What is a Dental Crown?

When a tooth is weak, it can become less functional in your mouth and can really affect your smile. We believe in preserving your real teeth as long as you can. This is why here at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, we offer dental crowns for weak teeth that still have a healthy root.

A dental crown is a cap or a “crown” that goes over the exposed part of the tooth. They are ideal when there is too much damage for a filling, an inlay, or an onlay to hold, but not enough where the whole tooth needs to be extracted. When there is still an intact root, we can reshape the tooth to place a crown that will strengthen and protect the tooth.

To place a crown, first we remove any decay. We then reshape the tooth by filing down the sides of the tooth. An impression is taken of the area so that a dental laboratory can create a completely customized tooth. We are able to have it made to look and feel just like one of your real teeth. A temporary crown is worn while your custom crown is being created. A couple of weeks later, you will come back to have your permanent crown placed.

If you are experiencing embarrassment or pain from a decayed or injured tooth, come see us to find out if a crown is right for you. To schedule an appointment with Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call us at (780) 306-9333 or visit our website, www.flossophydental.ca. 

What are Wisdom Teeth For?

As you begin to enter adulthood, your wisdom teeth make their presence known in the far reaches of your mouth. Wisdom teeth – officially the third molars – are the last set of teeth to come in, usually between 17 and 25 years of age. The reason we have them lies in the mouths of our ancestors because early humans needed an extra row of teeth to chew their food: a diet of uncooked, hard items. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and will need to be removed by one of our dentists at Flossophy Dental.

When wisdom teeth are misaligned, they may position themselves horizontally, be angled toward or away from the second molars, or be angled inward or outward. When these teeth are poorly aligned, they can crowd or damage adjacent (healthy) teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. It’s important to know that just because your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you pain doesn’t mean there isn’t anything wrong. At Flossophy Dental, your dentist will look at the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to make a decision on whether or not they need to be extracted.

If you wish to inquire about wisdom tooth extractions, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

What is Dental Sealant Used For?

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are top candidates for sealants. However, at Flossophy Dental, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth – usually the back teeth – to prevent tooth decay.

In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it’s important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost earlier than expected. Applying sealant is a simple and painless process for any of those concerned. It takes only a few minutes for your dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wear-and-tear at regular dental checkups.

If you wish to inquire about dental sealants, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.