs have the experience, training, and proficiency to make sure your crowns are created and placed properly. There are many different kinds of crowns that serve different purposes. We perform a thorough examination to ensure the crown you get is perfect for you and your smile.
We then prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit the way that it should. Once the tooth is prepared and ready, we use state-of-the-art tools to fit the crown on your tooth. When done properly, crowns can last many years. Crowns are a wonderful way to protect and improve your smile.
At The Reno Dentist, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer general and family dentistry and serve the Reno, Sparks and Carson City areas. Let us help you today!
At the Reno Dentist, serving Carson City, Sparks and Spanish Springs, our team uses dental crowns (sometimes called caps) in many restorative treatments. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured, a crown can correct bite misalignments, and a crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.
Crowns are also used extensively for purely cosmetic problems: yellow teeth, stained teeth, too-small teeth, and teeth that are misshapen.
Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:
All ceramic (porcelain-based)
Porcelain fused to metal
Gold alloys
Base metal alloys
Our team can help you determine which type is right for you. Factors to consider are: the location of the crown in the mouth, your budget, and any allergies to metal.
When many dentists provide a crown restoration, they use a process that requires two office visits. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Then, the dentist will make a temporary crown for the patient to use until the permanent crown is ready. Some dentists have special technology that allows them to fabricate and place crowns in one visit.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last for many years, but are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper care, dental patients should not expect crowns to be trouble-free for decades. There is encouraging evidence, however, that points to a high success rate: a 2009 study found that more than 90% of dental crowns will not require treatment within five years of placement. The study also found that 50% to 80% last from 15 to 20 years.1
At The Reno Dentist, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer general and family dentistry and serve the Reno, Sparks and Carson City areas. Let us help you today!
1Bader JD1, Shugars DA., “Summary review of the survival of single crowns,” PubMed.gov, 2009, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146146, accessed June 16, 2014
A cracked tooth in Reno can be painful, unattractive, and expensive to repair. Today’s post in The Reno Dentist dental blog contains an easy-to-follow list of tips to keep your teeth strong.
1. Avoiding a cracked tooth means avoiding chewing on hard objects. Mind-blowing, right? People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Also be wary of pitted fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the pit, you could damage a tooth.
2. It is vital to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, rec center flag football, and many other activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth guard.
3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Locate a pair of scissors to open a package. Rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing without using teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost hundreds of dollars.
4. Most people know that grinding your teeth is dangerous, but did you know that it can lead to a cracked tooth in Reno? If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques and/or a mouth guard. Having headaches or jaw pain frequently can be a symptom of teeth grinding.
5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to a cracked tooth in Reno, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. Take care of these cracks before the whole tooth is in danger.
If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth. If you crack a tooth, call 775-323-0700 to schedule an appointment with a professional dental team in Reno.
The Reno Dentist and team provide dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, headache relief and general dentistry services for Washoe County and the Reno - Sparks NV metropolitan area including Spanish Springs, Hidden Valley, North Valleys, Truckee CA, Tahoe City CA, Carson City, Sun Valley, and Fernley along with zip codes 89502, 89503, 89509, 89512 and 89523
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