The Basics of Dental Implant Treatment

Dental Implants are sweeping the nation in popularity because of their extremely high number of successful cases and treatments. Dental implants are a great option when it comes to restoring a tooth to complete your smile. However, we understand that with new treatments comes questions. That is why, our office is here to walk you through the basics of dental implant treatment.

Step 1: First, we will examine your smile and create an individualized treatment plan. In order to do so, we will thoroughly examine your mouth by taking a series of X-rays. Once we receive all of the information we need, we will take the necessary steps.

Step 2: If your jawbone is strong enough, a tooth root implant will be placed into the bone socket of your missing tooth. The implant will be made of titanium. Then, your bone will need to heal around the post to secure it in place. This could take six to twelve weeks.

Step 3: When the bone has healed, your dentist will attach an abutment to the post. Then, [heshe] will create a dental crown that is perfect for your smile. When the crown is ready, [heshe] will place it over the abutment.

Now that you know all about the steps involved in dental implant treatment, you’re ready for your appointment! If you have any questions or if you would like to talk to your dentist, Dr. [doctor_name], regarding dental implants, please call our office today at [phone]. We are pleased to help you, and we look forward to hearing from you!


Why You Should Change Your Toothbrush

As you probably know, brushing your teeth is an extremely important part of your oral hygiene routine. You may have also heard that brushing your teeth can actually help you protect the health of your entire body. If you don’t brush well, you may experience a number of issues–but did you know that if you don’t care for your toothbrush well you could be putting your oral health in danger?

You see, if you don’t care for your toothbrush well, you could accidentally be allowing more germs and bacteria into your mouth. If you have an issue such as gum disease, this bacteria could enter your bloodstream, causing even more issues. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to avoid issues such as these. For instance, please remember to let your toothbrush air dry after every use. You should also store your brush upright and leave it in an open area–not in a drawer. You should also make sure your brush doesn’t come in contact with anyone else’s.

You should also remember to get a new toothbrush, or a new head if you use an electric brush, about once every three months. However, you may need to replace your brush sooner if your bristles have frayed. You should also replace your brush after you deal with an illness. You see, your brush won’t kill bad bacteria, meaning bad bacteria can stay on your brush after you’ve been sick and be harbored in frayed bristles.

If you have any more question about how to care for your toothbrush, or about when you should replace it, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dentist, Dr. [doctor_name], and our team will gladly answer any questions you have. We will also examine your teeth and gums and give you personalized advice. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please don’t hesitate to contact [pratice_name] at [phone]. We are eager to hear from you.


Enamel Erosion Can Often Be Countered by Increased Exposure to Fluoride

Your tooth enamel is actually a biologically formed mineral structure that, when healthy, is harder than your strongest bones. Unfortunately, the natural bacteria in your mouth and the acidic foods and drinks you consume can erode the microscopic density of tooth enamel minerals, promoting the formation of tooth decay.

Prolonged enamel erosion can create microscopic channels through the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin layer of the tooth. When this happens, you might experience symptoms such as a sharp or stinging pain when you eat or drink something that is hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Over time, unchecked enamel erosion also promotes tooth decay.

Increased exposure to fluoride restores the mineral content of your tooth enamel. This process is known as remineralization and it strengthens tooth enamel and effectively reduces the effects of enamel erosion.

If your [practice_name] dentist, Dr. [doctor_name], notices signs of enamel erosion, [heshe] might recommend a series of different treatment options to increase your fluoride exposure. This often includes receiving a basic fluoride treatment, taking fluoride supplements and using fluoride toothpaste.

If you are concerned that you might have issues with enamel erosion, you should call [practice_name] at [phone] to know more about fluoride in [city], [state].


All You Need to Know About Dental Implant Treatment

If you are interested in replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant but you’re not sure what the treatment process entails, our [practice_name] team is more than happy to inform you!

Dental implants in [city], [state], are strong dental restorations that provide long-term, beautiful results. The treatment might require some time, but it is definitely worth it. When you are receiving a dental implant, you will undergo the following steps:

Step 1: In order to have dental implants, you need strong and healthy gums and jawbones. So, the first step will be an examination. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your entire oral cavity, which may include taking a series of X-rays. If your mouth is in top-notch condition, your dentist will create a treatment plan just for you.

Step 2: To begin treatment, you will first see an oral surgeon. The surgeon will place a small post into the bone socket of your missing tooth. The post is made of titanium, which is a material that works well with your jawbone. The bone will need to heal around the post, which could take about six to twelve weeks.

Step 3: Once your bone has healed around the post, you will come into [practice_name] and your dentist will attach a small connector post to the titanium post to securely hold the new tooth. Then, [heshe] will create a dental crown that will fit perfectly in your smile. When the crown is ready, it will be placed over the post.

To learn more about dental implants so you can be more prepared in the dental chair, please call our office today at [phone]. Your dentist, Dr. [doctor_name], and our friendly dental team are more than happy to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to hearing from you!


What Can I Expect With Dental Crown Treatment?

Dental treatment can be a little scary, but if you know what to expect when you head to your appointment, your nerves will wash away. So, to help you be prepared for your upcoming dental crown treatment, our [practice_name] team is happy to tell you what to expect when you come into our office.

During your appointment, you can expect the following steps:

Step 1: Dr. [doctor_name] will first examine your tooth and smile by taking a series of dental X-rays. The X-rays will help your dentist determine the health and condition of your tooth’s roots and the bone surrounding the tooth.

Step 2: When you are ready, your dentist will numb your tooth and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic. This will help you have a positive and painless dental experience. Once your mouth is numb, your dentist will remove a portion of your tooth to make room for the dental crown.

Step 3: Once your tooth is the correct size, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth and will send that impression to the dental lab where your new crown will be created. While you wait, you will be given a temporary crown.

Step 4: You will come back into our office once your new crown is ready. While you are here, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and will cement the new crown into place.

If you would like to know more about dental crowns in [city], [state], or if you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at [phone] and talk to a member of our friendly dental team. Your dentist, Dr. [doctor_name], will also be happy to help you if you schedule an appointment. We look forward to talking with you!


How Floss Has Evolved Over Time

Dental floss is an important part of proper oral hygiene. It may come as a surprise to learn that according to the ADA, only 12 percent of Americans floss every day. The flossing concept isn’t a new one. Evidence found by researchers suggests that interdental cleaning has been practiced since Prehistoric times.

Researchers have found evidence of floss use in prehistoric times. Archeologists have found evidence that Neanderthals used toothpicks made from small sticks to clean between their teeth. Horsehair may have been used as floss as well.

In 1815, a New Orleans dentist, Dr. Levi Spear Parmly, began suggesting that his patients use a thin silk thread to clean between the teeth. The flossing idea caught hold and in 1882, unwaxed dental floss began to be massed produced. In 1898, the very first floss patent was granted to Johnson & Johnson. This floss was made from the same silk material used for silk stitches by doctors.

Because silk has a tendency to shred and its costs rose during World War II, nylon replaced silk as the primary floss material in the 1940s. Because floss was now made from nylon, waxed floss could be developed in the 1940s and dental tape in the 1950s.

Floss has continued to evolve since then. Gore-Tex material is used in some varieties of floss. Spongy floss and soft floss have been developed for sensitive gums. Floss picks, which simplify the process of flossing the back teeth and flossing with braces, have become quite popular.

Please contact [practice_name] today to learn more about flossing in [city], [state], and to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. [doctor_name].


Are You Afraid of the Dentist?

Few people genuinely enjoy going to the dentist. It’s okay. Our feeling aren’t hurt. We understand that people go to the dentist, because they HAVE to, not because they WANT to.

Some people hate going to the dentist so much, they have “dental phobia.” It’s believed that about 9 to 15% of Americans avoid their dental appointments, because of an extreme fear of the dentist.

The British Dental Health Foundation found that about 36% of people avoided the dentist because of an extreme fear. Fear of the dentist usually occurs early on in life.

Most children with dental anxiety also have parents with dental anxiety. It’s not uncommon for a painful dental experience as a child to follow you into adulthood, causing you to want to avoid the dentist.

People with dental anxiety are at a higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Avoiding the dentist can cause cavities to fly under the radar and gum disease to go untreated.

In most cases of dental anxiety, a patient feels uneasy before their appointment and in the dental chair. In more intense cases of dental phobia, a person might even feel physically ill at the thought of the dentist.

Fortunately, dental anxiety can be treated. With advancements in medicine, you can treat your dental anxiety with sedative medications, or you can seek Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Combating Dental Anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

New research published by the British Dental Journal wanted to find out if Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was an effective treatment for dental anxiety cases.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of “talk therapy” that’s based on the idea that all of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations are connected. The belief behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that anxiety stems from a cycle of negative thoughts.

When the cycle is broken down into smaller parts, it can help you understand your problems and change your negative thought process.

They followed 130 participants with intense fear of dental treatments. All of the participants went to treatments after “talk therapy.” About 75% of the patients feared the dentist, and 15% feared some aspect of the dentist, like the drill or needles.

In talk therapy, patients were asked to set goals to overcome their fear of dental treatments, rather than putting a bandaid on the illness by using sedation.

The study found that 79% of the patients were able to solely use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to alleviate their anxiety before their treatments, instead of succumbing to sedation. About 6% of the participants still required sedation for their treatments.

The study found that on average patients only needed a minimum of 5 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions before being able to undergo treatments without sedation.

According dentist, Dr. Ben Atkins, who uses cognitive therapy, he helps patients overcome their dental anxiety by helping them feel in control and pain free.

If you’re suffering from dental anxiety, you should think about seeking help through cognitive behavioral therapy. The best way to overcome fear of the dentist is by talking to your dentist.

The best way to overcome your fear of the dentist is by talking to your dentist and being honest about your anxiety. Communication is key to feeling comfortable in the dental chair.


Top Reasons to Take Great Care of Your Gums

Your gums are important parts of your oral health; in fact, they’re so important that Dr. [doctor_name] and our [practice_name] team strongly encourage you to take great care of them. There are many reasons why you should keep your gums in tip-top shape, and some of those reasons are because healthy gums can:

-Help your overall health: If you keep your gums in pristine condition, you will prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a serious dental issue that can affect your smile and alter your overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease can be linked to major health issues, like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease. So, keeping your gums healthy and strong will help you have the best overall health possible.

-Improve your nutritional health: If gum disease is left untreated, it can result in lost teeth, and if you have an incomplete smile, eating healthy foods can be extremely difficult. So, if you have top-notch gums, you will be able to eat the healthy and nutritious foods you need to avoid fatigue and dizziness.

-Boost your emotional health: Having healthy gums will help you love your smile. You will have the pink, fresh gums that add character to your appearance, and you will also never have to worry about having an incomplete, gapped, or embarrassing smile.

If you would like to learn more about proper gum care in [city], [state], please call our office at [phone] and talk to your dentist or a member of our dental team. We are here to give you the tips and information you need to have the best oral health possible, and we look forward to talking with you!


Thinking About a Dental Vacation? Think Again

If you’re on our dental implants website, then chances are you’re trying to find a solution to tooth loss or decay. As you’re aware, finding a solution to tooth loss is a pressing matter, and it can be expensive. And, when you’re in a hurry for dental care and on a budget, you probably don’t have the time to save money for your treatments.

Every year, thousands of Americans try to get cheaper dental work by participating in a growing fad called “dental tourism.” As the name implies, dental tourism is when someone travels abroad in hopes of receiving cheaper dental care.

On an international scale, the most popular destinations for dental tourism are Costa Rica, Hungary, and Mexico. Sometimes people travel domestically for cheaper dental care. For the most part, dental implants in a large city like New York City will cost you a lot more, than if you travel to a smaller city like Spokane.

If you already have a dentist at home that you trust, it’s usually a better idea to try and find a plan to receive your dental care through him or her. But, if you’re dead set on taking a dental vacation, we recommend going the domestic route. While international dental tourism has the perk of providing you with cheaper dental care, it can end up a gamble in the long run.

Financing Dental Restoration at Home

Running a practice in America is much more expensive than lower income countries. In America, dentists abide by rules and guidelines, remain up to date on dental associations and certifications, purchase the best equipment and materials, as well as purchase insurance for our practice.

Not to mention, the cost of land is more expensive here than in places like Mexico and Costa Rica. All of this adds up to more expensive treatments to keep our practices running. We’re not going to pretend like dental care in America isn’t expensive.

But, before you resort to hopping on the PanAmerican highway for dental care, we recommend exploring your financing options at home first. For one, if you don’t have dental insurance, it has become more and more affordable with the passage of the affordable healthcare act. We suggest finding a policy that will at least cover the partial cost of a restoration treatment.

If you’re really strapped for cash and can’t afford dental insurance, most dentists will help you set up an affordable payment plan to get your treatments. You can also try getting a short term loan from a bank or credit loan, or seek treatments at a family health clinic or dental school.

The Pitfalls of Dental Tourism

The primary perk of taking a dental vacation is that you can get treatments done cheap, but it also comes with a lot of inherent dangers. Dentists abroad don’t have to use treatments and materials that are ADA or FDA certified, so there’s a good chance that you’ll receive the “Great Value” off-brand version of whatever treatment you opt for. And, if you’ve ever bought “great value” trash bags, you’re aware that they don’t hold up as well as the name brand “GLAD.”

If you end up suffering from a dental problem, like a failed implant, after returning home from travel, you’ve spent all that money in vain. Readdressing your faulty dental work at home will then end up costing you even more money.

Secondly, the cost of traveling, such as buying plane tickets, food, and room aboard can add up to costing about the same as getting the treatment at home. Going on a dental vacation with the expectation that you’re going to get a real holiday is another mistake that many people make.

Chances are that you’ll need to avoid tourist attractions after undergoing surgery. The CDC recommends that you don’t drink alcohol, swim, take long tours, sunbathe, or put your body under stress after any kind of surgery. When it comes to deciding on whether you want a dental vacation, you’ll have a lot of factors to take into account. Make sure that you do your research first, because remember, your smile and dental health is worth it.


Essential First Aid Considerations for Taking Care of Toothache Pain

A toothache can be caused by several different things. While it is most often a result of advanced tooth decay compromising the sensitive internal structure of a tooth, there are also less obvious things that could be the source. Regardless of the underlying cause, a toothache should always be seen as a warning sign of something that demands immediate attention.

There are a few key considerations and tips offered by [practice_name] to help you deal with toothache pain while you are waiting to see us.

If you’ve experienced direct trauma such as a blow to the face or a hard fall that is associated with the pain, it could be that the dentin, pulp, or root of the tooth was damaged. If you have blood and debris in your mouth, you can rinse it away with lukewarm salt water. This can also soothe injured gum tissues.

You can try to rub the surrounding gums with a topical oral analgesic to help soothe the pain. If the toothache was caused by trauma and there is swelling in your lip or cheek, you can hold a cold compress to your face for 15 minutes at a time.

Toothache pain is commonly related to issues with unaddressed tooth decay. To stop the problem and prevent future complications, you will need Dr. [doctor_name] to repair or restore the decayed tooth as soon as possible. Left unaddressed, it could potentially lead to a serious infection in the gums.

If you have a toothache in [city], [state], you should call [practice_name] as soon as possible, at [phone] to schedule an appointment with our dentist.


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