Should I Get Dental Implants?

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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

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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?

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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.

Dental Implants: A Summary of Its Pros and Cons

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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!

What to Do After Oral Surgery

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What to Do After Oral Surgery

Following your Sterling Heights dentist‘s oral surgery aftercare instructions will ensure that you heal faster and complications are minimized, if not totally eliminated.

Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions depending on the type of procedure you have undergone. Here’s an overview of what to do after oral surgery.

Dental implants

After a dental implant surgery, you should avoid disturbing the area that your doctor worked on. That means avoiding touching the area, rinsing, or even spitting on the day of the procedure. The same thing applies to the temporary healing abutment.

You should also consume plenty of liquids and stick to soft foods on the day of the surgery. Your dentist will tell you when you can safely and comfortably consume normal food again.

Wisdom tooth removal

Following the removal of your wisdom tooth, a gauze pad will be placed on the area where the tooth was previously. This pad should be kept in its place by applying moderate amount of pressure for about half an hour. After this period, the gauze pad can be discarded.

Avoid touching the area, as well as vigorous mouth rinsing. Both can cause the area to bleed.

Exposure of impacted teeth

The area that your dentist worked on should not be disturbed. In some cases, surgical packing will be used. Let it be. The purpose of the surgical packing is to help keep the tooth exposed. Should the pack become dislodged or fall off, do not worry.

Multiple teeth extraction

If multiple teeth have been extracted, a small amount of bleeding is to be expected. Contain the bleeding by placing a gauze pad on the affected areas, keeping it in place by applying moderate biting pressure for about half an hour. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze pad with a new one and use your finger to apply pressure on the area. Do this for another half hour. If the bleeding still continues, replace the gauze pad with a moist tea bag and hold it in place for half an hour. Call your dentist if the bleeding still does not stop.

In order to replace lost blood, you must drink lots of liquids. Ideally, you should drink at least six glasses of water on the day of your operation. Avoid rinsing your mouth on the day of the surgery and stick to a soft diet until the wounds heal. It is normal for the area operated on to swell. Some patients may also experience discoloration around their eyes. To remedy both, apply a moist warm towel on the affected area.

Some patients may also experience sore throat after multiple teeth extraction, this should subside in two to three days. If you are experiencing dryness in the corners of your mouth, apply Vaseline or a similar ointment. If your Sterling Heights dentist immediately placed dentures after the procedure and sores have developed, visit your dentist to have your dentures adjusted.

Other reminders

Bleeding usually occurs in any type of oral surgery. You can contain excessive bleeding by placing a gauze pad on the wound and leaving it on the area for half an hour. Be sure to contact your dentist if bleeding does not stop. If you are experiencing swelling, you can apply an ice pack on the affected area. You can apply cold therapy during the initial 36 hours after the surgery.

Go on a soft diet after your surgery and avoid extreme temperatures in food and beverages. Your dentist will prescribe pain medications for you. Take these as needed or if you experience pain after the anesthetic wears off. You may have to avoid driving and/or operating machinery when you are taking pain medications. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take these as directed by your dentist.

Avoid exercising and other strenuous activities on the day of and day after your surgery. Such activities can cause bleeding. Aside from that, going on a soft diet can weaken you and make you unfit to perform such activities.

For more aftercare tips, contact your local Sterling Heights dentist at Dental1Care today.

Types of Dental Implants | Restorative Dentistry

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Types of Dental Implants for Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry has developed by leaps and bounds through the years. There are procedures now that not only restore the appearance of a complete set of teeth but also restore the natural feel and function of your original teeth. Dental implants are examples of such procedures. Dental Implants for tooth replacement continue to become known as popular options for restorative dentistry.

Single Tooth Replacement

There are different types of dental implants and a dentist in Sterling Heights performs them all. The first one is for the replacement of a single tooth – it’s a great option for the most natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth. If you have lost a tooth, the implant and a crown will not only fill in the gap created by the missing tooth, but it will also preserve the bone of that area because the implant will completely integrate to the bone over some time.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

Another type is for multiple tooth replacements. Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat says this is similar to a single tooth replacement. However, this procedure restores more than one tooth, and instead of a crown, a fixed bridge is placed.

Full Arch Replacement

A third type would be dental implants that provide full arch replacement. This is  a healthy option for people who have lost most (if not all) of their teeth and don’t want to wear dentures which wear the jawbone down. The implants are installed to replace lost tooth roots. Afterwards, temporary teeth are attached to enable the patient to eat and function normally while the permanent bridge is being made by technicians. It takes about two to three visits before the permanent bridge is installed.

Fourth are dental implants to hold removable overdentures. This type of dental implant is a smart alternative to a fixed bridge. For this, the removable full denture is connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two or more dental implants in the front part of the jaw. This secures the denture in place for increased comfort and better function.

Dental implants are the best that restorative dentistry has to offer, but it’s important to note that not everybody can easily qualify for the procedure as the main consideration for carrying it out is the patient’s oral health condition. If a patient has periodontal disease, dentists hold off installing the implants until the disease is treated successfully and the patient has fully recovered. Now, if there’s not enough jawbone, surgery is carried out to fix that in order to provide an anchor for the implants. As for people with health issues such as cancer and diabetes, dental implants are definitely not advised because the procedure may create complications that may prove fatal.

What Can You Do About Missing Teeth?

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Replacing Missing Teeth | Options and their benefits 

Did you have an accident that led to the loss of one tooth, or more? Did you have a cavity that you failed to address until the only remaining course of action was an extraction? If you no longer have your full set of permanent teeth, do not be disheartened. It may be some comfort for you to know that you are in good company. As a matter of fact, the American Dental Association reports that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has at least three decayed or missing teeth.

What can you do about missing teeth?

Whether you lost them through extraction or an accident, you can rest assured that they can be replaced. In fact, your replacement teeth may even enhance your looks and allow you to improve your speaking and chewing.

What are your options when it comes to tooth replacement? The following are the ones that dental health care professionals usually recommend:

Bridges

As the name suggests, this option serves to bridge the gap left by your missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is often attached to the adjacent teeth for support.

Dentures

If you have more than a few missing teeth, then your dentist is likely to recommend dentures. These are removable appliances that are composed of numerous artificial teeth. If you have a few remaining teeth, you can get overdentures that will fit over them. If all your teeth are gone, then full dentures will take the place of your natural teeth. Dentures take some getting used to, but once you’ve broken them in, they should feel natural and comfortable.

Dental Implants 

These are generally considered the most efficient solution for tooth replacement. They are surgically implanted, so completing their installation involves several stages and may take a few months. Despite the inconvenient time frame, many choose to take this route since dental implants are the closest you can get to having your own teeth back. When cared for properly, they can last decades.

What can you do about missing teeth besides have them replaced, right? At the end of the day, whichever of these options you end up choosing, you won’t have to live with missing teeth anymore. For guidance on which one suits your situation best, consult your Sterling Heights dentist. Pretty soon, you will be speaking, eating and smiling with a full set of teeth again.

 

Replacement Teeth | Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

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Replacement Teeth | The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

Tooth decay, accidents, gum disease and failed root canals are among the leading reasons behind tooth loss among adults. Despite advances in dentistry, a significant number of adults, especially the elderly, lose their teeth.

Whatever may be the reason behind your tooth loss, there are a few options you can choose from to replace the teeth you have lost. These include dentures, bridges and dental implants. In recent years, dental implants have grown in popularity among dentists and their patients, especially because of the natural look that dental implants have.

But before you decide which procedure is best to replace lost teeth, it is crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each available option so that you can make an informed decision. Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of dental implants.

Dental implants are essentially screws made out of titanium and other similar materials. These implants act as an anchor for the replacement tooth.

… Read More →

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