Losing teeth can happen for various reasons such as aging, decay, gum disease, or injury. However, just because you lose a tooth doesn’t mean you need to live with gaps in your smile. It’s important to seek prompt dental treatment to prevent issues such as shifting teeth, difficulty speaking, or sagging facial muscles. Dentures are one of the best solutions to restore your smile. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in selecting the right dentures for your needs.
Choosing a Qualified Dentist
The first step in the denture process is ensuring you have a skilled and experienced dentist. While most general dentists offer dentures as part of their services, you may also choose a prosthodontist, a specialist in restorative dentistry. Regardless of the professional you choose, it’s essential that you feel confident in their ability to provide dentures that will meet your specific needs and goals.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures, each suited to different situations:
- Full Dentures – These replace all the teeth in one arch (upper or lower). Made of acrylic, full dentures mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth and offer comfort when properly fitted.
- Partial Dentures – These are used when only one or a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures consist of a dental arch and are made from acrylic, metal, or plastic. They are secured in place using clips that attach to remaining teeth.
- Permanent Dentures – These are fixed in place and do not require removal for cleaning. Though they are the most costly option, permanent dentures provide the greatest ease and convenience.
Choosing the Right Color
Dentures come in a variety of shades of white, so you can select a color that matches your natural teeth. Be cautious when choosing a shade that’s too bright, as it may look unnatural compared to the rest of your teeth. Your dentist will assist you in selecting a color that complements your smile and overall appearance.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Sicklerville dental office.
Are you or someone in your family missing a single tooth due to an accident, infection, or fracture? If you are missing a single tooth for any reason, a single tooth dental implant can replace both the natural tooth and its root. The best, long-term option for restoring a single missing tooth is a dental implant fitted with a crown.
To place the implant, a small titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. This anchor provides a “root” for the placement of the implant that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. These “anchors” are extremely compatible with bone and attach to the jawbone and gums to become a base for the crown. A temporary tooth can be placed while the dental implant integrates with your natural bone to form a foundation for a crown. Once the implant has fused to the bone, the final step in the treatment is the placement of the permanent crown onto the dental implant.
One of the advantages of a dental implant is that it allows you to replace a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. Other treatments, such as bridges, require the adjacent teeth to be ground down to support the appliance. Grinding down the teeth damages tooth enamel and structure. Also, a single implant can be more aesthetically pleasing and easier to keep clean than a bridge.
It is of vital importance to replace even one missing tooth, as leaving it untreated can cause bone loss, compromised chewing ability, as well as an unattractive smile. If you have one missing tooth, or a tooth that needs to be removed due to damage or decay, the best and most natural option is a single tooth dental implant.
We offer single tooth dental implants in Sicklerville.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Located at the very back of the mouth, these teeth often require special attention to determine if they are properly positioned and healthy. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom teeth and their removal:
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they cause:
- Pain or discomfort
- Infections or gum inflammation
- Cysts or damage to the jawbone
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or harm to nearby teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist for an evaluation.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space for them to emerge properly. They may grow at odd angles, even horizontally, and can remain trapped within the jawbone. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted teeth can lead to severe oral health problems, so dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they fully develop or become impacted.
Are there subtle reasons for wisdom teeth removal?
Even if wisdom teeth aren’t causing immediate issues, they may still pose risks in the future. Dentists frequently advise removing wisdom teeth in teens or young adults to prevent complications as they age. Additionally, wisdom teeth may be removed as part of broader orthodontic, periodontal, or restorative treatment plans.
What happens if I don’t remove them?
In some cases, dentists take a “wait and see” approach, monitoring wisdom teeth over time. If there is enough room for them to emerge properly and they remain healthy, removal might not be necessary. However, ongoing dental checkups are crucial to ensure they don’t cause problems later in life.
For expert advice and care, contact our dental office for a consultation on wisdom teeth removal. Protect your oral health by staying proactive!
Understanding and Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious problem, and you should treat it as soon as possible by following your dentist’s recommendations. Also known as periodontal disease, it has several treatments depending on the severity of the issue.
Initial Steps to Address Gum Disease
Your first course of action is to completely revamp your oral hygiene habits. Daily flossing and brushing after meals are essential habits to develop. You must have a clean mouth before you go to bed. If you smoke, it’s important to quit, as your oral health depends on it.
If you haven’t been keeping up with regular professional checkups and cleanings, now is the time to start again. Long-term gum health is greatly impacted by the plaque, tartar, food debris, and bacteria left on teeth. Hardened calculus, or calcified plaque, can be removed using a process called scaling, which may require local anesthesia.
Evaluating Progress
Your dentist will monitor your progress to see if your gum tissue is recovering. If you respond well to treatment, gum disease may be managed with these initial steps alone. However, for more severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary.
Advanced Treatment Options
Surgical procedures can regenerate and repair soft gum tissue as well as hard tissues such as bone or teeth. Your oral surgeon will aim to reduce or eliminate gum pockets—open areas beneath the gum line—improving gum-to-tooth attachment. The goal is to restore normal oral functions and aesthetic appearance.
Sedation Options
For patients undergoing oral surgery to treat gum disease, various sedation dentistry options are available, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, or conscious oral sedation. Discuss your options with your oral surgeon to determine the best choice for your specific needs.
Act Now
Don’t delay in treating gum disease. Take the necessary steps to ensure a lifetime of better oral hygiene and gum health.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Drain is accepting new patients from Sicklerville and the surrounding area.
When your appearance affects your confidence due to flaws in your smile, dental veneers can completely transform your life. The process is simple, and in just a few visits to your dentist, you’ll have a beautiful, brand-new smile.
Getting dental veneers is painless. Your dentist will take impressions of your natural teeth, and the mold is sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom-made for you. The thin shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, are bonded to the fronts of your teeth, hiding various imperfections.
There are many reasons patients consider veneers to enhance their smile. Here are some common reasons:
- Stains: Severely discolored or stained teeth may not respond to teeth whitening treatments, or the results might not be enough. With veneers, you and your dentist can choose the exact shade of white you desire, achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.
- Chips: Chipped or cracked teeth are easily covered with veneers. The damaged portion is supplemented, and the hard veneer coating protects the weakened tooth from further damage.
- Misalignment: If braces or other orthodontic treatments didn’t work for you, or you wish to avoid a lengthy and sometimes embarrassing process, veneers can make your smile appear straight and perfect. Uneven or crooked teeth can affect your self-esteem, but veneers will make you proud to smile.
- Gaps: Large gaps between your teeth can be upsetting, sometimes requiring invasive treatments like dental implants. Veneers can help cover these gaps, giving you an even smile without the pain or long recovery time.
While veneers may not address every dental issue, many common imperfections can be corrected with this easy and quick solution. Ask your dentist if veneers are right for you.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Sicklerville dental office.
Root canal therapy addresses the tooth’s interior. A crucial final step is placing a permanent restoration to protect the tooth and restore its full form and function. This should be done within one month of the root canal to minimize the risk of re-infection or tooth breakage. A permanent restoration significantly improves the long-term success of the root canal by preventing leakage and fractures.
The best type of restoration—either a filling or a crown—depends on the treated tooth’s condition and the amount of lost tooth structure. For small cavities in front teeth with minimal structural loss, a tooth-colored filling may suffice after the root canal.
However, a dental crown is often the recommended restoration for a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Because these teeth can be weakened, a crown offers superior protection against bacterial contamination and fracture. Fabricated in a lab and custom-fitted, crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination. Suitable for both front and back teeth, crowns are particularly important for molars that endure significant chewing pressure.
Restoring a root canal-treated tooth with a crown or permanent filling is essential for the treatment’s long-term success. If you experience symptoms of a damaged or diseased tooth, a timely root canal and appropriate restoration can preserve the tooth and its function for many years.
Do you live in Sicklerville or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
