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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Gold crown on my dental implants?

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I am wondering if I can get gold crowns on dental implants or if they have to be white. I pretty much consider myself to be vintage old school and I already have 2 teeth with gold crowns that I got 20 years ago and they still look good. I like my gold crowns. If I get implants for 2 missing teeth can the crown be gold? Theodore

Theodore – Gold crowns can be placed on dental implants. Gold crowns are not as common as they use to be, but they are quite durable. Because of the contrast between the color of the metal and the color of natural teeth, most people prefer them on molar teeth.

The price of gold has increased significantly since you received your current gold crowns. You can expect that increase to be reflected in the cost of new gold crowns.

Speak with an implant dentist about your preference for gold crowns on implants. He or she will let you know your options, as well as the pros and cons.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Do dental implants break easily?

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I got my braces removed last month. Now that my teeth are straight, I am ready for a dental implant. I have a tooth that has been missing my entire life. It just never grew in. I know implants are not cheap but I am willing to make the investment. I would like to know how durable they are though. Do they break easily? – Diana

Diana – Dental implants are very durable. They are made of either titanium or zirconia. Although they do not break easily, they should be treated with care, just as you would care for a natural tooth.

Hard objects should not be bitten with an implant tooth. Nor should you use the tooth to open anything that requires force.

When dental implants are properly placed, they withstand normal day-to-day wear.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek

Dental Implants vs Crown and Bridge?

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I recently had one of my tooth extracted and I am not going to leave the space open. My dentist said that I could either get a bridge or a dental implant. The cost of the implant helped me decide to go with the bridge, but my dentist says a bridge is not as durable as an implant and it will probably need to be replaced in about 10 years. I’m thinking that she is trying to discourage me from getting the bridge because the amount of the implant is twice the cost and it’s more money for her. Is my dentist right? Vanessa

Vanessa – A dental implant is the most effective means of replacing a missing tooth. It is a permanent form of tooth replacement. It will look and function as a natural tooth, and you care for it just as you do your natural teeth.

A dental bridge lasts an average of ten years, but depending on how well it’s made and taken care of, it can last longer. A bridge requires that the teeth on either side of the missing one be shaved down to accommodate porcelain crowns. An implant requires no work on adjacent teeth. Care must be taken to floss around and beneath a dental bridge.

If your budget permits, you will be thrilled with the completely natural-looking and long-lasting results of a dental implant. If you choose an implant, be sure that a skilled implant dentist is performing the surgery, and ensure that an experienced cosmetic dentist provides the implant crown.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can teenagers get dental implants?

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I am turning 16 years old this year. I have several teeth missing because of trauma/abuse. I want to know how old I have to be to get dental implants. I was told that I am too young but it is what I want and I can afford them. Thanks. TP

TP – Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone. The growth of your face and jawbone needs to have stopped for you to be considered as a candidate for dental implants.

Your natural teeth will move as you grow, but the dental implants will not. If the dental implants are placed during your growth period, as your jawbone grows, they can appear to sink into your jawbone and look shorter than your natural teeth. Premature placement of implants can also have a negative effect on the growth of your jawbone near the implant site.

There is no definite age at which growth is completed. Some dentists place implants between on young patients when they are between 19 and 21 years old. X-rays, genetics, and your family history will give an implant dentist clues as to whether or not your jawbone and facial growth are complete.

You can speak with your dentist about other options for temporarily replacing your teeth until you can receive dental implants.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Bulimia and Your Teeth

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More than 10 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.

Bulimia is characterized by excessive over-eating in a short amount of time. Excessive eating is often followed by self-induced vomiting.

In time, the vomiting—whether it’s caused by bulimia or another condition—will affect your teeth. The acid from vomiting will cause teeth to become discolored, thin and weak, and they may begin to crumble.

There are some things you can do to protect your teeth. Immediately after vomiting, your teeth are weak, so avoid brushing them at that time. Instead, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm baking-soda water to neutralize the acid in your mouth. If baking soda is not available, rinsing your mouth with just water can help. Sip water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. A dry mouth can’t fight bacteria and decay.

If you are struggling with, or recovering from, bulimia, tell your dentist. He or she will take steps to help you preserve your teeth. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay.

If you’re recovering from bulimia and you want a smile makeover, the treatment varies depending on the extent of the damage to your teeth. Porcelain crowns can be made to completely cover and protect your teeth. They will have the translucency and color of your natural teeth. If you have lost teeth, dental implants are the most natural looking and natural feeling way to replace them. After examining your teeth, your dentist will discuss your options with you.

You will get the most natural-looking restoration from an experienced cosmetic dentist who is skilled in designed smile makeovers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.