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

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.