Month: January 2019

Being the most realistic form of tooth replacement, dental implants work and function just like a natural tooth. It also has many benefits. If given proper attention and care, dental implants can last for 25 years or more. However, it is important to take proper care of them. The longevity of the implant depends on multiple factors including the type of implant, positioning of implant, oral health and your habits. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry has stated dental implants to be more predictable than other treatment types.

Dental implants are available in multiple sizes and types, however, picking up the right one for yourself is something your dentist would recommend you specifically. To make dental implants last longer, there are some factors that you need to consider. These factors are suggested by our dentists.

1. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis.
2. Regular dental examination and cleaning in every 6 months. This makes it easier to evaluate the status of dental implants at each appointment.
3. Patients must avoid biting or chewing items like hard candy, pencil, pen tip etc. They should also strictly not use their teeth as a tool to open things.
4. Last but not the least is to take care of your oral health, habits. Lifestyle choices as diet and exercise also play a significant role in assessing your dental health.

Since the implant is surgically placed in the jaw, it typically last lifetime with regular brushing and flossing. However, the crown requires replacement every 10-15 years owing to normal damage or loss. Patients with excellent dental health have crown lasting beyond 15 years.

Why a Dental Implant Fails?
As said above, dental implants deliver long-term sustainability when taken care of properly. However, there are certain factors or diseases like cancer or diabetes that have a higher risk of dental implant failure.
It is important to take care of your dental implants the way you do your natural teeth. Poor oral health habits may worsen the condition, thereby leading to gum disease. This another major cause that creates obstacles in the success of a dental implant.

So, it is important to select the right dentist when it comes to dealing with dental implants. Further, by practising great oral hygiene habits and taking care of your dental implants, you will be able to acquire the longest life of your implant, potentially a lifetime. This is how dental implants turn out to be the best investment over time when taken care of properly. Connect with our dentists today to get a customized solution for your needs.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Missing teeth or tooth loss not only turns out to be embarrassing but also affects the oral health. So, the first thing that you need to do is to look out for a restoration. In this context, implants emerge as the perfect solution as they do much more than just replacing a tooth. Dental implants are important because they actually copy the way real teeth function.

How Dental Implants Can Improve Your Oral Health

Dental Implants Reduce the Risk of Cavity
The empty spaces in your mouth promotes gum disease. They also expose the other remaining teeth to decay. The first thing that you need to consider after tooth loss is taking care of the remaining teeth because bacteria starts clinging to the teeth that surrounds empty space and forms a thin layer of plaque. Dental implants work extremely great in this scenario and fill out the area, resulting in a healthy smile. It is easier to brush and floss just like a natural tooth even after using dental implants.

Improves Periodontal Health
Periodontal disease is also one of the reason for tooth loss. The gap caused by missing teeth are difficult to clean and results in plaque deposition. However, placing an implant and restoration fills out the space and reduces risk of gum disease in the future. Along with it, oral hygiene gets sorted. This gives an assurance that your plaque is under control.

Preserves Bone Density
Jaw bone supports the upper and lower teeth. When a tooth is lost, the area near bone tissue gets affected. Bone requires an ongoing stimulation to retain its density. By implanting titanium into the jawbone, dental implants stimulate the bone by acting as roots. This further encourages bone growth. Bone density and facial structure is also preserved. This offers a secure foundation for replacement teeth.

Eliminates Issues Caused by Dentures, If Any
Dentures can be problematic at times. A single set of dentures does not work for lifetime. It definitely needs replacement because the gum and bone change shape after years of wearing denture. Dentures require to be realigned or remade to accommodate the changing mouth with time. Bacteria also tend up to build within the denture and if denture by any means rub against the palate or gums, it eventually results in infection.

Getting dental implants eliminates the risk by giving a permanent and natural solution. So, other than just offering nice looking teeth, dental implants boost up self esteem. In simple words, dental implants should not be confused with a cosmetic procedure. It also functions great to improve the overall oral health.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

An overbite is a very common dental issue found both in adult and children. It occurs when an upper front teeth overlaps the lower front teeth. The reasons behind an overbite could be bad oral habits, genetics, or extra development of bone that supports the teeth. Overbite results in gum irritation that can also be painful.

Using invisalign to get rid of overbite
In order to treat overbite with an Invisalign, you must see an orthodontist as soon as possible. Our orthodontist will take a digital scan of your teeth to create a 3D model of your mouth virtually. Invisalign proves to be an effective way to fix an overbite. Our dentist recommend starting treatment at an early stage, which is during the jaw development. Invisalign fit accurately inside your mouth and are easy to remove.

To experience the best results, patients are recommended to wear aligners for no less than 22 hours a day. They should also be changed on a bi-weekly basis. This will help moving their teeth in the right direction. Invisalign helps in moving the teeth so that the top and bottom teeth align properly when mouth is closed.

Importance of treating an overbite
Getting rid of an overbite disorder is not only good for aesthetic purposes but also variety of health and dental problems. Some of the following include:

Gum damage: When overbite gets severe, the lower front teeth may affect the gum line in the back of upper front teeth. Similarly, the upper front teeth may contact the gum line of lower front teeth. In this situation, the gums may become damaged and suffer tooth loss or gum disease.

Pain in the jaw: Those having misaligned jaws that originate from overbite may experience headache and jaw pain. This might further increase the possibilities of developing TJD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Patients with an overbite are at an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. It is a serious disorder wherein breathing stops and starts while the patient is asleep. Daytime sleepiness and snoring is continuously observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Problems in speech and chewing: Overbite makes it challenging for you to speak or pronounce some words correctly. Besides, overbite also makes difficult to chew food properly.

Regardless of the factors, Invisalign functions greatly to fix any kind of bite issues including overbite, underbite or crossbite, irrespective of the age.

Still have queries about how invisalign can work for you? Schedule an appointment with us today! We will be happy to answer all your queries.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Cosmetic dental bonding is the process of restoring your damaged tooth to improve the appearance of your smile. It is a very economical and versatile dental treatment that is used to correct chipped teeth, discolored teeth, teeth gaps, short or crooked teeth. Cosmetic dental bonding works as a natural solution to get rid of teeth deformities. This procedure helps in masking the dental flaws to restore broken or decayed teeth.

The process of bonding

The treatment can be easily accomplished via a single visit to San Antonio Dentist TX. The whole process takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. The first step is to ensure that the surface of the tooth is cleaned and plaque-free. The surface is then etched with a gel that opens up tiny pores in the surface. Once the gel is rinsed off, the liquid composite resin is painted on in a thin layer. It fills the tiny pores and creates a strong bond.

In order to harden this bonding material, a special curing light is used. The first layer is cured and then another layer is painted on and cured. Your dentist will keep layering one after the other until the restoration has required thickness. The bonding material is further structured to give it the right form. The final polishing is done once the tooth receives a great fit with your bite.

Advantages of cosmetic dental bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding is useful:

• To fix the appearance of chipped and cracked teeth
• It also improves the color of stained or discolored teeth
• It fixes unwanted gaps and spaces between adjacent teeth
• In order to enhance the tooth’s aesthetic appearance, cosmetic dental bonding helps to modify tooth’s shape
• It protects the teeth from decay or damage
• Helps replace amalgam or metal fillings

Cosmetic dental bonding is helpful to get the smile you want. It also allows you to eat and speak with confidence. The procedure does not have any side effects. However, mild tooth sensitivity is experienced by patients during or after the procedure. This gets fixed in a meanwhile. Patients are required to avoid sweet, hot or cold food.

Cosmetic dental bonding is a long-lasting procedure. However, it is important to take good care to prevent damage of tooth enamel. Patients are also advised not to bite or chew items like plastics, shell or ice. Doing this might cause your dental bond to fall out completely. You must also make sure to have regular teeth cleaning appointment to keep tooth around dental bond healthy. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis is also recommended.

Looking for long lasting restoration, choose cosmetic dental bonding and let our dentists design a new smile for you.

Book an Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Dental patients often think that delaying off a checkup every now and then ain’t a big deal for them. Dentists often hear patients saying that they don’t want to visit since they don’t feel the need. Patients often misguide or misinterpret dental examinations because they think that dental screening is only for someone who is already going through the suffering. However, this is not the case because a dental examination is designed to save you from the problems even before they arise.

Below given are top reasons why you should not be missing out on your dental checkups.

Increased risk for tooth decay

Bacteria in our mouth help our body breakdown the food and drink we consume. On the other side, bacteria absorb nutrients, excrete waste and the byproduct formed is a sticky biofilm called plaque. When plaque stays on the teeth for as long as 12 hours, it starts calcifying. This results in the formation of hardened material, also referred to as tartar. This material has to be removed by your dentists else, it results in an increased risk for tooth decay.

Chances of developing gum disease

Gum disease starts with gingivitis which causes your gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. While being in the preliminary stages, gingivitis can be easily treated. However, on getting advanced to Periodontist, it results into tooth and bone loss, thereby causing severe damage. Therefore, a visit to Dentist San Antonio is definitely recommended to prevent gum disease. Practice good oral hygiene as promised by your dentist to prevent gum disease.

Preventing risks for oral cancer

Oral cancer screening is an important part of dental checkup because oral cancer has emerged to be one of the fastest spreading cancers. If you do not see your dentist in the early stages of Oral cancer, you might end up losing your life. Oral cancer screening helps in diagnosing cancer at earlier stages. Oral cancer turns out to be deadly especially when patients stop seeking help until they notice obvious symptoms in the later stages. This is where early detection becomes the key to beating this disease.

Chances of losing teeth turn out to be higher

Patients who do not reach out to their dentists until the symptoms become advanced are at higher risk of losing their teeth. Preventative dentistry helps patients to protect their teeth from advanced decay in the initial stages.

Dental examination not only save your overall health in the long run but also save your pockets. Regular examination and cleaning cost just a fraction of extensive treatment. So, if you are still overdue for your dental exam, it’s high time to come and visit our office. Our dentists will assist you for your  professional cleaning in the best possible ways.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.