The Benefits & Disadvantages of Cosmetic Veneers

Cosmetic veneers are an excellent way to improve your grin from ear to ear. Especially if your teeth are chipped, crooked, very out of shape or will not and cannot be whitened. The benefits of cosmetic veneers are that they can be done in only a few visits, the color easily changes, and the porcelain has the real look of teeth and will not stain. The main disadvantage is that the teeth sometimes have to be shaped so it’s generally not a reversible procedure. But cosmetic veneers will give you the smile everyone desires. 

Benefits 

• Translucent Natural Looking Teeth

Porcelain used for veneers is white and translucent. Light reflects off of it just like it reflects off of tooth enamel. The light actually reflects off of the layer below the veneer. The layer of yellow dentin that’s under the enamel is what the dental adhesive uses to bond to the layer underneath the porcelain veneer. As a result, the porcelain veneers look like your natural teeth and the teeth look naturally white. People often don’t realize the beautiful white teeth they see on their favorite singer, movie star or co-worker are actually dental veneers.

• Stain Resistant 

Porcelain used for veneers is white and translucent. Light reflects off of it just like it reflects off of tooth enamel. The light actually reflects off of the layer below the veneer. The layer of yellow dentin that’s under the enamel is what the dental adhesive uses to bond to the layer underneath the porcelain veneer. As a result, the porcelain veneers look like your natural teeth and the teeth look naturally white. People often don’t realize the beautiful white teeth they see on their favorite singer, movie star or co-worker are actually dental veneers.

• Whiten Your Teeth Quickly And Easily

Your teeth can get stained and yellow from years of cigarette smoking, drinking coffee and eating highly pigmented foods. Installing porcelain veneers can give you the clean, white teeth you want quickly and easily. Bleaching your teeth clean can take time and is only a temporary solution for stained teeth. Unless you stop smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, the unattractive stains will return. One of the major advantages of installing porcelain veneers over stained teeth, is the stains are gone forever. When you have porcelain veneers, you can literally wipe the stains off of them.

Disadvantages: 

• The Veneers Can Get Damaged

One of the problems with veneers is they sometimes chip and crack. Carelessly biting on hard non-food items can cause damage that shortens the cosmetic veneers lifespan. If a chip

shortens the veneers lifespan, some wonder are veneers good or bad options for tooth repair? The question people ask is not can veneers strengthen teeth, but are potential problems with veneers worth it? The downsides of veneers is a dental veneer’s pros and cons assessment can reveal several problems with veneers. Biting a pen cover can cause chips and cracks that reduce the veneer’s lifespan and make them have to be replaced.

• Veneers Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity

When the dentist removes the layer of tooth enamel to install a dental veneer, it can cause the tooth to develop increased sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and food. One of the disadvantages of veneers is potentially not preventing hot or cold drinks and food from irritating sensitive teeth. This is one of the disadvantages that make people avoid veneers. However, the tooth sensitivity is often mild, temporary or it doesn’t happen at all. Concern about tooth sensitivity makes some people wonder are veneers

good or bad for you.

• Much Shorter Lifespans Than Bridges And Dental Crowns

The veneer’s lifespan is often shorter than that of bridges, dental crowns and other types of dental restorations. This doesn’t make veneers good or bad. However, it’s something to consider when weighing the merits of dental veneers pros and cons. What is most important to you when choosing the best dental care? Is it the dental veneer’s lifespan compared to dental appliances? Is it deciding are veneers good or bad or is the look, feel, function, convenience and durability most important? Is durability one of the most important benefits of getting veneers? Then ask your dentist for clarity about the veneer’s lifespan.

Back in the day  when you were still a child, losing a tooth meant a visit from the tooth fairy. Cheerlessly, as soon as you got all your permanent teeth, it became significantly less entertaining. There is a bundle of logic why you might need a tooth extraction to maintain your oral health, such as tooth impaction, to stop overcrowding, or a decayed tooth. While a tooth extraction may not be enjoyable it’s not as eerie or harrowing as it once was. With modern procedures and several sedation choices, When a tooth needs to be pulled, our team strives to ensure you feel comfortable from beginning to end. Read on to learn about both types of  tooth extractions and most frequently asked questions why a tooth or teeth may need to be pulled.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL EXTRACTIONS

There are diverse reasons that a tooth might need to be extracted. To begin, the team at San Marcos Dental Center will resolve the reason for your dental problem. Then, they will be able to determine which kind of tooth removal best matches your case. Almost all dental extractions fall into two major categories:

• SIMPLE EXTRACTION
  A dentist will perform a simple extraction if the tooth can be seen over the gums. It can be loosened using a tool known as an elevator, and then the crown and root are removed from the jawbone and gum tissue. This method is usually selected when a tooth is seriously infected, very decayed, or irreparable, or to make room for overcrowded teeth.
• SURGICAL EXTRACTION
  A surgical extraction will be conducted if the crown hasn’t fully erupted out of the gums. Therefore, an incision is necessary to get to the tooth below the gums. If necessary, the tooth may be cut into pieces for a smoother extraction. Extraction surgery is usually used to take out the back molars or a tooth that hasn’t erupted.

A dental extraction could be performed for many reasons, such as to prevent decay from spreading, to treat an impaction, or simply to provide your remaining teeth additional space. Dealing with all of these issues at San Marcos Dental Center is key to obtaining your healthiest, most alluring smile. Visit our practice in San Marcos Dental Center to set up a consultation with our knowledgeable staff to determine if a simple or surgical extraction could be the best solution for a healthier, more attractive smile.

If you’re missing one or a few teeth and would choose not to have a bridge or full or partial dentures, you might consider asking your dentist whether you’d be a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants promote  a more natural tooth replacement over  dentures because they’re artificial teeth that are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone. To advance from dental implants, you must be in good health (aside from missing teeth) and have a fully developed and healthy jawbone – healthy gums and a healthy jawbone are needed to support the dental implants.

Dental Implants: function & aesthetics 

Dental implants are more like natural teeth than dentures. A dental implant looks like a barrel or screw and it serves as an artificial replacement and serves as the essence of a missing tooth. Dental implants are constructed of titanium or other material that won’t cause an adverse reaction when they are attached to the jawbone and gums.

How Long Does the Dental Implant Surgery Take?

Keep in mind that the surgery to place dental implants takes several hours, and more than one procedure may be needed. So anyone who is at increased risk for infection may not want to choose dental implants. If you’re healthy and you undergo surgery for dental implants, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for oral hygiene – including and twice a daily flossing – following the procedure to keep your new teeth clean and healthy. The advantages to dental implants vs. dentures include a more natural ability to eat and speak, and there is no need to remove dentures or worry about denture repair. But it is important to see a dentist regularly to be sure your implants are in good condition and to follow a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing.

Should I Get Dental Implants?

But implants aren’t a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women and people with chronic illness or immunosuppression (due to the increased risk of infection during surgery), children (because their jawbones are still developing) and people who grind or clench their teeth (this habit can put too much pressure on implants) are not good candidates for dental implants.

How Much Do Cosmetic Veneers Cost?

In the case with most dental procedures, the expense of cosmetic veneers is determined by a myriad of facets, including where you are located geographically, your dentist’s reputation and the severity of your circumstance. Because every patient’s needs are unique, there are also times when your dentist may have to make special  recommendations to address unusual formalites, which can result in the overall cost to be a little higher.

In most cases, cosmetic veneers range in cost from as low as $1000 to as high as $2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers are the least expensive veneer option, generally ranging from $400-$1,500 per tooth, whereas porcelain veneers generally cost between $925 to $2,500 per tooth. This variation in cost can be especially purposeful, because this type of cosmetic dental  procedure is not commonly covered by insurance.

Cosmetic Veneers:  Approximate Cost 

Porcelain cosmetic veneers range in price from $1200 to $2,500, but average around $2500 per tooth. The cost may be greater if dental contouring is required.

This dental procedure usually requires a few visits. If more visits are anticipated , or several veneers have to be replaced, your overall cost may hike. Normally the way for having porcelain cosmetic veneers implanted begins with an initial consultation, which involves your dentist taking an impression and making a wax-up X-ray and/or photograph of your teeth and mouth so they can begin the customization process and plan your new smile. Following this, you will return to see your dentist to prepare your teeth for the  cosmetic veneers. This is accomplished by grinding a small piece of enamel, which is where the thin porcelain piece will be placed. At your next and final appointment, your dentist will clean and polish your teeth, and then bond and cure your porcelain cosmetic veneer to your teeth.

Repairing & Replacing 

Besides aesthetics, durability is the biggest benefit to having porcelain cosmetic veneers placed instead of composite veneers. Porcelain is much stronger than resin, and if properly cared for, can last more than 10-12 years, compared to composite veneers, which generally need to be replaced every two to five years. In this regard, you may be paying more for porcelain veneers placed, but they will also last you twice as long.

One of the best ways to keep the expense of dental bills down is to sustain good oral hygiene practices. By doing so, you will not only increase the longevity of your porcelain veneers, you will also lower the risk or likelihood of the need for additional veneers in the future. Even if you do follow best oral health care practices, eventually your veneers will need to be repaired and/or replaced.

Sometimes your tooth can become so decayed it can cause illness, high fever, or your gums can even develop abscesses. At this point it is critical for the patient to get the tooth completely extracted. More often or not adult teeth as they grow can cause overcrowding. At this point tooth extraction then becomes a necessity to aid in the process of realignment. 

Here at San Marcos Dental Center our staff of professional dentists are experienced to safely extract your tooth and to remit the proper aftercare you need to speed up the healing and recovery process. To avoid any complications that could compromise your recovery, its important to follow these important aftercare instructions:

Tooth Extraction 

When a tooth is extracted, it’s natural for the socket to bleed, even if stitches are in place.  Our dental staff will supply you with gauze pads and instruct you to softly place them onto the socket to absorb any drainage, stop any bleeding and promote clotting.

Commonly, you’ll want to leave gauze in place for three or four hours following your tooth extraction, swapping it out as necessary. To promote clotting, we recommend patients avoid rinsing, smoking, and drinking through a straw for twenty four hours. Following your dental extraction, you will normally be prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to ease any discomfort. Most  patients do not require more than acetaminophen, while other patients may require stronger medication. To help with pain and swelling, ice compress can be applied to the side of your face in ten-minute intervals.

In the end, make sure to get adequate rest. Plan to rest for at least twenty four hours after your dental extraction and take it easy for a couple of days thereafter.  Elevate your head up on pillows when resting to minimize bleeding. 

First day of recovery 

Following  the initial 24-hour recovery period, you can moderately resume normal activities.  You can gently rinse your mouth with a salt water solution (8 oz. warm water, ½ tsp. salt) and brush and floss normally, being careful to avoid the open socket. You will want to eat only soft foods such as jello, smoothies, pudding, etc. After the socket has healed you can resume eating normal foods. 

The recovery period is typically just a few days, although it could take up to two weeks to fully heal from extraction.  If you have unusual symptoms that could be a sign of infection or something more serious, you should contact our office immediately.  Symptoms could include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Redness and swelling
• Excessive discharge
• Cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain

If you have been hurting from tooth decay and loss, then you might have heard about dental implants. Dental implants are efficient, immovable, and permanent. Titanium screws or better known as posts that a cosmetic dentist surgically inserts into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in position replacement teeth are arranged onto the screws. 

Dental implants are the most worthwhile investment to correct a flawed smile. From having to replace a few teeth or even mouthfuls.They have the appearance, feel and function just like natural teeth. In reality dental implants are the most practical consumer option for cosmetically rehabbing your smile. There has been a revolution in the dental implant industry for over the last 40 years. 

But there are still many fallacies and misconceptions on the topic of dental implants. In this short article we disprove some myths about dental implants 🙂 

Look fake and are noticeable 

Dentures are often more evident than their dental implants as a counterpart, right?  On the contrary!!  Dental implants look so much like real teeth that no one will know you have them unless you tell them.  This is thanks to the latest dental technology and the translucent quality of the materials used in the dental implant crown.  Dental implants also aid your mouth, grin and face to keep their natural form so no one will be suspicious that your teeth are fake. 

Short life span 

False! Every patient is unique and there are no guarantees, but implants can last a lifetime  if they are properly maintained and cleaned . This involves brushing, flossing and seeing a dentist regularly just like with your natural teeth.  Dental implants last a long time because they are sealed under a crown. 

I can have the dental implant procedure and be finished in a couple months, right? 

This misbeliever stems from overzealous marketing, leaving some patients  to think that they can get their dental implants in a day.  It is true that dental implants are most often placed in a patient’s mouth in one day, but the entire implant process also involves an initial consultation, dental X-rays or scans, preparing the implants and possibly follow up appointments.  This collective process ensures that a patient is a good candidate for dental implants and that the dental  implants are properly placed. 

Implants are for millennials… 

The fact is that age is not a factor in determining if someone is a good implant candidate.  Instead, a restorative dentist will evaluate a patient’s overall health, jaw bone strength and gum tissue health.  These are what is important, not a person’s age.  People of any age can benefit from implants

Cosmetic veneers can allow any patient with flawed or discolored teeth the ability to bring a new smile to the world that they are proud of. Nevertheless, most people overlook the option of presenting this problem to a cosmetic dentist. Here is a glance at some of the more common misunderstood facts about cosmetic veneers, so you as a potential patient can make an informed decision on whether this treatment is right for you. 

Cosmetic veneers look fake in comparison to dental implants – When you have cosmetic veneers they function and have the same aesthetics as natural teeth. Significant measures are made by our dental staff to ensure this. Our dentists will help you find the right options in reference to coloration to complement your complexion, and the proper shape and form required to have the amazing smile you’re looking for. 

Cosmetic veneers can cause sensitivity – Cosmetic veneers in actuality can prevent or deter problems in regards to sensitivity. For instance if there are issues with enamel erosion, this in itself can be the culprit with tooth sensitivity. However veneers adhere to the surface of the tooth and impede issues with sensitivity. 

Cosmetic veneers need to be replaced annually – Cosmetic veneers can last several years with adequate maintenance and care. Most patients that have the procedure done in our office see a lifespan of five to ten years and sometimes longer. It is far and very few between to have a veneer crack or break unless the patient is consuming foods that are harsh on the veneers. 

Veneers are made with materials that can be toxic – Cosmetic veneers can be made of a few different materials that pose absolutely no health concerns. Composites made of plastic or porcelain and body safe materials. Our team is easily accessible and more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about cosmetic veneers. Allow our team to help you achieve the perfect smile of your dreams today 🙂 

Has your dentist recently recommended a dental implant procedure? Are you not quite sure what to do next? Or better yet not even knowing what you’re getting yourself into? No worries, this is usually par for the course for most patients. Are dental implants the best decision? I’ve heard that they can take several months and a few visits? Let’s walk you through the entire process so you have a better concept of what dental implants entails:

Initial Consultation & Exam
Before getting started, you will visit our office and our dentists on staff will do an extensive exam to evaluate the overall health and condition of your teeth and gums. X-rays and 3-D imaging are vital to confirm that you are a healthy candidate for dental implants. During the initial consultation, San Marcos Dental Center will tailor a treatment plan that will be the most suited for every patient.

Surgery
After the exam is completed your dentist will set up a date for your dental implant surgery.
This is the first step of the dental implant procedure. Your dentist will surgically place the titanium implant into your jawbone, right below the gum. This part usually will take 1-2 hours for each implant to be placed. Your next appointment will not usually be scheduled for 3 months away. The success of the surgery is dependent on your healing and recovery process. You need ample time to allow the dental implant to fuse with your jawbone, this will aid in helping you to have the strength and support to finalize your tooth restoration.

Recovery
Bruising, swelling, and pain are symptoms that are usually within the first weeks. It depends on how extensive your treatment is with your dental implant, along with if your teeth need to be removed in the process. The window of time between your surgery and the final restoration is critical. The complete recovery process is around 3 months.

Crown Fitting
The final step of your journey after your implant has healed, is the less invasive part of fitting the abutment and crown to the dental implant. An abutment is a small cushion that is positioned between the implant and the crown. This step includes exposing your gums so the implant may be repositioned for a great fit for the abutment and crown. After the abutment is attached and in place, your new crown can be fitted and your treatment is now complete!

In conclusion, to finish and schedule the numerous visits needed for your dental implant be prepared for this to take several months. The benefits are a fully restored tooth that functions and feels like your natural teeth!

The best way to get started is by call our office today at (760) 734-4311 📱

Dental extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth that’s causing agony and issues gets extracted from its place in the bone. While many patients need the procedure performed, it’s very rare they know very much about it. To understand the facts about dental extraction, take a glance at this helpful guide.

There are a few different reasons why dentists advise this procedure. The most common is when a tooth is impacted, which stops it from growing normally. This is the reason why many dentists recommend wisdom teeth extraction. Another is the need to make room in the mouth for suitable alignment. And another can be when teeth that are badly decayed and impossible to restore.

How do you know if you need a dental extraction? I advise you to come into our office for an initial dental exam to evaluate your overall gum and teeth health. If our team of dentists suggests a dental extraction, have the procedure done as soon as you can. Delaying the dental extraction can cause discomfort, infection, and misalignment. And if your wisdom teeth are impacted, the only way to avoid agony is wisdom teeth removal.

Our team will X-ray the area to decide the next course of  treatment you will need. You’ll also be asked for your dental and medical history, along with a list of medications and allergies, to avoid any complications. If the tooth is completely exposed, then your dentist will perform the procedure with a local anesthesia. But if the tooth has broken or not fully emerged, you’ll be referred to an oral surgeon for a surgical tooth extraction with a much stronger anesthesia. If you need to be given this deep anesthesia, carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions about eating and drinking before surgery. And arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Once the dental extraction is complete, expect to encounter some slight swelling and pain. The swelling is completely normal and actually part of the healing process, but you can reduce it by placing ice packs on top of the swollen areas. If your jaw is stiff once the swelling subsides, use a warm compact to relieve the soreness. Be conscious that a surgical dental extraction is more painful than a simple extraction. After all, there is much more involved in removing the tooth. You may be given pain medication for the few days after treatment, but the pain should diminish very soon after.

In the first few days after the surgery, you’ll need to be careful with how you treat the wound. Choose softer foods that are easy to chew and add firmer foods as you feel more comfortable. And don’t smoke or use a straw. With dental care, be extremely gentle when brushing near the area of extraction. Also, avoid intense exercise for a week after surgery to allow for proper healing.

Initial healing takes up to two to three weeks, but it typically takes three to six months for the bone and soft tissue to be fully restructured. And throughout the recovery process, be sure to follow your dentist’s directions to avoid any difficulties that could impede your recovery and overall health.

Dental implants are the best way to restore missing teeth? Why?
There are several advantages to restoring your teeth with dental implants. Dental implants have the aesthetic and function just like your natural teeth. Nevertheless anytime the word “surgery” is used in most cases there is a derogatory connotation or stigma that comes with it. The most frequent question we receive in the office from existing patients is: “ How painful are dental implants?”

Does it hurt?

First lets go over the surgical phase of the process…

#1 You will be numbed with local anesthesia, and will not start the procedure until the tooth and affected area are numb.
#2 A gap or space is created in your jawbone and gums for the titanium posts. Our dentists will use a 3-D imaging to precisely place the best long term results.

#3 The post is then surgically inserted and secured.

Our primary focus to mitigate your pain is handled in step one with local anesthesia, This is inherently the answer to your question “ How painful are dental implants?” Local anesthesia will desensitize the nerves. With the nerves numb you can expect not to feel any pain during your dental implant surgery. However you might feel some pressure but it should not cause the patient too much discomfort. For patients that have anxiety with dental procedures there is oral sedation available.

How do I know If I am a good candidate?

If you are missing more than one tooth then dental implants are a good possibility. But in some cases there might be a few more steps. When you break, chip or lose a tooth the surrounding area begins to deteriorate. To sufficiently obtain a dental implant you may need enough bone to support the post. So depending on how long your tooth has been missing, you may not have enough bone left behind.

If your tooth is extracted in our office we can help patients restore lost bone through what’s known as a bone graft. This procedure uses bone grafting materials to build up your bone structure needed for the dental implant.

How long is the recovery?

Most of our patients consider this process just as easy as having teeth extracted. In most cases you can return to work the following day. If you begin to notice pain or discomfort we recommend over the counter ibuprofen. Very similar to most dental surgeries you want to avoid hard foods at all costs, and use of an ice pack frequently to help reduce swelling. The healing process can take up to three to four months. Once it is fully healed you will be fully ready for the next step: crown restoration, which will look like a natural tooth!