A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. A crown, which many people call a cap, is made to look like your tooth.

Crowns may be placed for several reasons, but generally the tooth has been extensively damaged by decay or breakage and filling material can't replace the missing tooth structure and make the tooth strong enough. A crown may hold together parts of a cracked tooth and can be used to hold a bridge in place. Crowns also are used for cosmetic purposes to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.

Crowns can be prefabricated or made in a laboratory. Prefabricated crowns are made of plastic or stainless steel and can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is manufactured. In some cases, prefabricated crowns can be used as a permanent restoration.

Crowns can be all metal, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or all ceramic. Metals include gold alloy, other alloys (palladium) or a base-metal alloy (nickel or chromium). The all-metal or PFM crowns are stronger and are better choices for back teeth. PFM and all-ceramic crowns look just like normal teeth.

Usually, crowns last at least 7 years, but in many cases they last much longer, up to 40 years or so.

If you need a crown or think you may need one, come to Comfort Dental Dentist Office in Anderson IN and we'll help you out!

Fifty years ago, examinations of people entering the military showed that the average American's teeth were in pretty bad shape and few people took good care of their teeth. There were no guidelines for how often you should see a dentist, and many dental professionals focused on fixing problems rather than preventing them. Dental and health organizations trying to set standards for preventive dentistry settled on a "best guess" recommendation of twice-yearly visits to the dentist for checkups and cleaning.

The recommendation proved to be a useful rule of thumb and has remained common. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you need to see your dentist regularly so he or she can check for problems that you may not see or feel. Tooth decay generally doesn't become visible or cause pain until it is in more advanced stages.

Regular visits allow your dentist to find early signs of decay and disease and treat problems at a manageable stage. Ask your dentist the best schedule for your routine dental visits.

On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for most people. A few people can get away with fewer visits; others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with high risk of periodontal disease(because of current gum disease, a weak immune response to bacterial infection or a predisposition to plaque buildup or cavities) might need to see the dentist every three or four months, or even more frequently, for the best care.

The schedule for any person may change during a lifetime. In times of stress or illness, it may be necessary to see the dentist more frequently than usual to help fight off a temporary infection or treat changes in your mouth. If you take good care of your teeth and gums at home and your dentist doesn't find any cavities or gum disease for a few years, he or she may choose to lengthen the time between visits.

So just take a few hours out of one of your days and visit Anderson IN Cosmetic Dentistry, Comfort Dental for your dental appointments!

1. Root Canals Hurt

According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when root canal treatments were painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety.

2. Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist

With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits.

3. Crowns Cause Teeth to Need Root Canals

Many people believe that having a crown on a tooth means that the tooth will eventually need a root canal. Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that tooth decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth.

4. Root Canals Cause Illness

There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had root canals.

5. Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth

When the dentist or endodontist performs a root canal treatment, he or she remove the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed.

6. Pregnant Women Can't Have Root Canals

Pregnant women can and do have root canals. Having a root canal does require a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen area. If you are pregnant and your dentist needs to give you an x-ray, he will use a lead apron to cover your belly. The anesthetics that dentists use are also safe for pregnant women.

Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant

7. Even With A Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually

If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life.

8. If the Tooth Doesn't Hurt, There is no Need for a Root Canal

While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment, many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists and endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth.

9. Pulling the Tooth is Better than Getting a Root Canal

Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. There are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment.

10. After Having a Root Canal, My Tooth is Completely Restored

After having a root canal, it is extremely important to make a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect your tooth from fracturing.

Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth.

Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary visit.

An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.

In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening reigns supreme. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy every budget, time frame and temperament. Whether in the form of one-hour bleaching sessions at your dentist’s office, or home-use bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore, teeth whitening solutions abound. Yet only 15 percent of the population has tried the cosmetic procedure, and misinformation on the subject is rife.

The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or touch-ups for a prolonged effect.

Bleaching vs. Whitening

According to the FDA, the term bleaching is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach — typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

The term whitening, on the other hand, refers to restoring the tooth’s surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used — even when describing products that contain bleach.

Why Teeth Whitening? Examining Enamel

Teeth whitening removes the stains and debris, leaving the enamel cracks open and exposed. Some of the cracks are quickly re-mineralized by saliva, while others are filled up again with organic debris.

Come to Comfort Dental of Anderson today for all of your cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening needs! 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry as well.

Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

Tooth Loss

Teeth are lost because of:

• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Periodontitis (gum disease)
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear

People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results.

Advantages of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.

Procedural advancements, including the development of narrower “mini” implants, mean that more people than ever before are finding themselves candidates for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation still varies, meaning that your dentist may determine that you should opt for an alternative restoration. Keep in mind, too, that dentists do not need a specific license by law in order to perform implant dentistry. A general or restorative dentist may perform the crown and bridge placement that is associated with implant restoration. However, prosthodontists are the specialists who often complete this crucial procedure.

Call Comfort Dental of Anderson today to schedule an appointment to learn more about implant dentistry today!

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth, and smile.

Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam, and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Trends

Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for dentists to address a wide range of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at creating a more attractive appearance are smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction.

A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.

Full mouth reconstruction may include treatment for functional problems with the bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure as well as the use of additional cosmetic procedures. Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced restorative treatment designed to address severe wear of the teeth, pain, and other problems. Full mouth reconstruction frequently involves several dentists who focus on their specific areas of expertise in order to obtain the best outcome.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures currently in use include:

• Dental Fillings - As noted above, this traditional procedure can also be included in the category of cosmetic dentistry when porcelain and composite resin materials are used to provide a tooth-like appearance.
• Bonding - The repair of chipped or broken teeth may be done via a procedure called bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.
• Teeth Whitening - Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea, or red wine), or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Dental Veneers - Plastic or porcelain laminates bonded to the surface of a tooth to replace chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.
• Dental Implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.

For all of your cosmetic dentistry needs in Anderson, IN, visit Comfort Dental of Anderson for your next appointment!!

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also falls into the category of cosmetic surgery as well.

Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

Tooth Loss

Teeth are lost because of:

• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Periodontitis (gum disease)
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear

People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results.

Advantages of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.

Procedural advancements, including the development of narrower “mini” implants, mean that more people than ever before are finding themselves candidates for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation still varies, meaning that your dentist may determine that you should opt for an alternative restoration. Keep in mind, too, that dentists do not need a specific license by law in order to perform implant dentistry. A general or restorative dentist may perform the crown and bridge placement that is associated with implant restoration. However, prosthodontists are the specialists who often complete this crucial procedure.

Periodontists and oral surgeons perform the implant surgical procedure itself.

Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks. Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

• Worn enamel: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumption, smoking, medication use, etc.).
• Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.
• Genetics: Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth that grows wider as they age.
• Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.

Sedation dentistry, as the name implies, is a technique used by a trained dentist to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for people receiving dental treatment. A major benefit to the sedation technique is that people often feel the procedure lasts only a few minutes when in fact, it might have taken hours to perform. Most people rarely feel any discomfort after the procedure.

Many people avoid visiting the dentist because of the common dental phobia. Avoiding regular dental treatment often results in neglect of oral health and appearance, up to and beyond the point when drastic measures become necessary. Sedation dentistry addresses this phobia, allowing people to undergo dental work while avoiding this common apprehension. Additionally, sedation dentistry is such that complex dental procedures normally requiring numerous visits can often be performed in just one or two sittings. Many dentists now offer sedation dentistry; however, the level of experience among dentists in sedation dentistry varies.

What is Sedation?

Sedation is a technique that aims to pharmacologically alter your central nervous system (CNS) to produce an overall calm and relaxed (sedated) sensation. Sedative drugs (tranquillizers, depressants, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, etc.) are used to induce sedation and can be administered in a variety of ways.

In the past, IV sedation was predominantly used to produce a sedated effect in dentistry. IV sedation is both safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. Today, there are alternatives available for sedation dentistry patients. Inhalation and oral sedation offer a "no needle" approach that many patients find more accommodating than the traditional IV method.

Seeking the advice of a dentist experienced in sedation dentistry, rather than foregoing treatment because of fear and potential pain, gives people the opportunity to undergo critical procedures that they would have otherwise avoided.

Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?

Although you are kept awake throughout the sedation process, sedation dentistry has occasionally been dubbed as sleep dentistry. However, the term sleep dentistry is misleading. In actual fact, you do not sleep during the procedure, but because of the sedation effect produced by the medication, you may feel sleepy. If complex medical problems exist that prohibit you from receiving sedation, you may be given a different medication to induce a deeper type of sleep during the dental procedure. This is called general anesthesia, not sedation dentistry.

For all your sedation and sleep dentistry needs, visit Comfort Dental of Anderson today!

Comfort Dental of Anderson wishes a warm welcome to ACS.  Comfort Dental, a family dental practice at 820 East 53rd Street, would like to extend an invitation to all ACS employees to come visit the dental practice.  Comfort Dental will be accepting ACS's dental insurance in 2008.   For a Dentist in Anderson, Indiana please give us a call at 765-642-9811.

Comfort Dental of Anderson would like to extend an open invitation to all City of Anderson Employees and their family members.  Comfort Dental is the only dental office in Anderson, Indiana that has three full-time family dentists.  Additionally, our dentists routinely perform services such as wisdom teeth removal, sedation dentistry, implant dentistry, and tooth whitening.  Comfort Dental would like to be your family dentist in Anderson, IN.  If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 765-642-9811.

As a practicing family dentist, I have the opportunity to treat many different kinds of patients.  I get patients that are in pain, patients that need cleanings, patients that want dentures, and just about everything else that you could imagine!  This last week, I had a patient that made me SMILE.

I was doing a routine dental examination on an elderly patient that has been with the practice for a long time.  Everything looked good, as usual.  I commented to the patient about how well she had maintained her teeth throughout the years and expected to see her again in another six months for a check-up.  The patient stopped me an asked how her teeth could look like the picture that we have hanging in the lobby.  The picture is the smile of a beautiful model.  I mentioned to the patient that we could make her smile look the same with cosmetic dental veneers.  As I started to exit the treatment room the patient asked for pricing information.  Being cordial, I gave her a price not expecting her to be interested.  Much to my surprise, the elderly patient was ready to schedule the appointment!  She came in the following day for the veneer preparation.

As I walked away from the treatment room, I began to smile.  My elderly patient made me realize that EVERYONE wants a nice smile.  I can't wait to deliver the cosmetic dental veneers and see my patient with her new beautiful SMILE!

If you are interested in Cosmetic Veneers and are looking for a dentist in Anderson, Indiana then check us out at Comfort Dental of Anderson.

Do you have a dark front tooth? Maybe there is one tooth that just doesn't seem to match the others.There is a good chance that this tooth has trauma in the past and is now necrotic(dead). This is something that may not be bothering you at the present, but it is something you want to take care of. If this is not treated, there is a good chance that it will swell because of infection in the future. To take care of this tooth, you will need to have the tooth evaluated to make sure it is decay or necrosis setting in.  If it is necrotic, you will need to have root canal therapy. then you will need to have either a crown or a filling to help further protect that tooth. The crown will also take care of any cosmetic issue you may have had with that tooth. Visit your family dentist today to have that tooth evaluated.

To have a lifetime of oral health, you must first start with a plan. Go into your family dentist to have a comprehensive oral examination. This will include a full series of radiographs and an intraoral and extraoral exam. A oral cancer screening will also be performed. With the aid of the radiographs, your dentist can lead you in the right direction, whether that starts with a cleaning and an update on oral hygiene or that leads to wisdom tooth removal. Come in and get your directions to a lifetime of oral health.   

At Comfort Dental of Anderson Indiana Sealants are recommended for children and adults who are prone to cavities. Decay is most prevalent in the back teeth(premolars and molars) because that's where deep grooves form on the biting surfaces. Plaque collects in these grooves and causes cavities. To keep healthy teeth cavity free, ask your dentist to place sealants to the chewing surfaces. This prevents bacteria from sticking around long enough to cause damage, thus keeping the teeth cavity free.
Sealing teeth is quick and easy. A family dentist simply brushes the quick-drying light cured liquid onto the teeth, shines a light on it and presto- it hardens on top of the teeth. And it's pain free!!!!!

To help ensure dental health and and lifetime of good dental care habits:
-Limit childrens's sugar intake
-Make sure children get enough flouride, wither through drinking water or as a     treatment at the dentist office.
-Teach children how to brush and floss correctly
-Surpervise brushing sessions and help with flossing, which can be a challenge for small hands.      
Cantact Comfort Dental of Anderson Indiana for your childs 1st dental visit   

     Talk to your dentist. For your dentist to truly understand your mouth and all that is going on, you need to tell them. I can study radiographs and study models of a patients teeth, but you may hold the key to understanding your oral health. A patient needs to tell there dentist about any type of oral habit, vitamin deficiency, bulimia or diet because all of these can effect your teeth and /or your tissue. Next time your are at your family dentist , take an extra few minutes to talk to your dentist. Also, share your vision of what you want your mouth to look like, whether that includes tooth whitening, implants or laminate veneers.                                                                                                          

Implant Supported Dentures....This procedure has changed patients lives! This is probably the most rewarding dental treatment a dentist can provide his/her patients. If you or someone you love is not satisfied with there Denture or Partial. I strongly suggest you call Comfort Dental of Anderson for your free consultation.

Most patients have implant dentistry or dental surgery done by a sedation dentist. 

Wisdom teeth removal, cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening are some of the other dental services we provide at Comfort Dental of Anderson. You can Call our office at 765-642-9811