Learn About Restorative Dentistry in Waco
Often, having a cavity filled or a crown treated can cause a lot of anxiety. Even though it’s not fun, restorative dentistry is necessary for your oral health. With a focus on repairing, restoring, and enhancing dental function, restorative dentistry involves a range of procedures tailored to the unique needs of patients. As a highly skilled and knowledgeable dentist, Dr. Chad Latino performs restorative dentistry in Waco. Fillings, dental crowns, and dental bridges can vastly improve your smile and overall well-being. What is Restorative Dentistry? Restorative dentistry involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health issues affecting teeth, gums, and jaw. It can restore the function and strength of missing or damaged teeth. Common restorative dental procedures include: These treatments solve specific dental problems, helping patients regain their natural tooth function and appearance and boosting their confidence with a beautiful smile! Fillings The most common restorative procedure, dental fillings restore the tooth’s structure and function. Dr. Latino will clean bacteria and decay out of the affected tooth and then use your choice of filling materials like amalgam for strength and durability or composite resins that match natural tooth color. He also offers gold and silver fillings as options for his patients. Filling the tooth plus regular post-treatment care can keep your fillings healthy and functional. Crowns and Bridges Crowns and bridges can restore dental function and are also used aesthetically to give you a winning smile! Our dentist will use a crown to cover and protect a damaged tooth while adding protection and improving overall appearance. Dr. Latino offers a variety of crown options and is happy to discuss them with you in your initial consultation so you can make an educated decision. Similarly, bridges can improve your smile and enhance your natural teeth. They differ from crowns in that they replace one or more missing teeth and fill in the gap between two or more natural teeth. Dr. Latino custom designs both crowns and bridges based on your requirements and unique situation. Implant-Supported Dentures Implant-supported dentures offer practical solutions for patients with extensive tooth loss. They can replace missing teeth and support oral tissues. Dr. Latino can consult with you to decide whether or not dentures are for you. Implants Dental implants provide a more permanent solution than traditional dentures. They use titanium posts to anchor replacement teeth securely in the jawbone. Dr. Latino and his staff will place an implant with a temporary crown during your first appointment and then place the permanent crown during the second appointment. Benefits of Restorative Dentistry in Waco Beyond repairing teeth, restorative dentistry in Waco improves your quality of life. Some of the benefits include: Advancements in Dental Technology Recently, dentists and patients alike have benefitted from improved restorative dental procedures. As an experienced dentist in cutting-edge technology, Dr. Latino is the clear choice for high-value dentistry. We Have You Covered! Restorative dentistry by Dr. Chad Latino offers a valuable lifeline to individuals seeking to improve their oral health and restore their smiles. With an array of procedures available, from simple fillings to complex dental implants, residents can access comprehensive services designed to meet a wide range of dental needs. Contact us at Dr. Chad Latino DDS in Waco, Texas to schedule your appointment. In addition to restorative dentistry, we offer other services to round out your dental needs, including Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. We truly have you covered!
Busting the Myths About Dental Bridges: Separating Fact from Fiction
Let’s face it: dealing with a missing tooth or multiple teeth can be frustrating and challenging. Whether you lost your tooth or teeth due to poor oral hygiene or a freak accident, managing without those teeth can cause several problems, from difficulty eating to speaking. No one should have to deal with the challenges of missing teeth, so at Chad Latino DDS, we provide dental bridges to help our patients restore their smiles in Waco, Texas. With the help of our skilled dentist, Dr. Chad Latino, you can restore your smile. Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are anchored to natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space, bridging the gap literally. Dental bridges help restore the function and aesthetic appearance of the teeth, enabling a patient to chew and speak more effectively while also maintaining the shape of their face. However, we understand that dental bridges can seem daunting, and there are, unfortunately, several myths surrounding this restorative dental procedure. We are here to debunk some of the most common misconceptions and give you the facts to make an informed decision. Myth 1: Dental Bridges Last Forever Truth: One of the most significant myths about dental bridges is that they last forever. While dental bridges can offer reliable and long-lasting results, they’re not indestructible. Bridges have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, on average. Like your natural teeth, a dental bridge may require repairs throughout its lifespan. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify and treat any issues before they become more significant problems. Myth 2: They Look Unnatural Truth: Some people believe dental bridges look unnatural and fake, making wooden teeth appear instead of natural ones. The good news is that, with advances in dental technology, dental bridges now look more realistic than ever. Dental bridges are customized to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, and they’re made with materials like porcelain, which look and feel like natural teeth. Myth 3: The Procedure is Painful Truth: The thought of undergoing a dental procedure can be nerve-wracking, but the truth is that getting a dental bridge isn’t a painful process. Your dentist will use an anesthetic to numb the area around the missing tooth, making the procedure comfortable and pain-free. You may experience some minor discomfort or sensitivity afterward, but it should subside within a few days. Myth 4: Dental Bridges Cause Speech Problems Truth: Some people believe dental bridges can cause speech problems, but this is another myth. In reality, a dental bridge can improve your speech if your missing tooth affects your ability to speak correctly. Getting used to speaking with a dental bridge may take a little time, but any adjustments should be minor and temporary. Myth 5: They Restrict Your Diet Truth: Another myth that people often believe is that dental bridges restrict their diets. The truth is that dental bridges allow you to eat most foods without any issues. However, avoiding biting down on anything too hard or sticky is essential, as this can damage your bridge. If you take care of your dental bridge and practice good oral hygiene, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Myth 6: Only Older People Need Dental Bridges Truth: Many people believe dental bridges are solely for older adults, but this isn’t entirely true. Anyone can develop missing or damaged teeth, regardless of age. Young adults and children may require dental bridges due to congenital issues or accidents. Therefore, it’s essential to consider dental bridges if you have missing or damaged teeth instead of assuming it’s not a treatment option because of your age. Myth 7: Bridges Require Removing Healthy Teeth Truth: One common misconception about dental bridges is that healthy teeth must be extracted to support the bridge. This is not necessarily the case. Dental bridges can be supported by existing teeth or by dental implants. Dentists often recommend dental implants as a more permanent and secure option to support dental bridges. Therefore, if you are worried about losing healthy teeth to restore missing ones, don’t worry; we will anchor the dental bridges without harming your healthy teeth. Myth 8: Cleaning a Dental Bridge is Difficult Truth: Contrary to popular belief, cleaning a dental bridge is pretty straightforward. Cleaning a dental bridge is almost the same as brushing natural teeth. Furthermore, dental professionals may provide instructions to enhance oral hygiene tailored to your needs, such as using water flossers and interdental brushes. Myth 9: Bridge Placement Damages Surrounding Teeth Truth: Bridge placement is non-invasive, minimally intrusive, and straightforward. It involves preparing the anchor teeth to support the bridge by removing a tiny bit of enamel and shaping them to receive the bridge. There is no harm to the surrounding teeth as Dr. Latino will adequately select the anchor teeth and ensure the preparation is done correctly. Myth 10: All Dental Bridges are the Same Truth: Contrary to popular belief, our office’s bridges are custom-made, making each one unique for each patient needing dental bridges. Custom-made dental bridges are effective for individuals who have lost one or several teeth. They are prosthetic devices explicitly manufactured to match the unique dental structure of each patient. Dental bridges not only restore the aesthetics of a complete set of teeth but also distribute bite force evenly and maintain the shape of the face, thus contributing to improved oral health and enhanced self-confidence. Myth 11: Eating With Dental Bridges is Difficult Truth: The truth is that eating with bridges does require an adjustment period, but it is certainly not difficult. In the initial days, one might start with soft foods and gradually incorporate more solid foods into the diet. Over time, you’ll become comfortable with the new dental structure and be able to chew and eat normally. It’s a myth that bridges significantly hinder your ability to enjoy various foods. Myth 12: Dental Bridges Cause Bad Breath Truth: Despite common misconceptions, dental bridges
