The Significance of Dental Crowns

significance of dental crowns - Grand Junction CO

The Significance of Dental Crowns

How Do Dental Crowns Work?

significance of dental crowns - Grand Junction CO

Dental emergencies happen all the time. Whether it’s a broken tooth, chipped tooth, or knocked-out tooth, when these dental problems arise, call High Desert Dental. Our team will work with you to discuss your restorative dentistry solutions. It is likely that Dr. Josh Eastham will recommend dental crowns. If you’re unfamiliar with dental crowns, read the article below to better understand the significance of dental crowns. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns and bridges are restorative procedures that are used to repair damaged or missing teeth. Think of this treatment as a cap or shoe that goes over your tooth. They can hide damaged teeth and save the tooth from further damage. Dental crowns come in different sizes and shades, giving patients a completely natural look. They are customized to fit perfectly over your tooth surface and are made of long-lasting porcelain material.

The Value of Dental Crowns

Crowns are used in our dental office in Grand Junction, CO, to correct a variety of dental flaws. If you want to improve the physical appearance of your tooth, you should think about getting a dental crown. The following are some of the advantages of dental crowns:

  • Crowns help to regain the strength of the teeth after root canal treatment.
  • They are used in cosmetic procedures to reshape misshapen teeth and close holes in the teeth for better alignment.
  • It can be used to protect the dental implant.
  • Restore worn down teeth.
  • Replace missing teeth.
  • Keep dental bridges in the proper place.
  • Replace broken fillings.
  • Prevent further decay and damage.
  • Provide a better-looking smile

What is a Dental Crown Procedure?

When you choose a dental crown in Grand Junction, CO, Dr. Josh will explain what to expect during the treatment. We will examine your teeth prior to the dental crown placement. You can also expect to take dental x-rays. Dental impressions are next. Depending on the dental office, your dentist in Grand Junction will either make your dental crown in-house or send it to a dental lab. If your dental crown is sent to a dental lab to be custom made, you’ll need to come back to the office a second time for the dental crown placement. If your teeth are badly decayed, you’ll likely need a root canal, say our friends at Dr. Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY.

“Great dental experience. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Great dental cleaning and feels good to have teeth kept in best condition. First visit Dr. Josh Eastham was a positive experience. Looking forward to new digital technology.” – Beth B.

How to Care for Your Crowns

Crowns, like natural teeth, are susceptible to damage and decay. The following are some precautions Dr. Josh says you should take to keep your dental crowns in good condition:

  1. Use the fluoride medication for oral care that has been prescribed.
  2. Brush your teeth on a regular basis.
  3. Visit your Grand Junction Dentist on a regular basis for dental examinations and cleanings.
  4. Avoid eating hard foods that can damage your crowns.
  5. Tobacco use and other bad oral habits may cause stains to form on your cosmetic crowns. They will last for around fifteen years, depending on the amount of wear and tear they are subjected to. They will last a long time if you practice good oral hygiene. Crowns can be damaged if they are ground or clenched. 

High Desert Dental is happy to help you achieve your oral health goals. As you can see, dental crowns can be used for several reasons. Our team can provide you with quality dental crowns. Contact us for a dental crown consultation. We will make sure that you will have the best treatment possible. We look forward to meeting with you soon!

Are Veneers a Good Option for Me?

are dental veneers a good option for me - Grand Junction

Are Veneers a Good Option for Me?

The Pros And Cons of Veneers

are dental veneers a good option for me - Grand Junction

At High Desert Dental, Dr. Josh Eastham and his team provide a wide variety of dental services. One of the most popular ways patients are improving their smile is by a cosmetic dental procedure using veneers. If you’re not familiar with veneers, they are tooth-colored shells that cover the fronts of your teeth. This procedure may have a variety of cosmetic benefits, such as covering discolored teeth and closing holes between your teeth. While veneers produce fantastic results, they are an investment. Many patients ask, “Are veneers a good option for me?” Before you make your decision, here are a few things you should know about veneers!

What Is the Method of Using Veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells that are placed over the tops of your teeth. Before applying the veneers, we remove a coating of enamel from your teeth to ensure that the veneers look seamless and natural. We then take an impression of your teeth in order to produce the correct shapes and sizes for your personalized shell covers. This treatment is made out of porcelain or acrylic material.

“Highly recommend this office! The staff is amazing, they were able to get me in right away and did work on me the same day very pleased. If you are looking for a Dentist this is the place to go definitely taking my family. Dr. Josh is very knowledgeable, did a great job, best of all speaks Spanish very fluent.” – Isabel R.

The Benefits of Veneers

Veneers are an excellent solution for tooth holes, discoloration, chips, cracks, and slight misalignment. There are many benefits of using veneers as your cosmetic dental treatment.

  • The porcelain material used to make veneers mimics the light-reflecting appearance and texture of real teeth.
  • Porcelain is extremely stain-resistant against tobacco smoke, coffee, tea, and red wine.
  • Veneers are available in a range of different colors. This helps you to choose a shade of white that complements your overall appearance. Our friend Dr. Hoang, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, recommends a brighter smile, but not too bright. Something that looks naturally beautiful. 
  • Veneers can be used as a replacement for crowns in patients who have healthy teeth.

Are Veneers a Good Option for You?

Although veneers are an excellent alternative to braces, teeth whitening procedures, and dental crowns, they are not suitable for all.

  • Patients that have badly decayed teeth or large fillings may not be eligible for veneers.
  • If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, the veneer shell covers are at risk of cracking or chipping.
  • Since a layer of protective enamel is removed as part of the treatment process, your teeth can feel more sensitive.
  • It is important to note that the veneering process cannot be reversed.
  • Veneers can last up to ten years with proper care, but they are one of the most expensive cosmetic treatments available. As a result, some patients opt to only have veneers placed on their most prominent front teeth. Consult with your dentist in Grand Junction to hear about all of your choices.

Ask Your Dentist Grand Junction

Our High Desert Dental team is here to help you achieve your smile goals. The best way to determine if veneers are a good option for you is by scheduling a veneers consultation. Dr. Eastham will weigh out the different options and answer all your questions or concerns. Contact our Grand Junction Dental office today

The Importance of Having an Emergency Dentist

The Importance of Having an Emergency Dentist - Dentist in Grand Junction

The Importance of Having an Emergency Dentist

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

The Importance of Having an Emergency Dentist - Dentist in Grand Junction

Dental emergencies can be very inconvenient at their best and very painful at their worst. When you or a loved one requires emergency dental care in Grand Junction, it is reassuring to know that High Desert Dental is always available to assist you. When you call High Desert Dental for an emergency appointment, our team will do everything in our power to get you out of pain as soon as possible. Dr. Josh Eastham will happily see you for a quick assessment and recommend treatment. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of your dental emergency.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

There are several kinds of dental emergencies. You may be calling our dental office in Grand Junction because of a toothache, tooth injury, knocked-out tooth, or missing crown or filling. Minor bleeding in the mouth and cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue are also examples of dental emergencies. If you are experiencing pain or are worried about your health, please contact High Desert Dental immediately. Our caring and compassionate dental staff will recommend the next steps.

What Do You Do If You Have a Toothache?

A toothache can be excruciatingly painful, and most people want to get help as soon as possible. One thing to do is gently flossing around the affected tooth because impacted food will sometimes slightly dislodge a tooth, causing pain. If none of this works, please contact us for an emergency dental appointment. A toothache is often caused by a serious tooth infection, explains Dr. Eastham. Tooth infections can affect the nerve, which could be causing the pain you’re feeling. 

Bacteria can affect your tooth’s roots if you lost a filling, have severe tooth decay, or a crack or chip in your tooth. Lack of treatment will eventually lead to a dead tooth. Our friend Dr. Wade, an emergency dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, says that the tooth’s nerve endings may die, but the infection still remains. Your dentist will likely recommend root canal therapy if the tooth infection hasn’t permanently damaged your tooth. 

Failure to seek tooth infection treatment will result in a dental abscess. The infection spreads beyond the tooth and has an impact on your overall health. You may feel feverish or agitated, and you may have a fever and facial swelling. This is unquestionably a dental emergency, and you must seek professional treatment immediately.

What to Do If You Get a Tooth Knocked Out?

If you have a permanent tooth that has been knocked out, please contact Dr. Josh right away. There is a limited window of opportunity where the tooth can be reinserted, but only very soon after the accident. Remove the tooth by keeping it by the crown and rinsing off any visible dirt. If possible, carefully reinsert the tooth into the empty socket, making sure it is facing the correct way. Before you can see our dentist, hold the tooth in place with a clean finger or gently bite down on a piece of tissue. Otherwise, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva. 

“I would highly recommend High Desert Dental. Dr. Eastham and the team are attentive, personal, and professional. I know I’m in good hands and trust the quality of care, service, and most importantly judgment in decisions about my dental health. I’m not normally one to write reviews but have made an exception in order to recommend this practice.” – Eli B.

Dealing with a Missing Filling or Crown

If you lose a filling or dental crown, it is important to replace it as soon as possible because the tooth could become at risk. In the meantime, you might try preserving the tooth by inserting a tiny piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity. You could also use temporary dental cement, which is available over-the-counter. If a crown has become loose, temporary dental cement may be used to reposition it. If necessary, make an appointment to have the crown correctly fitted refitted; otherwise, it can be replaced.

How to Fix a Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Chipped or broken teeth are typically restored with a dental crown. Also, a minor crack must be repaired because any time you bite down on the tooth, the crack opens, allowing disease-causing bacteria to enter.

When Do You Visit the Emergency Room?

Dr. Josh is here to help you during your dental emergency. If you’ve broken your jaw or taken a hard hit to the face, we highly recommend visiting the emergency room first. We can always see you afterward. The safety and wellbeing of our patients are always our number one priority. If you’re experiencing any of the above dental emergencies, give us a call. 

Why You Need a Root Canal

why you need a root canal - Grand Junction Dentist

Why You Need a Root Canal

Do You Need a Root Canal?

why you need a root canal - Grand Junction Dentist

It’s not always easy to tell whether a tooth needs to be treated with a root canal. Patients who need a root canal will often experience some symptoms. However, it can be difficult to know you need a root canal just by looking at the tooth. In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, Dr. Josh Eastham, the best dentist in Grand Junction, CO, shares exactly why you need a root canal.

Root Canal 

To give you a brief rundown, your dental pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. Your tooth includes nerve endings, connective tissue, and blood capillaries. The nerve endings provide the sensation of hot or cold, but they aren’t necessary for the tooth’s health or regular day-to-day functioning. As a result, they can be removed without disrupting the tooth’s normal function.

Root canal therapy entails the removal of the contaminated or damaged dental pulp, as well as the cleaning and sealing of the affected tooth. Root canal treatment will help you avoid more serious issues like tooth loss.

Causes of Root Canal

Damage to the pulp of the tooth may be caused by a variety of causes. Among the most popular are:

  • Inflammation and irritation
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Recurring dental procedures
  • Large fillings 
  • Chipped or broken tooth 
  • Trauma/Injury

Once a tooth infection begins, it can start to spread throughout the body, says Dr. Josh Eastham. Additionally, patients who do not treat their infection will experience swelling in the ears, head, neck, and so on. Your tooth will develop a hole inside. 

“Dr. Josh is great! The first time I came to the office, everyone was so nice and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. Dr. Josh is very knowledgeable and shares what he would do if it was his mouth he was working on! I definitely trust him to do my dental treatment!” – Callie T.

Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment

If you have any of the following signs, you might need a root canal in the near future:

Toothache

Pain or discomfort is usually a sign that something is wrong. If you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s important to reach out to an emergency dentist near me. Your toothache will not go away on its own. In fact, our friend, Dr. Kim, a dentist in Lexington, KY, points out that patients who avoid toothache treatment will likely have to come in for a more costly treatment, such as tooth extraction.

Sensitivity

Although some people’s teeth are naturally sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages, persistent sensitivity could indicate pulp damage. Your tooth is extremely vulnerable to extreme temperatures due to nerve damage in the pulp cavity.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess occurs when bacteria build-up, causing an infection. You’ll notice you have a dental abscess when a bubble starts to form on your gums. Inside, this bump is built-up pus. The abscess could be followed by a fever, and it could disappear on its own before reappearing at a later time. Ask your dentist in Grand Junction for a consultation so that you can stop the infection before it gets any worse. 

Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration is a common occurrence, especially among tobacco users and coffee drinkers. Having one badly discolored tooth may suggest that your tooth is dying. If Dr. Josh Eastham is able to save your tooth, they will recommend root canal therapy. Otherwise, a tooth extraction might be the only option.

Swollen Gums

Gum inflammation could indicate that tooth decay has spread from the root of the tooth to the gums. The swelling will usually not go down until treatment has started. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common dental problems patients experience. It’s important to treat gum disease before it’s moved into the advanced stages. 

Root canals are generally recommended if the tooth is salvageable. At High Desert Dental in Grand Junction, Colorado, we do everything we can to preserve your natural teeth. We may be able to save your tooth by performing a routine root canal. If your natural tooth cannot be saved, we will work with you to figure out the next steps. Please contact our dental office in Grand Junction if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.