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Implant-Supported Dentures Are a Full Mouth Reconstruction Solution

Implant-supported dentures for a full mouth reconstruction is the dental process of replacing or rebuilding all your teeth. Whether the teeth are damaged, missing or decayed, getting implant-supported dentures is an option when you want to have a smile you can be proud of.

Considering implant-supported dentures for a full mouth reconstruction

Implant-supported dentures are a great option for replacing teeth during a full mouth reconstruction. When a person has no support from either the teeth or dentures, it can lead to a face that sags. This makes them appear aged more than their years. Having these dentures can provide a patient with a natural-looking smile. Additionally, it provides the ability to chew and speak better.

More stability

Once the surgery is complete, and the implant-supported dentures are in place, there is none of the normal slipping and sliding that come from conventional dentures. Chewing foods like a well-done steak, can become possible once more because the new implants actually replace the missing tooth roots. The implants become a stable base for the dentures to attach to.

The surgery to place the dental implants begins with numbing the area. Then, the dentist places the posts through small gum incisions into the jawbone. The number of posts placed will be dependent on the specific type of dentures used. It can take up to six months to heal. When it does, the dental implants will be bonded to the bone, providing an even sturdier base.

More convenience

Because of the way the new dentures are secured in the mouth, it makes routine oral hygiene habits simple. A person with these dentures can continue to brush and floss daily with no problems. It should be said, though, that these maintenance techniques are very important for a person’s continued oral health. This is especially true when it comes to dental implants and their dentures.

Gum disease can be a big problem because it can lead to gum recession. This means the soft tissue can begin to pull away from the implant posts. For most people, dental implant failure is not normal. The person can continue to use the new dentures for a long time. Make sure to keep all scheduled dentist appointments.

The jawbone can become healthier

Jaw health is an important part of oral health, especially with implant-supported dentures. When the artificial teeth come together, a small shockwave will be sent out to the surrounding bone tissue. This will stimulate the regeneration of the bone and replace the cells lost during everyday life. When there are no teeth or dentures to send this signal, the shape of the jaw may begin to change. Additionally, the bone itself could begin to move away from any remaining tooth roots, leading to extra loss of teeth.

Reconstruct missing teeth with these implant-supported dentures

If you are considering a full mouth reconstruction, make sure that you take a good, long look at implant-supported dentures. This option could be the solution that you have been trying to find. Convenience, stability and helpful to your jawbone — this is something to discuss with your dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://mitchellvillefamilydentistry.com or call Mitchellville Family Dentistry at (301) 202-3499 for an appointment in our Glenn Dale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Why Do I Need a Crown on My Tooth After a Root Canal?

When a root canal is essential to preserve your teeth and oral health, your dentist has the knowledge and tools to help. This multi-step process can take place over two or three appointments. Still, the procedure should be mostly pain-free and comfortable. Your dentist will work hard to do an effective job of making it as pleasant an experience as possible. The more you understand about the process, the more likely you are to feel at ease.

Symptoms that show endodontic treatment is necessary

Many dental patients are familiar with the process of getting a cavity and what leads to this decay. There are some similar signs that would point to needing this procedure as well. A root canal will clean out severe decay and infection in the pulp chamber of the tooth. It can be helpful for people to know the symptoms of these issues. Some of these may include:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been taken away
  • Pain while chewing
  • Severe, persistent toothache
  • Inflamed, tender gums
  • Chipped or cracked teeth

Consequences of waiting

For patients who feel these effects, it is not a wise idea to put off calling a dentist for an appointment. Procrastinating endodontic treatment can lead to more significant health issues. The infection can spread through the tooth and to neighboring teeth. Eventually, the infection could go into the jaw and cause swelling in the face. These problems could develop other health conditions throughout the body if people do not act quickly and get the help they need.

How the dentist does the root canal

After diagnosing the infection and decay with the help of an examination and X-ray, the dentist will prepare the patient for the procedure. The dentist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. Next, the dentist will drill into the tooth and remove the pulp chamber. Then, the root canal professional will clean out and disinfect the area to prevent the infection from spreading. Lastly, the dentist will seal the tooth.

Including a crown

The last step of the process may include placing a crown on the tooth, though not all dentists do this. When a crown is used, it may be part of a subsequent appointment. The dentist will place a crown on the tooth if there has been damage. This will preserve the integrity and keep it strong. Often, the infection can cause fractures or cracks. The crown will help keep the tooth looking natural and functioning properly. The dentist will make sure the crown looks as close in color and appearance to the natural teeth around it.

Be proactive

It may tempt you to put off making an appointment with your dentist for endodontic work. Do not let the horror stories scare you away from coming into the office. This procedure can help preserve your teeth, take away the pain and improve your oral wellness. Call your dentist today and discuss your concerns so you can get into the office for this important treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://mitchellvillefamilydentistry.com or call Mitchellville Family Dentistry at (301) 202-3499 for an appointment in our Glenn Dale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

How Does a Dental Crown Protect Your Tooth?

A dental crown can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues. Also called caps, these are tooth-like shells that are used to encase an entire tooth. It serves multiple functions: protecting the tooth from further decay and restoring its appearance.

Issues that crowns are often used to fix:

  • Chipped, broken or cracked teeth
  • Badly discolored teeth
  • Severely decayed teeth
  • Infected teeth
  • Short teeth
  • Gaps between teeth

How a dental crown protects a tooth

Here are ways that a crown protects the wearer’s tooth from further damage:

1. It keeps away things that can damage the tooth

A dental crown protects teeth by keeping them safe from all the irritants in the mouth. Saliva, bacteria, food particles and acids are responsible for most of the dental issues people develop. Since the crown fully encases the tooth, these substances cannot reach the affected tooth to cause more damage.

For example, acids in the mouth are responsible for the vast majority of tooth decay. Some of these acids get into the mouth via the things a person eats, while others are produced by oral bacteria. These acids eat away at the protective outer layer of tooth (enamel), leaving the more sensitive parts of a tooth exposed.

2. It reinforces the tooth and protects it from bite forces

A crown also protects one’s teeth from the forces involved in chewing. This is particularly important if the tooth has already been damaged. A crown restores the structural integrity and function of the tooth, allowing the patient to chew and speak with the damaged tooth as they have always done.

3. It holds the tooth together

When a tooth is protected with a cap, any fragmented parts of the tooth are held in place by the crown. This prevents the tooth from breaking into small pieces over time. It makes dental crowns an effective way to fix teeth that have fragmented into multiple pieces.

What to expect when getting a crown

There is not much to getting a dental crown. It starts with an evaluation, during which the dentist examines the patient and their oral issues. If the dentist determines a crown is the best solution, the patient’s tooth will be prepared. This might involve removing a portion of enamel to make sure the crown holds tightly onto the remainder of the tooth.

An impression of the patient’s mouth is taken, and this is sent to a dental lab that makes crowns. It takes about two weeks for the prosthetic to be ready. The dentist will usually fit the patient with a temporary crown and send them on their way.

Once the crown is ready, the patient is called back for an appointment, during which the temporary crown is taken out and the permanent one installed.

Need a crown?

Stop by our Glenn Dale office if you are dealing with a dental problem that requires the use of a crown.

Request an appointment here: https://mitchellvillefamilydentistry.com or call Mitchellville Family Dentistry at (301) 202-3499 for an appointment in our Glenn Dale office.

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5 Ways to Help You Adjust to Clear Aligners

Clear aligners can help patients achieve a smile they are proud of by straightening misaligned teeth. However, adjusting to life with clear aligners can be difficult as they can feel strange at first and cause some discomfort as the teeth begin to shift into the proper position.

5 Ways to make life with clear aligners easier

You can make a smooth transition into life with clear aligners by making the necessary lifestyle changes. The following are five useful tips to implement in order to ensure your adjustment to clear aligners does not cause increased discomfort or take longer than necessary.

1. Wear them often

Perhaps the most important tip to follow when adjusting to clear aligners is to wear them as much as possible. Clear aligners are removable, which means you are likely to be tempted to take them out when there is discomfort, but the more you wear them the faster you can get past the initial discomfort and become more comfortable wearing them.

2. Eat a proper diet

One of the benefits of clear aligners is being able to eat certain foods that would otherwise be off limits with braces, but there are certain foods that may cause increased discomfort during the adjustment period. In order to minimize discomfort for the first few weeks after getting your clear aligners, stick to eating foods that are soft and easy to chew.

3. Exercise your mouth

The natural inclination for many when discomfort exists because of clear aligners is to rest the mouth and not do anything to cause irritation. While, of course, avoiding increased irritation is generally a good rule, it is important to exercise the mouth as much as possible to keep the teeth and jaw comfortable as they adjust to their new position.

4. Use a pain reliever

Pain relief medication is likely to be your best friend when adjusting to life with clear aligners. Many patients have reported a reduced amount of soreness and pain when taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. With that said, it is important not to become reliant on the medication and avoid taking more than what is recommended by your orthodontist.

5. Start wearing them at night

An effective trick that most patients do not think about is to wear the clear aligners for the first time at night, rather than once your orthodontist gives them to you. The soreness is likely to start after the first few hours of wearing them, and it can make work and other activities difficult. By wearing them for the first time while you sleep, adjusting to them can become a little easier.

Talk to an orthodontist about clear aligners

Clear aligners are a great way to straighten misaligned teeth and gain a more attractive smile that you can be proud of and want to show off every day. If you are interested in clear aligners and want to learn more about how they can help you, consult with us today and let us guide you through the consultation process.

Request an appointment here: https://mitchellvillefamilydentistry.com or call Mitchellville Family Dentistry at (301) 202-3499 for an appointment in our Glenn Dale office.

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Reasons to Visit an Emergency Dentist Now

Understand the importance of seeking emergency dental care in various situations, ensuring timely treatment for dental emergencies and preventing potential complications.

The five most common reasons for emergency dentist visits:

1. Lost tooth

Somehow a candidate for emergency care has managed to knock out a tooth. Whether it’s the result of a sports injury or because of decay, when a tooth is lost, that person has become a candidate for emergency dental care. If the tooth is salvageable, then it can be reattached to the socket, but this must be done within an hour or two.

2. Chipped tooth

A chipped tooth is a universal dental emergency. Small chips can be created by food (nuts and chicken bones have sent many people to the dentist); nevertheless, it’s usually some kind of injury or accident that causes a chip. While a person might be embarrassed to walk around with a chip in a front tooth, it is easily fixed with a crown, bond or veneer.

3. Broken tooth

A broken tooth is more serious than a chipped tooth. When a tooth breaks, it might be due to a tiny or hidden chip. Nevertheless, chances are the discomfort and pain will be more severe.

4. Something stuck

It might seem funny, but getting a piece of food lodged in the wrong place can cause a dental emergency. If something gets stuck deep in a crevice, it can cause inflammation and pain.

5. Lost filling

The loss of a filling happens more frequently than a person thinks. When someone loses a filling, they need to receive emergency care. If this does not occur, further damage could incur to the tooth.

Let’s discuss when to see an emergency dentist

The assistance of an emergency dentist is vital for some instances of dental trauma. As an example, there is no sense seeing a regular dentist if you have nearly unbearable oral pain resulting from teeth being knocked out from a car accident, sports injury or slip or fall.  Professional assistance from an emergency dentist is vital to alleviate the pain, restore the mouth’s functionality and ensure the patient does not end up with a smile they are hesitant to show off in front of others.  Failing to obtain treatment for the oral health challenges outlined above will of cause the conditions to worsen and may require intense therapy in the coming weeks, months or even years.

When there is an injury to the teeth or mouth, seeking emergency care as soon as possible is essential. In the event of a suspected emergency, don’t wait. Contact an emergency dentist right away.

Request an appointment here: https://mitchellvillefamilydentistry.com or call Mitchellville Family Dentistry at (301) 202-3499 for an appointment in our Glenn Dale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.