Canine Exposure

When a tooth becomes stuck in the jaw and is not able to fully emerge, a procedure needs to be performed so that it can properly grow in. The canine teeth (the teeth in the corners of your mouth with one pointed cusp) are a common tooth to become impacted, or stuck. Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS of Lafayette, LA performs canine exposure for his patients who have an impacted canine tooth.

Canine teeth are used for holding and tearing food, so they are quite important to have. When bone or tissue prevents a canine tooth from fully emerging, Dr. Crane must perform canine exposure. He starts by creating an opening in the tissue so that they tooth can have a clear and open route. A brace will then be attached to the tooth to guide it down into the correct position.

When canine teeth do not fully emerge, they create problems biting and chewing, and can harm other teeth. Other teeth can be damaged or pushed out of alignment. It is also possible for the canine to form a cyst over the tooth and become abscessed, a painful condition which will require correction and possibly extraction of the tooth.

Canine teeth should be monitored to make sure they are growing in properly. If needed, canine exposure will make sure the tooth emerges fully and safely. To schedule an appointment with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS here at our Lafayette, LA dental practice, call us at (337) 232-3873 or visit our website, www.drcranedental.com. 

Dental Bridge for Long-Lasting Tooth Replacement

A very popular option for tooth replacement is the dental bridge. Desiring to give our patients multiple options, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS offers dental bridges to our patients in need of tooth replacement at our Lafayette, LA dental practice.

Dental bridges work by connecting a replacement tooth, called a pontic, to crowns that fit the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The adjacent teeth are prepared for the bridge, and an impression is taken of them and the surrounding area. The bridge is then custom-created for a perfect fit. When ready, the bridge will be cemented into place. When taken good care of by regularly brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist, a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years.

Closing the gap that a missing tooth creates is very important for the health of your other teeth. When a gap is left open, the other teeth start to shift towards that opening. This creates a change in the jaw and changes in chewing. It also creates gaps and crowding in hard-to-reach places that collect bacteria.

If you are looking for a long-lasting tooth replacement option, schedule an appointment with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS here at our Lafayette, LA dental practice. A dental bridge could be the perfect option for you. To schedule, call us at (337) 232-3873 or visit our website, www.drcranedental.com. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays, commonly called partial crowns, are great for when a tooth has damage but not enough to need a full crown. It is nice to have options when it comes to dental restorations, which is why Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS of Lafayette, LA offers inlays and onlays to his patients.

Inlays and onlays restore the health of teeth and protect them from further decay and damage. Inlays protect the inside of the chewing surface of a tooth. Onlays protect the inside chewing surface plus one or more cusps. Inlays and onlays can be created from gold, a composite resin, or porcelain. Gold is the most durable; however porcelain and composite resin are the most aesthetically pleasing. They are tooth-colored so they blend right in with the rest of your tooth. Inlays and onlays are custom-created so that they fit your mouth for the best usage.

After any decayed tooth is cleaned out, our CEREC technology creates images of your tooth to create a custom porcelain inlay or onlay within your visit. For gold or composite resin options, impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory to be created. Inlays and onlays are very durable; able to last for up to thirty years with good care.

Inlays and onlays strengthen weak teeth and repair your smile. To schedule an appointment for Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS of Lafayette, LA, call us at (337) 232-3873 or visit our website, www.drcranedental.com.