What Is the Difference Between Crowns and Veneers?

From chipping to discoloration, many teeth problems affect the quality of a smile. Luckily, advances in dentistry have made dental restorations possible. Dental crowns and veneers are two of the most common dental restoration methods. Patients should understand the differences between these dental techniques to make an informed choice when visiting the dentist.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a one-sided, forward-facing porcelain covering for a damaged tooth. The main function of a veneer is to improve dental appearance. This dental restoration technique is ideal for chipped, discolored, and broken teeth. A patient can opt for a single veneer or multiple fixtures for a symmetrical smile.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration technique for an extensively damaged tooth. It is a metal, porcelain, or composite (metal and porcelain) covering that encases the entire damaged tooth. The covering is about 2 millimeters in thickness. It is ideal for restoration of discolored, chipped, or cracked, decayed, and crooked teeth.

Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers

A dentist will decide crowns or veneers based on each patient's situation. They use their findings to determine the best restoration method. Here are some of the major differences between these dental restoration techniques:

• The extent of coverage: Dental crowns cover the entire tooth while veneers only cover the front of the damaged tooth.
• Restorative effect: Veneers have a largely cosmetic role, which is to restore a smile. Dental crowns, on the other hand, also strengthen a tooth’s structure to prevent further damage.
• The procedure: Porcelain veneers require minimal anatomical enamel reduction before fitting. For crowns, the dentist will do more extensive enamel trimming before fixing the covering over the affected tooth.
• Thickness: Veneers are wafer-thin, at around 1 millimeter, while dental crowns are about 2 millimeters or more in thickness.

For families looking for comprehensive dentistry services in Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas, including fitting veneers and crowns, Storts Family Dentistry has your needs covered. Contact us today and set an appointment for dedicated dentistry services in the area.

Getting to the Root of It: Understanding Root Canals

Especially among those who are fearful of dental procedures, the root canal is almost universally dreaded. However, the procedure is very common, and patients experience little to no discomfort during or afterward, thanks to modern medical techniques such as anesthesia. While preventive care can help patients avoid the need for a root canal, it's an indispensable treatment method for resolving infections, alleviating tooth pain, and even saving teeth.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a type of endodontic dental treatment, which means it's performed on the inside of the affected tooth. This area of the tooth, which is protected by hard, external enamel and underlying dentin, contains a soft tissue called pulp, which is full of nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected or is inflamed, it can lead to many other problems: severe pain, tooth loss, abscesses, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body. During a root canal, a dentist will remove the pulp, fill the empty space, and seal it to effectively resolve the issue and prevent further damage. If the tooth is cared for properly after a root canal, it often lasts the rest of the patient's life without any future concerns.

What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?

The inflammation or infection of tooth pulp can be attributed to a number of circumstances, including:

• Deep tooth decay
• An injury to the tooth, particularly one that causes cracks or chips
• Repeated dental work on the same tooth

In addition to the practical reasons for having a root canal performed, the benefits can be cosmetic, as well. By restoring the natural tooth, the patient may save their smile, continue eating and drinking normally without restrictions, and avoid extensive dental work.

If you think you may be in need of a root canal or are looking for a trusted dentist to provide you and your family with preventive dental care, the compassionate team at Storts Family Dentistry can help. Contact our Ardmore, OK office today at 580-223-6720 to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.

Four Signs You Should Visit the Dentist

Many adults stick to the recommended six-month interval for dental check-ups and cleanings. However, others don't visit the dentist until an issue arises. Although most dental issues aren't emergencies, individuals who experience these four symptoms should make an appointment right away to avoid serious oral health problems.

Tooth Pain 

A toothache can indicate a cavity or an abscess, which is an infected area near the tooth. Seek immediate care when the pain is severe or constant and/or accompanied by a fever, swollen gums or face, redness, or fluid drainage. This issue often requires antibiotics as well as treatment for the cavity.

Lost or Broken Tooth

When a tooth is knocked out while playing sports or because of a fall, seek immediate care, as the tooth can sometimes be reimplanted. Keep the tooth moist, placing it back into the open socket if possible or storing it in a glass of milk. Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. 

When a tooth is broken, place the chip into a cold, moist cloth so the dentist can reattach it if possible. For a tooth that has been knocked out of place, gently push it back into position and visit the dentist for treatment.

Jaw Pain

An issue called temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) causes jaw pain that may be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound with chewing, talking, or yawning. TMJ is caused by joint inflammation or irritation and can often be treated with a mouth guard and/or medications that treat inflammation.

Dry Mouth

When the mouth does not produce enough saliva, the uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth is reason enough to see a dentist. Left untreated, this issue can lead to tooth decay and infection. A dentist can evaluate the cause of dry mouth and recommend a course of treatment.

Storts Family Dentistry provides emergency care for the above issues, as well as comprehensive dental care. We welcome new patients for both regular checkups and emergencies. Call 580-223-6720 or complete our online form for an appointment at one of our three convenient Ardmore-area locations.