dental crown new westminster

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns & Bridges

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1. Will people be able to tell if I have a dental crown or bridge?

Today’s crowns and bridges are made of natural-looking composite materials that make them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

2. How Long Will They Last?

Both dental crowns and bridges will last a good long while, though how long depends on a few factors.
Good oral health requires you to brush and floss on a regular basis because oral hygiene should be your number one priority if you want the procedures to last and be effective in the long run.

You also need to avoid eating unhealthy foods that have a hard surface because it might damage the crown or bridge. Avoid sticky foods to prevent decay and your crown or bridge should last from five to fifteen years.

3. How are crowns placed on teeth?

Crown placement is typically completed in two visits. First, we will remove a thin layer of enamel coating and shape the tooth to provide room for the crown. This process allows the crown to be placed without crowding neighboring teeth or creating an uneven bite. Then we make an impression of the teeth, which is sent to an on-site lab where the crowns will be made from the most advanced materials for long-lasting durability.

The dentist will fit a temporary crown, which is crafted from resin, to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made. At the second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the tooth will be carefully cleaned before the permanent crown is applied using a strong adhesive.

4. Some people having Crowns with black, darkened lines in between their gums and teeth. Are they cause by Crown or Bridges?

The newer all porcelain crowns are an esthetic improvement over older, porcelain fused to metal crowns as if the gumline would recede, the older crowns often showed a metal edge to the crown that originally was hidden from view. Since all porcelain crowns have no metal, no markings are evident if the gum line recedes.

5. If having a root canal and it is quite discolored, can Porcelain Crown be the best approach?

If a tooth that requires root canal therapy discolors, it is an indication that the nerve inside the tooth had died and blood pigments have broken down and been absorbed into the calcified tooth structure. By placing an all ceramic porcelain crown on the tooth, it can restore the tooth to match its neighbors.

6. Should I replace my old crowns?

If your crowns are worn down or damaged, give us a call so that we can plan replacements. We may need to remove the crown and provide you with a new temporary crown until your new permanent crowns are complete.

If you’ve had your crowns for several years, you may be troubled by their aesthetics. Older materials used to create crowns were not as natural-looking and lifelike as today’s modern crowns. Metal crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal may be a giveaway that you’ve had dental work done, and we completely understand that you want your smile to look its best.

We are happy to examine your teeth and provide a recommendation as to whether your crowns should be replaced. Give our Sapperton Dental Clinic in New Westminster, BC a call to schedule your evaluation.

7. Which foods should avoid for not damaging your Bridges?

Patients fitted with dental bridges are advised by dentists to avoid chewing extensively on foods such as raw vegetables, hard candies, and ice. These foods can cause damage to the bridge, which may require replacement if it cannot be repaired.

8. How many types of Dental Bridges?

There are three types of dental bridges:

  1. Traditional Fixed Bridge: A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.
  2. Resin Bonded Bridges: The resin bonded bridge is primarily used for your front teeth. Less expensive, this bridge is best used when the abutment teeth are healthy and don’t have large fillings. The false tooth is fused to bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin which is hidden from view. This type of bridge reduces the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.
  3. Cantilever Bridges: In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. This procedure involves anchoring the false tooth to one side over one or more natural and adjacent teeth.

9. Which foods should avoid with a temporary dental crown?

Because temporary crowns are made from acrylic, which is less strong than the metal, ceramic or porcelain material of a permanent crown, you must take extra precautions. Limit the amount of chewing you do on the side of your mouth where your temporary crown is located. Avoid chewing on hard candies, nuts and very crunchy fresh vegetables such as carrots on the same side of the mouth as your temporary crown. Until your permanent crown is in place, don’t eat sticky desserts or candy, including caramels, licorice, jelly beans, taffy, toffee and gummy bears, as they could pull the temporary crown off your tooth. Avoid chewing gum for the same reason.

10. Which foods should avoid for permanent dental crowns?

  • Hot foods: Some individuals experience a mild-to-severe sensitivity in and around a crowned tooth when eating hot foods, particularly if they are affected by gum recession. If the problem persists, consult your dentist as the crown’s fit may require adjustment.
  • Cold foods: Although they do not harm your crown, such foods can trigger sensitivity similar to that caused by hot foods if any part of your gum recedes enough to expose the root above a crowned tooth. Your dentist may suggest that you use a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth; such toothpaste work by blocking the sensation traveling from the tooth to the nerves.
    Sugary foods: Avoid constant exposure to sugary drinks, candy or gum, keep snacking to a minimum, and brush or rinse your teeth after eating chewy or sticky foods such as dried fruit.

11. How do I care for my crowns and bridges?

It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene, making sure to brush and floss twice a day. Avoid biting on hard foods like nuts and candy that can potentially fracture the restoration.

new westminster dentist factchecking

FactCheck: Misconceptions about Dental Health?

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Without a doubt, the biggest misconception the public has about dental health is that the effects of dental diseases are limited only to the teeth and gums. It can and does negatively impact the overall health of the body. Yet, as destructive as dental disease can be, most people, including many dentists and physicians, still believe that the damage it does is limited to the oral cavity. But the fact is that numerous scientific studies no longer support that long-held assumption.

Are Amalgam (Silver) Fillings Safe?

new westminster dentist filling

No, they are not safe because elemental mercury makes up 50% of an amalgam filling and it continuously releases mercury vapor – much more (as you will see) when it is stimulated by many common actions, such as tooth brushing, grinding and eating. Eighty percent of the mercury released enters the body and every atom of mercury that enters it is harmful.

Mercury is the most poisonous, naturally occurring, non-radioactive substance on our planet. The World Health Organization, WHO, says there is no safe level of mercury and has stated that amalgam fillings are the greatest single source of mercury exposure, surpassing fish and other sources of mercury. Three European countries, Norway, Denmark and Sweden have permanently banned amalgam fillings and they can no longer be used as a filling material.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a ceiling limit of 100mcg/Hg/m3 (micrograms/mercury/cubic meter of air) for facilities using elemental mercury. If the levels of mercury vapor in the building reach 100mcg/Hg/m3 the employees have to leave as it is considered toxic and unsafe for employees. (Just one microgram of mercury contains 3 trillion atoms of it.) Yet the simple act of brushing just one amalgam filling can release more than 250mcg/Hg/m3. This can never be considered a small amount and this is just from one tooth!

Bleeding gums is normal. It happens to everyone!

bleeding gums new westminster

FACT: Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease, which means there’s nothing normal about it. It only means that you haven’t visited your dentist for quite some time now and that a lot of calculus (hard deposits stuck on your teeth) have already accumulated, making your gums swell and bleed. Gum disease if left untreated may cause the loss of your teeth.

I brush properly, I don’t need to floss.

FACT: Wrong. Brushing cleans only 65% of your teeth. What about the other 35%? These are the surfaces in between your teeth which the toothbrush cannot reach (even if you use ultra-thin bristles). Only a dental floss can remove food debris stuck in those areas. Neglecting to floss (which you should do at least every night) may lead to cavities you won’t even notice because…yes, you guessed it right..they are formed in between your teeth and can be detected only by dental x-rays.

It’s just baby teeth..it will be replaced anyway. No need for my kid to see the dentist.

FACT: Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth. A lot of parents are misinformed about this. Imagine your child experiencing severe toothache just because you haven’t brought him/her to the dentist before. Cavities on baby teeth should be filled and restored before they lead to a toothache or infection. They also play a big role in guiding the erupting permanent teeth to the right position. If a baby tooth is removed too early (might be due to severe decay), the space for the erupting permanent tooth is usually lost resulting in misalignment.

Dentist = Pain

FACT: So many people are afraid of the dental office. Dental phobia is a common reason why patients don’t go to their appointments. They always associate the dentist as to someone who inflicts pain…a lot of it. Well, this is not true. Most routine dental procedures such as scaling, polishing, and tooth fillings can be done without anesthesia. Though some might experience some sensitivity and discomfort, these procedures are often well-tolerated.

Well-aligned teeth have only an aesthetic value.

FACT: A beautiful smile can boost a person’s confidence at any stage in his/her life. But, having straight teeth also means an easier-to-maintain good oral hygiene which is a habit we all want to develop at an early age. When there’s crowding of the teeth, some surfaces (the overlapping parts) are not brushed properly, eventually leading to gum disease and/or tooth decay. In addition, correction of a bad bite produces an even distribution of biting forces on all the teeth, reducing the risk of trauma to the jaw joints as compared to someone whose teeth do not occlude properly or do not touch at all (open bite). Getting an orthodontic assessment from your dentist will determine if you have a malocclusion that needs correcting.

Dental scaling will abrade my teeth.

FACT: Everything done in excess is bad for you. Dental scaling and polishing if done at the right intervals will not do any damage to your teeth. This interval is usually 6 months apart unless otherwise recommended by your dental clinic. Patients who are prone to gum disease may need to see their dental health practitioner every 3-4 months.

It’s alright to wear my dentures 24/7.

FACT: Removing your dentures before going to bed at night is recommended. This lets your gums breathe from the constant pressure of the dentures. It also gives you the opportunity to care for your dentures by soaking them in a denture cleaning solution. Dentures if left unclean might become home to a lot of bacteria causing sores and irritation to the gums and palate.

Dental treatments cost a fortune.

FACT: The only reason you will have to spend so much on a dental treatment is that you didn’t take care of your teeth as much as you should have. As the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Neglect, or rather, the result of neglect is always costlier than the routine dental appointments that pop up on your calendar twice a year.

What do the Dentists Say?

We gathered some quotes from dentists practicing in BC to see what they think. You can see their comments below.

Dr. Sandeep Sachdeva

The biggest misconceptions in dentistry are: “There is only a problem if I have pain” and “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” There’s often no pain associated with oral cancer, endodontic problems (tooth pulp), and periodontal disease (gum disease). The other problem is that many patients are afraid to take X-rays. Often, the only way to diagnose a dental problem is with an X-ray.

Dr. Sarika Sachdeva

People take their teeth for granted. Good dental health doesn’t just happen. Many of us need to take simple steps on a regular basis — steps like brushing, flossing, and minimizing the frequency and volume of the sugars that we consume. Others have a harder time simply because of genetics, traumatic events, congenital problems, or systemic diseases. But whatever the personal situation, the simple fact remains that each individual needs to truly consider the importance of their teeth for appearance, for speech, and for eating. Without teeth, we truly are handicapped. Developing the right habits and following them regularly will help each individual maintain his teeth and oral health for a lifetime.

new westminster dentures

Dentures – Frequently Asked Questions

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Dentures are extremely durable and can last for many years, but eventually, they might need to be repaired, adjusted, or replaced. This is because, just like your regular teeth, they need to be properly taken care of. Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles to carefully brush dentures, as well as make sure they are kept moist at all times when not in use. Keeping your dentures moist and your tongue and gums clean is important because of the harmful bacteria that can form otherwise.

  1. What should I expect on my first visit?
    Our Dentist’s goal during the first visit is to assess your condition to see if you’re a good candidate for dentures and give you a reasonable expectation of the function, appearance, and cost of those dentures. Our Dentist will perform an examination of your mouth as well as a general health assessment. They will ask if you’re under a Physician’s care or if you have any health conditions or allergies that may affect the denture process. Your information will not be shared with anyone and is taken in the strictest confidence. After the examination, our Dentist will give you a detailed overview of the results you can expect from new dentures, including an approximate cost.
  2. What is the average cost of dentures?
    Denture fees vary widely based on many factors including the complexity of your particular treatment and the time required to accomplish the treatment. The best way to determine the fees is to contact our Sapperton Dental Office in New Westminster so we can discuss the payment and care you may need.
  3. What are different types of dentures available? There are four main types of dentures to consider.
    Complete Dentures: When most people think of dentures, they tend to picture complete dentures, which are full replacements for all of your teeth. This can be a full set of either upper or lower teeth or a combined set for your entire mouth.
    Complete dentures have to be properly fitted for optimum comfort and can last 5 to 10 years given proper care. These can typically be made six months after tooth extraction, once your gums have had time to heal.
    Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are put into place immediately after tooth extraction and are used as a temporary set while your bone and tissue stabilize following tooth extraction. There are a number of benefits to immediate dentures, although they may require frequent adjustments while your jaw heals into place.
    Overdentures: Overdentures are similar to complete dentures. The difference is that not all teeth are extracted and one or more natural teeth are used for support. This type of denture provides greater stabilization during chewing. Overdentures can be more costly than complete dentures and usually require more appointments to get them properly fitted in place.
    Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are designed to correct the gaps in your smile when only some of your teeth are missing. Metal attachments anchor the dentures to your natural teeth. Partial dentures maintain tooth alignment by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting. Partial dentures can also help you prevent further tooth loss due to decay or gum disease.
  4. When will I receive my dentures?
    The length of time it takes to receive a completed set of dentures depends on your individual condition. Our Dentist will give you an estimate based on your individual situation.Our Dentist needs time to ensure the new set is properly crafted and fitted, but they also understand your desire to have them fast, and they will do their best to balance these two factors.
  5. Do I have to wear denture adhesives?
    Dentures are custom-designed for a comfortable and good fit for you. As a result, they often don’t require the regular use of an adhesive. Poor-fitting dentures must be checked by your dentist as soon as possible to eliminate discomfort and the potential for irritation.
  6. Will the dentures fit properly?
    Our Dentist will skillfully assess your personal physical characteristics to create a pair of customized dentures that will support and protect your delicate gums; allow you to speak, chew and use your mouth naturally; blend in with existing teeth; and compliment your natural facial structure and characteristics. The base materials, tooth materials, and colors of teeth are all chosen based on the shape of your face, your natural complexion, and the presence of existing teeth, and are completely unique to you.Our Dentist is a highly skilled craftsman, and you can be sure your new dentures not only fit well, but look natural, complimenting your existing facial features.
    Well crafted dentures are designed to feel as natural as possible in your mouth, however, there may be a brief adjustment period. Most patients find that after a week of continuous wear, the oral cavity has adjusted to the new teeth perfectly, although it can take a bit longer for others. Be patient and continue to wear your dentures. They will feel as if you’ve been wearing them forever in no time.
  7. When can I wear my dentures?
    This is personal preference, however, we recommend that you wear your dentures as much as possible. It is widely agreed upon that you should sleep without your dentures, however, if you choose to sleep with them it is important to keep your denture extremely clean. Remove them at least once a day and brush the tissues underlying the dentures with a soft toothbrush. This removes any plaque build up along with any food debris; it also stimulates the blood vessels which is an essential part of healthy tissue.
  8. Will dentures affect the way I eat?
    Like anything new, you need time to adapt to your new denture. Chewing is one of the skills that need to be adapted when you receive either replacement dentures or you are first dentures. You can help yourself accommodate by taking smaller portions and chewing slowly and avoiding sticky or tough foods for a little while. You should soon see an improvement due to the new dentures being more efficient as the chewing surfaces have less wear.
  9. How do I care for my dentures?
    Whitening: It is not possible to whiten dentures like natural teeth because dentures are made of plastic. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria. Brushing with a denture brush or soft toothbrush will prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and keep your mouth healthy. Moisten the brush and apply a non-abrasive soap or denture paste (regular toothpaste is too abrasive). Brush every surface, inside and out, scrubbing gently. A variety of over-the-counter denture cleanser products may be safely used (by following the manufacturer’s instructions) to remove most stains. Do not use bleach on your dentures unless your dentist or prosthodontist gives you special instructions on using bleach. Dilute household bleach can be used to clean and disinfect your dentures, but don’t use bleach until you see your prosthodontist for instructions. More stubborn stains may require removal by your prosthodontist.
    Brushing: Do not brush your dentures with normal toothpaste. Toothpaste are designed to be used on teeth, and they often contain materials and chemicals that help whiten and strengthen teeth but may harm dentures, which are made of a very durable plastic. Even though the plastic is strong, it is not as strong as the enamel of teeth and may be scratched by using toothpaste to clean your dentures. You should use a dishwashing liquid and a special denture brush to clean your dentures by hand every day. After rinsing them thoroughly, soak your dentures in water-based cleaning solution overnight.
    Moreover, it is advisable to rinse your dentures and your mouth after every meal however at least once a day the dentures should be brushed to remove any plaque accumulation and food debris, and then use a denture soak. It is also advisable to brush your gums to remove any debris including any residual dental adhesive.
    Repairing broken dentures: The best solution is to return to the prosthodontist who made your dentures and have the cracked denture repaired professionally. It may seem easy to fix, but it is important that the repair is done correctly to prevent problems with chewing and to avoid any sore spots. The prosthodontist also needs to check the denture and adjust it after it is repaired. The denture may be too old and may no longer fit closely to your gums, and you may need a new denture.
  10. What kind of denture cleaner should I use?
    There are many brands of denture cleaners on the market and what brand to use is usually down to personal preference. However, it should be noted that household bleach and everyday toothpaste can harm the denture. If you notice a lot a tartar or plaque buildup you may also use white vinegar to soak your dentures and then brush off any residual build up. Remember that you can have your denture professionally cleaned by a Dentist in a matter of minutes.
  11. How often should I visit my Denturist after getting my dentures?
    You should have a check-up with your Dentist once a year for optimal performance of your dentures. During this annual visit, you Dentist can spot any issues or abnormalities that need to be taken care of, and they can recommend you to a specialist should you require further medical attention.