Will Dental Implants Affect the Natural, Adjacent Teeth?

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel just like natural teeth, and can keep all surrounding teeth in correct position. If you are considering implants, you might have questions about how the new, replacement teeth might affect your remaining natural teeth. [pullquote]Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help stimulate growth in the bone.[/pullquote]

Implants to Prevent Long-Term Damage

Implants do affect the remaining teeth that lie adjacent, but only in positive ways. Having an implant is the next best thing to having your original teeth in this regard.

Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help stimulate growth in the bone. With other replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, there is no root portion to help the bone tissue regenerate. This can lead to resorption of the bone, which can change the shape of the jawbone and eventually the face itself. It can also leave the remaining teeth with a less secure anchorage, making it more likely that they will move out of position or even become loose.

Implants to Prevent Misalignment

When you lose a tooth, a gap is left behind. The surrounding teeth, if left on their own, will naturally move into this gap. While this might not seem like a serious problem, over a period of time it can lead to a variety of issues. These can include:

•    Premature wear and tear
•    Clenching and grinding
•    Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

Keeping your teeth in proper alignment is very important to their ongoing health. If a single tooth is missing, it might not seem worth the effort to replace it, but making sure that gap is filled goes a long way toward helping you preserve the rest of your teeth.

If you have lost one or more teeth, call our team at the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Centennial Colorado and surrounding areas, so we can help you determine if implants are the best option for you.

Do Dental Crowns Require Special Care?

In the past few decades, dental advancement has offered new and exciting options to brighten our smile, replace teeth, repair dental decay with tooth colored materials and improve our smile with less effort than ever before. But one process that has been around for many years and is still in use today is dental crowns.

When a tooth breaks a crown can save the tooth from being lost. Or when dental decay has ravaged a tooth beyond repair with a filling, a dental crown can save the tooth.

For teeth that are viable on the inside, but suffering from external problems, a dental crown allows the patient to save their tooth and the final restoration is virtually undetectable.

There are different types of crowns and different materials can be used to make a . For a tooth located in the smile line, a porcelain crown might be recommended. A porcelain crown is very natural in appearance, but might not be the best choice for a back tooth that sustains the most chewing pressure.

A gold or metal crown for a back tooth offers the strongest material. A metal crown can have a porcelain cover offering a more natural appearance than a gold crown.

Most dental crowns are fabricated at a dental lab. During the time it takes for the lab to complete your new crown, a temporary restoration is placed over the tooth that has been prepared. Remembering that this is just temporary is important. Be careful when flossing so as not to pop the temporary off and try to chew on the other side, if possible. If the temporary should be loose or come off, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Whether your new crown is made of gold, metal or porcelain or is an onlay or inlay, the care of your dental crown is as simple as daily flossing and brushing teeth at least twice per day. Vigilant hygiene for dental crowns as well as the rest of our teeth is important to keep smile healthy and good looking for a lifetime.

For further assistance in caring for your dental crowns or to find out if this is an option for you, call our office, serving Highlands Ranch and surrounding areas, today at our office to schedule your consultation.

Treatment Options to Improve Smile Symmetry

Most of us would like to change something about our smile. Perhaps teeth have become dull over time; a chipped tooth or discoloration can inhibit your ability to smile with confidence. There is a dental procedure available that can take an imperfect smile to a “wow” smile, and that is veneers. [pullquote]A dental veneer is a very thin, tooth colored shell that is permanently affixed to the front of your existing teeth.[/pullquote]

A dental veneer is a very thin, tooth colored shell that is permanently affixed to the front of your existing teeth. This procedure allows your cosmetic dentist to reshape your smile by repairing one or several teeth.

Dental veneers are a popular option for many reasons:

  • Very little of your own tooth is impacted when placing a veneer. A small amount of enamel is removed and the tooth is prepared to allow the thin cover to adhere permanently to your natural tooth. Because very little of your natural tooth is removed, this makes this dental process the least invasive correction procedure very popular.
  • A drab smile or discolored teeth due to medications or advanced age can be eliminated permanently without the uncomfortable and temporary fixes available through other methods.
  • A chipped or cracked tooth can be enhanced with a veneer thanks to the added strength you can achieve through veneers.
  • Wear and tear can result in uneven tooth structure. One or more veneers can even out your smile.
  • Unwanted spaces or gaps between teeth can be eliminated.
  • Your cosmetic dentist will match the shape and shade of your veneers to the surrounding teeth making them virtually undetectable.

Caring for your veneers requires nothing more than the excellent hygiene habits used for caring for your natural teeth. Flossing and brushing at least twice per day will help keep your treated teeth healthy. Once the tooth surface has been breached, the incidence of decay is increased so good oral hygiene is important.

For patients that have a tendency to grind or clench their teeth, a mouth guard worn at night might be recommended.

Modifying your smile has never been easier. Visits to your dental provider twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam will improve the health and appearance of your smile.

If you would like more information on what treatment options will best fit your smile, contact our team, serving Centennial and neighboring areas, today to schedule your consultation.

Types of Dentures

dentures DenverThanks to wonderful advancements in dental technology and products, tooth loss due to trauma, decay or disease no longer presents the limited choices of years past. Whether you are faced with the loss of one or a couple of teeth; or possibly the prospect of replacing your entire upper or lower arch,  dentures offers a range of options for your consideration.

Partial dentures are intended for patients that have lost one or a couple of teeth. A partial denture will be designed by your dentist to match the shape and shade of surrounding teeth and will require healthy abutment teeth to secure the partial denture.

A full or complete denture is for the patient who has no teeth in either the upper or lower arch. For a conventional denture, your dentist will fabricate a wax model to help determine the best options for you. Upon satisfactory completion of your wax-up, it will be sent to the dental lab where your denture will be made.

An immediate denture is placed during the same visit as your tooth extraction. The advantage to an immediate denture is you are not without your teeth for even one day. However, when tooth loss occurs, the patient will usually experience some shrinkage in gum tissue. A denture immediately placed might require more adjustments as healing of gum tissue takes place.

Many patients feel that the loss of a tooth is no big deal. However, many issues such as teeth shifting toward an open space can create problems with dental occlusion. This can lead to grinding, clenching, uneven wear and tear and discomfort. A missing tooth can impact eating, speaking and appearance. Replacing one or several lost teeth can make a critical difference in day to day living.

Taking good care of your denture will enhance its appearance and longevity. For a partial wearer, brushing and flossing your natural teeth before putting in your partial denture is the appropriate procedure. Never make adjustments to your partial on your own – this will only weaken the part of the denture you rely on to keep it in place.

A denture should never be boiled or bleached to clean it. These actions can ruin a denture. A soft bristle brush and a mild cleanser is all that is needed to keep a denture looking its best.

If you are considering dentures or want more information on how they can benefit you, contact our Denver office at 303-832-7789 today to schedule your consultation.

Dental Implants: Is there an age limit?

When primary teeth are replaced with permanent teeth, keeping them healthy is critical because the permanent teeth are needed for a lifetime. Unfortunately, accidents, disease and dental decay might occur that can result in tooth loss.

A consultation with our implant dentist will identify if you are a qualified candidate for dental implants:

  • Overall health – A review of your physical health is conducted to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
  • Dental health – A thorough dental exam is performed. Patients with periodontal disease might need further treatment before entering into the implant process.
  • Age limit – Since dental implants are surgically placed in gum tissue with the specific intent of fusing to existing bone, that bone tissue must have reached maturity before the implant can be done. Consequently, implants are not appropriate for children. However, once bone maturity has been reached, one is never too old to achieve the freedom to eat, speak and smile with the confidence achieved through dental implants.
  • Commitment – Your implant dentist will explain what is involved with the implant process. Understanding the importance of excellent dental hygiene and committing to the daily rituals of flossing and brushing to keep the implant area as clean as possible require vigilance and dedication. Infection is a primary cause of implant failure so patients unwilling or incapable of keeping the implant area clean are not good candidates for dental implants.
  • Smoking – Tobacco use is another primary cause for implant failure. Discontinuing the use of tobacco is any form is strongly urged before implant surgery.

Once all requirements have been met, the patient will have the implant placed. are appropriate for the replacement of one or several teeth.

The healing process can take four to six months. During this time, the implant is fusing to the bone where it will act much like the root of the natural tooth providing strength and stability to the final restoration. A temporary restoration will protect the implant during the healing process.

When healed a permanent restoration will be placed over the implant. Our dentist will match the shape and shade of the surrounding natural teeth making your implant virtually undetectable.

Having an informative consultation with our dentist, serving Highlands Ranch and surrounding areas, can help you better determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Call our office at our office today to schedule your appointment.

Loose Dentures: What are my options?

dentures CoquitlamLiving with dentures that are loose or fit poorly can be a frustrating problem that consumes your daily life. Constantly worrying that your denture will slip out of place, the embarrassing clicking sound when you speak, or the inability to eat the foods that you love can leave you frustrated and distressed. Many patients also experience soreness and irritation of the gums once the denture has been removed at night.

With the help of dental implants, it’s possible to permanently eliminate the hassle of loose dentures and improve your quality of  life. Your implant dentist can evaluate your current denture and determine which option is best you.

In essence, a dental implant is a specially coated titanium post that is inserted into the bone as an anchor for a dental restoration. Think of an implant as an artificial tooth root. It can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire row of teeth. For patients who wear dentures, a set of four dental implants can be used to support and stabilize your new teeth.

Your implant dentist may suggest using dental implants to stabilize a fixed dental bridge. State of the art techniques such as Teeth to Stay – All in 1 Day! and All-on-4 dentures  are excellent examples of how implants can be used to enhance the traditional denture. Millions of patients who were once disappointed in the fit of their old dentures have found renewed confidence with implant technology.

Typically, traditional dentures rest on top of the gum tissue, making them difficult to stabilize. Beneath the surface, without proper stimulation, the shape of the jaw bone changes as bone loss occurs. The placement of implants effectively prevents bone loss and creates a foundation for the denture that is more stable than the gum tissue.

The long-term success of procedures such as Teeth to Stay – All in 1 Day!  is exciting news. A traditional denture can be relined and adjusted to provide momentary comfort, but with the addition of a few implants, you can achieve maximum comfort for a lifetime.

Get rid of annoying, loose-fitting dentures! Start by scheduling a consultation at our Coquitlam office today for more information.

What is a “Smile Analysis”?

There are several factors that can contribute to a less than desirable smile. Perhaps you have discoloration due to years of coffee and tea drinking. Perhaps you suffer from chipped, broken, crooked or missing teeth. If your smile is affecting your confidence, it is time to visit a cosmetic dentist for a smile analysis.

During a smile analysis, the cosmetic dentist will assess various aspects of your smile, including the color and position of your teeth and any cracks or chips. While there is no “ideal” smile that is perfect for everyone, there is a smile that is perfect for your mouth size and shape – and the dentist can help you find it.

There are several treatment options available to help give you the best smile possible. For discoloration, there are both in-office and take-home whitening systems that can restore your smile to a bright white. [pullquote]There are several treatment options available to help give you the best smile possible.[/pullquote]

Veneers and crowns are available for teeth that are discolored in ways that cannot be corrected by traditional whitening methods. Veneers and crowns can also correct broken, chipped or cracked teeth. Both veneers and crowns are tooth-colored appliances that are placed over the existing tooth surface to cover imperfections. They blend in with your existing teeth, so people will not even know they are there.

Tooth-colored fillings are another option for restoring teeth that have fractured or decayed. The filling material will be color-matched to the surrounding tooth surface, so they won’t be noticeable (unlike metal fillings).

For lost teeth, one solution is a dental implant. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that fuses with the jawbone and is then covered with a crown or cap. The implant looks and acts like a real tooth, requires no extra care outside of routine oral hygiene, and can last for decades.

For more information and to learn which treatment options are recommended to enhance your smile’s appearance, contact Governor’s Park Dental Group, serving Denver and the surrounding areas, for your personalized smile analysis.

 

Consequences of a Single Tooth Loss

Most people do not consider the loss of a single tooth to be a serious situation. However, even one missing tooth can compromise the positioning and alignment of the rest of your teeth. If you have lost even one tooth, consult with our implant dentist to find out how replacing the tooth can ensure the long-term health of all your remaining teeth.

Effects of a Missing Tooth

When even one tooth is missing, space is created in the mouth. The rest of the teeth automatically move to fill that space. Unfortunately, this movement can cause the other teeth to become misaligned, crooked, or to overlap each other. Your smile, your self-confidence, and your oral health can be compromised.

When teeth move out of position in the mouth, some of the results include:

  • Discomfort as the teeth move
  • Uneven wear
  • Premature wear
  • Chipping or cracking
  • Malocclusion
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder

Tooth replacement options can help prevent these problems. One of the most effective forms of tooth replacement is the dental implant.

Replacing Your Teeth With Dental Implants

consist of a titanium screw that replaces the tooth root and a prosthetic tooth that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. Titanium bonds to bone, unlike other metals. This means the new root will remain very stable and will help stimulate the jawbone to grow. [pullquote]One of the most effective forms of tooth replacement is the dental implant.[/pullquote]

Replacing a single tooth with an implant is much easier than replacing it with a bridge or fixed denture. Bridges require that the adjacent teeth be altered to support the replacement tooth, either to make room for wires to hold the new tooth in place or to accept crowns on either side of the missing tooth. With implants, your dentist can place a single tooth root in the jawbone and add the visible portion, or the crown, without making any alterations to the adjacent teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact our office, serving Highlands Ranch and the surrounding areas, to learn how dental implants can help you.

Dental Implants: Are there financing options available?

You have consulted with your dental implant dentist and learned of the advantages of implants to replace lost teeth. The only remaining consideration is how to deal with financing.

Paying for your dental implant is high on your priority list, and your dental provider has many options for your perusal. But one thing is certain. Dental implants will improve your quality of life and allow you to return to eating, speaking and smiling with the ease and confidence you enjoyed before tooth loss occurred. [pullquote]Dental implants will improve your quality of life and allow you to return to eating, speaking and smiling with the ease and confidence you enjoyed before tooth loss occurred.[/pullquote]

Patient Link is a financing option that offers a program to fit your needs. Qualified patients can select from a variety of programs that offer extended repayment plans from interest free plans to extended term. The staff at Patient Link treats all patients in a courteous and fair manner while providing access to a wide range of financial services.

Another option for your consideration is MediCard. This repayment plan will reimburse your dental provider on your behalf, and make monthly payments easy by directly debiting your bank account. Dental financing has never been easier.

Now that financing has been arranged your dental implant procedure can commence. A small screw like device made from titanium will be surgically placed in the gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. During the healing process of approximately four to six months, the implant is fusing to the surrounding bone tissue. This will allow the implant to act much like the root of your natural teeth and provide strength and stability to the final restoration.

Once your implant dentist is assured the implant has healed and fused properly, a final restoration will be designed to place over your implant. Made to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth, your new dental implant will be virtually undetectable.

You will now be able to eat the foods you love; you can speak without hesitation; but most importantly you can smile with confidence.

Taking care of your implant is easy …. daily flossing and brushing at least twice per day will keep your new implant and the rest of your teeth strong and healthy. Visits to your dental provider twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam along with excellent home oral hygiene habits will help keep that newly acquired smile stunning for many years.

To learn more about financing options for your dental implant treatment, contact the office of Dr. Bernard Jin, serving Vancouver and the surrounding areas, at 604-939-6111.

What is the Lifespan of a Dental Implant?

implant dentist DenverMore and more patients are turning to dental implants as a tooth replacement solution. Implants are valued by the patient and the implant dentist for being low maintenance and for looking like a natural tooth The success rate of dental implants for most patients is 95 percent or higher, with success being defined as an implant that lasts more than five years – but do they last even longer?

With proper care, a dental implant can last 25 years or longer. The technology is still fairly new, so there is not a great deal of documentation of implants that have been in place longer than that. One of the biggest determining factors in the lifespan of an implant is good oral hygiene – patients must brush and floss daily in order to keep the surrounding teeth and gum tissue healthy.

Along with good oral hygiene, the placement of the implant can affect longevity. Back molars receive more wear and tear than other teeth in the front of the mouth, so implants that replace molars may have a shorter life. Patients that do not grind their teeth (a condition also known as bruxism) may have longer-lasting molar implants than those that do.

A patient’s overall health can also affect the longevity of a dental implant – patients who are in good health when they receive the implant and who remain in good health are more likely to maintain their implants for decades. Non-smokers also have lower failure rates than smokers. Having them placed by an experienced implant dentist can also help ensure they last as long as possible.

Implant technology has come a long way since its inception. Implant dentists are using more and more durable materials and increasingly reliable methods. Patients who maintain good oral habits, don’t smoke, and who follow their implant dentist’s post-operative instructions can have implants that last two or more decades. Call our Denver office at 303-832-7789 for more information and to schedule your visit.