Can someone with a crown still develop decay?

The answer to this often asked question is yes!

 Below is an x-ray of a tooth that has been crowned and has now developed decay near the margin....

When it comes to teeth with crowns, the area most susceptible to developing decay is the margin, which is where the crown meets the remaining tooth structure. It is already a weak spot where food and bacteria can collect, so that combined with a diet high in sugar and acid, or inconsistent dental hygiene including flossing daily can result in decay near the margin. Crowns are great treatment options for weak or damaged teeth, but they require the same hygiene techniques as any other tooth. With good daily brushing and flossing crowns can last many years and in some cases you may even forget that the tooth was ever damaged!

What are dental sealants? Do my kids need them?

Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process, and are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. To place a sealant an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a liquid, as if it is painted right onto the tooth. The liquid then hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.

What is soft tissue management?

Soft tissue management or nonsurgical periodontal therapy is based upon the current concepts of the dental plaque and the nature of periodontal disease progression. It is the initial step in the management of adult periodontal patients. STM can be done by the general dentist and/or the hygienist. When done properly with the appropriate use of the ultrasonic, antibiotics, irrigation (in the office and the home) and regular recalls to the dentist, it can produce marked improvement in the periodontal health of the patients and can be a very rewarding experience for the dentist and the hygienist, and above all the patient

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Scaling and root planing cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.

Scaling is basically the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gum line.

A careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins will help ensure that your gum disease is controlled.

Dental Hygiene

Here at Gregory Dental Group our mission is to help you protect your oral health through comprehensive dental hygiene services.  Besides keeping all our patients informed on the significance of diligent brushing and flossing and a healthy diet, we offer complete dental exam services and periodontal care procedures to keep your mouth free of cavities, decay, infection and periodontal disease. We also offer a full selection of restoration services to correct issues that may be interfering with your ability to perform good dental hygiene.If it’s been a while since your last dental exam and you’re in need of a checkup on the effectiveness of your dental hygiene practices, please arrange an appointment with us today.