Are you busy? You’re not alone. These days, many Americans feel like no matter what they do, they just don’t have enough time to get everything done. When you’re overwhelmed with work or other time commitments, it’s easy to neglect your oral health, especially when it requires you to go to the dentist. In fact, one of the adults don’t go to the dentist is that they simply don’t have the time.
Our dentists recommend you schedule a professional teeth cleaning every six months to maintain a healthy smile. These regular cleanings also give our dentists an opportunity to examine your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. That way, we can fix oral health problems before they become so severe that they require more complicated treatments.
If one of your teeth is showing signs of decay, you may be wondering when on earth you can fit multiple dental appointments into your busy schedule, but don’t worry. We offer many dental treatments that can restore your tooth in a single appointment, such as tooth fillings and same-day crowns.
A Quick and Easy Tooth Filling
If you have a small cavity, our restorative dentists can use a tooth filling to fix your smile in a single appointment. The key is early detection. If you have a toothache, seek treatment as soon as possible. If your cavity is too large, you may have to undergo other treatments that require multiple appointments.
The Process for Getting a Filling
To get rid of your cavity, our dentists will numb your tooth so you’ll be comfortable during the procedure. Then, they’ll drill out the decay and fill the hole with a composite resin to restore the look and function of your tooth. Fillings made of composite resin are also known as white tooth fillings since they mimic the look of your natural teeth. They also don’t expand and contract under fluctuating temperatures like do.
After the procedure, your tooth and cheek will still be fairly numb. We recommend you avoid eating or chewing until the numbness is gone so you don’t bite your cheek by accident.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
If your cavity is too large for a filling, or if your tooth has weakened from injury or decay, then we may recommend a dental crown instead. A dental crown acts like a cap that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. This restores both your tooth’s strength and its appearance.
Typically, getting a dental crown is a two-appointment process: one to take impressions of your tooth that will inform how your crown is made, and one to fit the custom-made crown onto your tooth. However, our Wyoming, MI, dentists use CEREC crowns, which can be made in a single day.
The Process for Getting a CEREC Crown
First, we’ll remove some of your existing tooth structure to make room for the CEREC same-day crown. Then, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth, making the process much quicker and cleaner than relying on trays of pink putty for impressions. Your digital impressions will be sent to a computer where we can design your same-day crown.
Once our dentists are happy with your design, we’ll send it to the milling machine in our office. This machine will carve out your CEREC same-day crown from a ceramic block.
After the machine has finished, our dentists will make sure the crown is the right size, shape, and color for your teeth. We’ll then bond the crown to your tooth, restoring your smile in a single appointment.
Restore Your Smile Today
If you’re struggling to find time for your oral health, don’t delay. Simple procedures like teeth cleanings, tooth fillings, and CEREC crowns will only take one appointment to make a world of difference for your oral health. Our Wyoming, MI, restorative dentists can give you the smile you deserve in a single appointment. Call Family Dentistry today at (616) 534-5602, or contact us online to request an appointment.