Option 1: Dental Implants

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. A titanium post is placed in your jawbone, where it integrates with the bone and supports a natural-looking crown. Implants look, feel, and function like real teeth, and the titanium “root” helps prevent bone loss that occurs when you have a missing tooth. They’re also extremely durable and can last decades with proper care. While implants require sufficient jawbone density and have a longer treatment timeline, the long-term benefits are well worth it.

Option 2: Dental Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the adjoining natural teeth. Bridges can restore the function and appearance of your smile relatively quickly and typically cost less upfront than implants. However, they require reshaping the healthy neighboring teeth and don’t prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. Bridges generally last 10–15 years with good oral hygiene and care.

Option 3: Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances that can replace all or some of your teeth. They’re often the most affordable option and can be made quickly. Partial dentures are designed to attach to your remaining teeth, while full dentures rest on your gums. As dental technology has advanced, dentures are now more comfortable and natural-looking than ever, but they may shift, require adjustments and refitting, and don’t stimulate your jawbone like implants do.

Choosing the Best Tooth Replacement Option For You

The right tooth replacement for you needs to fit your needs and lifestyle. A personalized consultation with your dentist can help you determine which solution is best for you so that you can enjoy renewed function and confidence in your smile.

The post Which Tooth Replacement Option Is Right For Me? 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.

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

The post What Is Peri-Implantitis? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

After a tooth is removed, there’s essentially a hole left in your jawbone where the tooth was. During a normal healing process, a blood clot will develop over the hole, forming the foundation of what will eventually be bone and soft tissue. However, if the blood clot doesn’t properly form, is dislodged, or dissolves during the early stages of healing, dry socket occurs. The hole, bone, and nerve tissue are exposed to air, food debris, and bacteria. Typically, people are most at risk for dry socket within a few days after their tooth extraction [1].

Symptoms of a Dry Socket

How do you know if you have dry socket following a tooth extraction? Dry socket is typically very painful, and you may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain or inflammation around the tooth extraction site. The pain could radiate from your jaw throughout your face on the side where your tooth was removed.
• You may be able to see bone when looking at the extraction site.
• A bad taste or smell in your mouth, which could be the result of food debris getting stuck in the extraction site and potentially causing an infection.
• You may have a low or high-grade fever.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should always reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible to treat the condition and avoid further complications!

Treatment for Dry Socket Following a Tooth Extraction

Treatment for dry socket will depend on how severe the condition is. At the very least, you’ll need to come back in to see your dentist to get the problem addressed. Your dentist will determine if the blood clot is missing and carefully clean the extraction site.

You may need to be on antibiotic therapy to prevent or cure any infection, and you may have to come back in to see your dentist periodically to ensure the site is healing properly. Your dentist can also advise you on pain management techniques to help with your discomfort [2].

Who’s at Risk for the Condition?

Fortunately, dry socket is a relatively rare occurrence. You may be more at risk to develop dry socket after a tooth extraction if you smoke or use tobacco, have poor oral hygiene, or have a tooth removed on your lower jaw as opposed to your upper jaw [3].

In the majority of cases, dry socket can be prevented by carefully following your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s care instructions for healing. Often, these measures will include avoiding using a straw, avoiding smoking or tobacco use, and properly cleaning your oral cavity without touching the extraction site.

If you need to get a tooth removed, rest assured that dry socket is uncommon. However, if you have concerns about dry socket or are worried that you may have developed the condition, it’s essential to follow up with your oral healthcare professional as soon as possible!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000780.htm
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-socket/symptoms-causes/syc-
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4060391/

The post What Is a Dry Socket, and Why Does It Occur? 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.

Before you can receive a dental implant, you’ll need to have a consultation with your
professional dentist. During this meeting, your dentist will take x-rays to determine the exact
position of your missing tooth as well as examine the bone density of your jaw.

Only people who have adequate bone in their jaw are candidates for dental implants; however,
you may qualify for a bone graft to help build up your jaw bone to receive the implant.

Your dentist will also examine your oral health. Proper oral health and hygiene is essential for
the healing and longevity of a dental implant. People who smoke or have poor oral health may
not qualify for the procedure.

Next: Implanting the Post

If your dentist has found that you’re a candidate for dental implants and has thoroughly
discussed the procedure with you, your next step will be to have the titanium post—the
foundation for your dental implant—inserted by an oral surgeon.

Thanks to digital x-rays, your oral surgeon knows precisely where to place your dental implant
to maximize the chances of success for your restoration. Implanting the post is a surgical
procedure, and it’s important to be sure about dental implants before you take this step. Once
the post is implanted and healed, it’s very difficult if not impossible in certain cases to remove.

Then: Healing Time

The titanium post that constitutes the support for your future dental crown will need to heal
for a period of approximately 4-6 weeks to ensure it’s strong enough to support the dental
crown. Healing time may vary from person to person and will depend on your unique oral
health and immune system.

In the meantime, you may receive a temporary dental crown from your dentist to hold the
place of the future dental crown. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for healing and
follow up with your dentist as needed.

Last: Getting Your Crown

Your dental crown is specifically made to fit your smile and to match your existing teeth. It’s
sturdy, functional, and with the right care, has the potential to last up to fifteen years. This is
the final restoration to make your dental implant come to life!

The placing of the crown completes your dental implant—you can now enjoy your beautiful
new smile for years to come, with the right care, of course!

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist to first
determine your candidacy. Dental implants are excellent restorations for patients with missing
teeth, so don’t hesitate to discuss your dental implant options with your dentist today!

The post Ask the Dentist: How Do Dental Implants Work? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental implants also provide a sense of confidence and security, as people know that their smile is safe and they won’t have to worry about their tooth falling out or keeping a partial denture in.

For many people who are considering dental implants, they often wonder exactly how much these restorations can cost. Here’s your guide for determining an approximate amount for your dental implant procedure!

A Single Dental Implant

If you have just one tooth that needs to be replaced, the minimum you can expect to pay for a dental implant is typically around $1,500. The costs for dental implants are higher because you’ll need both a dentist and an oral surgeon to fully complete the procedure. A single dental implant could cost as little as $1,500 or as much as $6,000, depending on if you need a bone graft before the titanium post can be successfully placed in your jaw.

Two Dental Implants

If you’re looking to have a pair of dental implants, you can expect to pay a minimum of $3,000 and upwards of $10,000. You’ll likely need multiple visits to complete your restorations and the cost of materials combined with your procedure and care can cost more than many people realize.

Multiple Dental Implants

When you’re missing multiple teeth, dental implants can cost upwards of $30,000. In cases like these, it may be more cost efficient to get implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures cost an average of $34,000 and allow you to only have a few dental implants (between four and six) where a denture will permanently attach onto.

Implant-supported dentures are a secure option for those that don’t want to pay so much to replace each tooth with a dental implant; they make a cost-effective and simpler option that’s just as secure!

Breaking Down the Costs

What constitutes the price of dental implants? Let’s break down the costs to see where these numbers are coming from.

– The cost of the materials for the dental implants themselves typically range from $1,500
to $2,000.
– The dental crown that affixes onto the end of your dental implant can cost between
$500 and $3,000
– This does not include your appointments for digital x-rays, any necessary bone grafts,
and the oral surgeon’s fees.

As you can see, there’s more to the price of dental implants than merely paying your dentist. Fortunately, certain dental insurance plans can help you cover some of the costs of dental implants so you’re not left paying this money out-of-pocket.

If you’re considering dental implants for your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist today to see if you would qualify and what the specific cost would be. Dental implants can provide you with a sturdy smile that functions well for a lifetime!

The post What Can Dental Implants Cost? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, even wearing a mouthguard during non-contact sports such as soccer, basketball, and
baseball can help prevent injuries. Any child who plays a sport—regardless of age—should wear
a mouthguard. But why?

Injuries Can Happen During Any Sport

Accidents can happen anywhere, especially when your child is involved in a sport. Sports
injuries to the face, jaw, or mouth can cause major damage, from tooth loss to cut gums.

Even if your child just loses a baby tooth, losing baby teeth prematurely will impact your child’s
permanent teeth. Baby teeth are there to help guide adult teeth into position, so without this
important marker, your child may need to have orthodontia later on.

A mouthguard helps absorb the impact of the blow to the face or jaw, reducing the chances
that your child’s teeth will suffer the consequences. In fact, recent research suggests that
mouthguards may help prevent concussions during sports!

Mouthguards for Children of All Ages

Children of any age can be sized for a mouthguard. Many children start playing sports young, so
dentists can make custom mouthguards for children of all ages and sizes.

Although store-bought mouthguards are cheaper, they tend to be uncomfortable and don’t
provide full protection. A custom mouthguard from your dentist is your best choice and will
provide complete protection for your little one’s smile.

Mouthguards aren’t just for kids with braces—any child can benefit from wearing one when
playing sports!

How to Get Your Child to Wear Their Mouthguard

Not all children are keen on wearing mouthguards. Some may be too young to fully understand
why the mouthguard is necessary and attempt to go without it. Fortunately, there are several
ways to get your child to wear their mouthguard.

 Get their favorite color. Your child will love their custom colored mouthguard!

 Make it fun. You can get sparkly mouthguards or mouthguards with a unique logo or
design to customize it for your child.

 Flavored mouthguards. Some dentists offer the option for mouthguards to come with a
flavor, which may encourage your child to wear it during their sport.

 Incentives. If all else fails, offer your child an incentive, such as choosing a prize after
every game they wear their mouthguard.

You can and should explain to your child why the mouthguard is important for their smile, even
if they’re a bit young to fully understand. You can explain that a mouthguard is just as
important as their uniform, knee pads, shin guards, and other protective gear. You can also tell
them that a mouthguard is just another way of taking care of your smile, just like brushing and
flossing.

If your child is playing a sport, especially a contact sport, a mouthguard should be an essential
part of their uniform during games and practices. Protecting your child’s teeth—even if they’re
baby teeth—is going to help their smile remain healthy and secure for life!

The post At What Age Should My Child Wear a Mouthguard During Sports? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What kinds of materials are used for dental implants? Here’s why not every dental implant is
the same and what types of materials you can expect to find for your implant options.

Titanium

Titanium has long been used for dental implants and is the most tried and true material.
Although some people are sensitive to titanium, this material tends to be very biocompatible
and not cause reactions in the body.

Titanium is also used for knee and hip replacements among many other medical procedures
based on how well people tolerate it. Titanium also has the ability to fuse with bone, making it
a secure and trustworthy choice for dental implants.

Titanium also offers the advantage of being flexible in regards to how it’s placed in the jaw. It
can be made to consist of two pieces, which offer more options for dentists to place. This
dental implant material has been used for decades with very high rates of success (currently
about 98 percent).

Zirconia

Some people are concerned about being exposed to metal or having an allergy to metal, so
there’s been a demand for a metal-free dental implant option.

Zirconia comes pretty close. It’s not entirely metal-free, as it contains trace amounts of metal,
but these traces are so minimal they would not cause a reaction. Zirconia tends to be more
biocompatible than titanium, but it does have its disadvantages.

Zirconia is a relatively recent development for dental implants and has not been nearly as
measured for success as titanium. There’s also minimal room for error when placing the dental
implant, as zirconia implants are only made in one piece and so give oral surgeons less flexibility
when placing the implant.

Since zirconia implants are made out of one piece, they also have fewer areas for bacteria to
accumulate and so provide minimal chances of a reaction or infection. However, titanium
implants also have very low rates of rejection and infection, making it comparable to zirconia in
this aspect.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re a candidate for dental implants, your dentist can discuss which material would be best
for your implant. There are different reasons each material may be used. People who clench their jaw or grind their teeth may not be able to have zirconia dental implants, as these implants have been known to fracture.

People who don’t want the dark color of metal showing through their gums—this is very rare in
titanium dental implant cases—may want to go with zirconia.

If you’re sensitive to titanium, zirconia may be your only option. You’ll need to discuss your
choices with your dentist to determine which one will be right for your unique smile. If you
don’t have an allergy or sensitivity to metal, titanium implants will likely be your dentist’s first
choice.

Are you considering dental implants? Remember that not every dental implant is created equal.
When it comes to your beautiful smile, your professional dentist can help you make the best
choice to give you a solid tooth replacement for life!

The post Are All Dental Implants Created Equal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

These dental bridges are affixed to dental implants instead of being supported by the
surrounding teeth, so they’re stronger, more secure, and look more natural than a traditional
dental bridge.

With all the benefits of implant supported bridges, here’s how you can find out if you’re a
candidate for these practical tooth replacements.

At Least One Tooth Missing

In order to qualify for implant supported bridges, you’ll need to have at least one natural tooth
missing or more in a row. This enables your dentist to place the implants and then construct a
bridge that will attach and not affect the surrounding teeth.

In fact, implant supported bridges work to strengthen the surrounding teeth. When you lose a
tooth, the bone in your jaw can become compromised in that area, leading to teeth shifting.
When you take advantage of an implant supported bridge, you can help facilitate jaw bone
growth and keep all your teeth in their natural positions while naturally strengthening and
stimulating the jawbone.

Sufficient Jawbone

Just like with traditional dental implants, you’ll need enough bone in your jaw in order to
healthily support your implant supported bridge. Sometimes, people who have lost a tooth lack
the proper bone to support a dental implant, especially if they’ve waited years to replace their
tooth.

If you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to support the dental implants, your dentist may
suggest a bone graft. Although this will add a bit more time onto your procedure, it’ll give you
optimal chances of success for your dental implants.

You’ll first get dental implants in the areas where your missing teeth are and then a temporary
dental bridge while your implants heal. Then, you’ll receive your dental bridge which will be
permanent, secure, and functional.

Good Oral Health

Just like with regular dental implants, you’ll need to be in good oral health in order to be a
candidate for implant supported bridges. If you have gum disease or another type of oral health

condition, it’ll need to be fully treated before you can be considered for this procedure. Keeping
your smile in optimal health with regular checkups is the best way to ensure you’ll be a
candidate for implant supported bridges.

It’s also important that you don’t smoke in order to encourage proper healing of your dental
implant site. If you smoke, your dentist will encourage you to stop or minimize your usage
before and after the procedure. This will help you have your best chances at healing after your
dental implants are placed.

Implant supported bridges offer many benefits that traditional bridges can’t. Your implants will
never need to be replaced, your bridge will be stronger, and you won’t have to compromise the
health of the neighboring teeth to support a traditional bridge. Make an appointment to talk
with your dentist about an implant supported bridge today!

The post Who Is a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.