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!
Crowning Glory: The Basics of Dental Crowns
Smiles are a powerful tool that can light up a room and are the first thing most people notice about us. Our smiles can leave a lasting impression on others; however, having dental issues and insecurities can make us self-conscious and struggle to smile. Being embarrassed by your smile is no way to live your life, and fortunately, there are solutions like restorative and cosmetic dentistry here in the Waco area. Dr. Chad Latino at Chad Latino DDS has several procedures to bring confidence back into your life, including that of dental crowns in Waco, Texas. Dental crowns are an excellent option for those who need their smile restored but can’t do procedures like dental fillings due to the extent of their damaged tooth. In this blog post, we will go over what dental crowns are and how they can benefit you and your smile for years to come! What are Dental Crowns? Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that Dr. Chad Latino will place over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their size, shape, and function. Dental crowns come from various materials, including porcelain, zirconia, or metal. Dental crowns are an excellent option for people with a weak, broken, or decayed tooth that cannot receive restoration using dental fillings or other restorations. Are Dental Crowns Safe? Dental crowns are generally considered safe for most patients. They are a commonly used dental restoration technique that has been well-tested, and dentists like Dr. Chad Latino swear by dental crowns in dentistry. Dental crowns can help protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore an already broken tooth, or cover and support a tooth with a large filling. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These could include: It’s always important to discuss any concerns with your dentist before proceeding with the procedure. Who Can Get Dental Crowns? Dental crowns are suitable for many individuals, from children to adults. Patients who have weak, broken, or excessively worn teeth due to decay or injury often benefit from dental crowns. Also, individuals with a large cavity unsuitable for a filling or those who have undergone root canal treatment usually require a dental crown for the protection and reinforcement of the tooth. Furthermore, people seeking cosmetic dental improvement, such as covering misshaped or severely discolored teeth, may consider dental crowns. However, potential crown candidates must have healthy gums and enough tooth structure to support the crown. As always, discuss with Dr. Chad Latino during your consultation to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. How are Dental Crowns Placed? Getting a dental crown takes two visits to Dr. Chad Latino’s office in Waco, Texas. The visit will, naturally, depend on your situation, but the overall way your visit will go for receiving a dental crown will include the following. Visit Number One During the first visit, Dr. Latino will prepare the tooth by reshaping it and making sure it can adequately support the crown. Once your tooth is prepared, Dr. Latino will take an impression of the tooth to create the custom-made crown. In the meantime, Dr. Latino will place a temporary over the prepared tooth. Visit Number Two During the second visit, Dr. Chad Latino will remove the temporary crown, and he will place your new dental crown over your tooth. He will ensure your dental crown fits entirely and comfortably and seal it with a special adhesive known as dental cement. Caring for Dental Crowns Dental crowns are durable and long-lasting, but they require proper care to maintain their integrity. Everyday tasks you can do from home to maintain and care for your dental crown include: The Benefits of Dental Crowns Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring teeth and optimizing your smile. The benefits of dental crowns go beyond just improving your appearance; they can also strengthen and protect your teeth, restore tooth function, and provide long-lasting results. The benefits of dental crowns include: 1. Strengthens and protects teeth Dental crowns provide a protective shield to your damaged or decayed tooth. Once the crown placement goes onto the tooth surface, it covers the entire tooth, preventing further damage and fracture. The crown also acts as a support structure, strengthening the tooth and allowing you to eat and chew as usual. 2. Improves tooth appearance Crowns are not just functional but also cosmetic. Dental crowns can be customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, giving you a seamless smile. Crowns can also cover stains, chips, and other imperfections that may make you self-conscious about your teeth. With an improved smile, you can smile freely without worrying about what others may think of your smile. A restored smile is a restored sense of confidence and self-esteem! 3. Long-lasting results Crowns last for years if they are well taken care of. With proper maintenance, such as practicing good oral care and visiting Dr. Chad Latino for your bi-annual regular dental exams and cleanings, your crowns can protect your teeth for up to 15 years. 4. Restores tooth function Crowns can restore tooth function in cases where teeth have suffered internal damage, resulting in pain when biting or chewing. A crown can provide a comfortable biting surface and decrease sensitivity to cool or hot beverages. 5. Versatile application Dental crowns fix various dental issues, including cosmetic and restorative procedures. Dental crowns can help to cover a discolored tooth, seal teeth that have received root canal treatments, and restore a broken tooth. Ultimately, dental crowns can help restore your smile in function as well as appearance, helping to bring functionality and confidence back into your life. Dental crowns are highly versatile and can be used to address a variety of dental issues, including: Dental Crowns in Waco, TX Dental crowns are an excellent option for people who want to restore their teeth and achieve a better smile. Are you ready to take the following steps towards repairing your smile and enhancing the appearance of your teeth? Schedule an