If your teeth are badly damaged from decay or facial trauma, or if you have several missing teeth, your dentist may recommend removable prosthodontics to solve your dental problems. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), bone loss, or serious tooth decay can make you a poor candidate for restorative options such as dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants. Removable prosthodontics can restore your smile so that it looks and functions as it should, while also boosting your confidence as you eat, smile, and laugh.
Just hearing the word “dentures” might give you pause, reminding you of your older relatives, but advancements in dental restorative therapies now allow your dentist to craft a removable prosthodontic that not only looks but also feels like your natural smile.
Types of Removable Prosthodontics:
Partial Dentures:
Partial dentures correct gaps when only a few of your natural teeth are missing. A partial denture may be the best choice if your remaining teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Overdentures:
Overdentures provide restorations when one or more of your natural teeth are in place in an arch – typically two teeth for a bottom overdenture and four teeth for an upper overdenture.
Immediate Dentures:
Immediate dentures are placed immediately after an extraction, allowing the bone and gums to heal while preventing adjacent teeth from collapsing into the empty space and affecting your bite.
Complete Dentures:
Complete dentures are designed for edentulous patients (patients with no teeth at all) and replace all of the teeth in one or both arches of your mouth, restoring your smile and your ability to eat and speak clearly.
Because of advancements in materials and techniques, many dentures today are so lifelike that they can be mistaken for natural teeth. Only you – and your prosthodontist – will know your secret. Talk to your prosthodontist today to see what removable prosthodontics can do for you. Don’t wait to start enjoying your life with your new, healthy smile.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Shreveport dental office.
The changing seasons often inspire a desire for change, and what better way to enhance your appearance than by treating yourself to a brand-new smile? Your dentist in Shreveport offers a variety of cosmetic and restorative treatments to help you achieve a healthy, natural-looking, and beautiful smile.
Cosmetic and Restorative Options
Thanks to modern dental techniques, there are numerous ways to improve your smile. Options include porcelain veneers, which cover the front surfaces of your teeth, and dental crowns to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. Dental bonding can improve the shape of a tooth in just one simple visit, while enamel reshaping addresses minor imperfections, such as slightly overlapping teeth. For missing teeth, dental implants provide a permanent solution, turning a gappy smile into one you can confidently show off.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to quickly rejuvenate your smile, creating a brighter, more youthful look. Your dentist in Shreveport can perform in-office teeth whitening, which can lift the shade of your teeth in just an hour. Alternatively, you can choose custom-made whitening trays to use at home, with whitening gel provided in the correct strength to safely and effectively bleach your teeth.
Teeth Straightening
It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of straight teeth, and adult orthodontics are becoming increasingly popular. Talk to your dentist about Invisalign clear braces, which discreetly straighten your teeth without disrupting your daily life.
Checkups and Professional Cleanings
Your first step toward a new smile should be scheduling a dental checkup and professional cleaning. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy before starting any cosmetic dentistry treatments. They will discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan to achieve your dream smile. A professional cleaning will remove tartar buildup and add a beautiful sparkle to your teeth while helping you maintain excellent oral health.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Shreveport dental office.
If the prospect of a root canal procedure has you running for the hills, you may want to consider reading over this list of frequently asked questions before you end up cowering in a corner:
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal treatment is performed when decay or trauma has damaged a tooth causing it to die. A dentist or endodontist performs a procedure to remove the diseased or damaged pulp from the tooth and then refills the tooth cavity.
Is root canal therapy painful?
In reality, root canal treatment is intended to relieve pain, not cause it. Because the procedures are very similar, you should experience no more discomfort than having a cavity filled.
What happens after root canal therapy?
Your tooth may be slightly sensitive for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to relieve any pain you may experience. In order for your tooth to return to full functionality, a crown or other restoration will need to be placed after the root canal therapy is performed.
What if I opt not to choose root canal therapy?
Untreated damage or infection in your tooth can travel through the roots and lead to an abscess or larger infection.
Is there an alternative to root canal therapy?
You could relieve the pain and infection by having your tooth removed. However, this can cause problems such as bone loss, migration of teeth, and bite problems.
In the case of a severely damaged or decayed tooth, the ideal solution is to save your natural tooth through root canal therapy and restoration. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed in a cavity, and can have enormous benefits to your long-term oral health. Consult with your dental professional to get answers to any other questions or concerns you may have regarding root canal therapy so you can alleviate your fears and return to your healthy smile.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Shreveport dental office to schedule your consultation!
How much do you really know about your mouth?
Most people are familiar with the basics of brushing and flossing, but did you know that your lifestyle plays a huge role in the health of your teeth and gums? Understanding these factors can help you make better choices to protect your smile for the long run.
True or False: You don’t need to floss every day.
Answer: False. Brushing alone won’t prevent decay or gum disease. Flossing reaches the hard-to-reach spots between your teeth, removing plaque and bacteria that brushing alone can miss.
True or False: Taking care of your tongue is important, so you should brush it regularly.
Answer: True. The tiny bumps on your tongue, called papillae, trap food particles and bacteria, which can contribute to bad breath. Brushing your tongue twice a day will keep your breath fresh and your mouth cleaner.
True or False: Soft drinks and sports drinks don’t damage teeth.
Answer: False. These beverages, along with red wine and fruit juices, can lead to enamel erosion. It’s best to drink water, but if you enjoy these drinks, rinse your mouth afterward to minimize damage.
True or False: It’s okay to put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk.
Answer: False. Allowing your baby or toddler to fall asleep with anything other than water can lead to baby bottle tooth decay. This condition happens because prolonged exposure to sugary liquids, especially during sleep, creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which can harm their delicate teeth.
True or False: Fluoride reduces decay 20 to 40 percent.
Answer: True. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the acid that bacteria produce. Since fluoride was introduced into drinking water nationwide, childhood cavity rates have dramatically decreased.
Take control of your oral health today! Schedule a dental cleaning appointment at our Shreveport dental office and keep your smile sparkling.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Michael Woolbert & Dr. William Hall is accepting new patients from Shreveport and the surrounding area.
Losing teeth for one reason or another is not as uncommon as you might think. Injuries and severe tooth decay are only a couple of the causes for smiles to have holes in them from missing teeth. The good news is that you don’t have to go through life with an incomplete smile. Dental implants provide one solution for replacing lost teeth.
Popularity
These restorations that involve a titanium root with an artificial tooth on top have become increasingly popular. Instead of using bridges or dentures that are known to have some hassles with them, implants are a permanent and secure solution. Once the area has healed, you can go back to your normal habits without any concerns related to the implant. They look very natural, preserve neighboring teeth, improve speech, restore the mouth’s function, and help maintain your facial features.
Candidates
Good candidates for implants have strong enough jawbones to be able to support the implant. Patients with significant bone loss may not be able to successfully maintain implants. Good oral health is helpful, as is good general health since surgery is required. Smokers and those with certain health conditions may not be recommended for dental implants.
Procedure
Once you’ve been identified as a good candidate, the first step is having the titanium rod inserted into your jawbone. It can take up to three months for it to completely fuse with your bones. Then your dentist will make an abutment to hold the implant, and a mold will be taken of your mouth so that the crown can be created. Until it is ready, a temporary crown will be placed. Finally, your crown will be placed and adjustments will be made if needed.
Maintenance
After your implant is complete, you can resume your regular lifestyle. Your normal dental hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and checkups should be maintained for the best results.
We offer dental implants at our [Shreveport] dental office.
One of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry today is dental veneers. Many types of problems can be remedied with veneers, such as teeth that are chipped, broken, gapped, misshapen, or discolored. A veneer is a very thin shell usually made of porcelain that is bonded to the fronts of teeth to hide flaws.
Benefits:
One of the best things about dental veneers is that they immediately transform your smile the minute they are placed. They are very natural-looking because the porcelain reflects light in the same way as real teeth. Discolored or stained teeth are erased by veneers that are created in the shade you choose. Porcelain resists stains so you no longer have to worry about discoloration. You get to keep your original teeth since veneers are attached directly to them. Veneers are not only an attractive choice, they are also strong and durable.
Procedure:
The process for getting dental veneers takes two or three appointments. At the first visit, you will have an examination and X-rays to learn if you are a good candidate for veneers. If this type of restoration is suitable for you and will help you achieve your goals, your dentist can customize your smile based on your facial features, coloring, complexion, and other characteristics. A mold will be taken of your mouth and sent to a dental laboratory for your veneers to be made. When they are ready in about a week, you will return to the dental office to have them attached to check for things like fit and color. The veneers will then be permanently bonded to your teeth and final modifications will be completed.
Care:
Your normal oral hygiene routine can be continued, including gentle regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and daily flossing. Regular dental checkups every six months should be maintained for checkups and cleanings. Avoid chewing or biting on hard items so that your veneers will not chip or break. If you follow these guidelines, your veneers should last a very long time.
Do you live in Shreveport or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
