Dental News & Blog Posts

North Dallas Dental crowns are used in dentistry for many different application or uses.  This article will discuss purposes and potential uses of dental crowns with patients.  As a dentist in Dallas, TX, I see patients that would benefit from having a crown on a particular tooth.  

At times a patient may have a tooth that has broken or fractured whereby there is not enough tooth structure remaining to place a filling.  If there is insufficient tooth structure for a filling to stay “anchored” to a tooth, a dental crown is an excellent option.

Another common use of a North Dallas dental crown is after a root canal procedure on a tooth. After a root canal procedure, a tooth may become “brittle” or is in need of re-building due to decay or other problems with the tooth.  By placing a dental crown on a root canal tooth, the tooth is reinforced and strengthen by having a protective covering over the tooth.  Therefore, when biting or chewing, the tooth is covered and protected by the crown.  The underlying tooth is protected and less prone to fracture or breakage. (Keep in mind that if your tooth already has a dental crown prior to the root canal, it may not need a new crown.  If the existing dental crown is adequate and free from decay or problems, a filling may be placed over the hole that was created to do the root canal.)

Most all posterior or back teeth are covered with crowns after root canals to protect them from breakage.  Anterior or front teeth may or may not at times require crowns.  Front teeth may need crowns to not only strengthen them but to make esthetic improvements to the patients smile.

Dental crowns are also used to strengthen unbroken and “whole” teeth that may have very large fillings already present within the tooth.  Teeth that have existing large silver fillings or composite/”tooth-colored” fillings have a high probability of breakage which may necessitate the need for an extraction of the tooth.  Although a tooth may have a large filling, the remaining natural tooth structure or enamel may be weak which will make a tooth more prone to fracture or breakage.  Remember, a tooth when it breaks may fracture into the root of the tooth which may make the tooth hopeless to repair or place a crown. Therefore, that tooth would need an extraction.  All attempts are typically made to restore and repair a tooth but at times the tooth is “non-fixable” and an extraction would be needed.

Old dental crowns may need to be replaced if there are problems with the existing or older crown.  If there is decay around the neck or margin of the crown, a new crown may be needed.  If the older crown is broken or if a hole has been worn through the metal of the crown, a new crown may be needed.

In summary, several different purposes of dental crowns have been described.  There are many different reasons that a crown may be need or a new crown place on a tooth.  Only a dentist can diagnose and determine if a new crown is needed.  A clinical examination if necessary with an x-ray of the tooth to determine the best course of treatment.

Dr. William H. Miller, a dentist in Dallas TX, is able to help determine whether or not your tooth would need a crown.

A dental cleaning in Dallas is a very important part of a healthy mouth and great smile.  Clean teeth are healthier teeth.  A person’s teeth and smile are very important for chewing and appearance.  Usually, an examination including x-rays may be completed at the same appointment.  It is important to have a complete dental examination by a dentist to check for any problems along with a dental cleaning.  X-rays may also be taken so that the dentist may be able to check-out and diagnose any underlying problems accurately.

A smile is one of a person’s greatest asset.  Tooth enamel is one of nature’s most beautiful substances.  Plaque, stain and calculus can form on the surface of the teeth within a very short amount of time. Although, regular brushing and flossing are both important on a daily basis, that is not a substitute for a professional teeth cleaning by a dental office.  A dental cleaning frequency recommendations will vary from patient to patient.  In general, the range could be from one time annually to every three months. Many different factors come in to consideration when selecting the correct frequency of cleaning for a person.

“Dental Implant” and “Implant” are terms in dentistry but what do they mean?  Dentists use these words daily in their offices, but what do these terms mean? This page will give you good information on dental implants.

Basically, in layman’s terms, the typical dental implant is a  piece of titanium that is placed in the jawbone to serve as a “root” or foundation for a tooth or multiple teeth.  Therefore, when we hear the word implant, one can think of that of a “root” for a tooth replacement.  Implants may be placed in the upper or lower jawbone.  Implants may be used to replace a single tooth or several implants may be used to replace multiple missing teeth.

The process of placing an implant is precise.  Measurements are made and instruments / tools are used to prepare the socket for the implant placement.   Implants can be placed by general dentists but most often are placed by specialists.  The specialists may include oral surgeons and periodontists.  Local anesthetic may be used or patients can be sedated for implant placement.  Typically, there is little pain or discomfort following the surgery.  An implant must stay immobile within the bone for a period of time.  Usually, three months is an acceptable time although some implants may need to stay a few weeks longer to integrate or “fuse” with the bone

After the implant has integrated with the bone, it is now ready for placement of the abutment and crown.  The abutment is also an attachment made of titanium that is attached to the implant and serves as the “tooth”.  After the abutment is placed, a crown can be fabricated to be placed on top of the abutment.  Therefore, an “implant tooth” is actually three parts:  implant (root), abutment (tooth) and crown.

Contact our office for more information.

Dallas Dental Office News Update, By Dallas Texas Dentist, William H. Miller
Woodhill Medical Park, 8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 235, Dallas, Texas, 75231
Phone: (214) 692-1050

When missing a tooth, which would you choose….a dental implant or a dental bridge?  For many years fixed or permanent bridges were used to replace missing anterior or posterior teeth.  Today, dental implants are the first choice when discussing tooth replacement.  By using implants the adjacent teeth on either side of the space are not affected.  “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” applies very well in this situation.  When using a bridge, typically the adjacent teeth must be “cut” or prepared so that they may be used as abutments or “anchor” teeth for the missing tooth.  Many times the adjacent teeth may be totally healthy and therefore no dental reason why they would be included in the facilitation of making the bridge.

Implant procedures for single teeth would not include the adjacent teeth at all.  Basically, the area of the missing tooth is the only consideration.  An implant is placed in the area where the tooth is needed without touching the adjacent teeth.  An abutment and crown is then placed on the implant and the procedure is complete.

Implants work very well within the mouth and serve as excellent solutions to replacing missing teeth.  Implants have a longevity when planned and completed by competent dental professionals.  Bridges may have worked well in the past  but today dental implants are one’s first choice when discussing choices for tooth replacement.  If a patient has a failing dental bridge, an alternate treatment option may be discussed.  A patient can replace a dental bridge with two single crowns on the retaining teeth and an implant placed.  The implant would replace the missing tooth.

Check another recent article on dental implants.

Contact our office for more information.

Dallas Dental Office News Update, By Dallas Texas Dentist, William H. Miller
Woodhill Medical Park, 8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 235, Dallas, Texas, 75231
Phone: (214) 692-1050

Individuals who think that they’re taking their dental health seriously by avoiding sugar-laden delights might be surprised to learn that there are seemingly harmless or healthy foods that can damage your teeth as well.

Common Foods can Damage Teeth

Obviously, there are foods that can damage your teeth which include sweets, soda and the practice of chewing ice are traditionally frowned upon by the dental community, but some others can be problematic.

Flossing is very important in daily dental hygiene.

Floss Your Teeth

Flossing teeth is never on anyone’s list of favorite things to do, yet for a number of reasons, it’s important that it be done on a daily basis. Neglecting to do so can be the cause of a number of issues down the road.

Many people believe that simply brushing your teeth is sufficient to avoid any dental issues. However, a toothbrush only cleans the top and side of your teeth, while flossing gets under the gum line and between teeth. Combining these two chores can help limit any dental problems you may run across. The benefits of flossing teeth are clearly evident by looking at five solid reasons listed below

The advantages and disadvantages of professional cosmetic teeth whitening methods and systems.

Professional Teeth Whitening Procedures are Effective and Convenient
While brushing teeth with chalk, bark, and baking soda was a viable teeth whitening option 200 years ago, advances in dentistry now allow us to comfortably and efficiently keep our teeth clean and white without having to put some strange concoction into our mouths. Now we can schedule an appointment with our dentist and after only a couple hours our teeth are white and gleaming. We can also take home prescription trays or over-the-counter white strips or toothpaste that also whitens satisfactorily. While it is aesthetically appealing to have whiter teeth, caution needs to be exercised when choosing the whitening procedure. Gritty or acidic substances are found in some over-the-counter whitening products and these may scratch off enamel or cause soreness to gums. It is best to consult with a dentist before grabbing the first white strips available, and if time is of the essence, then a professional whitening procedure may be the best option to get results fast.

Whitening Procedures

Common Professional Whitening Procedures
Many dentists’ offices now have not one, but several methods to use to whiten teeth depending on the situation. A client has the option of choosing a treatment which can whiten teeth dramatically over a few hours in a dentist chair or over a few weeks at home with a prescription tray. Dr. William Miller, a dentist in Dallas, Texas, explains how a usual teeth whitening session works. “When opting for an in-office cosmetic whitening procedure, usually the dentist will apply a gel to the patient’s teeth and then use a laser or light to activate the bleaching agent within the gel.” This technique and variations are used in systems like BriteSmile, Rembrandt Teeth Whitening. If an in-office whitening treatment is out of the question, then you can ask your dentist about receiving similar treatments at home, through the use of a personally fitted tray and gel (more powerful than any over-the-counter brands) that can be applied personally at home. Another professional procedure that creates a whiter smile is the practice of taking a thin layer of composite resin or porcelain material molded to the tooth and bonding them to the front of the tooth. This method covers stained or yellowed teeth, immediately giving the patient a “whiter” smile. This is not whitening the actual teeth, as there is no application of a bleaching agent to the enamel, only covering it up with an artificial material, but this is one of the most effective ways of giving a smile a cleaner and whiter look, and even helps to correct other flaws like chipped or crooked teeth that have been damaged due to normal wear or teeth grinding. Lumineers is a well-known name within this dental service, and offers porcelain veneers which, though costly, can last longer than ten years.

Tooth brushing is an integral part of a patients daily dental care.  Tooth brushing and flossing are needed for healthy teeth and gums.

Proper Dental Care May Require Brushing Your Teeth Less

When NOT to Brush

“Brush teeth often!” is the directive dental office patients remember the most after the latest teeth cleaning appointment with the dentist. However dentists don’t want their patients tooth brushing their teeth in blind obedience the second any liquid or food passes their lips. Sometimes exposing your mouth to harsh bristles or gritty toothpaste at the wrong time or in the wrong way can cause damage to enamel or gums. Consider these points before initiating your next dental cleaning:

Don’t Tooth Brush After Consuming Acidic Foods or Liquids

If the first thing you grab after a hearty meal is the toothbrush and toothpaste, hold on a moment! Some liquids, like soda, contain phosphoric acids that temporarily soften enamel. Even “healthier” liquids and foods, like orange juice or citrus fruit, contains citric acid which also can weaken enamel. Think your teeth can handle a quick brush after downing a glass of orange juice? When enamel is weakened, the last thing it needs is the bristles of a toothbrush scraping over it and removing microscopic amounts. “Wait a second,” you might think, “only microscopic amounts? How bad can that be?” Plenty, if you consider that enamel is irreplaceable and will wear down naturally over time anyway. If you want to preserve your pearly whites while maintaining good tooth brushing habits, make sure you wash down acidic content with water and wait at least 20 minutes to brush. This will give your teeth time to recover, allowing the saliva time to wash the mouth out and strengthen the enamel.

Stick this list on your fridge or mirror to remind yourself to drink water frequently.

Benefits of Water

While offering dental services in Dallas TX means we focus mainly on oral health, we’re aware of the comprehensive benefits that water offers the human body. Drinking water frequently and in large quantities helps with health, fitness, appetite, weight loss and much more! We’ve compiled a list of the benefits of drinking water that you can stick on your fridge or wherever handy. Whenever you head to the fridge, read a few of the benefits listed below and you might just change your mind a reach for a glass of water instead!

Maybe you have a new cavity or a mouth full of previously filled cavities that are in need of repair or replacing with new esthetic tooth colored fillings. Which filling material is the healthiest and safest to use while keeping your teeth looking their best?

Teeth Grinding Getting You Down?

You go to bed worried about your job security, as your company has stopped growing.  Talk has begun regarding cutbacks and layoffs. You are concerned regarding house payments..  Upcoming budget strain of a child returning to school during Covid-19. You may have anxiety over the state of your investments.  Whether the decision to buy that stock will come back to bite you, may be clouding your mind.  Grinding, bruxism and mouthguards may be in your future.  Apprehension regarding the weakening economy dictates your bedtime mood and with a mind teeming with uneasiness, you fall asleep. The next morning brings even more discomfort as you wake with a splitting headache and a sore jaw. While brushing your teeth you notice that some of them feel sensitive, so despondently you head off to work feeling like your body is falling apart along with the economy. Perhaps it’s time to schedule an appointment with dentist, William H. Miller, D.M.D.

The Symptoms of Bruxism

There are many contributing factors to the shaky economy.  Solutions may be convoluted and varied.  The good news is that the headache, sore jaw, and loose teeth may all be due to a single cause.  Bruxism, more commonly known as “teeth grinding.” Bruxism is when a person clenches their teeth together tightly, or grinds them back and forth against each other.  This typically occurs in one’s sleep, unconsciously.

Adults who do not see a dentist for regular cleanings may be unaware that they are in danger of losing their teeth. Gum disease may be the culprit.

The practice and business of dentistry along with insurance has changed in the past several years. Choosing a dentist is a very important decision. A person has only one set of adult teeth and these teeth need to last a lifetime.  With proper care and attention, most healthy adults should be able to keep their teeth for a lifetime!

Brushing and flossing are very important to a healthy smile, Regular dental check-ups are also necessary.  One can’t visualize their teeth and determine if there are problems and therefore a dentist is needed to evaluate one’s teeth and gums.

There are many factors in choosing a dentist.  Many select a dentist based on “non-dental” considerations.  Some of these may be location, ease of parking, hours of operation etc.  Some select on “word of mouth” recommendations by friends, fellow workers and family members.  Today, many people select and choose a dentist based on insurance.  Those in the United States that have dental insurance have opportunity to have a portion of their out-of-pocket expense lowered by payment by a third party, dental insurance.

Dental insurance has changed significantly during the past several years. The majority of dental insurance companies today have Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO’S).  These organizations or plans are the primary framework for benefits for those that have dental insurance.  Patients always have a choice when choosing their dentist but it is very highly recommended by the insurance companies that patients choose dentists that are contracted, “signed-up” providers with the dental insurance companies.

If a patient chooses a contracted dentist his out-of-pocket expense is less than choosing a non-contracted dental provider.  But it also a great financial benefit to the insurance company as it pays much less to one of it’s contacted providers than to a regular, non-contracted dentist.  One can easily see why the insurance would want a patient to go to a “contracted/insurance dentist” as it pays much less to one of “their providers” than a “non-contracted dentist” that has no legal/contractual affiliation with the insurance company.   Some estimates are that insurance companies may pay anywhere from 20-60% less to contracted dentists and therefore have much higher profits and make as much as 60% more by patients going to their selected contracted providers.

Dentists are solicited by insurance companies to “sign-up” to become providers with the insurance company.  Insurance companies will lead dentists to believe that they will gain new patients by being a preferred provider.  But that comes at a cost to the dentist.  When a dentist signs the, many times, multi-page contract with the insurance company he agrees legally and contractually to a schedule of fees that may be 20-70% less than their normal fees for services.  Therefore, a dentist provides services that are discounted to the patient and insurance company of many times half price or more.

Some thoughts to consider when selecting a dentist based on Dental Insurance….

* Would you select a dentist that has a contract with your dental insurance company for fees charged?

*  Do you feel comfortable with a dentist that has a legal/contractual relationship with the insurance for dental services?

* Keep in mind that your coverage and choices may be limited due to contract(s) between a dentist and the insurance company on your behalf.

* In-network, contracted dentists have, by contract, many guidelines set forth by the insurance companies that may affect your dental care.

* Out-of-network, non-contracted dentists have no direct limitations set forth by an insurance company that would affect your treatment or choice.

* Out-of-network dentists have no contractual relationship with insurance companies and are not directly limited and dictated by an insurance company.

We hope that this information has been helpful to you as you look at dental insurance as criteria in selecting your dentist for you and your family. Dallas Texas dentist, Dr. William Miller is an experienced general dentist that has been providing his very best in personal,  quality focused dental care for over 30 years.  He works with one patient at a time so that he and staff may devote 100% of their time to YOU during your scheduled visit.  Dr. Miller practices dentistry as an Out-of-Network provider for all insurance companies.

Dental implants, bridges and dentures might become obsolete in time. Recent research has gotten us closer to discovering how to grow our own teeth!

While teeth implants, bridges and dentures are useful, they might not be the only options available for tooth replacement in the future. Researchers in Finland have found a way to pinpoint stem cells that are essential to growing teeth. Don’t get too excited yet – the stem cells they are working with belong to the incisors, or front teeth, of mice and therefore still far removed from actually growing a human tooth. However, this is still an exciting and useful discovery since mice incisors grow continuously throughout their life, and studying this process is likely to lead to information that can be used to grow human teeth. Another important application for this study is growing new dental enamel, especially since enamel wears down over time and is irreplaceable. All speculation aside, here are the options for teeth replacement: