2011 May - All Smiles

Dental Implant Procedure

Losing a tooth can lead to dangerous infections, allow remaining teeth to become crooked and even create speech impediments. Dental implants, small rods that are secured to the jaw, allow an artificial tooth to be installed in its stead, restoring appearance and dental health.

Tooth Wear

Teeth wear down due to age, grinding, food choices, accidents, etc. Still, certain choices can be made to reduce wear and tear. For example, consuming fewer acidic beverages (such as soda) reduces erosion and proper brushing reduces the likelihood of small teeth abrasions forming.

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are often assumed to be caused by a severe problem with roots, but in actuality can be caused by gum disease, dental procedures, or simply outer tooth damage. It may be treated with a desensitizer, special rinses or improved dental hygiene.

Tooth Abscess

Tooth abscesses are severe infections that have usually resulted in pockets of pus, a fever and swelling in the surrounding areas. It is caused when bacteria enters the dental pulp and is usually treated with antibiotics, root canal therapy, extractions or surgery (in advanced cases).

Provisional Restorations

Sometimes permanent tooth restoration procedures can take time - weeks, even months. Provisional restorations are used to protect the mouth from infection, sensitivity and further damage, in the meantime. They are somewhat easy for a dentist to set in place; some even snap on.

Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry encompasses all the regular practices that keep your teeth and gums healthy. It includes procedures done at home - such as brushing and flossing, and procedures done at the dental office, such as a thorough cleaning and fluoride application.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that has invaded the mouth. Symptoms include a bad taste in the mouth, foul breath, red sores and white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks. Topical medications are used to treat the condition.

Lumineers

Lumineers are a type of minimal preparation veneers that function similarly to traditional ones, except that fitting them requires only a minimum of preparation (as opposed to the drilling, filing, etc. associated with traditional ones). They are effective only for minor issues, such as stains and chips.

Medicines and Oral Health

While medications are necessary for good overall health, they often have negative side effects affecting oral health. Common side-effects include teeth discoloration from antibiotics, dry mouth and oral thrush (an oral yeast infection). However, being aware of the side-effects can help people combat them.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are braces which are connected to the back of a patient’s teeth and remain largely unnoticeable, making them a cosmetically-pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces. Due to the price involved and difficulty in keeping the lingual braces clean, they are recommended for mature, appearance-conscious adults.

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner is an inexpensive, removable way of correcting crooked teeth. Worn like a retainer, it contains a coil that basically pushes wayward teeth back into position. The aligner works quickly, and can be effective in a matter of weeks.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are crown-alternatives that are similar to fillings; material is used to cover areas of tooth, allowing some of the natural tooth to remain in place. Benefits of inlays and onlays include the fact that they don’t easily discolor and may be more stable than crowns.

How To Choose A Dentist

Picking the right dentist involves consideration of many issues. In regards to the dentist, inquire about accreditation, education, number of years practicing and his or her capabilities. Also discuss an individual plan for your teeth, take measure of your comfort level and ask about price.

Genetic Dental Abnormalities

There are many types of dental abnormalities. Some abnormalities are caused by genetics; this includes conditions such as malocclusion, wherein the jaw does not align properly and Andontia, wherein teeth are simply missing. Other abnormalities are more common, such as canker sores.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction refers to the procedure wherein the entire set of teeth is replaced due to severe injury or excessively bad hygiene. It is a complicated procedure which may require several visits, different types of dentists and oral surgeons, and is only recommended in extreme cases.

Eating Disorders and Teeth

Eating disorders have negative effects on oral health. The lack of nutrients deprives teeth and gums of essential vitamins, leading to decay and periodontal disease; frequent vomiting can also eat away at enamel, leaving teeth sensitive and vulnerable to increased damage. Treatment for the disorder should therefore contain an oral heath component.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by stress, age or medications and is characterized by a lack of saliva, halitosis and a general feeling of discomfort in the mouth. Treatment usually involves gums, rinses and sprays which increase moisture.

Diet and Dentistry

Diet plays an important role in dental heath. For example, too much sugar and acids (as found in citrus drinks) wears down tooth enamel. Food that’s left between teeth creates pockets of rot within gums. Eat healthy foods and practice good dental hygiene to combat these problems.

Dental Specialities

There are nine dental specialties: dental public health, pedodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial radiology, surgery and pathology. Each focuses on a particular area of need. The type of dentist required depends entirely on the condition of your teeth and mouth.

Dental Implants FAQs

Asking questions about dental implants is an important part of the procedure. For example, do they hurt? Answer: yes, but medication eases the pain. How do they look? Answer: very natural. A qualified dentist should be able to provide answers to all of your questions.