What do you say to patients who have concerns about dental x-rays?
Posted 03/21/2022
Perhaps the most common reason for putting a crown on a tooth is that it previously held a large filling that now needs replacement due to additional decay, but there was not enough healthy tooth structure remaining in which to set a filling.
A crown can be used to stabilize any kind of fracture in a tooth, other than a fracture that has cracked to the root of the tooth. A filling would not stabilize the tooth, but simply fill the cavity. Crowns are strong enough and mechanically sound enough to withstand the same type of forces that a natural teeth experiences while functioning in the mouth.
A crown is considered a conservative treatment because it allows us to save the tooth instead of extracting it. There is minimal removal of the tooth surface in order to securely place a crown with the same amount of overall space between the teeth. By saving the tooth we also keep the surrounding teeth on either side from moving and endangering the integrity and stability of the patient’s bite.
The average life expectancy of a crown is ten to twenty years, at the very least five years. At West Park Dental we carefully place crowns with the goal of having them last for many years. In our practice, it is not uncommon for me, as a newly practicing general dentist, to see a patient for the first time and learn that a crown in their mouth was done by my father Dr. Michael Gallagher in the 1990’s—over 20 years ago! I am proud of my father for the work he has done, especially when I see it from this perspective as a dentist myself and hear first-hand testimonials from happy patients.
Dr. Brian Gallagher
West Park Dental
Cleveland, OH
New Patients Welcome
www.westparksmiles.com
Posted 08/31/2020
Family Dentistry
If you are looking for a gentle, courteous, and friendly dentist, then you've come to the right place. Our practice offers dental services for the entire family. Your oral health has a significant impact on your overall well being and our team is dedicated to providing you and your family with the best dental care possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry
The first thing most people notice about you is your smile. Advances in cosmetic dental care have made it possible for a dentist with the right training, qualifications and expertise to completely redesign your smile.
Dental Implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, and wish to eat your favorite foods, increase your chewing ability, and improve your appearance, speech, and self-esteem, then you are a candidate for dental implants. The doctors at West Park Dental use the latest implant technology so you can smile again with confidence. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.
Sleep Apnea
Do you find yourself waking at night gasping for breath? Are you exhausted all day long because you just can't get a good night's sleep?
'Apnea' is a Greek word meaning "without breath"; people who have apnea literally stop breathing in their sleep. A cessation of breath lasting for 10 seconds in adults, or 2 and 1/2 breath cycles in a child, is the clinical definition of sleep apnea.
X-rays are used for diagnostic purposes, and to protect the patient from oral health problems that could arise—or are currently present—which would not be discovered without the use of this important diagnostic tool.
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Posted 03/14/2022
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