While dental implants are meant to last a lifetime, peri-implantitis can affect the health and longevity of your dental restorations. It’s essential to take the best possible care of your dental implants to avoid any complications so you can have a healthy and strong smile. Here’s what you need to know about peri-implantitis!

What Causes It?

While dental implants are excellent restoration options for your missing teeth, your gum tissue isn’t able to attach to your dental implant in quite the same way that it does to your natural tooth.

Peri-implantitis can happen at any point after your dental implant procedure is complete, whether because the gum tissue hasn’t properly adjusted or because of inadequate oral care. When the gum tissue doesn’t properly attach to your dental implant, it can leave a space where bacteria can enter to cause the gum and bone inflammation we see in peri-implantitis.

Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis

The symptoms of peri-implantitis aren’t dissimilar to those of gum disease. People with peri-implantitis may experience [1]:

• Redness or tenderness in the gum tissue around a dental implant
• Pain or discomfort around the implant
• Bleeding when brushing
• A loose dental implant
• Visible pus or a bad taste in the mouth

Whether or not your symptoms are the result of gum disease or peri-implantitis, getting your dental implant assessed by your professional dentist is essential to determining what the problem is and taking the proper steps for effective treatment!

Risk Factors for Developing the Condition

Certain patients are more at risk to develop peri-implantitis, including those who [2]:

• Smoke or use tobacco
• Have poorly controlled diabetes or osteoporosis
• Have a history or gum disease or bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Have poor oral hygiene

Your dentist will ensure that you are a good candidate for dental implants based on your oral health history and current dental health to increase your chances of proper healing and reduce the risk for any complications.

How Can You Prevent It?

Peri-implantitis can often be prevented; making sure you know how to properly clean your dental implant is important [3]. If you floss too aggressively around the dental crown that completes your implant, you risk damaging the gum tissue’s attachment to the crown.

Like most dental conditions, catching peri-implantitis early can make all the difference to the success of your treatment. With regular visits to your dentist following your dental implant procedure, you can ensure that peri-implantitis isn’t an issue and if it is, make the necessary steps to correct it.

You can also help prevent peri-implantitis by not smoking and keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist is a helpful resource when preventing peri-implantitis, so don’t miss your regular checkups to keep your smile healthy and strong!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/peri-implant-disease
2. https://jcda.ca/article/e24
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25626479

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Smaller Dental Restorations

The majority of gold used in dental fillings today is actually a mixture of gold with other metals, called gold alloy. However, these metals typically do not contain mercury such as amalgam filling restorations. In some cases, such as with direct gold fillings, pure gold is used to fill teeth. However, pure gold is generally only appropriate for teeth that don’t need to withstand biting or chewing forces.

Gold is an excellent material for smaller dental restorations, such as small cavities and inlays and onlays. It doesn’t require as much removal of your natural tooth structure to place the material, and these restorations are resistant to fractures. Your dentist can let you know if gold is a consideration for your smaller dental restorations!

Full and Partial Dental Crowns

You may also have the option of using gold for full and partial dental crowns. Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that have been damaged as a result of decay, teeth grinding, or an accident. Very durable and resistant to damage, these dental crowns can be used to provide dental restorations that last many years.

Gold alloy would be used to fabricate the crown in a lab and then your dentist would place it to restore your tooth. Electroformed pure gold may be used in some dental crown applications, making a highly durable dental restoration with superior performance [2].

The Pros and Cons of Gold

Gold is very durable in dentistry applications and can last for 20 years with the right care [3]. Reactivity to this metal is low, but if you have a metal allergy or sensitivity, you should inform your dentist, as you may not qualify for this restoration material.

While gold is an excellent restoration for damaged teeth, it is more expensive and needs to be placed by a dentist experienced in working with gold. In addition, gold won’t match your natural teeth, and many patients want a more uniform look for their smile. If aesthetics aren’t an issue, you may consider gold for your dental fillings or crowns!

Interested in Gold Dental Restorations? Talk to Your Dentist!

There are many benefits to using gold in dentistry, but it may not be the right material for every restoration. If you’re interested in gold fillings or crowns for your smile, talk to your dentist today about this highly durable material!

Sources:
1. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/81918783.pdf
2. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/bf03215496.pdf
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fillings-gold-inlays

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Typically made of porcelain ceramic, but sometimes composite resin, dental veneers are strong, stain-resistant, and are permanently bonded to your teeth. You can still eat, drink, smile, and speak just like you would with your normal teeth, except with a gorgeous new layer of veneers to correct different cosmetic concerns you may have about your smile!

Dental Veneers Can Fix a Variety of Cosmetic Concerns

One of the best benefits of dental veneers is their ability to correct numerous cosmetic issues with just one treatment. Dental veneers can fix teeth that are stained, chipped, gapped, and even crooked [1]. Veneers are also a popular treatment for misshapen teeth.

During the process for dental veneers, your dentist will take impressions of the teeth that are going to receive veneers and then send these impressions out to a lab. Dental veneers are custom-made to fit your smile for a seamless and natural look.

Once the veneers are back from the lab, your dentist will ensure they fit properly and then prepare your natural teeth to receive the veneers. Generally this involves removal of a tiny bit of your tooth enamel in order to facilitate proper bonding between your dental veneer and your tooth.

You Could Be a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers

The good news is that many people are good candidates for dental veneers. It’s a common procedure that has major improvements for the appearance of your smile [2].

People who qualify for dental veneers include those who:

• Have healthy tooth enamel to support the bonding process. Without enough tooth enamel, you may not qualify for traditional dental veneers, although you may have other cosmetic dentistry options.
• Are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Dental veneers can correct numerous issues with your smile without the need for numerous treatments!
• Have good oral health and are committed to maintaining their oral health. You still need to care for your dental veneers just as you would your natural teeth, so you must be committed to maintaining your dental health to be a good candidate for veneers!
• Do not have current issues with teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can damage dental veneers, so ideally you wouldn’t want to have this problem when pursuing this form of cosmetic treatment.

It’s also important to remember that dental veneers are considered an irreversible form of treatment, which means you want to be sure about the procedure before continuing. You and your dentist can discuss all this and more during your consultation for veneers!

Find Out More About Your Cosmetic Dentistry Options

If you’re unhappy with your smile and want to see dramatic results without getting numerous treatments done, you could qualify for dental veneers. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to learn more about veneers and about your other cosmetic dentistry options to improve your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/pdf/OAMJMS-6-2402.pdf

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Your treatment will depend on how bad the damage is, but you may be wondering—should you repair or replace that broken tooth?

You May Be Able to Repair a Minor Break with a Dental Crown

If a big piece of your tooth is missing, your dentist may be able to repair it with a dental crown. A dental crown is a tooth restoration designed to accurately match your affected tooth. It acts as a cap which will cover the broken area and restore the function and appearance of your smile.

A dental crown will also protect the tooth from further damage [1]. These restorations are secure and, while they will need to be replaced every so often, they can last for a decade or longer with the right care and are a viable long-term treatment option for a broken tooth.

More Severe Damage May Need a Root Canal

If your tooth break is more severe—such as if the entire top portion of your tooth is broken off—you may need a root canal to repair the problem [2].

A root canal will clean and seal the inside of your tooth, where the nerve tissue resides. Once the canal is prepared to prevent an infection and further damage, your dentist will finish restoring the tooth with a dental crown.

Today’s root canals aren’t much different than getting a filling and will allow you to retain what’s left of your natural tooth!

Sometimes Extraction Is Necessary

For some broken teeth, even the best repairs won’t be able to fix the problem. A root canal can help a broken tooth that has an intact root, but if the break extends below the gumline, extraction may be your only option.

Breaks that go beneath your gums typically aren’t able to be repaired by your dentist. Some patients may not even be able to see a crack or break from the outside, but the damage exists under the gums [3]. Your dentist can let you know if an extraction is your only choice, and discuss your tooth replacement options with you during your appointment.

If you’ve experienced a broken tooth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional dentist. Getting a broken tooth examined sooner rather than later can increase your chances of a successful repair rather than an extraction. Likewise, ignoring a broken tooth can lead to an extraction when a repair would have sufficed if it had been treated earlier. Don’t ignore that broken tooth!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/crowns
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000058.htm
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322015.php#treatment-options

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However, red wine isn’t the only culprit. Other dark, fruit-flavored wines can easily stain teeth as well. But what exactly causes this popular alcoholic drink to stain your teeth? Here, we break down the elements that come together to give wine its reputation for causing tooth discoloration.

Chromogens

Chromogens are microorganisms that produce pigments, meaning colors. Chromogens are present in coffee, red wine, and even cigarette smoke [1]. Other foods high in chromogens include berries—including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries—in addition to cherries and tomatoes.

These microorganisms are infamous for sticking to teeth and causing tooth enamel to stain. This is why drinking wine with a buffer such as plain old water or eating food with your drink can help lessen its staining effects!

Tannins

Tannic acid is a specific form of tannin, which is a naturally-occurring chemical found in foods and drinks. Wine contains a significant amount of tannic acid [2].

While tannic acid has antioxidant benefits among other health benefits for the body, it’s also a prime culprit in tooth staining. In fact, tannin actually helps chromogens stain tooth enamel, so the two work together to create a darker shade for your pearly whites.

Other beverages and foods that contain tannic acid include grapes, green tea, turmeric, and even walnuts.

The Porous Nature of Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is porous in nature [3]. What this means is that although our teeth are strong and designed to resist damage, they are still subject to staining and the effects of bacteria and plaque.

Fortunately, teeth that have been stained by red wine are usually able to be brightened with professional tooth whitening. Since these stains are extrinsic, meaning they’re affected by outside sources, they can usually be removed with regular professional teeth cleanings and whitening as necessary.

However, even after your teeth are whitened, you’ll need to take care to minimize the effect of wine on your teeth to maintain your white smile. You can drink water or eat food with your wine, and visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings to minimize the effects of this beverage on your smile!

If your teeth have taken on a darker hue due to your love for wine, don’t be alarmed. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to help remove these stains and discuss how you can help keep your smile white while still enjoying wine!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509470/#B16-ijerph-09-03530
3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2014.00388/full

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There are many benefits to getting your teeth professionally whitened—it’s safer, tends to last longer, and provides a more even white color for your entire smile. However, all forms of teeth whitening can fade with time, especially if you’re not caring for your newly-whitened teeth like you should.

Here’s how you can keep your teeth bright after a professional whitening for results that last!

Avoid Tobacco Products

This goes without saying, but tobacco products—whether smoking or chewing tobacco—stain your teeth [1]. Some people experience a mild yellow color, while others can see a deep brown staining, especially with years of tobacco use.

In fact, many people get a professional whitening to help lighten and remove stains from former tobacco use. If you smoke or chew tobacco, a professional teeth whitening is another reason to kick this habit to keep your bright teeth!

Exercise Caution with Dark-Colored Foods

Dark-colored foods and drinks have the potential to stain your smile over time, and the more frequently you consume these items, the more likely your teeth are to stain. These products include red wine, coffee, and even tea [2]. Other food products that can stain your teeth when eaten include spices such as turmeric, berries such as blueberries, and even soy sauce.

How can you prevent the stains these items can cause without avoiding them completely? A good trick is to sip water while consuming them, and remember to brush your teeth about 30 minutes to an hour after eating!

Visit Your Dentist

Teeth whitening does need to be touched up over time, even if you do your best to minimize staining. Visiting your dentist for professional teeth cleanings every six months or as recommend by your dentist can help remove surface stains and keep your smile as bright as possible [3].

Some people may choose to re-whiten their teeth every few years or whenever necessary to keep their smile bright—but if you keep up with professional cleanings as well as at-home brushing and flossing, you can make your white teeth last even longer.

Keep Your Smile Bright!

When you take care of your teeth, it’s simpler than you think to prolong your professional teeth whitening. By avoiding tobacco products, taking care when eating certain dark-colored foods, and keeping up with your oral hygiene, you can make your bright teeth last as long as possible!

Sources:
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321480.php

3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/teeth-whitening/faqs

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Although gingivitis isn’t technically gum disease, it can lead to full-blown gum disease if left untreated. Here are the top causes of this oral health problem and how you can treat it to prevent gum disease from ruining your smile!

Poor Oral Hygiene

Plaque is the most common cause of gingivitis. Plaque consists of bacteria that coats the teeth—if you haven’t brushed for a few hours or overnight, you can often feel plaque beginning to form on your pearly whites!

Typically, you can keep plaque off the surfaces of your teeth and from accumulating around your gumline by brushing and flossing regularly. However, when you skip brushing or flossing, plaque can build up in the mouth and eventually lead to gingivitis [1].

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes have the ability to affect the oral cavity, particularly when it comes to gum tissue. In pregnant women, these changes can cause an increased flow of blood to the gums, causing them to appear swollen and to mimic the symptoms of gingivitis [2].

However, don’t immediately write off your symptoms as related to pregnancy. Some women may have gingivitis before they become pregnant, and the hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the condition worse.

You should always follow up with your dentist if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, especially during pregnancy, as women with gum disease are more at risk to give birth to premature babies or babies with low birth weight [3].

Other Causes

There are other factors that can cause gum disease. People whose parents have gingivitis are more likely to develop it, as are people who smoke or use tobacco.

People who have crowded or crooked teeth may have difficulty cleaning all the surfaces of their teeth, leading to more plaque formation and an increased risk of gingivitis. Uncontrolled diabetes can also influence plaque formation in the oral cavity.

Some medications such as anti-seizure medications and even oral contraceptives have also been linked to gingivitis [4].

How Can You Treat Gingivitis?

Your dentist can usually treat gingivitis without special treatment. Typically, patients with gum inflammation need a deep cleaning to remove plaque from around the gumline, and to continue proper oral care habits at home [5].

For patients whose crowded teeth or a medical condition such as diabetes is suspected to be the cause of their gingivitis, correcting these underlying issues can lead to greater chances of success with treating the condition.

Keeping up with your regular dental visits in addition to your oral care at home can help prevent gingivitis! When treating this oral health condition, it’s essential to follow up with your dentist for regular cleanings to ensure that the inflammation doesn’t return and develop into gum disease.

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns
3. https://www.perio.org/consumer/AAP_EFP_Pregnancy
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gingivitis
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001056.htm

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If left untreated, cracked teeth can lead to decay or an infection that can compromise the health of your entire tooth. If your dentist finds that your tooth has indeed been cracked, what are your best options to repair it and get your smile back to normal?

Dental Bonding

For cracks that are minor, dental bonding can help restore teeth. Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored composite resin—the same material used for many modern fillings—to fill in small cracks and protect teeth from further damage.

Dental bonding is a simple and minimally-invasive treatment option; however, your dentist may not recommend dental bonding if the crack in your tooth is more severe.

Fillings

In some cases, cracked teeth can also be repaired with fillings, similarly to cavities. Cusps, or points, on the teeth—of which canine teeth only have one while molars will have several—can be fractured or completely broken off. In cases such as these, dental fillings can be ideal for repairing fractured cusps and restoring your tooth [1].

Root Canal Therapy

If you have a tooth that’s been deeply cracked—such as a tooth with a crack that extends below the gumline—your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. Teeth with cracks such as these—commonly the lower molars—can benefit from root canal therapy [2]. A cracked tooth may be at risk for infection or already be infected, in which case, root canal therapy will offer you your best chance to save your tooth and avoid an extraction.

Dental Crowns

For patients that have a severely fractured tooth cusp or for those that have received root canal therapy, your dentist may utilize a dental crown to protect your tooth’s structure. Dental crowns have been shown to reduce symptoms of cracked teeth and help protect them from future cracks and other damage [3].

Dental crowns are either made from porcelain ceramic or acrylic resin and will act as a type of cap that covers your natural tooth and provides additional protection. Dental crowns are durable and match your natural teeth, making them useful for a variety of cracked tooth cases.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?

Symptoms of a cracked tooth could include pain, tooth sensitivity, or swelling around the affected area. If you suspect your tooth has sustained an injury, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your local dentist to evaluate your smile and get a potential repair!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26944835
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1918671

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However, Invisalign isn’t just for crooked teeth. Invisalign can fix the majority of tooth and jaw alignment issues where traditional braces would normally be the only option. What other cases can Invisalign help?

Gapped Teeth

Gapped teeth are a concern for many patients. For some people, the gaps in their smile will lessen as they age, but for others, the gaps are there to stay. When you want to close the gaps between your teeth, Invisalign is an effective form of treatment that can discreetly move your teeth closer together to create a uniform smile you can enjoy for life!

Overbites

Overbites are one of the most common issues that are fixed with traditional orthodontics. However, Invisalign is also adept at treating overbites, including deep overbites [2]. If your orthodontist has told you that you have an overbite, ask him or her about Invisalign to correct your bite and deliver a beautiful, functional smile.

Underbites

Underbites tend to be more obvious than overbites, but not in all cases. Underbites can cause chronic jaw pain and difficulty speaking and chewing, and these problems typically become worse over time rather than improving. Fortunately, when you need to correct your underbite, you have the option of going with Invisalign to correct your bite!

For a Straighter Smile

Invisalign provides an overall straighter smile. For people who don’t necessarily have crooked teeth but want to improve the general appearance of their smile, Invisalign provides a way to gradually straighten your teeth with invisible treatment [3]. One of the best benefits of Invisalign is that it’s removable, allowing you to care for your teeth and gums just as you would without orthodontic treatment for brighter, more even teeth.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

While Invisalign can treat the majority of orthodontic cases, there are some people who will need more extensive treatment where an option such as traditional braces would be more effective. Is it time to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign? Adults and kids alike love the discreet treatment of Invisalign for a beautiful, straight smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/72/8/948
3. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/braces-have-changed-metal-tooth-
colored-clear

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Getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth means you now have a permanent restoration that will, with the right care, never need to be replaced. But what should you expect after getting dental implants? Here’s what you should know following your procedure.

Immediately After Your Procedure

The majority of patients can drive themselves home after their dental implant procedure, although for the next 24-48 hours, you should try to rest as much as you can and avoid any strenuous activities, including exercise.

You can expect some swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort following your procedure [2]. Some patients may see a bit of bleeding, which is normal. If you have severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact your dental practice as soon as possible.

Most patients can return to their normal routine about one to two days following their dental implant procedure.

What to Eat for the Next Week

For the next seven to ten days after your appointment, you’ll want to stick to foods that are easy to eat, such as soft foods. Foods to consider eating include smoothies, yogurt, pudding, pureed vegetables or fruits, eggs, and anything you can slice with a fork or eat with a spoon.

Avoid tough or hard foods such as steak, nuts, or crunchy fruits and veggies. You’ll also want to avoid extremely hot and cold foods as well as alcohol until your implant heals, and don’t drink from a straw, as this can damage your dental implant’s healing process.

Every patient’s healing time will be different. For some people, they’ll need to eat softer foods for the next few weeks while their dental implant heals.

How to Help Your Implant Heal

There are a few things you can do to help accelerate the healing of your dental implant!

• Stop smoking. Ideally, you’ll want to stop smoking before your dental implant procedure and for as long as it takes for your dental implant to heal. Smoking can increase the chances that your body will reject the dental implant or get an infection.
• Eat healthy foods. It’s easy to consume processed foods when it comes to softer foods, but explore healthier options, such as making a smoothie with fresh greens or fruits, trying avocados or bananas, or eating fish.
• Clean your smile gently. Being harsh with your toothbrush can damage your dental implant. Be sure to brush your teeth and around your new implant very gently twice a day. Before you know it, your dentist will be placing your final restoration—a dental crown—once your dental implant has healed!

While every person’s healing time will be slightly different, dental implants have a 95 percent success rate, so you have an excellent chance for healing properly after the procedure [3]. You can help your dental implant be strong and healthy by taking care of your body and your smile following your appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/what-are-dental-implants/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-
20384622
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/

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