Dentist in Kokomo

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 The term “family dentistry” refers to a dental practice that addresses oral health at all stages of life. A good family dentist specializes in a range of dental services, from the usual dental cleanings and fillings to more specialized procedures such as sealants, tooth replacement, crowns and bridges, and so on.

Some family dentistry practices also combine with other services. For example, it is not unusual to find a practice specializing in “family and cosmetic dentistry.” This is good, as it means you can get more services under one roof, from a healthcare provider you already trust.

What are the Benefits of Family Dentistry?

Children have very different dental needs than adults. So, it makes sense to have your children visit a dentist who is aware of these needs and experienced working with children.

A family dentist, like our Kokomo dentist Dr. Curnutt, cares for oral health at all stages of life. This means that you and your children can stay with our dentists or group of dental specialists throughout your lives. At LADD Dental Group, we can provide care for your children’s teeth as they grow into adulthood, meaning they will never have to switch dentists. 

With advanced technology and deeper dental knowledge, there are more cosmetic dental procedures available now than ever before. More and more ways are being discovered to treat different dental imperfections.

If you’re not familiar with cosmetic dentistry, below are the most common procedures patients get in order to get the best smile possible. Some of the most common procedures our dentist in Kokomo, Dr. Curnutt, provides at her office in Kokomo are: 

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is the most common and basic of cosmetic dental procedures. There are many teeth whitening options available including at-home and in-office whitening. The teeth whitening done by a dentist yields immediate, longer-lasting results than the at-home versions. This is because the dentist uses a highly concentrated whitening agent that is greater than the other at-home options.

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure because a white smile looks beautiful, healthy and confident. The foods and drinks as well as tobacco that are present, however, stain and discolor teeth, resulting in an unpleasant smile.

Dental Veneers

Made popular by their wide use by celebrities, veneers are another common cosmetic dental procedure that fixes a patient’s dental imperfections and gives them the perfect smile they’ve always wanted.

Veneers are thin pieces of ceramic that are placed over and bonded to the front of a tooth. Veneers can treat a variety of dental issues that cause aesthetic concerns including jagged, cracked, chipped or serrated teeth as well as crooked teeth, misshapen teeth and to fill in embarrassing gaps between teeth.

Veneers are custom made for each patient and their specific tooth. The veneer is securely attached to the front of the tooth. Like crowns, the color of the veneers are carefully selected to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings in that the concept and purpose are almost identical. Inlays and onlays are sometimes called “indirect fillings.” These kinds of cosmetic dental procedures are best for patients who don’t have enough tooth surface or stability to support fillings. 

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding, also called plain bonding, is used to repair discolored, decayed or damaged teeth by drilling holes in the tooth to remove decay and then filling the hole with a special type of bonding that resembles the color of tooth enamel. The tooth is sculpted and reshaped using a high-intensity curing light. With composite bonding, patients with crooked, misshapen, jagged teeth can enjoy a beautiful smile.

There are many kinds of cosmetic dental procedures out there. In fact, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you and which h one will give you the results want. Contact Dr. Curnutt and her Kokomo dental today to schedule an appointment where we can discuss your cosmetic dental needs and wants and show you the best options to meet your preferences and goals for your smile. 

Are Dental Implants right for you?! 

 "Complete and partial dentures are removable appliances that allow you to replace missing teeth in a very non-invasive way. On the other hand, a dental implant requires a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is rooted into your jaw bone, creating a sturdy foundation for your replacement tooth or teeth. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. When you are faced with deciding between a denture or an implant, it’s essential to be well-informed so that you can choose the option that will work best for you. 

Why Would You Need Dentures or Dental Implants?

Not everyone is born with a perfect smile, and accidents can happen that cause missing teeth. Perhaps you grew up in an area that didn’t use fluoride in the water or genetics played a role in tooth loss thanks to gum disease. Whatever the reason, if you are missing a few or all of your teeth, dental implants or dentures can be the answer you’ve been looking for. 

What are the Differences between Dentures and Implants?

Dentures

Dentures, or “false teeth,” are prosthetic devices created to replace missing teeth. Conventional dentures are removable, either as partial dentures or complete dentures. Some denture designs rely on clasping to dental implants while others are not attached to the jaw at all, merely resting on the gums. When a person doesn’t have any teeth but has enough bone to support implants, an implant-supported denture is often recommended.“Hybrid dentures” are a method of replacing both missing teeth and gum tissue with a prosthetic device. This type of denture is recommended if you have severe bone loss in your jaw, and it provides a denture that is stable, looks natural, and provides full functionality – including the ability to enjoy almost any type of food.“Full dentures” are used when all of your teeth are missing. An impression is taken of your mouth and then transmitted to a dental laboratory so that custom-made dentures can be crafted. These dentures have a horseshoe shape with a flesh-colored base that fits over your bottom gums to accommodate your tongue, while the base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth. The price for a set of complete dentures can vary greatly, depending on how quickly they are needed and what material is used to cast them. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent, cylinder-shaped posts made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They are covered by prosthetic teeth that are usually made of porcelain or zirconium. As the implant heals over several months, it will fuse with your natural jawbone. This fusion creates a stable foundation for your replacement teeth.Traditionally, missing teeth are replaced via a bridge, where abutting teeth are ground down to attach one or more teeth. A similar fixture, called an “implant-supporting bridge,” is used when natural teeth are not available as anchors for the bridge. In such cases, one implant is placed in the jawbone for each missing tooth to create the bridge anchor.Implants can be used to replace multiple teeth, one tooth, or your entire mouth. Depending upon the number of implants placed, the connecting device, or abutment, that will hold your teeth in place will be tightened onto the implant itself or fastened using a clip or anchor.The cost of implants varies significantly based upon the condition of your gums and jaw bone. The cost for a single implant is dependent on whether or not you need crowns, gum grafting, or any other dental procedures to prepare your mouth for the insertion of the implant. 

Pros and Cons to Consider

There are many factors to consider when deciding which option is best for you.Ask yourself:

How many teeth need to be replaced?

How many implants would be required?

What is the total cost, including x-rays, crowns, and appointments?

How old are you and how long can you benefit from dentures or implants?

Does your dental professional work with your insurance?

Is he or she cognizant of your goals? 

Making the Right Choice

While there are many considerations for both options, you will experience renewed confidence in your smile regardless of which one you choose. While dental implants offer a more permanent solution for missing teeth, dentures are less-intrusive and can still get you back to eating the foods you love.Every patient is unique and has different needs, so consult your dentist before making any decisions. If you have any questions, feel free to give Ideal Dental Solutions a call. We will work with you to determine the best treatment plan to fit your need and your budget. All of this info and more can be found at https://www.idealdentalsolutions.com/are-dental-implants-right-for-you/" At LADD Dental Group, we provide our patients with both options! We have highly trained general dentists and dental specialists that are board certified in both treatment modalities. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what is best for the individual patient, and that is the reason that we offer our patients the ability to choose what works best for their lifestyle. Give us a call today, and experience the LADD Dental difference!