What Long-term Denture Wearers Should Know About Dental Implants

Denture wearers often notice something’s missing. If you’ve worn them for years, this is especially true.

Loose fit is the most noticeable symptom. And the cause can lead you to wonder if there’s a satisfactory solution.

What’s happening?

The shifting and poor fit of your denture is the result of your jawbone wearing away. The clinical term for this condition is resorption.

Bottom-line, your teeth’s roots are no longer capable of adding structure and stability to your bone. But there’s something more significant to reckon with if you’re experiencing this.

Your bone deterioration (resorption) can pose a structural problem if you choose dental implant treatment. There’s a solution and it has to do with the superior results of implants for missing tooth replacement.

Dental implants actually form a new tooth root. This is a key difference in an implant and dentures that fit on top of available gum and bone tissue.A dental implant fuses to the jawbone over time (known as ossiointegration). This creates a more stable and long-term effective structure for your new tooth.

The linchpin

The process of your implant adapting to your jawbone hinges on a primary requirement. You must have a sufficient amount of bone to sustain it.

Your dental implant requires a foundation to anchor your new tooth root. Available bone beneath the surface is necessary for this to occur.

There are fixes for lack of bone structure. This helps assure you, if you’re a denture wearer, that you can experience the benefits of dental implants.

Bone grafts are a common procedure to supplement your bone tissue. Bone is obtained from elsewhere in your body (chin or hip) or from outside donor sources (cadaver).

The new bone tissue will integrate and strengthen your remaining tissue. When the healing process is complete your dental implant can be placed.

Dentures are a common treatment for missing teeth. It’s important to understand that long-term wear can reduce your bone structure and cause complications.

Dental implants are superior for a variety of reasons. Primarily, they preserve your bone structure and actually add stability to it.
Ask us about dental implant treatment as a denture wearer. Schedule a consultation to assess your available bone structure and discuss the numerous benefits of implants.

Don’t Be a Victim of the World’s Oldest Disease

This disease has the power to change your life. Once it starts, your diet, speech, and overall quality of life could be its next victim.

Before I reveal the culprit you must understand something that many don’t know. Stay with me – knowledge is your ally in this fight.

It’s considered to be the world’s oldest and most widespread of diseases. It comes in second only to the common cold.

This disease begins its assault early. And it has achieved epidemic proportions among young children.

In fact, this disease affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 15 and half those ages 12 to 15. Untreated, this epidemic can cause school absence, social problems, low weight, and poor appearance.

Children aren’t the only victims.

It’s a problem that also impacts U.S. adults. Ninety percent of those over age 40 encounter this disease.

The good news – it’s preventable. So, what are we talking about?

Ready?

Tooth decay. Dental caries (as it’s also known) is an infectious disease that damages the structure of your teeth.

Tooth loss and tooth pain are common symptoms. But, in extreme cases, the infection can spread even causing life-threatening health issues.

Your mouth is a complex eco-system. It would be mind boggling to see all the organisms that interact in your mouth. Some are good and some are bad.It’s the bad ones that should concern you. Primarily, we’re talking bacteria. Certain types of bacteria cause tooth decay. They attach themselves to the dental plaque (that sticky film) on the surface of your teeth.

Your #1 concern

The bacterial feeding process is intense and somewhat technical. Basically, they join forces to break down your tooth structure layer by layer.

This frontal assault on your tooth surface makes the tooth vulnerable. Once weakened, decay sets in.

More than brushing and flossing

We can recommend steps to determine your risk for tooth decay (dental caries). Effective prevention strategies include sealants, topical fluoride, special toothpaste, and mouth rinses.

Tooth decay (dental caries) is treatable. It can be eliminated once it’s treated as a disease and the individual causes (often unique to your mouth) can be understood.

Your goal (and ours): implement preventative strategies that keep your teeth free from decay throughout your lifetime.

Question: How did your knowledge increase about tooth decay? Comment.

Natural Teeth Are for Life…But It’s Good to Know You Have Options

It’s the holiday season. And you’re faced with numerous decisions.

Think about a Christmas tree, for example. If you have one, did you choose a natural (real) tree? Or did you go with an artificial one?

Many prefer the real-thing. And, like your teeth, there’s maintenance to be considered.

Do you care?

Caring for your natural teeth is the first step to keeping them. It’s why we recommend consistent dental exams and teeth cleanings.

Good oral care preserves the quality of your natural teeth. Avoid it and decay will occur.

Tooth decay threatens your natural tooth function. And decay unchecked can lead to tooth loss.

What next?

Keeping and preserving your natural tooth function should be a priority. When your natural teeth are at risk it’s good to know you have options.

Dental implants are the perfect option for tooth loss. They look, feel, and function in similar ways as your natural teeth. 

But there are important differences too. The big-three: how they attach to your surrounding bone, response to dental disease, and repair and maintenance.

Attachment issues

The periodontal ligament attaches your natural tooth to the surrounding bone in your jaw. Dental implants fuse directly to the bone in your jaw.

Your gum tissue also attaches to your tooth root. Those same tissues only attach to the surface of a dental implant.

Decay and disease

Your natural teeth are at risk to dental decay. It’s a primary reason tooth loss occurs. Root canal therapy is another preliminary alternative to losing your natural teeth as well. Dental implants are titanium and porcelain. That means no decay or root canal treatment.

Gum disease also poses a threat to your natural teeth. The tissue around dental implants can become inflamed as well. It’s important to monitor the bone that surrounds your implant when this occurs.

Care and maintenance

Take care of your natural teeth and they’ll last a lifetime. Even so, they aren’t failsafe.

For the most part, dental implants provide a nearly failsafe alternative to replace your natural teeth. Damage and wear can be addressed without impacting the implant’s attachment to your surrounding bone.

Dental implants are not maintenance free. You must effectively care for them as you would your natural teeth. 

Brushing, flossing, and controlling bacteria are also vital to your dental implants. Regular checkups, exams, and teeth cleanings are important to maintain the success of your implant treatment.

The overall stability of your dental implant depends on consistent follow-up care. Proper function is a priority.

It’s good to know you have a choice. There are advantages to keeping your natural teeth. But if necessary, dental implant treatment can deliver a solid alternative.

 

Question: What dental care habits do you use most consistently? Comment.

 

How Dental Implants Restore Your Courage to Eat

Many of our fears are irrational. But some – particularly those having to do with tooth loss – are real.

Think about your childhood fears. Remember those nightly shadows in your bedroom you were certain were monsters ready to pounce?A desperate call for mom or dad revealed the truth. What you imagined to be a creature was nothing more than your coat and cap draped over a chair or a doll tossed in the corner of your room.

Fear is a real emotion. It’s magnified as we age and our bodies begin to wear down due to neglect or trauma. And your teeth aren’t immune.

Tooth loss is scary.

For example, losing teeth impacts the ability to chew. Chewing difficulties cause us to fear certain foods.

Intimidating foods include corn-the-cob, apples, and of course a thick, delicious steak or a sweet rack of bbq ribs. Food should be enjoyable, not scary…right!?

But here’s one fear you can eliminate – tooth loss doesn’t always result in modifying your eating habits.

However, tooth loss does change the quality of your diet. Occasionally an increase in fatty foods or those high in cholesterol will replace healthier choices.

Some foods such as those with a higher carbohydrate or sugar ratio are chosen over meats, raw fruits and vegetables. Also, replacing teeth with dentures doesn’t guarantee an improvement in food choice.

 Strong teeth and the ability to chew are essential to a proper diet. 

Dental implant treatment restores the natural ability to chew. Aside from consulting with a registered dietitian, you’re better equipped to enjoy a healthy diet when your teeth function according to design.

Dentures are one alternative. But there’s always the fear of slippage or (perish the thought) having them fall out while eating.

Dental implants restore your chewing function. You can choose what you eat and when.

Food is for your enjoyment. It’s unnatural and unnecessary to fear your dietary choices.

Stay in control of your diet. And when tooth loss occurs, dental implants are the comfort you need day…or night.

What foods do you/would you miss the most due to tooth loss?

Can You Argue with Success? Why Dental Implant Treatment is a Winning Choice

Success leaves clues. Follow successful athletes, business leaders, parents, students, and various professionals long enough and you’ll learn something. Dental professionals understand the procedures with a legacy of success. Clues are certain when considering dental implant treatment for your missing teeth.

One reason dental implant treatment is superior. There’s an undeniable comparison between a dental implant and other treatment for your missing or damaged teeth. You have choices but not all restorative dentistry will deliver the desired long term results.

Consider your overall dental health when deciding to restore your missing tooth or teeth. Quick fixes will only deliver temporary relief and may cost you more in the long run.

Dental implant treatment is superior because of its long term viability. A dental implant is estimated to have a 92% to 98% success rate for up to…40+ years.

It’s safe to say that success rates for dental implants do not decrease over time. Compare this to a dental bridge that’s observed to decrease steadily in effectiveness in as little as 10 years.

It’s been noted that 1 in 3 dental bridges fail at the 15 year mark. That’s a 25 to 30 year gap that dental implants successfully own over the standard restorative option for missing teeth.

Elements that determine dental implant success:

The type of implant used has an impact on upon the success rate. We will diagnose your case and prescribe the restorative dental treatment that’s appropriate for the position of your missing tooth/teeth.

Your age is another consideration. Bone loss and available bone structure can vary with age.

We will evaluate the placement site. Our diagnosis will explore how “compromised” your bone structure is and determine the most effective long term solution.

Your overall health is an important factor too. Dental implant treatment will not be prescribed if we determine any risk factors.

An even better reason to choose dental implant treatment. A missing tooth or teeth can easily get all the attention. But there are other collateral effects that require consideration.

Your adjoining teeth can suffer too if restorative treatment is delayed or ignored. Research indicates that an implant supported crown can improve the health of your adjacent natural teeth.

Dental implant treatment has a reputation for success. Follow these clues and ask us how it can provide you long term restorative care for your missing teeth.

What dental implant “success clue” appeals to you?

Are You Doing the Math When Considering a Dental Implant?

What is perceived value? It’s understanding the quality, craftsmanship, and long term viability of your investment.

Think Rolex compared to Casio. One is referred to as a “watch” and the other is known as a “timepiece.” Dental implants are suited to these criteria. After all you’re considering a surgical procedure that places a medical device into your body.

Even so, today’s market is saturated with low cost options for dental implant treatment. And as the saying (or personal experience) proves you often get-what-you-pay-for.

Dental implants have a higher perceived value than an alternative treatment such as a tooth supported bridge. As they should, because they provide a more effective long term solution for your overall dental health.

You have two standard options when you lose a single tooth. You can replace it with a tooth supported bridge or with an implant supported crown.

The ADA (American Dental Association) reports that a bridge has an average lifespan of 10.1 years. Compare this to clinical studies that indicate dental implants have a 95% success rate for 20+ years.

Do the math:

Conservatively speaking, let’s initially price a tooth supported bridge between $3,000 and $4,000. Next, consider the estimated 10 year replacement costs associated with a bridge that requires a secondary investment of another $3,000 to $4,000.

Then add another $3,000 to $4,000 of replacement costs at 20 years. Your total investment in a tooth supported bridge for 20 years is conservatively estimated at $9,000 to $12,000.

Now, let’s run the numbers for an implant supported crown. Again, these are conservative estimates considering market and expertise.

Estimate your dental implant placement between $2,000 and $3,000 and your implant crown at $1,500 and $2,500. Your total investment for the same 20-25 years is now $3,500 to $5,500.

Either estimate could be reduced depending on your dental insurance coverage for a tooth supported bridge or an implant supported crown. You can see the significance of the perceived value when investing in the implant versus the bridge.

Ask questions:

It’s important to ask questions about replacing your missing tooth or teeth. Questions about cost estimates, treatment procedures, expertise, insurance coverage, ongoing maintenance, etc. are all fair and necessary.

Remember you’re trusting the long term viability of placing a medical device in your body. It’s entirely appropriate to inquire about your costs and the overall treatment process for your dental implant.

In fact, we expect it.

What’s important to you when weighing the option of dental implant treatment? Cost? Expertise? Treatment procedure?

 

Dental Screenings Linked to Lower Heart Disease, Stroke Risk

Dental Screenings Linked to Lower Heart Disease, Stroke Risk
By DR. MIRJANA JOJIC, ABC News Medical Unit
Nov 13, 2011
Going to the dentist can be stressful, frightening and painful — but it may also help your heart.
Research presented Sunday at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual conference in Orlando, Fla., suggests that not only do frequent dental cleanings ward off plaque and gum disease, but they can also reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Mini Implant: Exciting New Treatment Option

My staff and I are excited to introduce Small Diameter Implants into my practice. Small diameter or mini implants, as they are called, offer many advantages for patients. Mini implants are smaller, narrower, and more conservative than traditional implants. The placement procedure is much less invasive compared to traditional implants and is easily tolerated by most patients. The amount of bone needed for successful placement of mini’s is much less than what is required for traditional implants. This makes implant therapy available to patients who previously were not candidates because they had too little bone. In addition, they can be placed for 1/3 the price of a traditional implant, which makes them much more affordable and accessible.

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My Favorite Tooth Bleach

There are many options for tooth bleaching. They vary in speed of function, strength, cost, and effectiveness. We offer patients everything from help picking an over-the-counter product, at-home profession options, as well as in-office rapid whitening. When people ask me what I would recommend, my choice is usually the 3-day at-home system.

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