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Common questions about dental procedures
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 Informative Article Summary by Anny Redperz
Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small man-made titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Titanium is used because it is the most compatible with our human body. The dental implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and functions as an anchor for the replacement tooth. After the bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or overdenture just like roots hold natural teeth in place.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Increased quality of life
- Young, natural appearance for a lifetime
- No slipping,sliding clicking dentures
- No worry about your dentures poping out in embarrassing situations
- Improved speech
- Improved chewing and tasting
- Eat anything you want
- Better nuteition and overall health
- No gum for improved comfort
- Better teeth
- Long - lasting value
Where implant are commonly used
As stated earlier implants can be used for a variety of problems, but there are three situations where they are particularly cost effective and do much to improve the patients quality of life.
Single Tooth Replacement - This procedure is particularly useful when one or both of the teeth next to the space have no need for traditional crowning. For a traditional bridge the teeth on either side of the space must be cut down for crowns. If these teeth are in need of crowns anyway, then no problem. If, however they are intact teeth with little or no filling in them then reducing them for crowns is quite aggressive. Crowns are great when you need them, but not for healthy teeth.
Spaces with a Tooth on only One Side - This situation occurs when the last few teeth in the arch are missing with no tooth behind them. A bridge is impossible as it needs stable teeth on either side of the missing space. Traditionally, these spaces have been filled with partial dentures. An implant bridge avoids the pitfalls of the partial, allowing replacement without the bulky metal framework attached to the other teeth.
Attachments for Complete Dentures - Lower dentures, and sometimes uppers as well can be quite difficult to chew with as there is nothing to hold them in place. Adhesives help somewhat, but not as well as people would like. A few implants with small attachments on them of various designs can make a denture much easier to wear and chew with
Bone Grafting and guided Bone Regeneration
Bone loss is a major problem for dental patients who have had teeth extracted. When teeth are extracted, the bone of the jaw continuously will wear away, gradually causing the face to look older. This process also can make dentures loose and difficult to wear.
Both the appearance and poor functionality of ill fitting dentures prompted this patient to seek dental implant treatment.
Bone Grafting:
- A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with material from the patient's own body (autogenous bone) or an artificial, synthetic, or natural substitute. The graft not only replaces missing bone, but also helps your body to regrow its own lost bone. This new bone growth strengthens the grafted area by forming a bridge between your existing bone and the graft material. Over time your own newly formed bone will replace much of the grafted material.
- Bone grafts are needed when part of your body is missing bone. This missing portion of bone is frequently called a "bony defect". Examples of jawbone defects are: defects which occur following tooth extraction; generalized decrease in quantity of jawbone from trauma or long-term tooth loss; defects surrounding "old style" dental implants; defects resulting from cysts or tumor surgery.
Is it painful?
No. An effective local anesthetic is used during the surgery so that you do not have any discomfort during the placement of the implants. The mild discomfort you might experience after surgery can be controlled with medications.
How long will it last?
Long-term success depends on multiple factors. First off, success will depend on the quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone and the more available, the greater the chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon will be a factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the dentist. And finally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crowns or overdentures are poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.
Conscientious oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentist are important for long-term success.
How long does the procedure take?
The surgical procedure will take about 30 minutes in the simple case. It will take longer time with more complex procedures such as several implants placement, and bone grafting.
What are the advantages of the implant if compare with other denture?
Natural teeth can be replaced by bridges or dentures. For bridges, healthy dental enamel has to be sacrificed by grinding the adjacent teeth. The gap in the row of teeth is closed by an intermediate element; however, the lost dental root is not replaced, which has consequences for the jawbone, because this will "atrophy" with time - it lacks the pressure from chewing transmitted by the root, which normally stimulates it to constant regeneration. Dentures lead for the same reason to a disappearance of the bone mass - an inescapable atrophy, and the denture has to be constantly corrected.
The result is a denture, which often fits poorly and this impairs many who wear dentures greatly in their quality of life; in the extreme case, this can go so far that they generally avoid social contact.
Laser Bleaching
How white will my teeth get?
LaserSmile has been able to achieve dramatic results in most patients.your results may vary depending on the type of stain ,thickness of enamel,your age and personal habits.Ask your dentisthow much whiter your teeth can be.
Does it work on caps,veneer or bonds?
While resuts may vary ,whitening procedures are generally not designed for caps ,veneers or bonds.consult your LaserSmile dentist to determine your treatment expectation.
Will it hurt?
No.the LaseSmile teeth whitening procedure is completely painless in general.A very small percentage of people may experience minor sensitivities following the procedure.Avoid very hot or very cold drinks for the first 24 hours if any tooth sensitivity exists.
How long does it last?
LaserSmile whitening results can last for years assuming good hygiene and reasonable exposure to staning foods and beverages,however,actual results may vary due to individual differences in tooth structure and personal habits.
Is this procedure for everyone?
If you want your teeth whitened faster than ever,you can benefit from the laser fast LaserSmile whitening procedure,However ,you should check with your dentist first to make sure you're not allergic to ingredients in the whitening gel.Also ,if your are pregnant ,breast feeding,or have extraordinary conditions,make sure your dentist is aware of these.
Is it safe?
Yes,whitening your teeth ,under the supervision of your dentist ,has been proven safe in clinical studies over a period of many years.the primary ingredient in Opalescence is carbamide peroxide ,which has been safety used to brighten the smiles of millions of people worldwide.Additionally,Opalescence 10% holds the American Dental Association's Seal of Approval.
How does it work?
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth that will allow for custom trays to be made for your bleaching procedure.the Opalescence gel is placed in these thin comfortable trays and fitted over your teeth .as you whiten your teeth ,carbamide peroxide is broken down and oxygen enters the enamel and dentin.this bleaches out the discolores areas.The Structure of the tooth is not changed .the color of the tooth is simply made lighter.
How long does It take?
Results are often seen after one night .Optimum natural whiteness usually occurs when the process is continued for a week to 10 days.Your doctor will go over what you can expect for your individual situation.
Are there any side effects?
There are a small number of people that could experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold during the whitening process .this is temporary and can be treated with ibuprofen or another product your dentist may have.The sensitivity will normally go away with in the first 48 hours after the whitening process is completed.
How long will it last?
The duration of your results depends largely upon you .The results may be permanent.Practice good oral hygiene and brush normally ,especially after consuming staining foods or beverages and your results could last for year.If you use staining substances like coffee,tobacco and red wine you may want periodic touch-ups for one or two days every couple or years.
Veneer
How long will the procedure take and how many appointments are necessary?
It require at least 2 appointments to be completed.The length of time of each appointment depend on the condition of your teeth,and on how many veneers you are having done.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Some sensitivity may be encountered mainly with cold drinks. Using a straw can alleviate this problem.
During this period, you should brush regularly, as your teeth will be more susceptible to staining. Regular flossing is important,since swollen or bleeding gums compromise bonding the veneers on permanently.
Once your veneers are permanently placed, they will feel like a natural part of your teeth, and you can use them just as you would your regular teeth. However, veneers are not indestructible. To protect your veneers from chipping, avoid biting down into hard substances. Slice apples before eating them. Avoid bad habits like chewing on fingernails, pencils, or paperclips and clenching or grinding your teeth.
Important information:
- Depending on the structural integrity of your teeth, the health of your gums, and your occlusion (bite), crowns or braces may be recommended instead of, or in addition to, veneers in order to achieve the desired results.
- If your natural teeth are discolored, you may want to consider whitening your teeth before veneers are applied, since extremely dark stains could show through the thin porcelain shell. Whitening after will not change the color of the porcelain veneers.
Risks and Limitations:what kind of longevity can i expect?
Since the oral cavity contains many kinds of bacteria and experiences many temperature and/or pressure changes throughout a typical day, all dental restorations contain some degree of risk. It is important to follow good oral hygiene and keep the margin (the area where the tooth and the veneer meet) as clean as possible so that decay doesn't develop underneath the veneer. Restorations with margins above the gumline are easier to maintain than those with margins below the gumline.
In order to minimize these risks, it is important that you follow all of our dentist's instructions, both before and after the procedure.
Questions to ask your dentist:
1. How long will the procedure take and how many appointments are necessary?
2. How much does it cost?
3. What percentages of patients have had significant complications? (The dentist should disclose this information to you.)
4. What kind of longevity can I expect?
5. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The dentist should provide many photos of recent patients.
6. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have it done? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
Is it painful procedure?
During the procedure,local anesthesia will take care of the rain that would occure with the preparation of the tooth.However,some patients may experience minor sentivity during or after the procedure.Be avoid cold drinks.
Crown
How long the procedure take and how many appointments are necessary?
Having a crown made is usually a 2 to 3 appointment process.The length of time of each appointment will depend on the condition of your teeth and on how many crowns you are having done.
But generally,each visit will take about one to 3 hours and the first appointment tends to be longer.
How much pain is there?
The procedure is done in the dental office by the dentist.The local anesthetic will be used during the procedure and is relatively painfree.
What kind of longetivity can you expect?
Crown are made of metal,porcelain or a combination both.The combination crown called porcelain fused to metal is the most common.
Modern cosmetic dentistry use the porcelain crowns because they look natural and beautiful but the longetivity is less known
How is crown performed?
The First appiontment
1.Tooth is numbed by local anesthetic and prepared for crown.A crown buildur is done if needed.
2.A very accurated impression of the prepared tooth is made.
3.The temporary is made and cemented.It keeps the tooth from drifting until the crown is made.
4.A shade of the crown is selected.
The second appointment
Final crown is tried in and adjusted to fit properly.If the crown fits well,it is cemented to the tooth with a durable cement.
Braces
Which cases are suitable to be treated by orthodontist?
What the benefits of orthodontics treatment?
Improve the appearance of your teeth and face.
* Making it easier for you to eat and function.
Which type of braces should you choose?
- You have to ask yourself..
* What about your desire?
* What you feel embarrassed in metal?
* Are you only willing to straighten your teeth if invisalign is used?
* Do you prefer the look of ceramic or don't you care as long as the outcome is good.If you can answer to yourself.Then we'll talk about Braces.
The type of braces you get depends on these factors...
* The severity of your bite or tooth crookedness problems
* If extractions are necessary
* If jaw surgery is necessary
* If headgear or other special appliances are necessary
* The amount of time you will need to wear braces
- The preferences of your dentist or orthodontist
- How much you are willing to pay
- How long you will be in braces to correct your problems
If you don't like metal braces.you have options...
- Ceramic braces
Esthetic Dentistry
What are the most common benefits of this procedure?
More conservative and esthetic than crowns. Unlike fillings, strengthen a tooth's structure. They also tend to last longer than a filling, because the inlay or onlay material is custom made and bonded to the tooth.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
A decision needs to be made as to the material. Gold has the longest track record, but it does tend to be less esthetically appealing. Porcelain and tooth colored composite resin are two other choices of material for the new tooth structure. Because both of these materials are tooth colored they are particularly favored if the tooth is visible or if esthetic results are an important goal, porcelain or composite resin may be more expensive than gold and these materials have been used for less time for this purpose,their track record for longevity is less known.
What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Gold inlays and onlays will last 10-30 years, given proper care and avoidance of abuse. Although the structures do strengthen the teeth, it is still a good idea to avoid chewing ice, pits, or other very hard objects, as they could damage the work.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have too much damage or decay to be treated using a filling, but enough healthy tooth left that a crown is unnecessary.
How is the procedure performed?
Up until now the inlay/onlay took 2 lengthy visits.
At the first appiontment :
Once it is determined that an inlay or onlay will suffice,a decision needs to be made as to the material.
1.Gold inlay/onlay
Gold has the longest track record.But it does tend to be less esthetically appealing.
2.Porcelain inlay/onlay
It is the tooth colored material.If the tooth is visible or if esthetic results are an important goal.It's the choice of material.
3.Tooth colored composite resin.Inlay/Onlay
It is the tooth colored material also,but if compare with Porcelain inlay.The tooth color composite resin may not be strong enough or durable enough for curtain individual situations.
If you can make the dicision about the material.Our dentist will begin the procedure by
1. Numbing area using a local anesthetic.
2. The decay or damage is removed using a drill,preparing the tooth for its new surface.
3. After all the damage is removed,an impression is made of the prepared tooth so the inlay or onlay material can be cast in a form that will fit the tooth exactly.
4. A temporary restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it until the laboratory makes the new structure and it can be bonded to the tooth.This can take about one or two weeks.
For the second visit
A laboratory prepares the new tooth surface using gold,porcelain or composite resin. Upon return to the dentist's office,
1.The temporary restoration is removed and the surface is cleaned to prepare for the new structure.
2.The dentist will then try in the new restoration to ensure that there is a correct fit that doesn't interfere with your bite.
3.If the fit is good,using special cement or bonding,the inlay or onlay is permanently attached to the tooth.
4.Some minor adjustment may need to be made to the restoration.If there are interference.
5.To finish the procedure,the dentist will polish the cemented or bonded structure and tooth.
How long does the procedure take?
Each visit will take about one hour, although the first appointment tends to be longer with an onlay as more tooth structure is removed.
Is it pain?
During the procedure it has no pain and residual pain after the procedure is relatively rare.
How long will it last?
Gold inlay/onlay will last 10-30 years.Porcelain or composit resin may be used for last time.For the longerity is less known.
Is the treatment suitable for everyone?
Basically, Inlay or onlay treatment is suitable for anyone who wishes to strengthen the teeth.The ideal candidate will have too much or decay to be treated using a filling,but enough healthy tooth left that a crown is necessary
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