General Dentistry Services

The Importance of Good Dental Health 

General dentistry which includes bridges, crowns, fillings, and fluoride treatments is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining good oral health. These procedures not only restore the function and appearance of teeth damaged by decay or trauma but also help prevent future dental problems.

For instance, when a tooth is damaged, a filling, bridge, or crown can be used to restore it, preventing further decay or the need for tooth extraction. If left untreated, the decay can spread to other teeth, leading to more significant oral health issues.

Fluoride treatments are an essential aspect of preventive dentistry. Fluoride strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Regular fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities, reduce tooth sensitivity, and strengthen teeth.

All in all, general dentistry plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting good oral health. Regular visits to your dentist for these procedures can prevent costly, painful problems down the road. So, don't neglect the significance of these procedures. Make an appointment with your dentist today to maintain your healthy smile!

Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD specializes in the following:

• Dental bridges
• Dental crowns
• Fillings
• Fluoride treatments
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Digital impressions

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Tooth loss can result from various factors, such as decay, disease, or injury. However, regardless of the reason for tooth loss, it's crucial to fill the gaps to restore normal chewing function. One viable option is using a dental bridge, which comprises pontics (fake teeth) that replace the missing teeth and anchor onto natural teeth or implants on both sides of the gap. The materials used to make the bridge vary in cost, durability, and appearance.

Why Dental Bridges Matter

There are several reasons why it's important to replace missing teeth. Notably, the longer a tooth is missing, the more likely surrounding teeth will shift toward the gap, which can affect speech and chewing. The loss of a tooth can also deteriorate the bone where the tooth once was over time, and even impact the shape of the face. Consequently, individuals with missing teeth often feel less confident about their smiles. Fortunately, a bridge can help keep natural teeth in place and restore a confident smile.

Recommendations

Each patient has unique requirements when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Dr Bodnar suggests bridges for individuals with severe damage or bone loss that renders implants impractical. Once you have a bridge, you can go back to chewing your favorite foods.

The Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns have become widely favored in dental restorations due to their many benefits. These crowns are incredibly durable, with the ability to resist wear and tear over extended periods. They are also crafted to match the natural color of your teeth, creating an almost indiscernible blend with your smile.

What's more, porcelain crowns boast high resistance to staining and discoloration, preserving their natural look. The many advantages of porcelain crowns enable them to improve tooth function and protection, significantly enhancing your overall aesthetic appeal.

The Dental Crown Procedure

A Two-Visit Process for a Lasting Solution. Undergoing a dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to our dental office in Fort Lauderdale. During your initial visit, Dr Bodnar will assess your tooth’s condition and determine if a crown is necessary. If a crown is recommended, he will prepare your tooth by removing decay or damage and shaping it to accommodate the crown.

An impression of your tooth will be taken to create a customized crown at a dental laboratory. While the permanent crown is fabricated, you will wear a temporary one to protect the prepared tooth. On your second visit, your temporary crown is replaced with the permanent one, ensuring a proper fit and alignment.

Care for Your Dental Crown to Ensure It Lasts

Proper care is vital to maintain the strength and durability of your porcelain crown. Follow these key guidelines to extend its lifespan:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene habits: Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque and bacteria buildup on your crown. Additionally, fluoride treatments can further protect your teeth.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods: Though porcelain crowns are robust, they can be damaged by hard or sticky foods. Don’t chew on hard candies, ice, and sticky treats such as caramel and chewing gum.
• Wear a mouth guard: Use a mouth guard during sports or activities that may pose a risk of mouth injury. This will provide essential protection for your teeth and crown.
• Scheduling regular dental checkups: Regular dental visits are vital to ensure the health of your teeth and gums surrounding the crown. Your dentist can make necessary adjustments and assess the crown's stability.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The lifespan of a dental crown can range from 5 to 15 years. The actual lifespan depends on factors including, oral health habits, the amount of wear and tear, and regular dental checkups. Tips that can help you extend the life of your dental crown and maintain the health of your teeth and gums include avoiding habits that can cause damage to your crown such as teeth grinding and nail-biting. Also, never use your teeth to open packages or bottles.

Types of Crowns

There are various kinds of dental crowns available, each with its own advantages and considerations. These include porcelain, ceramic, gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), zirconia, and composite/resin crowns. Dr Bodnar will evaluate multiple factors such as the location of the tooth, extent of damage, and budget to assist you in selecting the most appropriate crown type for your specific needs.

Revitalize Your Smile

At Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we can help restore your smile with dental crowns. Our experienced team is committed to delivering personalized care and exceptional results. You can trust us to provide quality care and long-lasting outcomes with our state-of-the-art dental services. Schedule a consultation with us today to take the next step towards achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dr Bodnar offers fillings as a solution to repair teeth damaged by decay and restore their normal shape and function. The process involves removing all the decay and thoroughly cleaning the affected area, followed by filling the cavity with a suitable material. This prevents the entry of bacteria and protects the tooth from further decay. However, it's essential to maintain proper brushing and flossing habits as decay may recur without proper oral hygiene practices.



What Fillings Contain

There are various materials used for fillings, including gold, silver (amalgam), composite resin, and porcelain. Dr Bodnar will evaluate your dental needs and recommend the most appropriate filling material to restore your teeth effectively.

When Are Fillings Needed?

The million-dollar question! It's difficult to detect the early signs of decay, so that’s why it’s crucial to schedule regular check-ups every six months. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Our team can identify any potential issues before they become severe, and this benefits your long-term oral health. If you suspect you may require a filling or if you haven't had a dental appointment in a long time, please do not hesitate to contact us or send us an email to schedule a consultation and subsequent cleaning. We'll be happy to provide personalized care and improve your oral health.

Fluoride Is the Best Defense Against Cavities

Preventing cavities is a continuous effort at Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD. We employ various instruments such as brushing, flossing, regular check-ups, and the application of topical fluoride treatments to combat tooth decay. Early detection is key to overcoming decay, which is why we recommend scheduling routine appointments every six months. Our team can spot any potential problems before they worsen, ensuring long-term oral health.

Fluoride Treatments Protect Your Teeth’s Enamel

Tooth enamel constantly gains and loses minerals, and an excessive amount of demineralization can weaken your teeth and increase the risk of developing cavities. The primary objective of fluoride treatments is twofold. Firstly, they make teeth more resistant to plaque and acid attacks. Secondly, they boost teeth's ability to remineralize rapidly.

Replacing Your Silver Fillings

For many years, silver-mercury amalgam fillings were commonly used in dentistry, and you may have had one yourself. However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from using silver fillings for several reasons. At Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD, our team recommends replacing them with porcelain tooth-colored fillings as they result in a stronger tooth structure and offer a higher aesthetic value.

The Disadvantages of Silver Fillings

Over time, the edges of silver fillings have a tendency to wear down, which can lead to weakness and eventual breakage. Furthermore, this presents a risk of developing cavities. The expansion and contraction of silver fillings can cause teeth to split, increasing the likelihood of bacteria and cavity formation. In addition, the presence of mercury in these fillings, accounting for 50% of the composition, can corrode and spill out, leading to discoloration and stains on the teeth and gums.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings



Tooth-colored resin onlays provide a superior fit compared to silver fillings due to the bonded attachment to the tooth. Preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible is the main objective. Resin restorations can be used even when much of the original tooth is missing, thus ensuring the tooth remains intact. The fluoride present in the resin helps in warding off decay. With its natural feel, the resin wears like a natural tooth and is not required to be positioned at the gum line, resulting in a beautiful, flawless smile.

Traditional Impressions Are Now a Thing of the Past

Previously, undergoing dental impressions was the least preferred aspect of dental or orthodontic appointments. The unpleasant taste of the mold-inducing putty and the discomfort of its tendency to reach the back of the throat made it quite challenging not to gag. Thanks to recent technological advancements, digital optical impressions are now used to collect all the needed information without relying on putty.

How Do Digital Impressions Work?

The usage of progressive laser and scanning technology in digital impressions generates a 3D representation of the patient’s oral cavity. The swift and straightforward process, completed within minutes, eliminates the typical inaccuracies that arise from traditional impressions. Traditional impressions serve as flawed "negative" teeth impressions, while digital impressions portray precise "positive" teeth impressions, enabling the doctor to zoom in for a better evaluation.

Digital impressions not only benefit Dr Bodnar but also benefit you! Along with eliminating the discomfort of putty in your mouth, digital impressions also speed up the process, ensure a more comfortable experience, offer greater precision leading to improved treatment, and, in some cases, reduce the number of appointments required.