Litchfield Dental Dental Blog

Dental Crowns – Procedure Overview 

Crowns are designed to cover the entire portion of your tooth above the gum line in order to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and to improve its appearance. Following a dental emergency or routine examination, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown for any of the following reasons:

  • A fractured tooth 
  • Extensive damage by decay 
  • A weakened tooth due to large filling 
  • Deep tooth stains that affect the aesthetics of your smile 
  • To strengthen and protect a tooth following root canal therapy 
  • To support replacement teeth with bridgework 
  • To replace missing teeth when anchored to dental implants

If you’re a good candidate for dental crowns, you will require at least two appointments to complete the treatment:

First Visit 

Your dentist will start by administering a local anaesthetic that will numb you for the duration of the procedure. This is necessary to prevent you from feeling any pain when the dentist is preparing your tooth. The process of tooth preparation depends on your specific case, and may involve the removal of any decay and infection and filing down the tooth to maximize the retention of the crown and to ensure a good fit that doesn’t distort your smile. 

After tooth preparation, a mold or impression of the tooth will be made and sent to the lab to fabricate your permanent custom crown. To protect the prepared tooth, a temporary or transition crown will be placed on it. This crown is typically made from plastic material (acrylic), and is held in place using a temporary cementing medium to allow easy removal at your next visit. 

Second Visit 

On your second scheduled visit, which should be in two to three weeks from the first visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean off the temporary cement from the prepared tooth. The permanent crown will then be fitted and adjusted for any bite variations. The dentist will check for accuracy and assess the aesthetics. If there are no issues, the crown can be cemented to your tooth. 

Same-Day Crowns 

It is possible to get your permanent crown prepared and installed on the same day. The dentist uses a wand scanner to capture pictures of the teeth, transfers the images into a computer, and uses CAD software (computer-aided design) to design a 3D model that can be used to fabricate a replacement ceramic crown in about 15 minutes. 

Caring for Your Dental Crowns 

Dental crowns should last long time with proper care, which includes regular brushing and flossing, not using your teeth as tools to crush ice or bite nails, and regular professional cleaning to keep your mouth healthy.  

To ask about Dental Crowns in Litchfield please contact us today.

Dental Cleanings & Checkup in Litchfield

At your six-month dental checkup, your dentist should perform dental cleaning as a preventive procedure to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Professional teeth cleaning is necessary to remove accumulated plaque and tartar from in between your teeth and gums, which may be responsible for various oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, oral cancer, and so on. 

During your routine dental visit, which should be every 6 – 12 months, your dental hygienist will first examine your teeth before cleaning them. The examination involves physical assessment of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the entire mouth for any concerns using a small mirror. If there are any noticeable problems, the dental hygienist will consult the dentist to determine whether it’s safe to proceed with the cleaning. But in some cases, it may be necessary to first clean your teeth and then perform the examination in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Your dental professional will determine the right sequence for your specific case.

What to Expect

Routine dental cleaning takes about 30 minutes depending on how long it has been since your last cleaning. This is because plaque will continuously calcify and mineralize on the surface of your teeth to form tartar. During this time, the dental hygienist will:

  • Use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of individual teeth, between the teeth, and around the gum line. 
  • Polish the teeth using a high-powered brush with a soft rubber cup. This not only removes any surface stains, but also makes your tooth surface smooth and shiny to make it harder for plaque to form. 
  • Perform professional flossing in order to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps. 
  • Rinse your mouth using a solution containing liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth. 
  • Apply flavored fluoride by putting it in flexible trays that are then placed over your teeth for 30 seconds. This helps to strengthen your teeth and enhance the protection against plaque and calculus. 

Schedule Your Appointment

While many dental procedures can be dreadful, teeth cleanings are easily tolerated by most people because they’re not only simple and painless, but also an important part of maintaining your long-term oral health. To learn more about what to expect from a routine dental cleaning in Litchfield, please contact our office today. 

Cost of Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning in Litchfield

Routine dental checkups and professional cleaning form a vital part of preventative oral care. These preventive visits may also include additional services, such as X-rays, fluoride application, cancer examination, and so on depending on your personal dental care needs and your last oral checkup. Combined with a proper at-home oral care routine, these visits help you maintain optimal dental health, reducing the risk of tooth loss and expensive dental procedures. 

But how much can you expect to pay for these routine dental visits?

The national average costs of popular dental services such as exams and cleaning vary from one region to the other, and from dentist to dentist.

If you have a dental insurance plan, your cost of preventive care may be considerably lower, or nothing more than your monthly premium. Since dental insurance plans typically emphasise preventative care, most of them cover two annual dental checkups. That said, you should consult your dental insurance company to determine the various dental services covered by your policy, as well as the extent of the coverage. 

Final note 

Dental insurance can provide savings when receiving preventive care services such as routine exams, professional cleanings, sealants for children, topical fluoride, and x-rays (usually one set per year). The frequency and benefits for each service depend on the type of plan you have, so you should always read the plan details carefully. Even if your employer does not offer dental insurance as a perk, you can purchase an individual or family plan to enjoy reduced cost of most preventive and restorative dental treatments. 

Types of Dental Cleanings in Litchfield

Scheduled professional teeth cleaning is a key component of your preventative dental care to maintain optimal dental health and minimize the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends that dental cleanings be performed every six months by a dental practitioner. However, some people may require more frequent cleanings depending on their risk factors.

Your dentist may recommend one of the following types of dental cleanings after examining your teeth and gums: 

1. Prophylaxis (prophy) 

This is commonly referred to as “teeth cleaning”, and involves the removal of accumulated plaque from your teeth, which cannot be removed by regular brushing at home. The process also includes tooth polishing, and should be done every 8 to 16 weeks. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding or gum pockets over 3mm. 

2. Full Mouth Debridement 

If your teeth are not professionally cleaned for more than a year, your teeth may have heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up. In such a case, regular prophylaxis may not be sufficient. So your dental professional may recommend full mouth debridement using hand tools and a micro-ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and calculus from your teeth and gums, and restore the health of your mouth. 

3. Scaling and Root Planing 

Commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”, this procedure is usually recommended for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth. 

4. Periodontal Maintenance 

Following treatment for periodontal disease through scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery, your dental professional may recommend this specialized cleaning every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your periodontal treatment follow up to reduce the risk of gum disease recurrence. 

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today 

The right type of dental cleaning in Litchfield will be determined by your dental professional depending on the clinical condition of your teeth and gums, as well as your risk and history of periodontal disease and treatment. Please visit your dentist to discuss your cleaning needs today. 

Dental Veneers Near Me, Litchfield

A dental veneer refers to an ultra-thin layer of tooth-colored material that is bonded over the facial surface of your front teeth to correct minor, aesthetic dental issues such as uneven tooth spacing or alignment, worn tooth enamel, chipped or broken teeth, cracks, and tooth discoloration. 

Dental Veneers – Your First Appointment 

Before veneer placement, you will consult your dentist to discuss the best options for your case, and the number of veneers that should be placed depending on the condition of your teeth and budget. In some situations, it may be necessary to undergo other treatments before getting veneers, like using braces to correct uneven or crooked teeth. 

The dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. This step is necessary to identify signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other tooth defects that may need to be addressed before getting veneers. Otherwise, you’d not be a good candidate for veneers. 

Starting the procedure – Taking Impressions

The dentists / and or team will will take impressions to measure the right fit of your dental veneers. When the permanent porcelain veneers are ready, you are ready to get them placed. The dentist examines the shape, fit, and shade of the veneers to ensure that it matches your other teeth and bite. Before placement, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any bacteria from getting trapped underneath the veneer, putting you at risk of decay. 

Next, a grinding tool is used to create a rough texture on the front surface of the tooth where the veneer will be applied so it sticks better. The permanent veneer is then placed using dental cement and hardened using ultraviolet light. 

Dental Veneers Treatment Near Me – Contact Us Today! 

Are you interested in dental veneers? Contact our office today and schedule your appointment to discuss treatment options. 

Tooth Colored Dental Crowns in Litchfield

Dental crowns are a fairly common type of tooth repair option that works by encapsulating a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength, while improving its appearance.

A few years ago, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were the preferred option because they combine the benefits of both porcelain and metal crowns (strength and aesthetics). However, the metals used to fuse with porcelain have become expensive in recent years, forcing patients to consider alternative materials. Moreover, either of these materials can be used individually to craft crowns of a satisfactory standard. 

Types of Metal Crowns 

Crowns made from metal are the strongest and most durable option, plus they’re not abrasive to opposing teeth. Different metals can be used to fabricate crowns, including gold, platinum, stainless steel, copper, and alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium. Stainless steel crowns are typically used for temporary applications, like for the repair of primary teeth for children or for temporary crowns as adult patients wait for the fabrication of their permanent crown. 

Most metal crowns are made from a blend of metals, like gold and the base metal alloys. They are primarily used to repair back teeth because they’re strong and highly resistant, and they’re not visible when smiling, which makes aesthetics less of a concern. But they may not be suitable for people who’re allergic to metals or those with aesthetic concerns. 

Tooth-Colored Crowns 

Dental crowns that are fabricated entirely from porcelain are referred to as all-porcelain crowns, while those made entirely from ceramic are known as all-ceramic crowns. These tooth-colored materials give the restoration a natural look, which makes them a popular choice for repairing front teeth in order to preserve the aesthetics of your smile. 

Dental composite resin is another tooth-colored material that can give you an aesthetic restoration. All-resin materials don’t contain any metals. They are highly affordable, but are arguably the weakest material for crowns since they’re prone to chipping, cracking, and rapid wear. 

Zirconium is a biocompatible dental material that produces crowns that are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. Zirconia crowns don’t cause allergic reactions, and can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations. 

The Right Material for Your Crowns 

Please discuss the pros and cons of each material with your dentist to determine the most appropriate one for your permanent crown restoration.

To learn more about Dental Crowns in Litchfield please contact us today.

Top Rated Dental Care Near Me in Litchfield

Securing top-rated dental care transcends finding a skilled dentist;
it’s about discovering a practice that embodies excellence in every
facet of service. Such practices are distinguished not just by their
adeptness in treating a variety of dental issues but by their unwavering
commitment to patient satisfaction and comfort. These qualities are
pivotal for anyone aspiring to maintain or improve their oral health,
ensuring every visit is as beneficial as it is reassuring.

Defining Excellence in
Dental Services

A top-rated dental practice offers an extensive suite of services
designed to address a comprehensive range of dental needs:

  • Routine Cleanings and Examinations: Essential
    for maintaining oral health and catching potential issues
    early.
  • Dental Fillings: Utilizing the latest materials
    for durable and aesthetically pleasing results.
  • Crowns and Bridges: Custom-made solutions for
    restoring damaged teeth or replacing missing ones.
  • Orthodontics: Including both traditional braces
    and modern clear aligner technologies for aligning teeth and improving
    smiles.
  • Periodontal Care: Specialized treatments for gum
    disease, ranging from preventative measures to more advanced
    interventions.

Elevating the Patient
Experience

What elevates a dental practice to top-rated status is not just the
range of treatments offered but the holistic approach to patient care.
This includes:

  • A Comfort-Focused Environment: From the waiting
    room to the treatment chair, creating a setting that soothes and
    welcomes.
  • Transparent Communication: Ensuring patients
    understand their dental health and treatment options.
  • Customized Care: Tailoring treatments to meet
    the unique needs and goals of each individual.
  • Advanced Pain Management: Offering the latest in
    pain relief and sedation options to make treatments as comfortable as
    possible.

Your Path to Top-Rated
Dental Care

For those seeking a dental practice that aligns with the highest
standards of care, the journey begins with identifying a provider that
not only offers a wide array of treatments but does so with a commitment
to excellence in patient experience.

Discover Exceptional Dental
Care

At our practice, we stand proud as a beacon of top-rated dental care
in the community. Our dedication to excellence encompasses not only the
comprehensive treatments we provide but also the personalized and
comfortable experiences we offer to each patient. Whether you need
routine maintenance, cosmetic enhancements, or specialized treatments,
our team is here to deliver the exceptional care you deserve.

Ready to elevate your dental health journey? Contact our office. Let
us partner with you in achieving and maintaining a radiant, healthy
smile with the utmost care and expertise.

Routine Dental Care Procedures Near Me in Litchfield

Embarking on the journey to optimal oral health can sometimes feel
overwhelming, with various symptoms to watch for and an array of
treatments to consider. Accessible, high-quality dental care near you
means that both preventative measures and responsive treatments are
readily available, ensuring that managing oral health is straightforward
and stress-free for every member of the family.

Oral health through
routine dental care

Understanding common dental symptoms and their corresponding
treatments is a crucial aspect of maintaining oral health. Here’s how
routine dental care addresses these needs:

  • Gum Health Assessments: Regular check-ups
    include evaluations for signs of gum disease, with treatments like
    scaling and root planing available if needed.
  • Cavity Prevention and Treatment: Routine exams
    help in detecting cavities early, with fillings or other treatments
    applied to protect and preserve tooth health.
  • Oral Hygiene Education: Dental professionals
    provide valuable insights into proper brushing and flossing techniques,
    helping prevent common dental issues.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: Modern diagnostic tools,
    including digital X-rays, offer a detailed understanding of oral health
    status, enabling targeted treatments.

By offering comprehensive care that addresses a wide range of
symptoms and conditions, routine dental treatments play a vital role in
keeping oral health issues at bay.

Making
routine dental care understandable and comfortable

Demystifying dental care is at the heart of modern dentistry,
ensuring that patients are informed, comfortable, and confident in their
treatment plans:

  • Clear Communication: Dentists and hygienists
    take the time to explain diagnoses and treatments in understandable
    terms, empowering patients with knowledge.
  • Comfort-focused Practices: From the waiting room
    to the treatment chair, dental practices are designed with patient
    comfort in mind, making dental visits more relaxing.
  • Family-friendly Environments: Understanding that
    children may have unique fears about dental care, practices offer a
    welcoming atmosphere that puts younger patients at ease.

These approaches help remove the barriers to routine dental care,
making it more accessible and less daunting for individuals and families
alike.

Your ally in dental health

For those in search of “Routine Dental Care Treatments Near Me,” we
stand as a beacon of comprehensive, compassionate dental care. Our
clinic is equipped to address the full spectrum of dental health needs,
ensuring that you and your loved ones receive the highest standard of
care.

Facing dental health questions or concerns? Reach out to us. Our team
is dedicated to providing clear, comforting, and effective dental care,
ensuring that your path to optimal oral health is both successful and
stress-free.

Dental Crowns Fillings to Improve Dental Health in Litchfield

Enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence often involves
detailed and careful dental work. These treatments not only aim to
improve oral health but are also designed to make your smile brighter
and more confident. Understanding how these procedures are performed can
demystify the process and ease any apprehensions about seeking dental
care.

The process of cavity
fillings

Cavity fillings are a common procedure designed to repair and restore
teeth that have been affected by decay:

  • Initial Examination: The dentist examines the
    affected tooth and uses X-rays to determine the extent of
    decay.

  • Decay Removal: Using specialized dental
    instruments, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth,
    preparing it for the filling.

  • Tooth Cleaning: Once the decay is removed, the
    area is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate bacteria and debris.

  • Filling Application: The cavity is then filled
    with a material to restore the tooth’s original shape and
    function.

The process of placing
dental crowns

Dental
crowns are used to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth,
restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance:

  • Tooth Preparation: The dentist reshapes the
    affected tooth to make room for the crown, removing a portion of enamel
    to ensure a proper fit.

  • Impression Taking: An impression of the tooth
    and surrounding teeth is taken to create a custom crown that perfectly
    matches the natural bite.

  • Temporary Crown: A temporary crown may be placed
    while the permanent crown is being made.

  • Crown Fitting: Once ready, the permanent crown
    is adjusted as needed and then cemented into place, fully encasing the
    visible portion of the tooth.

Enhancing smiles with
expertise

Choosing a dental practice that specializes in cavity fillings and
dental crowns means entrusting your smile to skilled hands. These
treatments are not only about restoring dental health but are also
performed with an eye towards enhancing the overall aesthetics of your
smile, ensuring that the results are both durable and visually
pleasing.

If you’re looking to enhance your smile and boost your confidence
with dental crowns or cavity fillings, we are here to provide the expert
care you deserve. With a focus on patient comfort and using the latest
dental techniques, we’re dedicated to making your treatment experience
as positive and stress-free as possible.

We can help you

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you
achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, with
treatments tailored specifically to your needs and goals.

Dental Crowns or Cavity Fillings Treatment Near Me in Litchfield

Navigating the path to oral health care, especially when it involves
procedures like dental crowns and cavity fillings, can evoke a mix of
emotions, from anxiety to outright fear. An exceptional dental practice
will not only address the dental issues at hand but also ensure that
every patient feels comfortable and supported at each step of their
treatment journey. This commitment to patient comfort transforms the
dental experience, making the path to a healthier smile a reassuring and
positive one.

Ensuring comfort during
cavity fillings

Cavity fillings are a common but essential procedure to halt decay
and protect your teeth. Here’s how the dental practice makes this
process comforting:

  • Detailed Explanation: Before beginning, the
    dentist thoroughly explains the procedure, answering any questions to
    ease your mind.
  • Pain Management: Utilizing the latest in pain
    management techniques, the practice ensures the filling process is as
    comfortable as possible.
  • Gentle Care: Every step, from decay removal to
    the actual filling, is performed with a gentle touch, emphasizing
    patient comfort throughout.

Creating a
positive experience with dental crowns

Dental crowns are a significant step towards restoring the health and
appearance of damaged teeth. The practice focuses on making this process
as comfortable as can be:

  • Clear Communication: The dentist provides a
    step-by-step breakdown of the crown procedure, setting clear
    expectations to alleviate concerns.
  • Custom Comfort Solutions: Whether it’s through
    sedation dentistry or simply offering a comforting hand, personalized
    comfort solutions are available to suit your needs.
  • Follow-Up Care: Post-procedure, detailed
    guidance is given to ensure a smooth recovery, with the team readily
    available to address any follow-up concerns.

Comfort in
dental crown and cavity filling treatment

An excellent dental practice goes above and beyond to ensure that
procedures like dental crowns and cavity fillings are not daunting
experiences but rather steps towards better oral health, undertaken with
your utmost comfort in mind. By prioritizing a patient-centered
approach, such a practice fosters an environment where concerns are
heard, and comfort is paramount.

Contact us

We understand that the thought of dental treatment can be unsettling.
That’s why we’re dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and
stress-free as possible, with a focus on gentle care and clear
communication. Whether you need a cavity filled or a dental crown, our
team is here to support you at every step, ensuring you feel confident
and at ease throughout your treatment.

Reach out to us and schedule your appointment. Let us show you how
our commitment to patient comfort can transform your dental care
experience, making your journey to a healthier smile a positive and
reassuring one.

Litchfield Dental Dental Offer

6 Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.

Learn more