All on 4 Dental Implants - Filling Gaps in Your Smile

You may be a potential candidate for dental implants if you are missing a number of permanent teeth or have gaps in your smile. Moreover, if you are wearing dentures, you tend to experience various other problems like slipping and clicking while talking, irritation and pain when you chew, or fear of eating in public. However, your current dental health will also play a great role in determining whether you’re a good candidate for these implants or not.

Implant dentistry in Houston makes use of dental implants that will utilize your jaw bone to hold a tooth replacement or bridge, instead of attaching it to a healthy, neighboring tooth. Consequently, you will get a natural-looking set of new teeth that will look, feel and function as your own.

Listed below is useful information about All on 4 Implants:

The number of teeth that can be supported

Usually, a dental implant supports a single crown which is known as a single-tooth implant; on the other hand, all-on-four implants will support all your teeth by using just 4 implants. In some cases, the patients have more than one missing tooth in a row. The total number of dental implants needed is precisely decided by the volume and density of the jawbone bone at a specific location for placing an implant.

In cases, wherein an entire row of teeth has to be supported, like in a full mouth reconstruction, then the requirement is of at least five dental implants. The exact number of implants needed usually depends on every individual case. Your dentist will be able to give you the right suggestion about the best treatment plan followed by an in-depth examination and consultation.

Durability and longevity of dental implants

Modern dental implants are expected to last for a period of 15 years or more, and estimates are that 90 percent of dental implants should last a lifetime under correct and careful conditions.

Once the procedure of all on 4 dental implants restoration has been executed and completed, it is typically assumed that with the correct placement of implants along with the completion of the restorative work, it becomes the accountability of the patient to make sure that the completed treatment is carefully monitored and maintained properly. Increased risks of failure can be attributed to neglect and improper care by the patient i.e. on completion of the treatment if the patient does not visit a dentist or hygienist regularly.

With regard to Implant Dentistry in Houston, another group of risky patients are the smokers that are at the highest risk of implant failure. According to the data, the failure rate for smokers is about 12 -15 percent and this failure rate is also similar for patients with high alcohol consumption. Apart from smoking and drinking, there are other medical conditions like any type of facial trauma that can affect the longevity and success of dental implants.

All About The All-on-4 Dental Implants Technique

Missing an entire arch of teeth implies leading a very uncomfortable life. You start looking for methods and treatments to replace them permanently and securely as opposed to having an uncomfortable denture. All-on-4 dental implants treatment is considered as one of the most preferred method to have implants. You might also have come across names for this system as same-day teeth or same-day smiles. It’s a better alternative technique for replacing the full teeth arch by using only four dental implants that are used to hold up a fixed denture or a dental bridge, all on the very same day.

Proper Placement of these Implants is Responsible for Improved Stability

The All-on-4 implants method involves placing all four dental implants in a specific position in your jaw bone, particularly towards the front of the mouth. The two dental implants are inserted in the normal way and are located at the front of the mouth while the two dental implants that are on either side of them are placed at an angle of 45 degrees. This is done to optimize the use of the jaw bone in that area as well as it also implies that an implant with a longer post can be used that will help to augment stability.

The bone in front of the mouth is the strongest hence the implants are placed towards the front of the mouth. When these implants are loaded with either a denture or bridge, they are properly locked into their position. This helps to spread the load uniformly across all four implants and further significantly reduces the possibility of the implants failing or becoming loose.

How safe is the All-on-4 Dental Implants Technique?

This technique has been broadly tested and implemented by dentists all over the world registering tremendous success. However, selecting your implant dentist cautiously is a wise decision as this particular technique requires additional skills.

A Look at the Procedure

Before going for the procedure, you can attend an initial consultation with your chosen implant dentist who has expertise in this special technique. Feel free to ask all the queries you have in your mind related to the procedure. This will make you better prepared for the surgery and keep all your apprehensions at bay. The dental professional will take into account your full medical records and history along with necessary dental x-rays and a CT scan. All this will help you to make a decision whether this treatment is suitable for you or not.

The next step that will follow is to chalk out the implant placement and fix a day for the surgery. The procedure will comprise of extracting your teeth, placing the implants and fixing your new prosthesis all on that same day. You’ll be required to visit your dentist again at a pre-decided date once your dental implants have become fully integrated with your jaw bone. At this time, you’ll get the final restoration fitted.

With All-on-4 dental implants and implant dentistry in Houston you will get a beautiful and natural-looking set of new teeth with long-lasting results if taken proper care of.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Comparing Implants With Dentures

This article provides a brief overview of the difference between dental implants and dentures as replacement solutions for missing teeth.

Dentures have been in use since around 700 BC. Originally, removable prosthetic teeth were made from human teeth, animal teeth or wood; more recently from porcelain or acrylic. For many years they were the only option available to those with missing teeth but they come with several drawbacks. Houston dental implants are readily available in Houston and are a relatively new method of replacing teeth that offers many benefits over dentures. Implant dentistry can provide Houston dental patients with long-term solutions to the many functional and aesthetic problems caused by having missing teeth.

The Drawbacks of Dentures

Removable dentures are prosthetic teeth that rest on the gum and which are designed to have the outward appearance and function of natural teeth. The fact that dentures have been in use for much of human history indicates that they serve a purpose, but they have certain shortcomings as well. Tooth loss causes atrophy of the bone under the gums. As the bone loses density and shrinks, it can cause dentures to fit poorly and uncomfortably over time.

Dentures that do not fit can cause the wearer problems when attempting to chew food and may also impede speech. The result of the bone deterioration is that dentures will have to be refitted at regular intervals.  Aside from poor fitting, other issues with dentures include the fact that they need to be removed and cleaned regularly with denture cleaner, they can trigger the gag reflex and cause the development of painful sores in the mouth. Some shocking studies reveal that denture-wearing can shorten one’s life expectancy by 10 years as a result of malnutrition.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants consist of three parts: a post, an abutment and a crown. These parts work together to provide an approximation of natural teeth that is structurally closer to the real thing than any other type of tooth replacement. The post is made of titanium, an exceptionally strong and non-corrosive metal that is totally bio-compatible and readily accepted by the human body. This post serves as the foundation or anchor for the rest of the implant. Once the post is in place, the dentist will attach the abutment to it. The abutment may itself be made of titanium or of ceramic. The purpose of the abutment is to support the crown, which is the only part of the replacement tooth that is visible above the gum line. The crown is expertly fabricated in an on-site laboratory to be virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth and is usually made of strong and durable dental ceramic.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

There is no danger of implants slipping as they are connected to the titanium post. Furthermore, they are designed to look and function like the patient's natural teeth and there is also no atrophy of the jawbone. One's ability to speak and eat is fully restored. The only maintenance needed for dental implants is regular cleaning, as is the case with natural teeth. Sometimes, crown restorations are necessary, but these are rare; it is possible for wearers to get decades of use from their implants without any problems.

For Houston residents with missing teeth, modern dentistry has provided the closest approximation to real teeth thus far in human history. The services of a dentist who specializes in implant dentistry in Houston provide a comprehensive solution to the problems that come with poorly fitted dentures.

Want to Avoid Tooth Loss and the Need for Implant Dentistry in Houston? 19 Habits To Stop, PART 3

This four-part article series discusses 19 habits that, through various mechanisms (both short and long term) lead to the degradation of the health of your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on the top 19 habits to cease if you want to avoid developing the array of oral diseases and maladies that lead to tooth loss and the need for Houston dental implants. In the first two articles, we discussed 8 of these habits and, according to professionals in Implant dentistry in Houston, they are:

1. Chewing on ice,
2. Tongue and lip piercings,
3. Playing sports without a mouth guard,
4. Giving babies bedtime bottles
5. Teeth grinding,
6. Regularly sucking on cough drops,
7. Chewing on gummy candy,
8. Sipping on soft drinks.

In this article, the third installment of the series, we shall discuss another 5 habits to cease if you want to avoid the need for Houston dental implants and reach late adulthood with a complete set of beautiful, healthy teeth.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Habit to Avoid # 9 ~ Using Your Teeth as Tools

That party trick of yours may impress your friends, but using your teeth to open bottles, pry open stubborn containers and tear packaging is one habit that makes professionals in implant dentistry in Houston absolutely cringe! This kind of treatment can cause your pearly whites to become cracked, chipped and/or fractured, making them more vulnerable to oral bacteria.

Recommendation: Avoiding the need for Houston dental implants means only using your teeth for what they are intended: eating. Use a bottle opener and scissors next time!

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Habit to Avoid # 10 ~ Sports and Energy Drinks

There’s nothing like an ice-cold energy drink after a solid workout on the treadmill or bike, but the problem with these kinds of beverages is that they’re high in sugar and in acid. Frequently indulging in sport drinks may provide you with the kick you need to attain those exercise goals, but they can increase your risk of tooth decay, warn professionals in implant dentistry in Houston.

Recommendations: The very best way to stay hydrated at the gym is to drink good old fashioned water. It comes without the calories and sugar.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Habit to Avoid # 11 ~ Fruit Juice

Just like sports and energy drinks, fruit juices are heavy in sugar and are highly acidic. They may be rich in vitamins, but you need to be careful about how frequently you indulge in them, explain professionals in implant dentistry in Houston.

Recommendations: If you love your fruit juice, opt for those that are unsweetened and also perhaps add a little water to dilute it. Don’t treat juice as a thirst quencher, stress professionals in implant dentistry in Houston. Regular consumption of sugary, acidic beverages increases your risk of needing Houston dental implants in the future.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Habit to Avoid # 12 ~ Indulging in Potato Chips!

Bacteria are notorious for their love of all things unhealthy. In addition to their affinity for sugar, they are quite fond of starchy foods and will break down the particles that are left in your mouth after a snack on acids. This acid corrodes away at the dental enamel, explain professionals in implant dentistry in Houston, which can leave your oral health at risk.

Recommendation: Try to limit your intake of potato chips – they’re not great for you anyway. But if you can’t resist a snack, make sure you brush your teeth afterwards, or at least wash it down with some water. Good hygiene will help prevent you from ever needing Houston dental implants.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Habit to Avoid # 13 ~ Constant Snacking

Every time you eat, the pH levels in your mouth drop (become acidic), say professionals in implant dentistry in Houston. Eating a full meal produces greater amounts of saliva, which help to wash away the sugary residues and food particles left behind in your mouth. Snacking doesn’t.

Recommendation: Avoid snacking too frequently and when you do, stick to foods that are healthy and low in sugar, like whole-grain bars or carrot sticks, advise professionals in implant dentistry in Houston.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Stay Tuned

To read about the final 6 habits that could, one day, see you requiring Houston dental implants, stay tuned for the fourth installment of this article series.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Fluoride, Fluoride, Fluoride!

This article describes the importance of fluoride in the prevention of the various ailments and oral diseases that cause tooth loss and the subsequent need for dental implants.

Did you know that, according to professionals in implant dentistry in Houston that the cornerstone of sound oral health is Fluoride? Chances are you already have some idea of the importance of this element. Just about every brand of toothpaste and mouthwash advertises the phrase ‘contains Fluoride’. And then there are those treatments you would go for every six months as a child. Well, it is an established scientific fact by implant dentistry in Houston – and has been for over 50 years - that the element Fluoride is essential for sound oral health because of its effectiveness in the prevention of tooth decay; one of the leading causes of tooth loss. While the food we eat and the water we drink naturally contain Fluoride, implant dentistry in Houston, which is locked in a constant battle against tooth loss, stresses the importance of using this element to strengthen teeth against the onslaught of decay-causing bacteria.

Preventing the Need for Houston Dental Implants with Topical Fluoride Treatments

Topical Fluoride treatment is performed simply by applying it to the outer surface of the teeth (the enamel) through brushing with Fluoride toothpastes, gargling with mouthwashes and using gels. However, say professionals in implant dentistry in Houston, like most oral homecare regimes, it is not always effective at reaching those little nooks and crannies, of which our mouths are full of! For this reason, qualified and experienced dentists, such as Dr. Wayne Brueggen, advise that if you want to avoid needing Houston dental implants, you and especially your children should receive a professional topical Fluoride treatment every six months or so.

Preventing the Need for Houston Dental Implants with Systemic Fluoride Treatments

Systemic Fluoride treatment, explain professionals in implant dentistry in Houston, simply involves the ingestion of small amounts of Fluoride, which our bodies then naturally use to protect the teeth against bacteria. Generally, we get our source of Fluoride from the water we drink as well as certain foods; however, you can get mineral supplements in the form of drops or special gels which are taken in conjunction with a balanced diet. Remember, advise professionals in implant dentistry in Houston, it is important that you have these supplements and their doses prescribed to you by a dentist. Too much Fluoride can lead to the development of unsightly white spots on the teeth, which is the result of a condition referred to as ‘Fluorosis’.

A Final Note from Implant Dentistry in Houston

It always serves to bear in mind that while Fluoride is important in the protection of our teeth against bacteria and decay, it alone is simply not enough to prevent tooth loss and the need for Houston dental implants. Regular brushing and flossing are fundamental and can never be replaced by any kind of supplement, say professionals in implant dentistry in Houston. Furthermore, you should combine sound oral hygiene care with balanced meals, plenty of water and a diet that is low in sugar as well as seeking regular professional care from a qualified and experienced dentist.

Contact Us @ www.nodentures.com

About Implant Dentistry in Houston: Frequently Asked Questions, PART 3

This article, part 3 of 4, answers the questions frequently asked about dental implants as a solution to single and multiple missing teeth.

In our two previous article posts, qualified and experienced implant dentist, Dr. Wayne Brueggen, has been providing answers to some of the questions frequently asked about implant dentistry in Houston. In this, the third installment of a four-part FAQ series, he shall continue to provide insight into one of modern dentistry’s greatest innovations: Houston dental implants.

FAQ # 8: What is the procedure required to have Houston dental implants placed?

The first step in your journey to smile restoration or - in the case of edentulous (not having a single original adult tooth left) and near edentulous patients - oral rehabilitation, is an initial consultation with Dr. Wayne Brueggen. During this visit, you will undergo a thorough clinical examination and give a detailed medical history so that the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis of your oral problem/s and recommend an appropriate course of action. Implant dentistry in Houston provides sophisticated and long term solutions to patients presenting with single and multiple missing teeth, so – if you have lost one or more of your pearly whites - this will be the goal Dr. Wayne Brueggen will work with you towards.

The next step involved in implant dentistry in Houston will be your surgery! You will have the option for sedation and, depending upon the complexity of your case, either local or general anesthesia. Either way, Dr. Wayne Brueggen will make sure that you are completely comfortable and relaxed and that your experience is pain-free. The first stage of the surgery will be to prepare your mouth to receive a dental implant, which may involve the removal of the old tooth root (if it still resides in the socket) and the elimination of infection. Dr. Wayne Brueggen will then place the implant and a ceramic tooth crown; a procedure which seldom takes more than an hour. Once you have recovered from the anesthesia, you are free to return home to a light meal and a good night’s rest. If you feel up to it, you may even return to work the next day! The results of implant dentistry in Houston will ensure that you are able to eat, speak and smile with confidence again.

FAQ # 9: Will I need to take time off from work if I have Houston dental implants placed?

Whether you will be ready to return to work the day after implant dentistry in Houston depends entirely upon you. Some patients prefer to take two or three days to rest, while others return to work the very next day! It is, however, recommended by Dr. Wayne Brueggen that you book yourself off for at least two days subsequent to implant dentistry in Houston. If you feel bright and ready enough after one day, then feel free to return to your responsibilities. Please note that the pain medication generally prescribed by implant dentistry in Houston may make you feel drowsy and it may impair your concentration. For these reasons, you should organize a lift to and from work until you are no longer on analgesics.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Stay Tuned

For the fourth and final installment of this article series on implant dentistry in Houston, stay tuned! Qualified and experienced dentist, Dr. Wayne Brueggen will be answering some final questions on Houston dental implants.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Frequently Asked Questions, PART 2

In this article, part 2 of 3, some frequently asked questions pertaining to the replacement of single and multiple missing teeth with dental implants are addressed.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Introduction

In our previous blog post, we addressed some of the questions frequently asked of those professionals who work in implant dentistry in Houston. The loss of single and multiple teeth is an inevitable situation during the course of one’s lifetime, regardless of how well you look after your teeth. It just takes one unfortunate accident for a tooth to become irreparably damaged or displaced altogether. Thankfully, implant dentistry in Houston is capable of restoring smile aesthetics and bite functionality as well as your short and long term oral health with that marvel of modern medical science: the dental implant (www.dentalimplantcosthouston.com). In this article we will continue to address some frequently asked questions so that, in the event that you lose one or more of your pearly whites, you will be well prepared and informed.

Question 3 ~ What should I do if I accidentally get a tooth knocked out?

If you are involved in an accident that causes one or more of your teeth to become damaged, severely chipped, cracked or knocked out, then you should:

1. Retrieve the tooth or tooth fragment and either place it in a sealed bag or wrap it in cotton wool (give this to the dentist; he or she may be able to save the tooth)
2. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water to minimize the risk of infection
3. Apply an ice compress to the cheek immediately outside the damaged region: this will help to slow the bleeding as well as reduce swelling

After these measures, you should immediately seek the attention of a professional in implant dentistry in Houston (www.nodentures.com). It is the goal of every dentist to help their patients retain their original adult teeth for as long as possible. While your accident may seemingly have ruined one or more of your teeth, it is possible for them to be saved through certain restorative procedures. If not, then implant dentistry in Houston will want to replace your damaged or missing teeth immediately to prevent three things from happening:

• Infection from setting into the abandoned/damaged tooth and gingival sulcus (gum surrounding the socket),
• The adjacent teeth from become unstable and shifting to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth/teeth,
• The bone underlying the site/s of the missing tooth or teeth from atrophying and becoming re-absorbed by the jaw.

It is for these fundamental reason that you should seek the immediate attention of implant dentistry in Houston should you ever lose one or more teeth; regardless of the cause.

Question 4 ~ If I am over the age of 60, am I still a candidate for implant dentistry in Houston?

The great thing about modern teeth replacement solutions is that incredible advancements in implant dentistry in Houston enables people of all ages and standards of oral health and hygiene to receive dental implants. Implant dentistry in Houston has even restored the smiles of people over the age of 90 (www.nodentures.com). There are, however, factors that can affect the success of implant dentistry in Houston. Chronic illness (diabetes and cancer), certain medications and bad habits such as smoking can result in the destabilization of dental implants.