The Different Types of Dental Crowns | Schnecksville Dentist

There are a few different types of dental crowns that dentists can use depending on your specific oral care needs. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap employed to restore a decayed, broken, weak, or worn tooth, as well as to cover implants or teeth that have been treated with a root canal. They can be made from a variety of materials as well, such as metal, resin, and porcelain lasting up to fifteen years when properly cared for.

Metal crowns can be made from various metals, but they are particularly beneficial in that they do not chip or break, allowing them to last the longest. The most commonly held criticism of metal crowns is their aesthetic, so most people prefer for them to be employed for molars that aren’t in the spotlight. Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, are the most natural-looking option and are also very durable. The drawback of porcelain crowns is that they may chip off over time and can wear down the enamel on opposing teeth over time. Resin crowns are the most affordable option, but they are more fragile than their counterparts, lasting only about three to five years.

Other than what they are made of, dental crowns can be single caps or bridges. A crown for one tooth is designed to seamlessly cover and fit in with the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges are a row of three crowns in which two are attached to the teeth on either side of the main problem tooth. Of course, your dentist will advise you on your options according to your specific needs.

For more information about root canals, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serves patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Dental Insurance and You | Schnecksville Dentist

Dental insurance is a benefit your work may or may not provide to you as part of a comprehensive benefits package. Dental insurance, like other insurance, is meant to help you pay for regular cleanings and unexpected dental trauma that can occur as a result of injury or accidents.

General Information To Know

There are yearly maximums to your dental benefit. This dollar amount can range from $1,000 to $2,000, after which you are responsible for 100% of your dental charges. You also may have to wait six to 12 months to gain access to your insurance coverage for restorative procedures, but routine exams and cleanings should be covered at the time of enrollment. It’s important to remember that once you gain coverage, your dentist may or may not be apart of that network. If your dentist is not within that network of care, he or she may be able to recommend someone who is.

What’s covered?

While not all procedures are covered, it does help you with issues related to the teeth and gums, as well as preventative care, such as cleanings, x-rays, and exams. Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and crowns are not typically covered. Of course, what is and is not covered will depend on the insurer and plan you choose.

Overall, if you are interested in dental insurance, it’s important to review all of your options, and if you enjoy your current dentist, enroll within their network of insurers.

For more information about dental replacements, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

What Is Dental Sedation and Is It Safe? | Schnecksville Dentist

If you experience a physical reaction to the idea of certain stimuli being triggered by going to the dentist, you may have dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is common among kids and adults alike. Whether someone has had a bad experience at the dentist or not, we all know getting a second opinion could result in a more serious diagnosis. Continue reading to learn if IV Sedation may be right for you.

When dentists perform restorative procedures, there are typically a variety of sedation options available to the individual. The two main ones are nitrous oxide and intravenous (IV) sedation. The inhalation of nitrous allows a patient to relax, but IV sedation can guide the patient into a deeper relaxation and in some cases, lull them to sleep.

The following are benefits to utilizing IV sedation for sleep dentistry.

  • Administration of the drug is provided by a ___ and tailored to the patient’s needs
  • The results of IV sedation are reliable and the most effective means of sedation
  • If you are particularly sensitive to your gag reflex, IV sedation will relax the reaction, but your dentist may recommend nitrous oxide
  • In contrast to general anesthesia, IV sedation is safer and allows you to retain consciousness.
  • Due to the amount of control, your practitioner has with the dosage of IV administered, your recovery time is shorter than with oral sedation.

Remaining consistent with your oral health in your daily life, as well as with regular check-ups, are the best way to avoid unfavorable experiences at the dentist. If you do enter into a restorative process, discuss your concerns with your dentist to see if IV sedation may be right for you.

For more information about dental replacements, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serves patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Are dental implants covered by dental insurance? | Schnecksville Dentist

Dental implants were once an elective procedure that has become the standard procedure for missing teeth. They are an effective means of replacing teeth that have been severely damaged or lost due to trauma or decay with a high success rate. The total cost of a single dental implant can range from around $3,000 to $4,500, but of course, there are several factors that contribute to this estimate.

The answer as to whether or not dental implants are covered in dental insurance is that some insurance plans may assist with the cost of the crown, but are unlikely to help with a majority of the overall cost, as it is still widely considered an elective procedure.

If you would like to understand the cost in your area or the cost related to a specific dentist, it’s best to consult with them about it, as well as your insurance company, to learn more.

For more information about dental replacements, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Dental Implants – Are They Worth Your Money? | Schnecksville Dentist

Tooth loss can result from dental trauma, advanced gum disease, or deterioration of the underlying bone over time. If you have experienced dental trauma, it’s important to see your dentist sooner than later to assess surrounding teeth and gums. Either way, a cosmetic dentist may present two replacement options: fixed dental implants or a bridge. It’s important to understand what these options entail to make the best decision for you.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can actually be thought of as a bridge. An artificial tooth or teeth is fixed to crowns on adjacent teeth on either end that attaches to healthy teeth, acting as the support posts if you will. The caveat to this solution is that if the tooth root is not replaced the bone may not get the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Missing tooth roots could cause resorption, which causes the bone to lose density and shrink over time. Ultimately, this can cause one’s face to have a prematurely aged appearance.

Implants

Dental implants require a more extensive procedure, but restore the entire tooth structure rather than simply fill the gap. Simply put implants work by inserting a base into the jawbone into which a post with a crown on top can be placed. Implants provide stability and stimulation to the underlying bone which helps prevent resorption while looking and feeling like a natural tooth.

Your dentist will review these procedures, benefits, and risks with you as you navigate your particular circumstances. While these are typically recommended, your dentist may encourage you towards one or the other option as they see fit. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have before embarking on any given treatment option.

For more information about dental replacements, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serves patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Replacing Single Tooth vs Multiple Teeth | Schnecksville Dentist

When you are missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, it is important that you get it repaired as soon as possible. It isn’t for the vanity of it, having a gap in your teeth will begin to cause issue doing things like eating or speaking, and your other teeth could begin to move. But what would that entail?

There are a few options for replacing one or two teeth, which is offered depends on your particular case. The primary options for replacing individual missing teeth include dental implants and dental bridges. Replacing a single tooth with a dental implant provides the most natural feeling option for restoring missing teeth. Dental implants mimic the tooth’s natural root, making it feel just like your natural teeth.

In order to undergo dental implant treatment for single tooth replacement, patients must be healthy enough to undergo surgery. They should also have sufficient jawbone to support the dental implant. If the jawbone is insufficient, a bone graft may be performed to rebuild the jaw for dental implant treatment.

Dental bridges are a non-invasive option for replacement of a single tooth, making them a good option for those who wish to avoid surgery or are unable to undergo surgery due to underlying health issues. They are made of two crowns joined by an artificial tooth.

With implant-supported dentures, a set of dentures is attached within the mouth using as little as four or six dental implants. This makes it possible for denture wearers to enjoy a secure fit and improved dental function as their dentures stay firmly in place when eating and speaking.

Lastly, traditional dentures are still an option for replacing multiple teeth, though they don’t provide the secure fit and improved function as implant-supported dentures.

For more information about dental replacements, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

When Dental Implants Fail | Schnecksville Dentist

The good news is that dental implants boast an initial success rate of more than 95%, and most patients continue to enjoy their restored teeth for many decades. But then there are the other 5% that fail. The most common cause of dental implant failure is an infection called peri-implantitis, when harmful bacteria invade the tissue around an implant, destroying the implant’s base of support. Poor oral hygiene is usually the reason for peri-implantitis, but genetics and other factors can also play a role.

Other possible causes of dental implant failure include:

  • Failed osseointegration (the implant never properly bonds with the surrounding bone)
  • Medical conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to heal
  • Physical trauma
  • The use of tobacco or other substances that are detrimental to oral health
  • Peri-implantitis, a common cause of dental implant failure

Dental implant failure can happen at two different points – after the implant is placed and after the surgery, even decades after. The symptoms are similar and include:

  • Some discomfort is to be expected after your initial surgery, but unusual pain or pain that suddenly occurs after you have had your implants for a while are big red flags.
  • Swelling, bleeding, and other signs of infection. Even if these symptoms are relatively mild, it would be wise to seek professional help.
  • An implant feels loose. In some cases, this just means that your restoration needs to be repaired. In other cases, it indicates that the implant itself or the surrounding tissue is damaged.

When you visit us, we will examine your mouth and take some X-Rays to gain an understanding of what is happening, then discuss a treatment plan.

For more information about dental implants failure, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

The ABCs of Implant Dentures | Schnecksville Dentist

When it’s time to replace missing teeth, there are a few options to consider. The tried-and-true denture option is the first thought that crosses our mind, the second being how terrible daily life is going to become when it comes to things like eating and speaking. The good thing is, there is an option that will relieve all your fears of slippage and embarrassing discomfort – implant dentures.

Implant supported dentures are a type of overdenture that is supported by implants inserted into your gums. Not only will this look extremely natural, but the support given will prevent slippage while you wear them. How does this happen? It has attachments that connect the denture to the implants. At night, remove and clean with ease.

In general, implant supported dentures are made for the lower jaw. Dentures for the upper jaw usually have enough suction to stay in place without needing implants. But if you are a patient that needs both sets, you may want to consider getting these dentures in both the upper and the lower jaws.

There are two types of implant dentures to consider – bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures. Bar-retained dentures includes placing a thin metal bar on an implant abutment. There are also other attachments that fit on the bar or the denture, while being held in place by clips.

On the other hand, ball-retained dentures have a ball and socket that hold the denture in place. Every implant in the patient’s jaw has a socket attached to it to align each of the balls on the denture.

Once placed, you are all set to go about your normal life. Eat and speak without worry – your new smile will not slip about, rub on the gums, or cause sore spots.

For more information about dental implants, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Dental Implants vs. All-on-Four Implants | Schnecksville Dentist

When it’s time to improve your smile, there are plenty of ways to go about doing so. But which is best for you? When it comes to getting implants, it is all on a case-by-case basis; but let’s break down implant dentistry:

Esthetically, dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often happen with bridgework and dentures that don’t integrate back to the bone.

Neighboring teeth are not changed to support the implant as with something like a bridge. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health. And because dental implants are secure, you don’t have to worry when speaking or eating. However, you need to be in good oral health and have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant and healthy gum tissue.

An All-on-Four smile is made from high-tech dental resins that allows it to cover either the entire lower or upper arch of your mouth, immediately disguising common aesthetic dental problems such as stains, chips, crowding, missing teeth, etc. Still not convinced? Here are some more advantages:

  • Virtually painless and fast process that requires only two short visits and as little as two to three weeks.
  • A more affordable solution compared to other cosmetic dentistry treatments
  • Almost everyone is a suitable candidate
  • A good alternative for those who can’t be fitted with implants or bridges
  • A more comfortable and attractive alternative for those who don’t like partial dentures
  • The process is reversible as nothing is changed and the appliance can be removed at any time.

For more information about dental implant options, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Is Flossing Every Day Important? | Schnecksville Dentist

If you ask the average adult which part of their daily dental hygiene is their least favorite, chances are flossing will be at the top of the list. Not only did a survey conducted by the American Dental Association reveal that more adults would rather do something they find awful than floss, but it’s the frequency of times teeth are flossed is the biggest lie dentists hear on a day-to-day basis.

Flossing is merely the act of wrapping a piece of string around your teeth, one by one, in order to remove any bacteria and excess material stuck between each tooth. Fair enough, but we are also brushing our teeth to remove bacteria and excess debris – so, is it really that important? The answer is yes. And here are a few reasons why you may want to change your mind about flossing:

Better than brushing alone. A toothbrush works to removing plaque with its bristles. Brushing alone has one big drawback: A toothbrush’s bristles can’t adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums. That’s where floss comes in, to get in those tiny spaces between your teeth to get the grime out your toothbrush can’t reach.

Protects your gums. Where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing plays its major role. Particles of food can get lodged here, and plaque in this area will harden over time to form tartar, that your dentist will remove with a scraper. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis.

Helps prevent other diseases. Gum disease can have effects that go beyond discolored teeth, discomfort and bad breath. Research has shown that the bacteria in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

For more information about flossing, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.