Getting Dental Implants
Dental implants are a procedure performed by a periodontist where an artificial tooth is placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or group of teeth or a bridge. This is usually performed for people with good dental health, but have lost their tooth because of periodontal disease, injury or another reason. Implants are more high-tech in nature than the traditional bridgework. Unlike bridgework, dental implants do not depend on surrounding teeth for support.
Implants give a natural look and feel, so you might forget that you have lost a tooth. It will bring back your confidence – personally and professionally. Dental implants may also help to prevent spaces from missing teeth, secure your dentures, and help you if you’re having difficulty chewing. Implants give you the feeling of having your own teeth. They can last a lifetime when performed properly, and with diligent maintenance by the patient. It is considered the best solution for missing tooth or teeth problems.
Uses for dental implants:
- Replaces tooth or teeth without affecting neighboring teeth.
- Provides support to the bridge, and prevents the need for partial denture removal.
- Provides support to the dentures making it more comfortable, safe and secure.
Dental Implants’ Benefits:
- Look. Dental implants gives you the look and feel of having your own tooth! While dental implants incorporate into the part of your bone, it prevents gum recession and bone loss that usually go with dentures and bridgework. No one will ever recognize that you have a dental implant.
- Tooth-saving. Dental implants will not sacrifice your other teeth like in a bridge because your other teeth are not modified to hold the implant. Most of your teeth are untouched, which is an important benefit for your oral hygiene and health!
- Confidence. Implants will let you speak again, eat, and smile with confidence and comfort! They are safe and secure and offer freedom from the clicks and wobbles of dentures. They’ll let you say goodbye to denture worries and problems and messy glues and pastes.
- Reliable. The success of dental implants is very predictable. They are considered the best option for tooth replacement.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are also known as dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates. They are wafer-thin shells that are placed in front of the teeth to give a cosmetic improvement for the tooth. Porcelain veneers are a dentist’s way to make a cosmetic change for a tooth that is discolored, chipped, worn or misaligned.
It is a fact that porcelain veneers hide discoloration, improves smiles, and brightens teeth. One great advantage of porcelain veneers is that it gives a real tooth-like appearance. It provides an extremely natural look because both porcelain and enamel are white and translucent. They appear in light the same as real teeth, which results in a natural looking smile. Another advantage of porcelain veneers are that they are stain resistant. Because porcelain is ceramic, products that cause stain will not affect the veneers. You do not have to worry, even if you are a coffee or red wine lover.
Uses of Porcelain Veneers:
- Porcelain veneers are used to repair minor decay and imperfections. Worn out tooth or a tooth that is chipped or misshapen can be helped by veneers.
- Porcelain veneers are used to conceal or cover fillings that are stained or discolored. Old fillings that have changed in color can be covered by porcelain veneers.
- Porcelain veneers are used to color teeth with permanent stains. Teeth that are naturally discolored are a perfect candidate for porcelain veneers. Some people also suffer discoloration due to the food and drink they like. Smoking is also a culprit.
- Porcelain veneers are used as alternative dental treatment. They can be used to close spaces in between gaps and to treat misaligned teeth.
Porcelain veneers can last for many years, as long as they are properly cared for. There are many things you should do to make them last longer than you expected. You should practice healthy oral care at home. Just like a real tooth, brushing and flossing daily is a must. Use non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride for your porcelain veneers. Do not expose your veneers to excessive forces like heavy or sharp objects. Avoid biting fingernails and never use your teeth as a tool for opening something or whatever. This can break or dislodge your porcelain veneer. Also, avoid grinding and clenching teeth. This can also break your porcelain as well. Minimize staining factors to avoid changes in your veneers.
The Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is caused by poor oral hygiene or another type of oral malady. It may also caused by your food intake or unhealthy daily activities. The bacteria that develops in your mouth generally produces bad breath. Each person’s breath will depend on various factors, and each may contribute to having bad breath.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Foods are broken down in tiny particles as you eat. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, these tiny particles will stay in your mouth, eventually causing bacteria to form on your teeth, gums and tongue. Dentures should also be cleaned regularly, as this may also cause bacteria build up in your mouth.
- Health Problems: Periodontal disease is a major cause of bad breath. Bacteria and plaque causes gum disease, which may harm the whole mouth and jaw if left untreated. Other serious diseases like cancer, liver and kidney failures, diabetes, and many others can also cause bad breath. The bad odor may come from the liver or other internal organs due to the chemicals and other drugs that may produce an unpleasant smell. Other medical problems like GERD, high blood pressure, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems have also been linked with bad breath.
- Food: The food that you eat may also contribute to bad breath. Foods with strong odors like garlic and onion may leave a smell in your mouth causing bad breath. When digested, particles of these foul-odored foods are absorbed in your body through the bloodstream, it will be carried to your body including the lungs that produces the air you breath.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking is a big factor that causes bad breath. Too much smoking causes dry mouth, which leads to mouth odor. Smokers are also prone to periodontal disease, one of the main causes of bad breath. The tar and nicotine also attaches to your teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums and can also contribute to bad breath.
Bad breath can be prevented or reduced through good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth on a regular basis and flossing can prevent bacteria build up. It is also best to see your dentist at least twice a year for a proper dental cleaning. Drinking water frequently will keep your mouth moist and avoid eating unhealthy foods. Avoiding cigarettes is good to prevent bad breath.
What Happens During a Root Canal
A root canal is a procedure for the treatment of a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. The process includes cleaning and repairing the affected tooth, removing the nerves and the pulp, and then sealing the infected tooth. If left untreated, pus will surround the infected tooth, which is much more dangerous. Removing the nerves in the tooth does not affect the day to day activity of a person, because its only function is for sensory – providing sensation for hot and cold. The tooth pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the root canal, needs to be removed in this case because it will break down and may cause bacteria to build up within the tooth. If this happens, it can result in an abscessed tooth, wherein pus will begin to fill the end root of your tooth. Aside from developing an abscess, an infected tooth may also result in a swollen face, neck or cheek. Bone loss at the root of your tooth can also occur. A tooth’s nerve can become damaged, irritated, or infected due to a host of different trauma to the mouth. Signs that you need a root canal may not always be obvious to you. However, these signs should set off your alarm bells.
- Serious tooth pain while chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth discoloration
- Swelling of the gums
- Pimple on the gums
A root canal can entail one or two dental visits, and can be done by either a dentist or an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in working with dental pulp and tooth nerves. This naturally includes diagnosis and treatment of disease of tooth nerves. Your choice of dentist will depend on how serious your infection is and the procedure that it requires. Usually, the first step for root canal therapy is an x-ray to see the root of your tooth, and if there is an infection already present. The dentist may or may not give you anesthesia, depending on your tooth’s nerves. A rubber dam will then be placed on your tooth to keep it dry and prevent the build up of saliva during the procedure. The dentist will make a hole in your tooth to remove the bacteria, pulp, nerves and other debris. It will then be cleaned after the procedure and sealed as the final step.