Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

We can provide you with dental implants or dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. While we provide preventative dental care to help reduce the risk of tooth loss, this is still an issue that many adults deal with on some level. If you have lost a tooth due to age, infection, or an accident, we recommend you take the time to consider all your options. As a cosmetic dentist, there are many ways to replace missing teeth, and it is important to select the option that is right for you. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, here is what you need to know:

Dental implants. The most secure and natural-looking solution for tooth loss is dental implants. Unlike a bridge that requires other natural teeth, implants are surgically placed beneath the gums and secured to the jawbone. As a result, no other teeth are required or impacted by the procedure. The new tooth is simultaneously more secure because of the process of osseointegration. This is where the titanium post and jawbone fuse together to create a new root system that will support your new tooth. This makes it possible to eat all your favorite foods and engage in normal activities without restriction. The only drawback to this when compared with a bridge is that since it is surgical, you can expect a longer recovery time. Simultaneously, osseointegration, while important, takes a few months to complete.

Dental bridges. If you want a solution that is more secure and durable than dentures, dental bridges is a good option. A bridge is used for partial tooth loss when there are natural teeth that are strong enough to support it. To complete the procedure, we make an impression of your mouth and take measurements so the dental lab can make your bridge. To secure it in place, a crown will be placed on the two teeth surrounding your missing one, and these crowns will serve as anchors to secure the bridge. As a result, you will have a semi-permanent tooth replacement that looks natural and functions like a natural tooth.

If you are interested in either dental implants or dental bridges, we are an ideal dentist office to visit. As a cosmetic dentist, we can provide you with both solutions and complete the procedure in a way that restores the form and function of your smile. Both of these solutions will look like natural teeth when we are done. This is not always the case with a dental bridge, so it is important to visit a cosmetic dentist who has the skill to create high-quality prosthetics. Both options will also allow you to eat your favorite foods, etc. The main difference is that implants not only replace your teeth, they improve the health of your jawbone by providing it with much-needed stimulation. To learn more, schedule an appointment.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Dental Veneers

As a General Dentist , We Debunk Common Oral Health Myths

As a local general dentist, we are asked many questions about oral health. We welcome these conversations because it gives us the opportunity to provide you with information about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During these appointments, we are also asked questions that arise from oral health myths. The problem is, if you believe myths that are actually bad for you, it can lead to further oral health problems. For this reason, we recommend that you visit our office with any questions or concerns you have. In the meantime, here are a few myths we hear on a regular basis and the truths behind them.

Myth #1: If your gums are bleeding, they should be left alone.
The Truth – As a general dentist, we want to examine you if your gums are bleeding because that is usually a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, so it is important to do what you can to prevent it and have it treated immediately. We can help by deep cleaning your teeth and gums.

Myth #2: The natural sugar in juice and milk is not bad for you.
The Truth – All forms of sugar are bad for your teeth. As a general dentist, we recommend that you rinse your mouth after drinking anything that has sugar in it and brush your teeth two to three times per day. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks whenever possible. If you have toddlers, be sure to keep this in mind, because many parents send their children to bed with a cup of juice or milk and end up with baby bottle tooth decay as a result. Stick with water instead.

Myth #3: Hard toothbrushes are best for your teeth.
The Truth – While it may seem like a hard toothbrush will give you a better clean, they can be bad for your teeth. Aggressive brushing can lead to enamel erosion and sensitive teeth. You have a limited amount of enamel, so if it is stripped away, your teeth could become sensitive and need to be protected with a bonding procedure or crowns. Instead, we recommend that you use a soft toothbrush or an electronic one. Apply steady pressure and brush in a circular pattern that begins at the gums and moves towards the center of the mouth. This will give you a good clean, but without the risk of erosion.

Myth #4: You can whiten your teeth with lemons.
The Truth – Yes, lemons can make your teeth look brighter, but the acid inside of them can harm your teeth and lead to erosion, just like if you were brushing too aggressively. It is unnecessary to do so because we can whiten your teeth safely in our dental office. Given the wide variety of procedures we offer and our in-depth expertise, we recommend that you call our office to ask any dental questions that you have.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office