Dental implants are an excellent solution for individuals who have lost teeth due to decay or damage. With this treatment, an artificial tooth root is surgically placed into your jawbone to support crowns and dentures. If you’re considering dental implants, you may have several questions and concerns:
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Implants are suitable for most individuals after adolescence, once bone growth is complete.
Is implant surgery painful?
No, the procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia in your dentist’s office, so there should be minimal discomfort.
How long does it take to place dental implants?
The procedure generally takes less than an hour, depending on the number of implants being placed.
What is the recovery process like after a dental implant procedure?
Recovery is typically quick and straightforward. Any discomfort is usually minimal and can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications. Most patients return to their normal activities the next day.
How long does it take before I receive my new teeth?
The implants need time to fuse with the jawbone, a process that can take up to six months. During this period, temporary teeth may be provided. The exact treatment time will vary based on your specific needs.
Is caring for my implants difficult?
Caring for dental implants is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups are all that’s needed to maintain your implants.
How long will my implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last for many decades.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, when placed in suitable candidates, dental implants are a safe and low-risk restoration option.
Overall, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Sicklerville dental office.
If you’re unhappy with your smile, porcelain veneers might be a solution that you’re considering. These thin shells are placed over your teeth to make them whiter, straighter, and more appealing. Here are some facts that address some of the myths about porcelain veneers to help you make a better choice.
Myth: Large portions of your teeth must be removed when applying veneers.
Fact: Only a very small layer of your teeth needs to be removed so that veneers can be bonded onto them. The amount removed is usually as thin as a contact lens.
Myth: Porcelain veneers do not look natural.
Fact: When properly attached to your teeth, veneers become part of your mouth structure and are virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth. They also feel like your natural teeth.
Myth: Getting veneers is very painful.
Fact: Preparing your teeth for veneers is not painful because the dentist usually uses a topical anesthetic to relieve any discomfort. Having a model made of your mouth and then having the veneers bonded to your teeth are painless steps in the process. You might experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods initially after getting veneers, but that sensation dissipates within a few days.
Myth: Veneers are so expensive that only the rich can afford them.
Fact: Many dentists offer porcelain veneers, so the costs have decreased as popularity has increased. Dental veneers are not just for celebrities.
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.
Dental Implants: Benefits and Risks in [Sicklerville]
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering numerous benefits for both function and appearance. However, like any surgical procedure, there are also some potential risks to consider. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, here’s what you need to know:
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Appearance: Dental implants blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a realistic and attractive smile.
- Comfort: Implants function just like your natural teeth, offering comfort and ease in daily activities such as eating and speaking.
- Support: Implants provide structural support to your jaw, preventing a “caved-in” appearance and preserving a youthful look.
- Sensitivity: Many patients report reduced tooth and gum sensitivity after receiving dental implants.
- Adjacent Teeth: Unlike dental bridges, implants do not affect or require alterations to neighboring teeth, preserving their health.
- Durability: Implants are a long-lasting solution, typically requiring only one surgery. Even if the crown needs replacing, it can be done without additional surgery.
- Speech: Implants restore your ability to speak clearly and naturally, unlike dentures that may shift.
- TMJ Health: Replacing missing teeth helps prevent jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
- Bone Loss Prevention: The titanium posts of implants fuse with your jawbone, preventing bone loss and gum recession over time.
Risks of Dental Implants
- Infection: Without proper oral hygiene, gum and tissue infections can occur. Following all recovery and care instructions is essential.
- Failed Integration: In some cases, the implant does not properly fuse with the jawbone, leading to discomfort or looseness. If this happens, the implant will need to be removed and replaced after the area has healed.
- Sinus Problems: If implants are placed in the back of the upper jaw, they may affect your sinuses, requiring additional surgery like sinus augmentation.
- Nerve or Tissue Damage: Though rare, implants can cause nerve or blood vessel damage, leading to pain, tingling, swelling, or numbness. This is typically avoidable with a skilled dentist or oral surgeon.
Choosing the Right Dental Implant Specialist
To minimize risks and ensure the best outcome, it’s crucial to choose an experienced and qualified dental implant dentist in [Sicklerville]. A skilled professional will guide you through the process, ensuring a successful treatment and a beautiful, lasting result.
We offer dental implants for missing teeth at our Sicklerville dental office.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and the last adult teeth to erupt into the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the bottom and two on top. Many people do not have enough room for these molars to emerge completely, causing them to become impacted in the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and disease. Other dental problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth include pain, damage to surrounding teeth, and bite alignment issues. For these reasons, your dentist may recommend having the impacted teeth removed to prevent future problems.
Surgery to extract an impacted wisdom tooth or set of wisdom teeth is usually an outpatient procedure done in your dentist or oral surgeon’s office. If the tooth or surrounding area are deemed to have an infection prior to the procedure, surgery will be delayed, and your dental professional will likely prescribe antibiotics to help heal the area.
On the day of surgery, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area where the extracted tooth will be removed. Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist or oral surgeon may also utilize a general anesthetic.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, an incision will be made to open up the gum and any bone blocking the tooth will be removed. Your dentist or surgeon will then separate the tissue connecting the bone to the tooth and extract the tooth. Some teeth are too large to remove in one piece, in which case your surgeon will cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches and packed with gauze to help alleviate bleeding.
Long-term complications from impacted wisdom tooth surgery are rare. To ensure a successful recovery from this or any oral surgery, be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
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.
Your third molars, or wisdom teeth, are typically the last to emerge in your mouth. Some people may not even have them come through at all. Whether or not they erupt, wisdom teeth can cause problems if there isn’t enough space for them. If they become impacted, removal becomes even more critical.
Your dentist will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth through regular check-ups and X-rays, and may recommend extraction if there are signs they could lead to complications. Some dentists suggest removal even if the wisdom teeth aren’t impacted, as they can be hard to clean and more prone to decay. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become infected, which may require urgent medical attention. Symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth include:
- Pain in the tooth and gums
- Gum bleeding
- Gum inflammation
- Swelling in the face and jaw
- Headaches
- Bad breath
If your dentist recommends wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important not to delay the procedure, as it’s better to remove them before complications arise. Typically, you’ll be referred to an oral surgeon for the extraction. If only one tooth needs removal, local anesthesia may suffice. However, removing multiple wisdom teeth usually requires general anesthesia and is considered a day surgery, allowing you to go home afterward.
It’s crucial to follow your dentist’s post-surgery instructions to avoid complications. You may need to rest for a day or two, apply ice or heat for comfort, and be careful if stitches are involved. Your dentist will also provide guidance on which foods to eat during recovery. By following these instructions, you can expect to return to your normal routine soon and won’t have to worry about the issues wisdom teeth may cause in the future.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Sicklerville dental office.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure that many oral surgeons perform daily. While some people may fear the surgery, this is often due to misinformation or exaggerated tales. Understanding the process and recovery can help alleviate these fears.
Procedure:
The removal of wisdom teeth involves the following steps:
- The gum tissue over the tooth is opened, and any bone blocking the tooth’s eruption is removed.
- The tooth is extracted, sometimes in pieces, if necessary.
- In some cases where bone is removed, a bone graft may be placed.
- After the extraction, dissolvable stitches are placed to close the area.
Pain-Free Experience:
Patients are given sedation or anesthesia, ensuring they do not feel pain during the procedure. Many do not recall the surgery itself, making the process more manageable than it might seem.
Recovery:
Following the procedure, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery. Here are some key points to remember:
- Post-Surgery Instructions: Have someone accompany you to the appointment to hear the instructions and ensure you avoid driving.
- Bleeding Control: Bite gently on the provided gauze at the extraction site and change it frequently. Avoid lying flat on your back, as it may increase bleeding.
- Swelling Management: Apply ice packs to your cheeks on the first day to minimize swelling.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid straws for the first few days.
- Hygiene: Do not touch the area with your fingers or tongue.
- Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
By closely following your surgeon’s instructions, you can minimize risks and recover quickly. Remember, most patients experience only mild discomfort for a few days, making wisdom tooth extraction a manageable procedure.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Sicklerville dental office now and experience personalized care.
