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Top Dentist Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMD
Top Dentist Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMD

My Dental Crown Fell Out

My Dental Crown Fell Out… What To Do If You Lost A Dental Crown

Dental crowns fall out for various reasons. Biting down on something hard or chewy or a sharp blow to the jaw could knock a crown loose. The gradual loosening of dental crowns can also happen if a crown gets chipped but does not fall out at that time. Even the most minor chip can lead to loss of crown integrity as the chip enlarges and weakens the adherence of the crown to the tooth.

Save Your Dental Crown and Call Eric Spellman, DMD

When possible, try to retrieve your lost dental crown and save it. Rinse it carefully, if you can, with mild soap and water and store it in a safe, clean place. Call our experienced cosmetic dentist in Larchmont, Eric Spellman, DMD, to determine if you can save your crown or need a same-day dental crown replacement.

Bring your dental crown with you when you go to your appointment. Your experienced Larchmont dentist, Eric Spellman, DMD, may be able to reattach it, saving you time and money. Sometimes, you may accidentally swallow your crown. Don’t worry, it will not hurt you. If you ate or lost your crown, Dr. Eric Spellman can replace it with a new same-day dental crown.

What If I Can Not Get An Appointment The Same Day?

Watch What You Eat

Teeth with crowns tend to be more vulnerable and sensitive than other teeth. Therefore, you should be cautious about how and what you eat while your dental crown is out of commission. It is best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and crunchy foods that might irritate the exposed tooth. Remember to chew food on the opposite side of your mouth as the lost crown when you chew.

Monitor Your Missing Tooth

If you do not visit your dentist within a day or so after the crown falls off, it is essential that you keep a close watch on your tooth. Call your dentist immediately if you experience significant pain or notice that the tooth or tissue around it is suffering further damage.

Keep Up with Oral Hygiene

Careful oral hygiene can prevent harmful bacteria and food particles from causing further damage to the exposed tooth. Gently brush your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash for 30 – 60 seconds a few times daily may also be helpful.

Dental Treatments For A Missing Tooth

Dental Treatments For A Missing Tooth

Dental Treatments For A Missing Tooth Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMDAt Eric Spellman, DMD, we have several options to replace a missing tooth. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out in an accident or removed due to tooth decay, call our highly trained cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, to replace the problem so you can regain the complete functionality and appearance of your smile. If you live in the Larchmont, Scarsdale, and surrounding areas, call our dental team at (914) 315-4446 to schedule an appointment. After examining you, we will create a treatment plan to provide the best results for your appearance and lifestyle goals.

Treatment Options For A Missing Tooth

Dental Bridges

Dental labs design dental bridges to “bridge” the gap left by consecutive missing teeth. This sturdy prosthetic is anchored in place with dental crowns, which attach to your natural teeth on both sides of the opening. Dr. Spellman will take his time to ensure a proper, functional fit that looks and feels natural.

Full & Partial Denture

For individuals who have experienced extensive tooth loss, a full or partial denture can bring back their smile quickly and affordably. Complete dentures (as the name implies) are designed to simultaneously replace an entire row of teeth. At the same time, partials can fill openings between your natural teeth. Both are custom-designed to perfectly fit your mouth so your teeth can function naturally in everyday life.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the clear solution if you’re looking for a highly secure and durable tooth replacement option. Unlike traditional options, implants replace the tooth’s root and the visible dental crown. Implants help preserve jawbone health and establish a sturdy foundation for all-ceramic replacements. Patients undergoing dental implant treatment will visit a trusted oral surgeon for the surgical elements of their oral care before returning to Eric Spellman, DMD, for the finishing touches.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Broken & Chipped Tooth Repair

Broken & Chipped Tooth Repair Larchmont | Eric Spellman, DMD | Larchmont DentistAccidentally chipping your tooth is an unfortunate situation. Chipping can happen simply by eating normally. The next thing you know, your tooth is chipped. Accidents happen, but who wants to appear less appealing or add another insecurity? Luckily, our Larchmont dentist, Eric Spellman, DMD, offers several treatments to remedy your chipped or broken tooth.

First, Dr. Eric Spellman will examine your chipped or broken tooth to determine the best treatment plan to restore your smile. Next, will discuss your treatment plan and begin the process to restoring your tooth and overall smile.

Treatments To Fix A Broken or Chipped Tooth

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a “cap” that covers a tooth. A crown restores a tooth to its natural shape, size, and function. Crowns are ideal when the chipped or broken portion of the tooth is significant, causing tooth pain when chewing or drinking. A dental crown is an effective solution to quickly repair the shape and look of your tooth, preventing further tooth damage from decay or exposed nerves.

CEREC Same Day Dental Crowns

We recognize that most patients have busy lives, so our Larchmont dentist office offers specialized CEREC same day dental crowns in Larchmont. CEREC dental crowns are made possible by computer-aided design and manufacturing or CAD/CAM.

The CEREC system enables our dentist, Dr. Spellman to prepare the damaged tooth and design a fine-looking porcelain crown all in a single day. Dr. Spellman uses an intraoral camera and CEREC software to develop a digital impression and create your crown. The digital design ensures an accurate and comfortable fit with our precise chairside milling unit.

Dental Bonding

Tooth bonding is a fast and painless solution for most small cosmetic chips. In the bonding process, first, Dr. Spellman will roughen the remaining enamel on the tooth for the composite to adhere better to the tooth’s surface. The composite is then shaped to replace the chip before it’s hardened with a dental curing light. The curing light instantly solidifies the material. Typically, dental bonding can last about ten years with proper oral care.

Porcelain Veneers

If you completely cracked your tooth or there was significant damage to the tooth, we may recommend dental veneers. Also, porcelain veneers may be your best option if you have chipped a tooth multiple times or wish to repair a tooth’s color.

A dental veneer uses porcelain material that covers the front surface of your teeth. Veneers give your smile a natural look while also providing strength compared to natural tooth enamel. For our cosmetic dentist in Larchmont, Dr. Eric Spellman, to apply a veneer, he will remove a small amount of your existing tooth structure to make room around the target area. Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to make the permanent veneer and place a temporary one.

Once the permanent porcelain veneer arrives, Dr. Spellman will remove the temporary one and clean it around the tooth. We will then place the adhesive and set it in the new veneer for an exact fit. Finally, the dental veneer is light cured, giving you a natural, beautiful smile.

Is Gum Disease A Sign Of Cancer?

Is Gum Disease A Sign Of Cancer?

Gum Disease Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMD | Experienced Dentist LarchmontGum disease, or periodontal disease, is an irritating dental condition that can lead to numerous health problems. Although poor oral hygiene causes most cases of gum disease, other factors can contribute to the development, such as smoking and medical conditions like diabetes.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to inflamed gums, tooth loss, and an increased risk of developing oral cancer. While good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease, regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings are essential to catch the condition early and treat it before it becomes severe.

What is Gum Disease?

Plaque build-up on the teeth and gums causes gum disease. If not regularly removed with brushing and flossing, it can harden into a yellow calculus called tartar. Tartar build-up at the gum line irritates and inflames the soft tissue.

The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterized by redness, inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis—a severe form of gum disease known to lead to tooth loss.

Does Gum Disease Cause Cancer?

Gum disease doesn’t directly cause cancer, but clinical studies have shown that individuals with periodontal (gum) disease have a higher chance of developing mouth cancer. Another study found that patients with severe periodontitis have a 24% increased risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer.

While the exact mechanism by which gum disease increases the risk of cancer is unknown, scientists think the bacteria associated with gum disease may contribute to the development of cancerous cells.

People with gum disease are also more likely to smoke and use alcohol, a risk factor for mouth cancer. More research is needed to determine whether gum disease is a direct cause of cancer or merely a risk factor.

How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?

Several ways to prevent gum disease:

  • Daily brushing and flossing of your teeth to remove plaque and tartar.
  • Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria that lead to gum disease.
  • Regular dental checkups with Dr. Spellman and cleanings will help detect any early signs of gum disease so you can have a dentist treat it before it progresses.
  • Quitting smoking or chewing can significantly reduce your chances of developing gum issues like recession or dry mouth, which can exacerbate gum disease symptoms.

Schedule A Gum Disease Treatment Appointment Today!

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so taking care of your teeth is essential. We highly recommend that you visit the dentist for regular cleanings and dental exams. Dr. Eric Spellman can help prevent gum disease and perform an oral cancer screening to identify potential cancer symptoms early when there is a higher chance of successful treatment.

Can My Natural Teeth Be Saved?

Can My Natural Teeth Be Saved?

Can My Natural Teeth Be Saved? | Dentist Larchmont | Eric Spellman DMDWhen your tooth hurts due to an infection, you may wonder if you should get it fixed and save the tooth or replace it with a dental implant. Before you decide on the latter option, schedule a consult with our Larchmont cosmetic dentist at Eric Spellman, DMD to see if you may save your natural tooth. Though new and shiny white, an implant is something you should only consider if our dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman cannot save the tooth.

There are several options for a tooth that has decayed:

  1. Dentists can perform root canal treatment may if the damage is not extensive.
  2. The tooth may also be extracted and replaced with an implanted synthetic tooth.
  3. When an implant is not an option, then dentures are used. The least desired solution is extraction without replacement, leaving an empty gap in your mouth.

Benefits of Your Natural Tooth

Saving your natural tooth has several benefits that dental implants cannot offer Larchmont patients. First, your natural teeth maintain the structure of your mouth and jawbone, allowing you to chew normally.

When you repair a tooth with an implant, sometimes, the implant only partially fills the space. The empty areas between teeth can lead to bone loss. In addition, your teeth may shift around to fill the space, changing the overall position of your teeth. It may lead to a bite failure, a case known as occlusion. Not only does occlusion affect your appearance, but it also creates difficulties in chewing food. More dental treatment is required to fix these problems.

Your teeth do much more than mechanically chew food. Teeth contain nerves that send communication to the brain. These messages tell your brain how hard to chew, protecting your teeth from biting too hard. Unfortunately, implants have no nerves, so the sensory connection with the brain is lost.

Can My Tooth Be Saved?

Root canal or endodontic therapy is the most common natural tooth preservation procedure. However, when your tooth decays and develops cavities, the pulp inside your tooth can get infected. Therefore, your endodontist, Dr. Eric Spellman, will make an opening at the top of your tooth during root canal treatment to access the interior. Next, your endodontist uses specialized equipment to remove the decayed tissue; the root canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent bio-compatible material. Finally, your dentist fills the opening and installs a dental crown over your tooth for permanent protection.

At Eric Spellman, DMD, our Larchmont dentist has over 30 years of advanced training and utilizes the newest technology to provide each patient with top-level dental care. Root canal treatment ensures that the process is relatively pain-free. In addition, root canal treatments have fewer post-operative complications and failures than dental implant procedures. By choosing root canal treatment, you will continue to enjoy all the health and cosmetic benefits of keeping your natural tooth.

Our primary goal at Eric Spellman, DMD, is to offer Larchmont patients the best dental treatment for your smile needs. After a comprehensive examination, we will decide the best action for dental care for you. When possible, we strive to save your natural tooth so you can avoid potential complications of implants while offering you the best outcome for your dental health.

Schedule An Appointment with our Larchmont Dentist!

Contact our dentist in Larchmont, Dr. Eric Spellman, at 914-315-4446 to schedule a consultation to preserve your natural teeth. With over 30 years of experience, our advanced trained dentist, Eric Spellman, DMD, treats patients from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, NY, and many surrounding areas.