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Exploring the Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an essential part of restorative dentistry and have transformed many people’s lives by returning their ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently.

Dental implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures. In this article, we will explore the advantages of dental implants, the types available, the procedure for getting them, misconceptions associated with dental implants and why they are better than any other tooth replacement option.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular solution for missing or damaged teeth. Not only do they provide a long-lasting replacement option, but they also offer a range of other benefits that make them a far superior choice compared to traditional options such as bridges or dentures. Here are some of the main advantages:

Improved Appearance and Confidence

The most obvious advantage of dental implants is that they can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and discomfort, leading to low self-confidence.

Dental implants seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, resulting in a more attractive and youthful appearance. Additionally, unlike other options, dental implants prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure by stimulating natural bone growth.

Enhanced Oral Health and Functionality

Dental implants are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth. This means that they restore full biting force and allow you to eat all types of food without any discomfort or restriction. Moreover, dental implants support neighboring teeth and reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease caused by decayed or infected roots.

Longevity and Durability

Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth replacement options available today. Their ability to fuse with the jawbone ensures that they remain securely in place for decades if properly cared for. Unlike traditional tooth replacements such as bridges, which require replacement every five to ten years, dental implants have been known to last a lifetime.

Convenience and Comfort

Dental implant surgery is minimally invasive compared to other dental surgeries such as root canals or extractions. Patients undergoing dental implant procedures report little pain during recovery, leading to minimal disruption in their daily lives post-surgery. Dental implants offer a range of benefits making them the ideal solution for those seeking a long-lasting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Initial Consultation and Examination

The dental implant procedure begins with a consultation and examination with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays or CT scans of your mouth, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about getting dental implants. Your dentist will also review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Preparatory Procedures such as Bone Grafting or Sinus Lifts

If necessary, preparatory procedures may be required before the actual placement of the dental implant. For example, if you do not have enough bone density in your jaw to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to build up the area.

Similarly, if the sinuses are too close to where the implants will be placed, a sinus lift may be required. These preparatory procedures can help ensure that the implants have sufficient support for proper fusion with the jawbone during healing.

Placement of Dental Implant

Once any preparatory procedures are complete and you are deemed ready for dental implant placement, it is time for surgery. The actual placement of dental implants involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone underneath.

A small hole is then drilled into this bone where an anchor post is inserted into it. After this post has been set into place, a temporary crown or bridge is attached while osseointegration occurs.

Healing Process and Osseointegration

The healing process after implant placement can take several months as osseointegration occurs. During this process, the implant anchors fuse with surrounding bone tissue which provides stability for long-term usage. Ossification happens gradually over time as new bone tissue surrounds each anchor post connecting it securely through out life.

It is important to follow all of your dentist’s instructions for aftercare during this period, including proper oral hygiene practices and any dietary restrictions that may be necessary. Once the process of osseointegration is complete, you will be able to return to your dentist for placement of a permanent crown or bridge on top of the implant posts.

Care and Maintenance of Dental Implants

Proper Oral Hygiene Practices

After the dental implant surgery, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any risk of infection. As with natural teeth, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is necessary.

Flossing at least once daily can remove any food particles or plaque that may accumulate around the implants. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, it is recommended to use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse the mouth thoroughly.

Regular Check-ups with the Dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are imperative for maintaining good oral hygiene after dental implant surgery. The dentist will monitor the implants’ health by inspecting them during routine check-ups, cleaning them professionally, and assessing bone density around them. The hygienist will also clean and polish the implants using ultrasonic scalers or hand instruments if any plaque accumulation occurs around them.

During these follow-up appointments, X-rays may be taken periodically to ensure that there are no issues developing under the surface of the gums that cannot be seen by visual inspection alone. Your dentist may also recommend specific oral hygiene techniques or products tailored specifically for your implant’s needs.

It is essential to keep up with regular appointments as some complications relating to dental implants can arise without symptoms such as peri-implantitis (inflammation or infection of gum tissue around an implant), which can result in bone loss if left untreated. Proper oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing alongside antibacterial mouthwash use are crucial for maintaining excellent dental implant health while regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify potential problems before they become severe issues.

Common Misconceptions about Dental Implants

There are several misconceptions about dental implants that cause some people to shy away from this excellent tooth replacement option. Here we will tackle three of the most common:

Costly Treatment Option

Dental implants have a reputation for being expensive, and in many cases, they can be more costly than other options such as bridges or dentures. However, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of dental implants.

Unlike bridges or dentures that may need to be replaced after a few years, dental implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. In addition, dental implants can improve oral health and prevent further damage and expenses down the line.

Painful Procedure

The idea of having screws drilled into your jawbone may sound painful and intimidating. However, with modern technology and sedation options, getting dental implants is generally not painful at all.

Patients report feeling only mild discomfort during the procedure and manageable soreness afterward that can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist will work with you to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.

High Risk of Failure

Some people believe that dental implant surgery has a high risk of failure or complications. While there is always some degree of risk involved in any surgical procedure, including dental implant placement, success rates are very high – between 95-98%.

Proper care and maintenance contribute significantly to the success rate as well as choosing an experienced professional who uses quality materials.

Why Dental Implants are Better Than Other Options

Comparison with other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures.

When comparing dental implants to other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures, there are undeniable advantages that make the former a better option. One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional methods like bridges is that they require grinding down healthy teeth and placing crowns on them, which can weaken them in the long term. Moreover, it can be difficult to clean underneath bridges, which can lead to decay and gum disease.

Dentures, on the other hand, have a notorious reputation for being uncomfortable and slipping out of place. They also tend to cause bone loss in the jaw over time, which can change your facial structure.

Recapitulation of the advantages, types, procedure, care, maintenance, misconceptions.

Dental implants are a superior tooth replacement option due to their numerous benefits like improved appearance and confidence, enhanced oral health and functionality (including speech), longevity and durability (they can last for decades), convenience and comfort (since they feel just like real teeth). There are also different types of dental implants available including endosteal implants (which are placed in the jawbone), subperiosteal implants (which sit under the gum but above the jawbone) and zygomatic implants (which anchor onto cheekbones when there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw).

The implant procedure involves an initial consultation/examination followed by preparatory procedures if necessary like bone grafting or sinus lifts. Then comes implant placement itself followed by a healing process known as osseointegration.

Maintenance involves proper oral hygiene practices along with regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure everything is functioning properly. common misconceptions including high costs (which may not be as much compared to other treatments in long-run), painful procedure (which can be easily managed with anesthesia) and high risk of failure (which is rare when the right precautions are taken).

Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Hergott is accepting new patients from Meriden and the surrounding area.

Dental Fears Relieved with Sedation Dentistry

Severe dental phobia can cause people to completely avoid dental examinations and treatments. Anxiety about dental treatment can develop for many reasons, including fear of pain, the feeling of not having control, fear of needles, a strong gag reflex, or a history of bad dental experiences. If you suffer from extreme dental fears causing you to neglect necessary oral care, sedation dentistry may be the answer to your problem.

A trained sedation dentist can offer a variety of options to address your situation:

Minimal sedation in the form of nitrous oxide allows you to be awake but relaxed during dental treatment and may be a good option for cleanings, routine examinations, or minor procedures. Your dentist is able to control the amount of sedation you receive.
Oral conscious sedation also allows you to remain awake during procedures, but may cause you to feel drowsy and will keep you from having much memory of the treatment. A stronger dose can be given to produce more moderate sedation, in which case you may fall asleep but can easily be awakened.
IV sedation is when a sedative drug is administered through a vein. This type of sedation works rapidly and also allows your dental professional to adjust the level of sedation during treatment.
General anesthesia provides deep sedation through medications administered that cause nearly complete or total unconsciousness. With general anesthesia you cannot be awakened until the effects of the drugs have dissipated.

Sedation dentistry can be used for any type of dental procedure, from routine cleanings to more complicated, invasive procedures. Thanks to advances in sedation dentistry, you no longer have to fear the dentist and avoid necessary oral health care.

We treat patients from Meriden and the surrounding area

Dealing With Pain Following Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatments are specifically designed to relieve the tooth pain associated with an infected tooth root. Patients come in with pain, and often leave the procedure with less discomfort than before. However, if you’ve recently had a root canal treatment on one or more of your teeth, you might be experiencing discomfort following the procedure. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to take care of it.

Are your gums sore, tender or swollen surrounding the affected tooth? This is likely the result of the tiny metal clips that affix a rubber dam around the tooth, protecting it and protecting your mouth. The clips are attached along the gum line, and can leave tiny bruises or sometimes small cuts in the soft gum tissue. This pain should alleviate within two days of the treatment.

Is the tooth itself sore? This is a common occurrence and is typically the result of an inflammation of the mouth tissues that encase the tooth root. The tools used by the endodontist to perform the procedure can irritate the tissues.

Both of these types of pain can be dealt with by several over-the-counter analgesics. The ones that are most recommended to treat dental pain are those that possess anti-inflammatory agents: naproxen sodium, ibuprofen or aspirin, etc. If you are also taking narcotics prescribed by your dentist, do not take any further medication, over-the-counter or prescription, until you have checked with your dentist. Dangerous reactions can occur.

If you have been prescribed antibiotics, do not stop until you have completed each recommended dose. This ensures that your tooth remains free of infection and can heal thoroughly.

Ask your endodontist if you have other concerns about treating your post-root canal treatment pain.

If you need a dentist in Meriden contact us today

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Oral surgery to correct problems with the jaw is known as orthognathic surgery. Jaw issues can result from birth defects, changes due to growth, or injury or trauma to the face. While orthodontics can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved, oral surgery may be required when repositioning of the jaw is necessary to correct the issue. If you suffer from any of the following concerns, orthognathic surgery may be a consideration:

Difficulty chewing, biting or swallowing
Problems with opening and closing your mouth, or with speaking
Persistent jaw or temporomandibular joint pain

Clenching or grinding of teeth causing excessive wear to the teeth

Inability to make the lips meet without straining

Un-proportional facial appearance or protruding jaw

Malocclusion, open, or incorrect bite

Recessive lower jaw and chin

Habitual mouth breathing

Sleep apnea and breathing problems

Facial injury or trauma

Most jaw surgeries are performed completely in the mouth, so no facial scars are visible. The oral surgeon makes cuts in the jawbone and then moves them to the correct position. Once the jaw is correctly aligned, screws and bone plates are placed to secure the jaw into the new position. Sometimes it may be necessary to add extra bone to the jaw from your hip, leg, or rib.

Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon usually in a hospital setting. Recovery time from jaw surgery takes three to six weeks. Your general or family dentist should be able to refer you to a skilled oral surgeon for a consultation and examination to determine a treatment plan. Jaw surgery can improve not only your facial appearance, but also chewing, speaking and breathing functions.

We treat patients from Meriden and the surrounding area

Quit Smoking to Save your Smile

A number of serious health problems like cancer are linked to smoking, but your oral health is also at risk from using tobacco. Your teeth can be severely stained, turning them yellow or brown, and your lips can become darker too. Smokers have a higher risk of tooth decay, and bad breath is nearly inevitable. The negative outcomes of smoking continue to worsen the longer you keep doing it, so it’s highly advisable to kick the habit. However, as most smokers can attest, giving it up is not easy. Here are some tips that may help you quit smoking.

Make a list
Create a list of the reasons you’d like to quit smoking, and look at it often to remind you of your goals and the benefits you’ll achieve. These may include things like improving your overall health, restoring your smile, making loved ones proud of you, and even saving money.

Choose a date
Select a date on the calendar to stop, and stick to it. Having a concrete target can help you focus on the challenge ahead.

Ask for help
The support and encouragement from others can be a huge part of quitting smoking. Tell your family and friends about your goal, and allow them to play a part in accomplishing it.

Occupy your mouth
Sucking on sugarless candy or mints can keep your mouth busy, so you’ll be less inclined to put a cigarette in it. Chewing sugar-free gum is another great remedy for the urge to light up.

Keep busy
Try to find things to occupy your time and mind so that you aren’t constantly thinking about smoking. Take up a new hobby that involves both your mind and your hands so that you are busy with other, more beneficial, activities than puffing on a cigarette.

Our dental office is located in Meriden

Cosmetic Dentistry Options to Whiten Your Smile

A variety of factors can cause your teeth to become dark and dingy. Smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking wine, coffee or tea, eating pigment intense foods, too much fluoride, or trauma to the tooth can all cause your teeth to discolor and lose their shine. The good news is cosmetic dentistry offers several options to return your teeth to their natural whiteness:

Professional teeth whitening can be completed in as little as one office visit and can lighten your teeth as much as ten shades. This type of whitening mainly treats surface stains and can last several years with careful maintenance.
Dental veneers are a better option for teeth with internal stains that are resistant to professional whitening. The placement of veneers involves roughing up the surface of the tooth and then applying an extremely thin porcelain or composite veneer that bonds to the surface of the tooth. With care, dental veneers can last as long as ten years.

For individual teeth that have changed color due to damage or trauma, composite bonding is an excellent option. This procedure involves the use of a tooth-colored bonding material to cover the surface of the tooth and match it to the color of the surrounding teeth.

If you suffer from a dark or discolored smile and want to restore it to bright and white, cosmetic dentistry may be the answer to your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist to find out which treatments would best suit your needs and allow you to once again face the world with a beautiful, white smile.

Schedule your appointment at our Meriden dental office

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