Tag Archives: Indianapolis IN

Implant Dentistry, Step by Step – Indianapolis, IN

Dental implant treatment is usually a three part process. It takes several months to complete. Dr. George Kirtley of Indianapolis, IN wants to make sure his patients are well informed of all procedures offered to them and how they work. We will take you through the implant process step by step.

Step 1

The implant is surgically placed in the jaw. The top of the implant will be slightly above the top of the bone. To prevent debris and gum tissue from entering, a screw is inserted. The gum is placed over the implant for about 3 -6 months. The implant needs this time to fuse with the bone.

Step 2

The implant is uncovered and a post is attached to the implant. In some cases the implant and post are both placed in the mouth during step 1. Dr. Kirtley will decide which option is best for you. Once the gum tissue is healed the implant and post are ready for the new tooth.

Step 3

A crown is made that will match your other teeth. Once the crown is made it is attached to the implant post. You now have an artificial replacement tooth. They do not need to be removed for soaking and cleaning and no adhesives needed, as with dentures. It acts and looks just like a real tooth.

Implant dentistry can restore your smile and oral health. To see if dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit the website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

 

 

 

Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers – Which is right for you? | Bloomington, IN

Dental veneers are thin layers of composite resin or porcelain which are fitted right onto the surface of the tooth.  They are very popular among patients with discolored, crooked or misaligned teeth. Veneers are made to give you a beautiful, straight white smile. Most people don’t know there are two different types of veneers to choose from. Cosmetic dentist Dr. George Kirtley of Bloomington, IN offers some insight on both types of veneers.

The two types of veneers are composite resin veneers and porcelain veneers. The following are facts on both types of veneers.

Composite:

  • Last about 4-8 years with proper maintenance.
  • Made of high quality reinforced plastic. Given today’s high-end technology these veneers look and feel very good, but under pressure they can damage quite easily.
  • Have a porous surface, which can affect their look after years of use.
  • Stain more easily. Often needing whitening treatments to maintain their appearance.
  • Chip easily.

Porcelain:

  • Porcelain veneers on the other hand last up to 25 years and do not require as much maintenance.
  • Made of high quality porcelain, natural in color and more resistant.
  • Maintain strength and appearance over several decades.
  • Do not stain because of the non-porous material.

 Ultimately the choice is yours as to which type of veneer you choose to give you that beautiful smile you have always dreamed of. For more information on both types of veneers and to see which is right for you, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Crowns: The road to a beautiful smile. | Indianapolis, IN

Dr. George Kirtley DDS of Indianapolis, IN provides cosmetic and general dentistry. This includes dental Crowns. With the use of crowns you can have the smile you always dreamed of.

Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth’s shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are “caps” cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns are often preferable to silver amalgam fillings. Unlike fillings which apply metal directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

For more information on Crowns or any other cosmetic restoration, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

 

Woman’s Fertility Linked to Oral Health | Indianapolis, IN

According to a fertility expert in Stockholm Sweden, research shows that gum disease can potentially lengthen the time it takes a woman to become pregnant by an average of two months.

In the study they analyzed data from over 3,400 pregnant women from Western Australia. They found that women with gum disease took two months longer on average to conceive than women without gum disease (seven months instead of five). Non-Caucasian women appeared to be the group most affected. They were likely to take more than 12 months to become pregnant if they had gum disease.

Researchers say all women that are about to plan a family should see their general practitioner to make sure they are in good health. In addition, they are now recommending all women should see their dentist to have any type of gum disease treated and make sure they are in good oral health before trying to conceive.

The study also confirmed additional negative influences on a woman’s time to conceive; being over 35 years old, being overweight and a smoker. In addition, the study also demonstrated conclusively that treatment of periodontal disease does not prevent pre-term birth, and the treatment does not have any adverse effects on the mother or fetus during pregnancy.

Contact Dr. George Kirtley to make an appointment to ensure your dental health is not compromised. 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Content source: DentalTribune.com