Tag Archives: arlington

Nightguards

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If you or someone you know experiences severe tooth, jaw or facial muscle pain, it may be from the effects of grinding or clenching your teeth. The good news is that Dr. Gentry may be able to prescribe a custom-made Comfort H/S™ (Hard/Soft) Bite Splint, which offsets the pain caused by bruxing or grinding your teeth.

A nightguard is a proactive step to protect your existing healthy teeth. A clear, thin removable device, your custom-made bite splint is worn over your lower or upper teeth as you sleep.

Studies suggest those who grind and clench their teeth may experience up to 80 times the normal tooth wear per day compared to those who do not. The good news is that a simple bite splint can offset the effects of this often-subconscious habit while protecting your teeth from daily wear and tear.

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Restoration of a large carious lesions using the Garrison Interproximal Matrix System

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When deep decay that is close to the tooth pulp is present in a tooth, many times it requires a root canal. In this 35 year old patient, Dr. Gentry restores her upper bicuspid tooth without a root canal or crown. Gentry cleans out the decay, places a Vitrabond glass ionomer pulp cap, and places a Herculite composite restoration, using the Garrison Matrix System.

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decay

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3D XR Ring

 

 

Cavities

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Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems.

If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

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Some examples of Dr. Gentry fixing  patient’s dental cavities:

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Decay, upper back molar
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Decay cleaned out
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Composite restoration placed
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Decayed premolar tooth
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Opened up to reveal deep decay
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Decay removed
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Matrix band placed
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Finished restorations
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Decay on sides of teeth extending under the gums
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Decay removed and teeth restored

Immediate partial denture cases

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In these 2 examples of immediate partial dentures, Dr. Gentry extracts the patients broken, decayed, hopeless teeth and places the partial denture at the same visit. Following healing dental implants, fixed bridges or a flexible partial denture will be fabricated.

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broken, decayed teeth
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I extracted 6 teeth
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immediately placed the partial denture
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happy patient leaves with teeth right after
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The partial denture was made before the teeth were extracted so she was never without teeth.

Another extraction and immediate partial denture case of Dr. Gentry’s replacing one upper front tooth.

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broken tooth
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His tooth is removed and denture placed same visit

 

Dental bridge attached to teeth

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Another option to replace missing teeth is to make a dental bridge attached to the patient’s teeth. This is also called a fixed partial denture and is cemented to the teeth on either side of the missing teeth.

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Fixed upper bridge placed by Dr. Gentry 

1. A 62 year old female patient with broken decayed front teeth.

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2. Dr. Gentry was able to build up and restore her remaining front teeth and cement a 6 unit porcelain fused to metal bridge.

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3. The bridge.

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Another example of a bridge by Dr. Gentry

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Dental Implants

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What are dental implants

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  • Dental Implant – A cylindrical and/or tapered post, made of titanium, that serves as a substitute for the tooth root
  • Abutment – A connector, placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, to connect the implant to the replacement tooth or teeth
  • Crown – A replacement tooth, custom made to match your natural teeth

 

Dental implants are often the best treatment for missing teeth.  When a damaged or decayed tooth is removed, both the visible part of the tooth, called the crown, and the root are lost.

A dental implant is placed in the jawbone so that it can fuse with your natural bone and become a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Implants can be used to replace an individual tooth or for an implant-supported bridge or denture containing multiple teeth.

Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. They will allow you to confidently eat, smile, laugh, talk, play and enjoy all of your regular activities of everyday life without thinking about your teeth.

Dental implant bridge case by Dr. Gentry on a 55 year old male patient. 

1. Hopeless decayed teeth that were under a 20 year old bridge.

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2. Teeth extracted, bone grafts placed and following healing, 2 dental implants placed.

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3. View of dental implants. I also placed a porcelain crown on the tooth in front of the first implant.

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4. Patient stone models, implant custom abutments, screws, and porcelain bridge.

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5. Custom abutments placed into the implants.

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6. Porcelain bridge cemented over the dental implant abutments.

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