Dental Crown FAQs
What are crowns?
A crown is a restoration that covers, or “caps,” a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn’t get worse. Crown are also used to support a large filling when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
How is a crown placed?
To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of teeth and gums is made and sent off to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.
Will it look natural?
Yes. The main goal is to create a crown that look like a natural tooth. That is why we take impressions. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these factors alone can affect your appearance.
If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, discuss it with us at your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.
Why crowns and not veneers?
Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are stationary and are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure, or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.
How should I take care of my crowns?
To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.
Oral Cancer Facts and Screening
How common and how serious is oral cancer?
Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer, accounts for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed, with roughly 40,000 new cases of oral cancer reported annually in the United States. The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45 years, with men being twice as likely as women to develop the disease.
The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and soft palate tissue areas in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death. All general dentists can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.
What causes oral cancer?
Scientists aren’t sure of the exact cause of oral cancer. However, the carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol and certain foods, as well as excessive exposure to the sun have been found to increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Risk factors for oral cancer may also be genetically inherited.
What are the warning signs to watch out for?
Oral cancer–represented by red, white or discolored lesions, patches or lumps in or around the mouth–is typically painless in its early stages. As the malignant cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps become more painful. However, oral cancer is sometimes difficult to self-diagnose so routine dental exams are recommended.
See a dentist immediately if you observe: any sore that persists longer than two weeks; a swelling, growth or lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck; white or red patches in the mouth or on the lips; repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat; difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness.
How does a dentist screen for oral cancer?
We screen for oral cancer during routine checkups by feeling for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks and oral cavity. There is also a thorough examination of the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for any sores or discolored tissues.
How is oral cancer treated?
If oral cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the lesion is required to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is required to remove the tumors, which may cause disfiguration. Radiation therapy may be used as part of the treatment.
What can I do to prevent oral cancer?
Oral cancer accounts for roughly 9,000 deaths annually (about 3 percent of all cancer-caused deaths). Of all major cancers, oral cancer has the worst five-year survival rate at about 54 percent. Because oral cancer is usually not diagnosed in its early stages, less than half of all oral cancer patients are cured.
You can help prevent oral cancer by not smoking, using spit tobacco or drinking excessive alcohol. When tobacco use and alcohol use are combined, the risk of oral cancer increases 15 times more than non-users of tobacco and alcohol products. Research suggests that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may safeguard against oral cancer. Because successful treatment and rehabilitation are dependent on early detection, it is extremely important to see your dentist for an oral cancer screening and regular checkup at least every six months. Survival rates greatly increase the earlier oral cancer is discovered and treated. During your next dental visit, be sure to ask your dentist for an oral cancer screening.
What You Need to Know About Root Canals
It’s understandable that you might feel a bit afraid when you hear “root canal,” but with modern anesthetics you’ll rarely be in any pain and it is a necessary procedure to save your tooth. Below we answer some of the frequently asked questions associated with root canals.
What is a root canal?
Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.
Why does a toothache cause pain?
When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow, and this pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing, or applying hot or cold foods and drinks.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it’s always best to keep your original teeth.
What is involved in root canal therapy?
First, you will probably be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. A rubber sheet is then placed around the tooth to isolate it. Next, a gap is drilled from the crown and any affected tissue is cleaned and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to help fight bacteria. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination, or the tooth may be left open to drain, or the dentist may go right ahead and fill the canals. If you’re given a temporary filling, it’s usually removed at the next visit and the canal(s) are filled. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed and a gold or porcelain crown is placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve appearance.
What happens after treatment?
Swelling may cause discomfort for a few days, which can be controlled by an over-the-counter pain killer. A follow-up exam can monitor tissue healing. From this point on, brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see your dentist regularly.
The Routine Smile Exam
Good For More Than Just Your Teeth!
When you visit our office for that routine hygiene appointment, our team does a lot more than just probe for cavities. In addition to caring for your teeth, we’re giving you the next best thing to a complete physical examination. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your family physician, it just could prove a lifesaver!
How’s that possible? Your mouth is a unique meeting place of teeth, skin, muscle, fluids, and germs. It gives us the chance to look inside your body without using a knife. Over forty serious diseases, including bulimia, tumors, and AIDS, can be detected in the mouth. The texture, color, and condition of your tongue and gums can be evidence of high blood pressure or osteoporosis.
That’s why we encourage you to make at least two dental appointments every year, especially if you don’t get annual physical examinations.
We’re here to make sure your teeth stay in great shape. Along with the rest of your body.
Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste
Why is brushing with it important?
Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes caries, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Second, the toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. Third, special ingredients help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpastes help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling.
What type of toothpaste should I use?
As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand you buy really does not matter, whether or not it is in paste, gel, or even powder form, or containing a certain flavor. All fluoride toothpastes work effectively to fight plaque and cavities and clean and polish tooth enamel. Your toothpaste brand should also bear the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials.
If your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold, consider trying a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
Toothpastes containing baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide (which are both good cleansing agents) give the teeth and mouth a clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can offer an incentive to brush more, but fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth. Some prefer a tartar control toothpaste containing pyrophosphates to prevent the buildup of soft calculus deposits on their teeth. New pastes offer advanced whitening formulas aimed at safely removing stains to make teeth brighter and shinier, although they can’t nearly match the effectiveness of a professional bleaching formula administered or prescribed by a dentist.
How much should I use?
Contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the amount of paste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not have to be a heaping amount. Simply squeeze on a pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush. If you brush correctly holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside and between your teeth, the paste should foam enough to cover all of your teeth.
Children under 6, however, should only be given a very small, baby pea-sized dab of toothpaste on their brush.
Is brushing with toothpaste enough to fight cavities and gum disease?
No. Although brushing thoroughly after each meal helps, flossing your teeth every day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and at the gumline is just as important. Studies show that plaque will regrow on teeth that are completely clean within 3 to 4 hours of brushing.
Dental Sealants to Block Out Decay!
A simple, preventative procedure that can save you the trouble of future cavities.
It’s the dreaded news that nobody wants to hear after a routine dental cleaning, you have some cavities that will need to be filled. And who could blame us for feeling a bit apprehensive? The dental drill has always carried negative associations, and furthermore, the presence of cavities means your teeth are not getting the protection they need.
One simple, preventative procedure that can save you the trouble of future cavities is the use of a dental sealant. A dental sealant is nothing more than a thin plastic resin that is painted onto the chewing surface of your teeth (usually only on molars and premolars). These are the areas which are most prone to developing cavities since the deep grooves tend to trap food particles. Once the sealant has been applied, the surface is a much smoother, making your regular brushing more effective.
The procedure is performed by first thoroughly cleaning each tooth to be treated. Then, to aid the bonding process, the teeth are dried and the sealant is applied. The sealant itself is then dried and you’re done, just like that!
Dental sealants are highly recommended for children who have just gotten their permanent molars in order to quickly prevent any possible decay from forming. Children typically get their first permanent molars around age six, with the rest coming in around 12.
Although sealants have long been a standard treatment for children, adults can also benefit from the extra protection it provides, so don’t hesitate to contact us for getting sealants for yourself as well! Sealants can last from 5-10 years, and your dentist will look for any needed reapplications during regular checkups.
Dental Implants to Restore Your Teeth
Esthetic, Strong, Lasts a Lifetime
Modern dentistry has done wonders in the area of missing teeth, and dentists believe that everybody should have both the confidence that comes with a great looking smile, as well as the functionality provided by a strong, full set of teeth.
Perhaps you have had an accident in which a front tooth was lost. In this case it can be a blemish on your appearance, and impede your ability to bite and enjoy food. Teeth that are less visible (such as molars) may not affect your appearance, but their absence will still seriously affect how you chew.
In either of these situations there are conventional options such as a bridge or even a partial denture. And, though you will have to meet with your dentist to determine which option is best for you, the strongest, most permanent treatment for missing teeth has proven to be dental implants.
A dental implant is basically an entire replacement tooth, right down to the root. This replacement ‘root’ is actually a titanium implant that is anchored in place. After this portion of the procedure, patients occasionally experience temporary pain (which can be treated with pain killers), but many have zero to very mild sensitivity. Then, usually at a second appointment, a porcelain dental crown is securely bonded over the top of the implant.
Your brand new tooth will have all the appearance and bite of the real thing (it is actually even stronger), and many people find themselves forgetting that it is not their natural tooth!
You deserve the best that dentistry can offer, so don’t neglect your own well being any longer… please contact us for a consultation if you think you may be a candidate for dental implants.
7 Everyday Tips for Whiter Teeth
simple, everyday tips that can improve your oral health and give you whiter teeth! - Cut out the stain-causing food.
Some of the biggest culprits for stained teeth are the foods we eat or drink. Typically, anything with a dark color will likely affect your teeth. These include things like coffee, red wine, and even dark sodas and juices. If you can’t bear to do away with these things completely, be sure to brush immediately afterwards, and consider using an over-the-counter bleaching kit or a teeth whitening procedure from your dentist. - Eat stain-fighting foods. Certain foods, like many fruits and vegetables, have the exact opposite effect as the stain-causers discussed above. These foods have a hard texture, and scrape plaque and bacteria off your teeth as you eat. Apples, raw carrots, celery, and unsweetened popcorn are all excellent and healthy choices. And for best results, these should be the final things you eat during a meal.
- Replace your toothbrush. Bacteria builds up on your toothbrush over time, so while you may think you keeping up with your oral health, you are just putting (sometimes harmful) bacteria back in your mouth. It is best to change your toothbrush, or replace the head of an electric one, every few months.
- Consider getting a tongue scraper. Plaque is not just a tooth problem; it can build up on your tongue as well, and is one of the leading causes of bad breath (halitosis). A tongue scraper does a much better job than just brushing your tongue, so use it every morning.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda (just not at once). Both of these substances give an extra boost to your oral health regimen by helping remove stains and killing bacteria. Apple cider vinegar can be used every morning as a gargle before normal brushing, and baking soda should be brushed with once a week as you would with normal toothpaste. (Just avoid using both at once or you might find yourself in a middle school science experiment.)
- No Mirrors. It may seem a bit difficult at first, but practice flossing without using a mirror. Once you have mastered this, you can floss anywhere such as in your car or at your desk. Make a habit out of flossing regularly and leave several packages in the areas you frequent throughout the day.
- Twice a day! At a minimum you should brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep at night. Saliva tends to dry up during the night, so (since it helps prevent plaque buildup) its best brush off all the plaque before this vulnerable period. Brushing first thing in the morning also helps remove plaque and bacteria that has built up as you slept.
If You’re Anxious…
We Can Help
We recognize that when it 
comes to dental procedures, some of the most terrible things aren’t going on inside your mouth—but inside your head.
Fear of the dentist’s chair is both normal and understandable. You may be among the 150 million Americans who avoid the dentist altogether. But, truly, it doesn’t have to be that way. So much dental fear is based on false information. Well-meaning friends pass along unsettling stories about procedures—from ages ago! When it comes to truly pain-free dentistry, we’ve made greater strides in just the past few decades than in the entire history of dentistry!
Our entire team is committed to combating the dental fears that come to so many patients. You’re not alone! And we have so many ways of making your experience a positive one.
We work to form good relationships with fearful patients. It’s as important to us as the procedure itself. Please, discuss your apprehensions and anxieties with us beforehand. We’ll listen to your concerns and agree on things that allow you a sense of control. If you’re extremely fearful, we can offer temporary sedation via “laughing gas” (nitrous oxide), during your appointment. It’s one of the safest ways available to keep you serene in the chair. Best of all, you’re awake—normal—once the gas is shut off. You can even drive yourself home from the appointment!
Your Mouth and Gum Disease
“A Family Affair”
Think of the great things you’ve passed along to your kids: sense of humor, charm, style, wit—why, the list could go on and on of course!
Unfortunately, some of the things that get passed from parent to child aren’t that great. One is a predisposition towards periodontitis, or gum disease.
Of the hundreds of strains of bacteria that inhabit your mouth we’ve turned up 5 or 6 particularly aggressive ones and labeled them “probable periodontal pathogens.” These bacteria appear to be responsible for gum disease and also appear to be contagious—that is, they’re spread by long-term intimate contact.
The more we know about periodontitis, the more serious we’re discovering it to be. It’s not just a gum problem. Because it’s an infection, it opens the door for disease and inflammation throughout the entire body.
Increasingly, researchers are linking it with increased potential of heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s so critical to catch it early and keep it under control. The potential of “transference” among family members suggests that even though only one adult may show perio symptoms, all other family members—especially children—stand a much higher chance of contracting the disease. The fight against perio must be a family affair. Checkups begin with a baseline measurement of the disease and each family member. The sooner monitoring begins, the less opportunity these bacterial bugs to have to do their dirty work and require extraordinary dental responses like root planing and even extraction.
Quick Quiz
If you or a family member answers “yes” to any of these, your family is at risk of gum disease. An office visit now is strongly recommended.
My gums bleed slightly when I brush.
My gums are bright red and tender.
My permanent teeth are loosening.
I’m embarrassed by persistent bad breath.
My gums are shrinking from my teeth.
My teeth or dentures fit differently when I bite.
Lexington Heights Dental combines professional care with a family friendly environment. We believe that going to the dentist can be fun! Video games, books, and coloring are available for children in the waiting room. Headphones and monitors are available in all treatment rooms so you can listen to music or watch a movie while having your teeth cleaned. For longer procedures, we offer a private suite to help you relax.
