A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

We use crowns for patients who have dental implants, root canals, or large tooth fillings. Our dentists may also recommend dental crowns for cosmetic issues such as discolored teeth or teeth with significant cracks or chips.

Crowns are designed to mimic the shape and color of your natural tooth enamel. That way, you can feel confident with your new smile.

Dental crown procedures are broken down into two visits.

During your first visit with us, we will take X-rays and fill down the receiving tooth. That way, the crown will fit snugly on the tooth without feeling bulky.

Once we’ve filed down your tooth, we’ll take impressions to send to the lab that will make your dental crown. We’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth until your next visit.

When you return for your second appointment, your new dental restoration will be ready. One of our experienced dentists will remove your temporary crown and ensure that your new crown fits properly and matches the color of your other teeth. We will then numb your tooth and cement the crown into place.

Dental bridges work by positioning a false tooth between two natural teeth or dental implants capped by dental crowns. The teeth on either side of the gap hold your false tooth in place so you can enjoy a beautiful smile.

At Lake Michigan Dental, we offer three different types of dental bridges:

• Traditional: a false tooth held in place by dental crowns placed on the two teeth adjacent to the gap
• Cantilever: a false tooth held in place by a dental crown placed on only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap
• Maryland bonded: a false tooth held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded onto the back of the two teeth adjacent to the gap

Our patients appreciate that no matter which dental bridge they choose, they can expect a porcelain tooth restoration that matches the color of their natural teeth.

The ideal candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker, has healthy gums, and has sufficient bone density in their jaw to support an implant. However, don’t feel like you have to be the “perfect candidate” for dental implants to request an appointment with one of our dental implant dentists. There is plenty we can do to find the right solution for your smile.

With proper care, a dental implant can last up to 30 years or even a lifetime. However, it’ll be your responsibility to maintain good oral health so your dental implants remain in good condition. If you suspect any issues with your dental implants, call our office as soon as possible.

Periodontal (Gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums.

Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down.

As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket. Our dentists can reverse the risks of periodontal disease by performing deep root planing (cleaning) of the area between the pocket and the tooth roots, causing the pocket to tighten and seal against prolonged infection.

Treatment of periodontal disease has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac disease in clinical studies by decreasing the inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Periodontal therapy can also save teeth from extraction due to decay and loosening.

Did you know your gum tissue is not attached to your teeth as high as you may think? There is actually a very shallow, V-shaped crevice called the sulcus between the tooth and your gums.

Periodontal disease attacks just below the gum line in the sulcus. This is where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down.

As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket. Food particles and bacteria can get stuck in these deep pockets, leading to infection, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Early stages of gum disease, like gingivitis, can be reversed with dental care and a good oral hygiene routine. Advanced stages, like periodontitis, can only be treated, not cured. However, treatment is important in preventing more oral health issues.

Our dentists can minimize the risks of periodontal disease by performing deep root planing (cleaning) of the area between the pocket and the tooth roots. Professional cleaning causes the pocket to tighten and seal, protecting it against prolonged infection.

Treatment of gum disease has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac disease in clinical studies. This is because decreased inflammation caused by bacterial infection can help keep your entire body healthy. Periodontal therapy can also save teeth from extraction due to decay and loosening.