Options for restoring damaged or lost teeth

Article written byElite Dental Group

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but poor dental habits, lifestyle, and accidents can cause damage, decay, and gum disease. Modern dentistry offers several options to improve the health and appearance of your teeth:

Fillings – Fillings are some of the most widely used ways to restore damaged teeth. Although a filling will not replace a damaged tooth, it will correct the damage caused by decay. Fillings are available in several materials. Silver amalgam fillings are the most common as they are affordable and durable. However, if you prefer a discrete filling consider composite resin or porcelain fillings as they are the same color as teeth.

Bonding – To restore a chipped or broken tooth most dentists will recommend dental bonding. This will involve applying a composite resin to the tooth and shaping the resin. Bonding can also help to reattach a tooth that is broken, chipped, or cracked.

Crowns – Bonding and fillings can correct small dental issues, but larger dental concerns will require a crown. A crown is a cap that is placed on top of a severely damaged tooth. Crowns are tailor-made to fit the patient’s tooth. Although crowns are strong and last many years, it is important to protect them by avoiding hard, chewy foods. If you grind your teeth at night, it is best to speak to your dentist and request a nightguard that will help to relax your jaw and protect your crown.

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in oral surgery in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services which include fillings, tooth extractions, and complex oral surgeries. If you are looking for wisdom tooth extraction in Glendale or dental implants in Glendale call for an appointment.

What to do when a child has a loose baby tooth?

Article written byElite Dental Group

Children losing their baby teeth can be an exciting yet scary experience. Parents should consider the following when a child starts to lose their baby teeth.

Children most often lose their baby teeth between the ages of 6 to7. It is important that your child maintains good oral hygiene during this time and has at least 2 annual dental visits a year.

Often the first teeth to fall out are the ones that came in first, which means that the lower front teeth will fall out followed by the upper front teeth. A baby tooth will only loosen once the permanent tooth is ready to come through the gums.  Avoid infection by allowing the tooth to naturally fall out and advise your child not to move it around.

If your child’s teeth fall-out out of sequence or your child loses teeth early, it is best to consult a dentist to check if there are any medical reasons for this change. Often when a child’s teeth come out there can be blood followed by a tingling sensation, which will subside quickly. Ask your child to rinse their mouth and use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth if there is bleeding and pain. 

Do not worry if your child swallows a tooth as it will pass through their body without any harm or discomfort. A child’s permanent teeth should come through in a few weeks. If their new teeth are discolored or crooked, it is best to consult a dentist to ensure they are healthy.

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in oral surgery in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services which include fillings, tooth extractions, and complex oral surgeries. If you are looking for wisdom tooth extraction in Glendale or dental implants in Glendale call for an appointment.