Tariq Drabu's Posts (196)

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Toothache on holiday or while traveling can be a nightmare for all of us! When you face severe and intolerable pain in your teeth, going to an emergency dental office will be helpful. But, preventing a dental emergency problem is always the best solution, especially on holidays. If you still need more information about dental emergency, contact an emergency dentist in your area or you can contact our emergency dentist in Vaughan.

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Here are some tips for preventing toothache during the holidays and how to manage dental emergency cases:

  • When traveling, you’d better have some weak painkillers with you. If you want to go on a trip by plane, you should know about a condition called barodontalgia or tooth squeeze. It happens because of air pressure changes, causes severe toothache in air travel, and you can use simple painkillers to relieve this pain.
  • Do not forget about flossing, brushing, and generally, practicing proper oral hygiene during the holidays. Traveling, going on holiday, and having fun don’t mean you can put your toothbrush away.
  • Anesthetic sprays, toothpaste, herbal analgesic drops, and some traditional herbal remedies such as cloves may be useful in temporarily pain controlling when there is not an emergency dental clinic around you. But first, consult a dentist to ensure they are not harmful to you.
  • Alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes are not ways to control a toothache. Sedatives are also not allowed to be used in toothache cases if the dentist has not previously prescribed them. These drugs, regardless of their addictive nature, may have irreversible harmful effects.
  • If your toothache stops, keep in mind that preventing the pain does not mean you do not need to visit an emergency dentist anymore. Even if the pain stops, try to visit a dentist to determine the cause of the pain and start appropriate dental treatment.

When is it necessary to visit a dentist?

If you have any pain in your mouth, it is better to consult your dentist. Many pains may not disappear over time, and sometimes they get worse. If the toothache persists for more than a few days, try to visit a dentist as soon as possible to check symptoms such as swelling, infection, difficulty breathing or swallowing, etc. Your dentist will examine your mouth and the possibility of abscesses, cavities, swollen gums, cracked teeth, and abrasions. These are just common symptoms of toothache, but they all depend on the dentist's diagnosis.

Cavities and caries

Caries occurs when bacteria damage the enamel and other factors such as excessive acidity and cavities may form in your teeth as a result. When cavities form, they irritate the tooth root, and the pain becomes more and more severe. In this case, the dentist typically recommends dental filling. Before filling, the rotten part is removed and cleaned. Toothache also may be due to previous dental filling or cracking.

Root canal infection

Root canals may be inflamed and infected. If left untreated, infections can cause severe pain or lead to abscesses (in emergency cases, they can be associated with a throat infection). Other symptoms of root canal infection include fever, tooth discoloration, and chewing sensation. There are various root canal problems, which can be treated depending on the dentist's diagnosis.

Tooth extraction

Sometimes the last choice is tooth extraction. This problem usually occurs in children who have baby teeth. Some teeth (such as wisdom teeth) that are not important for chewing and cause pain can be extracted without worries

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace tooth roots. They provide a strong base for permanent (fixed) or removable teeth compatible with your natural teeth. Dental implants are made of pure titanium that is compatible with the human body. It is like a screw that is inserted into the jawbone. Dental implants are the best replacement option for lost teeth today. The remarkable point about it is that if it is kept properly after being placed in the jaw, it will have very high durability. Special thanks to Dr. Mirlohi from Dental Implant North York for his consultation about dental implants. You can contact him if you need more information.

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Despite advances in dental care, millions of people suffer from tooth loss, mainly due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. For years, the only treatment options available to people who had lost their teeth were bridges and dentures. However, today, dental implants in North York are available. There have been two different kinds of dental implants throughout history: 

- Endosteal

- Subperiosteal

An Endosteal dental implant is an implant that is inserted into the bone, but a Subperiosteal implant is placed on the jawbone and under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are no longer used today because they have poorer long-term results and less strength than Endosteal implants.

 Who Cannot Receive Dental Implants?

- If you have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy or are currently undergoing these treatments, you should know that you are less likely to succeed in your treatment.

- If you have specific medical conditions such as osteoporosis and related diseases 

- Before the surgery, the health of the patients’ gums is very important, and in addition, the jawbones must have sufficient strength and cohesion to maintain it.

- In many cases, if the patient uses tobacco such as cigarettes, the dentist will refuse treatment because such substances, even cigarettes, reduce the possibility of successful treatment. 

- Maintaining good oral hygiene has a significant effect on extending the lifespan of the dental implant. Implants significantly improve the smile.

- It is recommended that you do not use this treatment if you are taking medicines that contain bisphosphonate derivatives.

Steps before Receiving Dental Implants

- Tooth decay must be checked and removed before the operation.

- At least one surgery is required to place the implant in the mouth. In this surgery, a dental implant is placed in the jawbone.

- In a few months after surgery, the titanium base fuses with the jawbone.

- After a while and making sure that the dental implant and the bone are properly integrated, the dentist installs the dental prosthesis on them.

Before doing anything, the dentist explains to the patient how to prepare for the dental implant. The gums need to be examined to ensure their complete health. After ensuring the complete health of the surgical area's tissues and surroundings, it is necessary to prepare a radiographic scan (called CBCT or DVT). The dentist examines the jaw bone and other important factors such as the passage of important nerves, sinuses, etc., and determines the best size and location of the dental implant. The last thing to consider before dental implant surgery is that in certain medical conditions (high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, organ transplantation, etc.), the patient should sometimes take certain medications or change the dose of current medications.

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The dental implant is also known as a fixture or endosseous implant and it is a surgical component that interfaces with the jaw or skull of the bones to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis. Here, you will get the entire information regarding the dental implants if you are suffering from any type of teeth problems. 

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First of all, you must know about all dental implants, which is the common term used in the education of dental care. The all on four is a cost-efficient treatment concept, graft less solution that provides the dental patients with the permanent full-arch prosthesis on the day of their surgery. 

The dental implant acts as the tooth replacements and is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the few months.  

Well, having dental implants acts as the replacement of the missing tooth or fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to mimicking a natural tooth as it stands on its own without affecting the nearby the teeth and it has great stability.  

The fusion between the dental implant and jawbone is called osseointegration and the dental implants are usually made up of the titanium that permits the dental implants to integrate with the bone without being recognized as a foreign object.  

Benefits of dental implants

The first and foremost reason is that it requires minimal time for the treatment and the maximum results. The dental implant is a situation where sometimes, more really is better, and also it is the best tool for most of the people such as they are the permanent teeth that look so natural and feel like they are the natural teeth.

There is a particular daily regime that requires the following for caring and cleaning around the dental implants. We all know that brushing twice is essential and also recommend by the dentist to keep teeth clean and healthy. It requires less money to get dental implants. 

For this, dental patients have to select the good quality, soft-bristle manual or electric toothbrush for teeth. And must brush the teeth in the gentle or circular movements up to the gum line and also you must use a Waterpik that is an excellent way to clean the all-on-four dental implant. To remove the food particles this is the best method that is recommended by the dentist munich.

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Your smile is the first thing that everyone notices when they meet you. Now, not everyone can afford to smile, for various reasons. Discoloration of teeth, unorganized teeth, is some of the reasons that can make you think twice before smiling. Cosmetic dentistry can help restore the looks and instill the confidence in you to smile confidently. If you are unsure how a reputable dental clinic in ahwatukee Arizona, can help you, read on.

An overview of Cosmetic Dentistry

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Before setting out to find the best phoenix dentist ahwatukee, it is feasible to understand what cosmetic dentistry can do for you. The procedure guarantees a safe and affordable way of enhancing your teeth and gums. You should confuse cosmetic dentistry with restorative dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry works for improving aesthetics. Procedures like teeth whitening, crack fixing, stain removal, etc are some of the classic examples of it. You must be familiar with the terms dental crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and Invisalign. All these procedures are also categorized under cosmetic dentistry.

The benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

In addition to increasing the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, as a cosmetic dental patient, you can avail of a wide array of advantages. Let us take a look.

  • Enhance the smile: For many of us, lifestyle plays a pivotal role in the deterioration of teeth. Then again, some individuals do not possess the best smile since their birth. Cosmetic dentistry can help these people efficiently.
  • Teeth whitening and bleaching: Discoloration of teeth tends to keep you out from socializing. With the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can restore or whiten the teeth in a short period.
  • Cosmetic restorations: Sometimes, an unfortunate accident can make you lose a tooth or damaged several teeth. Understandably, you will be conscious of the situation and refrain from smiling. Procedures such as a dental crown or bridge can offer much-needed help in such situations.

Affordability

Still, many people think the field of cosmetic dentistry is for the rich and powerful. However, the truth is, the said procedure has become very affordable and you can improve your appearance without worrying about breaking the bank.

Health improvement

Apparently, cosmetic dentistry also addresses teeth-related problems. When you possess healthy teeth, it minimizes the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. You should know, certain tooth decay problems can be potentially life-threatening.

Improves your confidence

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We touched this point before, by enhancing the aesthetics, individuals who feel shaky for social interactions can now step out confidently. With a pleasing smile, they can expect to surge ahead in life.

Improves your quality of living

Cosmetic dentistry can help restrict your biting and chewing function and improves your smile. Thus, you are all set to lead a quality life like never before. Moreover, your charming appearance the asset being “a million-dollar smile”, you will become more acceptable in your social community.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are quick and painless

Now, that you already know, cosmetic dentistry procedures are cost-efficient, you might think they might be painful and time-consuming. For your information, it is contradictory to such beliefs. Owing to the technological developments, all the procedures in this arena are quick and painless. You will not have any issues leading a normal life after undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

On your part, you should do some homework for finding the best dental clinics in your locality or near about offering the cosmetic dentistry procedure. Undoubtedly, the procedure is the ultimate solution for improving your smile without having to spend a fortune. Make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist and learn more about how they can help. 

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Why Choose an Endodontist

An endodontist is a dentist who has additional training in endodontic treatment. Endodontic treatment is a branch of dentistry that deals with the inner part of the tooth. A visit to the endodontist or referral to the department of conservative dentistry and endodontics is required if the inner part of the tooth is infected. In general, if the pulp is damaged, your dentist or endodontist maintains your teeth through endodontics or root canals. During root canal treatment, an endodontist who specializes in this treatment removes the damaged pulp. Then, the tooth roots are deep cleaned by the endodontist in the dental clinic. You can always find relevant info on endodontist Toronto.

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To have a better understanding of endodontic, you must be familiar with dental anatomy. Beneath the enamel layer is a layer called dentin, and beneath it is soft tissue (pulp). The pulp chamber contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue responsible for creating hard tissues around the tooth. Pulp covers the crown to the tip of the root, where the tooth attaches to the surrounding tissue. The importance of pulp during tooth growth and development is that it delivers nutrients to the tooth and is responsible for its growth. However, after the tooth has fully grown, it can survive without the pulp because it can receive nutrients from the surrounding tissues.

When Does an Endodontist Specialist Perform Endodontic?

An endodontist specialist performs endodontic microsurgery if the soft tissue inside the tooth and root canal is inflamed and infected. Inflammation and infection may have different causes. The most important and leading cause of infection inside the tooth is deep caries. Other reasons may include frequent dental treatments on a tooth, deep cracks, or fillings. Besides, the emergency endodontist performs root canal treatment if the pulp is damaged, inflamed, or infected as a result of trauma to the tooth, while the tooth may show no signs of cracking. If left untreated, the dental pulp's inflammation will lead to some complications such as severe pain, abscesses, bone loss, and tooth loss. So, a quick referral to the endodontic office is required.

Symptoms of the Need for Endodontic Process

The endodontic specialists perform endodontic if there are symptoms such as pain, sensitivity to cold or heat, tenderness (sensitivity to touch or pressure), tooth discoloration, swelling and discharge, and tendonitis of the lymph nodes, as well as gum and bone tissue around the tooth. However, sometimes a tooth that needs surgical endodontics or endodontics has no visible symptoms.

Is Endodontic Procedure Painful?

The endodontics specialist performs the endodontic procedure to end the toothache because the infection is often painful. With modern techniques and anesthesia, you no longer feel pain during dental treatment. After the first few days of treatment, your teeth may become sensitive, especially if you have had pain and infection before the treatment. You can visit the endodontist to use painkillers.

After the endodontic procedure in the endodontic office, your teeth may feel slightly different from others for a while. However, visit the best endodontist if you feel severe pressure or pain that has lasted more than a few days.

How to Take Care of a Root Canalled Tooth?

It would help if you did not chew or bite anything until the tooth is completely healed. The tooth is highly vulnerable to fracture until the veneer is placed on the tooth. After that, try to follow oral hygiene as usual. Brush at least twice a day and floss once. Visit the endodontic specialist at regular intervals (once or twice a year) for check-ups.

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5 Best Daily Practices for healthy Teeth

You cannot get healthy teeth and gums overnight. It requires daily practice to get healthy teeth and gums. Oral health is a lot more about teeth and gum diseases and not just your oral health and hygiene, but your overall health IS responsible for your tooth diseases.

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Here are 5 best daily practices which can help you to get a healthy tooth and gums.

Never go to bed without brushing your teeth

You might be brushing your teeth in the morning but if you are going to bed without brushing your teeth then you might be inviting germs to get deposit on the surface of your teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth twice a day is an open secret of healthy teeth and gums.

Brush Properly

Most of us brush our teeth daily but don’ use the right technique, brushing teeth is only helpful while you are doing it properly. Hold your brush at 45 degrees and then gently move your brush in a circular motion to make it reach every corner of your mouth.

Use fluoride toothpaste

There are many factors on the basis of which you choose your toothpaste like flavor and whitening power, but one thing that you must consider while buying toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is the fight against tooth plaque which leads to tooth decay. It is a strong protective barrier as well as a tough fighter of plaque.

Avoid Sugary drinks and acidic food

Sugar converts into acid in your mouth which leads to the removal of tooth enamel and causes cavities in your teeth. The natural shine of your teeth is lost while you intake drinks that contain sugar and acidic food. It erodes the enamel of your teeth. By paying attention to your diet you can give your teeth a longer life.

See your dentist at least twice a year

You might be having great oral health as you are following strict daily oral health practices but still you need to visit your dentist twice a year. UK smiles in turkey suggest that you should do a detailed check-up of your dental health and clean your teeth. Your teeth might look clean but still there are places where neither your brush nor floss can clean your teeth which can be cleaned by dentist using his/her dental tools.

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Flaws in the teeth can make your life miserable. It can jolt your self-confidence too, as you will be lacking that beautiful smile that everyone prefers. Often, little flaws in the teeth can lead to the above problem. Teeth discoloration is the most common, and irritating issue for us.

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Teeth whitening can be the ideal solution to address the problems of teeth discoloration. Often, in desperation to get the dazzling white smile, you try products that promise whiter teeth, without understanding its side effects. In this article, we introduce you to the vital points that you should know before you consider whitening your teeth.

The strength of teeth-whitening products is not the same

The teeth-whitening products like strips, gels, gel trays, and so on the aim to restore the enamel of the tooth. All the above products clean the accumulated dirt and debris, with the help of an active ingredient hydrogen peroxide.

The said ingredient triggers oxygen molecules reacts with the stain and eventually removes them. The strength of hydrogen peroxide can drastically vary. Thus, it is advisable consulting a dentist for knowing the best product. You can check https://boutiquedental.co.nz/treatments/teeth-whitening for more information on this aspect.

Teeth sensitivity is a factor to consider

Another reason that makes the consultation of an experienced dentist indispensable is sensitivity in the teeth. Naturally, each one of us has different lifestyles, and accordingly, it affects dental health. While going for teeth whitening, some people can experience varying side effects. Thus, picking the wrong product can cause irritation, instead of the desired result.

Get the facts right

Some individuals believe, teeth whitening products can damage the enamel. Though it is untrue, still you should not leave the teeth whitening products for a longer period. You must follow the directions and use them accordingly for the best results.

Teeth whitening are not for everyone

On pursuit of that million-dollar smile, you should take into account certain factors. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, adolescents who still have baby teeth should not go for this procedure. Additionally, individuals dealing with gum diseases and sensitive teeth should also refrain from whitening their teeth. Remember, teeth whiteners are ineffective in changing the colors of dental crowns, fillings or dead teeth.

Whitening is not permanent

Your dentist will probably confirm the above statement. Owing to their experience, the dentists will suggest the best products and introduce you to their workability. It might sound unbelievable, but many people do not know the proper brushing techniques, and it leads to such stains. By changing the brushing technique, you can expect white teeth. Nevertheless, whichever whitening product you use, it will have a limited time frame.  The period can be a few months or years, but you will have to redo it to retain the whiteness all over again. 

Sensitivity is unpredictable

Not even the best dentists can speculate the degree of sensitivity and pain you may experience after trying a specific whitening treatment. As already mentioned, the teeth whitening procedures and the ingredients will differ depending on the condition, the outcome will also vary for that reason.

Dentists sometimes suggest applying a desensitizing gel before trying the teeth whitening products. They may even prescribe pain medications like ibuprofen too. Certain toothpastes contain such desensitizing agents, fluoride toothpaste for instance. If you experience tooth sensitivity recurrently, you should take a break and use the teeth whitening products at a gap of three to four days. Anyways, the discomfort (sensitivity) will be temporary.

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How to Improve Teeth for All Ages

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We have heard it that prevention is better than cure, so if you take good care of and prevent yourself from oral health problems then you don’t need to go through the painful dental surgeries. Preventing your oral health mean you need less dental treatment. There are few ways to straightening your teeth like wearing aligners.

Children

In children, early childhood caries or baby bottle syndrome is a common way to tooth decay. The child’s food contains sugar which leads to early childhood caries (ECC). The sugar in milk, juice, or other food can lead the tooth spot to turn brown. If it is not treated at the right time then it may cause serious effects.

  • There are a few things that you can do to avoid ECC.
  • Try to avoid bottle feeding around mealtime.
  • Don't leave the bottle in the baby's mouth while she is sleeping. Milk and juices have sugar which can cause bacteria in the mouth during sleep.
  • Clean the gums of the baby while he/she has no teeth with a soft and clean cotton cloth twice a day to maintain oral hygiene.
  • Brush the baby teeth with a baby brush without toothpaste until he/she is old enough to spit out the toothpaste.

Women

Women go through the different stages and in every stage they face a huge hormonal change in their body which causes affect their oral as well as overall health. As an oral point of view, they have different dental concerns in each stage of their life.

During Teenage and Early Adulthood Years

During teenage menstruation starts and due to that they face many changes in their body including their oral health like mouth sores or swollen gums.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most crucial time for women when she faces major changes in her physical as well as mental health. Due to the excessive release of progesterone, the normal balance of the body changes to a huge extent. Pregnant women face problems like gingivitis, too little or too much saliva, tumor-like growths on gums, tooth decay due to enamel dissolving, and many more. To maintain their oral health they need to visit their dentist more. If you are a pregnant woman who is facing any oral problem and to prevent your teeth you need teeth aligner then you can visit https://aligners.co/.

Older Adults

Older adults need more oral care to maintain good oral hygiene. With age people face difficulty to chew their food due to many reasons which cause them to help bacteria build up.

As they take medicine for another disease which can cause dry mouth that allows bacteria to build up, causing bad breath, gum disease, and even infection.

Straightening Your Teeth with Aligners

Those who are not confident while smiling in their personality and want to change it but are not ready for the conventional methods of straightening your teeth like braces for them wearing aligners are the best alternative. These aligners work when pressure is applied and then the teeth move gradually move to the desired position.

The aligners work in the same way that braces work but the only difference is that aligners are not attached to your teeth.

 If you are looking for the aligners then you can visit the website of Aligners USA. Keep in mind that it is not accurate how much time it will take to get the desired results, so you need to keep your patience.

For the best results, patients need to wear aligners for at least 22 hours. Teeth will move only when force is applied and for that, you need to wear them regularly.

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Taking care of your oral health important for everyone but for a pregnant woman, it becomes more important. During pregnancy a go through lots of physical, emotional and hormonal changes which affect her teeth and gums.

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A woman’s oral health care is an important part of prenatal care, having poor oral health can cause problems for mother as well as a baby.

Make a Visit to Your Dentist Before You Get Pregnant

Pregnancy is a long period and you can’t afford to get poor dental hygiene during pregnancy as it can take a bad toll on your oral health. Visit your dentist before you get pregnant. Visiting your dentist in advance can save you from lots of upcoming problems. Your dentist can clean your teeth, diagnose any oral health problem and treat it before your getting pregnant.

Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

7 out of 10 pregnant women face gingivitis during pregnancy. At an early stage of pregnancy, many women face redness and swollen gums due to a change in the level of hormones. So if the gingivitis is not treated at the right time, the bone that supports teeth can be lost or can loosen the teeth due to losing support. 

Pregnancy and Dental Cavities

During pregnancy, women are at high risk of cavities due to the change of hormones which change their eating behaviours. The women who have cavities during pregnancy and after delivery due to bacteria can transmit these bacteria’s to their babies to the mouth. According to reports, 1 out of 4 childbearing age of women has untreated cavities. The children of such mothers are more prone to cavities at an early age. And such children are more likely absent from the school due to tooth pain and dentist visit.

How to take care of your oral health during pregnancy?

A routine dental check-up is necessary, if you are pregnant then tells your dentist. If you need to do an urgent procedure during pregnancy then it can be done but your dentist will suggest you to postpone elective procedure after delivery. Before you visit your dentist, ask your obstetrician if he/she has any instructions.

  • Inform your dentist about drug dosages and prenatal vitamins and other medications. Your dentist needs all the information related to your medicines to alter the treatment.
  • If there is a requirement if dental x-ray then it can be done during pregnancy. Your dentist will use all the safety measures to safeguard you and your baby from the x-ray by covering your abdomen and thyroid. Although x-rays nowadays are safer than they used to be in the early days.
  • Just because you are pregnant, you must not skip your dental visits. Visits to your dentist are more important during pregnancy to check up your gums as due to change in hormonal level.

How to cope with morning sickness

  • If you are not able to brush your teeth due to morning sickness then change your toothpaste to bland-tasting toothpaste from traditional toothpaste. Ask your dentist to recommend any recognised toothpaste brand for pregnancy.
  • Rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove the plaque and food particles if you are not able to brush your teeth.

Visit your dentist after delivery

If you had any gum problem during pregnancy and you are still facing it, you must visit your dentist at https://aligners.co.uk.

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It’s no secret that dental operatory light affects everyone and everything around us. But light might have a more significant effect on you than you realise. The quality of light that we work under greatly changes energy levels, moods and even our quality of life.Lighting can positively impact function (task lighting) or esthetics (ambient lighting). Understanding the options available is key in achieving the best affect from lighting and their improved energy benefits in the process.  The quality of light you work under can have an enormous effect on your energy levels, your mood, and your quality of life. If you leave your dental practice feeling exhausted at the end of the day, the problem might be lighting. The good news is: With just a few dental office design fixes, you, your staff, and your patients can feel better in no time.

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TYPES OF LIGHTING

Before we delve into specific models and types of dental office operatory lights, you’ll need a firm understanding of the different types of lighting and how they work in conjunction with each other. In almost all dental offices, there’s ambient lighting and task lighting.

THE WORST LIGHTING MISTAKES

Many dental offices make this huge mistake, and it’s an easy one to make: they only use ambient lighting within the space which is usually fluorescent. Multiple lighting sources not only have health benefits but there are many psychological benefits too.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTAL OPERATORY LIGHTS

When it’s time to choose your operatory lights, there are two main features that need to be considered: brightness and flexibility.

BRIGHTNESS

Many Ophthalmologists will recommend a ratio of 10:1 when referring to operating to ambient light ratios. This is relatively standard in this field of work and should be adhered to. But what does this mean? Well, if your operating light outputs 5000 lumens, the ambient light should be around 500 lumens. Of course, different lights will come with different intensities, so some lights may need to be adjusted to reach the correct ratio.

FLEXIBILITY

An often overlooked, but crucial element of operatory lighting is flexibility. Having flexible lighting is important for getting different angles well lit and avoiding blinding yourself, your patients or your assistant’s in the process. Operatory lights can be mounted just about anywhere.

We hope these pointers have helped you identify the right light for you. While we have identified why certain dental led lights such as wall mounted dental light should be avoided, there is no universal best light, as it comes down to personal preference. There is a trade-off between weight and light intensity when choosing your dental surgical light. 

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Did you know that there is compelling evidence that highlights the relationship between oral health and an individual's overall well-being? Well, there is, as extensive tooth loss and gum disease have been linked to the increased link of health issues like cancer. 

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The overall health of your mouth also has a psychological impact. Maintaining and having well-cared-for, clean teeth when you smile can boost self-esteem. Your teeth also influence the way you chew, taste, eat, speak, look and socialise. If you have great oral health and teeth, chances are you'd have better self-confidence. 

The social construct 

Social media is a core part of our everyday life and is a driving force behind unrealistic "ideal" body expectations. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that a lot of people are losing confidence in themselves. Everyone seems to be viewing the world via filters - and that is unhealthy. 

Unfortunately, unrealistic body image expectation among young children and adolescents is becoming more prevalent. It is leading to an increase in depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in this demographic. 

There are a lot of factors that influence the way we feel about ourselves, and your set of teeth plays an important role. It is one of the first things anyone notices about you and also one of the most memorable. In addition, people tend to associate having bad teeth with an unhealthy lifestyle or a bad diet. 

The smile 

One of the very first things about you that people notice is your smile. No wonder we are all self-conscious about it. When you feel good about your smile, you feel good about yourself. So, why not make the most of your teeth by maintaining good oral hygiene. 

What the survey says 

There was a survey conducted in Great Britain which demonstrated that adults typically feel unattractive because they have not had correctly done orthodontic treatments. A large number say their unattractive set of teeth has stopped them from smiling and laughing as much as they would prefer. 

And now just about one million adults believe their smile has reduced their self-esteem and a similar number say it prevents them from socialising or frequently having meetings with other people in person. 

Cosmetic dentistry and how it can boost your self-esteem and confidence 

We are not all born with a perfect smile. In fact, the individuals who are - are rare. Even if you had straight teeth as a child, you are not guaranteed straight ones when you lose your baby teeth and the permanent ones take root. 

You might experience crowding, crooked teeth, have gaps in your teeth or underbite and overbite. Whatever it may be, it is not uncommon for people to feel self-conscious about their smile. Thankfully, there are dental solutions available to address these. Experts at suggest http://www.dentalartistry.co.nz/implant-solutions suggest the following options for people who’ve struggled with damaged or unattractive teeth. 

Dental implants: If you have a missing or damaged tooth or set of teeth, a permanent dental implant can be a perfect solution to regain your pearly whites and also your confidence and self-esteem. To create a dental implant, lifelike prosthetic teeth are inserted on a titanium dental implant ‘root’, which is anchored in the jawbone. What you get in place of one, a few or even all of your missing or damaged teeth are a stable and attractive set of teeth. 

Dental bonding: This process involves adding on outlays, inlays, porcelain veneers, white cavity fillings and other types of permanent materials to the teeth for cosmetic purposes 

Crowns and bridges: This is used to protect, cover and reinforce decayed teeth following a root canal treatment or other dental work that cause the teeth to become weak or brittle. 

Outlays and inlays: These are composite dental crowns or white ceramic that blend in with the real teeth when placed on top, on the crest or in the centre.

Gum contouring: This involves surgery. It has to do with the removal of excess gum tissue with a laser for a non-gum laden smile. 

Porcelain veneers: These are thin white shells that look like real teeth and are used to cover up gaps, cracks and yellow teeth and so on. 

Teeth whitening: Take-home teeth whitening teeth or teeth whitening procedures do what the name implies, they are procedures that help make yellowing teeth, whiter. 

In conclusion 

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of a patient smile, whether it is filling in gaps, whitening coffee-stained teeth, getting rid of excess gum tissue or any combination of dental problems. 

These procedures help people feel uninhibited in social settings and comfortable. You'll be surprised that sometimes all that is required might be some porcelain veneers, a dab of teeth whitening gel or just a little bit of laser work on the gum to get that beautiful smile. See a dentist today.

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Dental Implants at Midtown Smile

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Do you cover your smile since you are missing teeth? Is it difficult for you to bite on the food? If you have issues due to missing teeth, see your dentist at Tulsa. Together, you can discuss decisions that may help fix your smile and stay healthy.

  • Dental implants

Dental implants are substitution tooth roots. Implants provide a consistent and strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable teeth that are made to look like your natural teeth.  The dentist Tulsa Place dental implant in the following way; penetration and fixing of a metal screw into the gum bone. Therefore, it is served as an artificial root for the crown which is visible in your mouth. Fixation of dental crown happens at the very end.

Pros of Dental Implants:

  • Dental implants closely resemble your own teeth Improved appearance and speech
  • Makes eating easy and Improved oral wellbeing enabling you to eat your preferred food with certainty and without pain.
  • Implants are truly strong and will last numerous years that enhances your confidence with great consideration.
  • Dentist at Tulsa is providing best Dental implants services which are as comfortable as our own teeth.

Getting a single dental implant will approximately cost you $3,000 to $4,500. If you are looking for a long-lasting yet a costly treatment for you missing teeth to be filled, then midtown smile is the place for you.  You will find the best dental implantologist at Tulsa, which is a call away with the above-mentioned advantages to provide.

If you are looking for a specialist or a general dentist who is expert in their field, then you are in the right place. The dentist at Tulsa will guide you about the best treatment option suitable for your mouth and body. They will do your comprehensive examination that includes taking dental and medical histories to avoid any contraindication to your treatment plan. We at midtown smile care about your smile and your overall health.

 

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According to the FDI World Dental Federation, roughly 60% of all school children, as well as 100 percent of adults, experience tooth decay. Often, this condition leads to plenty of pain and discomfort. Evidently, they all need dental healthcare services, which include dental implants. Consequently, they seek out help from their dentists. Ideally, you should only receive implants from accredited, licensed, and highly trained dentists. Here, we look at the five most amazing things you should know about dental implants and the impact they have on your dental health.

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Dental implants preserve the few healthy teeth left

Assuming that you have a few healthy teeth remaining, you would probably don’t want them removed. In this regard, dental implants could be your best solution. Without this option, you would have to worry about complete removal of all teeth. Alternatively, your teeth – including the healthy ones – would undergo plenty of alteration, which is good for the bad ones but terrible news for the decent ones. Furthermore, the alteration is capable of weakening healthy teeth thus making them increasingly susceptible to decay.

Dental implants enjoy high success rates

Many people often have to keep visiting and revisiting their dentists for several procedures. Mostly, they do this to rectify a previous procedure that didn’t produce the desired results. On the other hand, your likelihood of going back to the dentist because the dental implants are not working is much lower. For the most part, it compares favorably to the success rates you are likely to experience with any other dental procedure. The implants enjoy a success rate of between 95% and 98%, which is almost unheard of in healthcare. These rates depend on:

  1. The condition of your dental health
  2. The exact spot where the implants are inserted
  3. The expertise of the person placing the implants

Dental implants look like natural teeth

What is more, anything you do to your teeth should make them both look and feel as natural as possible. In this regard, you would struggle finding a procedure or product that meets this criteria better than dental implants. As you look at the implants, you would be struck at how familiar they look to the real teeth. You might even have to pinch yourself thinking that you are actually gazing at the real teeth. What you may not realize is that dental implants are customized to resemble the rest of your teeth so they don’t feel awkward or out of place. You can learn more about dental implants at Lifestyle Dental.

Dental implants allow you to enjoy eating

In the past, tooth decay probably made it impossible for you to enjoy eating. The pain and discomfort the decay causes is likely to make you shudder in fear every time you think about eating or drinking something. However, the moment you receive dental implants, all your fear will vanish into oblivion. Never again will you have to walk around avoiding your favorite foods and drinks. Here, dental implants are better than any other dental treatment solution in that they allow you to chew as naturally as possible without worrying about damaging them.

Dental implants are effective at preventing bone loss

Additionally, one can’t talk about dental implants without mentioning the effect they have on bone loss. In this regard, it’s great to know that your implants will put a stop to the loss of bones in your jaw. Normally, tooth decay leads to loss of teeth. The moment you lose any of your teeth, the bones around that tooth you lost also begin suffering deterioration. Normally, this happens because of the lack of proper stimulation in that part of the jaw. Implants mimic the role that actual teeth play by stimulating the jawbone hence preventing further wear.

As shown above, dental implants are almost mandatory for people who experience almost debilitating tooth decay. They present numerous benefits to tooth decay patients. Nevertheless, you owe it to yourself – and your teeth – to go to a dentist for proper examination, diagnosis, and prescription. You can’t prescribe the implants on yourself. They have a wonderful effect on jawbone, dental health, and eating. With them in place, your teeth look as natural as ever.

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Taking optimum care of your oral health is a lot more important than you might have thought, and for which, choosing the right dentist is even more crucial! As a matter of fact, choosing the right dentist is almost as important as choosing a life partner, in a way that a wrong decision can doom you for the rest of your life. No one wants to experience the embarrassment of skipping out on the plan of having ice cream with their friends just because it hurts their teeth. Bleeding gums or misaligned teeth can literally ruin your entire self-confidence, and don’t even get us started with the bad breath! As such, your oral hygiene has effects which penetrate your self-esteem and more broadly, your overall personality. Therefore, in an attempt to prevent you from ending up like a Gollum (teeth wise), we, at “The Smile Institute”, have compiled the top seven crucial things you need to know before choosing your dentist.

1) Qualification and Experience

First and foremost, probably the most crucial aspect is the experience and qualifications of your chosen dentist. Make sure to clear your doubts and carefully assess whether the dentist is even equipped to practice their profession. Nobody appreciates a job done in an amateur manner–let alone the one that can significantly impact your physical appearance and self-esteem.

2) Cost vs. Quality

The cost of dental services and corresponding quality of dental skills and materials in use at the dental practice fluctuates heavily between dentists. It would be a wise decision to get a few estimates beforehand and do some research to see that you are getting a good combination of cost and quality. After all, we all know that it is not possible to get a really good quality of anything for a very low price. Quality does not come cheap. However, it does not mean that you must select the most expensive dentist to get good quality.

3) Personality of the Dentist and Atmosphere at the Dental Practice

This is the time to put your FBI equivalent stalking skills to use. Go to their website, read reviews, ask around in groups, look at the photos and videos of what the dental practice looks like inside. Know your dentist because the only gap acceptable is the one between your teeth, not in the communication between you and your dentist! Ensure your dentist is friendly and cooperative, and make sure that they listen to your concerns.

4) What your Dentist Specializes In

Every dentist offers the basics but makes sure your dentist knows how to perform the specialized procedures, such as orthodontics, dental implants, complex cosmetic procedures and others, so you don’t have to face a referral to an unknown dentist at the eleventh hour. Bouncing from person to person results in an awkward final look that looks far from natural. 

5) Accessibility and Location of your Dentist’s Clinic

The nearer the dentist the better. More advanced dental procedures usually require a follow-up. Dental emergencies can pop up anytime. And in general, the less time you spend getting to the dental office, the more regular you will visit your dentist and the healthier you will be!

6) Whether your Dentist has the Latest Equipment

Up-to-date technologies and equipment is a must if you want to ensure smooth procedures! Make sure your dentist has invested in current and advanced technologies to ensure better and more accurate results. Usage of advanced technology makes the processes go smoother, enhancing patient experience and guarantees preventative treatment is taking place.

7) Flexibility and Respect for your Time

Last but not least, flexible schedules and respect for your time. Life often tends to get busy and things don’t always go as planned. Make sure your doctor is well aware of that. An understanding dentist that can squeeze you in last minute or doesn’t mind rescheduling your appointments for another time is definitely a must!

There’s a lot more to consider when choosing a new dentist, but don’t let this overwhelm you! Hopefully, these tips will help you identify the right one because choosing a dentist is similar to any other important life decision. It requires research and determination, so do your part and leave the rest in the hands of the professionals!

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When a tooth is lost, many people consider dental implants as a tooth replacement option because the space left in their mouth isn’t exactly aesthetically pleasing. Who wants to walk around looking like they just lost a boxing match, right?

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Aside from a person’s physical appearance, however, getting a tooth replaced is also very important to your oral health, and lacking a tooth can escalate into bigger problems than you could have anticipated the longer you wait.

Why Replace aMissing Tooth?

Teeth serve many purposes when it comes to the strength and functionality of your mouth. After all, teeth weren’t just put in your mouth for decoration. Teeth help you bite and chew your food, and they need to remain strong and intact to do that.

Now, if you’re thinking “It’s not like I can’t chew with one tooth gone,” you may want to rethink. Teeth also help keep your jawbone strong and prevent bone deterioration. If a tooth is lost and not replaced, the jawbone begins to weaken and deteriorate because of the stimulus and pressure of chewing keep the jawbone functioning and healthy. If there is no stimulus or pressure in a portion of the jaw because a tooth is missing, that area will weaken and, if left alone, lose function and lead to bone loss.

Having a missing tooth is like having a house with a broken foundation... if one part is missing the whole thing could very well collapse. With dental implants, you’re replacing the missing part of the foundation, keeping the jawbone strong and functional.

Of course, having all your teeth makes your smile look beautiful! An unsightly gap in your mouth may lead to you feeling self-conscious, making you hide your smile in family reunion photos or at your child’s birthday party. Dental implants can cure these confidence issues! With dental implants, you’ll not only be able to flash a dazzling smile to your friends and family, but eat, drink, smile, laugh, and be yourself without worrying about the tooth gap. Your social life and career prospects are saved!

The Dental Implant Procedure

Although replacing a missing tooth is a serious matter, the two-part procedure is pretty straight-forward.

In the first part of the procedure, a bone graft may be made if you’ve already experienced bone loss in the jawbone due to the missing tooth. A bone graft is when the dentist takes a little bit of healthy bone from one part of the jaw to replace what was lost in the damaged area. But don’t worry! This is typically done under oral sedation or general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any discomfort. Once sufficient bone is available to accommodate the dental implant, the dentist installs a titanium screw in the jawbone. Part one of the procedure is complete!

Once your dental implant surgery is complete, you may receive a temporary crown to put on the implant that same day. If a bone graft was necessary, the jawbone may not be ready to bear the load of chewing right away and you’ll have to wait a few weeks for the surgical site to heal. During that time, the dental implant fuses to the jawbone to create a strong foundation for the implant crown.

When your dentist is satisfied that your dental implant is strong enough to withstand everyday chewing function, a permanent crown will be placed on top of your implant. Congratulations! You are now ready to enjoy your new smile!

Strong, Stronger, Dental Implant

If you’re beginning to think replacing your missing tooth is more necessary than you initially thought, then you are right. Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, with many benefits for the appearance, functionality, and health of your smile. If you feel like dental implants are the right solution for you, talk to your trusted dental implant dentist and get your smile back!

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What Is All On 4 Dental Implants?

All On 4 Implants is a dental treatment that gives you a full set of teeth, anchored in four points in your mouth. The implants are long-lasting and eliminate the hassle of multiple dental procedures, and have far fewer complications than other dental treatments such as false teeth.

To put it simply, a dental implant is where a screw, usually made of titanium, is placed into your jawbone that acts as the base or the root for a tooth that has been extracted. On to this, a false tooth or teeth are screwed on.

Dental implants, in general, are popular because:

  • They come as close to the performance of natural tooth as possible
  • The recovery time compared to a regular denture placement is faster and you will be functioning soon after the procedure
  • They make for a comfortable fit in your mouth
  • They have a long life span with the right care
  • Implants have a high success rate compared to similar forms of treatment
  • They allow you to eat everything you like (even steak)
  • They look great

Why are they a good option?

A dental implant may be a good idea for a missing tooth or two. But if you are missing more and full dentures are needed, then AO4 may be the right solution for you. An AO4 builds on the concept of an implant. Instead of having a screw for each tooth, it makes use of just four implants on your top and bottom jaw each. With these acting as an anchor, the full dentures are attached.

How much will AO4 cost?

With any such procedure, cost plays an important factor. There is no doubt that AO4 is an expensive procedure, costing as much as $40,000. This makes it essential to look into what your insurance covers. Factors that impact the cost also include how many teeth you need to be done in the procedure. The material used for the teeth makes a difference to the pricing as well. The standard acrylic dentures built on a titanium base can cost up to $30,000. Dentures constructed from porcelain, while realistic looking, can add up to $5000 per jaw, taking the final price up to $35,000.

What can you expect during the AO4 procedure?

Dental procedures can be a scary prospect, irrespective of how simple or complicated the procedure is. Before the AO4 procedure, your dentist will ensure that you are comfortable, all your queries are answered and that you have been made comfortably numb with local or general anesthesia.

The next step is preparing your mouth for implants. This removes all weak, diseased, infected or failing teeth, and clearing out all problematic tissues in your jaws and gums. This is followed by the implantation of titanium screws. On each jaw, you will have two screws towards the front and two towards the back to serve as anchors. These carry the load of the denture which is placed on them.

Once fitted with the denture, all incisions made for extractions and for the implants will be cleaned and sutured and you will be taken to the recovery room. Here you can rest and recover from the anesthesia.

What can you expect in the recovery period?

In recovery, soon after the procedure, gauze pads will be placed on all areas of your mouth that underwent surgery. You will be required to bite down on this to stem bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, usually after an hour, these gauze pads will be removed. In case the bleeding continues, you may have the pads changed every half hour to 45 minutes till it stops.

Post-surgical care once you are home involves taking it easy and not doing anything that can stress your mouth. Resting on a bed or your sofa for a few days post the surgery is important. You must not lift any heavy objects that could lead to bleeding or swelling. When getting up, from a prone position on the bed or from the sofa, do so gently. Sudden movements can make you light-headed. Avoid any exercise regimens you follow for at least 3-4 days post the surgery.

Caring for surgical areas involves not touching or disturbing any of the tender areas. You will be given a medicated mouth wash to ensure no infections arise and will have to clean your mouth with a gentle toothbrush that will be prescribed.

 

If you see a small bit of bleeding a few days after the surgery, saltwater rinses two to three times a day will be prescribed. Taking ample rest, managing pain and eating soft/ liquid foods will help you recover well.

Post-surgery complications
There are some things to expect following your operation:

  • Persistent bleeding can happen when the gauze pads are not placed correctly. This can be corrected if it repositioned. Ice packs, sitting straight and staying away from any physical activity helps.
  • Swelling usually comes down in three days. Using ice packs on and off for 20 minutes each helps reduce its
  • Pain cannot be avoided in surgery and you will be put on pain medication to manage the discomfort.
  • Nausea may be present and you may even throw up any blood that you may have swallowed accidentally. Carbonated drinks and plain crackers help ease nausea.
  • Sharp sensations in the mouth occur from the bony walls that used to support your teeth. You may even find small bones protruding from your gums. If this remains uncomfortable, speak with your dentist.
  • Dry lips are a natural occurrence from the gauze that you have in your mouth. Chapstick will help deal with this. A sore throat also occurs sometimes from the gauze as do stiff muscles from being in the same position for a long time.

All of these issues are easily resolved but if you find that you are uncomfortable, do not hesitate to contact your dentist.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks that you should know about. There is a chance dental implants will not integrate with your bone and the implant will fail. This is a very rare occurrence. This can happen for various reasons, primarily that of your gums is very weak or the bone loss in your gums being really high. If it fails, your dentist will remove it, let your mouth heal and then put in a new implant.

This is the basics of AO4 implants. To ensure you get the safest all on 4 treatment speak to NSOMS

If you want more information or want to consider an AO4 treatment, contact us today.

 

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You may have heard the news: Smile Direct Club is about to open locations inside hundreds of CVS pharmacies nationwide. That’s an exciting development for people who have always dreamed of having straighter, more even teeth. Your local Invisalign dentist, on the other hand, may have a thing or two to say about the trendy new DIY approach to teeth straightening.

By significantly expanding its physical presence in CVS stores, SDC ups the ante against a competitor (and self-proclaimed inventor of clear aligners therapy) Invisalign, and dentists are determined to defend their Invisalign turf against the newcomer.

 

Invisalign Dentist vs. Smile Direct Club: What’s the Difference?

 

While both brands, Invisalign and SDC, arguably sell highly similar products, their differences can mostly be found in the associated services and what’s happening behind the scenes.

SDC relies on a teledentistry model to achieve the desired teeth straightening results, and all interactions with the company(aside from an in-person 3D scan that can be performed at an SDC SmileShop) happen remotely. There are no visits or consultations with a personal dentist, and exchanges occur by postal service, email and, if needed, via 800-number. The patient takes his or her own teeth impressions, sends in the molds, and receives custom-made clear aligners in the mail. The process is, according to the company, monitored by professional dentists.

Invisalign, on the other hand, follows a more traditional method of patient care. Teeth impressions are taken by a dentist onsite, in his or her office. Regular in-person follow-up visits are required to monitor progress, make adjustments if and as needed, and continually guide the process until the desired results are achieved

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Cost

Let’s get this important point out of the way first. Smile Direct Club is hands-down the less expensive option. A course of treatment with SDC is the more affordable option at a price point of only $1,850, with the option of paying in monthly installments of just $80.

As for Invisalign, patients must be prepared to invest $3,000 and up in their straighter smile, although special offers by a local Invisalign dentist may advertise lower pricing. Invisalign dentists may also offer affordable payment plans that allow patients to pay for the cost of treatment in monthly installments over time.

Cost winner: Smile Direct Club

Convenience

Unless you like sitting in the dentist’s chair and spending time in waiting rooms, Smile Direct Club tempts with convenience. For most of us, that’s a no-brainer. SDC clients take their own dental impressions in the comfort of their homes, receive all supplies by mail, and switch to the next retainer according to the time schedule provided. Six months later, if all goes well, treatment will be complete – without ever setting foot into a dentist’s office.

For Invisalign clients, regular dentist visits play an important role in successful treatment. Depending on the complexity of the case, the entire course of treatment can last 12 months or longer.

Convenience winner: Smile Direct Club

Customer Service

Your Invisalign dentist is your very own, very personal customer service representative. Thanks to regular check-ups, the dentist can spot right away if adjustments to the clear aligners are needed or if the switching schedule needs to be modified.

Trying to get that same care and service from an 800-number…well, we all know how these things can go. Yet that’s the position Smile Direct Club members may find themselves in if they have questions or, worst case scenario, treatment doesn’t go according to plan.

Customer service winner: Invisalign

Professional Results

Here is where things get really complicated.

Smile Direct Club can absolutely achieve great results in mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment. That’s if all goes well:

  • the patient takes perfect teeth impressions AND
  • switches aligners exactly on schedule
  • there are no complications on the horizon
  • other dental treatments like an emergency tooth extraction or crown don’t throw treatment off course
  • the desired results are achieved and the patient is satisfied with his or her new smile

Invisalign is geared toward patients who suffer from mild to moderate cases of misalignment, as well as more severe cases who would in all likelihood be unable to achieve the results they want with SDC. Thanks to ongoing professional care by a dentist, in person, Invisalign clients receive superior monitoring and “trouble-shooting”. From the get-go, Invisalign patients are set to likely experience better results from professionally taken teeth impressions alone.

Professional results winner: Invisalign

Bottom Line

We’re talking about your teeth here and – regardless of investment – you want to be sure that you get your money’s worth when you look in the mirror once treatment is complete. After all, you are considering a teeth-straightening journey for a reason, and even $2,000 is a big expense when the result doesn’t match your expectations.

Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, know what’s important to you, and you’ll be well on your way to a straighter smile!

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If you’re wondering about dental implants and what they can do for your smile, you’re not alone. Dental Helpline, a non-profit that specializes in answering consumers’ oral health questions, recently reported that questions about dental implants and other cosmetic procedures made up 15% of inquiries over the last year. 

Why is that, you ask? Well, it seems that good looks and an attractive smile are becoming more and more important to both ourselves and others, and a great set of teeth is a major contributing factor for achieving that goal.

According to Dr. Nigel Carter of the Oral Health Foundation, people today take more pride in the appearance of their pearly whites than in years past.

“For many of us, the appearance of our smile has taken a much greater priority over recent years,” Carter said. ”In the past, it would be quite common to leave a missing tooth. Now we are searching for the alternatives to fill in the gaps.”

In addition to dental implants questions, Dental Helpline also noted an uptick in inquiries about dental veneers, crowns, and other cosmetic procedures.

Dental Implants Q&A

How do dental implants work?

The dentist begins by assessing the overall health of your teeth by examining your mouth and taking x-rays. If a severely decayed or broken tooth is still in place, the extraction of the tooth will be the first step. Your dentist will also tell you if he suspects that a bone graft may be needed. A bone graft is necessary when a patient doesn’t have enough bone mass in the jaw to support a dental implant.

You’ll likely be asked to choose from a range of sedation options – typically oral sedation or general anesthesia – to keep you comfortable during the extraction and/or implant procedure.

Once the implant site is ready to accept the implant, the dentist will insert a titanium “screw” and anchor it securely to your jaw bone. If the implant insertion immediately follows tooth extraction, the dentist will already have access to the implant site; otherwise, he will make a small incision in your gums to place the implant.

If you qualify for same-day dental implants, the dentist will place a temporary crown onto the implant right away and you’ll walk out with a new smile that very day. If, on the other hand, an immediate load-bearing implant isn’t feasible (for patients who need a bone graft, for example), the patient has to wait approximately 6 months until the surgical site is healed before a crown can be placed.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

1. Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. They are a permanent prosthesis and do not (in fact, cannot) come out at night.

2. They are extremely strong and durable. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

3. Speaking of care – no special pastes are needed! Just brush and floss like you would your natural teeth.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants set the gold standard in tooth replacement therapy, and while pricing varies from one dentist to the next, patients can plan on spending upward of $1,300 per implant. Much depends on the crown material used and whether you need a bone graft or tooth extraction.

While some may consider the cost pricey, the good news is that some dentists offer affordable payment plans or financing options.

Ask your dentist about dental implants and give yourself the glowing smile and renewed confidence you deserve!

 

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It’s more than finding the right candidate: keeping a new hire is just as important as those on your patient list! It’s a familiar story by now: You are running a busy dental practice in your town. Your patients have seemed to be generally happy with the care and services they’ve received, up until the last year or so.Also, it seems to be tricky for you to retain skilled staff over the long term. The candidates you have hired have been great team members, but they seem to move on to other endeavors after a year or so.

Practitioners know the challenge in trying to find qualified, competent dental staff. When there’s a frequent staff turnover, the challenge is compounded. It’s time to consider: if you want to have a stable, prosperous practice, it’s important to work with your employees.There are numerous ways to switch up your dental game to ensure you have happy, satisfied staff that will result in your practice being truly successful.

It goes beyond hiring…

All the steps you need to take to find a capable, qualified staff member are all equally important: the advertising, interviewing process, the background and licensing checks, and the final decision all weigh in to bringing an ace team member on site. You’ve found the perfect person for the job — and now it’s your job to keep them there. Here are some tips for doing just that:

Onboarding

The on boarding process is critical to show your employee not only how you run your business but why your practice is the best place for them to work. Essentially, it’s your time to shine as brightly as those pearly-white smiles that you’re known for creating. Michelle R. Corbo, a practice analyst with the CDA suggests this process should be clearly communicated and carefully planned: “Don’t just have them come in and go, ‘Okay, this is it. Here’s sterilization, and go.’ Set them up. Give them an opportunity to learn.”

Corbo follows this up with recommending that you allow them time to get to know your staff and systems. Also, it’s important that you allow some flexibility in your schedule to check in with them to address and questions or concerns, and to ensure they’re comfortable and doing well.

She gently reminds practitioners that joining a successful team can be stressful for the new hire — it’s a challenge jumping onto a brand new team and feeling the pressure to succeed right away. So, to alleviate that pressure, make the first day fun. If possible, offer a continental breakfast or catered lunch for the entire team on your new employee’s first day. She also reminds us that new platforms such as Cloud Dentistry, help dental practices find the right dental staff to hire by providing "on-demand" staffing services.

Doing so gives you all a chance to get to know one another a little better, and creates a welcoming workplace atmosphere that all your teammates enjoy. Moving forward, a gesture of this nature on each employees’ birthday, for example, or on Meeting Day at the end of every month (if revenue allows) is a great way to make each member feel worthy. When your employees feel valued, they will be more likely to stick around.

Communication

I think it’s probably unnecessary to say it out loud, but effective communication is the cornerstone to every successful — well, anything: relationship, project or business, and dentistry is no different. This is where team meetings are crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page (remember that lunch I recommended above?). Working catered lunches are a great way to gather everyone and open up dialogue around office practices.

Encourage people to share their observations and voice their concerns. As a team, address the issues that are raised and come up with group troubleshooting strategies to create positive change. If there is something that requires your direct attention, give it the recognition it deserves separately, and in a timely manner.

Leadership

Which brings us to beyond working as a team.All teams need a leader to provide direction and keep them on track, to keep morale buoyant and to ensure everyone meets a common end goal: to keep the patient happy. Foremost dental consultant Linda Miles says outright: “If you have great leadership in the practice, you’re going to have highly accountable people.”Miles offers some other words of wisdom when it comes advising on how to run a successful practice.

“Communication is at the base of everything when it comes to leadership in the dental practice. I also firmly believe that if you put the patient first, everything else falls into place,” Miles says.

Putting the patient first

Most people who have worked in retail or customer service have heard the saying: “the customer is always right.” While being “right” may seem a strange idea when it comes to industry-specific businesses like dentistry, it’s important to consider that keeping the patient happy is major priority.Happiness and satisfaction comes down to every detail in the patient-team interaction: from the welcome they receive, to chair side manner and treatment, to billing and follow-up, the patient experience is what is going to make or break you.

“Patients come first in everything we say or do,” Linda Miles asserts. She emphasizes that it’s vital to ask this question: “‘Is this in the patient’s best interest?’ Patients sign your paycheck, so the better the patients are treated, the more they enjoy coming back and referring others to you.” Logically, as your patient list remains stable — or better yet, grows — the higher the likelihood they are happy with their care. And if they’re happy, typically the practice’s staff feels competent, secure and valued.And contributing to an overall sense of value and well being is the foundation of a vibrant, thriving practice.

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First things first: Why choose a dental implants specialist in the first place? Why not simply Google the cheapest dental implant provider in the neighborhood and go for it?

Umm, hold on. We’re talking about your mouth here! The one you eat with, smile with, talk with and, let’s not forget, KISS with!

Let’s just say you wouldn’t trust your baby to any come-along “doctor,” and you shouldn’t when it comes to your pearly whites, either. You’d choose your child’s pediatrician with care, and the same principle applies when choosing the person who’ll ultimately restore your smile to its former glory.

Whether you’ve lost a tooth (or teeth!) to the accident, age, chronic disease, or decay….protect your dental implant investment by selecting your provider wisely!

1 – Dental Implants Cost

Unfortunate, but true: You get what you pay for. We all like to save money, but some offers are just too good to be real. Dental implants are a money-making machine for lots of dentists these days, but their skills, materials, follow-up, and customer service may leave something to be desired. Think about it…a dentist who offers super-cheap dental implants must make up for it by cutting corners somewhere! Don’t fall into a trap of quantity over quality!

Dental implants set the gold standard in tooth replacement because they are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. They look and feel natural, and deliver a confidence boost only someone who’s walked around with a missing tooth (or ill-fitting denture) for any length of time can appreciate.

A reputable dental implants specialist will offer you a choice of quality materials, and explain the respective expense in detail (preferably in writing). A single dental implant installed by a reputable dental implant specialist starts at $1,300-$1,500, depending on where you live. When you see cut-throat prices, ask questions!

Does the price include consultation, x-rays, and pre-op evaluations? Does it include the implant only or does it cover the abutment and crown as well? What materials are being used? Is a follow-up visit part of the deal?

2 – Qualifications of a Dental Implants Specialist

Did you know that any licensed dentist can, in theory, legally perform dental implant surgery? That’s right…no specialized training is legally necessary for a dentist to cut open your gums, plant a titanium screw in your jaw, top it with a crown of some sort, and send you on your way.

That’s where your own research comes in. If possible, get recommendations from friends or family members who had a positive experience getting dental implants and are willing to endorse the dental implants specialist who performed the work. Don’t know anyone who has dental implants? Leg-work on your part may be required. Check Google, social media, Yelp!, and any other sites you can think of to get a comprehensive picture of your dental implants candidate. Did other patients have a good experience?

Next, call to schedule a consultation. Request a cost proposal in writing. Get at least three estimates from different candidates before you commit.

3 – Before& After Pictures

The proof is in the pudding – uh, pictures! Ask to see before & after photographs of previous, REAL patients who had the dental implant procedure performed by the specific dental implants specialist of your choice. Does the color of the implant match the person’s natural teeth nicely? Does the shape of the dental implant flow well with the rest of the person’s bite?

Tooth replacement dentistry is a competitive market, and as is always the case where money is to be made, the sharks are lurking. Don’t fall for empty promises or low pricing. Your dental implants won’t come cheap. You have a right to expect quality work and lasting functionality.

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