If you are undergoing a dental procedure or operation, you will be given a set of post-operative instructions to abide by in the hours, days, and weeks after your treatment. Following these instructions is essential to preventing infections in surgical sites, protecting restorations, and minimizing the possibility of experiencing complications. Post-operative instructions vary from procedure to procedure, but you are still sure to have some questions regarding care. Your [city] dentist will be available to answer those questions and respond to any concerns you may have.
Try to anticipate some of the questions you may have about your post-operative care and ask them prior to your treatment.
Some of the most common post-op questions include:
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How should I manage pain following my procedure?
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How long should I experience discomfort?
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Do I need to follow any special dietary guidelines?
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Is it safe for me to drink through a straw?
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Will I be able to drive myself home after my procedure?
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Will I need to take an antibiotic?
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Will I need to return to your office for a follow-up appointment?
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When will my permanent restorations be ready?
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How do I care for my removable prosthesis?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk with my dentist about the questions I have regarding my post-operative care?
Yes. Your post-operative care is contingent on you understanding everything about the recovery process and your responsibilities in caring for your surgical site.
What should I expect when I speak with my dentist?
Your dentist should allocate enough time in your consultation and pre-operative exam to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. You should also be provided a phone number that you can call following your procedure to discuss any questions that may come up at that time.
Is there anything I can do to make the process easier?
Yes. Begin thinking of any questions you may have about your post-operative care, and begin writing them down. You’ll be ready to ask all of your questions when the opportunity arises without missing any important details.
Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings in Las Cruces, NM
Composite fillings – also known as tooth-colored fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people.
Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth.
Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile.
However, advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for Auburn dentists to also use tooth-colored fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth.
Did you know…
that composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure? This is because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth like an adhesive. The process takes slightly longer to complete than traditional amalgam fillings, but patients can preserve more of the natural portion of the teeth while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for tooth-colored fillings?
If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. A filling is used to restore and protect a tooth from decay, cracks, or fractures.
Dr. Borham can examine your tooth to ensure you receive proper treatment. If you’d like to schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you, give us a call today (575) 523-5589.
What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?
During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling.
Then, resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings are designed to last up to five years or more with good oral care. With a proper dental hygiene routine, your teeth will remain healthy and eliminate the risk of another decayed tooth.
When a composite filling needs to be replaced, it can be easily be done here at our Las Cruces dental office.
What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?
Composite fillings are preserved with light at our dental office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit.
It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.
Crowns in Las Cruces, NM
If you have been informed you need a dental crown, you may be wondering what sort to get. With so many materials and alternatives accessible today, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed.
Dental crowns (sometimes known as “caps”) are custom-made covers that fit over broken or weak teeth to restore their shape, strength, and look. They perform an important role in keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, but not all crowns are created equally.
Let’s look at the various types of dental crowns, their advantages and disadvantages, and which one may be ideal for you.
Did you know…
that the Etruscan civilization were the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth? In fact, the materials they used – ivory, gold, and bones – were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were first invented. Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically for the patient’s bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits. With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years, or even a lifetime.
Porcelain crowns
Porcelain crowns are among the most natural-looking choices available. They are designed to fit in with your existing teeth, making them ideal for those who value looks.
Pros:
- Look exactly like natural teeth.
- Metal-free, biocompatible.
- Excellent for those with metal sensitivities.
Cons:
- Can be more fragile than metal crowns.
- Not suitable for rear teeth that handle hard chewing.
Best for the front teeth, where look is most important.
Crowns made of porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
PFM crowns blend the aesthetics of porcelain with the durability of metal. The metal base offers durability, and the porcelain covering creates a natural appearance.
Pros:
- Strong and reliable
- Good blend of durability and beauty.
Cons:
- Over time, a dark metal line around the gum may become visible.
- Can wear down opposing teeth slightly.
Best for: Front and back teeth—ideal for all-around use.
Metal crowns (gold, alloys)
Metal crowns are unrivaled in terms of strength and durability. They are made of gold, platinum, or base metal alloys such as nickel and chromium.
Pros:
- Extremely durable—rarely chips or breaks.
- Requires minimum loss of native tooth structure.
- Long-lasting and reliable.
Cons:
- Metallic color—not great for visible teeth.
- Some may have metal sensitivities.
Ideal for: Molars or teeth hiding in the back of the mouth.
Zirconium Crowns
Zirconia crowns are one of the most modern and advanced alternatives. They’re made of zirconium dioxide, which is robust, biocompatible, and looks very natural.
Pros:
- Extremely robust and fracture-resistant.
- Can be color-matched with real teeth.
- Metal-free
Cons:
- Slightly harsher on opposing teeth.
- It may not be as translucent as pure porcelain.
Best for: Both front and back teeth — an excellent all-around option.
E-max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
E-max crowns are made from a high-strength ceramic called lithium disilicate. They’re renowned for their stunning, lifelike appearance and exceptional durability.
Pros:
- Excellent aesthetics and translucency
- durable and long-lasting.
- No metal—great for sensitive patients.
Cons:
- Generally more expensive.
Ideal for the front teeth and noticeable regions of your mouth.
Resin crowns
Resin crowns are commonly utilized as a temporary remedy. They’re composed of composite resin, which is both economical and rapid to create.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Simple to construct and position.
Cons:
- Not as durable as other alternatives.
- Can discolor or wear down with time.
Best for: temporary restorations or short-term repairs.
Selecting the Right Crown for You
The “best” crown depends on your specific situation.
Here’s what you should consider:
- Front or back tooth?
- Durability vs. appearance: What is more important to you: strength or appearance?
- Budget: Certain materials cost more than others.
- Allergies or sensitivities: If you are allergic, avoid metals.
Dr. Borham will assess your tooth, bite, and overall oral health before selecting the best crown material.
Dental crowns are an excellent solution to repair damaged teeth and maintain your smile for many years to come. Understanding your options allows you to make the greatest decision for your health and confidence, whether you choose with a natural-looking porcelain crown, a strong zirconia crown, or the classic gold alternative.
Remember that each smile is unique, and the appropriate dental crown can make all the difference in maintaining it healthy, functional, and attractive.
Schedule frequent dental exams to catch any problems before they become emergencies.
Call us right now to schedule an appointment if you would like to maintain good dental health with regular checkups and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a crown right for me?
A crown may be right for you if you have a natural tooth that’s weakened but still intact. Your natural tooth can stay in place, keeping your jaw healthy and strong. It’ll be protected by a natural-looking restoration so you won’t have to worry about it.
Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?
Yes, it’s very important to take proper care of your oral hygiene after crown or bridge placement. While your restoration is meant to protect your tooth or teeth, it can’t do that well if you don’t practice good oral hygiene.
Proper oral hygiene practices include brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. A gentle floss can also prevent scratches on your restoration. And of course, visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup can make your crown or bridge last longer.
After your crown placement, you may feel some discomfort, including sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages. This is normal and will subside as you get used to your new restoration.
Removable Dentures in Las Cruces, NM
Dentures are removable tooth prosthetics designed to look and function like natural teeth. For thousands of years, some form of denture has been used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, although today’s dentures are much more advanced and easier to care for.
What should I expect when being fitted for dentures?
Many dental patients elect dentures for tooth replacement if they are not candidates for dental implants or are otherwise looking for a tooth replacement option that is more affordable and budget-friendly.
Caring for Your Dentures
Your dentures are custom designed to fit your smile, but did you know that improperly caring for them can cause them to become distorted? Most removable dentures must maintain moisture to retain their shape. Be sure to wash them after eating, gently clean them once daily, and allow them to soak overnight in a denture soaking solution. This will keep your dentures clean and free of stains, which ultimately helps your smile look its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fixed and removable dentures?
An implant-supported denture, also referred to as a fixed denture, is a prosthetic device that can only be removed at your local dentist’s office. If you have several missing teeth, you may be able to replace a complete arch with just two to six implants. The process typically takes at least six months to complete and not everyone is a candidate.
Removable dentures are comfortable and convenient, and easily taken out for regular cleaning and sleeping. When compared to implant-supported dentures, the process is much shorter, usually completed between one to two months.
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard for restoring missing or damaged teeth because they look and feel just like your natural teeth. They’re used to permanently replace anywhere from a single tooth to an entire arch of teeth. Not everyone is eligible for implants and the process typically takes about six months.
With dentures, you’ll receive a new, natural-looking smile within 30 days of starting your treatment. If you require a tooth extraction, the process can take six to eight weeks. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Borham by calling (575) 523-5589 to start your journey toward a more beautiful smile.
How do I know if I am a candidate for removable dentures?
Ideal candidates for removable dentures are patients missing one or more teeth and thinking of getting dentures. The only way to know whether you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with a dentist experienced in denture placement, such as Dr. Borham. During your appointment, Dr. Borham will examine your oral health and explain your tooth prosthetic options. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have and make an educated decision based on your treatment options.
What should I expect when being fitted for dentures?
Your gums must first be prepared before getting fitted for a new set of dentures. If you need one or more teeth removed, the process could take longer as you wait for your gums to heal. Dr. Borham will take an impression of your gums and the supporting bones beneath the gum. This will be used to fabricate a complete or partial denture in a dental lab.
Once your dentures arrive from the lab, Dr. Borham will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the fit is comfortable for your unique bite.
Will I need to follow any special after-care instructions?
Once your dentures are ready, you can begin wearing them regularly. The first few weeks will be an adjustment period, during which you’ll adapt to the feel of your new dentures. Every day your gums and teeth will continue to adapt to the feel of your new dentures until you have the same control that you did with your natural teeth.