May 2017 - The Dental Place

May 22, 2017

Many of the things we do to keep our teeth healthy are the same things we should do to maintain great overall health. Eat a diet consisting of foods enriched with vitamins and nutrients (fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, proteins, fish, and poultry); exercise often; get adequate rest; avoid stress; do not smoke; stay hydrated; avoid illicit drugs; do not abuse alcohol; and for your dental health specifically brush twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and see your dentist every six months for cleaning and dental exam.

Diet – We know what we should consume; but awareness of the things that can do harm may not be so evident. Foods and beverages high in sugar and/or acidic value can result in the emergence of dental decay.
Sound sleep – Daily stressors, busy schedules, and non-stop commitments can make getting a good night’s sleep difficult. Add in the possibility that the patient may develop a nighttime habit like teeth grinding and jaw clenching, and you increase the odds of developing a dental problem that can lead to broken teeth. A sleep guard fabricated by your dentist can help with sleep and breaking this habit.
Tobacco use – Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe; e-cigs; or chewing tobacco … all are known to be hazardous to your health. But patients that use tobacco products are far more likely to be faced with periodontal disease and the potential for tooth loss.
Drink lots of water – So called health or sports drinks can be loaded with sugar. Think twice before consuming soda … even the sugar free varieties can take a toll on your teeth. The best beverage you can consume for your great health is water. If you don’t like plain water, try infusing it with fresh fruit.
Alcohol use – be aware of the hazards; excessive consumption can do harm.
Oral health – There is definitely a link between dental and overall health. Taking care of one will naturally contribute to the other. So while doing things for your overall health, do not neglect taking care of your teeth.

Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste using a soft bristle toothbrush; floss every day to remove what your toothbrush missed; and see your dentist every six months for a cleaning, polishing, and dental exam to maintain great oral health.

Call our team to schedule your next cleaning today!

May 8, 2017

Dental implants are the ideal solution to restore tooth loss allowing the patient to eat all the foods they wish without any problem; speak clearly; and smile broadly with self-confidence because they no longer suffer from a lack of dentition.

Titanium is a metal used for most implants for its unique ability for bone fusion, minimal chance of rejection, and its history of durability and longevity.

In the 1950’s a Swedish scientist was performing an experiment by placing a titanium rod in the leg of a rabbit. When he went to retrieve the rod, he discovered that the rabbit’s bone had merged so completely with the rod that he could not extricate it. This led to further experimentation; and when ready to try on a human subject it was determined that a much better controlled application would be in the jawbone.

Dental implants have become a commonplace treatment in recent decades for tooth loss. And the reasons to implement tooth implants over other methods of dental prosthesis include:

Bone loss – when a dental implant is placed it actually helps jaw bone to remain strong. If a tooth just sits on top of the gum tissue, the bone that once held the biological tooth in place begins to deteriorate. Gum tissue can shrink leading to appearance changes; as well as changing how the false tooth functions.
Comfort and Convenience – Dental implants are surgically placed in gum tissue where they become a permanent part of the patient’s dental anatomy performing much like the roots of a natural tooth. Once healed, the implant has a cosmetic restoration permanently cemented to an abutment affixed to the implant. Much like a dental crown, the patient never has to think about their missing tooth again.
Longevity – When the first recipient of a dental implant passed away in his 90’s, the implant was still doing its job … and history has proven that this method of tooth replacement is very long lasting.
Functionality – There is no concern with tooth movement at any time under any circumstance; you can eat anything you please with the assurance that you will not experience slippage.

Your dentist will make a restoration that will match neighboring teeth in size, shape, and color. Once bone has fused to your implant (a process called osseointegration), this final cosmetic step will complete your tooth replacement journey.

Contact our office today to get started on your journey!