When a patient loses a tooth or must have one removed due to disease or decay, the issue of tooth replacement becomes a major concern. Some patients may feel that getting a fill-in for the missing tooth is unnecessary, while others may be ambivalent about the dental procedures involved.

However, there are a number of important reasons—both functional and aesthetic—why patients should replace a missing tooth, and do so as quickly as possible after it is extracted.

Patients are most interested in replacing a missing tooth when it held a prominent spot in the smile. Nobody wants to walk around with a gaping hole in their grin! So, yes, the smile’s appearance is one motivating factor to replace a tooth, in addition to being a compelling reason to choose dental implants in Surrey. Unlike many other tooth replacement alternatives, dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth.

But what if the gap in your smile is in a less visible location, such as the rear of the jaw? It’s unlikely to have much of an effect, if any, on the attractiveness of your smile. Nonetheless, you should still replace that tooth and consider dental implants to do so. In fact, it’s just as important to replace a tooth that is hidden when you smile.

When a tooth is lost, so is the root structure that helped to hold the jaw bone in place. As a result, that jaw bone erodes over time. This process takes place more quickly in the back of the mouth, where the jaw bone is thinner. As the jaw bone recedes, neighboring teeth may be compromised. Implants, which fuse with the remaining bone, can replicate the tooth’s root, stabilizing the jaw.

If your fear or anxiety surrounding the placement of dental implants is factoring into a reluctance to replace a tooth, rest assured that the process is a simple, straightforward one that is typically associated with minimal discomfort. Implants are usually placed in an outpatient setting and often require only a local anesthetic.

Implants are the best option for replacing a missing tooth, so consult with Dr. Bernard Jin, an implant dentist serving Surrey, to determine whether your case is appropriate for this treatment approach.

If you have missing teeth, whether due to injury, decay, or long-term wear and tear, you might have heard about dental implants as an option for replacement. Dental implants are becoming more common, and many people opt for this choice as a more convenient, natural looking and comfortable form of tooth replacement. If you are looking for information on dental implants in Denver, our implant dentist can help you determine if implants are a good choice for you.

When you consult with an implant dentist, he or she will consider several factors before recommending dental implants. These factors can determine if implants will be successful for you. If the dentist feels that you are not a good candidate for traditional implants, he might suggest another option for teeth replacement.

Some of the most important factors that can influence the success of the implant procedure include:

• Your overall health
• How long your teeth have been missing
• The strength and overall mass of the bone in your jaws
• The presence of gum disease

Because implants require a surgical procedure, your overall health can determine the likelihood of the procedure being a success. If you are a smoker, or if you suffer from other conditions such as diabetes, your body’s ability to heal can be affected.

The overall strength and condition of your jawbone is another very important factor. The root portion of a dental implant requires sufficient bone mass to support it. If your teeth have been missing for a number of years, this bone mass might have decreased enough that an implant is not likely to anchor well without an additional bone graft procedure.

In addition, if you are currently suffering from severe gum disease, your implant dentist might recommend that you treat this before undergoing the implant procedure to prevent bacteria and infection from spreading throughout your body or otherwise making your recovery less likely to be successful after your implants are placed.

For many patients missing an entire arch of teeth in Surrey, dentures are an unappealing tooth replacement option. Dentures have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable, unsightly and inconvenient devices.

Fortunately, dentures are not the only technique for replacing an entire arch of missing teeth. Recent advances in dental technology have led to greatly improved options in artificial teeth.

Dental implants offer the best tooth replacement method. The implant, a small metal structure that looks like a screw, can anchor a single fabricated tooth, while four to six implants can hold an entire arch of artificial teeth in place.

Several features of implants give them advantages over dentures. Of all of the tooth replacement options, implants do the best job of replicating the natural tooth’s structure and function. Specifically, only implants mimic the tooth’s root, preventing the jaw bone resorption that accompanies dentures and leads to the appearance of a “sunken” face. Because the jaw bone retains its shape, the artificial tooth arch will not lose its fit over time.

Of course, implants are more stable than denture adhesive, so implant-anchored replacement teeth are far less likely than dentures to slip out of place at a most inopportune moment. As a bonus, implants eliminate the need to rely on adhesives that leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Implant patients also find their devices to be more comfortable than denture wearers do. In fact, many implant patients can barely detect a difference between the implants and their natural teeth.

Dental implants are typically placed during an appointment at the dentist’s office. As you heal from the surgery, you may notice a slight change in the fit of your implant-supported denture, which can be adjusted by your implant dentist for a better fit.

If the idea of dentures leaves you wanting more from your teeth replacement, consider dental implants as an alternative. Implant-supported dentures in Surrey can be either permanent or removable, depending on the patient’s preference. Implants offer many advantages over dentures, and the appliances are a durable solution that will last for decades.

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to make your smile the best it can be.

Common Smile Makeover Procedures

Smile makeovers are planned to provide results you as an individual wish to achieve. There are several popular procedures for those interested in enhancing and rejuvenating their smiles. Among these are:

• Inlays and onlays
• Teeth whitening
• Porcelain veneers

These procedures are often used together because, when combined, they can correct many problems or concerns you might have with your smile, including cracked, chipped, or misshapen teeth, discolored teeth, and even slight misalignment and minor gaps.

Deciding on the Right Smile Makeover for You

Getting a smile makeover starts with sitting down with your cosmetic dentist and discussing your goals. It is important to be both honest and realistic during this consultation. Based on how you feel about your smile, the dentist will recommend a set of procedures that will provide the kind of correction you want for your teeth. If a simple smile makeover will not give you the results you desire, the dentist should be honest with you about this, and make alternate recommendations. This most commonly happens when problems with your teeth are more than just cosmetic. For instance, if your teeth are severely misaligned, you might need to see an orthodontist for the best results.

Once you and your dentist have decided on the right smile makeover for your teeth, you will work together to schedule the procedures. Often, more than one procedure can be performed in the same visit. And, when your smile makeover is complete, you will have a beautiful smile that you can be proud of.

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry in Denver, please give us a call at 303-832-7789. We’ll evaluate your goals and match them to just the right combination of procedures to give you a perfect smile.

Crooked, discolored, or damaged teeth can greatly affect your self-esteem. If your smile is less than perfect, you might be afraid to show your teeth in any way. If you are this self-conscious about your smile, it can have an adverse effect on your quality of life. Veneers can be the answer, providing dramatic results with a relatively simple procedure.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are very thin porcelain restorations that are affixed to the surface of your teeth. They are custom-made for your mouth and color-matched to your existing teeth. Our cosmetic dentist affixes the veneers with a sealing agent that makes them strong and durable as they bond to your teeth. Veneers can last many years if they are properly cared for, giving you a long-term smile you can be proud of.

Veneers are relatively easy to place, usually requiring two office visits. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires very little alteration to the surfaces of your teeth because veneers are so thin. In the first appointment, your teeth are prepared for the veneers, and the dentist makes a cast from which your permanent veneers will be made. Only a small layer of enamel must be removed from your teeth, so the procedure is simple and sometimes can be performed without anesthetic, depending upon your personal sensitivity. In the second visit, the permanent veneers are affixed with a special bonding agent.

Versatility of Veneers

Veneers can be used to treat several different issues patients often have with their teeth’s appearance. Among these are:

• Severe staining
• Pits, cracks, or chips in the teeth
• Slight misalignment
• Small gaps

Rather than pursue expensive and uncomfortable orthodontic treatment, or have your teeth reshaped to allow a crown to be placed, you can instead opt for veneers. Veneers are relatively easy to care for, and will last for a number of years. Our cosmetic dentists, specializing in veneers in Denver, will provide guidelines regarding long-term care. Please call our offices today to find out how we can give you the stunning smile you’ve always wanted.

In order for dental implant success in Coquitlam patients, those patients must have sufficient bone material to allow the implants to osseointegrate, or fuse with the jaw bone. This aspect of the implant process is of particular concern to edentulous (toothless) patients because the jaw bone can recede significantly when the teeth’s roots are no longer present to hold it in place. Even in cases when a single tooth has been missing for a long time, extensive bone loss may occur, also jeopardizing the implant.

Fortunately, patients with considerable jaw bone loss can still be eligible for dental implants if they first undergo a surgical procedure known as a bone graft. This procedure helps to augment the amount of available bone in the vicinity of the implant.

Depending on the implant’s location in the mouth, different bone graft techniques may be used to prepare a patient for dental implants. Often the patient’s own bone is taken from elsewhere in the body, such as the hip or the chin, and inserted into the implant site. Bone from cadavers and synthetic materials may also be used to supplement the bone.

Another technique is called a sinus lift, which is used for implants at the rear of the jaw. In a sinus lift, bone is added to the floor of the patient’s sinus cavity, essentially increasing the height of the upper jaw. This approach is valuable for implants at the rear of the jaw, where the bone tends to wear away more quickly.

Bone grafts often can be completed in an outpatient setting. However, when a patient needs to have a large amount of bone harvested, that surgery may need to take place in a hospital.

When a bone graft is necessary, the implant patient does face a longer treatment timeline. The patient must heal from the graft before the implant can be placed, and that process may take several months. It is important to consider this when planning the treatment.

The term root canal actually refers to an area inside the tooth that houses the tooth pulp and the nerve that serves the tooth. When a tooth becomes seriously infected or severely decayed, clearing out this area of the tooth can be the best way to preserve it. Without the option of this root canal procedure, the tooth might have to be extracted.

Purpose of a Root Canal

A root canal is used to preserve a tooth that has been severely damaged by infection, decay, or trauma. The procedure removes the infected or decayed tissue, preventing further damage to adjacent teeth, or wider-spread infection. Usually when a dentist recommends a root canal, it is because the only other option is removal of the tooth.

Using a root canal to preserve a tooth helps keep your teeth in proper alignment. If the tooth is simply removed, you run the risk of having teeth shift and move into the empty space, disrupting your bite and possibly leading to uncomfortable side effects such as teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

The Root Canal Procedure

Although the root canal dental procedure has a bad reputation, it is no more difficult or uncomfortable than a filling or a crown. The dentist makes a small hole in the tooth, through which special tools are inserted and used to remove the infected tissue. After the infection and/or decay has been removed, the interior of the tooth is then thoroughly cleansed and filled. After this process, the dentist prepares the tooth for a crown.

After a root canal, there is no feeling left in the tooth, because the nerve has been removed. However, the tooth remains functional so that you can chew normally. With the original tooth left in place, your remaining teeth remain in proper alignment, preventing misalignment that can occur due to tooth loss.

If you feel you might be in need of a root canal to help preserve a damaged tooth, please contact our dentist in Downtown Denver to schedule an appointment or a consultation.

Teeth grinding and clenching, especially at night, are common problems. Though many consider these issues to be more of a nuisance than a serious problem, teeth grinding and clenching can result in damage to the teeth as well as uncomfortable issues with the temporomandibular joint.

Causes of Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding and clenching can occur as a symptom of a variety of other underlying conditions, including:

• Bite misalignment
• Stress
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

Teeth grinding that wakes you up at night, disturbs your partner, or causes visible chipping and erosion to the teeth should always be brought to the attention of a dentist. Left untreated, teeth grinding can cause extensive damage to your teeth.

Treating Teeth Grinding and Clenching

One common treatment for teeth grinding is a dental orthotic, worn at night to prevent grinding. These mouthpieces are custom made to fit your mouth. Store-bought mouthpieces are readily available, but will not provide the custom fit of an orthotic provided by your dentist. Because teeth grinding can occur as a symptom of misalignment, it is important to use a mouthpiece that will not interfere with your natural bite.

Other treatment can include orthodontic treatment such as braces or a similar alternative. If your teeth grinding occurs as a result of misalignment, this treatment will move your teeth into their proper position, reducing the likelihood that you will grind or clench your teeth. This treatment can also relieve TMD, which can cause teeth grinding.

If teeth grinding and clenching occurs as a side effect of stress, stress management and stress relief techniques can be highly effective in reducing or eliminating this behavior. Some stress relief techniques might include meditation or massage.

The root cause of your teeth grinding will determine the best treatment to pursue. If you are searching for a dentist near Denver and would like to find out the best way to end your habitual teeth grinding, please call our office at 303-832-7789 to schedule a consultation.

Although tooth decay can be prevented with attentive oral hygiene, decay is the most common problem encountered in the field of dentistry. As we eat, food particles can be trapped between the teeth. Bacteria that occur naturally in the mouth feed off these particles, creating an acidic byproduct called plaque. This acid, in contact with tooth enamel, leads to decay.

Plaque and Tartar—What is the Difference?

Plaque most commonly builds up between the teeth and in areas between the teeth and gums. If it is not removed through routine brushing and flossing, it hardens and becomes a substance called tartar. If plaque or tartar are left on the teeth, they can lead not only to decay but also to gum disease, both of which can cause tooth loss.

Once tartar builds up on the teeth, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to effectively remove it by yourself. This is one of many reasons why regular dental visits are so important. When you visit the dentist, either the dentist or the dental hygienist uses special tools to remove tartar from the teeth. They will also evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, and check for any signs of decay.

Keeping Plaque and Tartar Off Your Teeth

Your everyday at-home oral hygiene habit is the first-line defense against plaque, tartar, and decay. General guidelines for everyday care include:

• Brushing after meals whenever possible
• Flossing once per day
• Using proper brushing and flossing technique
• Avoiding sugary foods and drink

In addition to at-home care, regular visits to the dentist are important to maintain your dental health. Your dentist will provide more thorough cleaning, fluoride treatments, regular X-rays, and screenings for oral cancer. Cleaning removes plaque and tartar that your brush cannot reach or effectively remove. X-rays can detect decay that cannot be seen with the naked eye, as well as helping monitor issues with tooth roots or with the jawbone.

For additional suggestions on how to take the best possible care of your teeth, as well as for guidelines on proper technique, contact our DDS in Downtown Denver for an appointment.