Do You Recognize the Differences Between a Crown and Bridge?

A crown is what you get when you are considered royalty, and a bridge is a structure that connects two pieces of land!

All kidding aside, in dentistry, a crown and bridge are two separate ideas. According to WebMD.com, the definition of a crown “is a tooth-shaped ‘cap’ that is placed over a tooth -- to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.” And a bridge “literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth made up of two or more crowns.”

You might ask yourself why would I need one rather than the other? Our premiere dentist in Howell, Michigan at Dr. DiStefano & Associates is here to tell you reasons why your dentist may decide to treat you with a crown instead of a bridge, including:

• Protecting your weak tooth
• Restoring your broken tooth
• Covering your tooth after a root canal when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• Holding your bridge in place
• Covering your misshapen or discolored tooth
• Making an enhancement to your tooth’s appearance

However, a bridge would be recommended by your dentist if you have several teeth next to one another that are weak, need replacing, are discolored, gapped or any other related reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the procedure of getting a crown or bridge painful?

No, the procedure of getting a crown or bridge is not painful with the use of a local anesthetic. You may feel some discomfort or pressure in the process, but otherwise they are usually completely painless. After the procedure, your mouth will be sore but will heal with time.

How much does a crown or bridge cost?

The costs of crowns and bridges vary depending on the materials used to make a crown or bridge and how much your insurance policy will cover. 

How long will a crown or bridge last?

According to WebMD.com, “on average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits.” 

As one of the premier dentists in Howell, Michigan, Dr. DiStefano has over 30 years’ experience caring for his patients’ health.  He strives to educate his patients and improve their lives through dental care and disease prevention. Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment!  We’ll get you on your way to better health! 517-546-8983

How Do You Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Have you lost a tooth due to an injury?

Are you suffering from periodontal disease?

Did you have a tooth extracted?

Dental implants are a great way to replace a tooth or teeth that you’ve lost. Are you unsure if this procedure would work for you? Well, we have compiled a little research that can help you determine if a dental implant is right for you!

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, “the ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the procedure like?

It depends on whether you want one or more teeth replaced with a dental implant. If you’re missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. If you’re missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them.  

What can I expect after having a dental implant procedure?

Dental implants require the same care as your original tooth. Please consult with your dentist on the best care and treatment options for you.

Can I use whitening products on my dental implant/s?

No, whitening products only work on natural teeth. However, if your dental implant gets discolored due to smoking, the discoloration can be removed during a polishing session at your dentist office.

Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment!  We’ll get you on your way to better health! 517-546-8983

Howell Family Dentist Debates Root Canal Verses Home Remedies

Do you believe in the power of medicine or herbal remedies?

Most people would rather save money on a root canal and keep it in the bank whenever possible. But how can you do that after your dentist says you need one in order to relieve your pain? Some people try herbal remedies! 

Some herbal remedies we found include: 

Plantain poultice- is a type of weed that pulls toxins out of the body

Goldenseal powder- is a type of herb that can be used as a mouthwash to take away soreness

Echinacea- is a type of herb that helps fight off tooth infections

Silicea- is effective in reducing root infections of the tooth

Lycopodium- is helpful to reduce pain while you’re chewing

There is no scientific information that confirms using herbal remedies help heal a tooth that requires a root canal. So we can’t recommend this type of treatment!. However, if you try an herbal remedy and you’re still in pain, a root canal is probably still needed.

However, our family dentist in Howell, Michigan would like to offer you ways you can avoid a root canal. That way you don’t have to worry about how much it will cost, or whether you should try an herbal remedy. Ways to avoid a root canal include: 

• Brush properly in a circular motion
• Floss twice daily
• Avoid eating sweets
• Limit your consumption of acidic drinks (pop, energy drinks, coffee)
• Use a mouthwash after brushing 

The family dentists in Howell at Dr. DiStefano & Associates are dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and services to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our ultimate goal is to help you improve you and your family’s dental health through care and education. We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service to our patients so we can remain the best family dentists in Howell Michigan.

Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment!  We’ll get you on your way to better health! 517-546-8983