The Benefits of Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

 

As we go through life, we encounter many dental issues. Whether it's from poor oral hygiene or accidental trauma, our teeth may deteriorate over time. One of the most common dental problems that many people face is tooth loss. Fortunately, there are various solutions available to fix this issue, including dental implants.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are inserted into the jawbone. They act as a foundation for replacement teeth, providing a permanent and long-lasting solution to tooth loss. Dental implants are an effective alternative to dentures and bridges, which can be uncomfortable and unstable.

If you're looking for a dental implant specialist, you can easily find a dentist in Chestermere or a dentist near you who offers this service. Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:

Improved Appearance Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They are customized to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, giving you a natural and seamless smile. This means you can confidently smile, eat, and speak without worrying about any gaps in your teeth.

Improved Comfort Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone, creating a secure and stable foundation for replacement teeth. This means they won't slip or move around like dentures, making them more comfortable to wear. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require any alteration to your existing teeth, making them a less invasive option.

Improved Oral Health Tooth loss can lead to bone loss and gum recession, which can affect your overall oral health. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss and preserving your facial structure. They also allow for easier access to clean and maintain your teeth, reducing the risk of infection and gum disease.

Improved Functionality Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and chew your food with ease. They also improve your speech and pronunciation, as they don't slip or move around in your mouth like dentures. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods and socialize with confidence.

Improved Durability Dental implants are a long-lasting solution to tooth loss, with a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.

In conclusion, dental implants are a popular and effective solution to tooth loss, offering numerous benefits that can improve your appearance, comfort, oral health, functionality, and durability. If you're interested in getting dental implants in Chestermere or in the surrounding area, contact a reputable dentist near you for a consultation. Your dentist will assess your oral health and recommend the best treatment option for you.

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth Daily

There is the misbelief that people only lose teeth due to cavities; however, periodontal disease is a common cause of tooth loss, and many individuals don’t know what it is.

Our periodontics dentist in Chestermere will explain the three stages of this condition and how to prevent it.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the infection of the supporting tissues of your dentition. It all starts when you eat sugary foods and don’t brush your teeth. Food particles combined with bacteria and saliva form a sticky film, which is plaque.

When you don’t brush the plaque away, it hardens and turns into tartar or calculus. It is what most patients know as stones in their teeth. Tartar, if not removed, leads to pockets between dental pieces and the gums, where bacteria infect and damage severely.

What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?

There are three stages:

1. Gingivitis – It is the mildest form. It occurs when you don’t brush the plaque away, and the gingiva inflames. This condition is reversible. You must brush your teeth daily (two times a day for two minutes), floss between dental pieces (since the toothbrush does not reach these areas), and reduce the consumption of starchy foods.

2. Periodontitis – Once the plaque turns into tartar and pockets form, you must visit a dentist near you that removes the plaque and tartar buildup. If you don’t, the infection will progress and cause significant damage.

3. Severe periodontitis – In this stage, the bone and gums recede to the point that teeth may shift (and even fall out!). At this point, looking for teeth cleaning near you is not enough. Your dentist must perform additional procedures, such as root planing and scaling, or bone and gum grafting for severe cases. 

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is too common yet very preventable. By introducing the basics of oral care to your routine, you can keep it away.

1. Brush your teeth – You must do so twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles damage your teeth and gums. Brush for two minutes to ensure you remove the dental plaque.

2. Floss daily – Many people forget the areas between teeth. In them, plaque can build up and harm your tissues. Make sure to floss every night between all dental pieces (front teeth included).

3. Avoid sugary foods – The sugar in them is the favorite for bacteria. Remember this every time you include sugars in your diet. Also, sugar is very harmful to your overall health and increases your risk of developing other conditions, like diabetes.

4. Visit your dentist – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a biannual visit. We suggest visiting a dental professional every six months to monitor your oral health. We offer our teeth cleaning in Chestermere if we detect early signs of gum disease during dental checkups. We will also apply fluoride (every six months, you should get fluoride applications to strengthen your dentition).

Either your dentist or a dental hygienist may perform the cleaning. It is a simple procedure, and it takes a single appointment.

For cases of deep pockets, they may perform the procedure we mentioned above – root planing and scaling, which consists of removing the tartar buildup from around and under the gum line with an instrument called a scaler and using others for soothing the roots of your teeth.

Contact Us Today

If it’s been a while since you had not undergone teeth cleaning, we invite you to schedule a free consultation visit with us today!

Five Reasons to Call an Emergency Dentist

We all learn from a very young age how to handle a medical emergency. We know all about calling 911 and where to find the nearest emergency room. In most cases — with exceptions, to be sure — we know the difference between a nuisance we should talk to our family doctor about and an emergency that we should rush to a hospital about. 

All of those are good things, but what about emergencies affecting your teeth? Do you have the same confidence about handling dental emergencies as handling medical emergencies? Here’s what you need to know about when to call an emergency dentist in Chestermere and what to do until you get there. 

Broken teeth

Your teeth are made of incredibly strong material and can withstand significant pressure — but can break. Common causes of broken teeth include sporting collisions, automobile accidents, slips and falls, acts of violence, and even simply biting down on too hard an object. Those same incidents can also cause damage and injury to your gums, tongue, and the inside of your lips and cheeks. If you’ve suffered a broken tooth or damage to the inside of your mouth in any type of incident, seek emergency dental care near you. They’ll address any risk of infection, help with the immediate pain, and may even be able to save your tooth. 

Severe, sudden, and unexplained toothaches

Minor, fleeting, and occasional toothaches are unfortunate facts of life. Toothaches that worsen over time rather than getting better, or that are severe rather than annoying, or that are accompanied by fever, swelling, or a bad taste or smell in your mouth are not routine. They may indicate the presence of a serious tooth infection requiring emergency treatment to prevent more serious complications. 

Bleeding gums

Everyone has experienced some bleeding from their gums when brushing or flossing. An isolated incident of bleeding that stops quickly is not something to be worried about — especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis and are undergoing treatment. If your unexpected and unexplained bleeding persists, re-occurs time after time, or is accompanied by any swelling or pain, you should contact an emergency dentist in Chestermere. 

Swelling in your mouth or jaw

Swelling in your mouth or jaw can indicate conditions as serious as gum disease, infections, swollen lymph nodes, and even some forms of cancer. The mere presence of swelling does not indicate the presence of those issues, but swelling warrants getting in touch with an emergency dentist near you right away — especially if combined with any of the other symptoms on this list — so your dentist can eliminate the biggest areas of concern.

Metallic taste in your mouth

If you have dental work in your mouth, the taste of metal can be a sign that some of that dental work is damaged or getting loose. The longer that situation persists, the more vulnerable the affected tooth is to further injury, and the greater the chance you’ll experience significant discomfort if the interior of your tooth or jaw is exposed. With time also comes an increased risk of infection due to the entry of bacteria into areas previously protected by sound dental work. Repair of dental work may not always have to be done on an emergency basis, but contact an emergency dentist near you and let them help you make that decision.

What to do until you get to an emergency dentist?

• In the case of a terrible toothache, rinse gently with warm water and look for any food stuck between your teeth
• In the case of a bitten tongue or lip, clean your mouth gently with warm water and place a cold compress against your face
• If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, retrieve the tooth, keep it moist, and try to put it back in its socket (but avoid touching the root)
• Is something stuck between your teeth? Don’t try to remove it with any sharp items or tools, but try to floss it out
• In the case of a cracked tooth, rinse gently with warm water and place a cold compress against your face

Emergencies are stressful, but emergency dentists are trained specifically to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. The first step to managing an emergency is to contact an emergency dentist. You do not and should not face an emergency alone.

Accelerated Orthodontics to Speed Your Treatment

                                                

Who does not want to show an even smile? Aligned teeth are beautiful and a reflection of self-care and discipline. However, when people look for orthodontic treatment in Chestermere, they worry about the length of treatment. 

 

As you may know, orthodontic treatment requires patience from both the dentist and the patient. Braces exert pressure to move teeth slowly, so there is no damage.

 

However, there are new devices that accelerate the process without causing any harm. If you are looking for accelerated orthodontic treatment near you, keep reading.

What is Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment?

As the name suggests, it consists of methods to reduce the time of orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontic dentist in Chestermere uses AcceleDent® and OrthoPulse®.

Acceledent®

It is an oral device that emits vibrations to speed the movement of your teeth. Both children and adults may use it, no matter the type of braces they are wearing.

Research shows that it can accelerate orthodontic treatment to 30% and up to %50.

This system works by gently biting down the device for 20 minutes a day. You may do this at any time of your preference. 

OrthoPulse®

It is an oral device that emits light to produce stimulation in your jawbone to ease the movement of teeth. Like Acceledent®, you may use it with any braces without interference. Ten minutes each day is sufficient to see their benefits.

 

These two systems work excellently; however, the American Dental Association (ADA) has not approved them, so few orthodontists use them. Our dentist in Chestermere can evaluate you and determine if it would be a good option to accelerate your orthodontic treatment.

Types of Braces

Whether you are wearing traditional, lingual, or clear braces, you may undergo accelerated orthodontic treatment.

    1. Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are fixed braces. They consist of ceramic or metallic brackets that an orthodontic dentist near you bonds to the front of your teeth.

These brackets join together with wire, and the wire is held in place by elastics.

    2.  Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, as their name suggests, are cemented on the surface that faces the tongue. This characteristic makes them aesthetic and ideal for people who don’t want to show their orthodontic appliances. As a drawback, they are difficult to adjust to because they can harm your tongue.  

  

    3.  Clear Braces

Clear braces are popularized due to their aesthetics. The famous Invisalign is one of the most common systems used. 

Invisalign consists of transparent plastic aligners. You must wear them for two weeks each until your dentition is aligned. 

Your dental professional will provide you with the aligning trays, and you must switch sets at home. To see results, you must wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day.

 

This system has many benefits. First, as its name suggests, it is nearly invisible. Young teens and adults may use it, and no one will notice they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Also, it is removable, so you can take them off before meals and eat without restrictions. You can also brush your teeth comfortably and avoid the packaging of food that occurs with traditional braces. And overall, it is more comfortable because it does not have metallic appliances that poke you occasionally.

 

Whether you are wearing traditional or clear braces, you can undergo accelerated orthodontic treatment. Your braces will function perfectly, and you will benefit from a shorter treatment.

 

However, accelerated orthodontics is not in the traditional orthodontic treatment price. You must add the costs (which insurance companies don’t cover). Ensure to evaluate your budget before making a decision.

 

If you have questions about these devices, you may contact us whenever is best for you.                          

How To Overcome Anxiety and Fear With Dental Sedation

Sedation dentistry helps people who have had negative experiences with a dentist or who experience intense emotion and anxiety when considering dental treatment to overcome those experiences, emotions, and anxiety. If any of the following describes you or your loved ones, sedation dentistry may be right for you or your family: 

• People who experience dental phobia or anxiety
• People who experience anxiety or fear relating to needles
• People are triggered by the sights, sounds, smells, and vibrations associated with some dental treatments
• If you have extremely sensitive teeth
• If you have difficulty remaining still for as long as you will be receiving treatment
• If you’re scheduled to undergo multiple procedures in a single appointment
• People who have had negative reactions to local anesthesia in the past
• Patients or any age with special needs make it difficult to remain calm or still during treatment

If you fall into any one or more of the above categories, please take the time to explain your experiences and concerns with a dentist in Chestermere. Your dentist will carefully review your medical history to confirm that you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry and will explain the options available to help you achieve the right level of relaxation to ensure you get the treatment that you need.

What are the options for receiving sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry in Chestermere is not a one-size-fits-all solution because no two individuals’ situations are exactly alike. Your dentist will describe four options for providing relaxation through sedation dentistry near you to produce different levels of relaxation. Choosing the appropriate level for you will require consideration of factors including your level of anxiety, the type of treatment you’re receiving, and the length of time your dentist will be treating you. 

Nitrous oxide

Laughing gas and nitrous oxide are the same thing. Nitrous oxide produces a mild sedative effect that takes effect and dissipates quickly. You inhale the nitrous oxide through a mask or tube and will remain awake at all times.

Oral sedation 

For people who require more relief than is provided by nitrous oxide, oral is administered through a pill the night before or in the morning of your treatment. Oral sedation can produce a deeper level of sedation than laughing gas, but you will remain awake throughout your treatment.

IV sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is the procedure in which sedative drugs are administered through an IV placed in your arm. IV sedation produces a deeper level of sedation akin to that achieved with oral sedation. The staff at the dental clinic near you will monitor you throughout treatment. The sedative effect of IV sedation takes longer to wear off than the effects of nitrous oxide or oral sedation.

General anesthesia

For patients who require the most extreme levels of relief or who are undergoing the most extreme treatment, general anesthesia is the most extreme form of sedation. It achieves a state of relaxation so deep that patients will fall into a deep sleep and be unconscious throughout treatment. Patients undergoing lengthy or complex procedures and who experience very significant fear or anxiety may benefit from general anesthesia. General anesthesia is not commonly necessary and is not administered at ordinary dental offices, but by specially trained staff at surgical clinics that specialize in this form of treatment.

Are you or members of your family avoiding essential dental treatment due to fear, anxiety or other forms of inhibiting factors? Contact a dentist near you to ask if sedation dentistry in Chestermere could help you to get past those issues and to get the treatment you need. 

What You Should Know About Dental Crowns

It is safe to say that everybody wants a radiant smile, and thanks to cosmetic dentistry, it is possible. 

In this blog, we will explain how the procedure for a dental crown in Chestermere works, in case that you need one.

What is a Dental Crown?

If you are looking for a dental crown near you, you should know that they are covering that a cosmetic dentist near you places on a tooth that needs restoration. 

Not only do they cap a damaged tooth, but they can also cover a dental implant (in case you lost a tooth).

What is a Dental Implant?

If you lose a tooth, visit a cosmetic dentist in Chestermere for dental implants. 

A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium that a surgeon or a periodontist places inside your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. They are the first dental devices to fuse with your natural bone (it takes about three months for the osseointegration to occur).

After you undergo dental implant surgery and the osseointegration occurs, you will most likely need a dental crown. Depending on your wants and needs, your doctor may suggest dental crowns on top of the implants.

What to Expect from the Procedure?

Placing a dental crown is a simple procedure. First, your dental professional will administer a local anesthetic in the area because they need to remove the damaged tissue, and it can cause sensitivity.

Then, they will prepare the tooth with a dental drill and take an impression of it. Next, your doctor will send the mold to a dental laboratory, where a technician will manufacture the dental crown. 

Your cosmetic dentist in Chestermere will place a temporary crown (made of acrylic) that you will wear until your permanent one is ready.

You will need one or two more appointments to evaluate the fitting of the crown. When it fits correctly, your dentist will cap your tooth and adhere it with cement.

A dental crown can be made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, composite resin, and even gold. Your doctor will suggest the material that suits your case the best.

Is a Dental Crown Expensive?

Dental crowns, like any cosmetic dental procedure, are expensive. A porcelain crown can range from $1000 to $2000. You may contact your insurance company to find out if they cover any of the costs.

When is a Dental Crown Indicated?

You may need a dental crown if:

• You have severe tooth decay, and a dental filling is not strong enough to fill the large cavity.
• Offer protection to a brittle tooth after root canal treatment.
• Mask a tooth with discoloration.
• Restoring a dental implant.
• Enhancing the shape of an oddly shaped tooth. 

Maintenance of Your Dental Crown

People have the misbelief that dental crowns may last forever. While they do last many decades, they are not indestructible, and you need to take good care of them (and of your natural teeth).

There is no need to take special care of the dental crown, but sticking to the basics is essential:

1. Brush your teeth – At least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Floss daily – Including the space between your crown and the natural tooth next to it. And if you have two neighbor dental crowns, floss between them.
3. Avoid sugary foods – Reduce the consumption of sugary treats to keep oral issues away. 
4. Don't bite hard foods – They may break your natural teeth and your dental crowns.
5. Visit your dentist regularly – Keep up with your dental checkups twice a year. 

Reasons You Need Dental Bridges

Studies show that people missing one or many teeth have a decrease in their self-esteem. It leads to feeling self-conscious about your smile, makes you feel awkward when interacting with others, it’s hard to eat and speak, and you even look older.

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many ways to replace lost teeth. Dental bridges in Chestermere are one of them, and we will talk about it below.

What is a Dental Bridge?

It is a dental device that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of fake teeth that join together in one unit, and a prosthetic dentist near you cements it so you can look natural again.

They can be made of porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused with metal. 

There are many types of dental bridges near you. 

Types of Dental Bridges

Our prosthetic dentist in Chestermere will evaluate you and determine what type will suit you best. They are the following:

1. Traditional dental bridge – It is the most popular type. A traditional dental bridge consists of a pontic (the fake tooth that will replace your missing dental piece) and a dental crown on each side next to it. The crowns will cap your natural teeth to hold the pontic in place.

2. Maryland bridge – It consists of a fake tooth that attaches to the back of the adjacent teeth of the gap thanks to metal frameworks (also known as the wings of the Maryland bridge because of their shape). in two anchoring teeth (the adjacent teeth to the gap).

3. Implant-supported bridge – As its name suggests, it is a dental bridge installed over dental implants instead of natural teeth. A dental implant is a metal post that a surgeon places inside our jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Among the benefits, you may find the following:

1. Aesthetics – Dental bridges replace your missing teeth; therefore, you will show a radiant smile again.

2. No learning curve – Unlike dentures, you don’t need to practice speaking or eating with your dental brides. You will adapt right away.

3. Long-lasting – They may last up to 10 years, sometimes more, depending on how the patient cares for it.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

To extend the life of your dental bridge, you must:

1- Brush your teeth – Twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.

2- Floss – Since the dental bridge is a single device, it doesn’t have a space between the pontic and the crowns on each side. You may use other devices, such as water flossers, or discuss with your dental professional the best way of removing dental plaque and food debris around the dental bridge. 

3- Avoid sugary foods – Even though a dental bridge cannot develop a cavity, the tooth underneath can. Sugar is the enemy of teeth; hence, reducing its consumption is the wise thing to do. 

What to Expect from the Procedure?

Your dental professional will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, they will shave down the adjacent teeth to the gap to make room for the dental crowns. They will take a mold of your mouth, and a dental technician will create the piece.

In the meantime, you will wear a temporary dental bridge. 

When it’s ready, you will visit a dental office for the fitting and cementing. They are permanent, which means you may not remove them.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have any other questions regarding dental bridges, you may contact our dental clinic. We have a team of caring experts looking forward to helping you restore your smile for better life quality.