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You have finished your cold drink and start crushing frozen cubes when suddenly CRACK! This little piece you just broke is not a cube of ice; it is a tooth!

A chipped tooth is common in adults and children. It is straightforward to chip a tooth, although the enamel is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the body. Dental issues, such as teeth grinding or tooth decay, can cause tooth chipping.

If you have a recently chipped tooth, it is essential to understand the possible problems with a chipped tooth.

What happens if you don't repair a chipped tooth?

A small chip on the tooth doesn't seem to be much of a problem, especially if it's a molar tooth that no one can see. More minor chips are generally not a problem unless they are sharp so they can cut your mouth. However, if your chip is large enough, it can lead to more severe issues, such as pain, swollen glands, sensitivity to heat or cold, bad breath, and even infected roots.

The sharp edges can cut your cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Deep chips can affect the root of the tooth and cause infections or pain in the teeth.
Deep chips will cause tooth decay resulting in bad breath.
Chips of all sizes can grow larger, and there may be more problems because root canals or extraction may be required.

When should you repair a chipped tooth?

You should always see the dentist if you have a chipped tooth. Small chips generally do not require significant repairs. Usually, the chipped area can be removed or filled with a dermal bond to give it a healthy appearance. However, larger cracks may require extensive dental care and treatment.
If the chips are enormous, they can damage the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the inner part of teeth, which consists of nerves, living tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Damage to the pulp can be excruciating and, if left untreated, can become infected. In this case, you may need crucial dental work.

How does a dentist repair a damaged tooth?

For small chips, the dentist may have to trace the rough edges or fill them with a dental filling suitable for your tooth. When there is no damage to the root or pulp, a crown may be necessary to protect the tooth from future infections. For example, when root or pulp is damaged, a root canal is essential before placing a crown on the tooth.

How to prevent a chipped tooth?

The first step is to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid a chipped tooth. Make sure you have no tooth decay or cavities to keep the tooth enamel healthy.

The dentist can also help you find a mouth guard during training. Athletes are prone to injury, especially on the face. Protective devices can help protect your teeth from damage.

If you have nervous habits like chewing on your pen cap or biting your nails, you may want to switch to something less prone to accidents, such as squeezing a stress ball.

Finally, it would help if you tried to avoid chewing hard candy. If you can't resist a sweet tooth, avoid the temptation to break and bite the candy.

Sometimes it may not be easy to prevent chipping a tooth. But with good oral hygiene, some changes in your nervous habits and even in your diet can help keep your teeth active and chip-free.

Possibly, your broken or chipped tooth does not cause pain, but you should see a dentist 24 to 48 hours after the injury to preserve your natural tooth and get the best possible result.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

I Want All My Teeth Removed and Replaced: What Are My Options?

Losing your teeth can sometimes be an unavoidable occurrence as you go through life. Sometimes teeth are lost to decay or disease. Other times we lose a tooth due to trauma.

Do you have a missing tooth? Do you want to find a tooth replacement option that works without compromising the quality? This article will help you discover the best options used in tooth replacement, such as dentures and surgical implants, and how to decide between your choices.

When all your teeth are gone, and you want them replaced, you have two main options available:

• Dentures (temporary fill in for lost teeth)
• Dental implants (permanent teeth replacement option)

Dentures

Dentures are removable frames used to replace a missing tooth or the entire mouth of teeth. They are specially made to replace an individual’s missing or diseased teeth. It has the function of giving the teeth a pleasant appearance, boosting your confidence, and restoring your smile.

Dentures are durable and are optimal if you like a removable solution for your missing teeth. Dentures are less expensive for patients with missing teeth, and this is arguably one of the most common reasons that people consider it. If you are considering dentures for your tooth replacement, please keep reading so you are aware of the potential disadvantages that come with this option.

The part of the disadvantages of denture is when eating; dentures will not allow the consumption of sticky or hard foods such as caramel. When getting full-mouth dentures, you will have all teeth pulled to accommodate the new teeth, which can be a painful process. Also, they may not be tightened to your gums, so they can move and shift around, and this can be frustrating.

Are you considering implant-supported dentures for your tooth replacement but often wonder how they work or the best dentist to visit for the procedure? Knowing the necessary steps to take in having your tooth replaced will be much easier once you know the essential details.

 Types of Dentures

• Bar retained dentures: This is a thin metal bar that gets aligned with the curve of the jaw. It is fixed to two to five dental implants that are attached to the jawbone.

• Ball retained dentures: In this type, the dental implant gets attached to the jawbone with post topped by a metal ball. This metal ball gets fixed into another attachment on the denture.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are the dentures that are fixated in your mouth through the help of implants. Just like any other type of implants, they will be inset into your gums to provide support, thus preventing the teeth from falling out. It is done when you no longer have any teeth in your mouth or if your teeth are not healthy enough and you want them removed and replaced by dentures.

However, one must know that the shortest time frame for the procedure for implant-supported dentures is five months if it is done in the lower jaw and seven months if it is done in the upper jaw.

Moreover, implant-supported dentures processes may be painful, but once it’s done, you will get comfortable with it.

The main downside of the implant-supported dentures is daily removal for cleaning. You will need to remove the dentures at least once every day to thoroughly clean them. These dentures should also be removed before going to bed. If you don’t want to have to remove your teeth continually, you can ask your dentist if your gums are healthy enough to support full-mouth implants with dental crowns. However, these are not removable without a dental procedure; many prefer the simplicity of having implant-supported dentures.

All-on-4 Implants

If you want all of your teeth removed and to undergo a one-time teeth replacement, All-on-4 implants may be the best solution to restore your smile. All-on-4 implants can bring back your natural look and your teeth function by using four strategically-placed dental implants as the foundation.

All-on-4 implants are quite different from other tooth replacement options such as ball retained and bar-retained dentures. An all-on-4 dental implant is not removable. All the teeth are permanently fixed to the dental implants.

One of the benefits that make all-on-4 implants better than other tooth-replacement processes is that the operation can generally be carried out in a day. Meanwhile, the individual tooth replacement with traditional dentures can take several appointment days in weeks or months to complete.

By comparison, all-on-4 implants can be virtually an instant full-mouth restoration. Though situations and patients' body response to the procedure may differ, the average result for all-on-4 implant surgery is to have functional and beautiful teeth the same day. You will be able to eat and smile fairly well immediately after the process.

If you are being stuck on the affordability to replace an entire set of teeth or a missing tooth, the good news is that you can now restore your beautiful teeth at a fraction of the cost. This may sound too good to be true, but we’ve helped hundreds of patients do just that thanks to this innovative treatment.

At Walnut Hill Dental Group, we are experts in both simple dentures and an implant stabilized dentures. Our specialist prosthodontists will be able to advise which type of replacement will be best for you, and ensure they are both comfortable and pleasant looking.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Veneers and crowns are both dental restoration techniques which will improve the appearance and function of the teeth. The primary difference is the fact that a veneer addresses only the front side of the tooth, and a crown covers the whole tooth.

Dental restoration procedures can be costly, so it is crucial that you know which one might be ideal for you. While the methods are different, both have exceptional success rates. Here is a glimpse of the differences between crowns and veneers, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how they are used.

What is the big difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer is an extremely thin layer of composite materials or porcelain, approximately one millimeter (mm) for thickness, that is bonded to the front side of your current tooth.

The actual inner thickness of the crown is about 2 mm, covering the entire tooth. A crown is placed in order to recover the form and function as well as in order to strengthen the tooth affected by cavities, only after root canal therapy, or even to go over the abutment of an implant.

Whether a crown or a veneer is right for you, you are going to depend on the state of the teeth and what you are attempting to correct.

Common reasons for restoration are:
· Discolored teeth
· Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
· Decayed or weakened teeth
· Crooked tooth

What's a veneer?
A veneer addresses only the front surface area of the tooth. About half a millimeter of this enamel on the front side of the teeth is ground down to roughen the surface area for bonding the veneer. You might need a local anesthetic for this, due to the fact that the grinding could be bothersome.

What's a crown?
A crown covers the whole tooth. With a crown, much more of the teeth has to be filed or may be ground down to get ready for the crown placement. If you have tooth decay, the dentist is going to remove the decayed element of the teeth prior to making the crown.

How can you know which one is appropriate for you?
When your tooth is intact as well as the restoration is actually for aesthetic purposes, a veneer could be the most effective choice. Veneers may also be used for small shape corrections.

What's better: a crown or even veneer?
A crown encases the whole tooth. It may be made of metallic, porcelain, or maybe a mix of both. It's typically around two-fold the thickness of a veneer, which makes it resistant and durable more to cracking compared to a veneer. Veneers are regarded as a far more traditional treatment than crowns. Veneers are also a bit easier to replace since they don't cover your whole tooth

Do crowns & veneers look exactly the same?
Crowns and veneers aren't the same, though they work in ways that are similar. They both present an artificial covering for an actual tooth, which was damaged. Veneers handle the front side of the teeth and could wrap around based on the method used as well as the patient's requirements, while crowns protect the whole tooth.

Are crowns much costlier compared to veneers?
While veneers are less expensive than crowns, keep in your mind that they're a lot more apt to chip, break, or perhaps wear out compared to a crown.

Pros and cons of Veneers and Crowns

Veneer Pros
· They might be a lot more visually pleasing compared to crowns in the long run since they do not demonstrate a gum margin after several years, as crowns sometimes do.
· Some veneers do not need a great deal of trimming, so a lot more of your healthy organic tooth stays.
· Teeth with veneers have little movement.

Veneer Cons
· Veneers leave additional aspects of the tooth subjected to brand new decay.
· Composite veneers cost much less but might only last 5-7 years. Other components run longer but might have to be swapped out.
· Veneers are not reversible.

Crown Pros
· All the teeth are covered, so the tooth is much more protected from decay.
· Porcelain crowns look as well as feel the same as your natural tooth.
· Dental insurance might cover a percentage of the price of a crown.

Crown Cons
· More of one's healthy tooth is actually extracted to make space for the crown.
· Your crowned tooth could be much more vulnerable to heat and cold at first and you might feel gum pain.
· Porcelain is delicate and could be harmed over time.
· Porcelain fused to a metallic alloy (PFM) crown may reveal a slim dim line between your organic tooth as well as the crown.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be defined as the grinding of teeth for non-functional purposes. Bruxism is the habitual grinding of teeth when an individual is not chewing or swallowing.

· Daytime: Teeth grinding during daytime is called diurnal bruxism or bruxomania. It can be conscious or subconscious and may be associated with other habits like tongue-thrusting, nail-biting, etc.
· Nighttime bruxism: Nighttime teeth grinding is also called nocturnal bruxism. It is the subconscious grinding of teeth characterized by rhythmic patterns of facial muscles.

As bruxism or teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, individuals are mostly unaware of their habit.

Possible causes
· It can be caused due to underlying psychological or emotional stress. A tendency to grind the teeth has been often associated with the feeling of anger, aggression, over-enthusiasm, or anxiety.
· Teeth grinding or bruxism can be a manifestation of lesions in the central nervous system.
· Occlusal discrepancies or teeth interferences.
· Genetic.
· Systemic factors: magnesium deficiency, chronic abdominal distress, intestinal parasites, etc.
· Periodontal pain or pain in gums and tooth-supporting structures may also trigger teeth grinding or bruxism in some individuals.
· Other factors: an over-enthusiastic student and compulsive overachievers may also develop the habit of bruxism or teeth grinding.

Effects of bruxism on your teeth
The effects of bruxism or teeth grinding on your teeth depend on the frequency, intensity, and to some extent, the age of the patient. The forces of bruxism are transmitted to the muscular apparatus which is involved in chewing food.

· Trauma to your teeth: this includes tooth mobility, toothache mainly in the morning.
· Trauma to your tooth structure: extreme sensitivity due to loss of enamel, atypical wear facets, vital tissue or pulp may get exposed, and multiple teeth fractures can be caused.
· Muscular: pain and tenderness of jaw muscles, muscular fatigue on waking up in the morning, inflamed facial muscles can also be observed in individuals who experience teeth grinding.
· Joint pain: Joint pain around the ears, clicking on opening or closing the mouth, restricted jaw movements are often seen in individuals with bruxism.
· Referred pain or headache can also be observed in such individuals.

Diagnosis
History and clinical examination in most cases is sufficient to diagnose bruxism or teeth grinding. Teeth prematurity can be diagnosed with biting or chewing strips. Electro myographic examination is a process to record over-activity or hyperactivity of muscles involved in teeth grinding.

Treatment
· Many cases of teeth grinding are associated with emotional and psychological disturbances. Thus, appropriate psychological counseling by a psychiatrist can be initiated.
· Hypnosis, relaxing exercises, and massage can help in relieving muscle tension.
· Teeth prematurity should be adjusted and eliminated.
· Nightguards or other teeth splints that cover the chewing surface of teeth help in eliminating occlusal interference, prevent teeth wear and break the habit of bruxism.
· Physiotherapy has shown some promising results in treating teeth grinding.
· Drugs: local anesthetic injection, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants are often used in combination with other treatments to correct bruxism.
· Acupuncture therapy
· Orthodontic correction of teeth can be advocated to correct misaligned teeth.
· Electrical method: electro galvanic stimulation for muscle relaxation.

Conclusion
If you suspect you are having the above signs and symptoms consult your dentist today and get your teeth checked. Your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to look for signs and symptoms of bruxism. However, early morning pain around your ears, jaws, and constant dull headache on the side of the head may be the first indicating symptom of teeth grinding. Many times, individuals get informed about this habit by their loved ones who notice teeth grinding at night. Teeth grinding is not only seen in adults it is also seen in children. Bruxism in children is often noticed when their deciduous teeth emerge, and the period when their deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. No treatment is generally required for preschool children as this habit gets corrected by itself however in severe cases mouth guards or splints can be considered.

Referral
If your habit of bruxism or teeth grinding is related to some other underlying cause like a sleep disorder, central nervous system abnormalities, etc your dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

 Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Best practices to keep your teeth healthy

“A genuine smile comes from the bottom of the heart, but for a healthy smile you need good dental care.”

It is not about just having a beautiful smile, but good oral hygiene keeps the gums healthy and the teeth strong.

They last longer and gives you the enjoyment of life.

What are the best practices to achieve good oral health? What can you do to avoid gum problems and premature loss of teeth?

The blog talks about a few practices recommended by the top 10 dentist in Mumbai.

Brush the teeth well

Many people misunderstood it by brushing the teeth aggressively. It is not needed. In fact, it causes more damage than benefit.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. It is essential to brush the teeth twice a day.

Gentle, circular motions and strokes clean the surface without damaging it. Go to a good Dental Clinic in Mumbai to understand the right way of brushing if you feel so.

Always use fluoride toothpaste

It is important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, an element that prevent cavities. Read the ingredients of the paste to find out whether the paste contains fluoride or not.

Don’t forget the floss

Most of the people ignore dental floss which is, in fact, equally important to brushing. Floss removes plaque and food particles accumulated in between the teeth.

Gently push the floss down to the gumline. Use up and down motions hugging the side of the tooth. Don’t snap the floss up and down between the teeth.

It removes plaque and doesn’t cause pain.

See a dentist

People go to a dental expert when there is some problem with the gums or teeth. It is often too late. Even the Best dentist in Mumbai can’t do much if the damage has already been happened to the teeth.

Hence, it is better to be proactive instead of reactive.

Most of the problems can be diagnosed and treated before they get severe. Ideally, one should have a checkup every six months.

Stop smoking

Any form of tobacco is bad for teeth as it increases the risk factor for not only gum disease but more severe ailments like Cancer.

It has been found that smoking reduces the speed of healing after a dental procedure.

Use mouthwash

Mouthwash benefits oral health. It contains antibacterial ingredients and plaque resisting elements.

Thus, it reduces the risk of gingivitis significantly.

These easy tips will save your teeth and gums.

Our team at Dr. Krinita Motwani’s Dental Clinic excel in providing a complete oral prophylaxis for a healthy and   longlasting dental health

Call us : 9820280343

Email us : drkrinitamotwani@gmail.com

Visit us : www. drkrinitamotwani.com

Sleep apnea is a very common and serious sleeping disorder that happens when your routine breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is common among patients with sleep apnea, although not all snorers suffer from this disorder.

There are basically two types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive - The more common form, it's the consequence of obstructed air flow through sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while you’re sleeping. Health factors, like obesity, might contribute.

Central – This results from an issue with how our brain signals the breathing muscles. The airway isn't blocked, instead the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This type of sleep apnea may happen with conditions like heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections, and stroke.
Sleep apnea may influence anyone at all ages, though men are more prone to develop the disease.

The risk is also higher for those who: 

• Are over 40
• Are overweight
• Have large tonsils, large tongue or a little jaw
• Have a family history of snoring
• Have a nasal obstruction because of sinus problems, allergies or a deviated septum.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a number of health problems, such as: 

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and myocardial infarction
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Worsening of ADHD.

Sleep apnea patients in Bellflower can be medicated, and there are various options: 

Adjusting sleeping habits - This might imply just not sleeping on your back

Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) - This is a system that improves breathing as you sleep. The device supplies air throughout the nasal passages and the air pressure keeps the airway open while sleeping.

Oral appliances - Certain devices can shift and support the jaw to prevent blockage in the airway. Research demonstrates that appliances can prevent sleep apnea in some mild to moderate cases.

Surgery - In accordance with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, upper airway surgery could be recommended when other treatment alternatives are ineffective in eliminating the signs of sleep apnea. Depending upon the location and nature of the airway obstruction, the procedure can be minimally invasive or complicated. It might be necessary to remove the tonsils or other portions of the soft palate or throat.

If you believe you have sleep apnea, make sure to speak with your doctor or dentist in Houston Texas for much more info and evaluation.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

A dental implant is a process which involves replacing an extracted tooth with a metal stud or post screwed directly into the bone that remains as an anchor to the crown or false dental replacement that would somehow or another not have anything to keep it arranged directly into the tooth attachment of your missing tooth. That is the primary purpose of a dental implant procedure. The false teeth, dental replacement, or crown, is placed right on the stud. Then, the post itself makes your new teeth work like genuine teeth. It is the best alternative used for dentures with loose attachment or those who have a high tendency to fall out (because they are not attached to the gums. Implants look more like real teeth as compared to the detachable dentures or crown attached atop dental bridges which can damage the adjacent teeth of both sides. This helps to place the artificial tooth in between the teeth or hanging the tooth like a bridge in the gap present between the teeth.

The procedure of a tooth implant can be broken into seven steps

1- Remove the Tooth- The tooth should be removed as soon as possible just for the care of the buccal plate or to protect the bone surrounding the tooth. A fine diamond bur is used during removal to trace the root. Periotomes may be located between the bone and root helping in tooth removal. After the removal of the tooth, it is necessary to examine the exact site of the bone and try to find out any bony defects.

2- Attach the Socket- It is necessary to graft the socket in the bone just to preserve and protect the bone for the implant. A surgical curette should be used to clear the socket from granulation material. Then irrigate the site using a scaler to scrape the wall to start bleeding. Grafting material (either synthetic or allograft) is used to fill up the socket to the crest of the bone.

3- Allow the Attached Extraction Site to Heal- Next, the crest preservation process, the grafting material assists to keep the bone volume that is necessary to an easy, expected implant placement process and anesthetic, practical result. The extraction site takes four months to heal and the graft to establish. At this time local bone cells develop and replace the grafting material and function as a perfect place for implant placement.

4- Flapless Surgery- The implant is placed after the healing of the socket site. The site should have adequate ridge width and height. The site should be examined properly intraorally and radiography is used to confirm the bone volume for implantation. After the administration of anesthesia before surgery, a periodontal probe is used to further confirm the occlusal and lingual bone, this must be confirmed before implant placement. The best option for implant placement is the flapless implant process due to its benefits like it is less insidious, decreases disturbance of the blood supply, and assists a smooth healing procedure. During the flapless surgical method, an opening is created for osteotomy with the help of a tissue punch at the exact location and to make sure the implant is located 1.5mm from the adjacent teeth. Radiographs are used to validate the precise positioning and angulations. Multiple surgical drills are used to adjust the diameter and length of the implant. Once the surgery has been completed the implant is placed. A torque wrench is used to achieve the final implant placement, and stability can be confirmed.

5- Placing Healing Abutment- After the confirmation of primary stability, a healing abutment is placed at the site of the implant placement. It is essential to make sure that the healing abutment is out of occlusion in centric. This will protect the implant against applied forces during the healing time.

6- Get a Final Impression- Three months after the implant placement, a healing abutment is detached. This will expose a healthy soft-tissue collar around the insert site, which has been guided by the healing abutment. Vinyl polysiloxane material is used to take a closed impression and a final fabrication sent to the lab.

7- Deliver a Screw-Retained Crown- The dental laboratory constructs the perfect restoration based on the final impression. In the case of a single tooth implant, screw-retained crowns are the best option because these are esthetic, predictable, and easy to place. The crown directly attached to the implant is better than fixing the abutment with cement. The shape, fit and contour are designed digitally for a screw-retained crown which is perfectly aligned to soft tissue.

 Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Regardless of whether the dental issues are because of heredity, a physical issue, or long negligence, in the event that you are sick of managing these issues, at that point you may be thinking about having every one of your teeth removed and getting full-mouth teeth replacement. Teeth can be a significant headache from when they first begin to grow up, during getting teeth. As you develop you may experience more dental issues, for example, chipped teeth and toothaches. You may arrive where you are simply tired of them and then you need to have your teeth removed. Before you remove all your teeth try to fix dental problems and repair your natural teeth. Dental fillings are the best treatment for preserving your teeth. If the problem involves one tooth, extraction is an option. But sometimes dental conditions are so bad and it becomes difficult to maintain proper hygienic conditions so people prefer to extract teeth.

If you want to remove or replace all your teeth you have two options, dentures or dental implants.

Dentures
Dentures look like original teeth and make your smile more elegant. Economically, the cost of dentures is less which is why people choose this option for teeth replacement. The fundamental drawback of dentures is they are NOT generally strongly bound to your gums so they can shift and move around. This can cause trouble biting, eating, and talking and it can get bothersome. There are approaches to help improve the attachment of your dentures so it's essential to remember. A few people really think that it's simpler to remove their denture when eating, yet this can be awkward openly and can cause genuine digestion related problems long term. Remember that dentures should be removed every night and cleaned routinely. Dentures do keep going for 5-10 years so they have an entirely decent shelf life of realistic usability.

The greatest drawback to missing every one of your teeth is that your jawbone starts to gradually erode after some time when it doesn't have teeth connecting with it and keeping its strength. Dentures don't fix in the jaw in a similar way that teeth do which brings about your face getting that "saggy" look the longer you are without teeth. Another issue that begins to occur, when dentures are utilized as a teeth replacement, is that gums begin to shrink in size as they never again have teeth set up to assist them with keeping their shape. It's easy to understand that dentures are not a perfect choice for replacing missing teeth, though wearing them is far better than having exposed gums for a large number of people.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most enthusiastically suggested tooth replacement choice since they act like genuine teeth and prevent jawbone disintegration. The implant enters the jaw and mingles with the bone so as to excite the jawbone as genuine teeth do. No ‘saggy face’ with dental inserts – that is a major plus!

There are different options in the implant process like all on 4 or All on 6, which refers to the insertion of 4 or 6 implants to upper and lower jaws with a dental appliance attached. An overdenture (a kind of permanent denture) attached to implants looks just like natural and original teeth. You can eat with them, lay down with them, talk with them and everything else without worrying about the dentures slipping or dropping out. So this is a good choice since you get the advantages of implants and the affordability of dentures without the normal drawbacks and grumblings individuals have about dentures.

Dental implants prevent the deterioration of gums and firmly fuse with the jaw. They replace the natural teeth and preserve the gums. In the event that there is a need to remove all, or a few, of your teeth, your dental specialist will examine the process with you. They will likewise converse with you about the best choice for replacing your teeth. This fluctuates from individual to individual as dental implants are not appropriate for everybody. When you have had this conversation, you can advance with the course of treatment that has been chosen. If you are really having problems dealing with your teeth, you should speak to your dentist.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Dental health problems majorly involve tooth decay and dental cavities. Tooth decay refers to the deterioration of tooth structure and may affect the dental layer of teeth and enamel, the outer covering of teeth. Dental cavities are the holes or tiny openings developed in the interior hard shell of the teeth due to permanently damaged areas of teeth. The terms tooth decay and tooth cavity are replaceable. There are a lot of reasons responsible for these problems including bacteria residing in the mouth, frequent use of sugary drinks and sweet snacks, poor oral hygiene practices and not cleaning your mouth so well.

Good oral and dental health practices can prevent tooth decay and cavities. Following these practices, you can easily prevent cavities and reduce the risk of tooth decay. You need to consult your dentist to ask which practice is best for you.

Brushing- It is recommended that you should brush your teeth twice daily, even better after each meal. Try to use fluoride-containing toothpaste. The interdental cleaner can be used to clean your teeth. Also, try to brush your tongue and roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Flossing- There are areas in between the teeth where the brush can't reach where food particles can be trapped. Flossing is the technique used to remove those food particles and plaque. A thin thread of nylon is used for flossing which reaches below the gum line and cleans the teeth. It is necessary to floss your teeth once daily.

Rinsing- It is recommended you should rinse your mouth regularly if your teeth are at a high risk of cavity formation. It is better to rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash.

Sealants- A sealant is a protective covering that is applied on the surface of the chewing teeth to guard the enamel against plaque and acid and covers the grooves that collect food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sealants should be placed in school-aged children for several years but should be checked repeatedly.

Avoid frequent sipping and snacking- If you frequently drink fluids other than water, bacteria in your mouth tend to produce acids that damage enamel and destroy teeth. If you snack the whole day continuously, your teeth are at very high risk of attack.

Drink tap water- Nowadays, most public water supplies provide fluoride water, which is very helpful to reduce the risk of tooth decay. If you drink normal water without added fluoride you missed out on the benefits of fluoride.

Antibacterial treatments- If your teeth are prone to decay due to some kind of medical condition, it is recommended to consume antibacterial oral rinses or some other medication to reduce harmful oral bacteria.

Fluoride treatments- If you are not taking enough fluoride in your diet or drinking water it is recommended to consume extra fluoride or use fluoridated toothpaste. If your teeth have an extremely high possibility of decay it is preferable to apply custom trays on your teeth for application of recommended fluoride.

Diet- Dental health is affected by the food we consume daily. As a result, our oral health affects our food intake. It is necessary to clean your gums, mouth, and teeth regularly if you want to remain healthy. So it is important to select food that is beneficial for oral health. A lot of foods cause tooth decay like sugary foods or drinks, candies, desserts, pastries, pure fruit juices, honey, and dried fruits. As you increase consumption of sugar and sugary foods the chance of tooth decay also increases.

Some foods are helpful in preventing tooth decay like cheese and dairy products. The proteins present in milk and dairy products bind to the outer surfaces of the tooth and prevent the sticking of tooth decaying bacteria to the enamel. A very good amount of calcium is present in dairy products which is necessary for dental health. There are many foods whose consumption prevents early tooth decay like fresh whole fruits, whole vegetables, cereals, meats, pasta and bread. Good eating practices lead to a healthy smile. Eating a variety of foods provides all types of nutrients which maintain oral and dental health. Do not eat sugary foods and beverages, but if you must, then only occasionally consume them.

Always try to clean your teeth after each meal. Do not eat snacks before going to bed because at that time saliva flow is low due to less production of saliva. Try to care for your teeth and meet your dentist regularly.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?
That is the most common dental question among parents. Many parents often wait for years before they visit a children's dentist, some of them either hold off for insurance even when in a hurry to take their child to the dentist right after birth. Depending on the timing of enrollment and dental coverage, it may beat back the initial appointment.

Although doctors and parents might differ on when dental exams and care should begin, early screening is the best. For kids, the first dental visit is a big moment and experience as it can set the stage for proper oral health care throughout their lives.

However, the AAPD (Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and ADA (American Dental Association) have predicted that a child's first visit to a children's dentist should be within six months of the erupting of the first tooth, but no later than age two.

Generally, a child's first visit is more or less like an introduction to the children's dentist office to learn about the significance of taking care of their teeth. The dentist checks inside the child's mouth to check whether the developing teeth are coming out correctly and there are no issues, but the first is generally to build trust and awareness.

Recommendation for Making a Child's First Dentist Appointment
It is better to schedule the child's first visit between the age of 6 months and their first birthday celebration. This is when the first primary tooth has erupted. Tooth decay is possible in infants, making it necessary to protect the child's dental health from the beginning.

It is crucial to teach proper oral hygiene habits from the start so that kids can get used to visiting a dentist. If kids have positive experiences in a dentist's office, they tend to enjoy brushing and take good care of their teeth. When they get acclimated to it, they will keep up with routine visits and be less prone to cavities, if the first appointment is completed between six months and a year old.

How to Prepare a Child for First Dentist Appointment
Here are the things to consider in helping a child prepare for the first dentist visit:
Encourage excitement about the new experience. An infant often cannot communicate verbally, but understands body language and tone of voice. If parents are mirth filled about the first visit, so will be the child. Parents must be ready for unhappy reactions from their child by towing along comforting belongings to put the child at ease.

Consult the pediatric dentist before the appointment to have a clue of what will happen during the initial visit. All children's dentists have ways of doing things; it makes the parent feel relaxed and prepared ahead of the first visit.

What Happens During a Child's First Dentist Visit?
Each professional dentist has a unique way of handling infants; the first visit is typically the same across the board. Much cleaning is not needed when only a few teeth have erupted. A thorough exam is performed by a children's dentist on the first visit to determine whether the child is developing at a reasonable pace healthily.

The parent has a crucial role to play during the first visit. They have to be with the child throughout the appointment because they look up to their parents for comfort. And infants squirm around and fuss sometimes. This is common at that age. The dentist and the parent should work together to make the child feel at ease, comfortable, and secure.

The first visit typically includes:
Exam to check the teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and look for any oral health problem
Cleaning and polishing of the child's first tooth or teeth
Digital X-rays may be taken if there's any visible decay
Patient education and advice about dental care tips at homes

What Happens After a Child's Dental Appointment?
It is highly recommended to visit the children's dentist every six months after the child's first visit unless there are reasons to come more often. The dentist begins to work on the child's teeth once the child is ready for a second appointment. The second visit includes counting of the child's teeth and brushing and polishing.

An infant's first dentist visit is mostly brief, 15 to 30 minutes long. The little ones can be intimidated or overwhelmed by dentists, and it is best to make appointments brief and short. This is to build trust and make the child grow an understanding that each visit has a start and an end.

When is a Child Due for Full Dental Exams?
At the age of 3 years, a child is due for full dental exams. This is where fluoride treatments begin and they learn more about the importance of thorough flossing and brushing of the teeth. Here, the parent should participate, so the child brushes appropriately at home. The dentist will educate the parents on how to help floss a child's teeth and teach the technique to ensure a child brushes thoroughly.

The dentist also recommends the appropriate toothbrush, and that children brush their teeth two minutes twice a day. They may also recommend fun games and songs a child can use to help them reach the two-minute goal. The child is old enough and due at 5 to receive X-rays.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Tooth decay, also named caries or cavities, is the breakdown of a tooth due to the acid produced by bacteria. The bacteria produce this acid as a by-product when interacting with carbohydrates present in the food that we consume. The pain and severity of tooth decay depend on how far it is spread, from enamel to dentine, and then to the pulp.

The mouth is an important part of the body that usually expresses or reveals many chronic diseases, directly or indirectly in the form of dental, gum, and soft tissue diseases. Tooth decay, or cavities, are warning signs of having an underlying chronic disease that needs to be taken care of in addition to the dental treatment.

Following are the few of the known diseases that are usually linked to the tooth decay/cavities

1) Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the sugar levels in the blood are elevated due to a decrease in insulin levels. It affects dental health in two ways

- The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid. Greater levels of sugars in the blood, the higher the supply of sugars to the mouth, and the higher the degree of bacterial activity as well. The acid produced by bacteria then dissolves the tooth layers one by one causing cavities.

- One of the symptoms of diabetes is dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which there is less production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is of great importance when it comes to cleaning and cleansing the bacteria. It washes away the bacteria and its by-products decreasing the risk of tooth decay. If the production of saliva is less as in diabetes, the acid produced by bacteria freely destructs the tooth structure.

Not only does diabetes limit the capability of the body to fight against the oral bacteria, but it also increases the chances of destroying the gums (with help of plaque build-up and calculus) surrounding the teeth and bone. Moreover, gum disease triggers the increase in blood sugar levels, which in turn worsens the severity of diabetes. It is hence a cause and effect cycle that needs to be addressed and managed properly.

2) Sjögren’s syndrome
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune syndrome that is commonly identified with symptoms such as the dry mouth and dry eyes. This syndrome affects the mucous secreting glands of eyes and mouth and results in significantly low production of tears and saliva. The decreased levels of saliva in the mouth result in less cleaning of the mouth hence greater bacterial activity, which then eventually leads to initiation of caries, which turns into tooth decay if not taken care of.

3) Bulimia and Anorexia
Bulimia and anorexia are severe forms of eating disorders. These eating disorders are connected to psychological disorders where individuals fear being fat or overweight. Bulimic and anorexic individuals either eat less, binge or purge the food, mainly unhealthy food. Eating less food means less intake of nutrients that are essential to keep the body healthy and strong. This less intake of nutrients causes low immunity and hence less capability to fight against oral bacteria that cause cavities. Also, during the process of binging and purging, the acids from the stomach flow into the mouth affecting the teeth. The acid wears away the teeth surface making them more susceptible to tooth decay over a while.

4) Cancer
Although there is no direct relationship between cancer and tooth decay, individuals going through radiation are at greater risk of getting cavities known as radiation caries. One of the side effects of radiation is dry mouth (transient xerostomia). The radiation affects the salivary glands, due to which the mouth is unable to produce a sufficient amount of saliva necessary for cleansing effectively and lowering the mouth PH that eventually leads to radiation caries. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the dental professional and the concerned oncologist before going through the phase of radiotherapy. The dental professional will evaluate the preexisting condition of the mouth and teeth and suggest suitable actions accordingly.

In addition to all the above-mentioned diseases, dental home care plays a crucial role in the development of tooth decay. The dental plaque formed on the gingival margins continues to multiply and grow beneath the gums (gingival pockets) and onto the tooth surface. This dental plaque contains various types of bacteria and food particles that mineralized to form tartar/calculus. This plaque and tartar destructs the tooth structure and gums to form cavities and gum diseases respectively. The good news is, regular oral hygiene regimens decrease the amount of plaque and tartar build-up. Brushing twice a day and flossing following a proper technique significantly reduces plaque and tartar load. Besides, regular dental checkups should be followed to treat tooth decay at its earliest stages.

It is best to provide a thorough and inclusive medical and dental history to the dental professionals to rule out the cause of tooth decay and then treat it subsequently.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Practice management software in dentistry propounds a much-facilitated set of software functionality in similitude with generic medical software for surgeries and check-ups. While there are few common features in regards to administration, dentists and orthodontists require their own set of clinical management framework. 

Integral factors of dental practice management will include the ability to cover administration, such as a calendar and a way to schedule, track, and manage appointments. An In-voice software section records fees and automates claims with insurance companies, as well as track payment status and automate billing reminders as required.

There will often also be a patient portal for self-service and provide a direct point of contact with customers. However, the main need is the ability to work with patient records and charts, and often include some form of graphics or modeling software to plan and record treatments. This will often need to be integrated with imaging equipment and x-ray sensors to make it simpler to keep patient records comprehensive and up to date.

As with a lot of other modern software, most of the best dental practice software runs as Software as a Service (SaaS), meaning that it runs in the cloud as an app, that is we can access it through a browser regardless of your device, and also validates it should be mobile-friendly.

The basic choice of software needs to be based on three factors:

1. The website has to have enough information about the product, pricing, and support to allow users to make an informed decision before reaching out to the company for a demo that ensures transparent policy communication.
2. The software must be HIPAA compliant because most importantly, the patient’s privacy is the top priority.
3. An efficient and integrated suite of features with single subscriptions can be a great time saver.

Various types of software can help dentists manage their new practices and set them up for long-term success. Some budget-friendly options are even excellent choices for cost-conscious practices just starting out. Plus, some types of software can be useful down the line once your practice has become more established and you’re looking to take things to the next level.

Email Marketing Software

Opening a new practice, attracting new patients is more critical than ever. As your practice grows, retaining the patients that you’ve worked so hard to attract will become just as crucial. One very low-effort way to stay connected with your patients is by regularly communicating with them through newsletters.

Systems  for Online Appointment Scheduling

Right now, many patients expect to be able to book appointments immediately online, 24/7. A high percentage of appointments scheduled through online systems are booked outside of business hours. By forcing patients to call your office to make an appointment, you may be missing out on many opportunities. In addition, by having your staff spend less time on the phone, they can focus on other tasks, including providing the best patient experience possible.

Depending on your choice, you also may be able to solicit more patient reviews to build your online reputation and gain additional exposure to new patients. Therefore, the result and reward of this type of software extend beyond the immediate ability to offer your patients a convenient way to schedule appointments and check availability. 

Practice Management Software

Present, dental health care is delivered mainly by private practitioners all around the globe. More importance was given on the design of the dental treatment rooms than on the design of business management. 

The planning of the business office workspace is also a key factor and such an area should be carefully designed as the business staff can deliver its tasks with maximum efficiency. Any patient who arrives the first time in the dental clinic is the most important person for the dentist.  The infrastructures can improve practice efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and improve communication with other providers. Also, there are various software’s that are available in the market for dental  practice management.

Insurance Verification

Policy updations and consistent communication about the insurance policies and pending payments have to be taken care of and automated. It's a very crucial part of the practice and needs much care and attention.

Patient Communication Software  

Automated patient communication software is useful for reducing no-shows and cancellations, improving patient recall, and soliciting patient reviews. Typically, it works by integrating with your practice management software so it can automatically message patients who are overdue for appointments or who require appointment confirmations.

Membership Programs

There are many benefits to creating a membership program for your company. An in-house membership plan will give your practice recurring revenue every month while helping patients gain access to the dental care they deserve and become more likely to say yes to easy and affordable dental care. However, these plans involve some setup and ongoing maintenance.

The choice of the right dental plan will be the gateway to progress and it can be the most important choice throughout the business.

The demands of pregnancy can lead to particular dental problems in some women. You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. With proper dental hygiene at home and professional help from your dentist, your teeth should stay healthy during pregnancy.

The Need For Dental X-rays During Pregnancy:
We know about different gum diseases that occur in pregnant women because of hormonal imbalance, they may be pregnancy gingivitis or pregnancy-related gum disease. So it's a common problem for pregnant ladies. For that or for other causes of diagnostic purposes, or any for emergency tooth pain or any trauma, sometimes we need dental radiography.

Common causes of dental health problems during pregnancy can include gum problems, vomiting, and cravings for sugary food. Does the question arise that if the exposure of dental radiography is safe for the unborn baby, is it safe for the pregnant mother herself? Read further to know the answer.

What are the typical fetal doses in dental radiographic procedures?
Spoiler Alert: You may be surprised to know that the dose we use in dental radiography is much less than the normal environmental day-to-day radiation. So the fetal dose is 0.009 µSv to 7.97 µSv. This is usually less than the estimated daily natural background dose received by the fetus. And if we use an apron with lead shielding and a thyroid shield, they can reduce the dose to the fetus even further. However, the use of shielding should be done with proper care to show that the radiograph is of adequate diagnostic quality (keeping the shielding outside of the X-ray beam) and that it does not lead to overexposure (for equipment using some form of automatic exposure control).

Why is it recommended that pregnant women wait to get dental x-rays?
The developing fetus in the first and third trimesters is very sensitive to radiation. The second trimester is slightly less sensitive. In most dental offices, especially those using digital radiography or F speed film, the radiation dose to the patient is very low. However, we still recommend that there should be very little exposure to pregnant women and the developing fetus. In certain cases, such as an emergency case where the mother may have a toothache, sometimes radiographs are necessary and in this case, it is important to ensure that you have the lead apron and thyroid collar on.

What is the risk to the fetus if a dental X-ray has been performed on a pregnant woman?
The risk to the fetus from a few µSv of radiation exposure arising from a dental radiographic procedure is extremely small. The cancer risk to the unborn child resulting from a 10 µSv fetal dose is several thousand times less than the background risk of childhood cancer. The risk of inducing a genetic abnormality is an even smaller fraction of the background risk of a genetic disorder. Hence, patient doses received in the normal practice of dental radiography would never cause harm to the fetus, and patients with concerns in this regard should be counseled accordingly.

How should one deal with the possible pregnancy of a woman before performing a dental radiological procedure?
Information on possible pregnancy should be obtained from the patient. A female of reproductive capacity should be considered pregnant unless proven otherwise. If the patient is pregnant the possibility of obtaining information from a non-radiological investigation should be considered. If the radiological examination is considered essential it should be performed and due consideration should be given to optimization. Because of the widespread fears of radiation-induced damage to the unborn child, it is reasonable to counsel the woman on the level of radiation exposure and associated risks prior to performing the procedure. It is essential to have pregnancy warning signs in the waiting rooms.

Dental Treatment vs. Dental X-ray, During Pregnancy:
Same as dental radiography, dental treatment, if it can be avoided during pregnancy should be avoided. If there is any dental problem that needs to be treated, then we can do it in the safest time, the second trimester. In the first trimester and the second half of the third trimester, elective dental treatment is to be avoided because that is the time when the growth and development of the child have to be without any disturbance.

All expectant ladies should inform the dentist beforehand that they are pregnant so that the procedure can be handled properly.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

After tooth extraction, it’s crucial that you find the best replacement to restore your natural smile.

We all know that replacing a missing tooth with the right dental prosthetic can improve your smile’s appearance. But did you know that it can give you a new lease on life? Teeth replacements can promote better oral health, restore your old diet, improve your speech, and boost your self-esteem and confidence. Depending on the restoration you choose, there may be even more benefits you can enjoy, too!

Dental Implants
Dental implants are often the tooth replacement of choice for our Bellflower patients if the option is available to them. Made of 3 base parts—an implant, a connecting abutment, and a crown—implants act as an entirely artificial tooth from crown to root.

How Long Is The Implant Process?
The implant process is a lengthy one, spread across at least 3 separate surgeries and multiple visits. From your initial consultation to your final crown, your whole dental implant procedure can take between 6 and 12 months.

Consultation
Before we get started, you will need to meet with your dentist for an initial consultation. We’ll take a series of comprehensive X-rays during your exam to ensure that you’re an excellent candidate for implants and plan your specific dental implants procedure.

Bone Graft
The longer your jaw goes without a tooth, the more your jaw begins to deteriorate. If your jaw isn’t strong enough to support your implant, we will need to replace the missing bone with a bone graft. This surgery allows your jaw to reinforce and regenerate itself. After 3 to 4 months of healing, you will be ready to begin your first implant surgery.

Implant
Once your dentist gives you the go-ahead, we will surgically insert the metal post of the implant itself into your jaw. Over the next 4 to 6 months, your mouth will be left alone and monitored as it heals and the implant fuses to the bone in a process called osseointegration.

Abutment
After osseointegration is finished, we’ll attach the metal abutment to your implant. The abutment will be used to connect your crown to the implant, keeping the false tooth together. In some cases, the abutment can be attached at the same time as the implant.

Crown
Lastly, the crown is connected to the abutment, completing the dental implant tooth's look and function. Any adjustments will be made to ensure the crown's bite is perfect. In the case of implant-supported prosthetics, the prosthetic piece will be attached to the abutment instead of a crown.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Implants look and behave like a real tooth, and they even have the root of one, unlike dentures. By being surgically attached and inserted into the jaw, your implants promote a healthy and robust jawbone structure. With other tooth replacements, there is a gradual loss of bone over time, which often limits both the effectiveness and durability of the prosthetic as patients' jaws shift and change. That isn't the case with implants. Dental implants can last 20 to 25 years, offering a fixed, stable bite.

There are also no food restrictions or special care you have to take into account. Dental implants only further improve your speaking and eating experience, and they’re easy to maintain and clean. By brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and attending your routine dental cleanings, you can get the most out of your implants while enjoying a beautiful and healthy smile.

How Much Are Dental Implants?
Your dental implant cost depends on several factors:
Number of teeth being replaced
Type of implant (standard vs mini dental implants, All-on-4 dental implants, implant-supported prosthetics, etc.)
Location of tooth or teeth
Dental extraction cost (if the implant process is started immediately)
Bone graft surgery cost (if necessary)

Dentures
There are two main types of removable dentures: partial and complete. For patients who only need to replace anything less than a full arch of teeth, your denture dentist will recommend partial dentures. Partials are flexible to your mouth's specific needs, and they can stay perfectly in place by using its gum-pink acrylic base behind your remaining natural teeth.

If you need a full-mouth smile restoration, then complete dentures are the choice for you. A complete denture doesn’t rely on existing teeth for stability but instead fits right over your gums and bone. With a perfect fit, your denture will slide on smoothly and comfortably, and it won’t need to rely on adhesive to stay secure.

For both partial and complete dentures, your Bellflower prosthodontist can prepare immediate dentures before your dental extraction. These dentures are made weeks in advance using impressions of your smile, allowing you to walk away from your extraction appointment with a brand new smile. These immediate dentures are only temporary, however, because they only last around 2 to 3 months. Your bite will change a lot in the weeks following your extraction, and you will need to have a more permanent denture made.

Can You Wear Dentures 24/7?
Although you CAN wear your dentures all hours of the day and night, we highly recommend that you give your mouth a break at night. To stay healthy and strong, your gums and bone should have some time to themselves without your false teeth' constant pressure. Taking your dentures out before you sleep prevents jaw and gum soreness, bacteria buildup leading to bad breath and infection, and a faster rate of jawbone loss.

When taking your dentures out at night, you should soak your dentures at night with a denture cleaning solution. This keeps your denture from drying out and helps remove any food or bacteria that even a good toothbrush can’t remove. Once you’re ready to put your false teeth back in the next day, give them a good rinse with running water before popping them in. With great denture maintenance, you’ll ensure that your dentures last for years to come and that your natural smile stays healthy.

Do they make permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures are implant-supported dentures, securing their dentures on metal implants and abutments to leave your bite more stable without the need for denture glue. These denture implants can improve patients’ speech and eat without worrying about any slipping or sliding. They also keep your jaw stronger and slow down the change in your bite from bone loss, allowing your dentures to last longer.

There are also fixed denture implant options, such as All-on-4 dental implants. With All-on-4s, an entire arch of teeth is supported on 4 dental implants and screwed into place. Say goodbye to removing your dentures before you go to bed to soak all night! Plus, not only can you enjoy a beautiful, full smile 24/7, but the maintenance is even simpler. These fixed dentures truly combine the best of both worlds of both dentures and implants.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Implants look and behave like a real tooth, and they even have the root of one, unlike dentures. By being surgically attached and inserted into the jaw, your implants promote a healthy and robust jawbone structure. With other tooth replacements, there is a gradual loss of bone over time, which often limits both the effectiveness and durability of the prosthetic as patients' jaws shift and change. That isn't the case with implants. Dental implants can last 20 to 25 years, offering a fixed, stable bite.

There are also no food restrictions or special care you have to take into account. Dental implants only further improve your speaking and eating experience, and they’re easy to maintain and clean. By brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and attending your routine dental cleanings, you can get the most out of your implants while enjoying a beautiful and healthy smile.

How Much Are Dental Implants?
Your dental implant cost depends on several factors:
Number of teeth being replaced
Type of implant (standard vs mini dental implants, All-on-4 dental implants, implant-supported prosthetics, etc.)
Location of tooth or teeth
Dental extraction cost (if the implant process is started immediately)
Bone graft surgery cost (if necessary)

Dentures
There are two main types of removable dentures: partial and complete. For patients who only need to replace anything less than a full arch of teeth, your denture dentist will recommend partial dentures. Partials are flexible to your mouth's specific needs, and they can stay perfectly in place by using its gum-pink acrylic base behind your remaining natural teeth.

If you need a full-mouth smile restoration, then complete dentures are the choice for you. A complete denture doesn’t rely on existing teeth for stability but instead fits right over your gums and bone. With a perfect fit, your denture will slide on smoothly and comfortably, and it won’t need to rely on adhesive to stay secure.

For both partial and complete dentures, your Bellflower prosthodontist can prepare immediate dentures before your dental extraction. These dentures are made weeks in advance using impressions of your smile, allowing you to walk away from your extraction appointment with a brand new smile. These immediate dentures are only temporary, however, because they only last around 2 to 3 months. Your bite will change a lot in the weeks following your extraction, and you will need to have a more permanent denture made.

Can You Wear Dentures 24/7?
Although you CAN wear your dentures all hours of the day and night, we highly recommend that you give your mouth a break at night. To stay healthy and strong, your gums and bone should have some time to themselves without your false teeth' constant pressure. Taking your dentures out before you sleep prevents jaw and gum soreness, bacteria buildup leading to bad breath and infection, and a faster rate of jawbone loss.

When taking your dentures out at night, you should soak your dentures at night with a denture cleaner solution. This keeps your denture from drying out and helps remove any food or bacteria that even a good toothbrush can’t remove. Once you’re ready to put your false teeth back in the next day, give them a good rinse with running water before popping them in. With great denture maintenance, you’ll ensure that your dentures last for years to come and that your natural smile stays healthy.

Do they make permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures are implant-supported dentures, securing their dentures on metal implants and abutments to leave your bite more stable without the need for denture glue. These denture implants can improve patients’ speech and eating without worrying about any slipping or sliding. They also keep your jaw stronger and slow down the change in your bite from bone loss, allowing your dentures to last longer.

There are also fixed denture implant options, such as All-on-4 dental implants. With All-on-4s, an entire arch of teeth is supported on 4 dental implants and screwed into place. Say goodbye to removing your dentures before you go to bed to soak all night! Plus, not only can you enjoy a beautiful, full smile 24/7, but the maintenance is even simpler. These fixed dentures truly combine the best of both worlds of both dentures and implants.

What Do Dentures Cost?
There is a wide range in the cost of dentures. The price is calculated based on these deciding factors:
Materials used
Number of teeth being replaced
Type of denture chosen
Extraction and immediate dentures cost (if applicable)

Here at Bellflower Dental Group, we know the importance of budget-friendly dental care. While dentures can be partially covered by dental insurance, we understand that it may not be enough to meet your budget’s needs. If you need assistance with ensuring you get affordable dentures and implants, our dentists are here to help. Please give our office a call at (323) 486-6579 to schedule a consultation, and we’ll be more than happy to go over our financing options with you.

What Is Better Implants or Dentures?
Ultimately, the best tooth-replacement option for you depends on your specific smile. Dentures are more flexible to your mouth’s particular demands, replacing anywhere between one or all of your teeth with ease. There are also immediate options that allow you to leave our Bellflower dental office with same-day dentures. So for patients on a budget or who don’t want to wait months before they can enjoy the benefits of a restored smile, dentures may be the right choice.

However, if you are only replacing one or two teeth, we recommend you get dental implants. Implants are durable, more stable, and don't require any maintenance or recurring denture repair. They're also an overall healthier option for your mouth. They prevent bone loss that can age your face, change your prosthetic's fit, and leave you vulnerable to infection and decay. Implants can also last more than 25 years with proper care. As dentures often need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years, implants' higher prices are incredibly cost-efficient and well worth it.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

What Is The Process For Teeth Whitening?

Teeth-Staining

The Need for a Clinical Exam Prior to Whitening

It is of utmost importance to have a consultation from a certified dental professional before attempting whitening treatments. The individuals need to be honest with their dentist and need to give every detail regarding their medical and dental status. An individual should be open about his desire, daily oral hygiene regimens, frequency and consumption of stain containing foods and tobacco if any. All these will be of great importance because the dentist will then be able to define and develop a patient-centered whitening treatment.

The clinical examination not only gives the dentist an overview of what's going on in the mouth, but it also gives a detailed report for each tooth's health status. Each tooth and the surrounding gums need to be in good health before proceeding with this whitening procedure.

 

Types of Teeth Whitening

1) Over-the-Counter Treatments

These methods are available in stores, referred to as OTC, or over-the-counter.

Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive particles of varied grit, or may contain activated charcoal that removes the superficial stains.

Whitening strips: Whitening strips contain peroxide in different percentages coating the thin strips.

Whitening trays: Ready to use whitening trays are clear trays containing peroxide gel.

2) Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

In-office whitening trays: In-office teeth whitening is the most reliable method for teeth whitening because this is performed under a controlled setting by a certified professional. After all the necessary initial assessments of your teeth and gums in the clinic, gums are protected because the high percentage of peroxide may irritate the gums. This type of whitening may require a single or more visit until the desired results are achieved. The dental professional is the only person who will give instructions upon the level of teeth whitening shade.

Custom at-home whitening trays: Customized whitening trays are also considered reliable because they are patient-centered, meaning they fit the specific patient's teeth. These trays are used along with varying percentages of the peroxide gel which can be worn an hour or so for a week per day, depending on the instructions from the dentist, to get the desired effects. The dentist will guide the individual on how to use it, when to use it and the precautions that need to be taken.

 

 

Factors that Affect the Long-lasting Effect of Whitening:

It is to be noted that whitening is not a permanent solution for teeth whitening. However, the effects can be increased by following some precautions that not only help in reducing the stains but has a direct effect on oral health as well.

-Daily oral hygiene regimens: Regular brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. Regular mouth rinses even with tap water is helpful.

-Diet: Stain producing foods such as cola, coffee, and wine should be minimized.

-Tobacco products: Cigarettes or other nicotine-based products should be quit completely because they not only produce stains on teeth but also have a great role in producing oral diseases such as oral cancer.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

As long as we get it done from a certified dental professional, it is safe to have teeth whitening. Regular consultation from the dentist regarding the status of teeth, best oral hygiene practices, and following dentist provided precautions, are all essential to have a good experience after having teeth whitening treatment.

 

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

MAKE YOUR SMILE SHINE WITH TEETH WHITENING IN HOUSTON

Coffee, tea, and wine are tempting… but they also stain your teeth. Here at Nu Dentistry, we know the best methods to regain your bright white smile with our in-house professional teeth whitening system! More advanced than over the counter treatments, our teeth whitening systems bring you longer-lasting and brighter results in less time!

 

Teeth whitening is the quickest and most traditional treatment used in cosmetic dentistry, offering your smile an instant boost! Our non-invasive and effective whitening options include both an in-house teeth whitening treatment and take-home whitening trays.

 

Teeth whitening can remove years of stains and discoloration, but it’s not a permanent solution. Depending on your lifestyle and habits, you may likely need additional whitening treatments in the future. However, your professional smile whitening results can last years longer than those with a take-home teeth whitening kit from the store.

 

To make sure you get the most out of your sessions, we will also give you at-home care instructions and tips that will help you maintain and extend the lifespan of your bright smile.

 

Ready to add some sparkle to your smile and try our teeth whitening systems?

Contact Us At Pro Teeth Whitening, Houston

 

What Is Invisalign?

Sometimes, we usually think in general, placing a character like that capable of covering many specialties. It is not that it is a mistake, but a way of labeling the person according to the discipline that develops as a trade.

In the world of medicine, this is more than common because we see in the figure of one the work that many do, even if we know what he specializes in. With dentistry, it happens frequently since we assume that the dentist is in charge of everything related to the mouth.

But that's not entirely true. Today, a series of conditions and injuries are known in which the dentist must specialize. We insist this does not cause you to lose your label, but it does place you in positions that distance you from others that handle another set of knowledge and practices.

Do you know what an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is?

Not everyone in dentistry revolves around the most frequent conditions such as cavities or gingivitis that are usually treated by General Dentists. Some conditions and situations must be attended by Specialist Dentists, for example for orthodontic treatments, conditions of the dental nerves that are attended by Endodontists and a wide range of situations in which the Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeons intervene.

Competencies of these surgeons:

The oral and maxillofacial Oral surgeon has a huge range of medical development when he must do his job. If your work leads you to an intervention, it is worth remembering that these are not like those normally performed in other parts of the body, since some of them, especially the most common ones are outpatient. That is, they do not require hospitalization.

Who can use the name of the Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon?

Being an oral and maxillofacial surgeon means having the official title of specialist issued by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs.

What does a maxillofacial surgeon do?

The maxillofacial surgeon performs from wisdom tooth extractions or placement of dental implants to cosmetic oncological and reconstructive surgery.

These are several of his specialties:

1. Dental extractions:

The majority of dental extractions are performed by a dental Clinic Houston Texas or General Dentists, for example, temporary or “milk” teeth and when the affected teeth have the entire crown, which would make the extraction “easier”.

However, when this has been lost, either by caries, by a blow or for any other reason, or when the tooth is trapped, the most convenient thing is that the extraction is performed by a Specialist in Oral or Maxillofacial Surgery.

2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ):

The articulation of our jaw with the skull is just in front of the ears and can present different problems, ranging from noise, clicking, pain and even dislocations that will affect the bite and general health of people.

An injury caused by a stroke, bruxism or bite problems not treated in time is also part of the diseases that the surgeon should review. If you have difficulty biting or your jaw is locked, you should look for an expert dental surgeon

3. Implants:

Definitive solution after tooth extraction. For aesthetic reasons, this practice is responsible for finalizing the first developed point, in which a worn part is replaced by a new one.

This technique has a recovery time very similar to that of the first point above, which is calculated between seven and ten days.

4. Tumors:

This is a completely extreme situation, but not impossible. The surgeon will be in charge of attacking this evil if it occurs. His work area, for obvious reasons, limits him to working with those that manifest in the mouth or neck.

Beyond the teeth:

One of the greatest benefits of those who specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery is that it covers a larger space than that of other colleagues, whose range of action is in other currents.

For example, it can treat known diseases that have no direct relationship with dentistry, such as cleft lip, for example. It can also intervene if there is a facial reconstruction operation and if someone skilled in salivary glands is needed.

Similarly, you can also treat the gums, although in situations of greater chaos. We have already indicated what is capable of caries and the consequences of periodontitis, but the accumulation of pus in the region can be resolved by draining the most affected place.