Latest News

How long can I delay getting a crown?

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get a Dental Crown in Sedona

What happens if I don’t get a crown?

Dentists are always asked “How long can I delay getting a crown?”

Getting a crown is the most common restorative dental procedures. Of course, nobody wants to get a crown, but sometimes it is the best course of action to help restore your tooth to perfect working order.

You may ask “How long can I delay getting a crown?” The consequences of not getting a dental crown or “a tooth capped” hinge on why you need a crown.

If you are getting a crown for cosmetic purposes to make your tooth or teeth look better, then choosing not to get the crown means your teeth will still look the same.

If you have a large filling with new cavities, not getting a dental crown may lead to a dental emergency with pain and swelling; of course, dental emergencies usually only happen on weekends or when you decide to go on vacation.

Maybe your tooth “doesn’t hurt”, so why not wait to get a crown?

How does the Dentist Decide if I need a Crown? How long can I delay getting a crown?

If your tooth has a crown on it now, and the crown has failed because the crown is “leaking” and got recurrent decay underneath, you will need a crown. Just because a tooth receives a crown does not mean it is less prone to decay.

If you have had a root canal on a molar done by your dentist or an endodontist (dentist that specializes in and only does root canals), you should not delay getting a crown. The risk of waiting to get a crown is fracturing the tooth.

Fracture is one example of why dental crowns need to be redone. Maybe you grind your teeth at night because of anxiety and have fractured the porcelain off a crown. A back tooth with lots of grinding pressure is more likely to fracture than a tooth without much pressure. Keep in mind if you are currently grinding your teeth, you can damage your crowns and teeth. You may want to consider a night guard.

 

If you have visible tooth cracks on a tooth, your tooth may be weakened and at risk to break. You may not know it, but your tooth may have a fracture in more than one place.

How long can I wait to replace a crown?

If your existing crown has new decay, often the crown starts “leaking” and allowing saliva and bacteria to seep underneath the cement sealing the crown. This is often “painless”, but the tooth structure underneath turns into the consistency of “wet cardboard”. We all know that wet cardboard will never be the same.

Crowns that have been on for long periods of time can become loose due to decay growing underneath the crown

Crowns that have been on for long periods of time can become loose due to decay growing underneath the crown

This patient had a porcelain-metal crown on the lower molar that was leaking – the crown needed to be replaced.

This patient had a porcelain-metal crown on the lower molar that was leaking – the crown needed to be
replaced.

Do I really need a crown?

You sure do if you have an advanced cavity and a large existing filling. Cavities are like cancer, leaving a “little bit of decay” is like “leaving a little bit of cancer. Both may “not hurt” until it’s too late. Of course, a filling may work as a temporary, to allow you some time to save up money to do the crown. Ask your dentist why she or he thinks why you really need a crown.

Instead of kicking yourself later for not taking care of your dental issues, make an appointment! There are some things you can put off and other things you shouldn’t. Read 7 Things You Should Ask Before Getting a Crown. 

Dental crowns are a wonderful way to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or other problems. How long can you delay getting a crown? If a crown is done early enough, you can save money and from needing more dental work later on!

Marijuana and Oral Health: Remedies if you choose to smoke weed

Marijuana and Oral Health: Remedies if you choose to Smoke Weed

It’s no secret that medical marijuana is one of the most popular substances, especially among young people. If you live in Arizona, it doesn’t take much to get a medical prescription for the use of Medical Marijuana. It is well known that smoking is not just bad for your lungs but it can cause bad breath, discolored teeth, gum disease and oral cancer. As more states are legalizing marijuana for medical and recreation, some people have Googled what effect smoking marijuana has on teeth and what they can do at home to remedy the problems caused by marijuana.

As study found “persistent cannabis use from ages 18 to 38 years was not associated with physical health problems at age 38 years with one exception: persistent cannabis use was statistically significantly associated with poor periodontal health.” In other words, gum disease (periodontitis) may occur at an earlier age in marijuana users than the general population.

A study found that at least half of those who smoked regularly for the past 15 to 20 years developed gum disease while only one out of seven of those who had never smoked medical marijuana developed periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is best described as inflammation of the gums, the main reason for tooth loss.

If it ends in “rhea” it is generally something that you want to avoid!

Poor periodontal health is known as Periodontal disease. Your grandparents used to call it pyorrhea. It is pronounced “py·or·rhe·a” or “pīəˈrēə” and anything that ends in “rhea” or “rēə” is generally not a good thing… diarrhea, dysmenorrhea and gonorrhea come to mind.

The ADA (American Dental Association)  indicates that the research does not clearly know if marijuana is the problem with increased periodontal health problems or if other factors like tobacco use, poor oral hygiene habits increased alcohol use are to blame for poor periodontal health among marijuana users.

What can you do if you choose to smoke marijuana?

It doesn’t matter if you’re smoking tea leaves, tobacco or marijuana. Smoke dries out your mouth. Dry Mouth also known as xerostomia. Xerostomia is often described as having cotton-mouth can lead to higher amounts of tooth decay. While under the influence of marijuana, the nervous system responds by reducing the production of saliva. A reduction in saliva is the reason you may have bad breath and a higher risk of tooth decay.

REMEDY: Despite your cravings, avoid sugary foods and drinks like soft drinks, energy drinks and juices. Try to stay hydrated with water.

Smoking weed may also directly cause the yellowing or light-green stains of teeth among heavy smokers.

REMEDY: Professional teeth whitening use of an electric toothbrush, and porcelain veneers. Teeth whitening procedure help with stains much more than any other method.

Cannabis smoking also has the potential to contribute to the risk of head and neck cancer.

REMEDY: When you smoke, try to reduce the high temperatures because heat causes sores in the mouth. Choose to vaporize or eat medical marijuana instead of smoking it. Try taking it in pill form, baking it into foods, or eating weed lollipops. Common sense says that smoking can be detrimental to your health.

Like smoking, use of medical marijuana is linked to increased gum problems.

REMEDY: Meticulous oral hygiene is the only way to prevent gum disease also known as periodontal disease. Brushing your teeth often especially right before bed time is important in maintaining your oral health. Cleaning between the teeth with floss or brushes that go in between the teeth are also helpful.

Smoking marijuana can suppress the body’s immune system, which explains why pot-smokers are more susceptible than non-smokers to certain cancers and infections.

REMEDY: Maintain a balanced diet and drink the recommended amounts of water every day. Visit our Sedona dentist regularly, and make sure to remain active through daily exercise.

 

Habitual marijuana users concerned about the effects smoking pot has on their oral health should seek the advice a dentist. Sedona, AZ residents are invited to call Chris Marsh, DDS. He has a dental office in the beautiful red rock dental community of Sedona. Being open with your dentist is essential for your well-being. With honest communication and by making your dentist and dental hygienist aware of habits that affect your dental health, they will be more capable to provide the care you will need. With the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis in many states, it is important to be transparent and be open to discussing your use of marijuana with your dentist and dental hygienist, much like tobacco and alcohol use.

If you have any doubt about your oral health, contact Sedona Dentist Chris Marsh at 928-282-3246.

I hope this post got you thinking. If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you. If you like what you see, please share it with your friends and follow me on Google or Facebook.

 

Parents, do you know about Juuling? It's all the rage. What You Need to Know.

First off, it’s important to note that vaping and Juuling is the same thing. Juuls are a type of vaporizer or e-cigarette, designed so discreetly that most people don’t even recognize them as an e-cigarette. The Juul, is a trendy vape that is a small, sleek device that resembles a computer USB flash drive and can be charged in a laptop’s USB port. Juul and the newest class of devices are discreet. Its subtle design makes it so easy to hide that teenagers are using them in school bathrooms, hallways and even classrooms.

Vaping devices otherwise known as E-cigarettes are battery powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid (called e-juice), which turns into a vapor when using the devices. The e-juice liquid comes in enticing flavors, such as mint, fruit, and a bubble gum dose of nicotine, which appeal to kids. One pod or flavor cartridge can deliver nicotine in excess of a pack of cigarettes.

 

Juuling is so popular now that it is now a verb: Are you Juuling? Most teenagers have little if no interest in smoking cigarettes, but Juuling is different.

So why the dental concern?

Vape juice contains Propylene glycol (PG) a liquid alcohol is   “generally recognized as safe” in ingested food, but long term effects of PG if inhaled are not fully known. PG was noted in the study to bond with saliva and tissue in the mouth, leading to dry mouth.  Dry mouth is a known cause of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. PG also breaks down into acetic acid, lactic acid and propionaldehyde — all of which are known to deteriorate tooth enamel and soft tissues.

Research also shows that when teeth are exposed to vaping aerosol that contains a mix of vegetable glycerin and flavorings, they carry four times more bacteria than teeth that haven’t been exposed.

Lastly, research done at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine shows that e-cigarettes lead to the same, and sometimes even broader, suppression of key immune genes in your respiratory system and nasal passages as traditional cigarette smoking. And just recently the CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multi-state outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) use.

I hope this post got you thinking. If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you. If you like what you see, please share it with your friends and follow me on Google or Facebook.

Chemotherapy drugs can cause cavities, changes in taste, sores in the mouth and throat, as well as a dry mouth, irritation or bleeding.

See your dentist preferably before you start chemotherapy. Have a thorough examination and get any existing problems such as  cavities and decayed teeth repaired.

Mouth sores caused by chemotherapy (mucositis) can become infected and interfere with your cancer treatment, so practice good oral hygiene and tell your care team about any symptoms. Our office would be happy to assist you with prescribing medications to prevent sores and reduce pain from the sore.  We offer coaching the oral cancer patient on ways to help keep the mouth cleaner and healthier. We are willing to help the chemotherapy patient to serve as their emergency dentist in Sedona, AZ.

Many chemotherapy medications can cause a very dry mouth.

Limit the effects of dry mouth by

  • sipping water often or sugarless drinks that do not contain caffeine.
  • Moisten foods with gravies or sauces.
  • Chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free sour drops to stimulate saliva production.
  • Try artificial saliva (this can be found over the counter at your local drug store or supermarket near the toothpaste section).
  • Ask your physician, dentist or nurse to recommend commercial products that are available for dry mouth.
  • Use a cool mist vaporizer
  • Mouth dryness may continue after therapy. Salivary flow will gradually increase, but may not completely return to normal.
  • Apply lanolin-based lip balm often.
  • Choose alcohol free mouthwashes- alcohol attracts water and makes the mouth drier.
  • Stop the use of tobacco
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.

Taste changes (dysguesia) can occur if you have radiation to the head and neck area. You may find a decrease in taste and an altered taste sensation. These changes may result in a decrease in appetite. Foods may taste differently than before, especially bitter, sweet, and/or salty foods.

  • Some foods may taste bland.
  • Every food may taste the same.
  • You may have a metallic or chemical taste in your mouth, especially after eating meat or other high-protein foods.

 

Sore corner of mouth won’t heal

Angular Cheilitis Is the Gross Mouth Infection You Didn’t Know You’ve Had

I have noticed cracking at the corners of my mouth, they won’t go away. What is it and what should I do?

Do you have a painful, red sore at the corners of your mouth? Have you tried rubbing on chapstick and it doesn’t do the trick? The culprit may not be chapped lips. You could have a skin condition known as angular cheilitis.  Angular cheilitis is often mistaken for a cold sore or chapped lips, but it’s usually caused by a fungus. Licking your licks excessively can contribute to angular cheilitis. Cracking of the corners of the mouth is a common condition that is frequently seen in both the offices of dermatologists and dentists.

Angular cheilitis is a skin condition that can cause one or both corners of the mouth to become painful, inflamed and sore. Often mistaken for “a cold sore in the corner of my mouth” these cracked corners may extend onto the lips or skin of the face slightly, but it is primarily confined to the corners of the mouth.

Fast Facts on Cracking at the Corners of the Mouth (Angular Cheilitis)

  • Angular = “Angle” , Cheil = “Lips, itis= “Inflamed
  • It is not a disease, but symptoms of something else. It is not a cold sore in the corner of the mouth
  • Characterized by redness and cracking of the skin at the corners of the lips
  • Also known as “Perleche” which is a French word, “lecher,” meaning to lick
  • Angular cheilitis can occur at any age
  • Treatment of the sore in the corner of the mouth involves addressing the underlying cause as soon as possible

What are the symptoms of Angular Cheilitis?

  • The corners of your mouth keep splitting
  • Cracking at the corners of the lips
  • Pain in the corners of the mouth
  • a burning sensation or tenderness at the corners of the mouth
  • Chapped, wet corners of the mouth

The causes of Angular Chelitis are usually associated with infectious organisms including Candida albicans.

The Risk Factors associated with this condition include:

  • frequent  lip licking,
  • Worn dentures that allow the chin and nose to be closer together. People with malocclusion or ill-fitting dentures should see a dentist. With time, ill-fitting dentures can promote bone loss which will eventually worsen overlapping of lips and create a more favorable atmosphere for angular cheilitis.
  • an aging face with anatomical volume loss allowing lip overlap – worn teeth may allow this to occur and make you appear older than you really are- full mouth reconstruction may help this
  • diabetes mellitus
  • conditions requiring pharmaceutical immunosuppression such as chemotherapy for cancer treatment
  • having Thrush- a yeast infection of the mouth
  • a dry mouth (Sjögren’s syndrome) that make you lick the lips repeatedly
  • having dry chapped lips

Sore in Corner of Mouth Treatment

  • It’s likely that you need to see your dentist or physician to properly diagnose and treat this condition
  • Treatment should be customized to address the suspected cause/causes of angular cheilitis which may be a multifactorial condition in the individual patient.
  • Often an anti-fungal cream is prescribed

Dr. Marsh practice serves patients in Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, the Village of Oak Creek, Bell Rock dental and the Verde Valley area.

Related Searches include:

sore in corner of mouth treatment

cracked corners of mouth treatment

cold sore corner of mouth

corners of my mouth keep splitting

cracks in corner of mouth vitamin deficiency

is angular cheilitis contagious

cracked corner of mouth

angular cheilitis vs cold sore

You know what I’m talking about…: You wake up in the morning, roll over to wish tour partner good morning and they tenderly tell that you to go brush your teeth.

Your stinky morning breath, which is really common—and extremely annoying. If you’ve ever wondered why you wake up with breath that smells like a dumpster, here are six of the most common explanations for waking with stinky morning breath. Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, typically originates in the mouth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Your mouth produces less saliva when you sleep.

This is the root of the matter—and it explains why no amount of brushing or flossing is guaranteed to prevent morning breath. When we go to bed, our bodies slow down saliva production, which creates an atmosphere in which stink-inducing bacteria can thrive.

During the day, our mouths create plenty of saliva to help wash away the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria essentially get free roam of your mouth until you wake up and get them in check with dental hygiene.

You’re susceptible to dry mouth.

If during the day you’re already prone to dry mouth (from the side effect of your medications or you have other physical issues), then your mouth is probably going to be extra dry while you sleep. That’s because your body is already producing less saliva while you are awake, and that amount of saliva goes down even further at night. This creates an even more generous situation for odor-causing bacteria and may increase the gagging odor of your morning breath.

 

You snore and/or breathe through your mouth when you sleep.

Perhaps you have airway issues at night and you snore or mouth breathe. This can seriously dry out your mouth at night. This produces the same conditions of dry mouth described above: Because your mouth is producing less saliva, bacteria stick around in your mouth unimpeded, where they get to work creating stenches.

You’re a smoker and your mouth smells “like butt”.

Smoking tobacco can contribute to morning breath in a number of ways. For starters, it causes your saliva to dry up, which leads to all of the consequences of dry mouth described above. Secondly, it can increase the temperature in your mouth, which makes an even more fertile environment for stinky bacteria. Finally, smoking cigarettes increases the risk of gum disease, which is another big contributor to bad breath. Giving up tobacco for good provides a lot of health benefits besides keeping your mouth from smelling like an ash tray in the morning.

You’re lazy and you skipped brushing and flossing the night before.

When you skipped brushing and cleaning in-between your teeth last night, you allowed the food debris and bacteria to stick around in your mouth. This means that when your saliva production slows down, there will be still more bacteria just waiting to create all kinds of filthy odors in your mouth. Those who do not brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly are more likely to have halitosis than people with good oral hygiene habits.

You have allergies or a cold.

When your head is full of mucus—whether because of allergies or sickness—that mucus will find its way into the back of your throat while you sleep. This mucus delivers a food source for the bacteria in your mouth and throat (yuk!). The rich surroundings for these bacteria produce stinky odors while gobbling on said mucus. (Gross!)

Because there’s nothing you can do about your body’s reduced saliva production during the night, it may not be possible completely eliminate morning breath. The key to fresh breath starts with focusing on the healthiness of your mouth. But with any luck you can take some comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in suffering from morning breath. This morning, you’re in the good, stinky-breathed company of people waking up all over the world.

Dental Care You Should Never Miss

You stay up late and the last thing you feel like doing is to stop and brush your teeth. It won’t take too much time, but the bed and pillows look awfully inviting.
Some of the most missed dental care habits include:
• Seeing your dentist regularly
• Flossing or cleaning in-between your teeth each day
• Brushing your teeth after meals and at bedtime

But is it a “big deal” if you miss these occasionally? We’d like to think that a time or two won’t make a difference, but there is a reason good dental habits are important.

Seeing Your Dentist Regularly

Life gets busy, and it’s not uncommon that you have to reschedule your dental visit throughout the year (or maybe a few years!) It seems harmless; it can actually cause more harm than you’d suspect.
Everyone wants a bright smile, pain-free teeth and gums and fresh breath. Most people don’t consider the direct link between oral health and their overall health. If you have neglected your dental health, your overall health may show signs of that.

Studies show that there’s a very close connection between dental and overall health.

Chris Marsh, a dentist in Sedona, states,” There’s a link between your mouth and mind, also. Poor oral health can affect your self-image and your self-esteem.” Disorders like chronic pain, cold sores and oral yeast infections can get in the way of daily life, causing depression, misery and lost work days.
“our mouth is the entry point of many bacteria, to keep these bacteria from going into your body, cleaning your mouth on a regular basis is very important.

Flossing or cleaning in-between your teeth each day

The fact is that flossing or cleaning in-between the teeth can dislodge food and plaque that tooth brushing can’t reach. Our Sedona dental team can also show you dental care alternatives:

  • Interdental brushes that can fit between teeth
  • Floss picks or floss holders with handles that can make it easier to floss with just one hand
  • Water flossers such as the Waterpik Brand that direct water between the teeth in lieu of dental floss
  • Floss threaders that can be helpful for flossing under your fixed bridge.

sedona dental care tips

Brushing your teeth after meals and at bedtime

If you go to bed without brushing your teeth, the bacteria that lives in your mouth will have a chance to produce acid which attacks your tooth enamel, making your crowns fail and give you root cavities.
If you don’t brush or floss regularly, plaque can also harden into tartar – which is extremely hard to get off your teeth. Tarter doesn’t need much time to form. Tartar can develop in just a day if you forget to brush. Tartar can also lead to gum disease, a chronic condition that can cause tooth loss, as well as inflammation in your body. If you’re worried about plaque or tartar building up on your teeth, seeing a dentist on a regular basis is crucial.
If you really struggle to brush your teeth before bed, here are a couple of helpful tips from Sedona AZ dentist Chris Marsh:
1. Keep a toothbrush near your easy chair! Brush while you finish that book, or are watching TV. No toothpaste is needed. Simply get the toothbrush out and get to clean your teeth.
2. Keep your floss nearby; consider putting the floss within easy reach of your “favorite chair”. No need to get up and grab a piece of floss!

Which dental habit do you miss the most?

Ready to Schedule Preventive Dentistry?

Daily dental care and biannual checkups are the keys to healthy Sedona smiles. Whether you need a routine exam or a root canal, our Sedona Dentistry team can help. If you live in West Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Cottonwood, Clarkdale or any of the surrounding communities we’d love to see you twice a year!

Regular preventive dentistry can help you avoid cavities and gum disease. You can schedule a preventive appointment, today, by calling Roy Daniels, a dentist in Sedona, AZ at 928-282-3246.

 

Are you interested in dental implants to hold your dentures in place?

tired_of_gooey_mess_slice

Dental implants are a very successful long-lasting option for people with loose dentures

Dental Implant Assisted versus Implant Supported Dentures

Dental implants to retain or support ill-fitting dentures are becoming increasingly popular. People today have an increasingly high expectation about dentistry. They demand natural looking rehabilitations that can be delivered quickly. They expect to make no compromises on activities such as eating, talking and laughing. Denture wearers want an attractive appearance with natural looking teeth. But what are some of the options for denture wearers as far as the restorations that fit the dental implants? The answer is in how much MOVEMENT a patient can put up with.

 

 

Implant Assisted Overdenture

Some dentures attach to dental implants and use a REMOVABLE denture that the implants ASSIST in the retention of the denture. These type of implants connected to dentures are SUPPORTED BY THE GUMS and ASSISTED to be held in place by the dental implants. This means there is SOME movement when eating and that the gums take more of the biting forces. But the denture wont “fall out of your mouth” or “float around” the mouth. The biggest advantage of removable overdenture is the cost. With dental implant assisted dentures, sometimes less implants are required, so they are more cost-effective for the patient’s budget. Sometimes mini implants can be used eliminating the need for more expensive bone grafting. For the denture wearer, dental implant assisted dentures may help your ability to talk confidently and eat comfortably; they do not replicate a natural bite and must be removed for cleaning.

Dental Implants Dentures

Implant Assisted Overdenture on 4 dental implants

Implant Supported Overdenture

Some people prefer to have LESS MOVEMENT and choose to have the dentures or teeth SUPPORTED BY THE IMPLANTS. There is LESS MOVEMENT because the implants take the forces of the biting pressures and is more of a rigid system

Implant supported dentures are designed for the implants to take the total force of the bite, absorbing it through the implants and into the jawbone, providing the most natural and normal bite. However, treatment is usually more expensive since a greater number of implants are needed and the attachments between the dental implants and the dentures are more labor intensive and costly Implant supported dentures also need good quality bone which is not always available. Some people are unwilling to undergo additional procedures, such as bone and soft tissue regeneration, that may be necessary to ensure the treatment is successful and will provide a good esthetic outcome.

 

All on 4 Dental Implants

Implant Supported Denture- Removable by the Patient for cleaning

Implant Supported Teeth- Full Arch Screw Retained Restorations

Some patients want the maximum stability with the LEAST MOVEMNNT and do not want their teeth to be REMOVABLE. Below is an example of an all on 4 dental implants  (all-on-four dental implant).

Implant Supported Hybrid Denture – Removable by a dentist but not the patient

 

 

New crown doesn’t fit right

While crowns are done routinely in almost every dental office every day, they still require a very high precision to give a great long-lasting result.

A great fitting dental crown starts with your dentist. When your dentist first starts to shape your tooth for a crown, the area of where the tooth joins the crown (dentist call this the margin) must be placed so that the biology of the gum tissue is not compromised. If the dentist goes too deep, then the gum tissue will always be inflamed. The crown should fit perfectly over the tooth so that the edges of the crown fit the edges of the tooth perfectly.

A great fitting dental crown can only be made from an accurate and detailed impression or scan of the tooth. Many dentists are careless and cut corners when making an impression, just ask any dental laboratory technician. The next requirement is to have a good dental lab make the crown, not some cut-rate outfit.

When installing the new crown in your mouth, the crown has to fit perfectly over the tooth so that its margins meet the margins of the tooth preparation. Once the crown is “down” on the tooth, the contacts between the adjacent teeth should be adequate: floss should snap on either side without breaking. If there is no resistance to floss, it is likely that food will jam in-between your teeth. A quick snap is indicative of good contacts.

If your crown is not fitting properly then it should be removed and you should be fitted for a new one.

Well done dental crowns should settle in and last for years with no more than minor issues. The single most useful test to verify the fit is to take an x-ray. We always check the fit of any new crown we fit with an X-ray.

Here are some x-rays of crowns  that don’t fit right.

New crown doesn't fit right. Poorly fitting crown that snags and shreds floss, caused by a dentist who did not fit the crown correctly to the tooth

 

If you have an experience with a new crown that is not resolving, seek out a second opinion. We offer unparalleled service and a considerable range of procedures to meet all of your dental and cosmetic needs. If you’re a resident of the Sedona or Cottonwood, Arizona areas and you’re looking for exactly the right cosmetic dentist, please call Chris Marsh, DDS today at 928-282-3246 for a consultation.

This patient had a front missing tooth and a very costly replacement was recommended

The patient’s previous dentist wanted to replace the front missing tooth with a treatment estimate of nine thousand dollars. This Cottonwood, AZ patient came to our office seeking a second opinion for a more economical solution to his failing front bridge, an alternative to an implant or bridge on the lower front teeth. Dr. Chris Marsh, a Sedona, AZ dentist was able to replace a missing front tooth for a fraction of the patient’s estimate from a dentist in Cottonwood, AZ. By utilizing a composite front bridge this non implant tooth replacement option fit this patient’s budget and looked better than when he walked in. If you are missing a front tooth or have a loose front tooth, call us today to discuss your treatment options.

While not the perfect solution for a front missing tooth, a composite bridge does offer considerable benefits when matched to the other choices:

  • It’s not metal, so there are no ‘metals and microbes’ issues.
  • Another benefit is that the anchor teeth are kept in healthy condition and not compromised by grinding them down.
  • Unlike laboratory made fixed bridges, if one of your anchor teeth becomes compromised, the bonded bridge can be removed and one of your natural teeth can remain unharmed.

Yet a composite bridge still isn’t the perfect solution, and here’s why: 

  • Cleaning around a bridge is not as easy as cleaning around a dental implant. In-between the teeth where the missing front tooth is bonded to its neighbors can attract an incredible amount of food and debris that must be cleaned several times daily, or the natural teeth can decay.
  • The composite bridge is not as strong and may fracture if you have heavy biting forces.
  • The bone under the bridge will thin over time and recede, causing the area to look unsightly or collect more food.

Front missing tooth replacement

This is a before and after photo of a low cost bonded bridge. This patient has a front missing tooth.