Tag Archives: Philip Gentry

Cracked teeth/tooth fractures.

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Cracks on back molars.

If when you bite down, you feel a sharp pain you may have a cracked tooth. A tooth crack may have been caused by:

  • Chewing on a hard object or food such as ice, nuts, candy, or popcorn.
  • An accident, like a blow to the mouth.
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth.
  • Weak tooth caused by wear or large old fillings, or root canal.

If you feel pain when you bite down on a tooth please let Dr. Gentry know and he will evaluate the tooth and discuss the best treatment protocol for you. If treated early, the cracked tooth possibly can be treated with a bonded filling or a crown. If the crack is deeper the tooth may require a root canal or even extraction.

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Cracked molar. Teeth weak due to large old fillings and tooth broke biting down on an almond.
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Dr. Gentry was able to save the tooth with a large bonded composite restoration. A crown will be placed on top.
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Fractured front tooth caused by an accident.
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Emergency tooth bonding to temporarily repair the fractured front tooth.

If the crack is deep or extends down the root, the tooth may need to be extracted.

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Cracked tooth caused from grinding teeth.
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Abscess
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Vertical root fracture. Dr. Gentry had to extract the tooth.
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Cracked back molar.
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Crack extended under the gums along root. Dr. Gentry had to extract the molar.

Dr. Gentry demonstrates the steps involved in the restoration of lower second molar Biomet 3i Encode Implant.

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Stone model of the patient’s teeth and implant parts.
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Implant try-in on stone model.
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Healing abutment in the mouth.
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Following removal of the healing abutment the implant the implant is visible.
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The implant crown placed.
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Implant crown screw tightened into place.
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Screw access hole filled in.
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Beautiful implant crown.

Implant Supported Overdenture

Too many people who have conventional dentures don’t wear them for the simple fact that they don’t stay in place. Dental Implants offer a way to keep dentures in place and allow you to go about your daily life with confidence.

overdenturesThe use of dental implants to stabilize dentures has proven to be successful for many people. The number continues to grow as word spreads about the effectiveness and long-term durability of the treatment. In fact, it has been reported that dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device.*

the problems with loose dentures

Millions of people around the world are missing enough teeth to require the use of a denture. Many of them struggle to keep their dentures secure, particularly in the lower jaw. If you have this problem, you already know about the embarrassment of slipping dentures, not being able to eat the foods that you love and the ineffectiveness of denture adhesives. Fortunately, there is a way to make your denture work the way it was intended: stabilize it with dental implants.

benefits of denture stabilization

  • Restores proper chewing, allowing a better diet and improved health
  • Improves speech and confidence
  • Increases comfort with less irritation of gum tissue
  • Ends the cost and inconvenience of denture adhesives
  • Often can utilize your existing denture
  • Minimally invasive procedure

upper

lower

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Two implants placed to help hold the patients lower denture in place.

 

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Lower denture snaps into place.

 

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Inside of denture showing how denture fits into implants.

 

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Normally we like to place 4 implants for better stabilization.

 

Complete Dentures

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Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.

When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

Types of dentures:

  • Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
  • Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period,  the denture will need to be relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
  • Overdenture. Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.

New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted.

Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

Dr. Gentry’s photos of one of his immediate complete upper denture cases.

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Broken off decayed upper teeth
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Panoramic x-ray showing teeth.
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Upper immediate denture made from dental impressions.
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Upper teeth extracted.
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Immediate full upper complete denture placed the same visit of extractions.

 

 

Nightguards

If you or someone you know experiences severe tooth, jaw or facial muscle pain, it may be from the effects of grinding or clenching your teeth. The good news is that Dr. Gentry may be able to prescribe a custom-made Comfort H/S™ (Hard/Soft) Bite Splint, which offsets the pain caused by bruxing or grinding your teeth.

A nightguard is a proactive step to protect your existing healthy teeth. A clear, thin removable device, your custom-made bite splint is worn over your lower or upper teeth as you sleep.

Studies suggest those who grind and clench their teeth may experience up to 80 times the normal tooth wear per day compared to those who do not. The good news is that a simple bite splint can offset the effects of this often-subconscious habit while protecting your teeth from daily wear and tear.

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Restoration of a large carious lesions using the Garrison Interproximal Matrix System

When deep decay that is close to the tooth pulp is present in a tooth, many times it requires a root canal. In this 35 year old patient, Dr. Gentry restores her upper bicuspid tooth without a root canal or crown. Gentry cleans out the decay, places a Vitrabond glass ionomer pulp cap, and places a Herculite composite restoration, using the Garrison Matrix System.

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decay

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3D XR Ring

 

 

Cavities

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Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems.

If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

dental decay process

Some examples of Dr. Gentry fixing  patient’s dental cavities:

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Decay, upper back molar
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Decay cleaned out
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Composite restoration placed
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Decayed premolar tooth
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Opened up to reveal deep decay
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Decay removed
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Matrix band placed
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Finished restorations
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Decay on sides of teeth extending under the gums
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Decay removed and teeth restored