How Implant-Supported Dentures Can Change your Life

 Are you missing one or more teeth? If so, you may be using dentures or a bridge to replace them—but you’ve likely found that they have some associated problems. Implant-supported dentures can solve many of these problems. The results are so similar to natural teeth in the way they look and perform, that they might just change your life!

Eliminate Denture Slippage

If you currently use removable dentures, you have probably noticed that they can slip around in your mouth, too often creating embarrassing moments. It can happen when you’re eating, coughing, or laughing, and even when you’re just talking normally. Implant-supported dentures completely eliminate this problem because they’re securely anchored to your jaw—no more embarrassing denture slippage!

You’ll also find that you can once again enjoy any foods you might have been avoiding due to problems with your dentures, like nuts and seeds, and corn on the cob.

Prevent or Reverse Changes in Facial Structure

Perhaps the most important advantage of implant-supported dentures is that they prevent the changes in facial structure that happen due to tooth loss. These changes happen because bone tissue, like muscle, needs to be used in order to remain strong. When teeth are missing, the bone beneath the gum area atrophies and this can change the structure of the jaw, and eventually facial aesthetics.

Dentures and bridges don’t do anything to prevent these problems, because they don’t stimulate bone growth the way natural teeth do—but implant-supported dentures will. They’re anchored firmly to bone and actually mimic the way natural teeth roots work to stimulate healthy bone.

About the Implant Procedure

Dental implants can definitely change your life, but as you might expect, it’s a complex procedure. The first stage of the process involves surgically implanting a titanium screw into the jaw, to serve as an attachment point for the new tooth, teeth or denture. In the second stage, the prosthetic teeth are attached. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the procedure may take more than one session to complete.

Permanent implants can be used to replace one tooth, or several teeth. We also offer the “All on Four” procedure which can replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth. Four implants are placed in the jaw and a interim prosthesis is placed so you have an immediate smile and bite.  The key is that this is not the final prosthesis and you must eat relatively soft food while the implants are integrating with the bone, for at least 4 months.  After this, you can begin the final restoration which is more durable and esthetic.

The good news is, we make this procedure as easy and convenient for our patients as possible. While we don’t surgically implant the supports in our own dental offices, we network with a dental surgeon who’s located in the same building. Once the implants are in place and ready to receive crowns or the denture, Deer Park Dental will complete the process in our own office.

Tired of denture problems? Schedule an appointment to find out if dental implant supported dentures will help solve them.

Emax Restorations: All You Need to Know

The field of restorative dentistry is continually on the hunt for new products that improve the functionality and appearance of tooth replacement products. Durable, versatile, and with a high aesthetic value, IPS e.max is a dental industry standard for ceramic tooth restoration. One of the advantages of e.max is that it’s been designed as a full system of products for tooth restoration, and it can be used to treat and solve a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry problems—from creating or restoring dental implants, to placing veneers.

Advantages of the Emax Restoration System

Using Emax for tooth restoration has advantages for both dentists and their patients.

• Emax products are bio-compatible, and won’t harm teeth and gums.
• The products are easy to use and apply, which often means that more work can be done in a single session, or that work can be carried out more quickly to make sessions shorter.
• Emax products are free from metal, including mercury, so they’re ideal for people who have concerns about amalgam fillings.
• Restorations made with Emax products are natural-looking and can be made to perfectly match the colour of your own teeth.
• Emax products are made using a special heat-pressed process that is highly fracture-resistant, meaning less chance of chipping and breaking.
• The versatility of Emax products makes them good for complicated dental restoration jobs where multiple types of restorative work are needed.

What Restorations are Emax used for?

Emax products can be used for virtually any type of restorative dentistry, including cosmetic restorations where the appearance of the final product is of paramount importance. The strength of e.max ceramics, combined with the ability to manufacture the products in natural-looking shades that match your own tooth color, makes them ideal for veneers, crowns, and bridges, as well as inlays and onlays for treating tooth decay.

In addition to new restorations, Emax products can also be used to replace existing restorations—such as amalgam fillings—once they are removed.

If you have questions about e.max products and whether they’re right for you, contact Deer Park Dental to schedule your next visit.

Do You Grind Your Teeth? Your Dentist Can Help

 Teeth-grinding—or bruxism—is an unconscious action that many people do when they feel stress, it often occurs at night while sleeping. Although mild bruxism doesn’t always create symptoms, for some people, it can lead to physical symptoms like headaches and jaw pain, and can even cause permanent damage to the teeth. If you grind your teeth, or suspect that you do, talk to your dentist about preventing tooth damage and other oral health problems that can develop due to bruxism. It is better to prevent wear than to try to replace the tooth that has been lost long down the road.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

Since bruxism can happen while you’re asleep, leaving you completely unaware of it, it’s important to know what the signs are, so you can get treatment to prevent further damage.

• Teeth are chipped, fractured, flattened, or loose
• Tooth enamel is worn, and teeth are more sensitive
• Jaw muscles feel tired, tight, or painful
• Headaches that affect the temples
• Pain in the ears 

If you experience any of these symptoms, and in particular if your partner or spouse notices that you are audibly grinding your teeth when asleep, talk to your dentist at your next appointment. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to tooth loss, and the need to replace teeth with crowns, dentures, or bridges.

How can Your Dentist Help?

If you’re grinding your teeth when awake, you can try to train yourself to be aware of it, and attempt to break the habit, but that’s not necessarily something that will help you stop doing it while you’re sleeping.

One of the most effective methods of preventing sleep bruxism is something that your dentist can provide—an occlusal mouth guard. These are acrylic devices that are shaped to fit your mouth, over your upper or lower teeth. They have a smooth, soft, and non-abrasive surface, so if you start to grind your teeth while asleep, they are protected. An occlusal mouth guard can also be shaped to limit the amount of movement your mouth has while wearing it, so the grinding action is minimized. Mouth guards are easy to take care of, and only need daily brushing with cold water and your toothbrush. If you build up heavy calcium deposits on your bite guard, as well as your teeth, you may want to soak your bite guard in white vinegar.  It is helpful to dissolve the calcium deposits for pennies on the dollar!

If grinding has already caused significant tooth damage you might need to undergo restorative dental procedures to repair the damage, but wearing an occlusal guard while you’re asleep will prevent further dental problems. It can also reduce or eliminate the pain in the jaw, head, and ear that results from bruxism, and the noise that it causes.

Bruxism is a common treatable disorder. Maintain routinedental visits so problems can be caught early or prevented altogether. Callyour dentist today!

ProSites, edited by Janice G. Scott DDS

Dental Splints and Occlusal Guards for TMJ Pain

 The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your skull and jawbone via a hinge-like structure that gives your jaw a considerable amount of flexibility for talking, chewing, and swallowing. In some people, this joint becomes dysfunctional, and causes severe pain not only in the joint itself, but also in the muscles and ligaments that control its movement.

TMJ pain generally has one of the following causes:

• Injury or dislocation
• An underlying health condition such as osteoarthritis
• Stress-related habits like grinding the teeth or jaw-clenching
• Incorrect jaw alignment
• General stress in ones life

When TMJ pain is caused by stress or improper jaw alignment, the use of a simple dental device can help reduce the pain, and even eliminate it altogether.

Occlusal Guards

Many people who clench their jaw or grind their teeth in response to stress are unaware that they’re doing it, simply because it most often happens while they are asleep. Often they only become aware when it starts to cause TMJ pain or other problems that are apparent when they’re awake. If you have this problem, you may benefit from using an occlusal guard, an acrylic device shaped to fit over the upper or lower teeth, and prevent damage caused by grinding and clenching.

Wearing an occlusal guard can not only help to reduce TMJpain—if you grind your teeth, wearing a guard can also prevent costly dental problems in the future, caused by the wearing down of tooth enamel. The device is easy to take care of, as it only requires daily cleaning with cold water. Would you rather invest in an occlusal guard/ bite guard/ splint or would you rather wait 10-20 years down the road and place 28 caps or crown on your teeth due to the excessive wear on your teeth from grinding.  I have seen teeth split that never had a cavity on it, from grinding.  I have seen the enamel “wiped away” on the top of the tooth from grinding.

A properly fitted occlusal guard will create the ideal bite in plastic.  What would you rather wear away, the enamel that God gave you or a piece of plastic?  It may be expensive and “your insurance does not cover it!”.  Many dental benefit companies do not cover occlusal guards.  Does that mean you should not have one?  Absolutely not!  Your dental health is between you and your dentist, not your dental benefits provider who is primarily concerned with profits.  A prevention now can save you costly repairs in the future.

Custom-made Splints

Improper jaw alignment can cause TMJ pain because when the upper and lower jaw don’t line up properly, the muscles that control the jaw are forced to work harder to bite and chew. This problem can be solved with the use of custom-made splints that support the jaw in a more efficient and less painful alignment.

The splints are made by taking an impression of the patient’s mouth, and using it as a mold to create a special kind of occlusal guard that is worn when you are asleep.  These bite guards should NOT be worn 24 hours a day as you may get so comfortable with your new bite, you are not able to return to your old bite without the splint without having discomfort.  If you have some stressful periods in your life, then it is OK to wear it during that time, but not full-time.  The splint is designed and shaped specifically to correct improper jaw alignment. Over time it works to realign the patient’s biting surface, which helps relieve TMJ pain because it reduces the amount of work the jaw muscles have to do.

When we are asleep, one can do much for forceful damage to our teeth and joint.  If you are grinding, an occlusal guard may be the perfect solution for you.

If you believe you may have TMJ or have other oral health concerns, please contact Deer Park Dental for more information or to schedule an appointment.

ProSites, edited by Janice G. Scott DDS

HOW DOES AIR ABRASION WORK? CAVITIES FILLED WITHOUT NUMBING, IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Air Abrasion: A Minimally-Invasive Alternative to the Dentist’s Drill

Getting a cavity is something that many of us are concerned about; not because of the cavity itself, but because fixing the problem will require facing a common dental phobia - the dentist’s drill. These days, however, fixing cavities doesn’t always require the use of such drill, thanks to the development of a technique called air abrasion. Many dentists are already using this advanced technology to make tooth restoration a much more comfortable experience for their patients. You may have also heard of “laser dentistry” which again is a procedure for fillings similar to air abrasion in that a cavity is removed in a different way than a drill put to a tooth.  It is often without anesthesia.  The key to both of these procedures is that the cavity is relatively small and does not have a previous filling in the area. 

How Air Abrasion Works

The air abrasion technique uses an instrument that works a bit like a sandblaster—it uses compressed air to propel a stream of tiny particles of silica or aluminium oxide at high speed towards a target. In this case, the target is a decayed tooth. The dentist aims the particle stream at the decayed portion of tooth, and the force of the stream is sufficient to remove the decay, tiny fragments at a time. The decayed material that comes off the tooth is removed with suction. The best I have found this is with children who find the procedure “tickles” the tooth and does not hurt.  A cavity can be removed with minimal discomfort and often without numbing: how great is that!

Air abrasion can also be used to remove old sealants and  remove tooth discolouration.

Air abrasion is safe, even for young children, and few precautions are needed. Someone who is having an air abrasion treatment will typically wear eye protection so that the particle spray doesn't irritate their eyes, and the dentist may apply a dental dam or sealant to healthy teeth to protect them from the spray.  Another option is isolation with cotton roll.  If a child is apprehensive then nitrous oxide sedation can be used and can reduce the anxiety of the visit and make it pleasant.  It is critical that children are not traumatized by dentistry today.  There are so many ways that we can make a dental visit a positive visit for your child.

Advantages of Air Abrasion

Air abrasion is a much more comfortable procedure than drilling, for several reasons:

• It can be faster than drilling cavities, if anesthesia is not needed.
• It removes less healthy tooth material than drilling, and there’s less risk of causing damage to the teeth.
• Air abrasion causes much less pain than drilling, and often doesn't require any anesthesia.
• The air abrasion tool doesn't get hot, make loud noises, emit vibrations, or put pressure on the teeth, as a drill often does.  It is dusty and letting the patient understand that as soon as done, they can rinse, releases a lot of anxiety of treatment.

The technique is most suitable for small, shallow cavities, so this is another good reason to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning. If cavities are caught early, while the decay is minimal, it’s more likely they’ll be able to be repaired using air abrasion.

Deer Park Dental is dedicated to educating patients about their oral health and dental solutions. Visit www.deerparksmiles.com to learn more about advanced dental treatments and restorations.

Prosites, edited by Janice G. Scott DDS

The Top 10 Questions People Have About Dental Care

1.  How often should I go to the dentist?

     The American Dental Association, as well as the vast majority of dentists, recommends seeing your dentist twice a year for routine check-ups as, well as cleanings. But, if you have problems with recession, bleeding and tarter build-up, you may be one that needs to see your dentist more often.  Research shows that patients with periodontal gum infections are maintained better on a 3-4 month cleaning program.  The key is not what your insurance pays for but what is right for you!

2.  How safe are X-rays?

     Radiation sounds scary, and in large can be dangerous. However, the amount of radiation you are exposed to for dental X-rays is very small. Over the years, there have been several developments that have reduced the level of radiation emitted by X-rays. These improvements include higher-speed films that require shorter exposure, the use of film holders, and digital machines that focus the radiation beam just to the X-rayed area. In addition, full-body aprons lined with lead protect against stray radiation from older equipment. Also, all X-ray machines are federally mandated to be checked for accuracy and safety every two years. In other words, X-rays are quite safe.
     Another issues is CT Scan vs a 3-D image in your mouth to decide if a root canal can be treated successfully or if an implant has enough bone for success.  The amount of radiation in a medical CT scan is DRASTICALLY different than the amount of radiation in a 3-D image for a specific dental problem.  We, at Deer Park Dental are very concious on what is right for you.  Even check-up x-rays vary in the amount of time between films depending on YOUR cavity rate and many other factors. It is not cookie cutter but what is right for you and your dental health.

3.  How can I get my teeth whiter?

     There are numerous over-the-counter products that you can use to possibly whiten your teeth, including pastes, strips, and bleaching trays. They all have varying degrees of success. The best way to get your teeth gleaming is through a procedure at a dental office. Only a trained dentist can ensure a quality, effective treatment. There are techniques that get your teeth white in "a day" but they can have other consequences. Long-term, studies show, that the best long lasting treatment is custom made trays with a low concentration of carbamide peroxide and you can make a change in your smile.  Typically these trays that your dentist makes are worn for two hours each day for two to four weeks.  This depends on each individual and some patients with deeper intrinsic stains may take longer.  The key is each patient is unique and will lighten just a little differently.

4.  Which toothpaste should I use?

     It's advisable to talk with your dentist about your toothpaste, but ideally you should choose one with fluoride, which has been proven to help in the fight against cavities. It's also important to pick a toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association. If you see the ADA's seal it means that the toothpaste has been evaluated for safety as well as effectiveness. Toothpastes with tarter control can sometimes make teeth more sensitive, others remove stain better without increasing sensitivity, talk to your dentist about what he or she recommends.

5.  When should I take my child for their first check-up?

     It's best to get children started early with dental care. You should bring your child for their first check-up no later than six months after their first tooth comes in.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child's first check-up by age "1".  Even if your child does not have many teeth erupted, your dentist can guide you to help prevent cavities in your child by educating you on the right choices for diet, what your child drinks and how, and ways to prevent transferring cavity causing bacteria to your child.  See your family dentist to discuss these options.  Studies show that the earlier a child visits a dentist, the lower their cavity rate.

6.  What is a root canal and what does it involve?

     When the root of a tooth dies or there are signs of infection, it needs to be treated. Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp or dead root from the tooth, cleaning the area, and putting in strengthening filler. The tooth is often permanently capped for long-lasting protection, but some front teeth may not need a cap or crown as these teeth do not have the same pressures on them when biting or chewing. Your dentist will evaluate what is right for YOU!
     The key is treating the tooth early and not too late.  When an infected tooth goes a long time without treatment, it is more likely to have complications of swelling, pain and infection.  So, just because it doesn't hurt you now, does not mean that you should wait longer to take care of the problem.  The earlier you seek a solution, the better chance you have of a good result.

7.  What are wisdom teeth?

     Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, usually when someone is between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes they erupt later than that, and sometimes not at all. There are many people who only have room for 28 teeth; when the wisdom teeth come in there's no room for them and will then have to be removed to protect the integrity of the surrounding teeth. The key that your dentist is looking at is, "is there room in your jaw for the wisdom teeth, or third molars, to come in?"  If there is not room, what complications might you have if they are left there?  In my oldest son, his 3rd molars were extracted at 13 1/2 age.  My youngest son had his 3rd molars removed at 17 1/2?  Why the difference?  Because each person has a different growth pattern.  It is not the age, but it is the room available for the teeth to come in, the amount of development of the tooth and the probability of complications later if the wisdom tooth is not removed.  

     So, do we recommend everyone to remove 3rd molars?  No, of course not!  But how much room is there for the tooth to erupt?  What potential damage can that tooth do if it is not removed?  I had a great explanation done by an oral surgeon who has practiced for over 50 years.  He stated, "in the day" people did not go to the dentist that often.  They often got cavities in their first molars, or their "6 year molars" and had to have that tooth extracted.  The 2nd molars or "12 year molars" came in and then the wisdom teeth or "3rd molars" erupted and they drifted forward and few people had their wisdom teeth or 3rd molars removed.  
      Today, with better dental care, less first molars are removes and fewer people have room for their 3rd molars and so many more are removed.  The key is what damage they can do if left there?  They can push the other teeth and cause crowding.  They can push on the second molar and cause resorption.  They can cause periodontal (gum infection) by the inability to clean around them, thus affecting the tooth in front.  The key is, each person is an individual and needs care appropriate to them.  Ask your dentist what is right for YOU!

8.  What are veneers?

     Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are permanently bonded to teeth that are visible when smiling. They are used to correct issues such as crooked, chipped, or stained teeth in order to create a better-looking smile. How long do they last?  If they are additive and the porcelain shell is bonded to the outer surface of your tooth, the enamel, the veneer can last much longer.  If your dentist has to prepare the tooth into the next layer of the tooth, the dentin, then the average life span is 7-10 years.  So... don't rush into veneers when you are 18 years old as you have a life-time to make your teeth last.  Be conservative!           Sometimes bonding with resin can give a beautiful smile and may not be invasive.  This allows you to do more over the long haul and preserve your teeth for a life-time.

9.  Can I straighten my teeth without braces?

     Traditional metal braces are effective at straightening teeth, but they don't look or feel so good. However, there are other options. Invisalign® is a more comfortable cosmetic approach to typical alignment problems. Compliance IS an issue.  There are many situations that you can do more with this technique as you don't have the thickness of the band to deal with but the patient has to be on board.  A removable appliance is only as good as one that is willing and compliant to wear it.  Otherwise, fixed brackets bonded to the teeth may be the better choice. Decide where you or your child is with compliance and then you will be able to make a good choice for what is best.

    Veneers (see above) can improve the look of teeth with minimal problems whereas Invisalign® is a more comfortable cosmetic approach to typical alignment problems. Veneers in a "crooked smile" may mean much more grinding on the teeth to get the esthetic result.  Again, a comprehensive exam is critical to good success.

10.  Last but not least: How can I prevent cavities?

     The best way to prevent cavities is to do what you've been told, probably since you were very little: brush and floss regularly. You should spend at least two minutes brushing twice a day and floss once a day. In addition, watch what you eat. Be careful of foods and beverages with high quantities of sugar, as well as sticky foods like raisins. Also, don't neglect your bi-yearly dentist appointments. Call today and schedule an appointment. We at Deer Park Dental truly care about your dental health and will work hard to educate you to "need us less" so you can spend your time and dollars on more exciting ventures.  Feel free to call us at 209-478-3036 for a consultation to see what is best for you!

By ProSites, Edited by Dr. Janice G. Scott DDS

Are "Teeth in a Day" Really Possible?

Author: Chris von Tersch, D.D.S.

"I have had an implant before and it took months to complete.  How can they claim on TV to do implants with teeth in a day?"

I have heard this question dozens of times.  As a dentist, I was initially skeptical when I saw the infomercial of people getting their teeth over implants in one day.  Most people, patients and dentists alike, are familiar with the concept that implants take months to heal (or "oseointigrate") before a crown or bridge can be connected.

Not only is the concept of  "teeth in a day" possible, but we are one of the few dental offices in the area who provide the service.

"Teeth in a day" otherwise known as "all-on-4" is a procedure which the public has been exposed to through the advertising efforts of companies like "Clear Choice".  "Teeth in a day" means that a patients's teeth are extracted, implants are placed and teeth which do not come out are delivered all in one day.  "All-on-4" refers to fact that the new teeth are all supported by four (and sometimes as many as 6) implants.  Prior to the surgery, a 3-D cone beam image  is completed which allows the dentist and the surgeon to plan where exactly the implants are to be placed. Various records are taken by the dentist prior to the surgery to assure proper aesthetics and function of the new teeth.

The all-on-4 procedure is designed for two groups of people.  One group is individuals who need to transition from teeth to dentures but do not want something that comes in and out of his or her mouth.  The second is people who have dentures already and either cannot tolerate them or would prefer something that does not come in and out of their mouth.

One important piece of information that is not explained well in the infomercial is that the teeth that are delivered on the day of the surgery are not the "final teeth".  This first set is aesthetic, and does not come out of the mouth.  After four months of healing, a milled titanium bar is made to connect the implants and then teeth are built to go over it.  Another option is that a very strong, tooth-colored set of teeth made out of a material called zirconium is made and connected to the implants.

When we perform the all-on-4 procedure, the surgeon we work with is Nicholas S. Veaco, M.D., D.D.S.  Dr. Veaco's office is right next door to our office which is very convenient for our patients.

A huge benefit to individuals who choose to have the all-on-4 procedure done in a dental office versus a corporate surgical center is maintenance.  We see our all-on-4 patients at least once a year to remove their appliance and a provide a thorough exam and cleaning.      

All-on-4 is just one of several implant-supported options available to to replace an individuals' natural teeth.  If you or someone that you know is curious to find out if  "teeth in a day" is a good option or would like to know more about implant supported dentistry in general, please call our office at (209) 478-3036 for a consultation.