General Dentistry for Frisco Families

Crowns (caps)

Questions to ask:

• Why is a dental crown needed?
• What types of crowns are available?
• What steps are involved in preparing a tooth for a crown?
• How should I care for my temporary dental crown?
• What problems could develop with a dental crown?
• What are "onlays" and "¾ crowns"?
• How long do dental crowns last?
• Does a crowned tooth require special care?
• How much do crowns cost?

A dental cap, or more correctly, dental crown, is a metal, porcelain or plastic whole-tooth covering.  A filling fills a part of the tooth whereas a cap covers the whole tooth.

What's the difference between a crown and a cap?  Nothing: dentists usually call them crowns and patients sometimes call them caps. Contact us today for a free consultation 469-633-0550 or click on our online form.

Composite (Tooth Colored) Fillings

What are the advantages of tooth colored fillings (white fillings)?

• They closely match natural tooth color and appearance.
• They bond to tooth structure chemically and thus do not require the placement of slots, grooves or pins in healthy tooth structure to mechanically retain them.
• The bonding of white fillings to the tooth restore 85% - 95% of the original strength of the tooth.
• They completely harden in seconds instead of days required by some other materials.
• Tooth sensitivity, if any, due to composite resin use is minimal and brief.
• They may be used on front and back teeth without compromising esthetics.
• If damaged they can be repaired.

Tooth colored fillings, also called white fillings, are dental fillings that restore and mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure. In addition to restoring teeth that have fractured or decayed, tooth colored fillings may also be used cosmetically to change the size, color and shape of teeth. This quality is particularly useful in closing gaps between teeth; repairing chipped teeth and making teeth appear to be more straight or even.

Inlays & Onlay

Sometimes, a tooth is planned to be restored with an intra-coronal restoration, but the decay or fracture is so extensive that a direct restoration, such as amalgam or composite, would compromise the structural integrity of the restored tooth or provide substandard opposition to occlusion (i.e., biting) forces. In such situations, an indirect gold or porcelain inlay restoration may be indicated. When an inlay is used, the tooth-to-restoration margin may be finished and polished to such a super-fine line of contact that recurrent decay will be all but impossible.What are the advantages of tooth colored fillings (white fillings)?

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction is the use of many methods of dentistry to create the correct relationship between gums, bones, muscles, and teeth. The mouth is a complex machine; without a proper bite, chewing can become impaired, teeth can become worn, the jaw and neck can become sore, and even migraines can occur. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants, and teeth whitening are all potential procedures used in a full mouth reconstruction. The result is a perfect smile!

Make an appointment with Dr. Joshua Maxwell at his Frisco Dental Office today and learn more about how you can Renew your smile! 469-633-0550