Author: clong_cliEnt_aDmEeN

Much as technology has improved information dissemination, still, dental care is an issue of contention. While some go overboard with taking care of their teeth, some barely pay attention to them. No wonder there are still many cases of tooth loss even in adulthood.

If you are a victim of tooth loss, worry not. In dentistry, there are solutions you can take up to help replace your missing tooth. Today we talk about oral implants, which are a more permanent approach to tooth replacement.

What Is A Dental Implant?

It is a metal fixture used in restorative dentistry for teeth replacement. It features titanium metal posts that are inserted in the jawbone of a patient. The metal posts serve as a replacement for the roots of teeth. This is what makes oral Implants stand out from other tooth-replacement procedures.

Why Do You Need An Implant?

An implant is not something you determine to get on your own. While the desire may be there, your dentist is the one who comes up with a treatment plan suitable for your situation.

Technically anyone can get an implant, having that they are used to replace missing teeth. Even with a full mouth of missing teeth, you can still get implants. The only factors that might affect your qualifications are:

1. Your health – this covers overall health as well as the health of your mouth. If you are under medication, this treatment may not be suited for you at that time.
2. Structure of your bones – your jawbones are required to be healthy and wholesome so they can support the metal fixtures.
3. The health of your gums – the gums will also play a huge role in holding the implant in place. Healthy gum tissue should not be receded, swollen or damaged with mouth sores all over.

How Long Does An Implant Procedure Take?

The one thing to note about the implantation procedure is that it is surgical. Some of the steps involved in your treatment are as follows:

1. Local anesthesia and sedation – to relax you and alleviate pain.
2. An incision on your gum tissue to expose the bone structure.
3. Drilling of the bone structure – this step depends on the type of implant you are getting. The drilling creates room for the metal post to be implanted.
4. The implantation process happens.
5. Closing the gum tissue – it is sewn back together and allowed to heal. The healing can take several weeks before your mouth properly integrates the implant.
6. Covering with a crown – an oral crown is needful to cover the implant and offer complete restoration and functionality to that tooth.

In general, the surgical procedure should take between 3-5 hours. It all depends on the type of implant you are getting, as well as the number of implants being installed. You can learn more about implants by visiting our clinics today.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Implants

To every treatment procedure, there are pros and cons. Weighing them out careful helps you determine whether or not the procedure is suitable for you.

Advantages of Implants

1. Durability – they feature titanium metal, which is a sturdy material. For this reason, implants can last you even a lifetime, with proper care.
2. Strong build – although there isn’t a dental appliance that matches the natural strength of teeth, implants come pretty close. The build of the material is strong to withstand and resist any pressure and tension, longer than most dental appliances.
3. Permanency – implants do not have to be replaced every couple of years. They are also not removable, having that they are installed in your jawbone.
4. Root replacement – there isn’t a dental procedure that can replace the root of your teeth, other than implants. The rest concentrate on surface treatment, where they only replace the crown.

Disadvantages

1. The treatment is not for everyone – you have to be thoroughly examined to qualify for implants.
2. Healing takes time – this is not a cosmetic alteration. Since it is a surgical procedure, it can take some time before your gums and bones are healed properly.
3. It is an invasive procedure – compare to oral dentures or bridges, implants are a very invasive treatment option.
4. They are expensive – given the nature of the treatment as well as the titanium material used, the implants can be costly. Remember you also have to account for the cost of the dental crowns over the implants.

Did you know one out of every two adults in America aged 30 and above has periodontal disease? It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone that supports teeth.

The patients struggling with periodontal disease need to decide between laser and traditional surgeries. Although both are effective options, it is integral that you know the key differences between two before digging into one of these.

Remember beautiful smile come with healthy teeth and gums. It also gives you a confidence boost, makes you look younger, and boost your image in special settings. So make sure you treat it before it’s too late.

Difference between Traditional and Laser Treatment

1. Scalpel

During traditional gum surgery, the dentist removes bacteria and cuts the diseased gum tissue using a scalpel. This will offer access to the roots of teeth for proper cleaning and bone reshaping.

He or she then uses sutures to secure the gums in its correct place. In fact, patients need to take anesthetic – this makes flap surgery more painful.

However, LANAP® is a minimally invasive process for treating gum disease. Also, the laser is gentle – it means no scalpel, gum cutting or stitches. It is perfect for those that want to treat their affected gums with minimal discomfort.

2. Preservation of Healthy Gums

During scalp surgery, healthy gum and bone tissue get ruined in the process. Also, inflammation, and massive bleeding are common. In a few cases, grafting is required to re-attach gum tissue to the tooth roots. Loss of healthy tissue also poses aesthetic issues and boosted tooth sensitivity.

On the other hand, laser technology is used to remove the diseased tissue and deadly bacteria from the gum pockets while maintaining the health of gum tissue close to it.

After cleaning the pocket, dentists use a laser to compress tissue against the root surface. Finally, the tissue is sealed using a fibrin cloth. This lowers the risk of sensitivity, bleeding, and infection in the future.

3. New Bone Growth

Many studies and researches have claimed that Laser-assisted new attachment procedure can help gum tissue to re-attach to the roots of teeth. It triggers new bone growth around your existing teeth. However, this is not the case with scalpel surgery.

4. Recovery Time

Traditional gum surgery means plenty of packing between gums and sutures. When patients wake up, they typically need prescription pain medicine to get rid of soreness. It means a long recovery time.

However, laser surgery takes approximately two hours. Only treated areas are numbed using a local anesthetic. Also, the patients can expect a recovery time of one day. This makes patients return to their everyday routine instantly.

5. Fear

Severe cases of periodontitis require the dentist to cut the affected gum tissue for access to the periodontal pocket. Gumline recession is typically between 10-15 mm. The entire process creates fear in the minds of patients.

However, laser gum surgery eliminates the anxiety and fear of seeing a periodontist for gum disease. It is because there is no gum line recession.

Laser Gum Surgery Pros and Cons

Laser gum surgery is a great alternative to traditional scalpel surgery. Here are the reasons why:

Pros:

• FDA-approved gum surgery alternative
• Safe for everyone
• No need for injection
• Gum disease can be treated in one visit
• Minimal pain, anxiety and infection risk
• Reduced swelling, tooth sensitivity, and bleeding
• Preserve healthy tooth during cavity removal
• Fast healing time
• No compromise to smile

Cons:

• Can’t be used on teeth with fillings
• A laser does not work in case of too much tooth decay
• You cannot use laser in the common dental processes like filling cavities, treat old fillings, and large cavities.
• Patients with silver fillings, defective crowns, or those who need to prepare teeth for bridges can’t use it
• Do not eliminate the need for anesthesia
• Costly process

Wrapping Up:

Do you find chewing painful or have receding gums? If yes, it’s likely that you have gum disease. It is silent and in some cases does show any signs till the last stages. Therefore, in order to guard your teeth, it’s wise to treat it early using gum surgery.

There are two options for it: laser or scalpel surgery. For both the processes, it is paramount for the patients to follow the advice of dentists to reduce post-surgery complications. Hunt a qualified dentist in your area that performs best gum treatments. He or she can help you decide which one is perfect for you.

When people think of dental care, all their attention goes to caring for teeth. Very few consider other parts of the mouth, including the gums. The gum tissue covers a big part of the mouth. It also plays a significant role in hold the teeth in place. Not only that, but the gum tissue plays a big role in the aesthetic appeal of teeth. If therefore, there are some problems with your gums, it can affect both the functioning of your mouth as well as the cosmetic appearance. Thankfully, you can bank on laser technology for correcting gum problems and restoring the health of your gum tissue.

What is Laser Gum Surgery?

It is a surgical procedure that is used to treat gum infection. The process involves using laser technology to remove the damaged tissue and regenerate new gum tissue. The surgical procedure is offered for patients who suffer from extensive gum disease, that is, periodontitis.

Understanding Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is an infection of the gum tissue that is mostly a result of poor oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar builds-up on the surfaces of teeth, eating up on the enamel of teeth as well as the gum tissue. The infection caused on the gum tissue results to other gum problems, including:

• Gum bleeding
• The recession of the gums
• Inflammation and swelling
• Pain and soreness of the gums
• Falling off of teeth

When you consult your dentist with an infection of your gums, a thorough diagnosis is the best way to determine what oral solution best suits your problem. While there are other ways to resolve gum disease, gum surgery is necessitated by the complexity and advancement of the infection. When a lot of your gum tissue has succumbed to damage, the best way forward is to repair the gums through regeneration.

What to Expect from The Procedure

The process of surgically treating your gum tissue involves different steps, as highlighted below:

• Preparatory stage – your dentist will not initiate a surgical procedure without testing out other medication. This bit includes scaling and root planing. The idea is to clean out your mouth by getting rid of any tartar and plaque on your teeth. The process also involves smoothing out the exposed roots of your teeth.
• Surgery – the surgical process entails restoring the damaged gum tissue. Part of this process will have the shallow bone defects leveled and the large gum pockets are reduced. The part of the surgery where the deep gum pockets are reduced is called flap surgery. Reducing the gum pockets seals out any room for plaque and tartar to be trapped in the roots of the teeth, spreading the infection while weakening the tooth. As the gum pockets are sutured, they ensure a tighter fit around the teeth, offering ultimate support.
• Grafting – grafting is the process that follows after laser surgery. It is often done for bone and gums. Since the bines get damaged too during periodontal disease, bone grafting allows for the regeneration of bone structure to support teeth. Besides, gum grafting is used t replace the damaged gum tissue, for added support to teeth.

Aftercare Tips for Gum Surgery

Now that your gums are restored, how to take care of them determines the likelihood of future infection. Given that the biggest cause of the periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene, part of the aftercare tips involves keeping up with proper oral hygiene. Other than that, some of the dental care tips you should embrace throughout your recovery and even after, include:

• Improve your oral hygiene – this means brushing your teeth at least twice every day, as well as flossing every day. You should also consider rinsing out your mouth with a mouthwash to kill any harmful bacteria that could be left behind.
• Regular dental visits – at least every three months, talking to your dentist will help you keep up with a healthy mouth. Besides, it is to your advantage if the dentist can identify anomalies with your gums at an early stage, rather than wait for the problem to worsen.
• Lifestyle changes – some patients have poor lifestyle habits that can increase the risks of periodontal disease, including smoking. You have to quit some of these habits to prevent future complications with your gums.

The 21st century has allowed a lot of creativity and innovation in the practice of medicine. Dental care is now more effective than ever before. With cosmetic procedures increasing in popularity, there is something for everyone.

What Are Dental Veneers?

If you visit Dr. Andrew Mohlman for dental care, he will tell you that venerate the most resourceful dental appliances for aesthetic modification of teeth. They feature thin layers of porcelain material applied on the surfaces of teeth to alter their appearance. The appliances are used majorly for esthetic elevation rather than restorative dentistry.

What Are The Uses Of Veneers?

Different dental problems can be corrected using veneers. The only requirement is that a dentist thoroughly observes the state of your teeth to determine whether or not you qualify for veneers. Some of the dental problems that veneers resolve include:

• Chipped or broken teeth – following an injury, part of your Tooth’s enamel can chip or break. Particularly on front teeth, this becomes an esthetic problem. Veneers can be molded in different shapes and sizes to restore a broken tooth making it look fuller and more appealing to the eyes.
• Decayed teeth – when veneers are used for tooth decay, they are considered a type of dental filling. Usually, they are used as inlays and onlays. They are placed partially in the decayed part of the tooth, to complement the appearance as well as fill a tooth to prevent further decaying.
• Discoloration of teeth – stains can be the leading cause of ugly teeth. This is especially when the stains happen on the front teeth. Sometimes, the process of professional teeth whitening can clear out the stains. However, patients may opt for veneers out of preference, as a less invasive process. Sometimes, a dentist may recommend the porcelain veneers when the stains on teeth are very stubborn to be removed with whitening gels.
• Spaces between teeth – it is not always that teeth grow properly. Orthodontics exist to help solve such problems. However, given that orthodontic treatment takes time to yield results, oral veneers are offered as an alternative. They can be used to cover the spaces formed between teeth by working on adjacent teeth to improve their shapes.
• Short teeth – some people have unusually short teeth. This gives them a gummy smile, even though their gum tissue is rightly placed in the mouth. Such can be corrected with veneers. They can be molded to lengthen the size of teeth. While at it, veneers are also used to alter the shapes of poorly shaped teeth.

What Are The Pros & Cons Of Veneers?

Everything in life presents advantages as well as disadvantages. For veneers, it is the same. Weighing out the pros & cons can help you decide whether or not the treatment is best for you.

Advantages of Veneers

• Noninvasive process – when compared to alternative dental treatments, veneers are less invasive. For example, unlike with dental crowns, you get to retain a lot of your natural tooth’s structure.
• Aesthetic improvements – veneers have a cosmetic advantage in teeth treatment. Besides, the color of the porcelain veneers makes your teeth whiter and brighter, for a better smile.
• Gum tolerance – it is not every day you come across a material that does not irritate the gum tissue. Porcelain plays well with the gum tissue, and rarely will patients react to the material.
• Stain-resistant – compared to other materials, porcelain resists stains much longer and better. This ensures your hold on to your perfect smile for a long time.

Disadvantages of Veneers

• They easily chip – since only part of the tooth is covered with the material, they can chip easily.
• They cannot be repaired once they chip – this means that the process is irreversible unless you consider a while different treatment following the chipping of the veneers.
• They may cause tooth sensitivity – because part of the tooth’s enamel is shaved to make room for the veneers. The sensitivity is mostly when you eat hot or cold foods.
• They do not play well with hard foods or substances like chewing fingernails and pens, or even teeth grinding. People who clench their faces a lot or grind their teeth at night are in fact not a perfect choice for this treatment.

Contrary to what you may believe, children are not young adults and they experience pain differently. Because of that, when they have tooth sensitivity, they may not be able to distinguish between sensitivity and pain. It is important to determine the cause of the sensitivity and when to see the dentist. If the discomfort is immediate but fleets as soon as the stimulant is eliminated, it is tooth sensitivity.

What Are the Causes?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel wears out or when there is a gum recession that exposes the underlying soft tissues. In children, however, other causes of tooth sensitivity include:

1. New teeth eruption

Permanent teeth eruption is uncomfortable by itself and adding tooth sensitivity on it can make the process unbearable. If the emerging tooth is close to the gum, it can cause pain, pressure, and sensitivity to hot and cold substances or air. The toothache can last until the tooth is in its final stage.

To manage pain and sensitivity:

• Avoid giving the child hot or cold drinks
• Massage the gum area where the teeth are erupting to ease the discomfort
• You can use pain medications, but first, talk your pediatric doctor or dentist before giving the drugs

2. Dental cavities

Dental cavities are common in children because of the high level of bacteria, a diet high in sugar and starches, less saliva production, or poor oral hygiene. If the dental decay is mild, the dentist will clean it off and replace the tooth with a filling.

Dental decay in children is preventable through maintaining proper dental hygiene and coming for regular dental checkups.

3. Dental fillings

After tooth decay, the dentist will cover the tooth with a filling such as amalgam fillings which can cause tooth sensitivity. An amalgam filling is made of metals that conduct heat much faster than the rest. Because this filling expands with heat, it can cause the teeth to expand too which puts pressure on the nerve.

4. Sinus problems

If your child has sinus problems, they may suffer from tooth sensitivity. When pressure builds in the sinuses, it causes discomfort. Before you can seek treatment, it is important to have the dentist examine the child for cavities, abscess, gum disease, or impacted teeth because they normally have similar symptoms.

5. Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is common in both children and adults. Although it causes subtle symptoms, if left unchecked, it could lead to tooth sensitivity. Teeth grinding wears the enamel and exposes the tissues underneath causing sensitivity.

If you suspect your child has bruxism, come to the dentist for an assessment. Additionally, you can buy mouth guards to protect the teeth. Talk to our dentist about custom-fit mouth guards that are designed to fit the child’s dental structure.

6. Improper brushing technique

Improper brushing does not cause sensitivity, but it could contribute to tooth decay which causes cavity-related sensitivity. Teaching your child, the proper way of brushing—the circular motion technique will help to preserve the enamel and the dentin. The brushing technique is even more important in children with braces to protect the gum.

Yes, children dread brushing, but if taught the proper way of brushing the teeth and gums it could help prevent dental problems.

How to Manage Sensitivity

• Get the soft-bristled and kid-friendly toothbrush
• Use toothpaste specifically designed for sensitivity. Speak to the dentist first before getting the toothpaste for children under 12 years
• Make use of the fluoride mouthwash (as long as the child is of the right age to use fluoride) to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities
• Encourage healthy oral routine to prevent reoccurrence of tooth sensitivity

These tips can help reduce tooth sensitivity. However, if the child continues to experience sensitivity coupled with throbbing pain and fever, then call the dentist. For quality pediatric care, contact our Family Dental Center for assessment. We provide several dental services geared to promoting your dental hygiene.

Taking care of your gums is important not only because your gums protect your teeth, but also because the health of your gums can have an impact on other health-related conditions you experience. In honor of National Gum Care Month, it is a good idea to educate yourself about the early stages of gum disease and update your knowledge on caring for your gums.

The Early Signs of Gum Disease

Without proper oral care, the early stages of gum disease, or gingivitis, may develop. You might have gingivitis if:

• Your gums appear to be red and swollen in certain places
• Your gums feel tender when you touch them or brush them
• When you brush your teeth or floss, your gums bleed easily
• You have noticed that your gums have started to pull away from the edges of your teeth

Additionally, you might have gingivitis if your bite or the way your teeth and gums feel has changed in any way whatsoever.

Taking Care of Your Gums

Although gingivitis may develop easily, it is also easy to prevent as long as you stick to a consistent dental hygiene routine. We strongly recommend brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly at least two times a day. However, keep in mind that when you brush your teeth and gums, you should not be too aggressive. Brushing your gums too hard can damage them and cause them to bleed.

In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also see a general dentist in Kennewick, WA for regular appointments at least twice a year. When you come into our office for a general dental checkup and cleaning, we will remove the plaque that has built up on your teeth over time.

If it has been a while since you last came into our office to see Dr. Andrew T. Mohlman and you are worried that you might have gingivitis, please schedule an appointment today. You can reach our office by calling (509) 590-0072.

Crooked or misaligned teeth affect the majority of patients at one point in their life. Our team at A Family Dental Center located in Kennewick offers several different personalized treatments to correct similar issues; traditional braces are commonly used at an orthodontic treatment. Many people view traditional braces as a treatment meant for adolescents, but they can also benefit people of all ages. Continue reading on to see how traditional braces can totally transform your smile.

What are traditional braces?

Traditional braces are made out of metal brackets that are placed on the individual teeth and kept on with a durable adhesive. They are connected with the help of a sturdy wire. Constant pressure with the help of the braces is what allows the teeth to be corrected in just a short period of time. Braces are used to correct a wide range of issues, including crooked teeth and a misaligned bite. Both of these issues can lead to severe consequences when not properly taken care of with the help of your Kennewick dentist.

Is the treatment painful?

The initial appointment of applying your brackets will leave you with discomfort for the first couple days. Over the counter medications can help to relieve any pain you might experience. You may also feel discomfort each time your braces are adjusted in our clinic. If severe pain or discomfort persists, then contact your dentist right away for further assistance. They may need to make a few adjustments to keep your mouth comfortable. We will provide you with wax to place on uncomfortable wires or brackets when needed.

Who can benefit from an orthodontic treatment?

Traditional braces can make noticeable changes on patients of any age. They are commonly used for adolescents during their growing years, but braces can help to transform adult smiles as well. If you are in need of a restoration for your smile, then contact A Family Dental Center today to see how our team can help or to set up your next consultation. We can provide you with many different treatment options that are tailored for your needs.