Okuda Cosmetic Dentistry Blog
Posts for: September, 2014
If you wear partial or full dentures and cannot remember the last time you saw your dentist for an adjustment, it may only be a matter of time before the dreaded teeth in the apple occurs. Worse yet, you could be tucking into a nice, thick juicy steak only to discover that your dentures have been left behind. Thankfully, there is a solution and it may not be a replacement for your partial or full dentures.
These days Dental Implants are quickly replacing cumbersome and uncomfortable dentures and once in place, are just as strong as natural teeth.
One of the biggest differences between Dental Implants and dentures is that false teeth can be removed. Dentures consist of lower and upper dental plates that fit over the gums and are usually held in place with dental adhesive. The adhesive actually helps provide a barrier between the plates and the natural gums to avoid irritation. Most people who wear dentures usually take them out before bedtime to clean.
Dental Implants are imbedded into your gums and a permanent solution when it comes to a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Because Dental Implants function just like your real teeth, there is no need for messy dental adhesive.
Most people believe that Dental Implants are much more expensive than dentures, but the cost differential between Dental Implants and a good fitting pair of dentures is not that great, especially when you consider that dentures need to be replaced every few years due to fluctuations in weight and age.
Dental Implants can last for the rest of your life. In fact, when Gosta Larsson had his Dental Implants surgically placed in 1965, they were still functioning until he passed away in 2006. Mr. Larsson was the first person to have Dental Implants and his lasted for forty years. Dental Implants have come a long way since that first placement and can last forever as long as you practice good oral hygiene.
If you would like to more information, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Implants, the only permanent solution for missing teeth.
These days smoking is discouraged in public areas, but unfortunately, some folks still light up even though they are aware of the risks.
Smoking is not only dangerous to your health, but can also be damaging to your teeth and gums, and if you have been unable to kick the habit, schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help you crush that butt once and for all.
According to Web MD smoking pipes, cigarettes not only stain your teeth, but also cause damage to teeth and gums. Some people believe that they are doing themselves a favor by switching to chewing tobacco, but the fact is, snuff is just as dangerous, if not more so, as it contains dozens of chemicals that you will not find in cigars, pipes or cigarettes.
Some of the dental problems that smoking leads to include bad breath, an inflammation of salivary glands on the roof of the mouth, and an increased loss of bone in your jaw. If you smoke, you can also develop gum disease and a delay in healing if you have any type of dental treatments including oral surgery, tooth extraction or periodontal treatment.
Smoking and chewing tobacco products will cause the plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth, once this occurs, your teeth will begin to recede, which will lead to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss.
If you are considering any type of cosmetic dental restorations, your dentist advises that you quit smoking as chewing and puffing delays the healing process. People who are considering dental implants and continue to smoke will have a lower success rate if they continue to smoke.
People who smoke also have an increased rate when it comes to developing oral cancer, not to mention a condition known as leukoplakia, which results in white patches on the inside of the mouth.
If you would like more information regarding smoking and oral health, schedule and appointment with your dentist who may be able to help you kick the habit for good.