Porcelain Bridges in Shreveport LA

Porcelain Bridges in Shreveport, LA

Porcelain bridges in shreveport laIt can be a frightening experience to lose a tooth or many teeth. Of course, it is possible that you’re afraid to smile or you have issues chewing some types of food. Thus, losing a tooth does not have to ruin your mood or make you feel unattractive.  At Shreveport Dental Solutions, we are proud to offer Porcelain Bridges in Shreveport LA. Notably, this dental technology is an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth for many Shreveport residents. Today on the blog, Dr. Ben Kacos, cosmetic dentist Shreveport LA, discusses all-things porcelain bridges.

What Are Porcelain Bridges?

First, let’s start with the basics. Dr. Ben Kacos, the best dentist in Shreveport, LA explains that porcelain Bridges are artificial teeth. These are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Additionally, bridges made of porcelain are cemented to the teeth and allow them to work normally. Thus, they also aid in the natural appearance of the teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile without the holes created by missing teeth.

Why Use Porcelain?

Porcelain is a sturdy and long-lasting material used to build bridges. Thus, it is an ideal tooth replacement material since it mimics natural tooth color. Additionally, our 71105 dentist explains it can be molded to take the form of the tooth or teeth it replaces.

Is a Bridge Necessary?

We linked up with our friends over at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry Colorado Springs, to discuss why patients typically seek a porcelain bridge. They agreed that porcelain bridges are the best choice if you have:

  • You are missing multiple teeth from a dental injury.
  • You have a few teeth that have been lost due to dental caries or tooth decay.
  • Your teeth are severely stained.
  • You’ve had root canal surgery on a few of your teeth and need a bridge.

What are the Advantages?

Typically, missing teeth impair both function and appearance. A bridge attaches to neighboring teeth to cover a fractured or missing tooth. It restores the natural appearance of the smile by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. Additionally, porcelain bridges aid in the restoration of normal chewing activity as well as the prevention of irregular tooth movements into holes where teeth are missing. Furthermore, porcelain bridges may be tinted to match the color of the surrounding teeth. Lastly, this gives the teeth that have been replaced a natural tooth-like look.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Bridges are installed in the convenience of our office. Beforehand, an accurate measurement of the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth is taken. For the time being, a temporary crown is used. After that, the measurements are used to fabricate the bridges. Furthermore, the temporary crown is removed at the second visit, and the porcelain bridge is fitted to the teeth.

What’s the Best Way to Get Started?

At Shreveport Dental Solutions, we are here for you whenever you are ready to start your smile makeover journey.  As follows, Dr. Ben Kacos will help you restore the natural appearance of your smile and reap the benefits of porcelain bridges. Contact us today to get started.

Options For Replacing Teeth

options for replacing missing teethOptions For Replacing Teeth in Shreveport

Let’s face it: your teeth are crucial to a normal, functioning life. Therefore, a healthy set of teeth not only helps you maintain good physical health and functionality but also helps you show off a beautiful smile. As follows, chewing and communicating can be made more difficult when a tooth or several teeth are missing. Tons of adults struggle with missing teeth, making it essential for modern dentistry to offer multiple options for replacing teeth.

Today on the blog, Dr. Ben Kacos, Dental implant specialist in Shreveport, LA, discusses the options for replacing teeth at Shreveport Dental Solutions.

Dental Implants

Dr. Ben Kacos says that dental implants are some of the most exciting aspects of dentistry to him. A dental implant is a surgical procedure that involves the insertion and fusion of a permanent tooth root into the jawbone. Dental implants have the appearance and feel of natural teeth and can last for years, if not decades, without the need for repair or replacement.

This procedure allows patients to have full functionality and movement in their teeth. Thus, the dental implants will feel like their natural teeth, making this an increasingly popular option for Shreveport residents. Contact our Implant dentist Shreveport today!

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can be used to close holes in your smile if you have missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth kept in place by a dental abutment tooth on either side of the gap. This can be made of a variety of materials, however, Dr. Ben Kacos, the best dentist in Shreveport, usually uses porcelain to fit in with your natural teeth. Typically, porcelain is used across the board in dentistry. Our friends over at College Hill Dental Group agree that porcelain is their preferred material. As follows, Dr. David Moghadam, best dentist in Easton PA, explains that this is because of their natural-looking features. Thus, porcelain bridges are a wonderful option for patients looking to transform their smiles with less extensive dental work.

Partial Dentures

A removable, partial denture replaces a tiny portion of missing teeth and looks and functions like natural teeth. As follows, a removable partial denture is good for overall functionality and looks. However, it is not as durable as a dental implant or bridge. Thus, they are usually the most affordable tooth replacement choice and are simple to fix if any damage occurs. If you’re interested in dentures in Shreveport LA, contact Dr. Ben Kacos today! We’d love to discuss your options with you.

Full Dentures

Removable full dentures, depending on how many teeth you actually have, can be very invasive and necessitate several visits to the dentist. Unlike a removable partial denture, which only replaces a portion of missing teeth, a removable full denture replaces the majority, if not all, of the teeth. However, this option looks natural and overall very attractive.

Options for Replacing Teeth in Shreveport LA

As you can see, we offer tons of different options for replacing teeth here at Shreveport Dental Solutions. Our team of gentle, compassionate dental professionals would love to discuss your options with you. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Benefits of Dental Bridges

benefits of dental bridges - Dr. ben KacosWith new challenges, come new solutions. Technology has solved a lot of problems, including dental problems. If you’ve lost a tooth or more, dental bridges are the perfect option for you. You can recover the smile that went away with your missing tooth. Most of the time, they look and sound like your natural teeth. Restoring your smile is just one of the benefits of dental bridges.

Dental bridges are an important part of modern dentistry. People have also been using dental bridges since the beginning of dental implants. It consists of two or more crowns set on the abutment teeth. Your dentist positions these crowns on either side of the gap produced by the missing teeth. When you visit Dr.Ben Kacos, you could get the best and most properly fitted dental bridges in Shreveport, LA.

Dental bridges offer a range of benefits and advantages. Shreveport, LA dentists urge patients to weigh the different benefits of using dental bridges before choosing them. Here is a list of some of the different advantages associated with the use of dental bridges:

Tiny and Lightweight 

Dental bridges are convenient to use. Since they are tiny and light, they offer excellent comfort when chatting, chewing, and eating. 

Comfortable

When you use dental bridges, no chewing force is passed on the gums. The chewing mechanism rests only on the teeth, which is why chewing with dental bridges is more comfortable.

Easy Maintenance

Dental bridges are favored by many due to the ease of maintenance associated with them. After having them for a while, the person with dental bridges becomes used to them. Since these are permanently attached to the abutment teeth, they do not need to be removed periodically for cleaning purposes. They could be quickly washed by brushing and flossing.

Enhances Speech and Pronunciation

Dental Bridges strengthens your natural speech and improves your eating and chewing skills. Dental bridges cover the holes between your teeth, which could help you talk without inhibition, explains Dr. Jordan Smith, Georgetown KY dentist.

Maintains Facial Structure 

Dental bridges hold the jaws and bones in place. A gap is formed when you lose a tooth or more. This difference could lead to a change in the location of the other teeth. Dental bridges keep the teeth securely on either side of the gap. This helps to preserve a natural facial structure.

Restores Smile

As tooth loss has a significant impact on aesthetics, replacing the missing tooth or teeth becomes highly necessary. Dental bridges take proper care of the functioning of the aesthetic. Porcelain or Zirconia dental bridges are usually recommended by 71105 dentists for the restoration of aesthetics. These bridges will always save you from any kind of shame associated with your missing teeth and restore your bright smile.

Straightforward Treatment

You will only need a few appointments. Although most removable dentures take at least 4 appointments to complete and set up, dental bridges do not need more than 2 appointments. Only after two sessions with your dentist would you be ready with your new dental bridges.

Long-Term Dental Solutions

Dentist design dental bridges in such a way that they have long-term protection and stability. You don’t need to see the dentist on a daily basis. It has a decent life span and a good prognosis.

Fights Tooth Loss 

Dental bridges not only serve as a substitute for your missing tooth but also help you avoid any more problems that could occur after you have lost your tooth or teeth. It helps prevent the migration of teeth by filling gaps created between teeth. Teeth migration, if not stopped by dental bridges, may lead to the disruption of many essential oral procedures.
If you’re thinking about which dentist near me will have the best dental bridges, Dr. Ben Kacos, a 71105 dentist is the best place to visit. Contact our dental office today to learn more about our restorative dentistry services.

Dental Crown Technology

dental crown technology - Dentist in Shreveport

Dental Crown Technology

Whether it be due to an accident or because of decay, people lose their teeth quite often. Missing teeth can leave gaps, ruining smiles and affecting the ability to chew food. The aim of restorative dentistry at Shreveport’s Dentist is to restore your beautiful smile. With the help of bridges and dental crowns, this is made possible.

What Exactly is a Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces a single tooth or several teeth. Usually, a tooth on either side of the missing tooth is utilized to support the dental bridge. Your dentist will crown the supporting tooth and add a fake tooth to replace the missing tooth.

Pros and Cons of a Dental Bridge

Bridges give a very natural look and feel to your smile. A dentist will glue the bridge so it won’t come out. This will make it easier for you to chew your food, and it would be as if you never lost your natural tooth. Before going ahead with this procedure, you must be aware of the cons of these dental bridges. Dr. O’Grady, a Denver Highlands dentist, says that bridges are an affordable solution but they do not last forever. They have a lifespan and will need to be replaced.  These bridges will also be vulnerable to all the things that your natural teeth are vulnerable to. For example, cavities, gum disease, and toothache are all problems that can arise. All of these things might not allow the bridge to function properly.

What Exactly is a Dental Crown?

 

 A dental crown is mostly used to restore a severely worn-down tooth, support a tooth that has little coronal tooth structure left, has a large filling, or even holds parts of a broken tooth together. In general, a dental crown protects a weak tooth from decay or further damage. A dental crown is a “cap” for your tooth that covers your tooth at and above the gum line. It is mostly made of porcelain and is shaped like a natural tooth, which means that it gives a very natural look to your smile.

 How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

The cost of having a dental crown made and inserted in your mouth can cost as low as $600 and as high as $1100. This is dependent on your insurance and your dentist.

Dental Crowns and Bridges 

It is recommended for you to consult an experienced, restorative dentist in Shreveport, LA, Dr. Kacos. Contact Shreveport’s Dentist to set-up a consult. There are several variables that need to be considered that will ensure that your crown is long-lasting. Dr. Kacos will, with the help of the best current available materials, produce a crown that best suits your needs of beauty and strength. The entire will take not more than an hour as the tooth needs to be reshaped in order to welcome the new crown but this is quite an easy and quick process that does not involve a lot of pain.

Providing Proper Care for the Crowns and Bridges

As both of these provide functionality and beauty, they will need to be taken care of. As both of these mimics the look and feel of your natural tooth, they will need to be taken care of the same way you take care of your teeth which is by brushing and flossing them daily. This must be done responsibly to avoid decay and gum disease. 

Pulling Your Tooth versus Saving It

Pulling Your Tooth Versus Saving It

Pulling Your Tooth Versus Saving It

If you have an infected or damaged tooth, you may think the easiest option is to simply pull the tooth and turn to dental implants. You may feel even more inclined if the tooth is responsible for significant pain. While dental implants can offer are a very good option to consider, pulling the tooth doesn’t necessarily always need to be the go-to option.
There are a number of benefits of saving the natural tooth, even if needing treatment to restore it to good health. Ultimately it’s your decision as to whether you opt for a tooth extraction or restoration. Your dentist can help you make the best decision. In this article, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, explains pulling your tooth versus saving it.

Benefits of Saving Your Tooth 

What are the benefits of taking steps to save a tooth that is in distress? Dr. Kacos will always have focus on providing patients with the solution that is in their best interests. 
Natural teeth are actually much stronger and offer better functionality than prosthetics, or crowns. Your natural teeth will prove to be more durable and easier to care for. While today’s dental prosthetics are made to last, they simply won’t have the same strength compared to your natural teeth.
When a tooth is extracted, it leaves behind a gap. While that gap can ultimately be filled with a bridge or implant, it will not take long before your healthy teeth on either side of the gap start to shift into this new available space. Shifting teeth can result in issues with bite alignment and damage to the teeth as they take over the gap. Even if the goals are to ultimately opt for implants, the longer that space remains empty, the more movement is possible.
Gaps in smiles can impact your self-confidence. It could be several weeks or months before the prosthetic option is possible. Patients often find that they are reluctant to laugh or smile due to embarrassment over how their teeth look.

Considering the Costs

While it may be much cheaper to pull a tooth than it will be to repair the tooth, the reality is that the ultimate replacement of the tooth will cost more and take much longer to deal with. You may need to spend more time in the dental office and more time getting prepped for your replacement choice.
You’ll find that there are options to help you afford the treatment on the tooth, especially when you combine financing options with the coverage that your dental insurance may provide.

Options for Saving a Tooth

There are a number of compelling reasons for you to keep your natural teeth in place for as long as possible. But if a tooth is infected or damaged, it can present a few problems. The good news is that when it comes to a root canal, Shreveport dentist Dr. Kacos can use the treatment to remove the decay and damage and restore functionality to the tooth.
The root canal procedure disinfects the interior of the tooth and fills it with a material that strengthens the tooth. The tooth may also be restored with a crown, which will allow it to function as it did prior to the infection. Root canal treatment gets a bad reputation, but the truth is that the procedure doesn’t take much time at all and you won’t feel anything during the procedure. At most, you’ll feel a bit of tenderness for a few hours after the procedure.

Pulling Your Tooth

It is generally preferable to save a tooth versus pulling it. However, there are some occasions where extracting is the better choice. If the tooth is badly cracked, especially if the crack is located below the gum line, an extraction may be the better option. A tooth that is also too weak as the result of extensive decay may be better extracted.
If the tooth is causing significant pain, reach out to your emergency dentist, Dr. Ben Kacos. When it comes to anxiety and nerves about the procedure, an option is sedation dentistry, which Shreveport patients will benefit from.
If the tooth is extracted, our Shreveport dentist can offer options for tooth replacements. When it comes to dentures, Shreveport patients may not be entirely enthused about the option. However, there are some really great technological advances that surprisingly look natural and realistic.
If you are in need of emergency dental treatment or want to resolve a concern with a tooth, call to make an appointment with your Shreveport’s dentist.

 

What Are My Restorative Dentistry Options?

What Are My Restorative Dentistry Options Shreveports Dentist Dr. Ben Kacos

What Are My Restorative Dentistry Options?

The impairment or loss of even just one tooth can affect your self-esteem and daily routine adversely. Luckily, restorative dentistry is available to offer cosmetic and functional impacts on those who have lost or damaged their teeth. In this article, you’ll learn what restorative dentistry is and the different restorative dental procedures that are available to you at Shreveport’s dentist.

A Brief Overview of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is aimed at treating a wide range of dental conditions, such as cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis, and broken or damaged teeth. Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA points out that dental cavities pose the biggest threat to dental health since they affect up to 100 percent of all adults in some countries.
Under restorative dentistry, professionals diagnose, study, and manage the diseases or conditions compromising your dental health. Solutions are then implemented to restore the esthetic and functional integrity of your dentition. Different specialties, including prosthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics, may be involved in addressing your restorative dentistry needs in Shreveport.
Various methods and treatments that vary from the minimally invasive options to those that involve surgery for the most severely affected patients all help fix cosmetic issues, remove any discomfort you may be experiencing, and help save your natural teeth.

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures 

 

Emergency Dental Care

Dr. Ben Kacos offers emergency dental care to patients who need it. This emergency care varies based on the specific problem a patient has. For example, you may visit an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, when you have a severe toothache. In such a case, Dr. Kacos can examine and treat the infection or any other underlying cause. Whatever your dental emergency, Dr. Ben Kacos will see you without delay and address the situation.

Crown Repair

If your dental crown is broken, cracked, or damaged in any way, restorative dentistry can help to resolve the situation. If the damage isn’t too severe, Dr. Ben Kacos will repair the damaged crown so that you avoid the higher cost associated with getting a replacement. Once the broken crown is cemented back onto your tooth, you are free to head back home and use your teeth as you did before.

Dental Bridges

The restorative dentistry services offered by Dr. Ben Kacos also includes fitting dental bridges. If you lose one or more teeth, artificial teeth can be placed by a dental bridge that is anchored onto your natural teeth on either side of the gaps. The crowns anchoring the bridge help stabilize the remaining natural tooth from moving towards the gap, allowing the artificial tooth to look and function like your natural tooth. You can also see Dr. Ben Kacos if your dental bridge breaks or has any damage. If the tooth is repairable, then that option will be selected since it is the most cost-effective.
Note that dental bridges aren’t very strong, so you may have to adhere to some restrictions to keep the dental bridge functioning properly. For example, the force of your bite is likely to decrease since the artificial tooth on the bridge isn’t supported in the jaw. This means that you may have to avoid hard nuts and other hard foods that could be hard to chew or bite.

Dental Implants

Dental implantology is also an aspect of restorative dentistry in Shreveport. Dental implants are used to provide a firm anchor for replacement teeth, and they function like natural teeth since they restore or even improve upon the bite force you had before you lost your natural tooth.
Some people may have insufficient jaw bone structure to support a dental implant, so Dr. Ben Kacos first performs a bone graft to boost the bone mass. Once you heal from the grafting procedure, dental implant surgery is scheduled so that you can have a replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

Broken Tooth Repair

When your tooth is broken, chipped, or cracked, you need to undergo a restorative dentistry procedure so that the structural strength of the tooth can be restored. The restorative procedure is also necessary to prevent that tooth from being prone to infections and other problems due to chip or crack in the tooth.
The specific repair method or procedure chosen by Shreveport’s dentist will depend on the degree of damage, the overall health of the tooth, the location of that tooth, and any other relevant factors.

The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry Shreveport brings numerous advantages that include the following;

  • It removes any dental discomfort that you were experiencing.
  • Your overall oral health is improved by restorative dentistry.
  • The solutions implemented are long-lasting.
  • You can speak and eat like any other normal person.
  • The restorations look natural.

If you would like to improve the health and appearance of your smile using restorative dentistry, schedule an appointment or call Shreveport’s dentist. Dr. Ben Kacos will assess your condition and go over the different restorative dentistry options that can be useful in your unique situation.

Dental Bridge Care

Dental Bridge Care

Dental Bridge Care

A dental bridge, as the name suggests, fills the gap created by missing teeth and restores your smile once again to enhance your appearance. A smile is that physical feature that remains the most attractive as you age. Thus healthy teeth are important for your confidence and wellbeing.

About Dental Bridges

In case you have a temporary crown or bridge, it is important for it to stay in place until the permanent one is placed. In case the temporary crown is displaced, do not try to fix it yourself and immediately visit the emergency dentist at Shreveport to get it fixed.

Dental bridges are reliable and strong, but that does not mean that they do not require care and you can ignore them. You have to care for them just like your normal teeth, if not more, in order to keep them in good shape for many years.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Bridges

Dr. Ben Kacos, an endodontist in Shreveport, recommends the following tips to take care of your dental bridges and prolong their lifespan:

  • Brush at least twice daily: Just like for your normal teeth, you also need to brush at least twice daily for a minimum period of two minutes each time in order to keep your teeth and bridges in tip-top condition. It is recommended to brush after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night.
  • Floss: Floss at least once a day, at any suitable time, to clean away the plaque and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Rinse: It is also recommended to rinse your mouth on a daily basis with an antibacterial mouthwash, preferably containing fluoride, as it kills the bacteria in your mouth and with it the chances of gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Avoid hard foods: Bridges are not as strong as your natural teeth although they look the same, so you need to avoid chewing something that is very hard, like ice, as it can crack or remove the bridge. Special care needs to be taken when the bridge has been installed freshly.
  • Avoid sugary foods: Sugar is the main culprit behind tooth decay, as the bacteria present in the mouth convert sugar into harmful acids that go on to damage the enamel. Dental bridges already put the anchor teeth under a lot of stress daily, so special care needs to be taken to keep them healthy and strong.
  • Regular visits to the dentist: It is recommended to visit your dentist at least twice a year, especially if you have a dental bridge. The dentist will perform a professional cleaning, examine the prosthetic and look for any other oral problems in the mouth.

We asked our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about the longevity of dental bridges. Dr. Green says that if properly taken care of, a good dental bridge can last as long as 10 years. Once you get a dental bridge, you might feel a slight sensitivity to hot and cold foods in the beginning. This can be solved by using a sensitivity toothpaste as recommended by the dentist.

Taking care of your dental bridge at home is not enough, as you will still need to visit the dentist for them to perform professional cleanings which are not possible at home. We can make sure that your dental bridge is fitting perfectly, and ensure that everything relating to your oral health is just as it should be. Call Shreveport’s Dentist now to book an appointment with Dr. Ben Kacos.