How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

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Categories: Dental Crowns, Restorative Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Orem

Dental crowns from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem are a versatile restoration. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or been damaged. A crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, a crown is the final step.

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:

  • All ceramic (porcelain-based)
  • Porcelain fused to metal
  • Gold alloys
  • Base metal alloys

Dental crowns can last for many years, but they are not designed to last indefinitely. A crown can last for about fifteen years. But when they are taken good care of, crowns have been known to last much longer: as long as twenty-five or thirty years.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem we place a lot of dental crowns. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for their dental health, for creating a dream smile, and much more. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 6517

Patient Education Improves Dental Outcomes

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

American Fork family dentist

The more you know, the better off you are. That’s a general truth that applies to a lot of things in life, including dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we want all our patients to be as informed as possible about the procedures they have.

A question that patients bring to us a lot is whether it’s really necessary to have a cleaning and checkup twice a year. In a word, yes. Regular checkups let us keep an eye on your overall dental health, and get ahead of potential problems. It really is true:  prevention is the best medicine.

Indestructable?

Many patients ask how long a filling will last. Some think they’ll last a lifetime, but unfortunately that is not usually the case. Fillings can break down or become loose over time. If that happens, decay can get into the area around it and cause problmes. You can extend the life of a filling with daily brushing and flossing.

What about toothbrushes? Is an electric any better than a manual? This is among the most-asked questions for any dentist. When they are used properly, both do an excellent job. We recommend soft bristles, with mixed bristle heights and angles. They do a better job getting between the teeth.

Patients often ask about toothpaste, too. We recommend one that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on the package. That means it contains fluoride, which strengthens and protects your teeth.

Again, we believe the more you know the better off you are. If you have any questions about a recommended procedure at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, don’t hesitate to ask. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for family and cosmetic dentistry. And they ask a lot of questions, too! Schedule your next appointment today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8203

6 Good Reasons To Visit Your Dentist More Often

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

6 Good Reasons To Visit Your Dentist More Often

Most people visit the dentist about once each year. As many as forty percent of Americans see their dentist less often. Some go as long as five years between visits. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we recommend a checkup every six months.

Here are six great reasons to visit us more frequently.

1. Oral Cancer Detection

That’s right: cancer detection. Not many people think about the risk of getting cancer in their mouth or throat. Patients with oral cancer have a far better prognosis when it’s detected early. Note that tobacco users have a substantially higher risk of developing oral cancer.

2. Cavity Damage

Unfortunately, almost everyone gets cavities. If cavities are caught when they are small, they aren’t difficult (or pricey) to fix.

The problem comes when they aren’t discovered early and the damage requires a serious fix. Cavities are one of the reasons many people avoid the dentist. Getting a tooth filled used to be painful. Not anymore.

3. Gum Disease

Gum health is a part of an overall dental health. We will check your gums and treat gum disease, if need be.

4. Bad Habits

Bad habits can have a negative influence on your oral health. Smoking, poor diet, biting nails and clenching teeth are among the more common. It helps to have an experienced professional to help you deal with habits so they don’t become destructive.

5. Deeper Problems

X-ray technology allows us to detect potential problems before they become visible. Many issues can be fixed before damage occurs.

6. More Than Just Teeth

We are concerned about more than your teeth. We care about your overall physical health, and are trained in the anatomy around your mouth, including your neck, throat, lymph nodes and head. We always check for signs of trouble.

But we never lose sight of your dental health; at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, that’s what it’s all about. Our patients come to us from American Fork and Lehi for family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7785

Is A Tooth Implant The Same As A Dental Crown?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants and crowns Provo

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a crown? The relationship between the two can be confusing. They can be combined in one procedure, or used with other dental restorations. In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we’ll  clear up the confusion.

1. A dental implant can be a foundation for a crown.

A complete implant/crown procedure has  three parts: a metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and a crown.

2. A crown can be used to protect a compromised tooth.

A damaged or weakened tooth may be strengthened with a crown. It covers and protects what’s left of the tooth and allows normal function.

3. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge.

A crown can be used with a dental bridge to restore the visible part of a missing tooth. The down side: a bridge requires the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. It takes three crowns to replace one missing tooth.

A dental implant from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo can support one or more replacement teeth, and the replacements look and function like natural teeth. Patients from American Fork and Lehi enjoy their benefits, and also come to our practice for complete family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8099

For A Healthier Smile, Stop Doing This

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Provo friendly family dentist

Your teeth can last a lifetime. With regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo and a few daily precautions, you’ll go a long way toward making sure they do.

If you do any of the following, we recommend that you stop:

Chewing sugared gum all day.
Cavities, a sore jaw, or compromised bridgework may result. If you must chew, select gum with Xylitol.

Drinking soda and energy drinks.
These sugary, acidic beverages are immensely efficient at eroding enamel.

Chewing ice or hard candy.
Your enamel is quite hard. But so are ice and hard candy, and head-to-head, occasionally they win, resulting in a cracked tooth.

Skipping flossing.
Maybe you think brushing is enough. Following brushing with a careful flossing job cleans away fragments of food and plaque between teeth.

Using a firm bristled toothbrush.
A soft bristled brush is the best tool for the job. Save your firm brush for cleaning the grout around your bathtub.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, our family dentistry will help keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for regular checkups and for complete cosmetic dentistry services. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7381

Implant-Supported Dentures Can Restore Chewing Ability

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

Utah County tooth implantsDid you know that conventional dentures allow for as little as ten percent of normal chewing capacity? No one wants to settle for that, which is one of the things that make implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT such a game-changer.

Unlike conventional dentures, which rest against the gums, implant dentures are connected to dental implants in your jaw. Becuase these implants have fused with the bone, they have become a part of your body, and are a rock-solid foundation for denture support.

Most patients get at least seventy percent of their chewing power from implant dentures, and many others have full chew ability.

And then there is the matter of comfort and convenience. Implant dentures do not slip or shift in the mouth while you eat. You don’t have to use messy adhesive to try to keep them in place. And you don’t have to remove them to clean them.

Finally, because they are physically attached to you, dental implants prevent the bone recession that is common to those who wear conventional dentures. You also avoid the facial sag that comes with it.

When it comes to replacing teeth, implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT are a whole new ballgame. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for implants, as well as complete family dentistry. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7770

The Unsung Heroes Of Dentistry

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Categories: Family Dentistry

forensic dentistry Provo

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we  veer a bit off the beaten path, so to speak, and examine a fascinating dental specialty; forensic dentistry.

The formal term for the use of dentistry in criminal cases and post mortem identification is forensic odontology. These professionals are rarely recognized but play a crucial role in crime and disaster investigations.

Dental X-rays, dentures, and bite marks are all used to provide clues about the victim’s identity and/or the manner of death. A person’s teeth are as singular as fingerprints and can often withstand forces such as fire, explosions, submersion in water, and natural decay without being destroyed.

Identifying One Victim
Identifying a victim through dental records is aided immensely when authorities have narrowed down a group of suspected victims to just a few people (or, ideally, just one) and can consult the dentists who had treated them. When the identity is completely unknown, a forensic dentist searches other databases such as those kept by the armed forces and prisons.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we stick to basic dentistry, but have a lot of respect for our fellow professionals. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7357

Gum Disease Linked To Alzheimer’s: Keep Those Gums Healthy!

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Categories: Dental Health

gum disease treatment Provo

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, but it’s a treatable condition at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Keeping your gums healthy is essential for your overall health, but if you need yet another reason to keep them healthy, we’ve got a doozy.

Scientists have found a connection between a bacteria that causes periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Porphyomonas gingivalis is a bacteria that contributes to chronic periodontitis. The bacteria was discovered in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

The researchers concluded:

“Chronic periodontitis and infection with Porphyomonas gingivalis have been identified as significant risk factors for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Gum disease is, for the most part, preventable. The best thing you can do to prevent it is brush and floss twice a day, and see us for regular cleanings and checkups.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we offer complete family dentistry services. Patients from American Fork and Lehi trust their smiles to our cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8096

Inlays/Onlays: Less Invasive Than Complete Crowns

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Categories: Family Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

cosmetic dental Provo

Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to correct decayed teeth. In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we focus on two similar restorations, dental inlays and onlays.

Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive alternative to a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown.

Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are fabricated in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.

An inlay is used to fix the surface of a damaged tooth, often to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.

Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are heavy-duty and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is accurately fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the previous tooth.

An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are usually applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are accurately fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an essential role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide trusted dental care including inlays and onlays. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7227

Tell Your Dentist Which Prescription Meds You Are Taking

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

dental emergency walk-in clinic Provo

It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental procedure.

 

The reason is that some meds, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can impact oral health or dental treatment.

 

Bleeding Issues

 

Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can bring about abnormal bleeding, because they affect your ability to clot. If you undergo oral surgery, it’s vital for your dentist to know if you are taking these meds.

Metallic Taste

Some cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, respiratory inhalants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and smoke deterrent drugs have been known to a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. This doesn’t necessarily affect dental treatment, but overdoing sugary breath mints increases your risk of tooth decay.

 

Abnormal Gums

 

Do you feel as though your gums are significantly bigger in proportion to your teeth?

 

Enlarged gum tissue (in dental speak ‘gingival hyperplasia’) is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth. Gingival hyperplasia can make your gums appear more prominent than your teeth. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene or prescription medications. These include antiseizure drugs, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem), or immunosuppressants. If you are taking these drugs, make sure you are paying close attention to your teeth and gum care.

Dry Mouth

 

Over 400 drugs can trigger or exacerbate dry mouth. This long list includes, but is not limited to; antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medicines, and muscle relaxers. 

 

Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay. Saliva contains minerals that help enamel stay strong. Saliva also plays a role in controlling plaque.

When you come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo for a dental procedure, be prepared to let us know which prescription meds you are taking. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8143