The Dental Place

My Dentures Feel Loose: What should I do?

June 5, 2017

Do your dentures not feel like they used to? Perhaps they slip and slide in your mouth when eating or speaking. If your dentures are not fitting properly, you should call our office to schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as you can. Wearing ill-fitting dentures can become very uncomfortable in addition to decreasing oral function and affecting your self-confidence. After visiting our dentist, our team can determine whether your dentures can be relined or if it is time for a new set all together.

Why do dentures become loose?

Dentures become loose over time. This is an unfortunate limitation of these prosthetics. When we lose our teeth, the roots of teeth no longer stimulate the bone in our jaw. Once bone is inactive, the body will resorb it. As the jaw loses density, it will change shape, thus affecting the way dentures fit. With time, these changes in our jaw shape will noticeably affect denture’s stability. Unstable dentures will feel loose and might even move significantly when speaking or eating.

What about denture adhesives?

Denture adhesives can provide extra support but an adhesive can only do so much for ill-fitting prosthetics. When dentures are noticeably loose, it is best to visit our practice for repairs or a new set so that you can enjoy comfortable prosthetics that improve oral function.

What does relining entail?

Relining dentures involves changing the shape and size of their base to accommodate the changing shape of the jaw. Since bone loss occurs over time, it is wise to have your dentures relined to improve the way they fit.

Will my dentures need to be replaced?

Many times, the way dentures fit can be improved with repairs but nearly all dentures require replacement at some point – especially if bone loss is substantial. Moreover, dentures that don’t fit properly can break easily.

Our team understands that you rely on your dentures every day, and when they no longer perform as they should, it will negatively affect your life. We are here to help you enjoy optimal oral function and a beautiful aesthetic. For questions about your prosthetics, call our team at The Dental Place.

Healthy Teeth – Healthy Body: Tips to Improve Oral and Overall Health

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!

Why is titanium used for dental implants?

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!

Tooth pain? Don’t wait!

April 19, 2017

Your tooth hurts, but you don’t know why. The reasons are numerous … there might be something caught between teeth irritating gum tissue; you may have developed decay; or maybe you have cracked your tooth and even cold air sends a zinging sensation that is extremely painful. There may be an easy solution, but if you wait too long and the pain continues, you may require a root canal to save your tooth!

If the discomfort is minor, try flossing and rinsing the area. If pain persists contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. Although a cavity does not form overnight, if it has been a while since your last regular dental appointment, you might be dealing with active decay. If your tooth had been previously treated for a cavity, the filling might have cracked or the cavity has grown larger.

In some cases, patients can break a tooth or develop a hairline crack by biting into something hard. Or if the patient suffers from bruxism (grinding teeth), an opening might have occurred in dentition exposing the nerve. In any case, immediate treatment can be done to relieve pain. Any time there is damage to the nerve of the tooth the solution required is a root canal.

A root canal (endodontic therapy) is a simple procedure where the tooth is segregated by a rubber dam to keep the area dry during the procedure. An access point is drilled into the tooth and a series of endodontic files are employed to remove the contents (nerve, blood, and pulp tissue) of each root of the tooth. An x-ray will have been taken to identify the number of roots involved as it is imperative that each root be treated for a successful root canal.

At the conclusion of the root canal, the access point must be sealed. If infection was present, an antibiotic might have been placed into the canals; or an oral medication may be prescribed. Your dentist might delay sealing the tooth until it has been determined that the infection has been eliminated.

A dental crown is often used to seal the tooth. Root canal therapy has been employed to save your tooth … the only other solution in these cases is tooth extraction. Saving your tooth is always a better remedy than costly and time consuming tooth replacement treatments!

Don’t wait to contact us until the discomfort is too unbearable. Call our team today!

How Dental Implants Have Revolutionized Treatment for Tooth Loss

April 5, 2017

Implant dentistry has become fairly standard for restoring tooth loss. The technology for dental implants was discovered by a dentist in Sweden in the 1950’s quite by accident. He had placed a titanium rod in the leg of a rabbit, and when he tried to retrieve the rod he found the rabbit’s bone had fused so thoroughly with the titanium, he could not remove it.

Subsequent testing led to experimenting with a human subject. And working in a smaller area such as the jaw seemed a better idea to the scientists. Coined osseointegration, the fusion of bone and titanium has led us to where we are today … successful dental implants that actually restore dentition to as close to biological teeth as possible.

The patient undergoes preliminary testing to qualify for dental implants, and a review of overall health is completed. A very thorough dental exam includes x-rays to determine bone strength in the jaw where tooth loss has occurred.

Insufficient bone does not automatically disqualify the patient for dental implants. There are procedures that can enhance bone where needed. Tobacco use is detrimental to the success of dental implants and is strongly discouraged. Infection can endanger the implant as well so the patient is encouraged to brush and floss to keep the area clean and healthy.

The procedure gets underway with surgically placing the titanium post in gum tissue where bone loss has occurred. During the healing period, bone fuses to the implant to form a support system for the restoration that will eventually cover the implant. This support works much like the roots of a natural tooth providing the strength and stability needed.

Once healing is completed and x-rays have determined that the post and bone have successfully merged, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant … the restoration will be permanently cemented to that abutment. The replacement tooth has been made to match surrounding teeth in size, contour, and color. Your implant will blend so naturally no one will be able to tell it is not your natural tooth.

And with your newly restored tooth, you will be able to resume eating all the foods you love. speak without fear of slippage and smile with self-confidence. Implant dentistry has allowed you to appreciate life once again thanks to a procedure that should last a lifetime.

Contact our office today to schedule a consult with our dental team!

How does endodontic treatment save a tooth?

March 20, 2017

Endodontic treatment is more commonly known as root canal therapy. And while no one wants to undergo a root canal, this treatment can mean the difference between saving your tooth or losing it.

Whenever a patient has suffered trauma to a tooth impacting the nerve; or if infection has permeated the root of the tooth due to a fracture, dental decay, or disease … endodontic treatment is usually needed.

An x-ray usually provides the evidence to show whether a root canal is needed. Symptoms the patient may be experiencing include discomfort, swelling of the face or jaw, and/or sensitivity to temperature. Your family dentist may be able to perform the root canal, but very often the patient is referred to an endodontist to perform treatment.

The number of roots and their position are determined; the tooth is segregated to keep it dry (a rubber dam is placed); anesthetic is injected to numb the area; and the procedure can begin.

An access point is drilled into the tooth requiring treatment. Endodontic files are then employed to remove the contents of the root canals including nerve tissue, blood, and pulp. If infection is present it is removed as well. An assistant is most often on hand to suction away the contents.

Once a permanent tooth has erupted, the nerve is no longer needed for the tooth to survive. When treatment is completed, pain is no longer felt. Without this treatment, the only other option would have been tooth extraction. This is never a better choice if the tooth can be saved.

The access point for endodontic treatment must be sealed upon being assured all infection has been cured and the procedure is deemed successful. Options to seal the tooth usually depend on which tooth was treated. Front teeth may be sealed using a tooth colored composite resin.

The access point for molar teeth are sealed with a crown. The tooth is filed down, and a temporary is placed while the crown is being made at the dental lab. In about two weeks, the patient returns for seating. Very often another x-ray is taken to be assured the root is healthy once again; if so the crown is permanently cemented in place; and the tooth is saved.

Root canal therapy is a much better option than dealing with the aftermath following tooth loss. Don’t put it off! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Chipped Denture: What are my options?

March 6, 2017

The attempt to perform a repair on your own chipped denture using glue or denture paste is tempting, but never recommended. You should contact your dentist right away to schedule an appointment for your best option.

If your denture is older, you may have experienced gum tissue shrinkage which can change the way dentures fit. An improperly fitting prosthesis can mean you are not chewing correctly which can present problems in fit, function, and appearance, and may lead to a break or chip in your denture. Biting down on something hard or awkwardly can result in dislodging a tooth in your denture or fracturing the porcelain.

An accidental drop in the sink or to the floor can break or chip the porcelain. You should always work with your denture over a soft surface – place a towel in the sink or on a counter top in the event of an accidental drop.

If you are in a hurry or away from home you may be tempted to purchase a denture repair kit to provide a temporary solution. But it is important to note that an amateur repair may result in doing more damage to your denture as well as create additional problems such as sore spots on your gums. Or if the repair is not done correctly, it could look bad or not function right.

If you are away from home, a simple phone call to your own dentist will provide you with the information needed to find a local dental provider to help or offer you the assistance you need until you can get home.

Taking proper care of your denture will extend its life … never boil or microwave your denture to disinfect it – this can warp it, changing the way it fits. Make sure to store it properly when not being worn. And clean it using the proper tools – the brush and paste you use for your biological teeth are too harsh for your denture.

For more tips about denture care, contact our team at The Dental Place today!

Things You May Not Know About Dental Implants

February 20, 2017

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons … a traumatic event, excessive dental decay, gum disease, or teeth may not have erupted normally. Dental implants provide an ideal solution to restore dentition allowing the patient to eat all the foods they, speak clearly, and have their dignity restored allowing them to laugh, eat, speak, and smile in public without embarrassment.

When first introduced many decades ago, dental implants were not as commonly used as they are today. But research and experience has shown that there are many advantages to dental implants over other traditional methods of tooth replacement.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in gum tissue where one or more teeth are missing. Titanium is the ideal metal for this procedure as it allows bone to integrate allowing it to become a permanent part of your dentition offering the same support for the final restoration that your tooth’s roots do for biological teeth.

When implant and bone has merged; and healing is completed, the final steps can be finished. Your dentist will have fabricated a restoration that will match your surrounding teeth in size, shape, and shade. An abutment will be attached to the implant and the final cosmetic enhancement will be tried in. When ready, it can be cemented in place.

The advantages of dental implants are numerous. In addition to allowing you to eat all the foods you loved before tooth loss occurred, they are permanent. The implant itself remains for life – if needed, the restoration can be replaced.

Dental implants promote gum health. Teeth replacement with a partial or bridge that merely sits on top of the gums does not prevent gum shrinkage. The implant promotes bone growth where tooth loss has occurred keeping gum tissue healthy with proper care.

If your dentist tells you that you are not a good candidate for dental implants due to insufficient bone, there is a procedure for bone augmentation that may work for you.

Dental implants do not require special care. During the healing process, you must remain vigilant in keeping the implant area clean to prevent infection, but once the final restoration is placed brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments for cleaning and dental exam are sufficient for maintaining a healthy dental implant.

Considering implants? Call our friendly team at The Dental Place today!

How soon can I return to school or work after a tooth extraction?

February 6, 2017

Having a tooth removed can be an easy process or can involve a surgical procedure. Your dentist will issue instructions to follow upon completion, but generally even a simple tooth extraction warrants going home and relaxing for the balance of the day.

Following the extraction you will likely have a wad of gauze where the tooth was removed. This is there to stem blood flow and help the area to clot. Replace if it becomes soaked. If the tooth was already loose, extraction may have been very simple; however, if your dentist had to elevate the tooth for removal or the tooth had broken you may experience some discomfort and you will want to go home.

With the majority of simple tooth extractions the patient receives some type of anesthetic … the jaw is numbed for the extraction. During tooth removal the patient feels pressure; however, when the anesthetic wears off depending on the severity of the extraction there may be discomfort. In most cases an over the counter analgesic is sufficient for relief.

In the case of surgical extractions like for impacted or wisdom teeth, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon. They are equipped to offer you the appropriate anesthetic for your needs. If the patient requires a general anesthetic or uses oral sedation, they will need transportation home. The only anesthetic where the patient can transport themselves is with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) which wears off quickly or a numbing agent like lidocaine.

Post-operative instructions usually include:

Rest to stop the bleeding; keep your head elevated. Take pain medication as prescribed and needed.
Do not smoke or use any type of tobacco.
Do not drink using a straw. Any type of sucking action can remove the clot that has formed where the tooth was extracted. The result can lead to a dry socket … if the clot becomes dislodged for any reason, the patient will experience pain. A return to the dentist is often required.
Eat soft foods like pudding, applesauce, scrambled eggs, yogurt, or ice cream … you can resume eating normally in a few days.
Do not brush the surgical area until healed; brush surrounding teeth carefully.

Let your dental professional be your guide on when it is best to return to work or school. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!

Root Canal Treatment: Your Most Common Questions Answered

January 23, 2017

You hear jokes or horror stories about root canal therapy. Chances are the folks telling these tales have never had a root canal. This treatment can save your tooth from loss, is literally pain free and can be performed very quickly. Some of the questions or concerns about endodontic therapy are:

What are the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal?

Discomfort when biting down; sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour; swelling around the tooth or jaw; or in some cases, there are no obvious symptoms. Your dentist might see a fracture in a tooth or an x-ray will indicate infection is present indicating the need for a root canal.

What happens if I don’t have a root canal?

If infection occurs, the tooth can abscess. The pus pocket at the base of the tooth can spread leading to a very serious infection. Ultimately if a root canal is not performed, the tooth will require extraction.

What happens during a root canal?

The first step is a dental x-ray is taken to determine the angle/location and the number of roots requiring treatment. It is imperative that all of a tooth’s canals be treated for a successful procedure.

The tooth is protected with a rubber dam that keeps the area dry. A drill is used to make an access point in the tooth. Endodontic files follow the access point to remove the contents of each canal. The contents removed are the nerve of the tooth, pulp, blood, and infection (if present).

The canals are flushed … if infected an antibiotic may be placed. Eventually the tooth must be sealed, but very often the dentist will want to wait to make sure the infection is gone before this final step is completed. A dental crown is a favorite choice to seal the tooth.

Can my family dentist perform a root canal?

Depending on the tooth involved, your family dentist may want you to be treated by an endodontist … a dentist who has specialized in root canal therapy. By seeking out an endodontist, you have the security of knowing you are being treated by someone who has completed additional years of dental school training; has the staff and tools on hand for a successful procedure; and can perform your root canal efficiently, painlessly, and with a positive outcome.

Do you need to schedule a consultation with our team? Contact our office today!