Modern Technology and the Cosmetic Dentist – A Perfect Pair

Technology has revolutionized what a cosmetic dentist can do. Just like the cell phone made communicating easier and a microwave made it possible to heat up meals quickly, modern dental inventions have made it possible to save teeth and transform smiles.  Without innovation, patients would still be getting infected teeth pulled on a regular basis.  We use new technology whenever possible and continue to learn about improved techniques so that our patients can benefit from an improved experience overall. 

One of the major changes in modern dentistry occurred in the 1980s with the invention of resin cement.  In the 70s, dentists started to realize the value of bonding procedures but were unable to do so on a regular basis.  When resin cement was invented, it became possible to bond a crown to a natural tooth which made a crown more durable and reduced the risk of it falling off or slipping.  Prior to that silver amalgam crowns were the go to solution for restoring and protecting teeth.  With the wide use of resin cement, it became possible to use all-ceramic crowns and receive a similar level of durability. 

As a cosmetic dentist, many of the procedures we use today evolved from that one simple invention.  Dental crowns are used on a regular basis to restore and protect damaged or broken teeth, but they are also used to improve the appearance of teeth.  For example, they are used to close gaps in between teeth, cover dark stains, make teeth appear even and more. Patients throughout the country use dental crowns to transform the natural appearance of their smile while keeping their teeth in place. 

Dental veneers are a similar concept that was also made possible by the invention of resin cement.  A veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the surface of the tooth and can accomplish similar goals to a dental crown only it doesn’t surround the tooth and, therefore, needs less preparation.  Hollywood celebrities are widely known for their use of veneers, and we wouldn’t have the term “Hollywood Smile” without it. 

In the 1990s, this simple invention made it possible for people to start replacing missing teeth without wearing dentures.  The dental bridge was invented in the 90s because resin cement made it possible for the bridge to remain in place.  A bridge works by placing a crown on the two teeth that surround the missing one.  These crowns need to be durable because they hold the bridge and replacement tooth in place.  

Modern technology has continued to advance beyond dental bridges, crowns and veneers to where we are now offering dental implants to replace missing teeth.  This is a permanent way of doing so where we create a new root system by implanting a metal post under the gum line.  A crown is secured to the post for a natural and durable replacement tooth.  All of this has been made possible by continued advancements in technology and, as a result, our patients continue to benefit. To learn about the latest techniques and innovations, visit our cosmetic dentist office. 

Learn More Facts About Replacing Teeth From an Implant Dentist

As an implant dentist, we know that more than 3 million Americans have dental implants today. Dentists have been successfully performing implant dentistry for the better part of fifty years, though only now has the popularity of this procedure really started to grow. Seen for many years as a cosmetic fix, oral health professionals are now advising dental implants for a host of tooth loss problems. Teeth can be lost very easily after an accident, playing sports, due to normal aging, or disease. Having a way to replace teeth and give a person back their speech patterns, their smile, and their natural look is an extremely powerful tool; one that we use on a regular basis. 

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is placed into the jawbone of a person’s mouth. An abutment is added, which is a piece that sticks out from the gum and connects the implant to the crown. Finally, a crown or a uniquely sculptured replacement tooth is placed over the abutment to finish the effect. When completed a dental implant looks and feels exactly like real teeth, giving the patient the comfort and familiarity they are used to with their naturally occurring teeth. 

How much does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants have been slowly going down in price. However, they are still costly to get and often can be cost prohibitive to those who need a replacement tooth.   A single tooth implant can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 with an additional cost of $500 to $3,000 for the crown. Many factors come into play when pricing out an implant, including the amount of support work that will need to be done, the number of teeth to be replaced, extractions, and other treatment that might become necessary around the implant. Also, one has to factor in the type of implant and the materials to be used. As an implant dentist, we can give you a precise quote after a consultation.

What is the process of getting a dental implant?
The process of getting an implant can take up to six months when you consider healing time. To start the process, we will discuss all the options available to you. Next, you will be scheduled for a comprehensive examination and consultation. Once you decide to proceed with the implant, we will take an imprint of the tooth to be replaced along with the gums and nearby teeth. This allows the crown to be customized to fit your mouth perfectly. 

On the day of the surgery, we will implant a small screw or post into your jawbone. It is placed into the socket of the missing tooth and allowed to heal. Healing takes between six to twelve weeks. On your return a small connector post, known as an abutment, will be attached to the implant. The abutment sticks out above the gum line and connects, on the other end, to the crown. An additional two to three weeks of healing are required after the abutment is placed. Finally, the dentist will install your crown or replacement tooth to the abutment. Following some checks and tweaks to ensure your bite is perfect, you will have a perfect new replacement tooth.