How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Restorations

How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Restorations

How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Restorations

How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Restorations

How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Restorations at Friendly Dental

Dental restorations—such as crowns, bridges, veneers, fillings, and implants—play a vital role in preserving your smile and oral function. These treatments can repair damage, improve appearance, and restore your ability to chew and speak properly. However, like natural teeth, dental restorations require proper care to maintain their function and longevity. At Friendly Dental, the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, we want to help you make the most of your investment in your smile. Here’s how you can extend the life of your dental restorations with everyday care and smart habits.

1. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

The foundation of keeping your dental restorations in great shape is good oral hygiene. Even though materials like porcelain or composite resin don’t decay like natural teeth, the surrounding gums and tooth structure still can.

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris.

  • Floss daily to clean between teeth and under any dental bridges or around implants.

  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria and keep your gums healthy.

By maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums, you reduce the risk of decay and gum disease that could compromise your restoration.

2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

Dental restorations are durable, but not indestructible. Hard or sticky foods can cause crowns or fillings to chip, crack, or become loose.

  • Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, and unpopped popcorn kernels.

  • Be cautious with sticky foods like taffy or chewing gum that can pull at your restoration.

  • Use your back teeth for harder-to-chew items and avoid biting directly into tough foods with front veneers or crowns.

Being mindful of what you eat goes a long way in protecting your dental work.

3. Wear a Mouthguard If You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause serious damage to both natural teeth and dental restorations. The excessive force from grinding or clenching can cause restorations to crack or wear down prematurely.

If you grind your teeth—especially at night—ask your dentist about a custom night guard. At Friendly Dental, we can create a comfortable, protective guard designed to prevent damage while you sleep.

4. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools

Your teeth (and restorations) are not meant to be used to open packages, tear tape, or bite fingernails. These actions can crack or dislodge a crown, veneer, or filling. Always use scissors, bottle openers, or other tools instead.

5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Routine dental visits are essential for maintaining both your natural teeth and any dental restorations. At Friendly Dental, the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, we recommend checkups every six months, or more often if you have specific oral health concerns.

During your dental visit, we:

  • Check the condition of your restorations.

  • Look for signs of wear or damage.

  • Clean around your dental work to prevent decay or gum disease.

  • Offer recommendations to protect your smile.

Preventive care helps catch small issues before they turn into major problems.

6. Address Problems Early

If you notice any issues with your restoration—such as discomfort, sensitivity, a loose crown, or visible cracks—don’t delay. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage and potentially save the restoration.

Waiting too long may lead to the need for replacement or additional procedures like root canals or extractions. If something doesn’t feel right, contact Friendly Dental right away for expert care.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking affects more than just your overall health—it can also shorten the lifespan of your dental restorations. It increases your risk of gum disease, implant failure, and staining around veneers or crowns.

If you use tobacco products, consider quitting or reducing use to support your oral health and the longevity of your dental treatments.

Contact Us

Your dental restorations are an investment in your oral health and confidence. With proper care, they can last for many years—sometimes even decades. By maintaining excellent hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental work for as long as possible.

If you’re unsure how to care for your specific restoration or have concerns about your oral health, our team at Friendly Dental is here to help. As the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, we’re dedicated to keeping your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your next visit!

The Role of Inlays and Onlays

The Role of Inlays and Onlays

The Role of Inlays and  Onlays

The Role of Inlays and Onlays

Preserving Your Smile’s Integrity: Understanding the Vital Role of Inlays and Onlays at Our Aberdeen, NJ Practice

Maintaining optimal oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing regularly. It requires understanding the various dental treatments available to preserve your smile’s integrity for years to come. At Friendly Dental in Aberdeen, NJ, we focus on restoring teeth effectively with advanced treatments like inlays and onlays.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth that have moderate to severe decay or damage, providing a more conservative approach than crowns. These restorations are custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit precisely into the prepared cavity or onto the tooth’s surface.

Inlays: Dentists use inlays when damage or decay extends within the cusps (bumps) of the tooth but does not extend over them. Dentists bond them into place within the prepared cavity, strengthening the tooth and restoring its shape and function.

Onlays: Dentists use onlays, also known as partial crowns, when the damage or decay extends beyond the cusps of the tooth. They cover one or more cusps and restore more of the tooth’s structure while preserving natural tooth material compared to crowns.

Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?

  1. Conservative Treatment Approach: Inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns, making them a conservative option.

  2. Durability: Inlays and onlays, made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, strengthen restored teeth to endure biting forces for years.

  3. Aesthetics: Materials for inlays and onlays match your natural tooth color, blending seamlessly with your smile. This makes them an excellent choice for visible teeth where appearance is a priority.

  4. Preservation of Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays preserve natural tooth structure, maintaining smile integrity and reducing future dental issues.

The Process at Friendly Dental

At Friendly Dental in Aberdeen, NJ, we commit to providing tailored dental care that meets your needs. Here’s what you can expect when getting inlays or onlays at our practice:

1. Consultation and Examination: Our experienced team, led by the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, will thoroughly examine your teeth and discuss your dental concerns and treatment options. We take the time to understand your goals and ensure we inform you about each step of the process.

2. Treatment Planning: If inlays or onlays are recommended, we will create a personalized treatment plan based on your oral health needs. This plan includes selecting the most appropriate material for your restorations and scheduling your treatment appointments.

3. Tooth Preparation: During your appointment, we will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas. We will take impressions of your teeth to ensure the custom-fit of your inlay or onlay.

4. Custom Fabrication: Your inlay or onlay will be fabricated in a dental laboratory using high-quality materials chosen for their durability and aesthetics. This process ensures that your restoration fits perfectly and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.

5. Placement and Bonding: Once your inlay or onlay is ready, we will place it onto your tooth and ensure the fit and bite are comfortable and functional. Dentists then securely bond the restoration into place, providing long-lasting protection and support to your tooth.

6. Final Adjustments and Care Instructions: We will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable. Our team will also provide you with aftercare instructions to maintain the longevity and integrity of your new restoration.

Experience Exceptional Dental Care in Aberdeen, NJ

At Friendly Dental, our commitment to excellence and patient-centered care sets us apart as the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ. Our team dedicates itself to achieving your optimal oral health and confident smile, whether through inlays, onlays, or any dental treatment. If you’re ready to preserve your smile’s integrity with advanced dental treatments, schedule a consultation with Friendly Dental today. Discover why patients trust our personalized, compassionate dental care in Aberdeen, NJ. Contact us now to embark on your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile with Friendly Dental.