Dental Implants vs. Bridges

If you are an adult that lost a tooth, you can replace it with a dental implant or a bridge. Bridges require sound teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth for placement; this isn’t necessary in the case of dental implants. Depending on the severity of your individual case, here at Cadena Dentistry we can provide you with both options and restore your smile to its fullest potential.

The first thing you notice about a dental implant is how closely it resembles your natural tooth. It replaces the entire missing tooth, including the root, without having to grind the adjacent teeth. Dental implants may be less noticeable and provide a more natural appearance, and provide more efficient chewing than bridges, which may slip. A bridge is a frame on which two crowns and a false tooth are attached. The bridge covers the prepared teeth that are left after grinding. The false tooth then sits in the missing tooth’s space above the gum. Since it does not replace the root of the missing tooth, it’s possible that bone loss can occur. Bridges can be less expensive than dental implants in the long run, however the life span of a bridge is less than that of an implant.

If you need to replace a missing tooth, give us a call today to discuss your options. To learn more about dental implants, bridges and other services we offer here at Cadena Dentistry visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Night Guards

At our practice in Del Rio, TX, we see many patients who suffer from bruxism, a condition marked by teeth grinding or excessive clenching. Some of these people grind their teeth or clench their jaw consciously throughout the day, but an even greater number do so at night while sleeping. Many of our patients who grind at night do not even realize that they do it until the results of the behavior give the condition away. If you grind your teeth, you will often experience damage to your enamel, as well as jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation. To protect your teeth, you must seek treatment, and Cadena Dentistry, we find that night guards are the best way to prevent bruxism’s negative effects.

 

Similar to those worn by athletes, night guards provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth when you sleep. By reducing wear to your teeth and making it harder for you to grind, your teeth will be healthier and you will feel better overall. We custom fit these night guards to make them as comfortable as possible. To fit you with a night guard, we will take an impression of your teeth to send to our dental lab for fabrication. Night guards created in a lab are very durable and can last for up to 10 years.

 

If you find yourself frequently waking up with headaches or pain in your jaw, it is very possible that you grind in your sleep. Often those who do not treat their bruxism end up with TMD, and they can even change the appearance of their face.

To diagnose and treat your night grinding, call 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Louis Cadena. For more information, visitwww.cadenadentistry.com.  

White Fillings

When teeth become decayed, they're often in need of a filling. Nowadays, most patients don’t want to have fillings that are obvious to others when talking, smiling or laughing. Here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX we provide composite resin fillings, which are also known as white fillings.

 

These fillings are the same color as the patient’s tooth, so they aren’t obvious to anyone else. White fillings not only helps the patient protect their tooth from further decay, but feel more confident when they smile knowing no one knows it’s there.

 

White fillings have many benefits to patients that make them a great dental filling option:

• They are the same white color of the tooth being filled.
• White fillings can be blended to be any shade, regardless of the color of the tooth.
• They are not significantly more expensive than other fillings.
• White fillings are just as efficient in protecting teeth as alternatives.

It takes slightly longer for the process of white fillings than metal fillings because white fillings are blended to match our patient’s tooth. Otherwise, they look and feel like any other filling, allowing the patient to fill a cavity and protect their tooth from more serious problems. If you have a cavity and are in need of a filling, call us today at 830-775-3322 to see if you are a candidate for white fillings.

Extractions

Extractions are needed for multiple reasons: to avoid getting a root canal, to remove wisdom teeth that are pushing against other teeth, or to remove an impacted and infected tooth. Here at Radiance Dental, we provide extractions for patients that need to get a tooth removed. It is not a difficult process and is done under anesthesia, so no pain is experienced. We do ask that patients have a ride home following the anesthesia, as it is not safe for them to drive.

 

After the extractions are completed by Dr. Louis Cadena, it is important that patients follow these tips:

 

1. Only eat soft foods for the first few days following the surgery, such as yogurt, pudding and mashed potatoes.

2. Don’t use a straw when drinking liquids.

3. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth was extracted.

4. Avoid smoking cigarettes, as the sucking motion can pull the blood clot.

5. Call our office if excessive pain or bleeding is experienced.

 

You may notice some minor bleeding at the extraction site, which is temporary. An ice pack works wonders for any lingering pain.

Bridges

Broken or missing teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, trauma to the mouth can fracture a tooth or knock it out completely. In addition, gum disease can cause tooth decay and possibly lead to tooth loss. The good news is at Cadena Dentistry we offer restorative services including dental bridges.

 

A bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. It may be supported by dental implants or natural teeth. A conventional bridge includes two crowns on both sides of the gap. The bridge is attached to the crowns, which act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

 

Usually two appointments are needed in order to have a traditional dental bridge placed. The process of getting a bridge will involve preparing the adjacent teeth for the crowns. Preparation involves removing any decay and shaping and filing the teeth. An impression of the teeth is taken so the bridge can be made. While you wait for your permanent bridge to be made, a temporary one will be placed.

Bridges are made from durable materials, such as porcelain, gold or alloy. In some cases, a combination of materials will be used. Proper maintenance of a bridge is essential in order to prevent cavities from developing underneath. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are needed.

 

For more information on bridges or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Cadena Dentistry at 830-775-3322.