A Tooth with a Large Fracture May Need a Dental Crown

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When a tooth is fractured by a blow to the face or another form of oral trauma, it can lead to multiple complications. The damaged tooth will likely experience heightened sensitivity and perhaps pain. If it’s not treated and repaired in short order, it could gradually start to trap plaque and stray food particles. This could cause a dangerous cavity.

For a tooth this severely damaged, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS might recommend restoring the entire tooth enamel layer with a dental crown.

Your dentist will start by examining the tooth and taking some X-rays. Assuming the interior structures of the tooth are healthy and strong, he can begin the process of forming an abutment. This is done by removing the entire tooth enamel layer. This leaves behind a core abutment of healthy dentin that is protecting the pulp and root of the tooth.

Your dentist will then create a detailed impression of the area. Once your crown is completed, it will be cemented into place with a very strong dental adhesive

If you’ve suffered a tooth fracture and you would like to know more about a dental crown in Ramona, CA, you should call [phone] and schedule an appointment at our office.

Insights on Periodontal Disease Prevention

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Periodontal disease afflicts the gums of millions of Americans each year. In fact, the American Dental Association estimates that 47 percent of people over the age of 30 suffer from gingivitis or more significant forms of periodontal disease. The unfortunate reality is that periodontal disease is easily preventable. Brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing each evening removes plaque and residual food particles before they can harden into the bacterial-rich tartar.

While brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps clean the faces and contours of teeth, flossing remains the most effective way of cleaning between teeth and along the gumline.

The American Dental Association recommends flossing your teeth once each day. This is best done in the evening after you have eaten your last meal or snack. To thoroughly clean between teeth and along the gumline, it requires special focus and technique. Once you have inserted the floss, you should curve it into a semi-circle. Then, you should work the strand up and down, making sure to also work the floss into the gumline.

You should then advance the floss a fraction of an inch and repeat the same motion for the other tooth. As you clean the space between each tooth, you should also make sure to floss behind each of your rear molars.

Attending your routine dental checkup at [practice_name] is also essential for preventing periodontal disease. This includes a thorough dental cleaning to remove all traces of tartar from your teeth while monitoring the health of your gums.

If you have questions or concerns about how to prevent periodontal disease in Ramona, CA, you can always call [phone] to speak to your dentist, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS, or a staff member at [practice_name].

A Professional Whitening Treatment Can Safely and Effectively Whiten Your Smile

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When stains set into your smile, it can leave you feeling socially awkward. Unfortunately, the whitening agents in whitening toothpaste and whitening strips are rarely potent enough to remove deep stains from tooth enamel. In a situation like this, a professional whitening treatment administered by your dentist, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS, can safely and effectively whiten your smile.

The dental bleach Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS uses is very potent. At the start of the dental bleaching treatment, he will take measure to protect your gums by installing a soft rubber dam or protective gel over your gums.

Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS will then pour a small amount of the concentrated bleaching gel into a tray that is inserted into your mouth. It will need to be held in place for a few minutes. The total duration of the treatment will vary depending on the severity of your tooth stains.

Once this stage is completed, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS might use a special ultraviolet light to brighten any troubled spots and improve the luster of your smile.

Afterward, you might want to consider cutting back on dark foods and beverages to prevent future stains. Brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association could also be beneficial.

If the teeth in your smile have been dulled and darkened by stains, you should call [practice_name] at [phone] to explore your whitening options in Ramona, CA.

What Is a Dental Crown For?

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What is a dental crown?
If one of your teeth is damaged or decayed, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS may recommend a dental crown in Ramona, CA. A dental crown, which is tooth shaped, is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. When cemented in place, the dental crown will cover and protect the entire visible part of the tooth.

When might our dentist recommend a dental crown?

– To keep a weak tooth from breaking
– To hold together a cracked tooth
– To restore a tooth that is broken or badly worn
– To support a tooth with a large dental filling
– To anchor a dental bridge
– To cover misshaped or badly stained teeth
– To cover a dental implant
– To improve the appearance of a tooth

How do I care for a tooth with a dental crown?
A tooth with a dental crown does not require any special care. However, a tooth that is covered with a dental crown is not protected from decay or gum disease. Continue to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, taking extra care around the dental crown where the gum meets the tooth. Also, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once every day.

How long will my dental crown last?
Dental crowns usually last from 5 to 15 years. How long your dental crown lasts will depend on how much wear and tear the crown is exposed to as well as how well you practice dental hygiene. Your mouth-related habits can negatively affect your dental crown. Avoid the following habits:

– Grinding your teeth
– Clenching your teeth
– Chewing ice
– Biting fingernails
– Opening packages with your teeth

We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about crowns and to schedule your next visit.

Dealing With a Dental Emergency

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Do you know what you would do during a dental emergency? Do you know what would qualify as a dental emergency? Accidents can happen very quickly and can be incredibly unpleasant experiences. But if you know what to do, you could actually take steps to save your tooth.

Many things can constitute a dental emergency. For example, trauma to a tooth often leads to a dental emergency. Any cracked, chipped, fractured, or dislodged tooth should be considered an emergency. Similarly, if you lose a crown or a filling, or are experiencing pain, we recommend seeking dental help immediately.

If you suffer a dental emergency, it’s imperative for you to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if you don’t care for your teeth well following trauma, you could have to cope with a number of serious consequences. For example, a cracked tooth can lead to symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums, extreme pain, and bad breath, among other things. Similarly, if you lose a tooth, you could be more vulnerable to decay, gingivitis, and shifting teeth.

If you do experience trauma that leads to a cracked or chipped tooth, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to offer you personalized advice—though we do recommend using over-the-counter medications or dental cement until you can come to our office. Similarly, please contact us immediately if you’re experiencing extreme pain in your mouth.

Do you have more questions about how you can cope with a dental emergency? Are you simply interested in setting up an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS? If so, we invite you to contact [practice_name] at [phone]. We’ll be happy to examine the health of your smile and offer you any advice you need. We look forward to receiving your call!

Tooth Discoloration in Children

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Seeing a child grin at you is a great feeling—but how would you feel if you noticed your child’s teeth changing colors? Fortunately, there are a few things you could consider doing after you’ve diagnosed the root of the issue. But your child’s tooth discoloration can actually be caused by a number of issues. What are they?

Tooth decay could actually be a cause of tooth discoloration. You see, if your child is exposed to too many sugary beverages or snacks, they could suffer from tooth decay. Similarly, your child could suffer from tooth decay if their oral hygiene is lacking in some way. If this issue isn’t addressed by a dental professional, your child’s teeth could turn yellow or even black.

Trauma is also a common cause of tooth discoloration. For instance, if your child falls and lands hard on a tooth, they could have a number of immediately visible consequences–including cracks, chips, and discoloration. If this happens to your child, we recommend contacting our team as soon as possible.

If your child’s enamel is damaged, which could be the result of tooth decay or a fall or hard impact, the color of their teeth could change. Similarly, if your child is exposed to too much fluoride, their teeth could yellow. Certain medical conditions and medications can also lead to tooth discoloration.

The causes of tooth discoloration vary. To counteract this issue, we recommend visiting our team as soon as you notice any discoloration by contacting us at [phone]. Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS and the rest of our team at [practice_name] will be happy to examine your little one’s mouth and offer you the advice you need.

Get the Smile You’ve Always Dreamed of with Dental Veneers

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If you’ve ever sat down to a movie and dreamed of having a smile like a Hollywood actor, you are in luck. Dental veneers have become the go-to standard for achieving a stellar smile. Even many stars of the silver screen lack the genetics for a wonderful smile, so they turn to veneers for help. If you want the smile of your dreams, you should consider the benefits of dental veneers.

— Dental veneers are very thin but durable shells that are directly bonded onto the front of your teeth. For this process to last, a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed to ensure a sturdy bond. However, the amount of tooth enamel removed is often much less than needs to be removed from services such as a dental crown or cap.

— Dental veneers have a natural looking surface, which can be fully customized to any individual tooth, including their color. When done by the licensed professionals at [practice_name], they can be near-impossible to notice.

— Dental veneers can correct flaws in your smile, which includes size malformations, misalignments, stains, discoloration, cracks, chips, and even minor curvatures.

— Dental veneers are strong, durable and long-lasting. They are capable of lasting up to 15 years when they are properly cared for. Veneers should be treated the same as your other teeth, with proper brushing and flossing twice daily.

If you would like to learn more about dental veneers, or to book an appointment with our skilled team at [practice_name], you can call us at [phone] to speak with a member of our staff. You can also visit our office in Ramona, CA. Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of with dental veneers today!

Fixing Fractured Teeth

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Believe it or not, but it’s entirely possible to completely fracture a tooth. If you do end up with a fractured tooth, you obviously need it restored so that you can have the full function of your mouth back.

With that in mind, let’s look at one of the most popular methods for restoring a fractured tooth that our team here at [practice_name] performs.

A dental bridge in Ramona, CA, is essentially a single piece of dental work that is fused to a pair of crowns on each end. It will eventually be anchored in your mouth on abutments formed from the core of the two closest teeth.

Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS will form the abutments by removing all of the tooth enamel from each tooth. Then, he will cast an impression of the area, including the corresponding teeth in your bite. This will be sent to a special dental lab where your final bridge will be produced.

At the end of the appointment, temporary crowns will be cemented over each abutment to protect them.

Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS will call you in for a brief second appointment when your bridge is ready. The temporary crowns will be removed and the bridge will be cemented in place onto the abutments during this appointment.

Dental bridges are very effective, but that are instances in which you may not be able to get one and have to get an implant, or other cosmetic dentistry appliance, instead. To see if you’re a candidate for dental bridges, call us today at [phone].

Brighter Smiles with Dental Whitening

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If your teeth are well aligned and overall look good but are stained or discolored from years of drinking coffee or other colored drinks, [practice_name] offers the perfect solution to bring back confidence to your smile. Dental whitening will help clean away the stains and brighten your smile so you can smile, talk, and laugh with confidence.

Teeth Whitening is Safe
When performed by a trained dental professional such as Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS, dental whitening is perfectly safe. Their knowledge of the options and your oral health enables [himher] to create a safe treatment plan that gives you the results you want.

Preferred Over Other Options
Other cosmetic dentistry options such as veneers or replacement crowns remove parts of the tooth. While these options are appropriate in some situations, whitening is generally preferred because it is non-invasive and keeps all of your healthy tooth structure.

How It Works
Our dentist will make a pair of specially formed trays fitted to your teeth, and use them to apply a carefully mixed concentration of dental peroxide bleach. The concentration will be left on for a time to allow the bleach to lighten your teeth. Depending on how much brightening you need, you may be done in a single day or require a few visits.

If you would like to explore your cosmetic dentistry options in Ramona, CA, call our office today. Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS would be happy to assist you.

A Cosmetic Porcelain Crown Can Match the Surrounding Teeth in Your Smile

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A tooth that has been marred by chips, discoloration or old fillings can often benefit from cosmetic restoration. One of the most common methods our dental team recommends for addressing a problem like this is to have the tooth restored by a porcelain dental crown.

The process of placing a dental crown in Ramona, CA, starts with Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS using a drill to remove the entire enamel layer of the tooth. This will leave behind a post-like abutment that encases the pulp and root of the tooth.

A detailed impression will then be made of the abutment as well as the surrounding teeth. The impression will be sent to our dental lab. This will serve as a guide for the technicians while they custom craft a porcelain replacement tooth. At the end of the appointment, Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS will secure a hard, plastic, temporary crown over the abutment to keep it safe.

When your new crown is ready, we will call you back in to have the temporary crown removed so we can cement the porcelain crown into place.

If you have an unappealing tooth that you would like cosmetically restored, you should call us at [phone] to see if you are a good candidate for a porcelain crown.