Dental crowns and bridges are a staple of restorative dentistry. A dental crown preserves the remaining structure of a tooth that has been damaged by severe decay or traumatic injury. A dental bridge functions as a replacement for missing teeth and helps prevent other dental problems that can happen when surrounding teeth shift to fill a gap in your smile. Many of my patients receiving a dental crown or bridge ask how long they may last. The answer to that question depends on several influencing factors. As a dentist in Leesburg, I want to help you extend the life of you prosthetics for as long as possible. Read on for more information.
I’m often asked, “Dr. Groy, why is there a black line around this dental crown?” Fortunately, that black line does not indicate there is anything structurally wrong with the crown. However, such a line—especially if it is on a front tooth—can present an aesthetic problem. As a dentist in Leesburg, I can help you decide how to get rid of a black line while still maintaining a healthy tooth.
It’s so exciting when your children start to lose their baby teeth and the Tooth Fairy comes to visit. (Adult tooth loss isn’t so exciting, of course, but that topic is for another blog!) That toothless grin is all part of growing up. Nevertheless, you may have questions about this stage of your children’s lives. As a dentist in Leesburg, I get questions all the time. Here a few of the more common ones and answers.
Take a look in the mirror. Go ahead—I’ll wait. If your smile is not perfectly white then you can count yourself among the majority. Maintaining a white smile year after year is no easy task. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for teeth staining and what you can do to keep your smile white and bright.
Are you a flossing family? In my years of dental practice, I’ve noticed that some families floss while others do not. I want to encourage you and each member of your family to floss at least once a day. As a dentist in Leesburg, I am committed to helping you enjoy the best oral and general health possible. 
Fighting tooth decay is a constant and challenging battle for everyone, but especially for children. Just like adults, kids have millions of oral bacteria that can lead to cavities. Moreover, those little hands can have a tough time brushing and flossing their teeth well. Therefore, as your dentist in Leesburg, I like to routinely apply dental sealants. But children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from these protective coatings. If you are prone to tooth decay, then I may suggest that you have sealants, too.
If you’ve ever had a toothache, then I don’t need to tell you how painful one can be. Depending on the severity, you may be unable to work or sleep. What causes a toothache? There are a number of possibilities. For example, people with gum disease often experience pain, especially if the disease is advanced. Other times, the discomfort is what’s known as referred pain from a sinus infection that can make the teeth along your upper arch ache. But the most common reason is linked to the nerve that is deep inside a tooth. In this case, the pain is often unbearable and