Dental Crowns – What You Need to Know

Tariq Drabu is a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon who works with private and NHS patients in Manchester in the United Kingdom. He is the owner of the successful Langley Dental Practice in Middleton and provides patients with dental crowns to preserve their natural teeth and help them improve their oral appearance.

What are crowns used for?

Tariq Drabu advises that dental crowns are used as a restorative procedure and is also effective to restore bone tissue. Instead of extracting a tooth, which could possibly be saved, the crown is placed over the tooth. When a tooth is extracted the bone tissue starts to deteriorate from the minute the tooth is removed, which can lead to other complications over time.

Dental crowns are used to correct flaws in a tooth, such as chips, breaks and cracks. It is also used to help preserve any damaged tooth and ensure that the patient keeps their adult or permanent teeth for as long as possible.

Technology has advanced so much over the years and Tariq Drabu mentioned that dental crowns are made to blend in naturally with surrounding teeth, so they look natural and the only person that knows their tooth is covered will be the patient.

Dental crowns are used to conceal implants. Implants are used when a tooth or teeth have been extracted. It comprises of a titanium screw which is put in place into the jaw bone and over time the bone fuses with the screw, which preserves the bone tissue. They are also used to change the shape of a tooth, when there is flaws or misalignment that the patient wants corrected in an affordable way.

In addition to this, Tariq Drabu also mentioned that dental crowns can hide discolouration, they can also help restore, protect and support a permanent tooth.

When to choose a dental crown

Tariq Drabu advises that tooth loss in adults is not a normal occurrence and if you are facing a tooth extraction it is advisable to see if a dental crown cannot help you preserve your own tooth.

Having teeth extracted can lead to numerous problems from bone tissue degradation to sunken cheeks, which is often seen in patients who have numerous teeth removed on one or both sides of their mouths.

To restore, protect and support the natural tooth, dental crowns are an effective and efficient solution for patients to consider.

Tooth Loss in Adults is Not Normal

Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon, is the owner of the successful Langley Dental Practice in Middleton in the United Kingdom. He is concerned at the number of adults who believe that tooth loss is completely normal once they reach their adult years. He advises that the only time tooth loss is normal is when children's baby or milk teeth fall out to make way for their permanent teeth.

Once that permanent tooth comes through, it is for life and it's up to you to ensure you take care of your teeth and preserve them for as long as possible.

What causes tooth loss in adults?

TariqDrabu advises that the most common cause of tooth loss in adults is poor oral hygiene. By not taking care of your teeth by brushing them twice daily for two minutes each brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day, the tooth is prone to cavities and decay, which results in tooth loss as the tooth cannot be saved.

Tariq Drabu reminds patients that food particles get caught between the teeth and plaque builds up to become hard tartar, which is sticky and attracts and catches dangerous bacteria which eats away at the hard tooth enamel which covers the tooth. Enamel does not regenerate, which means once damaged, the only repair is with the help of a dental professional.

Another cause of tooth loss in adults is poor diet. Eating sugared foods and drinks, alcohol, coffee and smoking are all associated with poor oral health and decay.

Then there is the adults that avoid the dentist. He mentioned that routine dental appointments are so the dentist can check the mouth, gums and teeth looking for any potential problems and catching them early, which could save the tooth and save the patient money in the long run.

Finally, a rare cause of tooth loss in adults, which cannot be helped is an accident. Taking a blow to the mouth which results in the tooth falling out.

How to prevent tooth loss in adults

Tariq Drabu advises that there are three rules patients should be following to preserve their permanent teeth for as long as possible. The first is brushing twice daily, then flossing at least once a day, though twice a day is preferable and finally, do not avoid the dentist they are here to assist you in enjoying good oral health moving forward.

What is the Cost of You Not Replacing a Missing Tooth?

There are thousands of patients around the United Kingdom who have one or more missing teeth. This is not uncommon, according to Tariq Drabu, the owner of the Langley Dental Practice, in fact most patients don't realise that a missing tooth or a few teeth can have a negative impact on your oral health and your personal experiences.

Tariq Drabu advised that there are numerous reasons why a patient should always consider having their missing tooth replaced if possible. Ideally it won't come to the tooth having to be extracted and possibly the dentist will be able to preserve the tooth for that bit longer. But in the event that you do have to have a tooth extracted, do you know what the cost is?

Confidence

TariqDrabu advised that one of the costs of not replacing a missing tooth is a lack in confidence. Many patients start feeling self-conscious, especially when they have a front tooth missing. This lack of confidence can affect the patient in their business and private life.

Smiles

While a patient may have smiled, showing all their teeth and feeling good about themselves, with a noticeable tooth removed, the same patient can stop showing their teeth when they smile, some even cover their mouths because they are aware that their missing tooth is noticeable.

Bone loss

In addition to personal experiences, Tariq Drabu advised that there are also medical reasons why a patient will want to consider replacing their missing tooth. Bone loss is one of the reasons why a patient should always try and see what alternatives there are rather than leaving them with an open gap. The bone loss can result in sunken cheeks after a while and can make the nearby teeth become unstable.

Speech

When a patient has a front tooth missing, there speech is affected. This is also not uncommon, according to Tariq Drabu where patients will suddenly talking with a slight lisp.

Treatment

Tariq Drabu advised that patients should discuss the options with their dentist before making the final decision to extract the tooth. Many patients are in pain and just want the tooth removed to ease the pain, but there are often alternatives for the patient where the tooth could possible be preserved.

The other option is a dental implant, which is a titanium screw with a crown (false tooth) on top. Over time the bone fuses with the screw to reduce the risk of bone loss.

Tariq Drabu Offers Tips to Reduce Sensitivity Caused by Braces

Tariq Drabu is the owner of the Langley Dental Practice and a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon. He advised that teens and adults are both getting braces to straighten their teeth, correcting any misalignment. He also mentioned that when patients first get braces and sometimes after each correction, the teeth can become a little sensitive and uncomfortable, but there are a few things that patients can consider to reduce this sensitivity.

Ice packs

The first thing that Tariq Drabu recommends is to have some ice packs in the freezer and ready. You can use a bag of peas or have some ice cubes rolled in a cloth. Hold the ice packs on the sensitive area to help numb the discomfort.

Salt Water

Another recommendation by Tariq Drabu to ease sensitivity caused by braces is to rinse the mouth and the area with salt water. Salt water is a fantastic disinfectant, but it can also help numb the area slightly. It is also effective if you have had something caught in your tooth which caused the pain, the salt water can rinse the area to remove the risk of infection or gum disease as a result.

Eat softer foods

What patients must realise when they first get braces is that their mouth, teeth and gums have to become accustomed to the braces. Sensitivity is common when braces are first placed on the teeth, which means eating crunchy or chewy foods can increase the discomfort the patient is feeling. Tariq Drabu recommends that patients opt for softer foods for a few days until the discomfort subsides. They can then start adding to their diet until they are completely comfortable with their braces.

Teething rings

Now you wouldn't expect to see an adult chewing on a baby teething ring, but Tariq Drabu advised that a cold teething ring, which has been in the freezer can be very effective to reduce the sensitivity caused by braces. Teething rings are cheap and can be purchased in any baby store. Place the ring in the freezer until it is very cold and then hold it on the area to help ease the pain.