Dental Implants Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Should I Get Dental Implants?

May 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth will move into space where your lost tooth previously was. This can create a host of problems.

This is why it is crucial for you to find the right tooth replacement option. One such option you might want to seriously consider would be dental implants. You’re probably wondering “Should I get dental implants?” or “Are dental implants worth it?”

Anatomy of dental implants

In order to better answer that question, it is worthwhile to have some understanding of what implants are.

An implant is comprised of three main parts: the post, abutment, and the tooth restoration.

The implant looks and functions like a screw. It is usually made of titanium and is implanted beneath the jawbone.

Once the implant is installed by Dr. Farhat, the abutment is then installed. This will be followed by the installation of the tooth restoration.

Advantages of dental implants

One of the key advantages of dental implants over other tooth replacement options is that these can help prevent the deterioration of your jawbone.

Dental implants help ensure that your jawbone is stimulated despite the lack of a tooth root. In turn, keeping your jawbone healthy can prevent your face from looking sunken and your lips from looking too thin.

Dental implants can also prevent some of the problems associated with wearing dentures. These include mouth sores, poor fit, and dietary restrictions.

Finally, dental implants have been around and have been modernized with the advent of new technologies.

Today, dentists like Dr. Farhat can show their patients the outcome they can expect from the procedure. But apart from that, regarding longevity and overall value, implants are considered by many experts as superior over other tooth replacement options.

Should I get dental implants?

Wel, if there is one major caveat that you should know about dental implants, it is the fact that it may not be suitable for everyone.

In order to be considered an ideal candidate for dental implants, your Sterling Heights dentist will need to take a few crucial factors into consideration.

First, you should have healthy gums. That means that if you have gum disease, you might need to consider other tooth replacement options.

Patients who want to get dental implants should also possess good bone density. Remember, the implants will be anchored to the jawbone.

The whole process of installing dental implants can take several months or even up to a year. If you do not have the patience to go through such a long process, then dental implants may not be for you.

Finally, there are some patients that are ruled out from getting implants due to their conditions. These include smokers and people who are suffering from diseases that affect their bodies’ ability to heal.

All-on-4 or All-on-6 Dental implants

February 2, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Have you heard of All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants? If you have missing teeth and you are considering getting dental implants, one of these procedures could be your best option. These treatments are quite similar but have some key differences, so Dr. Farhat may recommend one procedure over the other depending on your unique situation.

Similarities Between Dental Implants

Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants are effective solutions for those who lost several teeth. Both procedures will involve the surgical placement of dental implants in your jaw to maintain its structural integrity after tooth loss. Typically, both treatments will take about two to three hours to be completed.

During both procedures, you will be under general anesthesia. The implants will bond with the jaw to imitate the pressure placed on it by natural teeth. Depending on the procedure, your removable or fixed denture will fasten to four or six implants. All the teeth will be connected but will only have four or six roots that go into your jaw.

During the past couple of years, replacing a set of teeth required many more implants and could even include jaw bone grafting. Thus, the healing process may take up to six months before your mouth becomes ready for the dentures or crowns. With this advanced approach, however, there will be a shorter healing period because there are fewer implants involved. Also, the temporary dentures can be installed at the same time until the permanent dentures are ready, which often takes up to three months.

Differences Between Dental Implants

The number of implants that are added is the most obvious difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants. All-on-4 makes use of four implants while All-on-6 utilizes six implants. But aside from this, there are other differences that should be considered. Dr. Farhat will choose which procedure is better based on clinical opinions and practices.

Often, the All-on-6 procedure is highly recommended because this provides better stability and strength, resulting in a longer-lasting, more comfortable smile. Every time you bite or chew on something, it is crucial for the pressure to be dispersed evenly to your implants and jaw. Most dentists believe that the placement and location of the two additional implants will provide a considerable amount of added stability, strength, and long-term benefit.

Without your teeth, your jawbone starts to break down. Thus, people who have worn dentures for quite a long time usually look older. Also, their jaw appears to be sunken in if they take off their dentures. With dental implants, this won’t happen since the implants will stimulate the jawbone. In fact, it can even keep your jawbone stronger. The All-on-6 dental implants provide additional strength and stimulation to your jawbone.

Both approaches are excellent permanent solutions if you have lost several teeth and you want to regain a confident smile. The recovery period and adjustment will be minimal. If you need a major dental reconstruction, visit Dental One Care and find out which of these two procedures is best for you.

What Are Your Options for Broken Tooth Repair?

October 31, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Human teeth are surprisingly strong. Just take a look at the diverse array of food that your teeth can cut, chew and break down into smaller pieces – from meats to veggies and fruits to nuts.

That is not to say that your teeth are invulnerable. No. Your teeth can be damaged over time due to poor care, or in an instant due to injuries or accidents.

Teeth can become broken or cracked due to different reasons.

For example, the surface of a tooth can get cracked to its root. Left unchecked, this can lead to a split tooth — here, there is a visible separation of the affected tooth into segments and it can no longer be saved.

A vertical root fracture, on the other hand, occurs when the crack begins at the tooth’s root, extending toward the chewing surface.

Whatever the cause of your broken tooth, getting it examined as soon as possible is crucial to avoid further complications like infections and extensive damage.

Here are a few broken tooth repair options that your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure that is used for a variety of conditions including the treatment of discolored, misshapen, and broken teeth.

This procedure entails the application of a putty on the affected tooth which will then be molded and smoothed. Your dentist will then use ultraviolet light to cure and harden the putty.

Veneers

Another option available for people with broken teeth is veneers. Veneers are thin shells that may be made out of different materials and are used to cover the front surface of a tooth.

Veneers are quite popular among patients and dentists for their durability.

Crowns

Dentists recommend the use of crowns for teeth that have been chipped extensively and to patients who experience pain when chewing and/or drinking.

Essentially, a crown serves as a cap or cover for the affected tooth, providing both protection and enhancement of the appearance of the tooth.

Root canal

If the crack on the tooth extends toward its pulp, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. This treatment can help prevent infections which could then lead to complications like an abscess and bone loss.

Contrary to what some patients may believe, a root canal is not painful. At the hands of an experienced professional, you may experience just a slight discomfort while the decayed tooth matter and nerves are removed.

Dental implants

If the tooth is beyond repair due to extensive damage, your only recourse may be to have it extracted.

Fortunately, when you have a tooth extracted, there are a few options you can choose from when it comes to replacing it, including dental implants.

Among the different tooth replacement options, dental implants provide good value for your money by restoring the natural appearance and function of teeth, on top of their unmatched durability.

Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth With Dental Sealants

October 19, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Preventing cavities is a must for young children because tooth decay can result in the worst pain they can experience in their early life.

However, reminding the little ones constantly to brush their teeth doesn’t always work. You have to deal with their laziness and their dislike for the oral care activity, which are pretty much the reasons why four million preschoolers these days suffer from tooth decay.

If you wish to preserve your children’s teeth better, there are dental solutions that can do the trick. Among them are dental sealants, which are made of a thin, plastic material that is painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth – the premolars and molars – in order to prevent cavities from developing.

Dental sealants adhere quickly to the depressions and grooves of teeth. They serve as a shield for the teeth’s enamel from the germs, bacteria, and acids that cause tooth decay. They are a fantastic way to give your children an advantage in maintaining a healthy mouth.

Are Your Kids Good Candidates for Dental Sealants?

If your children eat a lot of sugary food and their oral hygiene practices are not as fine-honed as you want them to be, dental sealants are a must, according to a Sterling Heights dentist. This solution is even more important after permanent teeth have emerged because when children lose their permanent teeth, they’re lost for good.

It’s important to point out, however, that dental sealants can also be used on really young children and adults.

How Effective are Dental Sealants?

Very.

A report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that children between the ages 6 to 11 who have sealants are three times less prone to getting cavities on their first molars that those who don’t.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last up to a decade with proper maintenance. During regular dental checkups, the dentist will inspect how the sealants are holding up to make sure that they are protecting the teeth as they should. If the quality of the sealants has been compromised, the dentist will recommend a reapplication, which is a quick and painless process.

It is rather important to teach kids how to make their dental sealants last, though. Some highly recommended tips are to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and to avoid using teeth as tools (such as for tearing open a bag of chips) — while dental sealants are durable, they are not completely impervious to the scratches caused by such friction.

8 Fun Facts About Digital Dental X Rays

September 11, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare 1 Comment

8 Fun Facts About the History of Digital Dental X Rays

Growing up, you may have been taught that exposure to any form of radiation is harmful for human beings. In history books and on the news, you have likely seen its horrifying effects on people. Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, but this also depends on the amount you are exposed to. In small doses, radiation has been used in medicine to detect and treat a host of ailments, from hyperthyroidism to cancer.

Radiation can be found in a wide range of medical and dental tools, and X-rays are one of them. Learn more about x-rays and the good side of radiation with these interesting facts about digital dental x rays.

Radiation can be found all us — in the air we breathe as well as on the walls, floors and ceilings made of cement, stone or bricks. It is also emitted by a number of devices including watches, TV sets and computers. Human beings have been exposed to radiation since before they were born. When talking about exposure, the amount of radiation should also be considered.
People are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. Even the amount of radiation you are exposed to when going about your day is several times higher than what you would get during a typical x-ray session. To put it into perspective, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to on a daily basis is the equivalent of taking 950 digital x-rays.
Using natural gas to cook food produces more radiation than making a dental x-ray.
X-rays have been around for more than a century. They were first discovered in 1895, the same year the first dental x-ray images were produced.
Machines have evolved over the years. Today’s machines are smaller, faster, more efficient and safer to use. Newer sensor-based machines use about a tenth the amount of radiation that the traditional film-based machines did.
X-ray images show what your teeth, bone and supporting tissues look like on the inside. Dentists use them to find cavities, look at the roots of each tooth, and see if you have any oral health issues.
Radiation safety measures emphasize the importance of using ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable levels when taking dental x-rays.
Because images are now in digital form, it has become easier for medical and dental personnel to share images and collaborate on what treatment to use.

You can learn more about radiation and its benefits from your Sterling Heights dentist.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

5 Important Considerations When Choosing A Sterling Heights Family Dentist

August 22, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Family dentists practice general dentistry. They offer a wide range of services for all ages like hygiene instruction, tooth cleanings, fillings, and tooth restoration.

When choosing a Sterling Heights family dentist, it is crucial to find one that has adequate training and experience to meet all the varying needs of the whole family. With a good dentist, each trip to the dental office can be a fun, positive experience. And this translates to well-informed parents and children who are driven to care for their teeth and mouth.

What to Look for in a Good Family Dentist

1. Training

One of the crucial qualifications to look for in a family dentist is the level of education and training. Although all dentists went to school to be licensed, there are programs and continuing education classes for additional training in specific techniques. Check if the family dentist is committed to being constantly updated on the latest advancements and innovations in dental care. Most importantly, ask if he is a member of reputable professional dental organizations.

2. Experience

A dependable dentist has accumulated years of experience in doing various types of dental procedures, guaranteeing the best results for his patients. Ask which procedures are often done on patients in that dental office. Opt for a dentist that is knowledgeable and skilled in performing the services you and your family needs.

3. Good Ambiance

Visit the dental office prior to finally deciding which family dentist to work with. Dental offices offer a different atmosphere. The whole family must feel at ease and comfortable whenever you come for dental checkups or treatments. The dental staff must work well with children. And most importantly, they must be capable of explaining dental health concerns and procedures in simpler terms.

4. Services

Apart from offering the general dental services, a good dentist offers additional services like restorative dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry.

5. Dental Insurance

When selecting a family dentist, make sure that he can cooperate with your dental insurance. This is usually a deal-breaker for most families since budget is a crucial factor. Opting for a dental office that honors your family’s insurance policy will help you save on dental bills.

Apart from experience, rapport, and knowledge, you must also look for a dental office that’s practical. As much as possible, choose one that is close to your home. Also, inquire about financing options, most especially for the services that are not covered by your insurance.

It is not easy to find a new dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. You would not want to work with someone you are not comfortable with, so look for the above-mentioned criteria and take your time in making a final decision.

What to Expect After Braces

April 28, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

A dentist will take an hour or two to properly put on or install your new braces. At that time, you may have felt like you had your mouth open for an eternity and you probably felt uncomfortable the whole time.

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning. After all, wearing metal braces isn’t one of the most pleasing experiences you will have in your lifetime. But if you want to have a straighter and healthier set of teeth as well as a more beautiful smile, you will have to grin and bear it.

If you will be having your braces fitted soon, a Sterling Heights dentist shares an overview below of what to expect after braces:

Once your braces are set, your teeth will begin to move. Because of this, your bite will start feeling different. You might also get bite bumps due to the little braces or bonding buttons on the inside or on the biting surfaces of some teeth where your lower braces are. They help prevent you from biting hard against your braces and it may take you three to five days to adjust to them.
Since the braces apply a gentle, even pressure on the teeth, you will feel some discomfort and a dull aching sensation. After getting your braces, it is best to eat soft foods at first and take over-the-counter painkillers if you feel some pain. Mashed potatoes, Jell-O, soup, oatmeal, and smoothies should comprise your main diet for the first several days.
Your new braces can rub sore spots on the inside of the mouth. However, the skin will toughen up after a little while, but until then, you can ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontic wax that you can apply which will keep the rough brackets from poking your skin.
Once you stop feeling some discomfort, you can resume eating most of the foods you normally enjoy. However, with your braces on, you may want to change your eating habits. This is because the shape of your braces will prevent you from biting down firmly on hard or crunchy foods. You will also have to start tearing or cutting your food into smaller pieces so they will fit more easily into your mouth. In addition, you’ll have to start avoiding sticky, gooey foods such as gum, caramel and taffy because it will be very hard to remove them from the brackets.
Lastly, continue practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice every day, or if possible, after every meal to quickly remove bits of food that get trapped in your mouth and braces. If you don’t get rid of these bits, you might end up with little white spots (called decalcification) where the brackets used to be once they are removed. Floss properly using the right type of floss and technique daily as well.

It may take you a week or two to get used to the feeling of having braces in your mouth. However, after that, it should not feel too uncomfortable or unpleasant all the time. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist if you still feel some pain or discomfort days after your braces have been fitted. Contact us today!

Dental Implants: A Summary of Its Pros and Cons

April 18, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

In the old days, painful teeth, diseased and weak teeth would definitely mean lost teeth. But advances in dentistry have resulted in significant improvements in dental treatments and solutions. Dental implants are an example of how dental technology offers better options for many patients today.

The need for urgent tooth restoration

Teeth restoration is done not just to achieve a nice aesthetic result; it is vital for oral health as well. Once you lose a tooth, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible because the alveolar bone in your jaw also begins to disintegrate. The neighboring teeth move into the gap, forcing the whole bite out of line. Thus, having missing teeth for quite a long time can result in certain dental issues like “bad bite” or malocclusion, which may lead to inefficient chewing.

Why opt for dental implants?

A dental implant is the best remedy for replacing missing teeth. Implants generally solve the downsides of bridges and dentures.

It protects your teeth and promotes bone preservation.

With a dental implant, the remaining teeth are protected from damage because it does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants also replace the missing tooth as well as its root, therefore preventing bone loss.

It acts like a real tooth and is easy to maintain.

Whether for chewing or for speaking, implants offer better functionality. Implants look and function like your original teeth. And this means you can manage them the same way you do with your natural teeth.

It is safe and durable.

Unlike bridges and dentures that need replacing every 7 to 10 years, implants can last a lifetime. Implants are also reliable among older adults.

When not to choose dental implants

Dental implants are not for everybody. Smokers and those with chronic conditions like diabetes are usually advised to get an implant because they have lower success rates.

Implants also come with a price tag and insurance does not usually cover such procedure.

Moreover, the procedure can be quite complex as it involves multiple steps. In some situations, it might also need additional dental treatments. Busy patients will need to make major adjustments to their schedules to accommodate the multiple visits and recovery time.

Final thoughts

A reliable dentist in Sterling Heights will opt to preserve your teeth as much as possible. If you’re concerned about missing teeth and looking for a smart way to replace them, ask about the right options for you today!

8 Situations That Call for the Help of an Emergency Dentist (Sterling Heights, MI)

March 14, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dental emergencies are not uncommon occurrences. When people are not particularly careful, they can end up damaging their teeth, or hurting their gums, tongue and lips. When such situations transpire, a trip to the dentist is always the smart thing to do. The problem, however, is not all dentists are ready to take on emergency situations. Some are nowhere to be found during certain hours of the day.

Fortunately, you can find emergency dentists with the capacity to take on emergency cases. These dental professionals take care of the following dental situations that require immediate attention.

A broken tooth that hurts

Though a broken or chipped tooth is not always a dental emergency because it’s not always painful, an emergency dentist can provide appropriate treatment right away if there actually is pain (or there’s some swelling). A temporary solution can also be applied should you need to quickly have the tooth restored to its original appearance.

Broken jaw

Physical trauma, slips, and other accidents can result in this dental emergency; there could be bleeding, swelling, and severe pain says the dentist in Sterling Heights. The jaw needs to be protected before reconstruction surgery.

Cut tongue or lip

The immediate treatment of an emergency dentist can prevent further discomfort due to bleeding and swelling. The dentist can also stitch up the cut to minimize bleeding and reduce the risk of infection.

Knocked out teeth

With prompt treatment, the teeth can be restored- and for the timeliest treatment, an emergency dentist is the best professional to call.

Something stuck in the gums or between teeth

This is usually painful and just very uncomfortable. It’s best for removal to be carried out in the safest manner with the right tools and method as handled by a reputable Sterling Heights dentist. Removal may need to be followed by additional treatments to prevent infection and for the restoration of damaged teeth or cut gums.

Removed or broken crown

Immediate restoration is a must. When a crown gets broken, it can expose nerve endings that may lead to uncomfortable sensitivity.

Removed filling

Anything that will expose dental nerves or tubules will lead to severe pain and should be treated right away. An emergency dentist can ensure a proper replacement of filling.

Severe toothaches

You never know when these will occur but one thing’s for sure – you don’t want to wait to be relieved from the pain.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your Sterling Heights Dentist today!

8 Things You Need to Know About a Dental Implant

February 28, 2017 by Lauren Edvalson Leave a Comment

Dental Implant Facts To Help You Stay Informed

Restoring missing teeth and making the replacement look, feel and function like your natural teeth are what dental implants are all about, according to a Sterling Heights dentist. Dental implants are popular restorative dentistry treatments that many (who have the financial means) are gravitating toward; that’s because compared to other solutions, dental implants present the best benefits.

If you’re unfamiliar with this dental solution, here are eight things you need to know about the dental implant:

One of the best benefits provided by dental implants is that they do not need neighboring teeth for support; this means that they’re more stable.
Implants come in different types:

There are those placed right into the jawbone to resemble and function like natural tooth roots.
There are custom-made metal frameworks that fit right onto the existing bone due to limited jaw structure.

Dental implants can also be used to support permanently cemented bridges.
There’s a thorough evaluation process in determining if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. To get clearance for dental implants, a patient must:

Have sufficient dense bone tissue;
Not have any type of periodontal disease (if the patient has gingivitis or other type of periodontal disease, he needs to be treated and recover from treatment first);
Not smoke (because smoking creates unhealthy mouth conditions that can compromise the overall quality of the implants);
Be free from health issues like diabetes, heart problems or weakened immune system, and
Have good oral hygiene. Proper care and maintenance are important, especially when the dental implants are just recently installed.

The entire process can take up to nine months. It’s a long time; the healing period can last six months or so, depending on the patient’s good health. Meanwhile, fitting the replacement teeth can last for two months, explains the dentist in Sterling Heights.
The success rate for implants is considerably high because of the carefully laid out plan for execution and the screening process for suitability for the treatment.
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of failure of dental implants. It causes infection and weakening of the gums.
Dental implants are expensive because the elaborate procedure requires specialists’ services; what’s more, they involve a lot of materials for restoration. But one thing is for certain: It’s an investment that’s completely worth it because it can restore the lovely and healthy appearance of your mouth, you score the convenience of eating what you want, you can speak more easily, and dental implants can preserve the healthy structure of your jaws.

If you would like more information about dental implants in Sterling Heights contact the Dental1Care team, our staff is ready to answer your questions!