One cannot underestimate the importance of a confident smile in both social and business situations. Tooth discoloration, missing teeth, or disfigured teeth can significantly detract from your appearance, and block you from achieving success. Decades ago, the only options to unsightly missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Besides the fact that these appliances are difficult to maintain and must be replaced every few years, they can lead to gum disease, bone loss, or embarrassing social situations in which they click, move, or fall out. They can also be uncomfortable to wear. Dental implants in Maryland, on the other hand, have been around since the 1950’s. Restorative dentistry has grown increasingly more sophisticated in just the past twenty or thirty years, and dental implants are almost always chosen by patients instead of dentures or bridges. One of the many advantages of choosing dental implants over other alternatives is that they preserve the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone tissue, preventing further dental complications. Implants can make a huge difference in the appearance of your smile, whether you only have one tooth to replace, are missing several teeth, or are currently wearing dentures. Knowing that your teeth are secure can greatly improve your lifestyle in ways you may not have ever imagined would be possible again. Bite into a caramel apple at the fair, play toss with the grandchildren in the swimming pool, smile in family photos again, and never feel the need to hold back a smile or a laugh when spending precious time with family and friends. Restorative dentistry with dental implants in Maryland can restore your confidence in yourself. Even if you do have some bone loss or gum disease, the dental implantation procedure can still be performed with a high rate of success. You may require a bone graft to address the bone loss and help anchor the titanium implants into your jawbone. If you have been wearing dentures, you may have some bone loss as a natural result of losing your teeth. When you receive implants, you will be protected from further bone loss by going to discuss Silver Spring dental issues. There are three parts to a dental implant: the titanium peg that is inserted into the jawbone, the abutment which protrudes from the gum-line, and the crown that covers the abutment and is shaped and fitted by a restorative or cosmetic dentist. The titanium implant will promote healthy bone growth and become more secure over time. It will look and feel like a natural tooth. This is such a dramatic improvement over the bridges and dentures of the old days, which don’t look or feel natural. Fitting for an implant is a technical process that requires a dentist with expertise in restorative dentistry. Your treatment may involve the services of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Most everyone qualifies as a candidate for a successful implant procedure. If it is safe for you to have a routine dental treatment, it is safe for you to receive an implant. You will also require some X-rays and an impression of your mouth. The insertion of the dental implant itself happens in one visit. Afterwards, you will be able to return to work or go about your usual daily activities the next day. Maintenance of your dental implants in Maryland only requires regular visits to your dentist every four months, as well as daily brushing and flossing (which you should be doing anyway). There is a 98% probability of a successful implant, and these simple measures help make your implant a success. If you have an osteoporotic jawbone or history of serious illness causing jawbone loss, you would have a greater likelihood of some complication. While dental implants are usually not covered by dental insurance, most patients agree that the investment is well worth it.
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This article explains the difference between bridges, dentures, and dental implants to help you make the best decision for your smile. Your Appearance: In this image-focused world we live in, our appearance has a major influence not only on attracting a romantic partner, but also on achieving a successful career, influencing others, and being seen in a positive light by the people around you. We all want to have flawless skin, a toned physique, a flattering hairstyle, and stylish clothes, but the most important physical feature of all is perhaps one's smile. It's one of the first things people notice about someone when they first meet them, and stained or missing teeth can ruin a good first impression. It can also destroy your self-confidence. Let's take a closer look at obtaining dental implants in Maryland. Do you feel like your smile may be holding you back in your career, your ability to smile and laugh in social situations, or your willingness to smile in family photos? One of the most common physical features people feel unhappy with is their smile. It's a fact that our teeth can become discolored as well age - especially among coffee and tea drinkers. They can also become discolored because of genetic predispositions, accidents, certain medications, or simply poor brushing and flossing technique. Likewise, adult teeth can loosen and come out with advanced age, injury, chronic illness, or bad hygiene. A great smile can draw other people in and make them want to get to know you, while a bad smile can be off-putting and cause you to lose a potential client or fail to get that promotion on the job. Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants: Many decades ago, before modern dental technology advancements, when people lost their teeth the only options they had were dentures and bridges. These prostheses can temporarily solve a problem, but maintenance is difficult because you cannot floss properly with bridges. They also increase your chance of having a serious periodontal disease later on. Since bridges aren't permanent, they don't protect the gum tissue and bone from become increasingly unhealthier. These are just a couple of reasons why dental implants in Maryland are much more preferable to bridges. There are very few cases in which dentures or bridges would be preferable to implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, and they end up being a more economical choice because they do not need to be replaced as often as bridges. Even better, they're made from inert materials that won't cause physical harm over time. They will also simply look like your real teeth, so others won't notice it's an implant. You won't have to worry about the appearance of your teeth when speaking, smiling, or laughing, and there will be no clicking when chewing your food. In general, Dental Implants in Maryland don't decay, and they tend to also be stain-resistant. Your surrounding teeth won't require crowns to support them. On the other hand, bridges need to be replaced when adjacent teeth show signs of decay; the crowns and bridges both will need to be replaced. There is none of this hassle with implants. Cost: When considering cost, you may think that dental implants are more costly than bridges or dentures. They are often not covered by dental insurance plans, and the initial costs can be more. Bridges have a lower upfront cost, but they will only last ten years maximum. You're making an investment in your appearance, which will lead to opportunities in your life that you perhaps never imagined possible before. Your Silver Spring dentist will be able to explain cost in more detail. Your dental implants will look like your actual teeth and will not need to be replaced. Most people decide that dental implants are the better choice, even financially. This article series provides an FAQ guide to dental implants: surgically placed prosthetic teeth to restore your smile. Q. How long have dental implants been used in dentistry? A. You might be surprised to learn that dental implants actually have been utilized for a couple thousand years. Archaeologists have uncovered Egyptian mummies with gold wired-like implants in their jawbones. Also, pre Columbian skeleton remains have been found with dental implants made of stones that were semi-precious. In Europe, the body of a Roman soldier was found with an iron dental implant in the jaw. Implants made of ivory were revealed in the Middle East unearthed from archaeological sites. In the United States, modern dentistry began the practice of utilizing dental implants at the start of the 20th century. Many people opted for dentures or bridges until the 1980’s when titanium cylinders started being used in making the implant. Since the invention of the titanium shape, several name brand implants have gained popularity among implant dentists in Maryland. Q. What aspects contribute to the success of the dental implant? A. Multiple factors influence the success of the implant after it is inserted into your jaw. Perhaps the most important factor is the health and density of the jawbone itself. A healthy jawbone with good bone density will increase the occurrence of long term victory with the implant. An infected or osteoporotic bone will increase the risk of there being a complication. The second most important factor is, of course, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon. Because the insertion of a dental implant is a surgical procedure, it requires a highly skilled dental surgeon. The third most important factor is the quality of the restoration that is placed on top of the implant. A poorly constructed implant crown or overdenture, or an unbalanced biting force, can ruin any implant even if you have good bone and a good surgeon. Make sure the highest quality materials are used on top of the implant! Q. What kind of dentist can do implants? A. There are three types of dentists who can place an implant: periodontists, oral surgeons, and implantologists. Oftentimes, a periodontist and an oral surgeon will form a team with a restorative or cosmetic dentist. The periodontist or the oral surgeon will do the implant surgical procedure, and then send the patient to the restorative or cosmetic dentist for the placement of crowns or an overlying appliance. The course of treatment would then involve two different dentists. An implantologist has training in both dental implant surgery and restorative dentistry in the placement of a dental prosthesis (crown or appliance). In the case of using an implantologist, the course of treatment would only involve one dentist. Q. What kind of dentist places a crown or overdenture on top of the implant? A. There are three types of dentists who can reinstate an implant through the placement of a prosthetic crown or an overdenture: a general dentist trained in restorative dentistry, an oral implantologist, or a prosthodontist. If you would rather work with one doctor throughout the entire process, you should choose to work with an implantologist. However, many dental offices may have several types of dentists working together in the same office so using two different doctors can be just as convenient as using only one. Q. What age person can receive dental implants in Maryland? A. Senior citizens aren't the only people who get dental implants. Patients of all ages often require dental implants, whether they have lost a tooth to decay, injury, sports accidents, or other reasons that can happen to anybody. There is no age limit for implants. Q. What factors might make someone a bad candidate for dental implant surgery? A. There are a few different medical reasons why a person may not be a good candidate for a dental implant procedure. Anyone undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, anyone with uncontrolled diabetes, those with parathyroid disorders, those with blood disorders such as hemophilia, or individuals with rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer would not be good candidates for dental implants. Also, if the jawbone is extremely unhealthy or osteoporotic, or if a person has low sinuses or nerve bundles, the patient may have greater success choosing a bridge or denture instead of an implant. Q. How often do I need to do for check-ups after I get an implant? A. It is important to properly care for and maintain your implant for long-term success. An implant will require professional cleaning by a hygienist every 3 to 4 months, as well as an examination by your implant dentist. The hygienist should be specifically trained in maintaining dental implants. You will also need to brush and floss daily. Q. Is the dental implant surgery painful? A. Absolutely not. Your dentist will utilize a local anesthetic during the surgery, so you should not be able to feel anything during the procedure. After surgery, there may be some minor discomfort for 24 hours which can be controlled with pain medications. Q. When will I be able to return to work after getting dental implants in Maryland? A. You will be able to return to work the following work day, unless there is a particular surgical complication. All post-operative instructions will be discussed with you by your dentist. The Dental Implants Specialist in Maryland Talks About Gum Recession: Causes and Treatment, PART 311/22/2013 This four-part article series provides an in-depth look at why gums can recede from the crowns of the teeth, the various problems it causes for one’s oral health and what can be done about it.Welcome back to our four-part article series on gum recession, it’s causes, symptoms and treatment. In our previous two article installments, the first and second of the series, an experienced dental implants Maryland specialist, listed the host of factors that are linked with gum recession. They included gum disease, bad oral hygiene, hormonal fluctuations, aggressive toothbrushing, genetic heritage, smoking, teeth grinding and jaw clenching, an uneven bite and crooked teeth and tongue or lip piercings. In this article, we shall explain the importance of treating gum recession before exploring the various treatments offered by Silver Spring residents for this remarkably common condition. What are the Dangers of Gum Recession?“When the gums recede and pull away from the crowns of the teeth, the roots become exposed to the food you eat, bacteria and abrasive actions, such as toothbrushing,” explains the dental implants specialist in Maryland. “The difference between your tooth roots and crowns is that the latter is specifically protected against general wear-and-tear by dental enamel. So, when the roots become exposed, they can easily become damaged and decayed. “Additionally, gum recession causes pockets or spaces to develop between the tooth roots and the gingival walls, affording oral bacteria excellent refuge from your attempts at maintaining good hygiene. The build-up of disease-causing bacteria in these pockets destroys dental, gum and jawbone health, leading to gum disease and eventual tooth loss. This is why prompt treatment is so important,” emphasizes the dental healthcare specialist. So... what treatments are available for gum recession? Gum Recession TreatmentThere are essentially two solutions recommended for gum recession by dental implants Maryland specialists. The one recommended for you will depend upon the extent of recession. Mild recession can usually be treated with deep cleaning and root planing, which involves the removal of calculus from between the tooth roots and the gingival walls surrounding them. Your dentist will then smooth the root surfaces (known as “planing”) to make it difficult for bacteria to re-establish a foothold on the root. Your treatment may also be complimented with a course of anti-bacterial medication to ensure that you have as good a chance of complete recovery from infection as possible. If your dentist determines that the extent of gum recession is too far advanced and the pockets between your tooth roots and gums too deep, you may be referred to a periodontist for surgery to eliminate diseased tissue and repair the damage done to your gums. This may involve procedures such as pocket depth reduction, soft tissue grafting and regeneration. These will be fully explained in Part 4 of this article series, but for now, the orthodontist in Silver Spring MD provides us with a list of gum recession prevention tips... How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?1. Maintain good oral hygiene, which includes regular and thorough brushing and flossing 2. Quit smoking and/or chewing tobacco 3. Eat a balanced, healthy diet 4. Try not to press down so hard when brushing 5. Remove lip/tongue piercings that appear to be damaging the adjacent gums 6. Seek prompt treatment for any changes you may notice to your oral health 7. Treat problems and conditions such as bad bite alignment, crooked teeth, teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Stay Tuned for Part 4To read find out more about the various gum recession treatments recommended by orthodontist in Silver Spring MD, as well as what can be done to prevent it in the first place, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series. This three-part article series explains the 10 mistakes people commonly make when brushing their teeth or choosing the appropriate healthcare appliances. Welcome back to our three-part article series on the 10 most common toothbrushing mistakes patients tend to make. In our previous article, the first installment of the series, we spoke to a cosmetic dentist in Silver Spring, who warned us about the following brushing errors: 1) Choosing the wrong size toothbrush, 2) Using hard-bristled toothbrushes, 3) Not brushing for long enough (two minutes is the recommended time) 4) Not brushing frequently enough (three times a day is optimal) We’ve still got another seven to cover, so without further ado... Common Mistake # 4: Brushing Too Hard or Too Frequently Too much of a good thing can actually be bad for you! While frequent brushing is crucial in maintaining good oral health, brushing too frequently can be bad for your teeth,” says a dental implants specialist in Maryland. “By brushing too often - more than four times a day - you can actually cause recession of the gum line and the hastened erosion of your dental enamel. This can expose the tooth root and the softer, more vulnerable dentine underneath the enamel, which puts you at a greater risk of cavities and tooth decay. It’s much better to brush thoroughly for two minutes two to three times a day. If you are particularly finicky about oral hygiene, try use an anti-bacterial mouthwash instead of brushing more than three times a day.” Common Mistake # 5: Using the Wrong Technique “Brushing technique is crucial,” the cosmetic dentist in Silver Spring. “You should align your toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle to your gum line and brush using short, soft strokes. Long, vigorous strokes can actually irritate the gums and lead to abrasions. Also, don’t use horizontal strokes; brush circularly or vertically. Last, but not least, make sure you brush both the inner, outer and top tooth surfaces as well as your tongue! The tongue is full of little hiding places for bacteria and is just as prone to accumulating plaque as your teeth and gums.” Common Mistake # 6: Beginning at the Same Brushing Point Every Time “People tend to begin brushing well and then end up getting lazy or losing patience. So, if you usually start at a particular point in your mouth, chances are it’ll get a thorough clean while the rest of your mouth gets neglected,” explain the experts of dental implants in Maryland. “We can actually see this differential cleaning in the health of patients’ teeth. Starting in a different location every time ensures that all quadrants of your mouth get an equal cleaning.” Common Mistake # 7: Neglecting to Brush the Inner Surfaces of Your Teeth “When brushing your teeth, it’s crucial that you spend as much time cleaning the outer surfaces as you do the inner surfaces. Just because the outer surfaces are the ones people see when you smile doesn’t mean that you should neglect the inner surfaces that press against the tongue,” says the cosmetic dentist in Silver Spring. “This area is the one that is most commonly neglected by patients and this neglect is evident to us in the amount of plaque that builds up there in between visits.” Stay Tuned for Part 3 To read more about the common toothbrushing mistakes Silver Spring residents make, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series. In this two part article series we will be explaining exactly what dental implants are, how they work, what the procedure entails and why they are the superior solution to replace missing teeth. Welcome back to the second installment of this two part article series! In our previous post, we explained what dental implants are and how they work. In this article we will be outlining the benefits and advantages of this fantastic teeth replacement technology. Due to a number of reasons, there will likely come a time when you will have to consider your options for obtaining new teeth. Thankfully, a dentist from Silver Spring MD can offer a comprehensive and long-lasting solution to your oral health woes in the form of dental implants. If you read our first installment you now know what dental implants are and how they work, but why choose them over the option of traditional removable dentures or dental bridges? In truth, the question should be: why would anyone choose removable dentures or bridges over dental implants? Here’s why... Dental Implants: It’s a Revolutionary Science Dental implants are considered one of the most important advances to have been made in recent decades. They offer benefits that would leave you guessing as to why you would ever consider another option. Dental implants are virtually impossible to differentiate from natural, healthy teeth and the biological bonds formed between the bone tissue and the titanium dental implant allows the whole structure to stay firmly ‘rooted’ in the jawbone and function like a natural tooth! Dental Implants: Benefits and Advantages • Self-standing solution: Because dental implants are freestanding, due to being ‘rooted’ in the bone of the jaw, they do not require support from surrounding teeth and gums like removable dentures and bridges do. This is a massive benefit because as a result they usually don’t rest on and cause irritability and inflammation of the gums. They also don’t typically damage the neighboring teeth. • Minimum discomfort: The use of sophisticated computer software and 3D virtual imaging allow dentists in Silver Spring MD to insert dental implants at Maryland using as few incisions and stitches as possible. Consequently, post-operative pain is greatly reduced and your recovery period shortened. • Complete restoration of oral aesthetics: The gaps left by missing teeth are filled by the dental implants, which restore the confidence that naturally comes with having a beautiful smile. • Natural oral functionality: Dental implants function and feel very much like healthy natural teeth. You can return to your daily life enjoying all the foods that you love as soon as your implants have ‘osseointegrated’ with the jaw. • Speech: Missing teeth can jeopardize your speech and articulation, as teeth play a vital role in this function. Dental implants effectively help fill the gaps and return correct interaction between the lips, teeth and tongue during speech. • Lasting solution: Dental implants can last many decades and even a lifetime if they are cared for properly with a good standard of lifelong oral hygiene. Implants are the perfect option for a long-term solution to your missing teeth misery! Signing Off Additional benefits include: the promotion of dental stability, functional stimulation and preservation of bone and gum shape.Dentists in Silver Spring MD can help you to feel optimistic and confident as a result of your new, beautifully beaming and healthy smile. |
AuthorOur multi-dentist approach means we can provide you with the best options in a single comprehensive plan, and then implement them without you having to leave your comfortable dental chair. When you're finished, you'll get one consolidated statement for each family member and one representative who can answer any questions you may have. Archives
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