Friday, February 24, 2017

Inlays and Onlays

We provide a number of cosmetic and functional tooth restorations at Greenville Family Dentistry. Among the most important of these are inlays and onlays. While artificial crows can be used to save a tooth, using one also requires the underlying tooth to be significantly reshaped. If only the grinding surface of a molar or premolar is damaged, it may be possible to use an even less invasive restoration in the form of a partial crown.


Partial crowns are classified as inlays or onlays depending on how much of the tooth they are meant to replace. An inlay only replaces the indentations of a chewing tooth in between its raised, pointy cusps. It is similar to the sealants used on children, but a permanent piece of porcelain. An onlay also replaces at least one of the cusps. Before either can be placed, Dr. Emuedue will have to determine the reason for the tooth’s condition, and remove the decayed material, if any. He will then make an impression of the patient’s mouth and send it to a laboratory where the restoration will be manufactured. Once it is complete, it can be cemented in during a return visit, and the patient will once again chew without agitation.


Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.


 

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Signs of Implant Failure

Dental implants are highly useful both for restoring teeth and stabilizing a jaw, but they need to be cared for just like normal teeth. Sometimes, if they are compromised by periodontal disease, or if there was a problem with their installation, they may fail. Considering how much trouble a patient went through to get an implant, this is always extremely unfortunate. That is why patients should be aware if something is going wrong with their implant as soon as possible.


Sometimes a problem will immediately be evident if the surgical wound fails to heal for several days after an implant is placed, or if the patient is in severe pain which does not dissipate over time. There are a few people who are allergic to the metal most implants are made of. An inexperienced dentist might also place an implant too close to a nerve, which would be the cause of severe pain. Patients can self-monitor for signs of infection, while doctors are responsible for monitoring changes in jaw bone size. If a patient loses too much jaw bone material, it is a sign that the implant is failing to integrate and stabilize the surrounding structure, and further investigation is necessary.


Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.


 

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Pediatric Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from the bone socket and is a scary procedure for adults, let alone children. For a child, this procedure can be terrifying since he or she does not know what to expect and will often worry that the procedure will hurt. At Greenville Family Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Emuedue offers a variety of ways to soothe your child’s fear before a tooth extraction.


Dr. Christopher Emuedue will extract your child’s tooth if it has become decayed to the point where a root canal is not an option. A child’s tooth may also be extracted if the tooth is fractured beyond repair, or if the mouth is overcrowded with teeth. If your child is getting braces, Dr. Christopher Emuedue may also decide to extract one or more teeth to make room for shifting teeth. Nitrous Oxide is also available for children who find this procedure frightening; however, they will need a preliminary visit with Dr. Christopher Emuedue to make sure they are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation.


If you have questions or concerns about pediatric tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Denture Pain Causes and Treatment

Denture pain typically stems from poor fitting or poorly adjusted dentures. It may also be a result of new dentures, worn over soft tissues that have not developed thick, toughened layers of protective keratin. If you are experiencing gum and mouth irritation, problems eating and speaking, mouth infections and/or dentures that move around in your mouth, give Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry a call to discuss your treatment options.


If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In addition, you should never experience pain when wearing your dentures. If you do experience pain from your dentures and this discomfort is not treated by speaking slowly, eating soft foods or using an adhesive, your dentures may need to be replaced. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we have plenty of tooth-replacement options for you to choose from if dentures aren’t working out.


If you have dentures that are causing you pain, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.