Tooth loss can be a significant contributor to further dental problems and emotional strain. Replacing the missing tooth can stop the spread of infection and bone loss. Dental implants are a highly popular method for replacing a missing tooth with a small metal rod that is usually made of titanium. The implant is surgically attached to the jaw bone so that a replacement tooth can be added.

People considering dental implant surgery can expect a several appointment process that can take nearly a year to complete in some cases. Most people will recover fully in four to five months. How long the dental implant procedure takes will depend greatly on the amount of work being done, the health of the gum line and jaw bone, presence of sufficient amounts of bone and other factors.

Generally, the dental implant rod is placed in the jawbone and a temporary artificial tooth applied so that the mouth can go through a healing period that can last from weeks to months. Once the healing period has past, the implant abutment is affixed and the new artificial tooth is fixed in place. If there are complications – such as the need to graft bone in cases where not enough is present naturally so that the implant can be attached successfully – will require
additional time.

When choosing a new tooth to replace the missing one, there are two main options available. Artificial teeth can be removable or fixed in place. Fixed teeth are screwed or cemented into the dental implant and are not removable including for cleaning or during sleep. A removable prosthesis is much like a denture that is mounted on a metal frame attached to the implant. When multiple teeth are being replaced this can be a very good option that will make a more secure fit than dentures.

Like any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery comes with some discomforts that have to be dealt with. Following dental implant surgery, patients should expect to see swelling and bruising of facial features and gums. The implant area may be sore or even painful for several days and minor bleeding could occur.

Even though the process is considered to be routine, there are risks that should be understood by every potential patient. Infection can occur at the site of the dental implant procedure even under the best conditions; however if caught early the situation can be corrected fairly easily. There are cases where nerve endings may be damaged during the dental implant procedure causing pain and sensitivity in the immediate area or possibly with a broader effect that impacts teeth, gums and lips. Sometimes this can be related to damage to other teeth or blood vessels. Dental implants that are placed in the upper jaw have the potential to negatively affect nearby sinus cavities.

Aside from those rare complications, dental implant surgery is a low risk and affordable option to correct a potentially severe medical condition. The benefits far outweigh the risks, few as they are, and patients can generally expect significant improvement in their physical, medical and emotional health.

Moderate erosion of teeth is not usually a problem; however, more severe cases can result in pain or pronounced sensitivity. Fortunately, excessive tooth wear can be countered with modern dental techniques.

Tooth wear is characterized as the loss of surface enamel and in more severe casese dentine from causes that do not include decay, disease or physical trauma. When the wear is excessive, everything from the enamel and dentine to blood vessels and nerves can be affected with pain and pronounced sensitivity the main results.

Attrition occurs when teeth wear on the biting or chewing surface is caused by other teeth. The result is that front teeth will be shortened and the molars will have a flatter surface. Severe cases can result in sensitivity to food and drinks served at hot or cold temperatures and could cause disfigurement in the face. Bruxism is another form of attrition that occurs when teeth are grinded involuntarily – such as during sleep. Improper positioning of the jaw can lead to Bruxism and in turn tooth wear. Other causes may include anxiety and stress. Usually, a special dental guard will suffice to correct Bruxism. To correct significant attrition, dental crowns or onlays may be used to lengthen the teeth and restore proper biting alignment.

It seems strange that a highly touted activity like teeth brushing could cause dental damage including tooth wear – but it can when done improperly. Abrasions on the teeth occur when the surface of the tooth is worn by friction, from brushing in vigorous horizontal motions or with a too-hard brush. The condition is usually detected visually by a wedged indention at the gum line. In most cases, a filling can be placed over the damaged area as a corrective measure.

Finally, erosion is a generally preventable condition that occurs when acidic foods and drinks dissolve the enamel and dentine. Food and drinks with high acidic content include all varieties of soda, vinegar, citrus fruit, yogurt and pickles. Damaging acid can also be introduced from the stomach during vomiting that may occur in conjunction with a number of conditions that include indigestion, acid reflux or heartburn, eating disorders, hiatus hernia, alcohol induced sickness and that occurring early in pregnancy.

Erosion can be prevented through dietary controls that limit intake of acidic foods and drinks and proper dental hygiene regimens that include regular brushing and flossing. Gastric factors are not treatable in dental practice and will need to be corrected on a medical level. To restore teeth damaged by erosion, bonding with a natural colored filling can cover larger areas that have exposed dentine and smaller areas can be desensitized. A replacement crown is placed over the tooth if it’s structure has been damaged. In some cases, a root canal will be required before fitting a crown if the condition has affected blood vessels and nerves.

Frequently, tooth sensitivity is initially mistaken for root damage. But there can be a number of causes that may require different dental treatments, which is why early diagnosis and treatment is essential to proper care.

Having sensitivie teeth can be a natural part of the aging process where enamel on the outside of the tooth thins due to wear and tear. The dentin layer just under the enamel can be exposed and this causes sensitivity. Sometimes the natural process is overtaken by other causes such as gum recession or disease and tooth grinding, brushing teeth too hard or as a result of teeth whitening, orthodontics and other dental restoration procedures. Nerve damage at the root can also spur tooth sensitivity.

Dentists searching for a cause of sensitive teeth will often employ an air gun to blow air at focused areas to identify the damaged surface area. Once a dentist has properly diagnosed the cause of tooth sensitivity and found the area of concern, a treatment plan will be worked out to address the related issues.

One of the most common treatments for relatively minor cases of sensitive teeth involves a desensitizer that applies a protective coating to the teeth to discourage tooth sensitivity. The sticky mixture can be applied by the patient’s normal dentist right in his office. Sometimes desensitizers are also used in dental procedures to reduce the level of discomfort for the patient.

Other solutions are also available to help control the occurrence of tooth sensitivity. Low intensity cases may be helped by home maintenance programs that include the use of products such as fluoride rinses and toothpastes or gels that work to coat the root nerve so it is less sensitive. More severe cases can be helped for extended periods of time by the aforementioned desensitizer treatment.

With sensitive teeth, the bottom line to remember is that it should always be checked by a licensed dentist and never ignored. Many times, the sensitivity is caused by environmental factors and may require no additional treatment at all. But many other times, the cause could be a growing – yet preventable – dental problem. Without proper diagnosis, the cause of the sensitivity can be isolated and corrected through an effective treatment plan.

There is a great chance, when tooth sensitivity occurs, that it may go away and not return. But if it is persistent, or returns frequently, there could be underlying concerns. The end result of ignoring too sensitivity could end up being large scale dental problems that require invasive dental procedures to correct. In many cases, these treatments are not only painful but expensive as well.

Boiled down to plain language, an abscess is an infection that occurs anywhere in the mouth, or throat – including teeth, gums and the jaw. When bacteria is able to infiltrate the dental pulp – the soft inner core of the tooth that houses blood vessels, tissue and nerve endings – the resulting infection is nearly always a cause for professional dental treatment. This usually happens because part of the tooth is damaged – a chip or crack for example – and bacteria is able to get inside.

Once the infection begins to take hold, initial symptoms will include bad breath, toothache, bitter taste in the mouth, and discomfort. As it grows, symptoms will include sensitivity to temperature extremes, pain, swelling, redness and pus-filled lesions. Without treatment, the situation is very likely to escalate even if it appears to have gotten better. When the tooth is killed, sometimes the pain will stop once the nerves are no longer transmitting, but the bacteria are still growing and spreading. Severe nausea, facial swelling and even transmission of bacteria to other parts of the body can, and do, occur. If the infection spreads to the chest cavity or the floor of the mouth, airways can be blocked causing suffocation. In the chest, it can lead to heart problems and even sepsis which can cause death.

For the most part abscesses are not only treatable, they are preventable. Untreated tooth decay, injuries such as cracked, chipped or broken teeth, gum disease (including periodonitis and gingivitis) are all common causes of abscesses. Some cases can occur following a root canal procedure can also lead to an abscess at the site. Anyone who does not regularly maintain good oral hygiene measures and have regular dental checkups is at risk for an abscess. Some diseases like diabetes and cancer can contribute to the occurrence of a dental abscess either through the use of some medications or as a direct result of the disease.

The treatment for abscesses will depend greatly on the condition of the oral area and the rate of infection. If the abscess is in an advanced stage more invasive treatment options will have to be explored. Antibiotics are the first line of defense because they are effective in killing the bacteria causing the infection within a couple of days after the beginning of treatment. Gargling with warm salt water will help soothe some symptoms and help the mouth drain bacteria and encourage healing. Advanced cases may require pain medications – over-the-counter or prescribed – to control discomfort. In most abscess cases, the damaged tooth will have to be extracted and a root canal performed to remove the dead pulp and drain pus. Abscesses that have spread to other places from the mouth may require surgical removal and this can cause extended hospital stays. At this point, the likelihood of complications occurring is also greater and a serious concern.

Sometimes called ‘temps’, provisional restorations provide a temporary cover for teeth undergoing a smile makeover. While dental crowns, bridges or porcelain veneers are being fabricated at a dental laboratory – a process that can take several weeks – provisional restorations are fitted to prevent sensitivity and associated problems that can occur when dentin and nerve endings are exposed. Temporaries can also prevent tooth movement, maintain the integrity of gum tissue and allow patients – many possibly for the first time in a long time – to be able to speak and eat as they did prior to suffering dental problems.

Aesthetic and emotional value comes in the fact that many people undergoing smile makeovers will not have had what is considered a normal smile in a long time. This is the test drive factor. Provisional restorations are the first time in the process that the patient gets to have a real sense for how the permanent restoration will look and feel when completed. In some cases, provisional restoration can be used to give the patient time to experience something similar to the end result before undertaking the manufacture of the permanent implements. If the patient doesn’t like the look or feel there is still time to change the plan without negative impacts.

One type of provisional restoration involves a Snap-On Smile, a patented dental appliance that temporarily snaps over the teeth, changing their appearance.

Provisional restorations will be worn for different amounts of time depending on the extent of work being done. For a single dental implant, the temp may only be worn for a few days. However, veneers and inlays and onlays will take several weeks for customization and a full smile makeover may take months before they are ready to be fitted and cemented in place.

In general, one of two techniques is used to make provisional restorations. The procedure that is done by a dentist while the patient is in the dental office chair is called a direct technique. Conversely, an indirect technique involves the dentist making impressions of the teeth in a putty mold that is sent off to a laboratory for fabrication. Indirect temporaries are typically recommended for long-term use cases because they are closer to the final product’s appearance, fit better and are stronger.

Temporaries are made using a number of different pre-formed materials that include plastic, metal and resin composites.

Some concerns that may develop in the course of treatment with provisional restorations include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, it is harder to chew, there may be a roughness to their surface that can irritate the tongue and they may pop out easily.

To avoid other concerns like bad breath, and gum disease, it is important to brush regularly using a soft bristle brush and floss daily. Avoid sticky foods that can cause the temporaries to dislodge and do not chew on hard objects like nuts or pens.

With the costs of dental treatments rising, and some treatments costing thousands of dollars, the importance of preventative dentistry cannot be overstated. The American Dental Association’s standards for preventative dentistry recommend at least two checkups annually for thorough cleaning and treatment of any conditions that may be developing. Following this advice can prevent infections and decay from occurring or care for symptoms in early stages when treatment is most affective.

Preventative dentistry can be broken down into two categories – at-home and dental office treatment – which must be observed simultaneously.

At-home treatments start with proper brushing and flossing, using correct techniques, after every meal or at least twice a day. This will control the appearance of plaque that can lead to tartar which causes bacteria that promotes tooth decay. Maintaining a proper diet is another essential component of effective at-home preventative dentistry. A balanced diet will promote health and good function while foods high in sugar or acid content will contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Avoidance of all tobacco products whether smoked or chewed and moderate alcohol consumption will promote overall oral health.

Regular dentist office visits should include fluoride applications that strengthen the enamel and prevent decay in addition to professional cleanings and corrective treatment. The introduction of fluoride into public water systems has been called one of the most important public health achievements of the 20^th century. There are two basic types of fluoride, topical and systemic. Topical fluorides make teeth more resistant to decay and are widely used in toothpastes and at dentist’s offices where applications are generally given to children under 18 years-of-age. Systemic fluorides are administered internally and include such things as public water fluoridation and dietary supplements that are taken in tablet or capsule form. Amorphous calcium phosphate – also known as ACP – is another substance used in preventative dentistry. ACP helps replenish the body’s store of calcium and phosphate in the teeth. ACP is used to strengthen the teeth’s hard outer shell during various dental procedures such as professional cleanings, orthodontic work and bleaching.

Dentists are the best ones to develop a preventative maintenance plan after a thorough examination of the entire oral area. The dentist will look at a number of factors including the person’s age, specific diet, amount of exposure to fluoride, presence of carious legions, medications that are used, social variables like education and income and clinical factors such as amount of cavities, missing teeth and other related conditions.

The importance of preventative dentistry cannot be overlooked. No one enjoys painful situations and that goes double for oral problems. Dental problems can become serious and require even more painful procedures to correct. Not only that, corrective measures can be extremely expensive and require considerable down-time afterward for recovery. With a strong preventative dentistry action plan, anyone can provide the needed maintenance to ensure that overall oral health remains good and problems that do arise are diagnosed and corrected in a timely manner to prevent a worsening of the situation.

Known in medical terms as oral pseudo membranous candidiasis, oral thrush most commonly is seen as slightly raised patches of a cottage cheese like plaque on the tongue or inside the cheek, the roof of the mouth, on gums and tonsils or the rear portion of the throat. Other varieties of the oral candidiasis infection include erythematous candidiasis, red blemishes on the roof of the mouth or tongue; hyperplastic candidiasis, a chronic variety that is similar to the common form in appearance but cannot be scraped off; and angular cheilitis, which look like sores in the corner of the mouth.

Thrush mouth is basically a yeast infection – in fact, it can cause vaginal yeast infections in women. Candida albicans is a type of yeast normally in the mouth in manageable quantities that are checked by other forms of bacteria that are not harmful to the body. Thrush mouth occurs when there is a surge in candida albicans or of related yeasts called candida glabrata or candida tropicalis which are also normally present.

Symptoms of oral thrush will include the cottage cheese-like patches inside the mouth and a burning sensation. Soreness, a bitter taste in the mouth, bad breath or sensitivity to certain spicy or acidic foods are also common symptoms. Mothers and infants can pass oral thrush to each other. In infants, the infection can cause treatment-resistant diaper rashes as it passes through the child’s body. Mothers breastfeeding an infected infant may experience burning, painful nipples.

Like abscesses, oral thrush can spread from the mouth to other parts of the body if left untreated. At the first signs of symptoms a dentist should be consulted for a proper examination and professional diagnosis. If the symptoms are thrush mouth related, the dentist can affect a treatment plan or refer the patient to a specialist if needed.

Some people should be especially wary of oral thrush. Obviously, with the aforementioned issues between mothers and infants that group should be vigilant to makes sure any occurrence is quickly treated. People suffering from diabetes and immune system diseases like HIV or cancer may be susceptible to oral thrush because they frequently have reduced resistance to infections. Asthma sufferers can get oral thrush from inhaled corticosteroids. Denture wearers face a significant risk of candidiasis from denture stomatisis, a condition where the soft tissue in the mouth becomes irritated from wearing dentures that do not fit properly or that aren’t adequately cleaned on a regular basis.

Treatments for thrush mouth are varied and start with the condition from which the infection developed. If the oral thrush is believed to have begun with use of a medication, speak to a doctor about switching prescriptions. Denture wearers should not sleep in their dentures and allow them to instead soak in a cleaning mixture during this time. Diabetes and those with immune deficiency diseases should take extra care to maintain good practices to control their conditions. Good and regular oral hygiene practices will also go a long way in preventing infection.

If infection does occur, oral thrush can be treated effectively in most cases with topical medications such as nystatin and clotrimazole that are applied directly on the oral thrush.

Lumineers are probably the most well known of the several varieties of minimal preparation veneers that are available for sale. Marketed as a treatment option that requires no shots, drilling or pain, it is easy to see the mass market appeal.

Minimal preparation veneers are secured with adhesives to the surface of the teeth in a manner similar to traditional veneers. In general, the big difference comes in the fact that minimal preparation veneers can be fitted without grinding, cutting or filing of the tooth and that makes the process quicker and less taxing on the patient, who may not even need to undergo local anesthesia in some cases. However, as the name implies, there are times where the dentist will have to do some minimal preparation work to get the teeth ready.

There are a number of minor dental conditions that could suitably be treated with minimal preparation veneers. People who have teeth that are chipped or cracked, discolored, misaligned, poorly shaped, crowded, worn, small or with gaps between may find minimal preparation veneers to be a viable treatment option.

While minimal preparation veneers – that are sometimes called ‘instant orthodontics’ – are suitable in many cosmetic cases, they are not the only option available. Not only that, but they should not be used in an attempt to correct more significant problems that are likely to require extended use. Composite bonding is another option available for dental replacement that is minimally invasive and generally cheaper. Minimal preparation veneers should not be used to render teeth whiter; there are plenty of teething whitening and bleaching products and professional techniques that would be far cheaper for that purpose.

A dentist will best be able to recommend an appropriate treatment whether that is minimally preparation veneers or bonding or braces. If the no-prep veneers are chosen for a treatment option, the dentist will first have to fully examine all of the teeth to make sure there are no underlying problems that need to be addressed.

Because minimal preparation veneers are purely cosmetic, most people’s dental insurance plans will not provide coverage – even partial – for the procedure that is categorized as elective in nature. Because of that, cost is going to be a factor for most people in the individual decision making process. Always thoroughly discuss alternative treatment options with a dentist to ensure that the best choice is being made.

Minimal preparation veneers will be the definitive answer for many people’s minor cosmetic dental concerns; however, consumers should give careful consideration to their individual condition and act accordingly. There is a lot of marketing hype that makes minimal preparation veneers very appealing to a lot of people who may need traditional techniques like metal and wire braces or composite bonds to adequately correct the dental problem at issue so that it doesn’t get worse.

Two of the most common negative oral effects of medications involve dry mouth syndrome and oral thrush. Dry mouth syndrome occurs when the body cannot for one reason or another produce an adequate amount of saliva. Not only is the condition, uncomfortable and even painful, it can promote tooth decay, fungal infections and difficulties in eating, swallowing and talking – especially among those people who wear dentures. Oral thrush is a cottage cheese-looking yeast infection that occurs on the roof of the mouth or the inside of the cheeks.

In modern society there seems to be a medication for just about any ailment or discomfort. Many people take daily medications to control not only serious ailments but for lesser conditions like sleeplessness, allergic reactions and pre-menstrual syndrome. Still more medications are available to help people who want to suppress appetite, quit smoking or prevent hair loss. Other medications manage conditions like arthritis, depression, diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, seizures and stroke.

Some of the medications most commonly associated with dental problems include:

• Antibiotics that can cause tooth discoloration.

• Smoking cessation drugs increase the likelihood of developing dry mouth syndrome.

• Chemotherapy medications can cause pain, sores and burning mouth syndrome.

• Antidepressants have been known to promote the occurrence of dry mouth syndrome, teeth grinding, sensitivity, headaches, jaw pain and gum bleeding.

• Allergy medications may dry out the mouth in the course of drying out sinus membranes.

• Appetite suppressants also may cause dry mouth syndrome. As do sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications.

• Biophosphonates that are used in the treatment of osteoporosis can lead to a degenerative disorder of the jaw that can be very serious.

Despite the threat to oral health that is presented by many medications, some simple tips can help mitigate the harmful effects. It is recommended that those taking medications drink more than eight glasses of water each day to maintain proper hydration. Other options include oral moisturizers, synthetic saliva and sucking on ice cubes. Some toothpastes are specially designed to be used by people on medications – investigate and consider one of these products for daily use. But one of the most important things that can be done is to maintain a vigorous dental hygiene regimen that includes brushing and flossing. It also helps greatly to read the information that is packaged with each medication. Proper understanding of potential side effects can go a long way in preventing or solving problems down the road.