Restorative Dentistry Archives - Page 2 of 3

5 Reasons You Should Consider Dentures

Posted on March 10, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Dentures are hardly anyone’s idea of the perfect end to a dental problem, but they are not the awkward, obvious or uncomfortable appliances that they once were. Today’s dentures are somewhat high-tech and they just cannot slip out, fall out or make any unwelcome appearances.

Apart from the fact that they are nothing like they are nothing like the old rumors, the dental team at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA also want you to consider dentures for five other reasons:

They are a fast solution – No one wants to wait for a long time to fill in any gaps or missing teeth. Dentures can be made in just a matter of days and can include full dentures or partial dentures that hook to your remaining adult teeth.
They are an affordable solution – While there are options such as dental implants that can replace lost teeth, you may want to consider dentures purely for their affordability. Because they are made of readily available material and are easier than ever to make, they do not break the budget.
They let you eat, speak, and look like before – No matter how long you have been missing teeth, chances are you consistently wish you could do many of the things you did before you lost them. With dentures, you will be able to eat almost anything, speak like normal, and look just as you did before the loss of the teeth.
They are made specifically for your mouth – When you visit one of our dentists to have full dentures or partial dentures made, they will begin the process only when your gums are back to normal. In other words, if you just had a tooth removed or had some other issue that is swelling the gums, the dentist waits for you to be back to your normal condition. Then, the custom molds are made and the dentures designed to fit snugly and comfortably to your gum.
They let you have options – Maybe you are considering implants in the future? Maybe you need to save up for them? If so, your dentures keep your gums and jaw in good health while you wait. Instead of leaving decayed or damaged teeth in place, where they could do more harm than good, opting for dentures leaves all of the options open.

Consider dentures for these reasons and more. They will boost your confidence and self-esteem and allow you to enjoy life as if you did not lose a single tooth. If you have questions about them or wish to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reason You Should Consider Dental Implants

Posted on March 4, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Did you know that your gum tissue and jaw bone actually know when you have lost a tooth? They work as an interconnected system and when a tooth is gone the gum and bone stop receiving “messages.” This causes the tissue to recede and you eventually even lose some of the jawbone. Losing one tooth can also allow the other teeth to shift, which can misalign the bite, wear or break the teeth, and cause pain in the head, jaw or neck. All of these things are why Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA recommends dental implants.

There are actually five good reasons you should consider dental implants:

The jawbone – As we just learned, when you have a dental implant, it is inserted into the jawbone. This keeps those signals going and prevents that atrophy and recession from occurring. This maintains the strength and integrity of the bone as well and promises optimal health over the long term. The preservation of the bone also allows your fact to keep its natural appearance too. You will speak the same and look the same when you consider dental implants over the alternatives.
The teeth – Again, we learned that the loss of that on tooth can cause the others to shift into unnatural locations. This can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, cause you to begin grinding or biting improperly and then experience a whole host of other problems.
They last – You should consider dental implants over the alternatives, like dentures or bridges, because they will last so much longer. When you use dentures or bridges, the jawbone beneath is empty. That means the tissue changes shape and you will require new appliances at least once, but probably more, over time.
They look good – Though this sounds like a cosmetic issue, just consider this for one moment. Is it nicer and easier to smile naturally or to smile self-consciously? Most of us feel better when we just let our biggest smiles out. When you have dentures or other replacements, you may worry when you smile. You may feel self-conscious. Dental implants are so much like natural teeth that they let you smile without a second thought. They are not prone to breaking or staining either, and allow you to eat whatever you want too.
They are easy – While the dental implant process is complex, the care and upkeep for them is not. You need only have regular cleanings and checkups, and any worries about cavities are over!

These are but five reasons to consider dental implants. If you have further questions about them, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

Dentures FAQs

Posted on February 1, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

If you are missing just one tooth, a few teeth in a row or you have lost most or all of your teeth, you may be a good candidate for dentures available here at Old Milton Dental located in Alpharetta, GA. While many people prefer dental implants as a permanent solution for lost teeth, modern dentures provide a more affordable option. Furthermore, some patients who are not good candidates for dentures may benefit greatly from full or partial dentures. Not sure if dentures are for you? Read our last blog post to find out!

Will My Dentures Slip?

If we need to extract some teeth to fit your dentures, we will likely provide you with a set of temporary dentures while your gums heal and shrink. These should not move much, but you may experience some slipping. After your final fitting with your fitted dentures, you should really experience almost no slipping at all, especially once you’ve gotten used to wearing them and eating with them.

Can I Eat the Foods I Love?

Unlike old dentures that came unglued if you bit into an apple or ate something even slightly chewy, modern dentures allow you to eat all of the foods you enjoy. You may want to take some time and work up to more challenging foods as you grow accustomed to your dentures, but they will eventually allow you to eat whatever you like.

Do Dentures Require Special Care?

Yes; instead of brushing and flossing your teeth each night, you will take them out and gently brush them with a soft-bristled brush over the sink. You may want to rinse them first to help with cleaning them, but you will definitely want to rinse them afterward. Some people use a mild dish detergent or hand soap to wash their dentures semi-regularly, as well. After your dentures are brushed and rinsed, you will want to place them in a clean glass of water or denture solution.

Do I Need to Have All of My Teeth Extracted to Get Dentures?

No. If you only need to replace a section of teeth (or a single tooth), you can get a partial denture. If you need full dentures, you will need to have any remaining teeth removed.

To learn more about dentures and how they can improve your oral health, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta today at 678-634-0370 or use our online contact form.

Are Dentures Right For You?

Posted on January 25, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

If you are missing teeth and you want a permanent solution that’s natural looking and feeling, you will probably want to look into dental implants which are available at Old Milton Dental here in Alpharetta, GA. However, for some patients implants are simply not an option. If you have diabetes or heart disease, implant surgery may not be a good choice for you, or you may simply be looking for a more affordable option that will still look attractive and maintain your oral and dental health.

Denture technology has come a very long way in recent years. Unlike the dentures your grandparents used to wear, today’s dentures are perfectly fitted to your jaws and designed to minimize slipping and discomfort. They also look incredibly natural and most people will not be able to tell that you are wearing them if you don’t say something. If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw or you cannot afford to get dental implants at this time, you may want to opt for full or partial dentures.

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, dentures may be the best solution for you to give you back your smile and your ability to chew your favorite foods in the least amount of time possible. Also, if you are only missing one or a few teeth, you may still want to opt for a partial denture to keep your healthy teeth from leaning toward the gap and causing you problems down the line.

Almost anyone who has lost teeth or needs to have them extracted can be considered a candidate for dentures, but at Old Milton Dental we would like to see you for an examination and to discuss all of your options with you before you make your final decision. This way you will know that you’re making the best choice for your smile.

Dentures are much better than they once were, but they do still require some extra care that you won’t have to do for dental implants or a bridge. Each night you will need to take your dentures out, brush them thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and soak them in denture solution or clean water until morning.

For more information about dentures and our other services, call Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370 or fill out our contact form.

Dental Implants FAQs

Posted on January 18, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

You have no doubt heard about dental implants and how they can replace missing teeth with completely natural looking dental crowns. While this sounds amazing (and it is), you will likely have a few questions for your implant dentist before you commit to this procedure. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand all of their options for treatment, which is why we have created this list of FAQs to answer all of your questions.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is actually a titanium screw or stud that is placed in the jawbone where it will become fused to the bone as your jaw and gums heal. On the other end of the implant is an abutment that actually protrudes from the gum tissue. This is where your permanent crown will be installed so that it may act as a prosthetic tooth. The whole process can take as little as two months or as much as a year, all depending on how much time your gums and jaw take to heal.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you maintain good oral hygiene and you visit us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta on a regular basis, your dental implants could last you for the rest of your life.

Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

No. In many cases, we can perform the entire procedure using only local anesthetic. Afterward, we may prescribe pain relief medication, but must patients find that over-the-counter nSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) like Aleve or ibuprofen take care of any residual discomfort during healing.

Are Dental Implants as Strong as Natural Teeth?

Yes. In fact, in many instances, dental implants may actually be stronger than your natural teeth. And, though your porcelain crowns will be very strong, if they are damaged or chipped over the years we can repair or replace them with ease.

For more information on dental implants and how an implant dentist can restore your smile, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or use our convenient online contact form to book an appointment.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

Posted on January 11, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

If you have lost a tooth due to trauma or if you need to have one or more teeth extracted, you are probably wondering what you should do. If only one or two of your teeth are missing, you may be considering a bridge. If you are missing a significant number of teeth, you might be thinking of dentures. At Old Milton Dental, though we’ve found that dental implants are the best option for a lot of patients in Alpharetta.

So why do people choose dental implants instead of getting a bridge or full or partial dentures? Once it has been implanted, healed and the permanent crown has been installed, a dental implant looks, feels and acts just like a natural tooth. You do not have to take your implants out at night as you do with dentures and you will not have to damage other teeth to anchor a bridge either.

If you have otherwise decent good dental and oral health, then you should be a good candidate for dental implants. For the most part, as long as you have enough bone mass in your jaw and your gums are in pretty good shape, dental implants should not present a problem.

Advantages and Disadvantages

For most patients, the advantages of dental implants far outweigh any disadvantages. However, some patients cannot get implants because they have lost too much bone mass in their jaws or because they have another condition that can cause problems, such as heart disease or diabetes.

If these issues do not affect you, then you will enjoy permanent, natural looking and feeling teeth that can last a lifetime with normal dental hygiene and regular visits to us at Old Milton Dental. One thing to note, though – the porcelain crown on your implant will not become stained like your other teeth and also will not respond to whitening, so you will want to be sure about your color choice.

For more information about dental implants and to find out if they are right for you, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370 or fill out our convenient contact form.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Posted on November 25, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Dental implants are the method most preferred by dentists for replacing teeth that are missing, or have become too damaged to save by traditional means. Almost any patient can experience the benefits of dental implants as well. The procedure has a success rate that is nothing short of remarkable – 98% – and when cared for in the same way as you would your natural teeth, dental implants can quite literally last you a lifetime. Implants are indistinguishable from your natural teeth both in form and in function, and are in most instances preferable to removable dentures or bridges.

Dental implants consist of two main components – an artificial root made from titanium and a porcelain crown. The root is inserted surgically into your jawbone and in time (usually about six months) bonds to it. Then a crown can be placed on top of the titanium post. One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they look exactly like your real teeth. They’re colored and shaped in the same way, and even textured to match your natural teeth. Implants also help to maintain your facial structure, unlike dentures, which can eventually cause facial sag simply because they’re not always in your mouth. Implants also work to prevent any remaining teeth from shifting and becoming misaligned.

Assuming that your oral health is good, and that you don’t have any medical conditions that could preclude the use of implants – and realistically, such conditions are few and far between – you’re likely to find that implants are a superior solution for damaged or missing teeth. They may need to be adjusted from time to time, but other than that, all you need to do to take care of your implants is to brush and floss, and get regular checkups. Your implants won’t decay, but you still need to be concerned with the health of your gums. As long as you look after your oral health, you can expect to have your implants for the rest of your life, which is a huge advantage over dentures and bridges that usually have to be replaced every ten years or so, and which can get broken, damaged or end up being lost simply because they’re not always in your mouth. Dental implants are reliable and durable, and have none of the disadvantages of removable prosthetic teeth.

If you want more information on the benefits of dental implants, make an appointment at our Alpharetta office by calling 678-624-0370 today! You can also read our dental implants overview blog to learn more about implants.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Posted on November 18, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Most patients have probably heard about dental crowns, and have a basic idea of what they are, but they may not fully understand how these little porcelain caps that cover the entire tooth can not only make their teeth look better, but can help them to work better as well. The fact is, dental crowns have a lot of advantages. One of the most important benefits of dental crowns is that they can relieve many uncomfortable conditions. For instance, if you’ve had an infection, an injury to your tooth (like a break or fracture), or if your tooth has become significantly decayed, you may feel pain. With an infection, your pain may be relieved by means of a root canal. With cracking or breaking of a tooth, the injury can be sealed using a tooth-colored bonding material. In some instances, the remaining, untreated part of the tooth could be vulnerable to discomfort or even additional damage. A crown can protect your tooth from more damage, and also prevent discomfort.

A lot of people think that getting dental crowns is a complex procedure, but it actually is not. To prepare your tooth to receive a crown, your dentist cleans the enamel, and then shapes to tooth to be sure that it will hold a crown. Then, an impression is taken of the tooth, and sent to a lab where the dental crown is manufactured. Finally, it’s placed on your tooth by means of a special bonding cement. A crown not only restores functionality to your tooth, it also improves its appearance. Crowns can be perfectly matched to your adjacent teeth, and once installed, they can correct any defects in the shape of the tooth as well as any discoloration or staining. In fact, because crowns are indistinguishable from real, healthy teeth, some patients elect to have crowns placed on all their teeth, as a purely cosmetic procedure.

Because dental crowns are so strong, they don’t really require anything in the way of special care. If you take care of them (in other words, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings), your dental crowns could last for decades. The only thing that could harm your crowns would be trauma to the mouth, so if you’re athletic, make sure to use a mouth guard!

If you are in the Alpharetta area and are looking for more information on the benefits of dental crowns, call us at (678) 624-0370. You can also read our Dental Crown overview blog.

Benefits of Dentures

Posted on November 4, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

For most patients, dental implants are the best way to deal with missing or damaged teeth. However, they’re not always right for everyone, for a couple of reasons. First, in very rare cases, a medical condition could make implant surgery problematic. More often, though, the issue is the expense. Implants can be quite costly, and they’re not always covered by insurance companies.

When implants are impractical for whatever reason, dentures can be the next best alternative. The benefits of dentures are many, the most important one being that you can get a brand new set of teeth that look natural and are comfortable when properly adjusted. If you’ve been suffering the embarrassment of missing teeth, a set of well-made dentures can help to restore your confidence.

Of course if you are having extractions preparatory to creating a set of dentures, there will be a period of adjustment while your gums shrink, but during that time, a dentist can provide you with a set of temporary dentures so you can smile to your heart’s content without fear of embarrassment. Also, this gives you a period during which you can ease in to having dentures in your mouth. Once your permanent dentures are made and fitted, they may need to be adjusted a couple of times. Ultimately, though, you’ll find that your dentures will feel almost as good as your natural teeth, and that you’ll be able to eat pretty much whatever you want, since properly fitted dentures won’t slip or slide.

Modern dentures are nothing like those of years gone by. They’re custom-created to suit your mouth perfectly. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums, and may even take x-rays too, in order to ensure that the measurements sent to the lab are completely accurate. This is so that you can get the most comfortable fit possible, and the most realistic feel.

With the advances in modern dentistry, the benefits of dentures now far outweigh the disadvantages. They’re considerably more comfortable, highly unlikely to slip, and they also look remarkably natural. You can even have your dentures tinted to match the original shade of your teeth. Or, if you were never totally happy with your smile, you can go a bit whiter if you like. Usually it’s not advisable to go too much whiter, though – brilliant white looks good on camera, but can appear unnatural in real life. Contact our office today at (678) 624-0370 to learn more about the benefits of dentures.

Dentures

Posted on September 29, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Whether you require replacements for many teeth or a single tooth, dentures have long been the most trusted dental solution. Patients of Old Milton Dental, in Alpharetta, have an impressive range of dental dentures to choose from, and may even discuss a combination of treatments to include dental implants along with dentures as well.

Learn About Dental Dentures

For many decades, people all around the world have relied on a dental denture when they have lost adult teeth to disease, decay, illness or injury. Available as full dentures (meaning they replace all of the teeth in the upper or the lower arches) or as partials, meaning they replace just a few missing teeth in the same arch, a denture provides many benefits.

For example, the patient with full dental dentures will be able to enjoy a wider array of dietary options, will retain the original and natural appearance of their face and jaw area, and will not unevenly wear or even break remaining teeth. When we lose even a single adult tooth it can cause a chain reaction of events. We might experience shifting of remaining teeth, which can lead to a misalignment in the bite, and this can cause wear, cracks, and problems with the jaw.

If we lose all of the teeth in one arch, it can cause bite problems, jaw problems, and it will greatly change the look of the face. A dentures is a wonderful solution to all of these issues, but they must be made for you by a skilled dentist.

Denture and Other Options

Your denture need to fit tightly and comfortably if they are to uphold your quality of life. If you find that over time, your gum tissue has changed (this is common), that your denture does not fit properly or feel uncomfortable, or that they seem to have stained or worn unevenly over time, you will want to book a consultation with your dentist to discuss the options.

At Old Milton Dental, we make partials and full dentures available, and we have experts in dental implants who can discuss options for the latest in fixed dentures that will rely on the implant for the most stable denture experience available. Why not book a consultation about a dental denture today and discover if all of your dental needs are being met.

Category: Restorative Dentistry