Dental Bridges

Broken or missing teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, trauma to the mouth can fracture a tooth or knock it out completely. In addition, gum disease can cause tooth decay and possibly lead to tooth loss. The good news is at Dr. Ivi Sanguinetti’s Baytown Family and Cosmetic Dentist; we offer restorative services that include dental bridges.

 

A bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. It may be supported by dental implants or natural teeth. A conventional bridge includes two crowns on both sides of the gap. The bridge is attached to the crowns, which act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

 

Usually two appointments are needed in order to have a traditional dental bridge placed. The process of getting a bridge will involve preparing the adjacent teeth for the crowns. Preparation involves removing any decay and shaping and filing the teeth. An impression of the teeth is taken so the bridge can be made. While you wait for your permanent bridge to be made, a temporary one will be placed.

 

Bridges are made from durable materials, such as porcelain, gold or alloy. In some cases, a combination of materials will be used. Proper maintenance of a bridge is essential in order to prevent cavities from developing underneath. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are needed.

Lumineers

Lumineers are not just porcelain veneers; they are a special brand of veneers. Lumineers are made of extremely thin material — about the thickness of a contact lens — and placed over the tooth without in many instances requiring the removal of any of the original tooth structure. They are also highly translucent, which allows them to replicate the appearance of enamel for a more natural looking finished product. The truly remarkable quality about Lumineers, though, is the fact that they have the durability to last 20 years or more.

 

Here in our Baytown, TX dental office, we believe in minimizing pain whenever possible. The fact that Lumineers placed by Dr Ivi Z. Sanguinetti DDS require so little preparation to the existing tooth means there is little pain involved in the procedure.

 

Lumineers require two dental visits:

 

1) During the first visit, we create a precise mold and work with you to select the desired whiteness level.

2) We place the new Lumineers on the second visit and you're on your way.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography is one of the most technologically advanced products available to the medical field today. While traditional systems are effective, there are many features of digital X-ray machines that help create a better overall image of your mouth. Not many dentists have taken advantage of this technology and are still utilizing traditional radiography technology. We have brought this technology to our practice in order to properly diagnose our patients.

 

Digital radiography can be compared to traditional when it comes to taking the image, but that’s where the comparison ends. Both systems use small sensors to capture an image but the digital sensors are electronic and connect to the computer system rather than an x-ray machine. Unlike traditional x-rays, digital x-rays are available immediately. Patients no longer have to wait for the x-ray images to be developed and printed. Patient wait times are down considerably and their office visits are getting shorter and shorter. 

 

Studies have shown that digital x-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional systems. Patients who are concerned about radiation exposure are feeling much more comfortable with the digital method. Along with the lessening of radiation exposure, Dr. Sanguinetti is receiving a higher quality image. Higher quality images afford Dr. Sanguinetti the opportunity to correctly and precisely diagnose her patients more effectively. The most valued aspect of the digital x-ray system is the fact that it is environmentally friendly. There are no harmful chemicals used to develop the image because it is displayed on the computer screen. The whole process is computerized and has no waste whatsoever. Even the sensor is reusable. 

Preventative Dental Care

Preventive dentistry is performing procedures on the teeth and gums that will prevent future problems. This can range from daily brushing and flossing to regular dental cleanings to application of fluorides and sealants. Our team works hard to make sure our patients are properly diagnosed and treated through the use of preventative dentistry.

 

Every patient has different dental needs when it comes to prevention. It has been well documented that oral health can have a wide ranging impact on overall health and well-being, so regular check-ups are imperative when it comes to proper diagnosis and treatment. Preventative dentistry is based on sound clinical examinations and diagnosis. Through regular dental visits, x-rays, sealants, cleanings and fluoride treatments, patients are able to prevent more costly dental procedures further down the line. Waiting to see a dentist until something hurts is not recommended. Dr. Ivi Z. Sanguinetti believes in catching the problems before it progresses to the point of pain and infection.

 

Not only can patients take preventative steps by visiting their dentist, they can also take steps at home. During office visits, Dr. Sanguinetti puts an emphasis on preventative care to his patients. Preventive care is the basic things patients should be doing to take care of their teeth and gums: brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet. You should brush at least twice a day and incorporate a regular flossing routine. Creating a regular oral hygiene routine at home will help maintain a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Call today to schedule your dental cleaning!

Bridges

For missing teeth, our patients have an option, and often choose dental bridges. It is a long lasting restoration option that lets patients replace one or multiple missing teeth to prevent shifting of the other teeth and potential bone loss that can occur if those teeth are not replaced. The main requirement of bridges is that there is an adjacent natural tooth on either side of the missing tooth, as this is the tether to the bridge.

 

A dental bridge here at Ivi Z. Sanguinetti DDS,PA is made with a crown on the adjacent teeth, and a prosthetic tooth where the tooth is missing. All three components are attached together, forming a bridge that looks like the patient’s natural teeth. The crowns over their natural teeth are made using impressions of their tooth, so nobody notices the different. The bridge is made from porcelain, metal, gold, or alloy.

 

In many cases, a temporary bridge is worn until the patient can have the permanent bridge bonded to their mouth. This improves their ability to eat and speak, but it also helps to prevent the shifting of their other teeth.

 

Our dentist, Dr. Ivi Sanguinetti recommends patients get bridges with multiple teeth missing as opposed to risking complications. Visit us in Baytown, TX to learn more about bridges.Call us at 281-421-5950 to make an appointment