What are Dental Implants?

Patients who receive dental implants undergo a surgical procedure in which a replacement tooth root is embedded into the jawbone. Crowns, or replacement coverings, are then added to this root to complete the “new tooth.” Dental implants (with crowns) achieve the look of natural teeth and can last for over 20 years before needing to be replaced. Crowns will be custom-made for just for you, even going through pain staking lengths to ensure they perfectly match the color of your other teeth so no one will ever even be able to tell it’s not your natural tooth! So you can have confidence that your new tooth will look natural, and fit perfectly.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are ideal for patients with strong, healthy gums. During your consultation, we can determine whether your teeth and jaw will effectively support dental implants, which are just as secure as natural teeth. Though dental implants are popular with people seeking to replace just one or two missing teeth, patients missing several teeth can often be treated with implants as well.

One reason that patients opt for implants instead of dentures is that they don’t need to be soaked and removed regularly like a set of dentures does. However, patients with implants must commit to caring for them with regular brushing and flossing, just as they would their natural teeth.

What Should I know About Dentures?

Dentures are a good alternative to dental implants for people who have weaker jaws or less healthy gums, but still want the functional, as well as cosmetic benefits associated with replacing missing teeth. Wearing dentures allows patients who’ve lost teeth to chew properly, as well as smile confidently. If a patient’s speech has been impaired by tooth loss, dentures can also help him or her to speak naturally again. Dentures can also help to fill out the face by correcting sagging, and will give you a more youthful appearance as well!

Complete dentures are an option for patients who need a full set of teeth, while partial dentures can be worn by patients who still have some of their natural teeth remaining. Both partial and complete dentures have replacement teeth which are fixed to a base that matches the gums. When partial dentures are used, the patient’s natural teeth are used to help hold the replacement teeth (the partial denture) in place. Conventional dentures are used by patients who have been missing teeth for some time and whose oral tissues are healed from any prior tooth extractions. Immediate dentures, however, can be used by a patient right away after the removal of any remaining teeth. The use of immediate dentures is a great choice for patients who want to avoid being without replacement teeth during the healing process of tooth extractions.

As with natural teeth, dentures should be brushed regularly in order to maintain their appearance and to maintain good oral health. Dentures should also be removed by the wearer while he or she sleeps at night. Patients with dentures should use a soft-bristled brush to clean their gums and palate in order to prevent plaque buildup and to encourage healthy circulation in the tissues of the mouth.

Should I Keep Scheduling Dental Exams?

At Valley Family Dental, we’ll help you navigate the various options for dental implants and dentures, so you can get your smile back with the restorative treatment that is best for your individual needs. Whether getting new dental implants, or wearing your new dentures with a smile, it is important to continue to visit us regularly. We’ll ensure that your replacement teeth are fitted properly and can make adjustments as needed during the healing process. It’s also important to keep up your regular dental exams after receiving replacement teeth so that we can continue to monitor for any signs of gum disease, oral cancer, as well as other oral health related issues.

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How Should I Prepare for My First Visit Back?

Whether you’re a new patient to our practice, or returning after a long break, be sure to arrive for your appointment a little early. If you’re already feeling a little anxious over the thought of sitting in the exam chair, you certainly don’t want to add any unnecessary stress by running late.. Also, new patients should expect to spend a 15 minutes or so prior to their exam completing some new patient paperwork so that we can get to know you, as well as your dental history. Don’t forget to bring any important information that you may need with you, such as your insurance information, and a list of any medications that you’re currently taking. If you have any questions for the dentist, it never hurts to jot those down ahead of time too so you don’t forget to ask once you arrive.

Anyone who is coming in for an appointment after a longer lapse in treatment should also be mindful of their plans immediately following the appointment. It’s best not to schedule anything immediately afterwards that you couldn’t easily cancel if need be. As your visit will probably run a bit longer than the average patient.

What Can I Expect During the Cleaning and Exam?

If you haven’t been seen in some time, plaque has had plenty of time build up.. This is one of the reasons why your visit may take longer than you’re used to. All of that extra plaque buildup can sometimes take a while, and even multiple visits to completely remove. But trust us, your teeth, and smile, will thank you for it in the long run! You may experience some slight discomfort as the plaque is removed and, if you have not been flossing regularly, your gums may experience some slight bleeding as well. Know that this is a normal, and expected physical reaction, and nothing to be concerned with.

Realistically, if it’s been years since your last visit, you’ve most likely have acquired at least one cavity during that time frame. Regular, bi-annual cleanings and check-ups are a necessity for not only keeping your optimal oral health, but also keeping your smile healthy and bright. When you go a long time in between cleanings, decay seizes the opportunity and goes to work! So, don’t be surprised or disappointed if you need a filling or two. Most adults develop at least one cavity during their lifetimes. Having a filling done can at times be a little physically uncomfortable, although we do offer novocaine to mitigate any potential discomfort, but it’s probably not as big of an ordeal as you may imagine! We are as gentle with, and as mindful of, our patients as possible.

Moving Forward

After you’ve completed the process of your first appointment back in a while, and found that it wasn’t as scary as you had initially thought, hopefully you’ll feel much better about your smile, and yourself! NOW is the perfect time to get back on track with regularly scheduled exams and cleanings, so please be sure to make, and most importantly keep, an appointment for another checkup in 6 months. Aren’t healthy habits so much easier to maintain once you know you’re back “on track” with them..? We hope that this article has been helpful in alleviating any potential dental fears or anxiety that may have been associated with getting your oral health back on track. We look forward to seeing you soon and regularly thereafter, you’re smile will thank you for it!

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