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.

Root Canal

When patients are informed that they need a root canal procedure, they often become very fearful and do not want to have the procedure done. The misconception that root canals are painful, cause illness or will further cause damage to their teeth is decades old and holds no truth. Science has come a long way since the first root canal procedure occurred in the 1700’s.

 

The whole point of a root canal procedure is to alleviate pain, not cause more. Root canals are performed by removing the pulp of the tooth that has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pulp is a soft substance that is in the center of the tooth, it consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The most common causes of pulp damage are cracked tooth, deep cavity and an injury to a tooth. We use this procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed and would otherwise be extracted.

 

One of the main misconceptions regarding root canals focuses on the idea that the procedure “kills” the tooth rather than repairing it. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the area filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. People also think that a root canal procedure is an invasive procedure that takes hours to complete. Modern root canal procedures are often compared to having a routine filling and can be completed in just one visit.

 

Set up an appointment at our Baytown, TX cosmetic and family dental practice by calling 281-421-5950 or visit us online at www.singing-dentist.com.

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. 

Laser Cavity Detection

Laser cavity detection is one of the most technologically advanced tools available to dentists today. We have adopted this technology and our Baytown, TX area patients absolutely love the results they’re seeing and so are we!

 

Without laser detection, it is becoming harder and harder to detect tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay is actually microscopic tears in your tooth enamel? Once the decay has penetrated the enamel, it quickly spreads itself into the softer surface underneath. Traditional X-ray devices are unable to detect this decay. We use our Non invasive laser cavity detection by beaming laser light onto the chewing area of your teeth. While scanning your teeth, the readout portion of the machine checks the density of your tooth structure. It then calculates the possibility of tooth decay. When increased light wavelengths register, our team will be notified that there might be some decay in this area.

 

By detecting your tooth decay earlier, we are able to prevent cavities from forming. When we find a weak area, we will apply fluoride that will remove the tooth decay during its early stages, stopping the cavity from ever forming. If a cavity is detected before it penetrates the dentin, we can apply a dental sealant to the area in order to prevent the cavity from fully forming. Early detection is the best way for you to avoid potentially invasive, costly dental procedures that wouldn’t have been necessary if the symptoms were found earlier. Visit Dr. Ivi Sanguinetti in our Baytown, TX practice for a consultation today!