Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Porcelain Crowns vs. Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Both porcelain crowns and porcelain inlays and onlays are used to preserve a tooth damaged by decay. As a solution for protecting your natural teeth, both options offer restored functionality and the ability to be matched in color and shape to your adjacent teeth. Which option is best for you will rely on both the location and the extent of the decay.

Dental Inlays and Porcelain Crowns
Dental inlays are often used to replace fillings and provide a permanent solution for cavities on the top of a tooth. A dental inlay is cemented into place, providing both increased structural support and preventing the filling from becoming loose and falling out. Made of porcelain, inlays are matched in color to your natural teeth, making them undetectable and aesthetically pleasing.

A dental onlay is similar to an inlay, but while an inlay sits between the cusps (raised parts) of your tooth, an onlay can go up and over the cusps. An onlay can provide strength to a damaged tooth, but if the structural integrity is seriously compromised, a crown may be necessary.

Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are seriously weakened by decay and also teeth that are chipped and cracked. Crowns are placed over the top of your natural tooth, providing a permanent seal against further decay and restoring strength to your bite. Like inlays, crowns are made with porcelain and provide a seamless appearance.

Dr. Folck will work closely with you to provide you with the solution best suited to meet your needs. Neither crowns nor inlays are a superior solution; they are just designed to correct different problems. Offering a range of aesthetic and functional solutions, Dr. Folck can restore your bite to its most beautiful and powerful state.

If you live in or around Portsmouth, Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, or Virginia Beach, Virginia and are looking for a solution to strengthen and enhance your smile, please contact Michael P. Folck DDS to schedule an initial consultation.

posted by Katie at 10:00 AM 1 comments

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Why Tooth Implants Fail

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots secured into your jaw. The idea behind dental implants is to provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. However, the care you take of your implant and the manner in which it was placed can cause your dental implant to fall out.

Causes of Implant Failure
Dental implants may fall out for several reasons including:
• Infection – caused by debris left during implantation or poor care of your implant after it has been placed

• Insubstantial bone structure – if the bone your implant was paced in does not provide sufficient structure, your implant may become dislodged

• Incorrect placement – if your implant is not placed correctly during the initial procedure, it may result in implant failure

• Injury--If you sustain a significant blow to the tooth, the implant can be knocked loose, just like a natural tooth

• Biology – some people’s bodies simply reject artificial implants

When you come to our office for dental implant placement, Dr. Folck takes the time necessary to ensure your procedure will produce long lasting results. While there is no way to guarantee against biological rejection, Dr. Folck takes the time necessary to assess your jawbone, and help ensure a successful implant. If it is deemed necessary, Dr. Folck may suggest a bone grafting procedure to increase the structure of your jaw. In every case, Dr. Folck takes great care to correctly place your implant and to keep your implant site free of debris and infection.

If you live in or around Portsmouth, Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, or Virginia Beach, Virginia and are interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact Michael P. Folck DDS to schedule an initial consultation.

posted by Katie at 12:01 PM 1 comments

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