When should a dentist choose to adjust an opposing tooth when fitting a crown?

Patients often do not like it when a dentist 'adjusts' the occlusion of an opposing tooth when fitting a crown. Although often it is not neccesary or advisable to adjust the opposing tooth, sometimes it is advisable.

If the opposing tooth has drifted down because it was not held in occlusion by a tooth that was not restored in proper occlusion, then equilibrating it is a good idea before inserting a new crown. Also some opposing teeth can interfere with the excursions that a crown can make and adjusting an opposing tooth's cusp tip may be preferble to further adjusting a crowns cusps which may be needed to establish a proper 'centric occlusion'(resting occlusion). If this is not done cuspal interferences during excursions may cause a porcelain crown to chip.

Are Smokers good candidates for implants?

Although implants are placed in smoker's mouths, my implant surgeon has reported that his failure rate has been higher for smokers than with non smokers. Accordingly, he is less enthusiastic about placing them in smokers. He encourages his smoker patients to quit prior to his placing implants.

If you are a smoker and are in need of implants, Now you have another reason to consider quiting- It may make it more likely for your implant to integrate properly in your jaw bone. Smoking probably compromises the osseous circulation and can effect bone healing. Keeping this in mind, it probably makes sense to stop smoking well in advance of a contemplated implant placement.

When are you taking vacation this summer?

The office will be closed the first two weeks of August while we take some much needed R&R. It will reopen Monday August 16. I also have jury duty the last weekin August, and the office may not be fully operational that week but will remain open.

Do cavities always hurt?

Dental examinations are usually recommended every six months, in order to detect cavities at an early stage and to allow stagnant plaque and tarter to be reoved, before it can damage the teeth and gingival tissues. Often early stages of decay and gingivitis are relatively painless.

Although large cavities can cause pain, most small to medium ones cause little or no discomfort. I find that where their teeth are concerned many people reassure themselves by thinking that if nothing hurts they have no teeth problems. Unfortunately, this is not always true. The best way to determine whether decay is present is an examination by a dentist. Radiographs help detect interproximal decay and a bright light and a dental explorer are helpful to find occlusal,buccal and lingual decay.

What should I do if I am out of town and have a dental emergency?

If you are traveling and are not able to get back to see your own dentist, probably the next best thing to call your dentist to ask for advice. Find out whether he or she feels immediate treatment is needed. Not every dental 'emergency' needs immediate attention. If a tooth is broken, but a patient has no pain, often waiting a week will do no real harm. If your dentist does feel you need immediate attention and they cannot recommend someone in the location nearby, then you should consider getting a referral from someone local.

If you are staying in a hotel, then they may keep a list of emergency numbers for their guests and can recommend a dentist. If you staying with someone you could always ask them for a referral. Usually a word of mouth referral is the bast way to find a good dentist.