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Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable and must be cemented in place by a licensed dentist. Patients who get crown or bridges to restore their smiles achieve both the function and appearance of natural, healthy teeth.
Did you know…
that the Etruscan civilization were the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth? In fact, the materials they used – ivory, gold, and bones – were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were first invented. Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically for the patient’s bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits. With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years, or even a lifetime.
If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an office consultation to determine whether you could benefit from crowns or bridges.
If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your crown or bridge, you may be fitted with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.
Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown and bridge placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.
Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues from damage, injury, and trauma. There are two types of sports mouth guards: over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a dentist to effectively prevent injury.
Caring for your new custom mouth guard is simple.
The American Dental Association recommends keeping your mouthguard protected in a sturdy container in between uses. You should also be careful to clean your mouth guard after use and occasionally soak it in cool, soapy water for thorough sanitation. Custom dental mouth guards are designed for durability, but it is important to check your mouth guard for signs of wear every few months. Mouth guards for children and teens must be replaced frequently to account for growing jaws and changes to the teeth.
There are many reasons why wearing a dental mouth guard could be right for you. A few examples include:
Your visit will consist of taking an impression of your teeth that will be used as a mold for your new mouth guard. You may even be able to leave your dental appointment with your custom mouth guard.
Before you leave your dentist’s office with your new mouth guard, you’ll receive instructions on how and when to wear it. If you suffer from TMJ disorders or bruxism, for example, you will likely wear your mouth guard at night. If you participate in recreational sports, however, you may only need to wear your mouth guard during physical activity.
A bite guard is a dental appliance custom-fit to a patient’s teeth. Bite guards serve varying purposes and are often recommended for use in patients of all ages. It is important that bite guards be professionally fit, rather than purchased over the counter, as this ensures maximum comfort and protection during wear. Professional dental guards are usually prepared in a dental lab using an oral impression taken in a dentist’s office. These guards are created uniquely to each patient to prevent discomfort, slippage or inadequate protection. There are many reasons why a dentist would prescribe a mouth guard to a patient. They include:
Did you know?
Caring for a dental bite guard is simple. You’ll need to rinse it before and after every use with a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, and cold water. From time to time, cleanse it with cold water and a mild soap. When not in use, store your mouth guard in a hard, ventilated container and keep it away from hot temperatures that could cause your guard to warp.
You absolutely need to be fit for a custom bite guard if you participate in sports or activities that put your oral health at risk. These guidelines also apply to children, who often play sports like football or participate in activities like martial arts, which can cause tooth-related injuries. You may also need a bite guard if your dentist diagnoses you with bruxism, or tooth-grinding. Over time, grinding or clenching the teeth can lead to wear and irreversible damage. Sleeping with a bite guard can protect the teeth from these unwanted side effects.
Being fit for a bite guard is simple. You’ll visit your dentist, who will take an impression of your teeth and send it off to a dental laboratory. The lab will carefully construct a durable and comfortable new bite guard that you can pick up at your dentist’s office in just days.
Yes. Although custom bite guards are made of durable materials and designed to last through many uses, they do need to be replaced from time to time. Keep an eye on your bite guard, checking it frequently for wear. Also, bring it with you to your normal dental cleanings and check-ups for a professional inspection. Be sure to tell your dentist if your bite guard no longer offers an optimal fit or if it has become uncomfortable to wear.
Brushing your teeth is probably a standard part of your daily routine, but chances are you aren’t following the American Dental Association’s guidelines for cleaning your teeth properly. The ADA currently recommends that you brush your teeth at minimum of two times each day – preferably morning and night or anytime you eat foods that contain sugar. When you brush, your toothbrush should be tilted at a 45 degree angle to your gum line. As you brush, be sure to remove debris from every surface of the teeth – including the backs of the teeth, near the gum line, and on chewing surfaces. It is also important to brush your tongue, as bacteria can accumulate there and cause malodorous breath.
Did you know…
that the type of toothbrush you use makes a difference in your oral health? The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that is ergonomically proportioned to the inside of your mouth. Many patients erroneously believe that medium or hard-bristle toothbrushes are more efficient; but these brushes can actually cause abrasions to the teeth and gums, making them more vulnerable to decay. The ADA also recommends replacing your toothbrush about four times yearly or whenever the bristles become frayed.
You may need to change your brushing habits if you are experiencing signs of poor oral hygiene. Examples of common symptoms include bleeding or reddened gums, excessive plaque build-up, decaying teeth and receding gum lines. To find out if you are brushing correctly or if you need to change your brushing habits, make an appointment with your dentist for a full consultation.
The benefits of proper tooth brushing techniques may not be experienced immediately, but they are noticeable long-term. Over time, brushing too hard or not brushing enough can produce oral health complications that cannot be reversed and require special treatment. By adopting proper brushing habits, you could avoid expensive dental bills in the future.
Yes. It is important that you also floss daily and use toothpaste that contains fluoride each day. You should also schedule dental exams and professional cleanings in at least twice per year.
Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist regularly – usually about twice yearly – for full cleanings, examinations, and consultations for potential treatment. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, dentists are also capable of identifying potential problems that patients are not yet able to see or feel. When you maintain regular preventative dental appointments, you can stave off decay and gum disease, as well as identify the beginnings of oral health problems before they become severe.
Did you know…
that Americans are less and less likely to visit the dentist as they age? Data from the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 57 percent of Americans over age 65 visited the dentist in 2010. That compares to about 61 percent adults under age 65 and about 79 percent of children ages 2 to 17. Nonetheless, it is important to visit the dentist for cleanings and exams regardless of how long has passed since your most recent dental appointment.
Yes. Even if you brush and floss after every meal and before bed, bacteria-harboring plaque can accumulate in the tiniest crevices, grooves and pits. Overtime, the teeth will begin to decay in those areas, which may result in pain and partial or total tooth loss.
Your cleaning and consultation will consist of a visible examination of the teeth and gums. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may also require x-rays for a more comprehensive view of your teeth. You’ll also consult with your dentist about any oral health problems you may have been having or questions that you may have. The cleaning will follow, during which a dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove hardened plaque from your teeth. Finally, your teeth will be polished before your dentist discusses any treatment recommendations he or she may have for you.
In between dental cleanings and consultations, be sure to maintain good oral habits at home. This includes daily flossing and brushing after meals. It’s also important to drink fluoridated water and use a fluoridated toothpaste.
A periodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional specialty training beyond dental school pertaining to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases. While general dentists often treat the mildest cases of periodontal disease, most patients with moderate to advanced gum disease are referred to periodontists. A periodontist can carry out complex periodontal treatments and surgeries to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and also preserve tooth structure. Additionally, a periodontist may specialize in the placement of dental implants and cosmetic gum restoration.
Did you know…
that American periodontists study for an additional two to four years after graduating from dental school? Furthermore, a periodontist must not only complete a dental residency, but also a periodontal residency before becoming eligible for national or state licensure and Board certification. All periodontists must pass the National Board of Dental Examinations, as well as a written and oral exam administered by the American Board of Periodontology.
You may need to visit a periodontist if you have gum disease or other periodontal complications that are untreatable by your general dentist. Visit your dentist immediately if you are experiencing red or swollen gums, or if you have pockets that have formed between your gums and teeth. This could be a sign of periodontal disease or periodontitis, for which your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for treatment.
Your first periodontal visit will require a complete dental and medical background review, as well as information about your current symptoms and medications. You’ll undergo an examination, during which time your periodontist will inspect your gums and teeth for signs of disease. Your periodontist will then discuss your diagnosis and your options for treatment if necessary.
There are many reasons for undergoing periodontal treatment – most commonly for the treatment of gum disease. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available, but only your periodontist can tell you which type is right for you.
Don’t Spend Another Minute in Pain! DentalEmergencies Take Priority!Battery Park Dental Group offers the highest quality emergency dental services in the Battery Park, New York, NY area. Our dentists pride themselves on providing both existing and new patients with top quality emergency dental care.After Hours? No problem! Call our office and you will be routed to a professional and compassionate dentist who can help. We give dental emergencies the priority they deserve, and never want our patients to suffer.Our Emergency Dental Services Include:
A pleasant dental experience is always at the core ofour practice, including prompt handling of dentalemergencies. We offer sedation dentistry for patientswho may feel scared or uncomfortable going to thedentist. Our professional and friendly staff welcomeboth new and existing patients.Contact the Battery Park Dental Group today at 201-864-4730 for immediate assistance.Go back to Patient Education
Dental crowns are dental restorations that act as a cap over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are used when the extent of the damage or decay cannot be adequately restored with a filling. To place a dental crown, you will undergo two dental appointments. The first is to prepare the tooth and the second is to cement the permanent restoration. Each procedure will have its own set of post-op protocols for you to follow.
Post-Op Protocols for Your Tooth Preparation Appointment:
What should I expect after my tooth preparation appointment?
During your tooth preparation appointment, you will have a temporary crown placed. You can expect to leave our dental office with this temporary crown cemented into your mouth. This temporary crown protects the teeth from damage and ensures that there is enough space for the permanent crown by preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting. It is imperative that the temporary crown remains in place until the permanent crown can be placed. If your temporary crown becomes lost or damaged in any way, call our office immediately.
It is important to note that your temporary crown is not made from the same materials as your permanent crown. Because of this, your temporary crown may feel rough and may not be the exact color or shape that you would like. Although your temporary may not be perfect, you can be sure that your permanent crown is being custom fabricated to your individual smile.
However, if your bite feels off with your temporary crown, you will need to notify our office immediately. Sometimes, the dental anesthetics can make it hard to determine if your bite is even. If the anesthetic wears off and your bite feels uneven, we will need to make adjustments to the temporary crown to keep your bite even.
When can I eat?
You can eat as soon as your mouth regains feeling. During your procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb your mouth and keep you comfortable. This will cause your lips, teeth, and tongue to remain numb for up to five hours after your procedure. The amount of time you will remain numb depends upon how much anesthetic was used, where it was used, and how fast your body metabolizes it. Because you can do damage to your mouth trying to eat when numb, we recommend waiting to eat until you have feeling in your mouth.
How can I manage my pain?
Before your anesthetic wears off completely, we recommend taking either 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen or Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed. This will help manage your pain when the anesthetic wears off. Once the anesthetic wears off, you can continue this routine to manage your pain.
In addition to general tooth pain, you may also experience some tooth sensitivity to temperature, sweets, or biting. This is completely normal and will usually dissipate within a few days following your procedure. If it continues beyond a few days, you will want to call our office for further instruction.
Finally, your gums may also be sore or irritated following your tooth preparation procedure. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend a warm salt water rinse. A warm salt water rinse is composed of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. You will want to swish this mixture around inside your mouth, over your gums, then spit.
How do I take care of my temporary crown?
Because temporary crowns are not intended for permanent use, they are made from a lightweight material and are not as durable as a permanent crown. As such, you will need to avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, or hard. You will also need to exercise caution when brushing or flossing around the temporary crown. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can resume normal brushing and flossing.
Post-Op Protocols for Your Permanent Restoration:
What should I expect after my permanent crown is cemented in place?
Once your permanent crown has been cemented in place, you will need to allow the cement to completely harden in the first 24 hours. Because of this, you must avoid chewing hard or sticky foods, as well as avoid using a rotary toothbrush or flossing around your permanent crown for the first 24 hours. In addition, you may also notice small pieces of excess bonding material around your new crown. Most of these pieces will eventually fall off while brushing, however if you feel anything sharp, come into our office and we can remove it.
When can I eat?
You can eat as soon as your mouth regains feeling. During your procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb your mouth and keep you comfortable. This will cause your lips, teeth, and tongue to remain numb for up to five hours after your procedure. The amount of time you will remain numb depends upon how much anesthetic was used, where it was used, and how fast your body metabolizes it. Because you can do damage to your mouth trying to eat when numb, we recommend waiting to eat until you have feeling in your mouth. Also, be sure to avoid eating chewing or hard foods in the first 24 hours following your bridge placement.
How can I manage my pain?
Before your anesthetic wears off completely, we recommend taking either 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen or Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed. This will help manage your pain when the anesthetic wears off. Once the anesthetic wears off, you can continue this routine to manage your pain.
In addition to general tooth pain, you may also experience some tooth sensitivity to temperature, sweets, or biting. This is completely normal and will usually dissipate within a few days following your procedure. If it continues beyond a few days, you will want to call our office for further instruction.
Finally, your gums may also be sore or irritated following your tooth preparation procedure. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend a warm salt water rinse. A warm salt water rinse is composed of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. You will want to swish this mixture around inside your mouth, over your gums, then spit.
How do I take care of my permanent crown?
To care for your permanent crown, you will need to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time, floss once daily, and have regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings every six months. These checkups are essential to identify possible problems with your restoration early on before they have a chance to escalate, requiring a restoration replacement. Additionally, you will need to take special care to floss around the bottom edge of the crown because this is a common area for tooth decay.
After Treatment:
Your endodontic (root canal) treatment is now complete. Taking an analgesic before the numbness wears off may help maintain an acceptable comfort level. Please wait to eat or drink on the affected side until after the numbness has worn away. Please do not chew or attempt to eat
on the affected side while you are still numb.
Discomfort:
Discomfort or soreness in the area is normal for a few days (or even weeks) and range from mild to severe. This occurs because of existing infection and inflammation of the gum and tooth ligaments as well as the manipulation of the tooth during treatment. The gums may be sore and the tooth is often tender to biting or chewing. Over the counter analgesics such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Aspirin, Motrin, Excedrin, and Tylenol should relieve most of the discomfort.
Rinsing with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) will help. Discomfort in the area in no way affects the successful outcome of treatment. If antibiotics and/or pain medications were prescribed, please take them as directed. If you were given a prescription for pain, it is meant to help you with more serious discomfort only for a couple of days. In the unlikely event that swelling, fever, or severe pain should occur, please call the office promptly.
Temporary Filling:
A temporary filling has been placed in the entry made into your tooth. It is normal for a thin layer of the temporary filling to be chewed away between appointments. An unusual taste can be expected. Should all of the temporary filling come out, please call our office. It’s important that your temporary filling stays intact until the placement of a permanent restoration.
Final Restorations:
IF AN APPOINTMENT TO PLACE A FINAL RESTORATION HAS NOT BEEN MADE, PLEASE TELEPHONE TO SCHEDULE THIS APPOINTMENT PROMPTLY. Endodontically treated teeth have been weakened by previous decay and fillings. It is necessary for these teeth to receive additional protection in the form of a cast restoration (onlay or crown). This will protect these teeth against future fracture and decay, and protect the root canal filling from possible
contamination. Delay in obtaining a final restoration may result in fracture and/or possible loss of the tooth or require a re-treatment or a root canal. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call our office for consultation.
Dental fillings are used to fill cavities in the teeth once decay has been removed. They can also be used to repair chipped, fracture, or otherwise broken teeth. After having a dental filling placed, you will have certain post-op protocols to follow.
Post-Op Protocols for Your Filling Placement:
What should I expect after having a filling placed?
After your filling is placed, you can return to your usual activities, diet, and dental routine. Most fillings will feel like your natural teeth, however in some cases you may notice that your bite feels uneven. This is because the dental anesthetics can make it hard to determine if your bite is even. If the anesthetic wears off and your bite feels uneven, we will need to make adjustments to the temporary bridge to keep your bite even.
When can I eat?
You can eat as soon as your mouth regains feeling. During your procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb your mouth and keep you comfortable. This will cause your lips, teeth, and tongue to remain numb for up to five hours after your procedure. The amount of time you will remain numb depends upon how much anesthetic was used, where it was used, and how fast your body metabolizes it. Because you can do damage to your mouth trying to eat when numb, we recommend waiting to eat until you have feeling in your mouth.
How can I manage my pain?
Before your anesthetic wears off completely, we recommend taking 3 tablets of 200mg Motrin and 1 tab of 500mg Tylenol as needed. This will help manage your pain when the anesthetic wears off. It will also ease any swelling or pain at the anesthetic injection sites.
In addition, you may also experience some tooth sensitivity to temperature, sweets, or biting. This is completely normal and will usually dissipate within a few days following your procedure. If it continues beyond a few days, you will want to call our office for further instruction.
Finally, your gums may also be sore or irritated following your tooth preparation procedure. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend a warm salt water rinse. A warm salt water rinse is composed of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. You will want to swish this mixture around inside your mouth, over your gums, then spit.
How do I take care of my filling?
To care for your dental filling, you will need to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time, floss once daily, and have regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings every six months. These checkups are essential to identify possible problems with your restoration early on before they have a chance to escalate, requiring a restoration replacement.
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