Understanding the reasons why tooth replacement is essential can motivate you to act promptly and maintain optimal oral health. So, why exactly is it important to replace an extracted tooth? Here’s what you need to know.

Maintain Oral Functionality

Teeth work collectively to help us chew food efficiently, speak properly, and maintain the structural integrity of our mouths. When a tooth is missing, these functions can be compromised.

Chewing becomes less effective, potentially leading to digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, as poorly chewed food is harder to digest [1]. Speech may also be affected, with certain sounds becoming more challenging to create.

Replacing the extracted tooth can restore these essential functions, leading to optimal health and increased confidence.

Prevent Bone Loss

One of the most critical aspects of tooth replacement is preventing bone loss in the jaw. Natural teeth stimulate the jawbone through the activities of biting and chewing. Once a tooth is extracted, this stimulation ends, leading to a gradual resorption or shrinking of the bone in that area.

Most of this bone loss happens within the first few months after a tooth is extracted [2]. Bone loss not only affects the appearance of your face, potentially leading to a sunken look in the cheeks, but can also impact the alignment of surrounding teeth.

Protect Adjacent Teeth

Leaving a gap where a tooth once was can lead to shifting of the adjacent teeth as they naturally move to fill the space [3]. This can result in misalignment, bite issues, and an increased risk of periodontal disease, as teeth can become crowded and more difficult to clean.

By replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or denture, you provide the support needed to maintain the position and health of the surrounding teeth, keeping your smile looking uniform and protecting your oral health.

Enhance Self-Confidence

Beyond the functional and health implications, the aesthetic impact of a missing tooth can affect self-esteem and confidence. A complete smile can help you feel your best in social interactions and self-image. Replacing the extracted tooth helps restore your smile, positively influencing self-confidence and overall quality of life.

Types of Tooth Replacement Options

Several tooth replacement options are available, each offering different benefits. Some of the most common solutions include:

• Dental implants. These are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their durability, natural appearance, and ability to preserve bone density.
• Bridges. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to hold a false tooth in place. This option is suitable when implants are not possible or desired.
• Partial or complete dentures. These removable prosthetic devices can replace one, several, or all missing teeth.

Contact Your Dentist Today

Given the significant impact that a missing tooth can have on your oral health and personal life, it’s crucial to explore replacement options sooner rather than later. Consult with your dentist to discuss a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the long-term health and beauty of your smile. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your dentist today and take the first step towards restoring your oral health and confidence!

Sources:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25623278/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22211303/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6787091/ 

The post Why It Is Important to Replace an Extracted Tooth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tip #1: Clean Your Dentures Daily

Dentures need to be cleaned daily to remove plaque and food particles, preventing stains and maintaining oral hygiene. Here’s how you can effectively clean your dentures:

• Rinse after eating. After each meal, remove your dentures and rinse them to clear away any food debris.

• Brush your dentures. Use a denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your dentures gently. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive denture cleanser.

• Soak overnight. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleaner or a solution of cool water and mild liquid soap. This helps to keep them moist and prevents them from warping. Never use hot water [1].

Tip #2: Handle with Care

Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. When handling your dentures, hold them over a folded towel or a basin of water. This protects your dentures from damage should you accidentally drop them. Additionally, avoid bending or twisting the plastic or metal parts, as this can also lead to damage and cause them to not fit properly.

Tip #3: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Even with dentures, maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for the health of your mouth. Be sure to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This stimulates circulation and removes plaque and bacteria.

It’s also important to rinse your mouth after removing dentures. After taking your dentures out, rinse with water or a mouthwash to ensure your mouth stays fresh.

Tip #4: Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular visits to your dentist are essential, even if you have full dentures [2]. Your dentist can help ensure your dentures fit well, are in good condition, and that your oral tissues are healthy. Ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and lead to issues like sores and infections, so proper fit and maintenance are crucial whether you have full or partial dentures.

Tip #5: Avoid Harmful Habits

Certain habits can harm your dentures, such as:

• Skipping overnight soaking. Dentures need to remain moist to retain their shape. Skipping the soak overnight can lead to warping and malformation.

• Using harsh cleaning products. Avoid bleach-containing products or strong, abrasive cleaners that can wear down dentures [3].

• Chewing on hard items. Biting nails, hard candy, nut shells, or using dentures to open packaged or bottle caps can damage them.

Taking these preventive measures will not only prolong the life of your dentures but also enhance your comfort and oral health.

Take the Best Care of Your Dentures

For personalized advice and thorough dental care, contact your dentist. Keeping up with regular appointments will ensure your dentures are in top condition and that you enjoy a confident, comfortable smile for many years to come!

Sources:

1. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dentures
2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/dental-treatments/dentures-false-teeth/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375 

The post 5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Dentures appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Full sets are held in place by creating a natural suction between your gums and the dentures, which contain artificial teeth and gum tissue. Some people may need an adhesive to help the dentures feel secure, but for the most part, the natural seal does all the work.

With partial sets, a metal framework holds one or more artificial teeth in place. With either full or partial dentures, a secure and comfortable fit is a must for proper function. If your dentures don’t fit correctly, they can cause more than discomfort. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore ill fitting dentures!

Dentures That Don’t Fit Properly Can Lead to Bone Loss

Your natural teeth played a vital role in stimulating your jaw bone, which helped keep the bone strong. Healthy jaw bone helps your face appear fuller, whereas lost teeth can make your cheeks have more of a hollow appearance as time goes on.

With dentures as your tooth replacement, they help stimulate your jaw bone to a certain extent to help retain some of your facial appearance. However, dentures that don’t fit properly won’t support your jaw bone in the same way.

Therefore, ill fitting dentures can lead to bone loss and improper wear on your gums, which can cause your bone to degenerate over time [1].

It May Be Harder to Chew Foods and Get the Right Nutrients

People who have dentures that don’t fit properly typically have trouble chewing, which is a problem that dentures are supposed to help correct. Without being able to eat the right goods due to denture discomfort, you may not be able to get all the nutrients you need for optimal health [2].

When dentures fit properly, you should be able to enjoy the majority of foods that you were able to eat before with your normal teeth. If your dentures feel loose or painful when biting or chewing, or you have difficulty eating with them, always follow up with your dentist to ensure your dentures fit properly!

Ill Fitting Dentures May Cause Sore Gums or Oral Sores

While it may take a bit of time to get used to your new dentures, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable beyond the first few weeks of wearing them. If your discomfort persists after this time—or is painful enough in the first few days or weeks that you feel something is wrong—don’t hesitate to follow up with your dentist.

Ill fitting dentures can cause sore gums or even oral sores on the softer tissues of your mouth that can be painful and frustrating. If you have oral sores as the result of ill fitting dentures, denture adhesive isn’t likely to solve the problem. Instead, call your dentist to have them check your dentures [3].

How Can You Ensure a Proper Fit?

Your dentist will do their best to ensure your dentures fit properly during your appointment. However, it’s up to you to note any discomfort that could mean your dentures don’t fit properly in the coming days and weeks. Remember, your dentures won’t last forever. They’ll need to be replaced every few years for maximum comfort. Always work with your dentist to resolve ill fitting dentures and protect your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/denture-adhesives
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14576715/
3. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/dentures

The post Don’t Ignore Ill Fitting Dentures appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Having several missing teeth or losing an entire set of teeth can cause bigger problems than your appearance, however—chewing food can be difficult if not impossible, and speaking can become problematic as well.

Fortunately, there are options to replace your missing teeth. Two of these are all-on-four dental implants and dentures. Let’s review the pros and cons of each of these restorative options!

Benefits of Going with All-on-Four Dental Implants

A single dental implant is designed to replace a missing natural tooth. But with all-on-four dental implants, you can replace an entire mouthful of teeth with just four dental implants.

Here’s how it works: between four and six dental implants are strategically placed in your mouth and allowed to heal, or in other words, fuse with your jawbone. Then, a restoration is placed, which is essentially a replica of your teeth that securely attaches to the implants. The results is a realistic, sturdy, and functional replacement to your natural teeth. Many patients are highly satisfied with the results of their all-on-four implants [1]!

Why Dentures Might Be a Good Fit

Dentures are cost-effective solutions to your missing teeth and can last several years with the right care [2]. Generally, dentures will need to be replaced every few years to ensure a comfortable fit.

Most dentures are designed to fit so that they create a seal with your gums, while some patients find adhesive is helpful to keeping dentures in place—they don’t “attach” to anything except your gum tissue. While dentures will stimulate your jaw somewhat, they won’t prevent the loss of jawbone the same way dental implants will.

However, with dentures, you won’t have to worry about having enough bone in your jaw to support a dental implant, which can be a concern for some people who have been missing teeth for quite some time.

What’s the Verdict?

Both all-on-four implants and dentures allow you to get a set of replacement teeth quickly. However, with all-on-four implants, you’ll need to follow a specific diet for a few months with a temporary restoration while your dental implants heal. Then, your permanent restoration can be placed [3].

So while both can offer a functional replacement for your missing teeth, many patients view all-on-four dental implants as more of an investment. Why?

Dental implants never need to be replaced, unlike dentures. They also provide a more secure option, as your artificial set of teeth will attach onto the implants, allowing you to eat whatever you like once your final restoration is in place. And finally, dental implants facilitate jawbone growth, allowing you to prevent a sunken facial appearance upon removing your dentures.

Regardless of which replacement you choose for your natural teeth, the right dental restoration can allow you to chew, speak, and smile with ease, giving you the ability to enjoy your teeth again!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4253293/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/
3. https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/

The post All-on-Four Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Should Replace Your Missing Teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

You have options when it comes to replacing a missing natural tooth, from dental bridges and implants to implant-support dentures, with each having its various features and benefits. But could partial dentures be a good replacement option for your missing teeth? Here’s what you need to know about this form of dental restoration for your smile!

How Many Teeth Do I Need to Be Missing to Qualify for Partial Dentures?

Technically, you only need to be missing one tooth to have it replaced with a partial denture [1]. People can be missing a single tooth or several teeth, and all can be fitted with a custom partial denture to help restore the appearance and function of your smile.

However, if you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you’ll need to discuss full dentures or other restoration options for your smile instead of partials.

What Are Partial Dentures Made Of?

Partial dentures are custom-made to fit your unique smile and fill in the gaps of missing teeth.

These restorations fit similarly to a retainer and are made with metal framework with plastic or acrylic to mimic your teeth and gums [2]. Dentures are designed to look like your natural missing teeth and attach to your remaining teeth to provide you with a dental restoration that’s easy to wear and remove for cleaning.

How Do I Know If Partial Dentures Are Right for Me?

While most patients will qualify for partial dentures, this dental restoration may be a good
option for you if:

• You’re missing one or more of your natural teeth
• You don’t qualify for dental implants
• You want to prevent the preparation work for adjacent teeth that dental bridges require

Your dentist can review the features of partial dentures with you to determine if this dental restoration is right for you!

What Are The Benefits of Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures allow you to restore the look and function of your natural teeth with a non-invasive dental repair. For patients that have dental anxiety about invasive procedures, partial dentures could be a viable tooth replacement option.

Another benefit of partial dentures is that they’ve been shown to help prevent bone loss in the jaw that can lead to a prematurely aged face [3]. Our tooth roots are what help keep our faces looking full and youthful, so a partial denture can help your teeth remain in place and prevent bone and tooth root reabsorption.

Need a Functional Replacement for Missing Teeth?

When you’re considering a replacement for your missing teeth, a partial denture could be an option for you. Schedule an appointment with your experienced dentist today to learn more about this restoration for your smile!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/dentures.html
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23892861

The post Partial Dentures May Be Your Solution for Missing Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How exactly does oral thrush happen and who’s most at risk for getting this infection? Here we detail what you need to know about this oral health condition including the most at-risk people and its treatment.

What Causes Oral Thrush?

Candida is actually a type of fungus that normally doesn’t cause problems in the body [1].
However, certain factors can cause candida to become rampant, which can then cause issues such as infections.

There are numerous factors that can cause oral thrush, including prolonged antibiotic use, treatment for cancer via immunosuppressive therapy, and poor oral hygiene.

Oral thrush can cause infections in the mouth, throat, and even the esophagus. Oral thrush can present as white patches in the mouth, redness or tenderness in the mouth, loss of taste, and cracks at the corners of the mouth, which can be painful.

Who Is Most at Risk for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is common in babies as their immune system isn’t fully developed yet and not able to ward off an overgrowth of candida [2]. Babies and people who have compromised immune systems are the most likely to get oral thrush.

Oral thrush is also common in people who are pregnant, those who smoke, people who
experience chronic stress, and others who have suppressed immune systems [3].

People who have dry mouth may also be more likely to get oral thrush, as are people who have dentures, especially if the dentures aren’t properly cleaned or removed as directed by your dentist.

How Oral Thrush Is Treated

Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medicines. This will usually be a liquid that you’ll either rinse out your mouth with or apply directly to your mouth. However, your doctor may also prescribe capsules you can take orally to help treat your thrush.

Treatment for oral thrush can last up to two weeks [4]. If you or your child has been diagnosed with oral thrush, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for healing so you can treat thrush right the first time and not have it return!

Are you concerned about your risk for oral thrush? You can talk more with your doctor or your child’s healthcare provider about oral thrush. Fortunately, the condition usually isn’t considered to be serious and is relatively simple to treat, provided you follow your doctor’s instructions!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/thrush.html
3. https://www.medicinenet.com/thrush/article.htm
4. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/oral-
thrush-in-adults

The post What Is Oral Thrush and Who Is at Risk for Getting It? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But what happens when you want a professional teeth whitening but you have dental implants
or dentures? You can still have a white smile even with these cosmetic treatments, so here’s
how you can get professional whitening done right with dental implants or dentures.

Yes, But There Is a Right Way to Do It

The best way to get a professional teeth whitening along with your dental implants or dentures
is to get the whitening procedure done prior to your restoration work.

Whitening your teeth before you get dental implants or dentures is the best way to ensure that
all your teeth will be a uniform color and that your smile looks perfect. When you have your
consultation for dentures or dental implants, ask your dentist if professional teeth whitening is
a possibility before your procedure so that you can have the best and brightest smile once your
restorations are complete!

Whitening Full or Partial Dentures

Since dentures are typically made out of a different material than the dental crown that
completes your dental implant, they are more apt to absorb stains. It’s best if stains are
removed daily through regular brushing and cleaning of your full or partial dentures.

You may also have the option to have your dentures professionally polished to look their best.
When it comes to partial dentures, considering teeth whitening before your restoration is going
to help you smile look complete!

What About Whitening After the Procedure?

Since the dental crown that affixes to the end of your dental implant is made of porcelain, it’s
extremely resistant to staining. This also means that it’ll be resistant to whitening too! It’s
important to address your teeth whitening goals before your dental implant procedure if
possible.

If your dental implant is in the rear of your mouth and not easily seen, your dentist may
consider a professional teeth whitening on the rest of your visible teeth and be less concerned
about non-visible teeth matching.

If you have a partial denture and are interested in teeth whitening, you may need to have your
partial denture re-made to match your teeth after the whitening process. Since dentures need
to be replaced after several years anyway, this may be a good opportunity to consider teeth
whitening!

Teeth whitening is possible even with dental implants and dentures. Whether you’re
considering teeth whitening before your procedure—which is the ideal time—or after, your
dentist can work with you to address your teeth whitening needs. You can have the bright smile
of your dreams even with restoration work, just ask your dentist how!

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By evaluating the following factors as well as discussing your options with your dentist, you can choose the best restorative option for your smile!

Dentures Need to Be Replaced Every Five to Ten Years

People who have dentures will need to have their dentures replaced at some point. Generally,
dentists recommend having your dentures replaced every five to ten years, although this
number will not be the same for everyone. Some people will need to have their dentures
replaced every three years while others may be able to replace them closer to the ten-year
mark.

Dentures need to be replaced for a variety of reasons. First and foremost is that, just like your
natural teeth, your dentures will experience wear and tear. The materials that make your
dentures will deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. Secondly, your mouth may change
over time. Everyone’s mouth is susceptible to a bit of shifting, and people who have lost most
or all of their teeth typically experience shifting due to tooth loss.

In order for your dentures to look their best, you should have your dentist evaluate them
periodically to ensure they fit well and to see if they need replacement.

When Dentures Are the Right Choice

If you’ve experienced significant tooth loss, dentures may be the right choice for your smile.
People who experience problems chewing and speaking as a result of their tooth loss may be
good candidates for dentures.

For people who have been missing teeth for some time, bone loss in the jaw is a concern that
may restrict you from pursuing other restoration options. For example, dental implants require
a certain density of jaw bone in order for the implant to be successful. For people who are
lacking this bone and unable to undergo a bone graft, dentures may be the best alternative
choice.

In addition, dentures provide patients with a bit more flexibility, including the option to have
removable dentures as well as fixed dentures, which some patients may prefer.
Learn More About Dentures

Your dentist can help you determine if dentures are the best choice for your smile. Regardless
of which type of denture you choose—full set, partial, or fixed—dentures are always custom-
fitted to your unique smile and give you the opportunity to enjoy food again and restore your
confidence.

If you’ve suffered from significant tooth loss, consider scheduling an appointment with your
dentist today to learn more about whether or not dentures are right for you. You can get your
beautiful smile back and enjoy your teeth again with dentures!

The post How Long Do Dentures Last, and Are They Right for You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are many types of restorative dentistry to get your smile back on track. Regardless of
whether you’ve experienced tooth decay, missing teeth, cracks, or broken teeth, restorative
dentistry is here to return your smile to its absolute best. What are your restorative dentistry
options?

Fillings

Dental fillings are a very common restoration. Using a filling material that’s safe and effective,
your dentist will fill in your cavity to protect the tooth from further decay and keep the rest of
your mouth healthy. Almost everyone has had some type of dental filling in their lifetime.
Dental fillings will need to be maintained and ultimately replaced to ensure continued
protection.

Bridges

A dental bridge may be a good fit for you if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row. Dental
bridges rely on the surrounding teeth to bridge the gap with a dental crown. Bridges are ideal
for missing back teeth and, like most other forms of restorative dentistry, will need to be
maintained and replaced after a certain number of years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a ceramic tooth replacement that looks very much like your natural tooth.
Crowns are used in restorative dentistry when a filling is too large to be restored or the tooth is
so damaged it needs to be capped to protect it. A sturdy crown will fit over your existing tooth
to prevent it from experiencing further decay or harm. A dental crown will be indistinguishable
from the rest of your teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers, like crowns, consist of ceramic. They are thin and light, yet very durable and
strong. Veneers are placed over your natural teeth and permanently fixed into place. They can
fix a variety of issues with your smile for a complete transformation, from stubborn stains to
extensive chips to worn-down teeth.

Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant that’s inserted into your jaw where your missing
tooth is. Once this is healed, a crown is placed on the end of the implant. Dental implants mimic
your natural teeth and, once healed, will never need to be replaced, although your dental
crown will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin—a tooth-colored material sometimes used
for fillings—to fix cracks, chips, broken teeth, and even gaps. Dental bonding is effective for a
variety of uses in restoration dentistry to complete your perfect smile.

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth that are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. Unlike dental
implants or veneers, dentures are removable and will need to be removed and cleaned daily.
You have the option of a partial denture or a full set depending on how many of your natural
teeth are missing.

For whatever has impacted your smile, restoration dentistry can make it right. Addressing the
root cause of your concern can help you and your dentist make the best choice for your smile.
Make an appointment with your dentist today to talk about your restorative dentistry options
and get your beautiful smile back!

The post What Are the Different Types of Restorative Dentistry? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are different types of dental implants that you and your dentist can discuss. Your candidacy for dental implants will depend on the bone in your jaw, your oral health, and the position of the dental implant in your mouth.

Here are the types of dental implants you might consider with your oral health care professional for replacing your missing teeth.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of dental implants. They’re designed for people who have an adequate amount of bone in their jaw and can support a dental implant. Endosteal implants are placed in your jaw bone just like we discussed above. Unless you have any special considerations, these are likely the first type of dental implant your dentist will consider for your smile.

Subperiosteal Implants

This type of dental implant is slightly different than the endosteal option. In subperiosteal dental implants, a frame is replaced on your jaw bone rather than inserted directly into the jaw. This position still allows your gum tissue to heal around it and the frame will become part of your jawbone.

Once the frame is healed and secure, a post is attached and this is where your dental crown will be fixed onto the end. Subperiosteal dental implants are typically reserved for patients who have a weak jawbone and usually aren’t considered for people who can support endosteal implants.

Implant-Supported Dentures

If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you may want to consider implant-supported dentures. These provide you with an alternative to traditional dentures but eliminate the need for the individual placement of so many dental implants in your mouth.

Sometimes called all-on-four dental implants, implant-supported dentures consist of about four to six dental implants placed in your mouth. These provide secure posts to attach your dentures to, so you won’t have to worry about your dentures sliding around. The implants are secure and they help support bone growth in your jaw.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are used for people who don’t have enough bone in their jaw to support a traditional dental implant. This procedure is less invasive because the post is narrower. While it’s also more budget-friendly, mini dental implants are not recommended for people who can support normal dental implants. This is because mini dental implants are less sturdy as their counterparts but still effective teeth replacements, especially for front teeth.

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace your natural teeth. Whether you’ve been missing teeth for years or you just lost your first permanent tooth, visit your dentist for a consultation for dental implants. With different types to suit just about anyone, you can get your smile back and enjoy life again with dental implants!

Image courtesy of interphasesolution at freedigitalphotos.net

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