Do you remember that TV show about Steve Austen, The Bionic Man? And how they were able to rebuild him because they had the technology to give him new body parts that would make him better than he was? Well in the decades since that show first aired, dentistry has come up with a replacement for missing teeth, that is positively, bionic. It’s called the dental implant and it’s arguably the most important dental technology to date. Let’s take a closer look to this remarkable innovation that unlike Steve Austen’s new legs, only requires a minor office surgical procedure. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is designed as a replacement of the root part of a missing tooth and is positioned inside your jaw bone just as natural …
Here patients can learn about the newest technology and equipment we have incorporated into our Beaufort SC dentist office.
What is a Porcelain Fused to Zirconia Dental Crown?
Crowns in general are tooth shaped restorations that are used for improving the general appearance of teeth. Crowns serve their purpose by completely covering the tooth surface that is visible. These crowns are made from various types of materials but we shall focus on the porcelain fused to zirconia crowns (PFZ). This crown has become one of the favorite choice for both dentists and their patients. The reason for this preference is because this type of crown combines strength, durability and aesthetics. Porcelain fused to zirconia crowns are formed by porcelain being combined with zirconium oxide. The zirconia base has a white shade and is layered with porcelain to match final restoration. The porcelain fused with zirconia crowns are …
Why Cerec Crowns are better than Traditional Dental Crowns
If you find yourself in a situation where you need a crown, it’s good to know that you have options. Well, it’s only really good if you understand your options, that is. But not to worry, we’re here to help! When it comes to dental crowns, your options are a CEREC crown or a traditional dental crown. Let’s go over the pros and cons of each and see which one comes out on top. The Pros & Cons of Traditional Dental Crowns For years, traditional dental crowns have been a reliable method of helping people achieve the smile they’ve wanted. In its time, the traditional dental crown was a groundbreaking method in dental advancement and contributed a great deal toward new discoveries. But thanks to the more recent development of the …
Mouthgurards: Why You Need One
Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly lost one or two of your front teeth. Smiling, talking, eating—everything would suddenly be affected. Knowing how to prevent injuries to your mouth and face is especially important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities. Mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. “Your top teeth take the brunt of trauma because they stick out more,” says Dr. Ashley Covington “Your bottom teeth are a little more protected because they are …
Can Genetic Testing Predict Your Dental Health?
Can a genetic test predict your risk of developing future cavities or severe gum disease? The answer, at this point in time, is no. There are commercially marketed tests that claim to measure risk of disease or susceptibility to future disease. Predictive genetic tests look for clues in your Oral DNA that could indicate whether you are at risk of developing certain diseases or medical conditions. For these tests, you are often asked to swab your cheek or mail a saliva sample back to a lab. The company follows up with results and may or may not provide a consultation with a medical professional. However, just because you have a DNA “marker” associated with a particular disease, it does not mean you will ultimately develop the disease. …
Why are Dental Records Important?
Let's say you're happy at your local dental office, and don't anticipate things will change… but one day your dentist announces that she is going to retire. Or maybe a job transfer takes you to a new city where you don't know anyone. Under these circumstances, you will need to begin seeing a new dentist. Will your past dental records follow you to the new dental practice? Good question. In fact, many people wonder why those old records are needed — isn't a new chart created for every new patient? Of course, it is a dentist's professional and legal obligation to maintain a record of your visits to the dental office — and if you don't transfer your records, the dentist must start from scratch. But if you want to receive the best care …
The Latest in Same-Day Crown Technology
At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, we are excited to introduce our patients to Primescan. As many of you know, Dr. Covington and Dr. DuRant enjoy technological advances in dentistry. Before Dr. Covington joined the practice in December of 2016, Dr. DuRant had been using same-day crown fabrication for over many years (BlueCam). When the newest upgrade (Primescan) became available, our office was one of the first in South Caroline to place an order. Now patients can have an amazing new crown placed in an appointment of less than two hours!!! We have just been wowed by the quality of the crowns and we think you will too. The material of the crowns is the same so structurally they are just as good as the ones we have been placing for years. …
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
What is minimally invasive dentistry and how is it different from regular dentistry? The goal of minimally invasive dentistry, or microdentistry, is to conserve healthy tooth structure. It focuses on prevention, remineralization, and minimal dentist intervention. Using scientific advances, minimally invasive dentistry allows dentists to perform the least amount of dentistry needed while never removing more of the tooth structure than is required to restore teeth to their normal condition. In addition, in minimally invasive dentistry, dentists use long-lasting dental materials that conserve the maximum tooth structure so the need for future repairs is reduced. How does it work? First your dentist will evaluate your risk for tooth decay. …
Laser Dentistry
What is a laser and how does it work? A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove, vaporize, or shape tissue. Are lasers used in dentistry? Yes, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. Lasers are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments. How are lasers used in dentistry? Dental lasers can be used to: • correct speech problems caused by a tongue-tie, which prevents normal tongue movement. • uncover partially …