What Houston General Dentistry Services and Treatments Does Meyerland Family Dentistry Offer?
No matter how well we take care of our teeth, everyone eventually needs to visit the dentist. When it’s time for your family to receive a little smile-related maintenance, Meyerland Family Dentistry can provide needed dental services to every member of your household. Some of the general treatments we offer include:
In addition to the above, Meyerland Family Dentistry also performs an array of cosmetic and preventative treatments, including cleanings.
Dentures, Bridges and Crowns Replace the Function of Natural
Your teeth are designed to work together as a single unit. When some of them are lost to illness or injury, the remaining teeth are placed under additional stress and are more likely to experience damage. Over time, parts of the jawbone are resorbed by the body, and this can affect how your face appears. Dentures, bridges and crowns are cost effective options to replace missing teeth and support remaining teeth. Here’s a quick look at all three:
Dentures
Dentures can be bonded permanently in the mouth, but they are often designed to be removable and can replace a few teeth or all of them. Dentures are precisely machined so that they fit in the patient’s mouth perfectly. This improves comfort and appearance.
Bridges
Bridges can also be removable or placed permanently. They are ideal for replacing a single tooth, as the bridge is bonded to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. To accommodate the bridge, dentists will first shape the abutment teeth to produce a better fit.
Crowns
Crowns are another option for replacing a single tooth and are indicated when an existing tooth is too damaged or decayed to repair. Over two visits, the dentist will clean out any decay, remove the damaged part of the tooth and place a porcelain crown in its place.
Fillings and Sealants Protect Teeth From Damage and Decay
Dental fillings and sealants are used to either protect teeth from cavities or to prevent them in the first place. Once a cavity emerges, it will gradually compromise the tooth’s integrity and could cause extensive decay if not addressed. To address it, dentists clean out the cavity and fill it with synthetic material. This prevents the cavity from spreading and reinforces the tooth’s structure.
Fillings Repair, Sealants Protect
Dental sealants are applied to a tooth’s chewing surface. They act like a barrier against food and germs, keeping them from getting into your teeth’s grooves and causing a cavity. Sealants are easy, quick and painless to apply, and they are safe for use with children. Once in place, the sealant will help protect teeth from the majority of cavities for several years.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss and mimic the look, feel and function of natural teeth better than other replacement options. They include the entire tooth structure, from root to crown, and the implantation process takes place over several weeks. Here’s what the process looks like:
A Titanium Root is Placed in the Jaw
After developing a custom treatment plan, the dentist will prepare the implant area and place a titanium root in your jaw. A temporary implant covers this and will be in place for 2-3 months while the jaw heals.
An Abutment is Attached to the Root
Once the jaw has healed, an abutment is placed on top of the root. The abutment is what attaches the crown to the root and holds it in place.
Dental Impressions are Taken
To ensure optimal fit and appearance, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to model your bite and will be referenced when fabricating replacement crowns.
The Crown is Placed
When the replacement crowns have been fabricated, the temporary implant is removed and the final, permanent implant is placed. If taken care of properly, your implant may last for the rest of your life.
If indicated, we can extract teeth that cannot be otherwise repaired. In some cases, extraction is necessary when a tooth is poorly positioned. The extraction process involves a local anesthetic and though you may feel some pressure during treatment, this is normal.
Following extraction, we will review possible replacement options. Losing permanent teeth can result in loss of bone in the jaw, and that can lead to additional complications. Tooth replacement is the most effective way to prevent this from occurring.
Every year, dentists perform more than 10 million root canals. The process is nonsurgical, and pain can be eliminated with a local anesthetic.
Inside the tooth, a collection of blood vessels called the pulp keep it nourished. If these vessels are infected or damaged, it will cause pain, swelling and leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage. During a root canal, the dentist will access the pulp, clean out any affected or infected tissue and seal the tooth.
Better Dental Health Means Better Overall Health
Your dental health affects more than your teeth, gums and mouth. It affects your entire body. Good dental health will defend against infection and will reduce your risk of developing serious disease like diabetes and heart disease.
Fortunately, with basic tooth maintenance that includes regular trips to the dentist, your family’s dental health and accompanying smiles can be kept in perfect condition.
