Periodontitis Disease: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Did you know that periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? The condition affects the periodontium and the supporting tissues, bones and ligaments around the teeth. When left to progress, it causes the alveolar bone in the jaw area to degenerate and eventually results to tooth loss. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and other secondary health conditions.

The term periodontitis means having inflammation around the tooth. it is the name given to the advanced stage of periodontal disease and is sometimes also called gum disease. And although it often goes on unnoticed or with very subtle symptoms, the obvious indicator is when the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can hide.

Causes

Ordinarily, your mouth is packed with different types of bacteria, both good and bad. When you clean your teeth through brushing and flossing regularly, you reduce the growth and build-up of harmful bacteria. However, if you have poor oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth multiplies and forms a substance known as plaque on the teeth’s surface. If the plaque is not removed it turns to tartar which is much more difficult to reduce through brushing. Tartar encourages more bacteria growth especially toward the roots of the teeth. The body’s immune system then responds by causing the gums to become inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. Over time, the inflammation disrupts the attachment of the gum to the root, causing a gap known as a periodontal pocket to form. If untreated, toxic anaerobic bacteria inhabit the pockets and releases toxins that can damage the teeth, gums and supporting bone structure.

Risk Factors

Besides poor oral hygiene, other factors that can contribute to periodontal disease include:

  • Hormonal changes such during pregnancy, monthly periods and at menopause that make gums more sensitive
  • Illnesses that interfere with the immune system such as HIV, cancer and diabetes
  • Certain medications that reduce flow of saliva in the mouth thus limiting its protective effect on teeth and gums
  • Smoking
  • Family history of the condition.

Diagnosis

The dentists at KK Dental in New Jersey recommend that you go for regular dental check-ups in order to catch any signs of periodontitis early. Since plaque and tartar form the foundation for the disease, if present, your teeth will be professionally cleaned to remove these substances. A tiny ruler-like instrument called a prone is then used to measure any pockets on the gums. Dental x-rays may also be taken to evaluate the condition of your jaw bone. If need be, you will be referred to a periodontist for proper diagnosis and testing and treatment. There are various stages of periodontitis and once an assessment has been made, you will know what phase you are in the complexity of treatment needed.

Treatment

The objective of periodontal treatment is to get rid of bacteria from the pockets around the teeth so that there is no further damage of the bone and tissues.

  • Non-Surgical Treatments
  • Used in the initial and mid stages of gum disease.

    • Scaling: Gets rid of tartar and bacteria from the tooth’s surface and beneath the gums.
    • Root Planing: This procedure smoothens the root surface to discourage buildup of bacteria and tartar. It also eliminates bacterial by-products play a role in the inflammation of the gums as well as delayed healing.
    • Antibiotics: You may be prescribed topical or oral antibiotics to kill the infection-causing bacteria.
  • Surgical Treatments
  • For advanced periodontitis, surgical intervention is needed.

    • Flap Surgery: It is done in order to reduce the size of periodontal pockets or to remove calculus hiding in the pockets. Involves lifting the gums to remove the tartar and the suturing them back in place.
    • Bone and Soft Tissue Grafts: These are procedures aimed at regenerating destroyed gum tissue or bone. Natural or synthetic materials are used.
    • Guided Tissue Regeneration: This is the use of barrier membranes to direct new bone and tissue to grow at certain points where they are missing. The procedure repairs defects caused by the disease.
    • Tissue-Stimulating Proteins: A diseased tooth is coated in a special gel that contains the same proteins present in tooth enamel, which encourages growth of healthy bone and tissue
  • Home remedies

The best home remedy for periodontitis is to practice good dental hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice every day with each session lasting for 2 minutes. Also floss daily and if possible, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Seeing the dentist at least once a year for regular check-up and professionally cleaning will also help control periodontitis. If you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting.

How To Manage Dental Appointments During Covid-19 Pandemic

When you have carved out a routine for yourself to care for your teeth, it can be hard to abandon the habits. As things are today, habits do not suffice as a reason enough to break curfew or lockdown measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm putting many things to a halt, including dental services.

If you had an oral appointment booked in for the month, it can be disheartening to learn that you will miss it. However, since your safety and that of the people around you matter more, there is no reason you can’t hold back yourself from increasing the risk of spreading the virus.  

​Is it Dangerous to Go for Dental Visits During Covid-19?

Dental facilities across the nation and in many parts of the world have been closed off. This means that going into a dental facility is not as safe as it used to be before the Corona-virus. However, at KK Dental, we only open up for patients with dental emergencies. Therefore, if you do not have a pressing and urgent dental problem, consider it dangerous to visit a dentist. Only do so upon advisory by your attending dentist.

How to Care for Your Dental Health At Home

Just because you don’t get the freedom to visit your dentist as frequently as possible does not mean that you give up on your oral health. If anything, you now have the perfect opportunity to prove to your dentist that you are more than capable of maintaining your dental health. Some of the things you should be doing include:

  1. Eating healthy – home-cooked meals are the best way to get into eating healthy foods.
  2. Brush your teeth twice daily.
  3. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth
  4. Floss daily.
  5. Rinse with mouthwash.
  6. Drink plenty of water.
  7. Cut down in sugary foods.

​What Extra Precautions Can Help Provide Safe Dental Service During COVID-19?

Ultimately, the world is depending on you and me for survival during this pandemic. Anything you can do to make the world safer for you and the people around you is worth trying. When it comes to pursuing oral services, there is something you can do to make it safe:

  1. Visit your dentist only for emergencies – since everyone needs to be safe from the virus, you have no business walking into a dental facility for a regular checkup. Instead, only show up to a dental facility during oral emergencies that are urgent and severe.
  2. Call before you visit – as has been emphasized by multiple specialists, be sure to call your dentist before you go storming into his/her office. This way, the dentist will be expecting you, rather than be taken by surprise.
  3. Manage your dental needs at home – as much as possible do what you can for yourself. Even while dentists know best, they too need to be safe during this period. Therefore, if doing something by yourself at home can save you a random trip to a weekend dentist, do it. Floss and brush your teeth regularly.
  4. Be careful to avoid dental emergencies – some dental emergencies can be avoided, for example, knocking out teeth. If this happens because of an injury, then taking precautions can protect you from the impact of the injury. Besides, you can get a mouthguard and put it on when engaging in risky activities like high-contact sports.

​Oral Hygiene Measures to Decrease Personal Exposure to Coronavirus

Oral hygiene, like your overall hygiene, will play a big role in defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have been thorough with your dental hygiene before, don’t lose track. Otherwise, some of the measures to put in place during this period include:

  1. Replace your toothbrush – of the many essentials you need during the lockdown, a toothbrush is crucial. If you haven’t replaced yours for the past 3 months, be sure to do so.
  2. Disinfect your toothbrush – the toothbrush does a lot for your oral health. Giving a little back would do you more good during this period. Soak the head of the toothbrush in hot water for a few minutes to kill any bacteria.
  3. Dispose of properly – whether it is your toothbrush or that if a family member, dispose of properly. This is especially so if you have a respiratory infection, or have tested positive for Coronavirus.

Everything You Should Know About Dental Bridges

Dental restorations are a big part of dentistry, without which most treatments would not be possible. Dentists all over the world work with different dental appliances to restore patients’ smiles. A big part of tooth restorations has to do with replacing missing teeth.

In the past, dentures were known as the most popular tooth replacement options. However, with modern dentistry, there are other tooth replacement alternatives, appropriate for both front teeth and back teeth. have you heard of dental bridges? Read on to learn more about them, and their role in dentistry.

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are teeth replacement appliances. The features an artificial tooth made to replace the missing one, as well as dental crowns to hold the replacement tooth. This replacement tooth is called a pontic. The pontic is often sandwiched between two dental crowns, or one. This will depend on the type of dental bridge used.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three main types of dental bridges used in dentistry. They vary based on how they are installed. They include the following:

  • Traditional bridges – these are very common in dentistry. For oral restorations, they are the most popular, more so for the back teeth. they feature two dental crowns and a pontic. The dental crowns are used to support the pontic.
  • Cantilever bridges – these types are not as common as traditional bridges, but they are fairly popular. They are a little different from traditional bridges because they feature a single dental crown instead of two. This means that you only need support from one side of the tooth.
  • Maryland bridges – these are very distinctive from the other two. They do not require dental crowns for support. They feature a pontic bonded to metal brackets that attach to the back of the adjacent teeth for support.

Other than the three main types, there is another categorization of dental bridges. This other type of dental bridge can be used with either traditional or cantilever bridges.

  • Implant-supported dental bridges – with modern dentistry, it is now possible to replace multiple missing teeth in a row with dental bridges. This is through the help of dental implants. An implant or two are implanted in your jaw, to offer the support that would otherwise be offered by natural teeth. afterward, any of the above types of dental bridges are used.

What Is the Process of Getting Dental Bridges?

  • Trimming the enamel – the adjacent teeth that will have crowns installed are shaved. This process helps create room for the dental crowns, which cap the entire tooth.
  • Impressions of teeth – the impressions of your teeth will be taken. These are important to help generate an oral bridge that perfectly fits your mouth. Since the dental bridge takes a few weeks to create, your dentist will let off with a temporary bridge.
  • Installation – the North Brunswick, Somerset, Edison dentist installs the dental bridge on your next dental appointment. This part of the procedure involves the dental bonding process. The dentist will use special dental cement to attach the dental crowns to your adjacent teeth.

Why Choose Dental Bridges?

A fair question to ask is whether or not you need dental bridges, as opposed to other types of dental restoration appliances. Some of the benefits of dental bridges include:

  • They are convenient for single-tooth restoration – dentures are very resourceful for full-mouth restorations, as well as multiple missing teeth in a row. However, dental bridges are the best for replacing single teeth.
  • They are not bulky – since dental bridges only contain pontic and dental crowns, they are not as bulky as dentures could be.

Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is one of the painful oral diseases that target the gums. However, with home remedies and proper dental care early on, it can be reversed easily.

Remember, if your gingivitis is serious, it could take a long time to treat. Also, if you have any health condition that makes this gum disease more likely, immediately contact your dentist. Here are the natural remedies that you need to know.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is due to plaque build-up in the teeth. The plaque is made up of food debris, bacteria, and mucus. Other main reasons for plaque accumulation include:

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Infections or systemic diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Some medicines such as birth control pills

How Do You Know if You Have Gingivitis?

Did you know gingivitis occurs in 3 out of 4 Americans during their lifetime?

Here are the signs and symptoms:

  • Gum pain
  • Tender and swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Bleeding from the gums while flossing or brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Increased oral sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and food

When to See a Dentist?

If left untreated, it can develop into a more serious form known as periodontitis, which is the big reason behind tooth loss in adults. In this case, you require periodontal treatment.

See your dentist if you have the following issues:

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Bad breath
  • Extremely swollen or inflamed gums
  • Gum bleeding

Remember, if you begin periodontal surgery early, you will get rid of it soon.

Home Remedies You Need to Know

Home remedies are an effective way to treat gingivitis. Here are the remedies that can provide quick relief from this painful condition:

Use Antibacterial Toothpaste

Anti-bacterialtoothpaste can help you get rid of plaque accumulated all day and night, long after you have completed your oral hygiene routine.

Brushing

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degangle to your gums, and brush your teeth using short circular strokes. Brush the teeth and gums for a minimum of two minutes, at least twice a day.

It’s a good idea to consider an electric toothbrush because it will give you a more in-depth cleaning, unlike a manual brush.

Make sure you do not apply too much pressure and replace your toothbrush every three months. Do not forget to brush the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

Floss Everyday

Flossing is also the best home treatment for gingivitis. It removes food particulates that can garner plaque that your toothbrush could miss.

Use floss around the middle finger of one hand. Also, wind a small piece around the middle finger of the other hand.

Now slide it all the way up and down between every tooth, and bend it into a C-shape for easy sliding between the teeth and gums.

If you are still facing gingivitis symptoms, get in contact with your savvy dentist and hygienist.

Try an FDA approved Antibacterial Mouthwash

FDA approved mouthwash also evades the bacteria and plaque hiding in those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

Get Professional Teeth Cleaning

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned by your hygienist also helps in the treatment of gingivitis. Your hygienist can identify the early signs and use the best therapy to get rid of the plaque build-up effectively.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine. It involves swishing oil around in the mouth for half an hour. It lowers harmful bacteria, eliminates toxins, and enhance overall oral health.

Avoid Consuming Sugar-Rich Foods

Do not consume foods that are high in sugar. It is because sugar promotes the growth of gingivitis-causing plaque.

The sooner you treat gingivitis, the better you will have a complete and fast recovery. The periodontists or dentists may clean your teeth and in some cases, they advise to make use of medicated mouthwash or antibiotics.

Look gums in the mirror from time to time to see changes in color and texture. If you spot any change in appearance, see your dental specialist right away.

KK Dental Center is a top-notch multi-specialty dental office that offers a broad assortment of gum treatments at affordable rates. When you choose gingivitis treatment, the savvy dentist may also call you for the extra teeth cleanings and offer further guidance on how to practice excellent oral hygiene.

The dental hygienist also teaches you how to use dental products and tools to keep your gums healthy.

Caution:

Get advice before using any home remedy if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or have any other medical condition.

Why Do You Need Periodontal Treatment?

Periodontitis which is also known as gum disease is a concerning infection that can damage the soft tissue when it is not treated and also destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Your teeth will be loosened or even lost because of periodontitis.

This is a common but entirely preventable condition and usually begins with poor oral hygiene. Brushing a couple of times every day, flossing and visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of receiving successful treatment for this condition and may also reduce your chances of developing it again.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth and are pale pink in color but if you are suffering from gum disease you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Purplish, dusky red or bright red gums.
  • Swollen or puffy gums.
  • Tenderness in the gums which bleed easily.
  • Bad breath.
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
  • Loss of teeth or loose teeth.
  • Painful chewing.
  • New gaps developing between the teeth.
  • Receding gums and a change in the alignment of your teeth when biting.

What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Gum disease begins with the plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria. When it is left untreated plaque can advance to periodontitis.

Plaque develops on your teeth when the sugars and starches from the food you have, interact with the bacteria that are present in the mouth. Brushing twice a day and flossing can eliminate bacteria but plaque can form again quickly.

When plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth it can harden into tartar under your gum line. Tartar is more difficult to remove and is populated with bacteria. The longer the combination remains on your teeth to greater damage they can do. Brushing and flossing will not help to get rid of tartar and you need a professional dental cleaning for the removal.

Plaque also causes gingivitis which is the mildest form of gum disease. It is an irritation and inflammation of your gum tissue around the base of your teeth. Gingivitis can easily be reversed with professional treatment and good oral hygiene at home.

Periodontitis is caused by ongoing gum inflammation when pockets begin to develop between your gums and teeth and are populated with bacteria, tartar, and plaque. The pockets become deeper with time filling them with more bacteria. When they are left untreated the deep infections can cause loss of bone and tissue eventually causing you to lose one or more teeth. This chronic inflammation can also affect your immune system.

When to Visit Your Dentist for an Evaluation?

It would be great if you can maintain your regular dental checkups as recommended by your dentist. If you observe any signs or symptoms of periodontitis you should be making an appointment right away because the sooner you obtain the treatment the better it will be to reverse the damage from this condition. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist who is a specialist in treating problems with the gums.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Periodontal treatment may be provided by your dentist or even a dental hygienist. The objective of the treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets on the teeth and prevent any damage from affecting the surrounding bone. If your condition hasn’t advanced less invasive procedures may be used during periodontal treatment. The treatments may include:

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling can remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your tooth and below the gums. It is performed either by using dental instruments, ultrasonic devices or lasers.

Root planing smooths the surfaces of the root to discourage the additional buildup of tartar and bacteria and also removes any byproducts of the bacteria that can contribute to inflammation, delay healing, or reattachment of the gum and tooth surfaces.

You may also be provided with topical and oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infections.

If your condition is at an advanced stage you may be recommended flap surgery for effective scaling and root planing. If periodontitis can cause bone loss, periodontal treatment can recontour the underlying bone before the gum tissue is stitched back in place. After you recover from this therapy it will be easier to clean these areas and maintain healthy gum tissue.

Gum disease can be prevented simply by maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular checkups. However, if you have let it advance you must undergo the treatment spoken about in this discussion to gain control over the infection.

All about Dental Crowns

There are a lot of people who have weakened their natural teeth due to accidents. There are several ways of fixing this problem, each with its pros and cons. One of the most used methods is dental crowns.

There are millions of people in the States alone who use dental crowns to replace their missing teeth or strengthen weakened teeth. This article will help you understand all about dental crowns.

What is Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a dental cap that is applied over the crown of someone’s tooth to provide it with additional strength. A dental cap can also be used to replace a missing tooth. Dental crowns are used to cover dental implants, and they can help those teeth made of artificial materials last for a longer time.

Other purposes of dental crowns include, restore broken teeth, cover as well as support teeth with large tooth fillings. The crowns can also cover severely misshaped teeth and can be used for cosmetic reasons.

Both adults and children can use crowns. In most cases, children’s crowns are made of stainless steel, and they usually come out on their own after permanent teeth have developed. They can help protect a child’s teeth from decay. Talk to your dentist and discuss the proceedings of the treatment for your child.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of crowns, and the one right for you depends on your taste and affordability. These crowns are made of different materials, and we will discuss that in a moment.

Temporary Crowns

These crowns are made in the dentist’s office, and they are to be used until the permanent ones are ready. You can even find a One Day Crown in this category. A crown that you will wear for a day and come for the permanent crown the next day. You will be given a few instructions on how to take good care of the temporary crowns

Permanent Crowns

Permanent crowns are the ones made to provide support to weakened teeth or replace missing ones. They usually come at different prices since they are made of different materials. The quality of a permanent crown largely depends on the material used.

Materials Used in Crowns

When it comes to crowns, you’ll find different materials. Let’s have a quick look at the most common materials used in dental crowns.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a prevalent material when it comes to making temporary crowns. Kids’ crowns are made of stainless steel. An adult can also use a stainless crown as he waits for a permanent crown to be made from another material.

A stainless steel crown usually covers the whole tooth and protects it against decay and infections. Stainless steel crowns are very comfortable, and they don’t require many visits to a dental clinic for checkups. It is no wonder they are perfect for kids.

Metal

Metal is another material used to make dental crowns. This material is highly recommended since it is very durable, and it provides enough strength to the weakened teeth. Crowns made of metal can either be made of platinum, gold, or base-metal alloy. A base metal alloy is, for example, nickel-chromium alloy.

Metal crowns don’t wear off easily, and they can withstand chewing and biting. They rarely break, and they last the longest. The only problem is the color of the metal is always visible. They are probably best for back teeth.

Resin

Dental crowns made of all resin are less expensive. The problem is they are very vulnerable, and they easily break. They last the shortest time.

Ceramic or Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain crowns function the same. They easily match the color of your teeth, and they are effortless to take care of. If you are allergic to metal, all-ceramic crowns are the perfect alternative. Since they match the color of your teeth, they can be used for front teeth. They are more durable than resin crowns.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

These crowns also match the color of your teeth. They are stronger than the ones made of just porcelain or ceramic. The only problem is with time porcelain wears out, and metal starts to show. They are a good choice for both back and front teeth.

KK Dental

Are you looking for a dentist in Somerset, North Brunswick, or Edison? If you are, KK Dental is the right place to be. We provide the best in-house treatment, and you can count on our expertise. We are open even in the evenings, and you can visit us during the weekends with an emergency. We offer discounts to our new patients! Welcome, all!

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Our permanent teeth are strong and designed to last for a lifetime. However, due to factors such as decay and accidents, the teeth may need to be extracted by an oral surgeon. It is important to note that extraction is not a general dental procedure. At KK Dental we perform teeth removal as a last resort when the teeth can’t be salvaged using other dental treatments.

When Do We Recommend Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction in adults is at times inevitable especially if you have any of the following dental problems:

  • Overcrowding can occur when the upper and lower jaw overlap or when you don’t have enough space in your mouth. Our dentist can recommend teeth pulling in preparation for orthodontia– a procedure done to align the teeth.
  • Impacted wisdom is the primary reason why we perform a tooth extraction. The wisdom teeth are the last to set in and sometimes they may become entrapped under the jaw. Tooth extraction is ideal not only because the wisdom causes pain, but also because they can affect your dental structure.
  • Dental decay can affect the pulp and teeth creating the need for an extraction. We primarily perform the root canal procedure to get rid of decay and infection. However, when the teeth are severely damaged, we can extract the teeth to save the dental structure.
  • Broken teeth can also require extraction if the structure, roots, and nerves beneath the teeth are severely damaged.
  • Periodontal diseases can cause teeth to weaken or loosen making tooth extraction procedures necessary.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The extraction process is different depending on the severity of the dental problem. The procedure can either be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are straightforward and easily performed. The dentist will numb the gum with local anesthesia and using special pliers the teeth will be pulled. The dentist will then sanitize and stitch the gums to facilitate healing. These stitches disintegrate over time and don’t need another dental procedure.

Surgical extractions are more complicated and done on impacted wisdom teeth. Because of the complexity of the procedure, the dentist will give you IV sedation.

How Long Will the Gum Take to Heal?

Though the healing time will depend on the type of surgery and the location of the teeth, you should expect to recover in seven to 14 days. The recovery time at times can take longer as the bone grows in the gum.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

A blood clot will form in the extracted gum. The blood clot helps with healing and it is important to protect it. If the blood clot dislodges or breaks, it can expose the gum causing dry socket. Not only will it affect the healing process, but the socket can also cause bad breath and pain.

It is normal to feel slight discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Furthermore, you will have swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after the extraction. The bleeding will clear up on its own, however, if it doesn’t stop four hours after the procedure calls our dentist immediately.

Also watch out for infection symptoms, redness, excessive discharge, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, coughs, or chest pain.

What Can You Do to Promote Gum Healing Speed Up the Healing Time?

Aftercare will affect your healing time, so follow the dentist’s instructions. Here are a few tips:

  • Take pain relievers
  • Use ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Use saline water to rinse of the gum
  • Don’t use a straw to avoid breaking the blood clot
  • Elevate the head to stop bleeding
  • Eat foods that require less chewing
  • Brush and floss your teeth as you normally do, but avoid the site
  • Limit activity for 24 to 48 hours

What to Do After Extraction?

When the gaps in between your teeth are left unfilled, they can cause the surrounding teeth to shift thereby weakening the structure. It is recommended to fill the spaces with veneers, bridges, or dental implants. All these dental solutions can work, so speak to the dentist on which one is suitable for you.

Are Dental Implants an Ideal Solution?

Missing teeth are frustrating and create an unsightly appearance. Not only that, but they also can weaken your teeth and dental structure. Replacing your teeth, therefore, is imperative not only for your appearance but also your dental health.

Several dental treatments are available that can replace your missing teeth from veneers to bridges. However, if you are looking for a long-term and permanent treatment, then dental implants are ideal. Yes, the implants may be costly and have a lengthy process, but they are a worthwhile investment if you are looking for durable dental solutions.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal posts made of titanium screws that act as roots, an abutment, and a crown. These screws are surgically fixed on the jawbone in a procedure that is pain-free.

Although the implants are effective, they are not for everyone. You need to be eligible for the implant surgery to be done.

  • Be 16 years and older
  • Have a healthy gum and teeth free of cavities
  • Sufficient bone density to support the implants

What Are the Different Dental Implant Types?

Several dental implant types are available and our dentist will choose suitable implants based on your dental health.

  • Endosteal implants or traditional implants are fixed into the jawbone
  • Subperiosteal implants are placed above the jawbone and are ideal for people with sufficient bone loss and don’t want a bone graft to rebuild the bone.
  • Mini dental implants can support one tooth or dentures and bridges
  • All-on-4 implants that are ideal if you are missing multiple teeth

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The dental implant procedure is done in several stages;

  1. Initial consultationOur dentist will perform a comprehensive assessment of your teeth and gums and create an ideal treatment plan.Next, the dental implants will be fixed in a procedure that lasts for one to two hours. The healing process can take seven months or longer depending on if you get a gone graft or not.

    A bone graft or augmentation is done when you have sufficient bone loss and need it rebuilt.

  2. Second appointmentThe second appointment is set after the bone has fused to the bone. The abutment or connector is placed to support the implant and crown, and your teeth impression will be taken for modeling. Finally, the dentist will fix a temporary crown to facilitate the healing of the tissues.
  3. The final appointmentThe dentist replaces the temporary crown with the permanent ones by either cementing or screwing them into the implants.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

You will feel slight pressure and discomfort, and bleeding on the first day. The bleeding should stop after 30 minutes, but if it doesn’t, you should come for an assessment and treatment.

Other symptoms include swelling, pain, and oozing, but these symptoms will clear on their own.

During the healing period, try to avoid hard, spicy, and acidic foods. Furthermore, gently brush the teeth, use saline water for rinsing the mouth, and apply ice to reduce the discomfort.

Are There Any Problems with Dental Implants?

Yes. Although dental implants are successful, there is a five percent possibility they could fail. Several factors can affect the success such as:

  • Gum disease and infection
  • Bruxism or the unconscious of the teeth
  • Loose implant because of bone loss
  • Nerve damage
  • Rejection of the implant. Though rare, your body can reject the implant if it fails to fuse properly to the bone. When the implant fails, the dentist can perform another procedure to fix them
  • Loose crown
  • Bruising from drilling

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

  • The surgery is pain-free
  • It is long-lasting if done by a certified dentist and with proper dental care.
  • The implant and the crown mimic your natural teeth and therefore are unnoticeable
  • It is easy to care for the natural teeth
  • The implants preserve your jawbone and protect your teeth

Schedule an Appointment

Dental implants offer a long term solution and can preserve both your natural teeth and jawbone. However, you need to be eligible for the procedure, so call us to schedule an appointment. We will assess and evaluate your eligibility and create a personalized treatment.

Four Great Dental Care Tips

Taking care of your teeth at home is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental problems in your day to day life. Minor issues, such as bad breath, and more serious concerns, like cavities, all have their roots in our diet, our dental hygiene practices, and how seriously we take our own oral health.

  • See your dentist at least once, but preferably twice, a year. Every six months, you could get a clean bill of health for your teeth, or you could spot a problem before it gets worse. Cleanings alone can help to prevent many problems that you could experience, from cavities to gum disease.
  • Floss, rinse. A lot of people brush their teeth, but few people choose to floss as they’re worried about damaging their gums. If you want to get that in-between clean, but don’t want to risk your sensitive gums, consider a water pick as a way to get food out safely. There are also brands of floss specifically designed for sensitive teeth.For rinses, choose those that have fluoride over those that have alcohol as the primary benefit. Fluoride-based rinses have much longer lasting benefits, whereas alcohol rinses could dry your mouth out.
  • Pick the right brush. A good brush with the right firmness of its bristles will not only help your teeth to feel clean, but can also promote healthier gums through gentle rubbing and scrubbing. In fact, choosing the firmness of your brush should come down to those that you feel comfortable brushing against your gums.
  • Never ignore a problem. If you’ve got a slight, dull ache in one of your teeth, it may be nothing serious, or it could be the early warning signs of a dental carry. If you feel uncomfortable at all, schedule an appointment for an examination.

With regular cleanings and examinations, you should be able to keep your teeth healthy, and your smile bright. For families, remember to start these great habits earlier in life; it could easily last your children well into their adult years and beyond.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Consumer Dental Whitening?

You’ve probably seen teeth whitening products at the store, and have wondered why a dentist would even bother offering whitening services when you can just pick up a whitener along with your milk and eggs. While these pastes, rinses, and films may promise results with daily use, they don’t always deliver on the same sort of stain fighting, teeth whitening power that a professional dentist can.

Whitening is performed by lifting stains out of the enamel of the teeth, revealing the healthy glow beneath them. These supermarket products usually work slowly over time to remove those stains, but not always gently. They also don’t have any information or insight into your personal habits, the shape of your teeth, and their current coloration. In otherwords, they’re more of a one size fits all solution than an actual one.

At KK Dental Center, we take the time to give your teeth a professional, thorough analysis to provide a much faster, much more effective tooth whitening procedure.

  • Results that last. Our teeth whitening services are meant to last you for quite some time, and while they aren’t permanent, they can change the shade of teeth for months after a whitening has been performed with your own daily maintenance and dental hygiene.
  • Much, much faster. A home tooth whitening kit might take weeks to even show the slightest result. A professional teeth whitening session can provide dramatic results in under an hour.
  • Safe for teeth. Not ever whitening product is the same, or even effective, but you can trust the dental specialists at KK Dental Center to provide fast, effective tooth whitening services, regardless of your current dental profile.

If you want whitening that is fast, lasting, and safe, then trust the professionals. Contact us at KK Dental Center today for an appointment, and we may be able to provide you with teeth whitening on the very same day. We also encourage you to check out information about our other cosmetic procedures and services, to get even more of a boost to your smile.

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