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Author: Alpharetta Dentist

Avoiding Dental Implants Problems

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

After having dental implants placed, many of our patients in Alpharetta have reached the end of a long restorative dentistry procedure, and are understandably ready to start living their lives normally again. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is some aftercare for dental implants that should be followed. Here is how you can avoid dental implants problems.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene After Dental Implants

It is important that you brush, floss, and rinse your mouth as you normally would to maintain good oral hygiene; in fact, after having implants, it may be even more important than ever. One of the dental implants problems that can arise is infection, and by keeping bacteria and food particles cleaned away from your mouth, you can avoid this issue.

Avoid Poor Habits After Dental Implants

There are some habits that should be avoided to sidestep dental implants problems. Smoking and chewing ice are two habits especially that should be avoided to maintain good health for your natural teeth and your new implant. Even your stronger zirconia tooth, used in restorative dentistry procedures for extra resiliency, can be damaged by chewing on ice.

When to Call the Dental Implants Specialist

If there is bleeding or swelling that seems excessive, or that continues beyond the first few days after surgery, be sure to contact your dentist in Alpharetta. This is not normal, and could be a sign of dental implants problems that need to be addressed right away.

Learn More from Your Dentist in Alpharetta

The first step to learning more about dental implants, far before you ever need to worry about dental implants problems, is to schedule a consultation with the dentist in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental. Contact our office today for an appointment by calling 678-624-0370 during business hours, or contact us online.

Common Porcelain Veneers FAQs Answered

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

One of the cosmetic dentistry procedures we perform here in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental is the application of porcelain veneers, which are used to cover the appearance of a variety of cosmetic concerns. This procedure involves covering the front of the tooth with a thin layer of porcelain, which has been dyed to match the look of your smile. These are some of the porcelain veneer FAQs we’ve come across in our years of experience as porcelain veneers specialists.

What Are Veneers Used For?

Dental veneers are often used to protect and cover heavily stained, gapped, cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. However, they can also be used to cover teeth with large cavities or visible fillings, or teeth that look worn down from age.

How Long Will It Take to Get Veneers?

Getting a dental veneer applied usually takes two to three visits to your dentist in Alpharetta. In the initial consultation, your teeth may be prepared for the veneer and the impression for the veneers may be taken. When the custom-made porcelain veneers return from the lab, they will be applied to your teeth.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are not recommended for patients with gum disease or who have chronic gum health issues. It is also important that patients who bite their nails or have a pencil-chewing habit be willing to stop, because this can cause veneers to chip.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

The average porcelain veneer will last for about 10 years but can be helped to last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. All you need to do is brush and floss as usual, and continue to see your dentist for regular checkups.

Find Out More from Your Dentist in Alpharetta

Did we answer your porcelain veneers FAQs? Want to learn more? Call our office at 678-624-0370, or contact us online today.

Why OTC Teeth Whitening is a Waste of Money

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Teeth whitening procedures represent one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedures across the nation, and it is no different here in Alpharetta. While we are not surprised to learn that the OTC teeth whitening industry is also booming, we are concerned about the myth that over-the-counter tooth whitening is more affordable. It is true that at first glance, the tooth whitening offered by your dentist in Alpharetta appears more expensive. But is it really?

The Science of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is not a matter of simply adding more product and letting it bleach your teeth. In fact, there is a very specific amount of peroxide needed to whiten teeth, and the amount changes depending on why your teeth are stained, and what other oral health issues you may have. Cosmetic dentistry professionals can help you achieve a perfect smile based on your specific needs, not based on a generic formula designed for anyone but you. This means that when you visit your dentist in Alpharetta, your money is being spent on a process that will work for you, not a gamble.

The Cost of Teeth Whitening

When you realize that not only are you likely buying something that does not contain the right amount of ingredients, but you are also going to have to buy the OTC teeth whitening kit again and again to get the same effect, it becomes clearer just how cost effective teeth whitening is at your dentist’s office. Even professional tooth whitening is not permanent, but you can reduce the number of repeat buys to once every year or 18 months, rather than once a month or more!

Contact Your Dentist in Alpharetta to Learn More

Ready to learn more about the more cost-effective teeth whitening procedure offered by your dentist in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental? Contact our office online, or call 678-624-0370.

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Health

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry was designed to improve the appearance of your smile, but did you know that cosmetic dentistry can improve your health? In order for teeth to look great, they typically have to be in good health. And when your teeth are in good health, there are many other health benefits to your whole body that follow. When you visit your cosmetic dentistry specialist in Alpharetta, you can learn the many ways that our cosmetic dentistry can improve your health.

Cosmetic Dentistry Fights Disease

Gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues are more common and more serious than most people realize. Gum disease can even lead to bone loss in the jaw and face, while oral cancer can be very serious if not caught early and treated. Cosmetic dentistry fights diseases like these because it involves ensuring that your gums look great. Just like teeth, gums need to be healthy in order to appear aesthetically pleasing. While your dentist in Alpharetta performs cosmetic dentistry procedures, you will also be screened for oral cancer and other serious issues.

Cosmetic Dentistry Helps You Eat Healthier

When your teeth are healthy, they are strong, firmly in place, and ready to perform their primary function: eating. Unfortunately for many people, eating a healthy diet full of lean protein and vegetables is difficult because their teeth are painful or missing. By ensuring that your teeth are present and strong, cosmetic dentistry can improve your health. You will get all the vitamins and nutrients you need thanks to your ability to eat healthier. This can even help reverse bone loss in some patients, making it easier for them to receive more cosmetic dentistry procedures that they could not previously.

Learn About Our Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

As your cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta, we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your health. Everything from veneers or dental implants to Invisalign clear braces and tooth whitening can be used to help you improve your overall health. If you want to learn more about our services, or you would like to schedule an appointment, we would be happy to assist you! Please call our office during business hours at 678-624-0370, or contact us online and we will get back to you.

What to Know When Choosing Dentures or Dental Implants

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Most people think that losing teeth as an adult is part of aging. However, missing teeth can cause serious health issues if not addressed by your dentist. In Alpharetta, we work with you to help you understand all the options. For many of our patients, choosing dentures or dental implants is a decision that helps them to protect their overall health. The hardest part is simply choosing which is better for their life.

Pros and Cons of Dentures

Restorative dentistry is far more advanced now than it used to be. Today’s dentures are not as uncomfortable or “fake” in appearance as they used to be. In fact, dentures can be created to look just like your original teeth, and there are many types of dentures available. This ensures a better fit and more comfort for you.

However, dentures are still not as strong as natural teeth. They can be damaged, and will most likely wear down over the years. It is very likely that you will need to replace dentures at least once or twice, and you may not like the inconvenience of taking the dentures out to clean them.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

When choosing dentures or dental implants, many patients hear that dental implants are permanent fixtures and are already sold. It is true that dental implants stay in the mouth permanently, with no need to remove to clean. These are designed to look, feel, and work just like your natural tooth, and you may even forget it is in there at times.

However, dental implants are not always perfect. They do require a surgical procedure, performed by your experienced dentists here in Alpharetta. They do require more healing time, and they are not as fast as dentures. It may be several weeks or months before you have your final implant.

Choose Dentures or Dental Implants Easily Today

In many cases, dental implants may not even be a valid option, making dentures the only logical choice. If you are having a hard time deciding which path you might be interested in, please contact our Alpharetta office. We can help make choosing dentures or dental implants easy and painless. Our office can be reached during business hours at 678-624-0370, or you can get in touch with us online.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

While it is common to see children with a few missing teeth as they grow, adults who experience tooth loss may be headed for serious health risks if they do not address the problem. Tooth loss can lead to decay, infection, shifting teeth, and more. Dental implants are one of the best options for permanently fixing a lost adult tooth. Read on to learn the pros and cons of dental implants from your dentist in Alpharetta.

Pros of Dental Implants

Implant dentistry has come a long way in the recent past. We can now create dental implants that look, feel, and work just like a natural tooth. You likely won’t even notice the implant is there once you have healed from the procedure. No one else will know that any of your teeth are false, and you can continue eating your diet as you wish. You also will not experience as much discomfort as traditional dentures, which can move or slip around in your mouth. Dental implants last much longer than dentures, making them more cost effective in the long run. Finally, dental implants are very easy to take care of: simply brush and floss as you would a normal tooth.

Cons of Dental Implants

For most patients, the biggest con they see right away is the higher price of dental implants. It is true that implant dentistry can be expensive. It is also an unfortunate fact that not every patient can receive an implant. Your dental implants specialist will first have to assess your bone structure to be sure you have sufficient support for the implant. Dental implants are not a fast process. It can take weeks or possibly months to receive the final implant, during which time you will have to make due with temporary crowns or a temporary denture. Finally, as with any surgery, there will be healing time involved, and you could have some discomfort or pain during the healing.

Learn More About the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants Today

Contact your dentist in Alpharetta today to learn more about the pros and cons of dental implants. Our dental implant specialist at Old Milton Dental can help you understand if dental implants are right for you, and answer any questions you have about the process. Call our office during business hours at 678-624-0370, or contact us online.

The Lifespan of Dental Implants

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Dental implants are usually a great option for patients who want a restorative dentistry treatment more permanent than dentures. But what exactly does permanent mean in the world of implant dentistry? Determining the lifespan of dental implants does take a little bit of guesswork, but your dental implants specialist here in Alpharetta can help you understand just how much better an implant will perform than dentures in the long run.

Why Dental Implants Are Called Permanent

The reason that we recommend so many of our patients choose implant dentistry is that implants are designed to be the most natural in terms of look, feel, and use. Many patients even forget that the implant is there, because it works just like a natural tooth. It is called a permanent restorative dentistry procedure because the tooth does not come out of the mouth at all. It is permanently attached to the bone structure of the jaw, thanks to a metal implant that acts just like a natural tooth root.

The Lifespan of Dental Implants

So, if “permanent” simply refers to the method that the tooth is held in the mouth, just how long does a dental implant really last? There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of dental implants. These include your bone structure, how well the implant was placed, your oral hygiene both now and in the future, and lifestyle habits you may have. If you grind your teeth and do not wear a guard, for example, it can be hard to guestimate how long your implant will last.

All that said, an implant that is cared for very carefully will last multiple decades. In the 1990s, well-cared for implants lasted for around 10 years. We have much better technology and implant dentistry techniques now, so it is not unreasonable to suggest that your implant could last the rest of your senior years if you take good care of your oral hygiene.

Schedule a Dental Implants Consult Today

As your dentist in Alpharetta, we want to be sure that you fully understand the lifespan of dental implants as well as any other concerns you may have about this procedure. Please call our office during business hours to arrange an appointment, or you can contact us at Old Milton Dental online and we will get back to you. Our phone number is 678-624-0370, or click here for our contact form.

Am I Too Old For Dental Implants?

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular restorative dentistry treatments available. But with their popularity has also come a lot of misinformation. Many patients come Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta convinced that they are too old for dental implants. If this is your concern, rest assured that there is no age that is too old for dental implants. Read on to learn why implant dentistry is available to people of all ages.

Bone Density and Dental Implants

Many people believe that they may be too old for dental implants because bones become less dense with age. It is true that bone density is a factor in placing an implant correctly. However, even those with osteoporosis can still receive dental implants. And in fact, one of the amazing benefits of this restorative dentistry treatment is that it can help improve your bone health. By allowing you to eat properly again, dental implants can help you get the nutrients you need from healthy food. This can help improve your bone health as well as your overall health.

Dental Implants Are More Cost Effective

Another concern for senior patients who go to their dentist in Alpharetta is that they should not spend the extra money on dental implants. It is true that this procedure can be more expensive. Once a person gets to a certain age, they may want to save their money for retirement. But dentures are actually more expensive in the long run because they usually have to be replaced after several years. Dental implants, on the other hand, are designed to last for much longer. Without the need to replace them, dental implants become a more cost efficient way to protect your health and enhance your smile.

You Are Never Too Old to Invest in Yourself with Dental Implants

So the answer is, no, you are not too old for dental implants. The boost in your self-confidence and state of mind is also another important benefit of dental implants that should not be overlooked. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Alpharetta, or you want to learn more, you can call our office at 678-624-0370, or contact us online. We are happy to walk you through the process, help you understand all the benefits, or schedule an appointment for a consultation with our dental implants specialist.

Why You Should Invest Your Tax Return on Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

It seems like every year, there is always something that needs to be fixed or invested in right around tax time. This year, why not spend your tax return investing in your health and wellbeing? You would be surprised at what our cosmetic dentistry specialist can offer to help you boost your confidence, reduce depression, and protect against many serious health issues. Here is why you should invest your tax return on cosmetic dentistry.

Modern Cosmetic Dentistry Is Invisible and Easy

Today’s cosmetic dentistry procedures do not require you to have a mouth full of metal, a clunky denture that is obvious to everyone, or a blindingly white veneer that is out of place in your smile. Choosing to invest your tax return on cosmetic dentistry may be easier when you realize that modern day cosmetic dentistry specialists have a variety of tools and techniques available that make your treatment invisible, easy, and comfortable. Veneers can be matched to your smile, Invisalign braces can be used to correct slightly crooked teeth, and even teeth whitening can be dialed back to look more natural.

An Investment in Cosmetic Dentistry Is an Investment in Your Future

You may hear the word cosmetic and think that these procedures are just for looks, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many cosmetic dentistry procedures also work as preventative or restorative dentistry as well. For example, veneers do help to improve the look of a chipped or stained tooth. But they also work to prevent more damage to a cracked tooth, reduce gapped spaces between teeth that can lead to decay, or help prevent infection in a tooth with a cavity. When you invest your tax return on cosmetic dentistry, you are also ensuring that your overall health is protected in the future.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Alpharetta Today for More Information

Having a great smile and good oral health is a long term investment that can reduce your risk for some major health problems. While you consider investing your tax return on cosmetic dentistry, give us a call at 678-624-0370, or contact us online, to learn more about the cosmetic dentistry services we offer at our office at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta. Be sure to check out our smile gallery as well!

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Posted on by Alpharetta Dentist

Dental implants are used as a permanent solution to dentures and other common restorative dentistry procedures. This treatment involves an implant being placed in the bone of the jaw, which is then attached to a permanent denture, held in place by the implant itself. It can be a costly procedure, and unfortunately, dental implants fail at least some of the time.

Advanced Technology Prevents Dental Implant Fail

When dental implants first hit the restorative dentistry radar, failure was a more common occurrence. There were not dental implants specialists like we have today at our office in Alpharetta. In the past decade, dental technology has improved by leaps and bounds, making dental implants fail far less often. The industry now sees about a 2% failure rate, which is largely caused by the skill of the dental implants specialist, as well as the specific quality of the jaw bone in each and every unique situation.

The best way to combat the main cause of dental implants failure is to ensure that you are working with a skilled professional dentist who has testimony or references to prove their work. Be sure that the office has state-of-the-art implant dentistry equipment, as inadequate imaging technologies can result in bad placements.

Other Things that Cause Dental Implants to Fail

One other cause of dental implants failing is infection, which occurs when the body will not accept the the implant. In some cases, this is unavoidable, and depends on the person’s unique immune system and other factors. However, oral hygiene is a big factor in this reason. Ensuring that your brushing and flossing habits are meticulous can help reduce the risk that the dental implants might fail. Patients who smoke tobacco products, grind their teeth, or abuse alcohol or recreational drugs, may also see dental implants fail. Using a mouth guard and making some lifestyle changes may be necessary to protect your dental implant.

Learn More About Dental Implant Fail Rates and Our Success

As your dental implants specialist in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental, we understand that some dental implants fail due to uncontrollable circumstances. However, our track record shows great success with dental implants in the past, and we always strive to use only the best technology and techniques in our work. Contact us today to learn more about dental implants, and how we actively work to prevent implant failure. Our office in Alpharetta can be reached at 678-624-0370, or you can get in touch with us online.

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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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