General Dentistry
IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
General Dentistry Near You
A variety of treatments are covered by the umbrella of general dentistry, all aimed at helping patients achieve a lifetime of excellent oral health. From regular checkups to substantial restoration treatment plans, our experienced team can help you. We are pleased to provide quality comprehensive dental solutions to Jacksonville, Fl, St. Augustine, FL, St. Johns, FL, and Nocatee, FL.
Dental Fillings
Filling Types in Restorative Dentistry
A dental filling is used to repair tooth decay, minimal tooth fractures, or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth.
We use two different filling materials:
Composite: A mixture of plastic and fine glass particles and last at least five years.
Ceramics: Made of porcelain and last more than seven years.
What is the difference in materials: Composite, Porcelain, or Amalgam? There are a number of pros and cons associated with each.
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Safety: Both Composite and Porcelain materials have the advantage of not containing mercury or other metals that may contribute to sensitivity or toxicity.
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Color: Both Composite and Ceramic/Porcelain will match the color of your teeth.
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Durability: Composite materials often require less tooth preparation and may not weaken the affected tooth as much as a traditional amalgam filling. Amalgam often requires more extensive tooth preparation. Composite materials are also more prone to leak and can, therefore, decay more rapidly than amalgam. Porcelain is more resistant to staining and abrasion, however, it is more brittle than composite and can break.
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Tooth Shaping: All materials require preparation of the affected tooth, but less preparation is usually required for composite or ceramics/porcelain. This means that less healthy tooth structure has to be removed.
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Chair Time: Can be completed in one visit.
Enamel loss is a common component of tooth decay and may result in tooth sensitivity. In many cases, sensitivity caused by enamel loss will be significantly improved or completely eliminated once a filling is placed. But in some cases, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage, the affected tooth may require additional/alternative procedures, including:
Dental Crowns: Teeth requiring more support may require a dental crown on top of the filling.
Dental Implants & Dental Bridges: Irreparable tooth damage may require a tooth extraction followed by a bridge or implant.
Root Canals: Abscessed, Infected, or nerve damaged teeth may require a root canal procedure.
If you think you might need a dental filling, do not wait. Give our Jacksonville, FL office a call today!
Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are usually suggested for children and are typically applied after their permanent back molars erupt, typically between ages five and twelve. Adults can also benefit from sealants, particularly if their teeth are more vulnerable. Sealants are applied in a quick office visit at Point Meadows Dentistry and require no recovery time. To learn more about this preventive tool, we invite you to contact our Point Meadows Dental team today (904) 373-4777
Bonding and On-Lays
The term bonding is used to describe the process of permanently attaching dental material to your teeth using adhesives and a high-intensity curing light. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably had dental bonding: direct composite or adhesive bonding of a restoration (crown, bridge, porcelain veneer, inlay/onlay).
Direct Composite Bonding: Dentists use tooth-colored composites (white or natural-looking materials) to fill cavities, repair chips or cracks, close gaps between your teeth, and build up the worn-down edges of teeth. The composite bonding is placed in or on the teeth where needed.
Adhesive Bonding: This is used to attach a restoration to a tooth using an etchant, an adhesive, a bonding agent, and a high-intensity curing light. This is typically used for esthetic and porcelain.
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After
Painless Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also known as “caps,” preserve, protect, and restore the functionality of damaged teeth. This common dental restoration may be used for multiple reasons. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain fused to metal, gold and porcelain. Each crown material has its own advantages; Dr. Zerbinopoulos and our dedicated Point Meadows Dentistry team will help you determine the best type of dental crown for you.
In addition to damaged or decayed teeth, dental crowns are used for a number of reasons, including:
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Restoring a tooth after root canal therapy
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Anchoring or attaching dental bridges
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Completing implant restorations
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Cosmetically improving your smile
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Correcting a misshaped tooth
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Strengthening weak or cracked teeth
Types of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration, used to replace missing teeth. We typically recommend dental bridges when you are missing a tooth or several teeth in a row. While dental bridges are designed to replace teeth and restore smiles, they also keep the remaining teeth in their correct positions so that patients can maintain proper tooth alignment and bite.
Other benefits of dental bridges include:
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Restored ability to speak, eat, and chew normally.
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Less stress on the teeth surrounding the missing tooth.
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Restored shape and volume to your face.
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A renewed natural-looking smile.
There are several types of fixed dental bridges, including conventional fixed, cantilever, and resin-bonded. These dental bridges require a professional to remove or alter. Typically, cantilever and conventional bridges require shaping of the teeth surrounding a missing tooth, a crown is then placed on the shaped teeth and attached to an artificial tooth. A resin-bonded bridge requires less preparation and is often used to replace front teeth.
Dentures in Jacksonville, FL
Dentures are artificial teeth that are custom formed to your mouth to replace lost or removed teeth. Dentures can either be full or partial, meaning they can either replace all teeth or just a few. With new technology, you can also get dentures that are permanently retained in your mouth. Regardless of what kind of denture you need, with Point Meadows Dentistry they will be custom designed to fit your mouth and visually matched to your existing teeth.
Type of Dentures:
Full Denture/Conventional Denture
This is a removable prosthetic, typically fabricated after several months from when your natural teeth have been extracted, once the tissues have finished healing. After natural teeth are removed, the gums and jawbone require a period of healing. Waiting for your mouth, jaw, and gums to fully heal helps ensure that conventional dentures will fit properly, with fewer adjustments.
Partial Denture
Partial Dentures replace one or more natural teeth and are ideal for anyone who does not wish to have a dental bridge or dental implants. This denture is removable and often utilize clasps to secure the prosthetic in place. Partial dentures are made from acrylic but may have a base made out of metal for additional strength.
Implant Retained Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures, implant-retained dentures won’t move or slip, they are more comfortable and function just like natural teeth. There is no need for messy adhesive and you won’t experience any of the typical mouth irritations from traditional dentures, like mouth sores. The required maintenance on Implant Retained Dentures is easy, as you can remove them for quick cleaning.
This process is pretty straight forward, this includes the removal of any remaining teeth and placement of implants for the dentures to securely latch to.
Hybrid Implant Denture
Hybrid Implant Dentures are very similar to Implant Retained Dentures with one significant difference, they are a permanent option. These dentures can only be removed by a dental professional. The process is also very similar, but will typically require more implants and possibly bone grafts, to ensure your jaw is strong enough to support the implant. If you’re looking for the best denture option, Hybrid Implant Dentures are just that.
Benefits of Dentures:
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Dentures can help increase self-confidence and self-esteem by replacing missing, worn, or decayed teeth.
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Dentures can improve your ability to speak and eat.
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Dentures tend to be the most affordable solution for replacing missing teeth and is the least invasive option.
Denture Cost:
There are multiple factors that may impact the cost of your dentures. The saying “you get what you pay for” is very important with dentures as there is no one-size-fits-all denture. Dentures are custom-made prosthetics and because of this, the price can vary for multiple reasons.
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Additional procedures such as tooth extractions or surgery to reshape bony ridges.
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The type of dental insurance and coverage you have.
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The complexity of the procedure.
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Dental materials selected by the patient and the dentist. For example, hard-wearing plastic vs high-quality ceramic.
If you are missing multiple or all of your teeth, you can receive full or partial dentures in Jacksonville, Florida. Call Point Meadows Dentistry at (904)373-4777 for more information on dentures and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Andrew Zerbinopoulos.
Implant Retained Dentures
Conventional Denture
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How can I keep my teeth and gums happy?Brushing your teeth twice a day, and using a fluoride toothpaste at least once. Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Visiting Point Meadows Dentistry routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning. Quitting smoking.
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Is Periodontal Disease reversible?The disease is still reversible at this stage and can usually be eliminated by thorough brushing and flossing. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged beyond repair.
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What are the stages of gum disease?Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. Periodontitis: This is your final warning to take your treatment seriously. The supporting bone and tissue that keeps your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque causing more issues and possibly infections. Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease, the tissue and bone supporting your teeth are permanently destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen.
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Can you get Gum Disease without any teeth?Yes, gum disease is an ailment of the gums, and is independent of the teeth.
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Can your gums grow back?Gum tissue doesn't regenerate the way other types of tissue does. As a result, receding gums don't grow back.
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Can teeth whitening be painful?When performed by a dental professional, teeth whitening is an effective and safe way to brighten your smile. The most common side effect of whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. In extreme cases the sensitivity can last up to a few days. It’s important to consult your dentist, to make sure you are a candidate for teeth whitening and to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
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How long do Veneers last?Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years, depending on material. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.
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Are Veneers covered under insurance?The cost of veneers is not typically covered by insurance. To be certain, check with your dental insurance company.
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Are there alternatives to Veneers?Yes, bondings and crowns are alternative options. Veneers may be the best option for individuals who want to change the color and shape of their teeth more than just a little bit, but not enough to require a crown.
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My teeth are sensitive, what other whitening options do I have?"To avoid a hypersensitive reaction, we may recommend take-home bleaching trays with a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide – which is not as potent as hydrogen peroxide.
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Is teeth whitening permanent?In-office bleaching is not a permanent solution. Like your teeth prior to the treatment, they will remain susceptible to stains. We will recommend you follow-up your treatment with a lower-percentage bleach in-home treatment that can be kept on the teeth for longer periods of time.
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What is the difference between a cap and a dental crown?A crown is a prosthetic treatment for a broken or badly decayed tooth. A “cap” is an older term and is now commonly used to refer to dental crowns.
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How long do conventional dentures last?The average life expectancy of a denture is seven to ten years. The denture itself is designed to last considerably longer than this, however the shape of your mouth/jawbone will change requiring new dentures.
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How long does a dental crown last?On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal habits.
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How do you know if your dental crown needs to be replaced?There are a few indicators that your crown needs to replaced, here are a few common reasons: Your dental crown is old. Dental crowns can last for more than fifteen years before seeing any damage. Wear and tear Pain or swelling around the tooth Receding gum line
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My dental crown fell off, what do I do?"Simply, sometimes crowns fall off. Most often the reason is from the decay of the underlying tooth or loosening of the cementing material used to place the crown. If your crown comes off, clean the crown and the front of the tooth. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry immediately, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for the tooth and crown for the day or so until you can be seen for an evaluation. We may be able to re-cement the crown in place; if not, a new crown will need to be made.
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How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?Typically, six to eight weeks after the extractions. This allows sufficient time for the mouth to heal. We will re-examine your mouth to ensure enough time has passed prior to fitting your dentures.
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Are dentures typically covered by Dental Insurance?Most complete coverage dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, typically up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Co-pays and regular deductibles still apply.
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Can your gums grow back?Gum tissue doesn't regenerate the way other types of tissue does. As a result, receding gums don't grow back.
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Why do my dentures keep falling out?The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place followed by bone loose.
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What is the difference between a cap and a dental crown?A crown is a prosthetic treatment for a broken or badly decayed tooth. A “cap” is an older term and is now commonly used to refer to dental crowns.
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How long do conventional dentures last?The average life expectancy of a denture is seven to ten years. The denture itself is designed to last considerably longer than this, however the shape of your mouth/jawbone will change requiring new dentures.
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How long does a dental crown last?On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal habits.
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How do you know if your dental crown needs to be replaced?Your dental crown is old. Dental crowns can last for more than fifteen years before seeing any damage. Wear and tear Pain or swelling around the tooth Receding gum line
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My dental crown fell off, what do I do?"Simply, sometimes crowns fall off. Most often the reason is from the decay of the underlying tooth or loosening of the cementing material used to place the crown. If your crown comes off, clean the crown and the front of the tooth. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry immediately, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for the tooth and crown for the day or so until you can be seen for an evaluation. We may be able to re-cement the crown in place; if not, a new crown will need to be made.
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How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?Typically, six to eight weeks after the extractions. This allows sufficient time for the mouth to heal. We will re-examine your mouth to ensure enough time has passed prior to fitting your dentures.
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Are dentures typically covered by Dental Insurance?Most complete coverage dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, typically up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Co-pays and regular deductibles still apply.
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Why do my dentures keep falling out?The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place followed by bone loose.