Dental implants are the longest-lasting, most natural-looking option for tooth replacement. They usually require a number of steps to set into place. After they’ve healed, they are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants feature a root that is embedded directly into the jawbone. Because the root is made of titanium, the bone will naturally bond with it. This bond allows the implant to stimulate the jawbone to grow so you will not experience bone loss as many denture wearers do. This portion of the implant is not visible once it is placed in your mouth, but it looks like a titanium screw. [pullquote]After dental implants have healed, they are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. [/pullquote]

The root portion of the implant is fitted with an abutment which protrudes above the surface of the gum. Your permanent prosthetic tooth is affixed to this abutment. When the full implant has been placed, you have a complete new tooth, from root to tip, that will last for many years, keep your jaw healthy, and preserve your perfect smile.

Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement

When your implant dentist has completed your implant surgery, your new teeth will look completely natural. Your prosthetic teeth are custom-made to match your natural teeth in both shape and color. You’ll be able to look forward to a beautiful smile for many years.

In some cases, you’ll go through a healing period after the root portion of the implant is placed. This is to be sure your jawbone bonds properly to the implant. After this healing is complete, you’ll receive your final prosthetic teeth. If you need to wait for your implants to heal until your permanent replacement teeth are put into place, talk to your implant dentist about temporary teeth to cover the abutments. This might be particularly important to you if you’re having front teeth replaced or if you deal with the public regularly or if your appearance is important to your job. To find out more about implants, the procedure, and what you’ll look like with your new teeth, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry for a consultation.

One of the most common reasons for going to the dentist is to have a cavity treated. Almost everyone will have at least one cavity in their lifetime. We know that regular brushing and flossing can reduce their frequency, but in what way do these activities help? How do cavities afflict our teeth in the first place?

Bacteria, Plaque, and Tartar

Your mouth is a natural habitat for bacteria, as is the rest of your digestive system. The majority of these bacteria help us digest our food, but some can cause illness. If the balance of bacteria in your mouth becomes too high, problems can develop with your teeth and gums.

Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and food particles that are left behind after you eat and drink. The waste products produced by these bacteria are highly acidic. If too much of these acidic substances build up, they become a white, sticky substance called plaque. As plaque builds up, it hardens into a tartar, which is even more difficult to remove from the tooth surfaces. As plaque and tartar develop on your teeth, the acid can eat through your tooth enamel, causing cavities. It can also lead to inflammation in the gums ranging from gingivitis to serious gum disease.

Cavity Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent cavities, then, is to remove plaque before it builds up into tartar. Regular brushing and flossing removes a high percentage of the plaque as well as the food particles and beverage residue that feed the bacteria in your mouth. The second line of defense is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for additional cleaning. Your dentist can also monitor any cavities that might be developing. This is accomplished through regular examinations as well as X-rays.

If you do have a cavity, it’s best if it’s found early, while it’s still small. Your dentist can remove the decayed part of the tooth and restore your tooth with a metal amalgam filling or a tooth-colored filling. Taking the best possible care of your teeth is the best way to avoid tooth decay.

If you suspect you might have a cavity, call our office at our office to reserve your appointment today.