How to know if you need dentures
Navigating oral health challenges can sometimes be overwhelming. One of the most significant decisions many individuals face is determining if and when they might need dentures. Here's a guide to help identify the signs that might indicate dentures could be a suitable solution for you.
1. Multiple Missing Teeth
One of the most apparent indicators for considering dentures is having multiple missing teeth. Not only can this affect your ability to chew and speak, but missing teeth can also alter facial structure over time, leading to a sunken appearance.
2. Frequent Toothaches
Persistent toothaches are a clear sign of deteriorating tooth health. If you're experiencing chronic pain, it might mean that decay has reached the pulp of your teeth. While there are treatments to save teeth, if this becomes a recurring issue, dentures might be a more practical long-term solution.
How long does dental numbing last?
A common query among dental patients, especially those gearing up for a procedure is, "How long will the numbing last?" Understanding the duration and effects of dental numbing can help put your mind at ease before undergoing a treatment.
1. The Basics of Dental Anesthesia
Dental numbing is typically achieved through local anesthesia, most commonly using agents like lidocaine. These anesthetic agents work by blocking the nerve pathways, temporarily preventing them from transmitting pain signals to the brain. The result is a numb feeling in the specific area where the anesthesia was applied.
2. Duration of Numbing
Generally, the numbness from dental anesthesia can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours.
How often should you see the dentist?
The answer for “how often should I see my dentist?” depends on who you are, your health history, age, diet, oral hygiene, and more. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, it is still crucial for your long-term health to regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.
No matter your age or health, most dental problems are not visible to the naked eye and don’t cause any pain initially. Your dentist and dental hygienist are the only ones who see the development of cavities, periodontitis, and oral cancer before it becomes a severe problem. They use a variety of tools that can help clean your teeth in ways a toothbrush and flossing cannot. The hygienist also looks for signs of inflammation and infection, and performs periodontal probing, which measures the depth of the gum pocket.
Needs Vary
No matter your health status or age, every patient should schedule at least two visits per year. Factors that influence the frequency with which you should visit your dentist include:
- Your general health history and medical condition
- The current state of your oral health
- Risk factors as assessed by you and your dentist
When it comes to the frequency with which you should visit the dentist, gum disease is one of the largest factors at play. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that gum disease in the United States affects nearly 47% of adults over 30 years old. And once it starts, the damage is irreversible.
However, you can halt the progression of bone loss and gum recession and prevent it from doing more damage. The key to preventing gum disease is practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day and if need be, visiting your dentist every three to four months rather than the twice yearly exam and cleaning.
Schedule a Visit to the Dentist
Get into the swing of having two dental appointments per year by scheduling an appointment today.
How does SureSmile® move your teeth?
One of the most intriguing advancements in the world of orthodontics is the introduction of the SureSmile® system. Often lauded for its precision, efficiency, and speed, patients and dentists alike are intrigued by this method. But how does SureSmile® really work in moving teeth? Let's dive deeper.
1. Digital Precision with 3D Imaging
The journey with SureSmile® starts with cutting-edge 3D imaging technology. By taking detailed scans of the patient's mouth, dentists receive a comprehensive view of the teeth, their roots, and the surrounding bone. This high-resolution image enables the dental professional to create a precise treatment plan that caters to the specific needs of the patient.
2. Treatment Planning with Advanced Software
The beauty of the SureSmile® system lies in its software. With the 3D image in hand, dentists use specialized software to chart the ideal movement path for each tooth. They can pinpoint the optimal force required and the best direction of movement. Traditional braces rely on a trial-and-error approach, but with SureSmile® much of the guesswork is eliminated, which can result in reduced treatment times.
What's the difference between tartar and plaque?
Understanding the differences between plaque and tartar is essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
Plaque is a thin, soft, and sticky film that continuously accumulates on the teeth. This film is a biofilm that comprises bacteria, saliva, and food residues. The resident bacteria metabolize sugars from the food we consume, resulting in the production of acids. These acids are responsible for demineralizing the tooth's enamel surface, leading to tooth decay, and can also initiate an inflammatory response, causing gum disease. Due to its colorless nature, plaque detection is often challenging, and the only indication may be a fuzzy coating on the teeth when brushing is neglected.
Tartar, on the other hand, is the hardened or mineralized form of plaque. If plaque is not removed effectively by daily brushing and flossing, it hardens over time, resulting in tartar or dental calculus. Tartar typically manifests as a yellow or brown crust around the gum line. More than a mere aesthetic concern, tartar provides an excellent surface for further plaque accumulation and acts as a barrier that inhibits effective cleaning of teeth surfaces.
What are the benefits of a crown?
Do you find yourself hiding your smile? Whether your teeth got damaged in an injury or they’re undergoing tooth decay, dental crowns may be a good option. They restore everyday functions, such as biting and chewing, while maintaining the appearance of your smile. Here are five benefits of getting a dental crown.
Dental Crowns Help Relieve Pain
Whether you have a chipped or cracked tooth, it can be painful to eat, drink, or even talk. Before getting a dental crown, you’ll get a procedure to fix the issue (such as root canal, filing, etc.). The crown will help reduce sensitivity and protect your tooth from getting further damage. It seals the sensitive tissues inside the tooth and protects the natural tooth structure.
Dental Crowns Are Custom Made
Dental crowns are custom-made for you. This guarantees that your teeth will function just as well as your original teeth did. Dental crowns look and feel natural.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism, a term perhaps unfamiliar to many, is a common oral condition characterized by the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. Broadly categorized into awake bruxism (occurring during the daytime) and sleep bruxism (occurring during sleep), this condition can lead to a series of oral health complications if left unaddressed.
People with bruxism may be unaware of their condition due to its unconscious nature, particularly in cases of sleep bruxism.
Typically, bruxism is identified through its associated symptoms or by dental professionals during routine check-ups. Symptoms can range from jaw pain and headaches to increased tooth sensitivity and flattening or chipping of teeth.
What are All-on-4 Full-Arch Dental Implant Bridges?
All-on-4 fixed dental implant bridges can be custom-created for your mouth. When you are missing all of your teeth or need all of your teeth extracted, All-on-4 fixed dental implant bridges be placed as one set of teeth on the top or bottom arch of your mouth.
A Superior Alternative to Dentures
According to The American Academy of Periodontology, when it comes to bone and dental health, full mouth dental implants are vastly superior to dentures. The implants replace some of the tooth roots and integrate with the jawbone, which better preserves the bone.
With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded your tooth deteriorates over time. Implants are securely attached to your jawbone, making them much more stable and comfortable than dentures. They look, feel and function very much like natural teeth.
Is coffee good or bad for your mouth?
As the favorite morning ritual for many, coffee's potential effects on oral health have stirred up considerable discussion in the dental community.
On one hand, coffee possesses antioxidant properties due to its polyphenol content. These antioxidants can play a role in combatting inflammation, and some studies suggest they may protect against certain oral diseases like periodontitis. Moreover, coffee may also contribute to limiting the growth of certain cavity-causing bacteria, thereby possibly reducing the risk of tooth decay.
However, the relationship between coffee and oral health isn't all positive. One of the most widely recognized impacts of coffee consumption on oral health pertains to tooth staining. Coffee contains tannins, a type of polyphenol that causes color compounds to stick to your teeth, leading to a yellowish discoloration over time.
Should you get a tooth extraction?
Sometimes, getting a tooth pulled is a necessary part of maintaining dental health—especially in cases where leaving the tooth in question could pose an array of other (often much more serious) health concerns.
Here are five reasons you should get a tooth extraction.
Impacted Tooth
Impaction occurs when the growth of one tooth pushes directly against another. The tooth is susceptible to infection, causing red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Typically, the culprit for this condition is the wisdom teeth.
Tooth Decay
The build-up of tartar and plaque causes tooth decay. If the condition gets bad enough, an infection can develop, causing intense pain, swelling, and redness. Once a tooth reaches this point, it may be necessary to completely remove the tooth and replace it with a dental bridge to avoid further health concerns.
How do teeth affect speech?
The oral cavity is a marvel of anatomy, with each part playing a distinctive role in various functions like eating, swallowing, and speech.
Teeth, together with other structures like the tongue, lips, and palate, are integral for the precise formation of many speech sounds. They provide a physical platform against which the tongue and lips create pressure to produce specific sounds, often referred to as consonants. For instance, the 't' sound in "teeth" requires the tongue to contact the upper front teeth, while the 'f' and 'v' sounds are created by the friction between the lower lip and upper front teeth.
When teeth are missing, misaligned, or malformed, it can lead to a variety of speech impediments. Loss of front teeth can affect sibilant sounds (like 's' and 'z') and lisping may occur. Misaligned teeth (or malocclusions) can also impede correct tongue placement and thus affect speech production. Similarly, children with prolonged thumb-sucking habits may develop a dental condition called open bite, which can impact their ability to articulate certain sounds properly.