How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home?

Americans spent $ 11 billion for teeth whitening treatments in 2015, including in addition to $ 1.4 billion on over-the-counter at-home remedies. When the matter relates to whitening your teeth, there are numerous products you can choose from. Unfortunately, most whitening products include bleaching chemicals raising concerns among many people.

If you desire whiter teeth without using chemicals, this article lists some safe and effective options you can consider.

Why Do Your Teeth Discolor?

Due to multiple factors, your teeth can appear dull and lose their bright sparkle. Some foods and drinks can stain the outermost layer of your teeth, the enamel, besides plaque buildup to make your teeth appear discolored. Unfortunately, enamel erosion revealing the dentin beneath also cause discoloration of your teeth because the dentin is naturally yellow.

How to Whiten Teeth Instantly?

If you have discolored teeth and are looking for instant results, the best option available for you is to visit teeth whitening in Columbia, SC because whitening your teeth instantly at home is practically impossible. When using at-home remedies, the optimal option lies in maintaining excellent dental hygiene, avoiding or limiting the use of staining foods and beverages, and getting regular dental cleanings to maintain the whiteness of your teeth. Unfortunately, if you have developed strains on your teeth for any reason, you must seek help from a dental professional before trying any home remedies.

How to Whiten Teeth with Lemon or Baking Soda?

Some people claim rubbing Lemon peels on your teeth can brighten them. In addition, there is a belief that the citric acid present in lemon peels helps Whiten your teeth. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to prove the claims that lemon peels are effective in whitening teeth. Furthermore, citric acid can cause enamel erosion making your teeth sensitive and prone to cavities.

Natural whitening properties are present in baking soda, making it a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps scrub surface stains on teeth. In addition, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth to prevent the growth of bacteria. Unfortunately, you will likely not witness overnight results when brushing with baking soda but might notice differences in appearance over time.

Precautionary Steps to Adopt

Before trying home teeth whitening remedies on yourself or your child’s teeth, it would be an excellent idea to consult your regular dentist for yourself and the pediatric dentist near you for your child to determine how best to Whiten teeth at home to prevent unnecessary complications.

If you think lemon peels are safe for children to Whiten their teeth because it is a natural ingredient, you might unknowingly expose your child to tooth decay needing treatments from the emergency pediatric dentist in Colombia at high prices. Therefore before trying any home remedies on children’s teeth, you must seek advice from the Columbia pediatric dentist.

How to Keep Your Teeth Whiter at Home?

As mentioned earlier, keeping your teeth whiter and brighter is not a challenge if you maintain excellent dental hygiene practices. You must incorporate a regimen of brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each in the morning and before getting into bed at night. Flossing your teeth helps remove plaque buildup to prevent it from hardening into tartar, making you prone to gum disease. Besides the above, you must also limit or avoid staining foods and beverages and visit Drs Ellis, Green, and Jenkins for six-monthly exams and cleanings when they also polish your teeth to give you a brighter smile.

If you cannot limit or avoid staining foods and beverages, you must brush your teeth after having them and consider using a straw for drinking beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. However, if you develop strains on your teeth despite the precautions you take, the optimal option to get your teeth whitened is to visit a dental professional for teeth whitening treatments because they can deliver instant results and help you maintain them. On your part, you must prevent tooth stains before they occur by limiting staining foods and drinks, your sugar intake, and getting plenty of calcium in your diet.

You help yourself by avoiding home teeth whitening remedies that are not backed by sufficient evidence unless you discuss the treatments with Dr. Amy Ellis Green and proceed only after the doctor permits you to go ahead.

If you need authentic advice on how to whiten your teeth at home, please schedule an appointment with We Care Dental, SC, to discuss your needs or receive instant teeth whitening from the doctor if required.

How Dental Crown Fix Your Missing Part of The Smile?

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Damaged or lost teeth can reduce your smile. One can shy away from smiling or speaking openly to hide the dental gaps. Speaking distinctly with lost teeth can become problematic as words slur inside the mouth. Biting and chewing of food also get impacted with missing teeth. Modern dentistry can provide various options to conceal dental gaps.

How Dental Crown Helps?

Dental crowns are teeth-shaped dental caps placed over an impacted or weakened tooth to restore the strength, look, and functionality of the teeth. You can visit a crown dentist near you to get dental crowns fixed on your teeth. Once the crowns are placed in position, they encase the impacted teeth and are placed above the gum line.

Dentists might suggest dental crowns in Columbia, SC, to address the following situations:

  • To protect a weak or impacted tooth from further decay or to hold the pieces of a chipped tooth together
  • To restore a severely worn out or an already broken tooth
  • To support or cover a large dental filling
  • To ensure that the dental bridges do not shift position
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To cover a severely discolored tooth
  • To enhance the aesthetic value by cosmetic modifications

Dental implants are not a good option for children, and dental crowns fit perfectly to do the task. A pediatric dentist can suggest dental crowns for children to:

  • Save a severely damaged or decayed tooth that cannot support a dental filling
  • Protect the child’s teeth as they run a high risk of cavities, and children generally fail to maintain good oral hygiene
  • Administering dental crown is a non-invasive treatment, and crowns minimize the use of anesthesia for children

Types of Dental Crowns

Depending on the requirement, dental crowns can be temporary or permanent. As the name suggests, a temporary crown is worn for a short period and is placed by the dentist over the impacted tooth with an adhesive, making it easy to remove. Temporary crowns are used as a stop-gap measure until the permanent crowns are made.

Permanent crowns can be made from various metals and are placed firmly on the impacted teeth. Permanent crowns encase the affected teeth, providing a better look, shape, and functionality to the weak teeth. Permanent crowns can be made from:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel crowns are mainly used for children as these crowns encase the teeth, protecting them from decay. When the permanent teeth replace the temporary ones, the stainless steel crowns come out of the temporary teeth. These crowns can be placed in a single visit to the dentist.

Metals

Metals and alloys are used in the metal crown. Mostly gold is used in crowns as it is a noble metal and can withstand biting and chewing. An alloy of cobalt, chromium, or nickel is used in crowns, making them durable but with poor aesthetic value.

Porcelain or Ceramic

These crowns provide the best aesthetic value and are better for metal allergies. Ceramic crowns are not that durable and can chip if subjected to pressure. These crowns are best for the front teeth.

Tips Regarding Crown Implant

Getting dental crowns is a non-invasive procedure, but you can experience some pressure in the adjacent teeth. The sensation can resemble the feeling experienced during tightening braces. It is better to disclose past medical history and a list of medications undertaken by the dentist for better treatment. Taking care of the crown after the procedure is also essential.

Careful brushing is essential twice a day. You can use a toothpaste suited for sensitive teeth for better results. Flossing can elongate the longevity of the crown. Chewing hard food, nuts, raw carrot, or ice can cause cracking of the crown. Clenching of the teeth may be avoided to avoid further complications.

It is better to visit the dentist at regular intervals. You may book an appointment with We Care Dental SC and avail dental care for your child. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry acknowledges our pediatric dentists. Drs. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins have designed this dental office in a way to make your child feel comfortable. Dr. Julie Wehman is an experienced dentist providing unmatched dental care in South Carolina.

Benefits Of Root Canal Treatment

Do you want to know more about root canal treatment and its benefits? Then you are at the right blog. In this article, we would take you through the processes and give you the necessary information that you need concerning root canal treatment. This would expand your knowledge of root canal therapy and enable you to make the right choices. You can also visit Dr. Amy Ellis Green for more information about root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is a type of dental treatment that is performed to get rid of damaged or infected dental pulp and other teeth tissues inside the tooth’ roots.  During the procedure, the dentist removes the pulp and cleans the whole area with disinfectants to make sure that leftover infections ate taken out. Once the infected area has been disinfected, the area would be filled and sealed with a dental material called “gutta-percha” which is made up of unique plastic to prevent infections from gaining their way into the treated area again.

After the treatment, the dentist might add a protective material called a dental crown to strengthen the enamel and protect the tooth against damages. Most times, the tooth’s roots are often in danger because of damaged enamel. Once the enamel that is supposed to protect the inner teeth structures have gotten weak, germs would be able to gain easy access into your tooth’ root. Attaching a dental crown is one of the best ways to protect your teeth from decay.

Root canal therapy can be carried out by a dentist or an endodontist. You can always visit a dentist near you if you observe weird changes inside your mouth. The dentist can examine your teeth and give a proper diagnosis.

Who Can Get Root Canal Treatment?

Various factors determine if a person is safe for root canal treatment. Almost anyone can get a root canal treatment but the final go-ahead lies with the dentist. Once your dentist confirms that you are eligible for root canal therapy, then you are safe to receive the treatment.

Children can also get root canal therapy. Pediatric dentists are trained to treat, diagnose and prevent dental problems in children. Once the pediatric dentist observes that your child has an infected tooth, root canal therapy might be the best way to save your child’s natural tooth and get rid of the infection. You would get to know more about root canal benefits ad you read further.

It is also important to take your child to the dentist as soon as they start growing their first milk tooth. This would help in enhancing their dental health and keeping them safe from dental illnesses. Children have delicate body structures and can get hurt easily. By setting preventive measures, you would reduce the risk of damages that your child could suffer later in the future. Our pediatric dentist in Columbia can help with more information about children’s dental health.

What Are The Benefits Of Root Canal Treatment?

Here are the various benefits that you can get from root canal therapy

Protect Surrounding Teeth

Infections can spread through to other parts of your dental structure if you let them. This means that when you don’t get rid of a tooth infection, it could cause problems for other surrounding teeth and even your entire dental structure. A root canal therapy would help in getting rid of the infection and preventing it from spreading to other surrounding teeth.

Retail Your Natural Tooth

Do you know that this is one of the major benefits of root canal therapy? Instead of removing the infected tooth, dentists have found a way of saving the natural tooth and removing the infection which is through root canal therapy. By saving your natural tooth, you can prevent a lot of dental malfunctions and maintain your dental structure aesthetically.

Save Your Valuable Time

Yes, root canal therapy saves your time. It is more of a permanent solution. It saves you from going to the dentist all the time for a temporary fix whenever the infection starts again. Also, when you remove the infected tooth, you might have to begin another dental treatment plan on how to replace the missing tooth so that you can carry out dental functions and maintain your dental structure. Root canal therapy retains your natural teeth and saves you from going through the stress of getting your tooth replaced.

Put Pain To Rest

Although most people fear that root canal therapy is very painful and do not want to get the treatment. However, it might interest you to know that the pain you would feel from an infected tooth is severe than that of a root canal treatment. Moreover, your dentist would use local anesthesia to numb the area before starting the treatment. This would help you feel comfortable and rid of the pain. You can get root canal treatment near you today.

With root canal treatment, you can save your natural tooth, get rid of the infection and the pain that it causes.

You can also save your children from the risk of getting an infected tooth by taking them to a pediatric dentist in 29223 for child dental care.

What Are the Functions & Use of Space Maintainers for Teeth?

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Orthodontic appliances called space maintainers are routinely used in pediatric dentistry. The primary function of space maintainers is managing premature baby tooth loss. In addition, space maintainers help prevent malocclusion, overcrowding, and other problems with children’s teeth.

If your child loses a tooth prematurely and you take your child to an emergency pediatric near you, the dental professional will likely recommend you have your child fitted with space maintainers to ensure the vacant gap is not occupied by the remaining teeth in the child’s mouth.

You may think your child is too young to receive orthodontic appliances in their mouth because their baby teeth are expected to fall off anyway. Unfortunately, you are committing a grave error because if you don’t invest in a space maintainer right away, you fall prey to considerable expenses to correct orthodontic issues in the child’s mouth later.

Functions of Space Maintainers

As described earlier, the primary function of space maintainers is to hold space for permanent teeth to emerge. Premature loss of baby teeth results in abnormal development of the upper and lower jaws. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the shedding of baby teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth known as the mixed dentition phase because misalignment of teeth has a higher chance of occurring during this process. It is why the pediatric dental clinic in Colombia recommends space maintainers for children to deal with the problem of premature tooth loss.

How to Use Space Maintainers?

The location of tooth loss determines whether your child needs or can be without space maintainers. Children losing incisors due to mouth-related habits such as pacifier use and thumbsucking may not need maintainers for loss of primary incisors. If they lose primary first molars, space maintainers may or may not be required. The dentist must identify whether the primary first molar and the permanent lateral incisor have erupted. If the teeth have been interrupted, it is a cause for concern needing space maintainers to correct the problem. In such cases, space maintainers in Colombia, SC provide a band and loop space maintainer as a fixed appliance to maintain space on just one side of the mouth.

Band and loop maintainers are fixed unilateral appliances positioned on one side of the mouth to maintain the space needed after your child loses their primary first molars. The permanent first molar must have erupted when fixing a band and loop maintainer. The appliance is cheap and easy to manufacture but needs upkeep to keep the space correctly. Therefore, your child’s pediatric dentist and the type of maintainer provided determine its usage.

There are different types of space maintainers, and the user determines which kind of orthodontic appliance your child needs and the location of the tooth loss. Dr. Julie Wehman, the pediatric dentist, may even provide removable partial dentures to maintain space after premature baby tooth loss. The appliance resembles a lingual arch with artificial teeth attached.

Removable partial dentures become essential if one or more tooth is missing on both sides of the mouth. They are also placed for aesthetic purposes instead of preventing space loss if front teeth are missing.

What Happens If You Ignore the Need for Space Maintainers for Children?

You have the discretion to ignore the need for space maintainers for children. However, you must prepare yourself to endure repeated visits to pediatric dentists with your child complaining about tooth pain and gum disease because of their malformed teeth. In addition, correcting malocclusion or crowded teeth requires orthodontic treatment with braces costing you thousands of dollars and repeated visits to orthodontists to tighten and adjust the braces.

Ignoring space maintainers when needed exposes you to considerable expenditure while your child has to endure the problem of tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Instead of falling prey to unnecessary complications, don’t you think you benefit significantly by making a minor investment in space maintainers to prevent unnecessary trouble later? After reading this article, we are confident you will consider space maintainers beneficial and provide them with your child if they lose their teeth prematurely.

If your child confronts a problem with missing teeth and the dentist in Colombia recommends space maintainers, do not waste time until your child begins developing problems. Instead, please schedule an appointment with We Care Dental, SC, to get your child the affordable orthodontic appliance they need.

Damaged Smiles Conveniently Repair Using Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are ideal restorative dentistry solutions for recreating and protecting teeth that have experienced severe decay, damage, or the dreaded root canal treatment. Crowns help protect the remaining healthy tooth in adults as well as children. However, if you receive information that your child needs a new crown, you may question this treatment. This article takes you through and provides answers to some questions heard from most patients about restorative dentistry procedures like dental crowns.

What Kinds of Dental Crowns Are Available?

Different materials help make dental crowns all having their unique benefits. The materials are:

Gold dental crowns offer strength and durability but are not ideal for restoring the appearance of your child’s smile.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns appear like a natural smile without compromising on durability similar to gold. However, the thin layer of porcelain can wear off with time.

All-ceramic crowns are aesthetically pleasing to deliver smiles appearing like natural teeth for the lifespan of the dental crown.

Placement of Dental Crowns

When you take your child to the pediatric dentist in Colombia at We Care Dental, SC, the professional first examines your child’s tooth to determine the extent of the damage it has undergone. The location of the tooth, your aesthetic preferences, and the costs of the procedure are provided by the professional.

If your child needs restoration in the aesthetic zone, the pediatric dentist near you will likely recommend you invest in an all-ceramic crown. All-ceramic crowns are more expensive than the other varieties. However, if you intend to repair your child’s damaged smile, you cannot find a substitute to all-ceramic in different materials. Therefore you help yourself and your child by getting them these crowns to let them enjoy a beautiful smile. If all recommendations are acceptable, you can schedule an appointment for dental crown placement and prepare your child for the procedure.

Getting a dental crown near you from Dr. Amy Ellis Green requires two visits to the dental professional. The first visit is to have your child’s tooth prepared to accommodate the restoration. The dentist gives your child local anesthesia because the procedure for placement of dental crowns requires the filing of the tooth structure from the top and sides, making sufficient space for the dental crown to sit on top of the natural tooth. Next, the dentist impressions the tooth after the filling down for the dental laboratory to custom create your child’s dental restoration. Finally, a temporary crown is placed over the child’s tooth to prevent further damage until the permanent crown is ready.

You can contact the pediatric dentist 29223 after about three weeks when the dental laboratory delivers the permanent restoration. The second visit also requires local anesthesia as the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the permanent restoration for color and fit. Finally, if all things are as planned, the dentist cements the permanent crown over your child’s tooth to restore their smile for the lifespan of the crown.

Caring for All-Ceramic Crowns

If you select all-ceramic crowns for your child’s smile, they must care for the crown appropriately by changing some oral hygiene products to prevent excessive wear. The dentist recommends using soft-bristled toothbrushes and generic fluoride toothpaste, staying away from the abrasive varieties. You must also provide your child with waxed floss to prevent your child from tugging along the edges of the crown.

You must pay special attention and inquire with the dentist how your child can maintain the dental crown in optimal condition. Dental crowns do not require special attention. However, the dental crown sits atop a damaged natural tooth that needs constant attention even after getting a durable restoration over it.

The underlying tooth is susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore your child must brush and floss as recommended by the dentist to eliminate all plaque from around their teeth and the crowned tooth. Infections to the underlying tooth may require further treatments and replacements of the all-ceramic crown. Besides the above regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings are also essential to maintain the dental restoration and your child’s smile for as long as possible.

Dental crowns are similar to tooth caps fitting snugly over a damaged or decayed tooth. In reality, they are ideal even for concealing severely discolored teeth from infections or injuries. Dental crowns help restore your child’s smile and the tooth’s functionality, allowing them to enjoy better oral and overall health.

How Dental Crowns Makes You Better?

Has your dentist ever prescribed dental crowns to restore a broken or harmed tooth? A dental crown is a perfect answer for a wide range of types of tooth issues. What’s more, it can offer excellent and durable outcomes that both look incredible while securing the teeth in their place. Read our blog post to know how dental caps can make your life better.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns near you are a specially designed extremely durable restoration. They resemble an empty, tooth-formed “cap”, which is set over a pre-arranged natural tooth.

Dental crowns are little dental devices, normally known as dental caps that cover your teeth to improve their look and functionality. Crowns can ensure your harmed and delicate teeth do not suffer from further damage.

What Material Can be Used in Making Dental Caps?

Crowns can be produced using the following materials:

  • Ceramic
  • Gold
  • Palladium
  • Porcelain
  • Resin
  • Silver
  • Stainless steel
  • Zirconia

Why is a Dental Crown Needed?

The main reason for a crown installation is to restore strength, functionality, shape, and size to a tooth and improve the appearance of the person. Situations where you might require a crown include:

  • To ensure a tooth that has become weakened or broken by rotting, holding it together and preventing it from breaking.
  • To replace an old or broken tooth filling.
  • To re-establish a tooth that has effectively broken.
  • To restore length on worn-out teeth.
  • Crowns are utilized to hold dental bridges set up.
  • A crown is used to cover a dental implant.

Best Procedure of Dental Crowning

The method involved with crowning is extremely straightforward. It has just three stages and your appealing smile is back. Here we will all the three stages.

In the initial step, an emergency pediatric dentist in Columbia will examine the mouth carefully. In case all is well with your oral cavity, the dental specialist will request an x-ray.

The x-ray permits better examination of the dental replacement. Then, your dental specialist will numb the site utilizing local sedation. The crowns can be made from many materials. You can pick the best material for making the crown.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

To assist you with if a cosmetic crown is an ideal choice for you, we’ve created a list of their top benefits. They are as below:

  1. Helps in Restoring Damaged/Broken Teeth

Crowns reestablish the structure of the tooth. Harmed, cracked, or broken teeth can cause uneasiness to the patient. In some cases, you might experience irritation and difficulty while biting.

  1. Improves Appearance

Crowns can coordinate with the shading and texture of your remaining teeth. Stained or distorted teeth can modify the vibe of your whole smile. Many individuals find that porcelain or clay crown to be an excellent answer for upgrading their smile.

  1. Dental Crown Procedure Is Simple

Despite the changes in quality of life, getting a crown for anyone is easy. It doesn’t consume a long time to install as long as your teeth are healthy. It begins with a basic preparation to guarantee the crown has an even base to sit on.

Then, the dental experts take an impression of the tooth for the formation of the new crown. It requires around fourteen days to finish the assembling of the crown. From that point, John W. Jenkins will install it with bonding cement.

  1. . Looks as Good as It Performs

Crown look and feel better. Everybody realizes that holes between teeth, broken teeth or damaged teeth don’t feel and look good. Crowns keep your mouth good to go. They shield weak teeth from additional breakage, harm, and rotting. Furthermore, you will save your natural tooth.

  1. Treat Worn Teeth

If you have moderate to extreme tooth wear, crowns might be the best solution for you. They can be used to re-establish the lost tooth tissues you have and improve your bite.

Make Your Look Better Today with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns provide extraordinary benefits for your oral hygiene and cosmetic needs. Contact the skilled pediatric dental clinic in Columbia today to schedule your consultation for cosmetic crowns. Our dental experts are well trained and eagerly waiting to assist you anytime.

Laughing Gas– An Easy Way for Your Child to Go Through Dental Treatments with Ease

Does your child dread going to the dentist? If so, they are not alone. As many as 1 in 3 people (both children and adults) are apprehensive about dental treatments. Laughing gas can help your child go through any dental procedure with ease.
Inhaled sedation is an odorless and colorless form of nitrous oxide that has been used for over 100 years as a method of pain relief during dentistry– especially procedures involving gum surgery or tooth extractions.

When inhaled, laughing gas works by relaxing muscles in the mouth and throat area, which can help ease discomfort caused by needle sticks or other uncomfortable feelings associated with invasive dental work.

What is Laughing Gas and Its Benefits to Children?

Laughing gas near you is an excellent option for young children undergoing any form of dental treatment. The nitrous oxide relaxes their muscles and makes them feel at ease throughout the process– even when they are having a tooth pulled!

It also provides pain relief, which is essential when your little one may be experiencing discomfort. Laughing gas is great for children who have a severe gag reflex or are nervous about their visit to a pediatric dentist near you.

How Does Laughing Gas Work?

Inhaled sedation works by inhibiting messages to the brain that would trigger feelings of anxiety or pain, so your child won’t feel any discomfort from receiving injections or having a cavity filled.

Laughing gas takes effect immediately is administered, and it wears off just as fast. Plus, your child will be awake during the process.

Dental sedation allows our pediatric dentist in Colombia to perform any treatment, like root canals, extractions, or fillings with ease.
You can rest easy while your child is in the dentist’s office because pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children.

What are The Benefits of Using Laughing Gas During a Dental Procedure?

Laughing gas has no negative side effects, and it is safe for children. It also does not interfere with the dental work being done. The benefits of using laughing gas during a dental procedure are that your child will be more comfortable during the procedure.

It is also helpful to children with a low threshold of pain because it relieves pain and calms them, making them feel better about getting their teeth fixed.

What are the Side Effects of Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas has no major side effects, but there are a few minor issues that may arise. They include irritation of the nose, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause sleepiness or dizziness. But these effects go away after the laughing gas wears off in about 15 minutes.

If your child is still feeling sleepy after the laughing gas wears off, they can be given a snack to help them wake up again and become more alert. You can also call an emergency pediatric dentist in Columbia if you need assistance.

What Should You Do After My Child Has Been Given Laughing Gas?

After the dental procedure is complete, allow the child to rest or sleep for about 15 minutes. Laughing gas can make a person feel lightheaded after it is first administered, so avoid any activities that require coordination, such as walking down the stairs or riding a bike until the sedation clears out. Laughing gas does not cause amnesia, and children will remember may remember the experience.

Can Laughing Gas Be Combined with Local Anesthesia?

Laughing gas is widely used in pediatric dentistry practices. Yes, inhaled sedation can be combined with local anesthesia in dental procedures like root canals or tooth extraction. However, the dentist can use it alone if she is doing a minor dental procedure like cleaning or dental sealants.

Schedule an Appointment

Inhaled sedation, also known as conscious sedation, can help your child relax and stay calm during a dental procedure.

Visit Dr. Amy Ellis Green for more information about laughing gas and how it can benefit your children.

What Are the Differences Between Inlays & Onlays?

Generally, the best way to fix a fractured or decayed tooth was the use of dental fillings or crowns. However, it was discovered that when the decay has eaten too deep into the tooth, a filling is not well-supported and is likely to fall out. Dental crowns on the other hand are intrusive and, in some cases, may cover up the tooth more than is necessary. However, inlays and onlays are thought to be perfect for use when a tooth is too damaged to support a filling but not severely to the point of needing a crown

But what exactly are dental inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are referred to as indirect dental restorations, since they are prepared outside your mouth, in a lab. Both come as custom solid pieces that are molded and fitted into the chewing area of the damaged tooth. Their purpose is generally the same but what distinguishes the them is the part and amount of tooth they cover. Different materials are used to prepare both inlays and onlays near you, and they include gold, composite and porcelain. Several factors will influence the type of material used such as cost, location of the tooth and durability.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Getting inlays and onlays at a dental clinic in Columbia, SC, offers you a number of benefits. This treatment is thought to increase the strength of a damaged tooth by up to 75%. They are less likely to fracture or damage like traditional fillings making them a great investment for your oral health. Every patient also gets a custom-fit to match the structure and shape of their tooth, which makes them aesthetically pleasing. With proper care and depending on your risk of fracture, you can expect inlays and onlays to last up to 30 years.

Differences Between Inlays and Onlays

Inlays Repair Surface of Tooth

Inlays are used to repair damage on the surface of the tooth. Their use is largely limited to around the biting surface of the tooth. A dentist will take an impression of the affected area and send it to the lab for production. The inlay produced should perfectly fit into the hollowed-out cavity and if possible, will be closely matched to the color of your teeth. Once in place, an inlay is barely noticeable. This option is used when your dentist thinks that the tooth requires extra support and strength that a filling may not provide.

Onlays Repair Larger Areas of Tooth

Onlays which are sometimes also called partial crowns are used when the damage affects a larger portion of the tooth. Their use extends beyond the chewing surface to the cusps on the tooth. They are great alternative to dental crowns as they help save more tooth. Only the diseased of damaged part of the tooth has to be removed to apply onlays, unlike in crowns where even the healthy part of the tooth has to be trimmed and shaped.

Onlays are a great choice when a cavity is too big, making the tooth incapable of supporting traditional fillings. They are also used on teeth that are already weak due to cracks or fractures. Using onlays offers your teeth extra strength while still protecting the damaged area.

Can Kids Use Inlays and Onlays?

Onlays and inlays are not only used in adults, pediatric dentists in Columbia also use them to help manage cavities and decay in children. The procedure is fairly simple and can be comfortably tolerated by most children. Your pediatric dentist 29223 can use sedation to help mask any discomfort associated with the procedure.

If you or your child are suffering from cavities or a fractured tooth, you can visit We Care Dental SC where Dr. Amy Ellis Green will evaluate your situation to see if you are fit to get inlays or onlays. Also, if you had previously had tooth fillings and they are damaged or missing, the emergency pediatric dentist in Columbia could help you by taking you through the process or removing the fillings and replacing them with inlays or onlays.

Dental Fillings: All You Need to Know Before Getting Them

Did you know that at least 92 percent of American adults aged between 20 and 64 have had a cavity at least once? Dental cavities are a common complaint among all people, both children, and adults. Fortunately, with dental fillings near you, you can repair and restore the function of the teeth.

What Are Fillings and How Can You Tell You Need Them?

Dental fillings are restorations used to restore the integrity, function, and structure of missing teeth. Cavities are the primary reason why a dentist may recommend dental fillings. However, you may also need teeth filings if you have a dental trauma that affects the teeth.

Several signs indicate you need a dental filling, such as tooth sensitivity, ongoing toothache, and a hole in your teeth. Teeth discoloration or stain is also a sign that your teeth are damaged and need treatment.

What Are the Available Options?

Teeth fillings come in different materials, and the dentist will choose the suitable option based on the location of the teeth, cost, and the extent of the damage. The different options include:

  • Amalgams or silver fillings are a combination of mercury, silver, copper, and tin. The material is durable more affordable than the rest. Some people, however, have a few concerns about the mercury content. But, the ADA has reported that the fillings are not harmful (although they are being phased out).
  • Composite fillings are a mix of quartz materials or glass and resin. The fillings can be crafted to match your teeth, and they are durable and more affordable than silver or metal.
  • Glass ionomer fillings are tooth-colored but less durable than the composite versions. They are made of acrylic and glass that contains fluoride, which makes them more ideal for children.
  • Gold fillings are made of a mix of gold, copper, and other materials. They are made at the lab using an impression of your teeth.Porcelain fillings are as expensive as metal fillings and are also made in the lab. However, they are natural-looking and can be applied to any tooth in the front or back.

Are Dental Fillings Recommended for Children?

Yes. Dental fillings are a common procedure for children and toddlers with cavities. They can be used on either the permanent teeth to protect them from further damage.

A pediatric dentist near you will use composite or non-toxic fillings. These fillings resemble the natural teeth, and so they are not visible.

The teeth fillings can also be applied to the baby teeth. Although they will eventually fall out, they need protecting. This is because if the teeth fall, they will cause the teeth to come out crooked.

It is vital to work with a pediatric dentist in Columbia to ensure the permanent teeth come out in proper alignment.

What Happens When the Fillings Get Damaged?

Over time, the fillings can break and wear out, and this can cause them to get damaged. Hard and sticky foods like hard candies and nuts can cause tooth-colored teeth to get damaged.

Other factors, like using the teeth like tools and poor dental hygiene can cause the teeth to loosen. People who suffer from bruxism can cause the fillings to break and get out of place.

Broken fillings may not be a problem, but if you experience pain, you may need emergency dental in Columbia, SC. This is because the cracked fillings expose the tissue and may cause sensitivity.

What Can You Expect During the Filing Procedure?

The dentist will begin the process with an examination to check the extent of the decay. Next, Dr. Amy Ellis Green DMD will choose the best filling for the teeth. She will drill the teeth with air abrasion, laser, drill to remove the decayed area.

The area is then tested to check if the decay has been removed. The dentist will fill the tooth with the selected filling and the teeth polished.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit We Care Dental, SC, for more information about dental fillings and how to expect during and after the fillings are fixed.

Porcelain Bridges Help Replace Missing Permanent Teeth in Children

Children can lose their permanent teeth because of congenital reasons, trauma, or altercations with friends or competitors in school. Parents may desire to fill the gap in the child’s mouth to ensure they don’t have to endure the consequences of missing teeth. If your child is confronting a similar situation, instead of expressing concern, you help yourself by contacting the pediatric dentist near you, providing porcelain Bridges to replace the missing tooth.

Missing teeth can cause unnecessary problems beginning from challenges when eating and speaking, poor nutrition, and a lack of confidence. Dental bridges are popular among adults and are also used by many in the country. Advances in dentistry now make available these prostheses even for children who may lose a tooth or two when involved in contact sports, biking, or any other activity.

Getting the missing tooth replaced is a priority that you cannot overlook, especially if you don’t want your child to encounter the consequences of tooth loss. You must look for a dentist providing a replacement needed by your child to maintain their oral health in excellent condition.

Why Consider Porcelain Bridges and Not Other Alternatives?

If you want your children’s teeth to look natural in their mouths, porcelain is the best material you can choose because of its transparency. Porcelain Bridges from the kids’ dentist in Colombia aren’t likely to stain and are durable. Children with their habits of having colored foods and beverages are likely to develop stains on their teeth needing whitening treatments from dentists. When you invest in porcelain Bridges for your child, you give them a long-lasting replacement for the missing tooth.

Porcelain Bridges from the pediatric dentist in Colombia, SC, rely on the healthy teeth neighboring the gap left by the missing teeth. The artificial replacement tooth is called a Pontic, and the neighboring teeth are called abutments. The artificial tooth is attached to the abutments after they are reshaped to accommodate dental crowns also made from porcelain.

Which Replacement Options Are Offered by Dentists for Children?

The Columbia dentist may offer various options to replace missing teeth with removable dentures or dental implants.

Removable dentures are made from acrylic or plastic fitted onto a gum-colored base or have clasps to bind to the neighboring teeth. However, dentures are not favored as a reliable method for tooth replacement unless your situation doesn’t permit other options.

Dental implants are another option offered by most dentists as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. However, the process to get them is lengthy and requires substantial investment besides multiple visits to dentist’s offices.

If you don’t want to invest in dentures or dental implants, the best method to get replacement teeth for your child in a couple of visits to the kids’ dentist near you is to choose porcelain Bridges over other replacement options.

The kids’ dentist in your locality will convince you porcelain Bridges are indeed suitable with all the features they have to match your child’s remaining teeth and help them close the gap they are currently displaying between their teeth.

What Is the Procedure When Getting Porcelain Bridges?

Whether you get porcelain Bridges for yourself or your child, the procedure does not change. If your child has one missing tooth, the bridgework needed covers three crowns. The two natural teeth beside the gap need dental crowns after they are reshaped to accommodate the abutments. The artificial tooth fits between the two abutment teeth.

The procedure when getting porcelain Bridges is uncomfortable, but the kids’ dentist provides anesthesia to your child to ensure they can proceed with the placement without causing anxiousness. After reshaping the child’s teeth, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth to have the porcelain Bridges are customized for your child in dental laboratories. Your child receives temporary bridges to protect the reshaped teeth in the meanwhile.

You must revisit the dentist with your child for dental bridge placement. During the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary bridges for placement of the new permanent porcelain Bridges in your child’s mouth to give them back their smile and functionality of the mouth.

Dentists provide adequate after-care instructions after dental bridge placement. You must ensure your child follows the instructions diligently and does not allow plaque buildup to develop beneath the bridges. It can cause infections and need more dental visits for treatments.

Children with missing teeth are better not ignored and must receive treatment to replace their teeth from a pediatric dentist providing porcelain Bridges.