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Month: December 2016

Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Dental Implants

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Before you make any major life decisions, you should always ask questions, and it is no different with dental implants. Probably the first question you should ask is one that you will ask yourself: “Am I really happy with my smile?” If the answer is “No”, then the following Q&A should help you to decide if dental implants are right for you.

  1. Q: Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

A: You are if you have even one missing tooth, loose teeth, trouble chewing, or dental bridges that trap food

  1. Q: Can I have dental implants if I am a smoker?

A: Most dentists will expect you to quit smoking before doing dental implant surgery, since smoking can adversely affect your recovery.

  1. Q: Will I be sedated before the dental implants are installed?

A: This is not usually necessary. Most of the time, all that is needed is a local anesthetic, the same as with any other dental treatment. However, if you are very apprehensive, you can talk with your dentist about sedation dentistry.

  1. Q: Do all dentists offer dental implants?

A: Not all that long ago, dental implant surgery was a specialty. Today, though, most dentists offer dental implants. It does require additional training, though. Usually your dentist will have spent three to four additional years studying implant surgery.

  1. Q: How long will dental implants last?

A: If you continue to look after your oral health, your dental implants should outlast you.

  1. Q: What is the success rate for dental implants?

A: It is about 98%. When dental implants fail, it is usually because the patient is a smoker and has claimed not to be, or because the patient has not complied with the necessary aftercare.

Contact Us

Perhaps you have other questions about dental implants. If you do, just call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta at 678-624-0370. If you like, you can also type your question into the form on our Contact Us page, and we will get back to you quickly.

How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

Perhaps after reading that title, you are saying to yourself “Longer? I thought dental implants were supposed to last forever!” Well, yes, they are. The dental implant itself is made from titanium, so it will never corrode. However, it could fail. There is also the possibility of damage to the crown that covers the implant. With that in mind, it just makes sense that you should know how to protect your dental implants. Learn how to make your dental implants last longer by following our aftercare.

What Could Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Three main conditions could lead to failure of your dental implants. They are periodontal disease, trauma or a bad bite.

  1. Periodontal Disease: This can affect your dental implants adversely if not treated. Bacteria cause infection and inflammation in your gums, which leads to bone deterioration that may make the implant loosen.
  2. Trauma: If you sustain a blow to the mouth, the crowns could be damaged or the dental implants could be dislodged.
  3. Bad Bite: Your Alpharetta dentist will not install dental implants without first making sure that there is nothing wrong with your bite. However, as is the case with most things in life, circumstances can change. If you do develop a bad bite, your implants could fail, but this is rare.

Proper Care

The most important thing when it comes to taking care of your dental implants is continuing with good oral hygiene. Do not skip brushing and flossing; sloppy oral care can lead to gum disease, and as previously stated, that can result in failed dental implants. Also, do not assume that because your new smile is not going to decay, you can forego regular dental checkups. You should still visit your dentist every six months.

Contact Us With Any Questions About Dental Implants You Have

Properly cared for, your dental implants can last you the rest of your life. If you have questions about dental implants, or you would like to book an appointment, you can reach us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta by calling 678-624-0370, or by filling out the convenient form on our Contact Us page.

Choosing Dental Implants or Dentures

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Remember losing your baby teeth when you were a child, and hiding the tooth under your pillow to trade with the Tooth Fairy for money? Well, the tooth fairy does not come for adults, probably because she assumes that you are taking proper care of your teeth and ought not to be losing them. The reality is, though, that some tooth loss can reasonably be expected as you age, and when that happens, you may find yourself in the position of deciding between dental implants or dentures. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Putting Clichés to Rest

We have all watched funny scenes in movies where someone’s dentures come loose and fly out at the most inopportune moment. We also probably think of dentures as something that rest in a glass of water on the nightstand while we sleep. The fact is, modern dentures fit very well and are unlikely to come loose and cause embarrassment. And as long as you clean them regularly, you can even wear your dentures to bed if you like. These are things that you should consider when you are deciding if it is to be dental implants or dentures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantage to dental implants, of course, is that they look completely natural, and they work no differently than natural teeth because they are permanently fixed in your mouth. The downside is that they are considerably more costly than dentures. So if you are asking yourself, “Dental implants or dentures?”, then you will need to consider your budget. Also, most dental insurers will cover at least part of the cost of dentures but will not contribute toward implants.

Another thing you should consider is the fact that dentures will likely need to be replaced or adjusted every six years or so; implants will never require adjusting because they are a permanent part of your mouth. The only thing you might need to be concerned about is damage to the crown that sits on top of the implant; it is as vulnerable to damage as a natural tooth. However, it can be replaced.

Contact Us

Now you have the information you need to decide whether to choose dental implants or dentures. Contact Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA for a consultation. Our phone number is 678-624-0370. You can also use the form on our Contact Us page.

Request an Appointment Today

Whether you need a complete cleaning and checkup, or a full smile makeover, you can rest assured that we’ll do what we can to make sure you’re satisfied with your experience.

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