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Posts for tag: crowns

A Toothless Tiger?

By Wyatt L. Smith DDS, PC
December 15, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   dental implants   crowns  
AToothlessTiger

Let’s say you’re traveling to Italy to surprise your girlfriend, who is competing in an alpine ski race… and when you lower the scarf that’s covering your face, you reveal to the assembled paparazzi that one of your front teeth is missing. What will you do about this dental dilemma?

Sound far-fetched? It recently happened to one of the most recognized figures in sports — Tiger Woods. There’s still some uncertainty about exactly how this tooth was taken out: Was it a collision with a cameraman, as Woods’ agent reported… or did Woods already have some problems with the tooth, as others have speculated? We still don’t know for sure, but the big question is: What happens next?

Fortunately, contemporary dentistry offers several good solutions for the problem of missing teeth. Which one is best? It depends on each individual’s particular situation.

Let’s say that the visible part of the tooth (the crown) has been damaged by a dental trauma (such as a collision or a blow to the face), but the tooth still has healthy roots. In this case, it’s often possible to keep the roots and replace the tooth above the gum line with a crown restoration (also called a cap). Crowns are generally made to order in a dental lab, and are placed on a prepared tooth in a procedure that requires two office visits: one to prepare the tooth for restoration and to make a model of the mouth and the second to place the custom-manufactured crown and complete the restoration. However, in some cases, crowns can be made on special machinery right in the dental office, and placed during the same visit.

But what happens if the root isn’t viable — for example, if the tooth is deeply fractured, or completely knocked out and unable to be successfully re-implanted?

In that case, a dental implant is probably the best option for tooth replacement. An implant consists of a screw-like post of titanium metal that is inserted into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. Titanium has a unique property: It can fuse with living bone tissue, allowing it to act as a secure anchor for the replacement tooth system. The crown of the implant is similar to the one mentioned above, except that it’s made to attach to the titanium implant instead of the natural tooth.

Dental implants look, function and “feel” just like natural teeth — and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Although they may be initially expensive, their quality and longevity makes them a good value over the long term. A less-costly alternative is traditional bridgework — but this method requires some dental work on the adjacent, healthy teeth; plus, it isn’t expected to last as long as an implant, and it may make the teeth more prone to problems down the road.

What will the acclaimed golfer do? No doubt Tiger’s dentist will help him make the right tooth-replacement decision.

If you have a gap in your grin — whatever the cause — contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation, and find out which tooth-replacement system is right for you. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dental Implant Surgery” and “Crowns & Bridgework.”

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Dental Crowns for the King of Magic

By Wyatt L. Smith DDS, PC
July 22, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   crowns  
DentalCrownsfortheKingofMagic

You might think David Copperfield leads a charmed life:  He can escape from ropes, chains, and prison cells, make a Learjet or a railroad car disappear, and even appear to fly above the stage. But the illustrious illusionist will be the first to admit that making all that magic takes a lot of hard work. And he recently told Dear Doctor magazine that his brilliant smile has benefitted from plenty of behind-the-scenes dental work as well.

“When I was a kid, I had every kind of [treatment]. I had braces, I had headgear, I had rubber bands, and a retainer afterward,” Copperfield said. And then, just when his orthodontic treatment was finally complete, disaster struck. “I was at a mall, running down this concrete alleyway, and there was a little ledge… and I went BOOM!”

Copperfield’s two front teeth were badly injured by the impact. “My front teeth became nice little points,” he said. Yet, although they had lost a great deal of their structure, his dentist was able to restore those damaged teeth in a very natural-looking way. What kind of “magic” did the dentist use?

In Copperfield’s case, the teeth were repaired using crown restorations. Crowns (also called caps) are suitable when a tooth has lost part of its visible structure, but still has healthy roots beneath the gum line. To perform a crown restoration, the first step is to make a precise model of your teeth, often called an impression. This allows a replacement for the visible part of the tooth to be fabricated, and ensures it will fit precisely into your smile. In its exact shape and shade, a well-made crown matches your natural teeth so well that it’s virtually impossible to tell them apart. Subsequently, the crown restoration is permanently attached to the damaged tooth.

There’s a blend of technology and art in making high quality crowns — just as there is in some stage-crafted illusions. But the difference is that the replacement tooth is not just an illusion: It looks, functions and “feels” like your natural teeth… and with proper care it can last for many years to come.  Besides crowns, there are several other types of tooth restorations that are suitable in different situations. We can recommend the right kind of “magic” for you.

If you would like more information about crowns, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Crowns & Bridgework” and “Porcelain Crowns & Veneers.”

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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
      • November (3)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Teens May Need a Temporary Restoration for Missing Teeth
      • October (4)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
        • Here's What You Can Do to Avoid Gum Disease
      • September (3)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
      • August (3)
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Extend the Life of a Primary Molar
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Sedation can Make Dental Treatment Easier for High Anxiety Patients
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        • Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Getting an Implant - if it's Under Control
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
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        • Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
        • Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
      • May (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Crown Lengthening Could Help with Treating Hard to Reach Cavities
        • 3 Things You can do to Slow Tooth Wear
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        • A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
      • March (3)
        • Weighing the Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
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        • 3 Age-Related Dental Problems and what you can do About Them
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
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        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Transforming a Cleft Lip or Palate into a Beautiful Smile
        • 4 Ways to Check on Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
  • 2018
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        • Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Don't give up on Flossing!
      • November (3)
        • 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
        • Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
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        • What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
        • How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
        • 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
      • September (3)
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • It's National Gum Care Month - Take Care of Your Gums
        • Keep Up Good Dental Habits in College to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
      • August (3)
        • 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Pros and Cons for Flossing Before Brushing and Vice-Versa
      • July (3)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • June (3)
        • Be Sure to Have a Dental Exam Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
        • Saving a Diseased Primary Tooth Could Mean Better Oral Health Later in Life
      • May (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • 4 Things You Should Focus on During Pregnancy for Optimal Dental Health
        • Take Steps to Treat Chronic Mouth Breathing as Early as Possible
      • April (4)
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
        • Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
      • March (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • February (1)
        • How to Help Your Child Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits
      • January (3)
        • 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
        • 3 Reasons for Why It's a Smart Move to Invest in Dental Implants
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
        • Looking Good for the Holidays
      • November (2)
        • Use These Techniques to Enjoy Healthy Foods Even with a Jaw Joint Disorder
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (2)
        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
      • September (3)
        • Know Your Toothpaste: How to Simplify Your Purchasing Decision
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • 4 Causes for Gum Recession and What We Can Do About It
      • August (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Add a Healthy Diet to Your Oral Cancer Prevention Strategy
      • July (2)
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
      • June (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Even with Mercury, Dental Amalgam is a Safe Choice for Tooth Filling
      • May (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
      • April (2)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
      • March (3)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Don't Let Smoking Increase Your Chances of Implant Failure
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • February (2)
        • Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • January (2)
        • That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Keep a Lookout for These Soft Tissue Conditions in the Mouth
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • November (2)
        • Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • October (2)
        • Don't Delay Treatment of Gum Disease
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • September (2)
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • August (3)
        • Lasers are Making an Impact in Treating Gum Disease
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Severe Face Pain can be Managed to Reduce Discomfort
      • July (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Diet and Lifestyle Choices Key to Dental Health During College Years
      • June (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Be Sure Your Child has Access to Dental-Friendly Snacks at School
      • May (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
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        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Keep Alert to These Signs of Impending Tooth Decay
      • March (3)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • February (2)
        • Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
      • January (2)
        • The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • New Year, New Smile
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • November (3)
        • Consider These Tips to Reduce Your Dental Visit Anxiety
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • An Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea may be the Right Option for You
      • October (2)
        • A Royal Fix
        • Keeping Fluoride to Just the Right Amount Protects Your Family's Smiles
      • September (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable Going to the Dentist
      • August (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Complex Mouth Conditions Call for Dental Specialties
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        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Improving a 'Gummy Smile' Depends on its Cause
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        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
        • 'Prepless' Veneers can Transform Your Smile Without Altering Your Teeth
      • May (2)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Welcome Blog

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