expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Richard J. Stuart, DDS

Prosthodontist | Prosthodontics

Dr. Richard Stuart is a prosthodontist practicing in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Stuart specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists maintain oral function, comfort and the appearance and health either with the natural teeth or the replacement of missing ones with maxillofacial tissues and artificial substances.
41 years Experience
Dr. Richard Stuart, DDS
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • IU School of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

How much tooth do you need for a crown?

It’s not only the quantity but also the amount or lack of decay or restorative material present in the tooth. Obviously the more tooth present, the better the lifespan of the crown. READ MORE
It’s not only the quantity but also the amount or lack of decay or restorative material present in the tooth.
Obviously the more tooth present, the better the lifespan of the crown. You also need to look at the adjacent teeth to determine the distribution of forces on these teeth and the crown.

Do I need a prosthodontic follow up after getting my dentures?

You should always have a follow up appointment to look for any areas which may be irritating to tissue but not noticed by you. You should obviously hope nothing is found but also READ MORE
You should always have a follow up appointment to look for any areas which may be irritating to tissue but not noticed by you. You should obviously hope nothing is found but also be thankful if it is and is corrected before it does become a problem for you.

I knocked out my two front teeth. What's the procedure for implants?

First and foremost you need to find a surgeon who is well qualified to place the implants! Then I would suggest a prosthodontist to restore them. Yes they can look very realistic. READ MORE
First and foremost you need to find a surgeon who is well qualified to place the implants! Then I would suggest a prosthodontist to restore them. Yes they can look very realistic.

The crown over my molar cracked. What should I do?

If it is fractured thru the root, the tooth cannot be saved. If it is fractured into the nerve, it will need a root canal and a crown. it could simply need a filling depending READ MORE
If it is fractured thru the root, the tooth cannot be saved. If it is fractured into the nerve, it will need a root canal and a crown. it could simply need a filling depending on how deep the fracture is.

What are my options for having a missing tooth replaced?

Well depending on where the missing tooth is, you might be able to have a bridge, an implant or a removable appliance. The removable is probably the least expensive.

Is there any medication to prevent tooth decay?

If it really has decay in it you need a filling of some sort. If it is simply breaking tru the enamel you might be able to place fluoride varnish on it to stop its progression. READ MORE
If it really has decay in it you need a filling of some sort. If it is simply breaking tru the enamel you might be able to place fluoride varnish on it to stop its progression.

What is the life of a tooth implant?

Implants are very good replacements and have been seen to last for as long as 40 plus years in humans. Yes they can fail but it is very seldom and normally there is a very good READ MORE
Implants are very good replacements and have been seen to last for as long as 40 plus years in humans. Yes they can fail but it is very seldom and normally there is a very good reason for failing if they do

What is the way to prevent fungal infections of the mouth?

Clean everything as much as possible. That means brushing when you wake up, after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bedtime. Flossing is also very important. Then READ MORE
Clean everything as much as possible. That means brushing when you wake up, after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bedtime. Flossing is also very important. Then use a mouth rinse which is alcohol free. You may want to try a tongue scraper also. Try your best to keep your sugar controlled. There are meds which your Dentist can provide.

Are these crackling sounds in my ear from TMJ?

See your dentist. Frequently you can treat that thru a use of either some adjusting of your teeth or by possibly wearing an appliance. Try to limit gum chewing or heavier things READ MORE
See your dentist. Frequently you can treat that thru a use of either some adjusting of your teeth or by possibly wearing an appliance. Try to limit gum chewing or heavier things to chew such as baggies.

Can a crown last a long time?

Yes they can! It depends on how good a job your dentist does and how well you take care of it over time. Floss is very important.

Is it okay to sleep with my dentures?

Should not be a problem at all

What does oil pulling do for teeth?

Oil pulling does not affect the tooth structure as much as it does the soft tissue. The effect will help to decrease the amount of plaque buildup on the tooth structure, which READ MORE
Oil pulling does not affect the tooth structure as much as it does the soft tissue. The effect will help to decrease the amount of plaque buildup on the tooth structure, which then decreases the irritation to the soft tissue which occurs when plaque attaches to the tooth structure and causes the tissue to swell and bleed.

Can teeth whitening treatments damage teeth?

It is a very safe process yet some people can do it with no side effects and others may have sensitive areas. These areas can be slightly cold sensitive to extremely sensitive. READ MORE
It is a very safe process yet some people can do it with no side effects and others may have sensitive areas. These areas can be slightly cold sensitive to extremely sensitive. Everyone is different, I would suggest starting slowly and increasing the frequency as you see how much or little discomfort you have.

How do dental onlays differ from crowns?

Inlays or inlays are a more conservative type restoration which frequently made of the exact same material as a crown. Crowns cover the entire tooth whereas an inlay is small enough READ MORE
Inlays or inlays are a more conservative type restoration which frequently made of the exact same material as a crown. Crowns cover the entire tooth whereas an inlay is small enough to be completely surrounded by tooth structure. An onlay also includes one or more sides of the tooth.

How often must I replace my teeth crowns?

Yes you will replace a crown over time more often than not. Some crowns may last anywhere from 5-30 years. It depends on how well of a job the dentist does to begin and then how READ MORE
Yes you will replace a crown over time more often than not. Some crowns may last anywhere from 5-30 years. It depends on how well of a job the dentist does to begin and then how well you take care of it. Your diet can play a large role in the life of a crown, soft drinks and candy can be very detrimental to the life of a crown. Flossing and brushing are also very important.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge is a number of crowns connected together to span an area which is void of teeth. Some can replace anywhere from one tooth to as many as all the teeth in say the upper READ MORE
A bridge is a number of crowns connected together to span an area which is void of teeth. Some can replace anywhere from one tooth to as many as all the teeth in say the upper or lower jaw.