Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Bridges

Missing teeth wreak havoc on your mouth over time.  Gaps in the teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and when a tooth is missing long enough the jaw bone is vulnerable and the structure becomes compromised. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we install permanent bridges that replace missing teeth and still look natural.


Permanent bridges use healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth to anchor a replacement in the appropriate location.  The replacement tooth is held in place by caps on the teeth on either side.  This can typically be accomplished in two visits.  First, an impression of the area is taken so that a dental laboratory can create a bridge that will fit perfectly.  While your new bridge is being fabricated, we can provide a temporary bridge for you to wear.  On your second visit, the bridge will be cemented into place.  With proper care bridges can last a lifetime, but can be replaced if needed.


To learn more about bridges and all 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.

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth.  At Greenville Family Dentistry, frenectomies are performed to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.


There are three main frenums in your mouth.  One is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients with an enlarged frenum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This interferes with speech and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.


Another two frenums in your mouth are between the font teeth (both upper and lower) and connects the inner surface of the lip with the gum. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy.  Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.


To learn more about frenectomies and all 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.