Complete Dentures

by cemadmin | May 8, 2020 | General Dentistry

Complete Dentures

Those who suffer from missing teeth may find that they have more difficulty speaking or eating, have discomfort from the shifting of the remaining teeth, or may find that the gaps in their smile are affecting their self-esteem.

Plainfield Family Dental can help you find the best solution for your needs, such as complete dentures.

Complete dentures use replacement teeth which are fitted into a plastic base, which is crafted to closely resemble the look of your gums. As these are a total replacement for all teeth of either the upper or lower arch, or both, any remaining teeth will need to be extracted before your dentures can be placed.

Types of Dentures

Conventional Complete Dentures

For conventional dentures, you can be fitted once any necessary tooth extractions have been performed and your mouth has fully healed.

An upper denture includes the teeth and a plastic base that resembles your gums. They cover the roof of your mouth (palate) as well. These form a seal with your gums and palate to help hold them in place.

The lower denture, on the other hand, has a horseshoe shape in order to allow room for your tongue.

Implant-Supported Complete Dentures

A modern variant on complete dentures, implant-supported dentures use a minimal number of dental implants to allow the dentures to attach more securely. These have the benefit of making the denture more stable and secure, and the implants will help prevent some additional bone loss.

As dental implants need to be anchored into your jaw bone, just as your natural teeth would be, you will need to have sufficient bone tissue to be eligible for implant-retained dentures.

Immediate Dentures

For patients who need dentures right away, immediate dentures are an option. These are fabricated in a dental lab before your remaining teeth have been removed, so they will be ready to be placed right away. This means you won’t be without teeth during the time when your mouth is healing.

Keep in mind that your mouth will change during the healing process. This may require your dentures to need relining. In some cases, Dr. Williams may recommend a new denture entirely.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you are interested in learning more about complete dentures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams.

Call 317-839-8684

Tooth-colored Fillings

by cemadmin | May 8, 2020 | General Dentistry

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Most people are familiar with dental fillings as the type of restoration most commonly used to treat tooth decay.

What are Fillings?

There are many types of materials that may be used for fillings, however, including composite tooth fillings which are able to match the color of your teeth, making them far less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings which were more common in the past.

Composite fillings also have the benefit of being mercury-free, and ideal for patients who have metal sensitivities.

When might I need a filling?

At your regular dental exams, Dr. Williams will check your teeth for signs of decay, typically by checking the spots he suspects with a dental probe.

Dental X-rays can reveal the exact location and full extent of any present tooth decay.

Depending on which tooth has the cavity, the area can typically be numbed by the use of a local anesthetic which will ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.

Dr. Williams will remove the decayed and damaged area of the tooth, after which the composite filling material will be placed and sculpted into shape. This material will ultimately be hardened with a special curing light that allows it to bond with your tooth.

“Went in to replace an old filling and was done in 30 minutes. No pain either! I have been going to see Dr. Williams and his crew for several years and always have had great experiences with them. Thank you for being a great team.”

Wendy D.

Caring for your tooth after a filling

Having a tooth treated with a tooth-colored filling doesn’t make it immune to further decay. Good oral hygiene at home is still vital for keeping the rest of the tooth cavity-free and for preventing tooth decay from forming under the filling.

Be sure to brush twice a day and floss as directed. Using a toothpaste with fluoride is best, as this should make your teeth more resistant to decay.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We are looking forward to caring for you and your family!

Call 317-839-8684

Oral Wellness Visits

by cemadmin | May 8, 2020 | General Dentistry

Dental Exams

Good oral health begins with routine cleanings and checkups. Dr. Williams and our team will make sure that you are in good shape.

A dental exam isn’t just a matter of looking for cavities, however—your oral health can affect your entire body.

During your checkup, Dr. Williams will check for gum disease, TMJ, oral cancer, dry mouth, halitosis, cavities, and other problems. If an issue is diagnosed, we’ll explain what was found and recommend a course of treatment.

Two-thirds of your teeth are hidden below the gum line, which is why our team will take periodic x-rays so that Dr. Williams can see what is happening below the surface and identify problems early before they begin causing you pain.

Prophylaxis

A professional cleaning can clear away tartar, a hardened form of plaque that you can’t remove at home.

Our hygienists can remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and polish the surfaces, making the surface smooth and harder for plaque to accumulate between your visits with us.

At the end of your appointment with us, we’ll provide you with a preventative care supply kit that will leave you feeling refreshed and healthy.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, be sure to let us know!

Call 317-839-8684

Teeth Whitening

by cemadmin | Apr 20, 2020 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth Whitening

For those who don’t require more extensive procedures like veneers or dental crowns to treat their discoloration, a teeth whitening treatment is a minimally-invasive way to get a whiter smile.

Not everyone has teeth that are as white as they may want them to be.

Teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, including:

Z

Tooth injuries

Z

Prescription medications

Z

Stains from food and drink

Z

Smoking

At Plainfield Family Dental, we offer Lumibrite and Opalescence GO at-home teeth-whitening.

Custom whitening trays

Lumibrite teeth whitening uses a set of custom-made take-home trays that will be created from an impression Dr. Williams will take of your teeth. You can use the provided bleaching gel to whiten your smile over the course of two weeks. Your custom trays can be used for touch-ups or additional treatments later, as well.

Pre-filled trays

An alternative to over-the-counter whitening products, Opalescence Go uses pre-filled whitening trays, built to conform to any smile. No impressions will need to be taken, and the trays are ready to use right out of the box. Whether you want to use these to start whitening your teeth, or as a method of maintaining a previous whitening, these are a great option for treating your teeth at home.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Let Dr. Williams know if you’re looking to have a whiter and brighter smile and he’ll recommend the option that’s the best fit for your needs.

Call 317-839-8684

Bonding

by cemadmin | Apr 20, 2020 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Bonding

For repairs to minor damage to tooth enamel—things like chips or cracks in teeth—Dr. Williams can use bonding to make your teeth look like new.

What is Bonding?

Dental bonding is a process that uses a tooth-colored composite material for repairing damage to teeth or for filling cavities. It can be used for cosmetic purposes as well. Bonding material can be used to extend teeth to close small gaps, even out teeth, and essentially act as a non-invasive form of a smile makeover.

Dental bonding will typically take only a single visit to our office.

How is bonding done?

Depending on the type of bonding treatment being done, an anesthetic may be used at the start of the procedure.

Z

To prepare your tooth, Dr. Williams will briefly apply an acidic solution to the surface where the bonding material will be attached.

Z

The resin will then be placed and shaped by the doctor before being hardened with a curing light. Dr. Williams will repeat this same process, building up the resin until it is in its final shape.

Z

Once complete, the bonding material is firmly attached to your tooth, and looks and feels smooth. You may notice some slight sensitivity after the treatment, but this should subside shortly afterward.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We are looking forward to caring for you and your family!

Call 317-839-8684

Porcelain Veneers

by cemadmin | Apr 20, 2020 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers

For those who are looking for a complete cosmetic smile makeover, porcelain veneers might be the right treatment for you.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth to give your smile a completely new appearance.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice for patients who have…

Damaged tooth enamel

Years of general wear and tear can take their toll on your teeth. You may have minor chips and cracks, and worn down enamel can leave your teeth looking dull and more yellow than they did in the past.

Discolored teeth

Teeth can become discolored due to a number of different causes, some of which can’t be addressed with a tooth-whitening procedure. If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth, check with Dr. Williams to find out what treatment option will provide you with the best results. Veneers might be the ideal way to have a brilliant white smile again.

Gaps between teeth

Uneven teeth or small spaces between teeth can be addressed without the use of orthodontics. Porcelain veneers can be made in such a way as to close these gaps and give your teeth a straighter, more even appearance.

What’s involved with getting porcelain veneers?

Any dental treatment begins with a thorough checkup with Dr. Williams to ensure your mouth is healthy, and any dental ailments are treated. Your oral health is what’s most important! Once it’s been determined that your mouth is healthy and treatment can proceed, the process of getting dental veneers will usually require two visits to our office over a six-week time period.

APPOINTMENT 1 – Dr. Williams will help select the shade of veneers that will look best for you. To prepare your teeth for bonding, and to make sure the veneers look and fit as best as possible, he will do a minimal amount of reshaping to each tooth that will be receiving a veneer. A local anesthetic will likely be used to keep you comfortable. Once ready for the next step, Dr. Williams will make an impression of your teeth. A dental lab will use this impression when manufacturing your porcelain veneers so that they will be a perfect fit. They will take some time to make, however, so you may be provided with temporary veneers in the meantime.

APPOINTMENT 2 – On your second appointment, Dr. Williams will remove the temporary veneers and place the final ones, completing your new smile.

Taking care of veneers

Routine checkups and cleanings are important no matter what, but, during these regular appointments, Dr. Williams will check your veneers to verify that they’re still in good shape. Porcelain veneers are sturdy and should be able to last for many years.

Veneers cannot be fixed if they are damaged, and will require replacement, so it’s important that you take care of them.

Z

Avoid misusing your teeth for things like tearing open packages, or biting on hard objects.

Z

Continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss. To avoid damaging your veneers while brushing, use a non-abrasive toothpaste.

Z

Veneers will resist staining, but it's still a good idea to brush your teeth after drinking anything that could cause stains, such as red wine, coffee, tea or soft drinks.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

For questions about veneers or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We are looking forward to caring for you and your family!

Call 317-839-8684

Dental Crowns

by cemadmin | Apr 20, 2020 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Crowns

A dental crown looks virtually identical to a natural tooth, but is, in fact, a type of restoration that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth.

What is a crown?

A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a complete covering for a tooth that is used to restore functionality to a tooth that has suffered damage.

When is a crown needed?

Crowns are one of many options available for restoring teeth and may be an option when bonding or other more conservative treatments are not an option. Typically crowns are used to preserve the structural integrity of a tooth that has been damaged or weakened, whether by decay or trauma. They can also be used after a root canal if it’s been decided that the tooth will be too weak to go without one. Dental crowns are also used in combination with dental implants when a single implant is being used to replace one tooth. In this case, the implant acts as the root of the tooth with the crown as the visible part of the tooth.

Crowns are usually made from porcelain and fashioned to look just like the top of a natural tooth.

Getting a Crown from Dr. Williams

Depending on the situation, your new crown can take one or two visits to complete. Your tooth will first need to be prepared for the crown, after which Dr. Williams will make an impression of the area which will be used to design the crown to be a perfect match for your tooth.

Your final crown will be created in a dental lab, using the impression. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. Once your crown is ready, you’ll be asked to return to Plainfield Family Dental in order to have it bonded in place.

How do I care for my crown?

The lifespan of your crown can depend on how well you take care of it. Crowns don’t require any special treatment outside of the same maintenance required by your natural teeth. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss, making sure to remove any plaque from where the crown meets your gumline in order to prevent gum disease.

It’s best to avoid biting into hard food or other objects which might damage your crown (such as fingernails). Let Dr. Williams know if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, as this should be addressed to help protect, not only your crown, but all of your teeth from damage.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

For questions about crowns or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We are looking forward to caring for you and your family!

Call 317-839-8684