Diamons

Restorative Dentistry

Photography by Dr. Padval

Crowns & Bridges: How They Work

A missing tooth is more than just a hindrance to normal chewing, and more than a cosmetic bother. It's a threat to the entire architecture of your mouth. The mouth is dynamic. Where there is a missing tooth, neighboring teeth drift, gum disease may crop up, even the unprotected bone ridge is susceptible to damage. So replacing a missing tooth with a bridge, or repairing a broken down tooth with a crown, is important for your dental health. How They Work A crown (or [...]

By |2020-04-14T08:00:01-07:00April 14, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

“Is it a Cavity?”

Or something else... While most people think a toothache automatically means a cavity (or the need for a root canal), several other conditions can also cause temperature sensitivity, pain during chewing, and other symptoms typically associated with a toothache. Here are some of those causes: Gum Recession. When patients experience gum recession (which can be caused by periodontal disease, genetics, or neglect) the root surfaces of teeth are exposed. This part of the tooth can be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, similar [...]

By |2020-04-07T08:00:37-07:00April 7, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

Do You Have Dry Mouth?

Dehydration and Dry Mouth can Affect Oral Health If you only occasionally find yourself with a dry mouth, then it's probably nothing to worry about. It's just a natural sign of being thirsty. However, if the lack of saliva flow becomes a chronic condition, then it can become a dental issue. That's because saliva has an important function in the mouth. It provides lubrication when eating and chewing foods, and its enzymes begin the digestion process by breaking down food. Even when not eating, [...]

By |2020-01-07T08:00:06-08:00January 7, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

Inlays, Onlays, & Crowns

What is the difference between Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns? They all strengthen and repair a damaged tooth, but generally, the type of restoration we use is determined by the extent of the damage. Inlays - Inlays are used when a cavity has grown too big to be treated with a traditional filling. Made of porcelain and milled to perfectly fit your tooth, the inlay lies within the cusps of the tooth's chewing surface. Onlay - Onlays are usually slightly larger and encompass some portion [...]

By |2019-12-17T08:00:14-08:00December 17, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Oral Health Over 40

Common Problems in Mouths Over 40 Some oral health problems occur more frequently with age. Here, we list some of the most common and what can be done about them: Dry Mouth It's one of the most common problems associated with the older mouth. First, make sure you are staying properly hydrated, especially if exercising or in high temperatures. Also, keep in mind that medications and certain medical disorders can reduce saliva flow. Once the cause is identified, mouth rinses and sugarless candies can [...]

By |2019-10-08T08:00:18-07:00October 8, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Analyzing Bad Breath

Bad breath (or halitosis) happens to all of us from time to time, and nobody likes it. As well as being a social embarrassment, bad breath can also be a warning sign of more serious dental problems. By analyzing the type of bad breath patients complain of, we can help determine its cause. What Causes Bad Breath? External Factors Food - If your breath is especially strong after fragrant meals with as garlic or onions, there's unfortunately not much to be done except to [...]

By |2019-10-01T08:00:08-07:00October 1, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Cavities without Pain?

If It Ain't Broke, Why Fix It? Patients are sometimes surprised when they have a cavity or two and wonder, "How can I need a filling when I haven't been in any pain?" Unfortunately, this is common because cavities often don't give any warning signs at all. Teeth can become extremely broken down and even abscess due to decay and still never hurt. So while it may not be causing you any discomfort at the moment, our experience has shown that catching problems early [...]

By |2019-09-17T08:00:09-07:00September 17, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Coping with Cracked Tooth Syndrome

If there's anything good to be said about a broken tooth, it's that the cause of the problem is pretty obvious. The same can't always be said when a tooth develops a crack, which are sometimes too small to even be seen with the naked eye. In fact, researchers have compiled case histories to develop a "cracked tooth syndrome" profile. Who? The potential for crack rises with age. Past 40, enamel tends to grow brittle partly due to reduced moisture. The tooth itself is [...]

By |2019-06-25T08:00:01-07:00June 25, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

In Need of a Dental Tune Up?

Options are Available to Improve an Aging Smile Are you at the point in life where most everything still works, but there's just no denying that you're getting a little older? Maybe you hear your joints creak, and you've started wearing glasses to read. Your hairstylist suggests new ways to cover the gray... The same thing happens with your teeth–they simply aren't as young as they used to be. Teeth naturally change as we age, meandering and crowding each other. Their color darkens over [...]

By |2019-06-11T08:00:36-07:00June 11, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Do You Have a Problem with TMJ?

Is TMJ causing my pain? TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Located just in front of the ear, it is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your head, allowing the jaw to move freely while biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems related to the TMJ can affect jaw muscles, teeth, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Times of stress can cause or aggravate TMJ, since most of the discomfort is attributed to overuse of muscles during clenching or grinding of [...]

By |2019-04-09T08:00:11-07:00April 9, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|