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When you dive into the modern world of restorative dentistry, you’re likely to stumble upon many options — everything from porcelain crowns to dental implants to veneers.

Each procedure has a unique purpose and varies in materials, cost, and application. 

Porcelain Crowns, Bridges, Implants: The Fine Line

Dental restorative options aim to bring back the functionality and aesthetics of your mouth. Among these popular options are porcelain crowns, bridges, and implants.

The Porcelain Crown Fix

Porcelain crowns preserve a damaged tooth’s structure, function, and improve its appearance. They cover the entire tooth surface, effectively masking discolorations, fractures, or cracks.

Since they are custom-made to emulate your existing teeth, porcelain crowns blend in to create a natural smile.

The Bridge Between Gaps

Procuring their name from their purpose, dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The standard bridges consist of two crowns on either side of the gap—anchored onto natural teeth or implants—with artificial teeth (pontics) in between.

Standalone Dental Implants

Dental implants serve as a complete tooth replacement solution. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root. It involves inserting a small titanium screw into the jawbone, serving as a support for a crown.

Implants offer the most natural feel and function but require a healthy jawbone and are often more expensive than other treatments.

Porcelain Crowns vs. Veneers

Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain crowns are recommended when there is extensive tooth damage, decay, or cosmetic alteration needs, providing a “cap” for the entire tooth. They are custom-made to match the color, texture, and translucency of your natural teeth, ensuring a beautiful smile.

Veneers 

If the concern is predominantly aesthetic, involving minor shape issues and color correction, veneers could be a fitting choice. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain bonded to a tooth’s front surface, altering its color and shape.

They require less natural tooth removal than crowns but aren’t suitable for teeth with extensive decay or large fillings.

What’s the Best Dental Option for You?

Understanding the range of restorative dentistry is your first step down the path to a brighter smile. The choice between porcelain crowns, implants, bridges, or veneers will chiefly depend on your dental needs, overall oral health, and budget.

Choosing the right dental procedure is a decision best made in consultation with a professional dentist. With the right information and professional advice, you can confidently get started on achieving your healthier, brighter smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Crowns?

Does teeth grinding affect porcelain crowns?

Teeth grinding can potentially damage porcelain crowns. However, getting a custom-fitted mouthguard could help protect your teeth and the crowns.

Are there any restrictions on eating with porcelain crowns?

No, there are no restrictions. Your dentist will guide you if there are any specific instructions to follow. 

Can porcelain crowns get stained like natural teeth?

No, unlike natural teeth, porcelain crowns are very resistant to staining. But, they can’t be whitened like natural teeth, so you should still brush and floss to keep your natural teeth from staining.

How long will my porcelain crowns last?

Porcelain crowns usually last between 10 to 15 years. Regular dental check-ups and good cleaning habits at home can help your crowns last longer. Regular brushing and flossing, and not eating hard or sticky foods can help keep your crowns in good shape for a long time.

Why do some people choose zirconia crowns instead of porcelain crowns?

Some patients opt for zirconia crowns instead of porcelain crowns because of their added strength. Zirconia is a highly durable material, making it a good option for crowns on the molars and premolars where biting forces are higher.

Porcelain crowns might be preferable for restoring front teeth due to their superior natural appearance.

Can I get a porcelain crown if I have a metal allergy?

Yes, porcelain crowns are an excellent option for individuals with metal allergies, as they don’t contain metal. Pure porcelain or ceramic crowns are biocompatible and should not trigger any allergic reactions.

Although porcelain crowns can have a metal base for durability, crowns made with layers of zirconia and porcelain have been embraced in recent years. This provides a more durable alternative for people with metal allergy.

However, it’s important to discuss your metal allergy with your dentist before any dental procedure.

Learn More About Porcelain Crowns in Riverside

When you’re looking for an expert in porcelain crowns, Dr. Chad Tomazin is the highly skilled dentist to turn to. Whether you want porcelain crowns to cover deep stains on your teeth, or to repair and restore your smile, Dr. Tomazin and his expert team offer the best in general and cosmetic dentistry, from teeth whitening to a complete smile makeover. 

Porcelain crowns give your teeth the strength you need with the natural look you want. Each one is specially made from a cast of your tooth so that it blends seamlessly into your smile. For Dr. Tomazin and his staff, your oral health is their number-one concern, and they dedicate themselves to creating the very best care plan for you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call  951-686-3666 or fill out the online contact form.

1 Minute Read:

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can cause lip, mouth, nose, and genital sores. Typically, cold sores are spread by sharing utensils, food, kissing, etc. However, in many cases, cold sores can arise during intense cold or exposure to the sun. 

When a cold sore forms on the mouth, a tingling sensation occurs before a blister forms. Once the blister forms, it becomes very painful and leaks fluid. Cold sores can also spread to other parts of the mouth and body. Once the sore is leaking, it can take up to two weeks to heal completely.

There are many ways to be proactive in preventing cold sores from flaring up. These ways include:

• Not sharing utensils or food
• Applying sunscreen on lips and face
• Avoiding sharing towels or toothbrushes
• Washing hands often
• Not kissing individuals with active cold sores

When it comes to treating cold sores, ointments and antiviral medications have seemed to be the golden rule. 

However, here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office, we recommend using oxygen-ozone therapy to treat cold sores. This treatment targets the infection areas by using oxygen gas or oxygen-infused water to disrupt the bacteria’s life cycle. The oxygen-ozone technology allows us to treat the affected area(s) so that the cold sore will not develop into a blister. 

For those suffering from constant cold sores, multiple treatments may be necessary to remove the virus from the infected areas permanently. 

Interested in Learning More About Treating Cold Sores/Fever Blisters in Riverside, CA?

If you are interested in learning more about the ozone treatment of cold sores/fever blisters, please call our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office at (951) 686-3666 or fill out our online contact form. 

2 Minute Read: 

Oxygen-ozone dental therapy (or ozone therapy) is a procedure where oxygen gas and other components (usually water) are used to sterilize areas of the mouth. It works by targeting areas of infection with highly concentrated oxygen gas or oxygen-infused water. This high concentration can disrupt the life cycle of bacteria and many other infectious particles without negatively impacting the surrounding healthy tissues. The use of concentrated oxygen helps destroy biofilms, which are colonies of bacteria, fungi, or other microscopic organisms growing on or beneath teeth. Such treatment may also wash away the toxic aftereffects of such infections before they can further damage your teeth. This provides better health benefits compared to other forms of oral cavity sterilization.

When performed alone, oxygen-ozone therapy is not proven to have significant health benefits. For this reason, ozone therapy is often used in concert with other procedures where significant benefits have been observed. 

What Does Oxygen-Ozone Therapy Treat?

Oxygen therapy can be used to disinfect areas, such as cavities, with fewer side effects than more traditional treatments. It can also be used to assist in the treatment of issues such as:

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay (usually before a filling)
• Sores and open wounds in the oral cavity
• Root canal

What Are the Benefits of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy?

One of the most significant reasons to choose oxygen-ozone therapy is that it carries less risk of side effects than many other sterilizing techniques within the mouth. Because oxygen is something the body naturally absorbs, excess oxygen does not harm human tissues. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that excess oxygen may speed wound healing and cellular regeneration among human tissue.

As a sterilization technique, oxygen-ozone therapy is cheap, fast, and effective, which is challenging to match with other more traditional treatment options. It is more effective at treating infections beneath the gum line than antibiotics due to infectious particles clinging to enamel, bone, and other materials that antibiotics have trouble reaching. Studies suggest that oxygen-ozone therapy is highly effective at reducing the risk of infection during and after implanting osseointegrated dental implants.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Chad Tomazin?

Dr. Chad Tomazin offers cosmetic and general dentistry services for patients in the Inland Empire. He is SMART certified (for the safe removal of mercury fillings) and a practitioner of biological dentistry, a concept in dentistry that strives to put the overall health of the patient above all else. Dr. Tomazin seeks out and applies treatments and practices that create the least toxicity and potential harm to your health. 

Interested in Learning More?

If you would like to learn more about oxygen-ozone therapy, contact Dr. Chad Tomazin by calling (951) 686-3666 or filling out our online contact form.

2 Minute Read: 

Over the past 150 years, a material called dental amalgam has been used by most dentists to fill in cavities. This material is a mix of elemental mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Unfortunately, because a majority of dental amalgam is made of mercury, it can release low levels of mercury vapors over time. 

While the FDA has classified dental amalgam as safe for people over the age of six, there has been limited research on the effects of mercury vapor exposure on fetuses, nursing babies, or children under the age of six. Despite ruling dental amalgam “safe,” the FDA has also raised the danger classification of the material from class I to class II, deeming it requires more extensive regulation to maintain a safe level of quality control. 

Are Mercury Dental Fillings Dangerous?

While mercury-filled dental amalgam material has been used by dentists for over a century, recent doubts and questions have been raised as investigations into the health risks associated with the material have begun. 

Data on the subject is still limited, and due to ethical considerations, performing studies on people exposed to low-level mercury vapors from their fillings has proven difficult.

What Are the Health Risks Associated With Mercury Poisoning?

The level of mercury vapor exposure due to dental amalgam fillings is low, but as it occurs and is present over an extended period, it can become significant. 

High levels of mercury exposure can lead to severe damage to the lungs, kidneys, and brain. So far, no studies have successfully proven that dental amalgam fillings expose patients to dangerous levels of mercury vapor; however, low-level mercury exposure is linked to fetal growth issues, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information. 

Allergic reactions to dental amalgam, whether due to mercury or another element within the compound, can create additional adverse health concerns. 

If you believe you have an allergic reaction or are concerned about long-term health effects, you may wish to remove your fillings. 

What Is Safe Mercury Removal?

Many patients are looking for ways to remove the mercury-infused fillings in their mouths. There are potential dangers when removing fillings, including the risk of increased mercury vapor exposure if extracted poorly. Dr. Tomazin is a SMART-certified dentist who is experienced and skilled in safe mercury amalgam removal techniques. This knowledge and experience will reduce the potential adverse health effects of mercury vapor exposure during removal. 

Interested in Learning More About The Risks of Dental Amalgam?

Dr. Chad Tomazin has been proudly serving the Inland Empire community for years. For those interested in removing mercury-filled dental amalgam from their mouths, he brings compassionate care and expertise to each patient’s dental needs. 

If you are looking for more information on dental amalgam, mercury vapor exposure, or certified doctors in your area, please contact our office in Riverside, California, by calling (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online form. 

3 Min Read: 

Dr. Chad Tomazin is the only SMART-certified dentist in the Inland Empire, having been certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).

You might be asking, “What does this mean, and why does it matter to my dental and overall health?” SMART is an abbreviation of the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, and this certification is provided by the IAOMT. As a member and practitioner in this community, Dr. Tomazin promotes mercury-free, mercury-safe, and biological/biocompatible dentistry through rigorous research, education, practice, and new techniques.

Southern California has always been a destination for forward-thinking lifestyles that encourage more natural approaches to their health and wellbeing. In step with this, it is important that SMART-certified doctors work to describe what being SMART certified means for the betterment of their communities.

What Is Safe Mercury Removal?

As the information on the harms of mercury becomes more prolific, many people are beginning to seek answers as to how to remove the harmful metal in their mouths. Still, some are nervous about where to begin, and having to go in for an additional dental treatment can seem taxing to their wallet and to their risk of developing further complications if not executed properly.

There are dangers present when removing fillings. However, patients who desire to eliminate any cause for concern should seek out a SMART-certified dentist. Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique is a scientifically supported method for removing existing mercury amalgam fillings while assisting in reducing the potential negative health outcomes of mercury exposure.

How Does a Dentist Become SMART Certified?

Along with becoming a member of IAOMT, a dentist who wishes to receive SMART certification training will have completed coursework related to mercury and the dangers of mercury vapor. Additionally, two units of scientific readings, online lecture videos, and assessment tests are required. The high-level educational programming includes learning about the application of rigorous safety measures, including the utilization of specific mercury removal equipment.

Information surrounding the nature of mercury and how it behaves as it is being removed are important to maintaining a safe environment for a dentist and their patient. Factors such as room ventilation, separators, open windows, protective gowns, and covers, are all vital to providing the utmost care to their patients.

Interested in Learning More About SMART Certified Dentists?

Dr. Chad Tomazin has been proudly serving the Inland Empire community for years, bringing compassionate care and expertise to each patient’s dental needs. SMART certification is designed to envision a better future for a patient’s health. Dr. Tomazin provides his patients with professional and expert techniques to safely remove the mercury from their mouths.

If you are looking for more information on SMART and certified doctors in your area, please contact our office in Riverside, California, by calling (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online form.