Your teeth go through a lot. Starting at around 12 years old we have all of our adult teeth, not counting wisdom teeth which we get around age 18. From then on, those same teeth are chewing food and taking the brunt of everything we put in our mouths. Even though we may follow all the rules and take care of our teeth, sometimes external factors such as disease or genetics can cause us to lose our teeth. Dental implants are a great option for people who may be suffering from this.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an option for people who have lost their teeth to injury, age, or disease. You can imagine them like a prosthetic for your teeth. Implants are metal screws that are placed within your jaw and then used to attach a prosthetic tooth. There are many options for dental implants.
Who Are Dental Implants Good For?
While it may seem that anyone with missing teeth is a good candidate, dental implants require a relatively healthy mouth and jaw to work properly. First, it’s important to make sure you have a strong, healthy jaw with adequate height. Due to the fact that the dental implant will be placed directly within your jaw, it must be able to support the prosthetic. Next, you’ll have to make sure that you are free of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This can cause harmful complications, as well as result in the dental implant being rejected.
What Is the Implant Process?
Depending on how many teeth you are looking to replace, the dental implant process is different for everyone. If you’re only looking to replace a single tooth, then the process is relatively simple. Dr. Imm will go in and place the implant and possibly a crown. However, if you’re looking to replace multiple teeth, you can expect the process to be slightly more complicated. Dr. Imm will still place implants and crowns if necessary, but more planning may be necessary to ensure the longevity of your new implant restorations. Sometimes, it’s necessary to include our outstanding team of specialists. Either way, Dr. Imm will be there to coordinate your care every step of the way. If you would like to learn more about dental implants, you can contact our practice today!
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
The aftercare for dental implants is just as important as both the preparation and procedure itself. The main thing to remember is to not smoke. Smoking after dental implant surgery is one of the biggest mistakes that dental patients make. In order to make sure that your dental implants work efficiently and that your jawbone doesn’t reject them, it’s important to not smoke a least a week before your procedure and then two to three months afterward.
It’s also necessary that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions and stay hydrated, take any prescribed medicine, and practice good oral hygiene.
What Are the Cons?
There are a lot of great things about dental implants, but, like with any medical procedure, they do come with risks. Rest assured, Dr. Imm will review all of the risks of implant surgery prior to any treatment.
What Are the Benefits?
Despite these risks, though, dental implants offer an abundance of benefits that have drastically changed patients’ lives for the better. The most obvious benefit is the fact that any gap that was left after a tooth was lost will be filled. A gap within your mouth can lead to infections, but the thing to worry about most is your jawbone collapsing. While a bridge may prevent the teeth from shifting, it doesn’t do anything to preserve the bone left behind by losing the tooth. Dental implants do preserve the bone, while also providing an aesthetic solution that mimics a natural tooth.
Dental implants are an especially good choice for patients who have lost a front tooth. This can cause a lot of insecurity, and, by using a dental implant to fill the gap, you will be able to live your life with a confident smile and a healthy life.
Contact us at 5Points Advanced Dentistry today at 614-451-5435 to schedule your routine check-up, or if you have any questions or concerns about proper dental care.
Have you ever wondered when you should take your child to the dentist for the first time? As a parent, you’ve probably heard contradictory pieces of advice on this topic. Should you wait until 2 or 3 years old? When the first baby tooth appears? Or maybe when all of their baby teeth have grown in? Your trusted dentist in Upper Arlington has the answers.
You may be surprised that The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that a child’s first visit should be when their first tooth grows in. For some babies that first tooth comes very early in life. Others may not start getting teeth until closer to the first birthday. All children should see a dentist by age 2. Introducing children to regular visits and proper dental care at an early age will start them on the road to a healthy smile that will last them a lifetime.
What to Expect
The first dental visit should be an adventure; one for the baby book. The purpose is to introduce a child to the office in a non-threatening way. Taking a ride in the chair and being allowed to explore and touch some of the instruments may be what most of the visit is dedicated to. Once your child is comfortable with the hygienist, Dr. Imm will take a quick peek in their mouth to check for gum health and any other problems that may affect their teeth, speech, or airway.
Dental Care for Growing Children
Dental care needs change with each stage of development.
2 to 3 Years
Toddlers should have a dental visit every 6 months beginning at 2 years old.
They should begin flossing between teeth when the two front teeth are touching each other.
They should be brushing teeth every day to prevent cavities. Research has shown that children who get cavities in baby teeth are more likely to get cavities in their permanent teeth.
The ADA recommends children three years of age and younger use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice for brushing in the morning and evening. Children 3 years old should use a pea-sized dot of toothpaste.
4 to 6 Years
Most children will have the first set of dental X-rays taken around 5 or 6 years old when the permanent teeth begin to come in. There is no set age or recommendation. If there are specific conditions or concerns, such as cleft palate or if a child drinks out of a lot of sippy cups or bottles they may have X-rays taken at an earlier age.
Monitor brushing time to make sure the toothpaste is going down the drain and not down the throat. You may increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste used when your little one masters the art of spitting in the sink. Until then keep the amount to a minimum in case it is swallowed.
The newest research shows that this is the best time to start thinking about orthodontics. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends orthodontic intervention as soon as a skeletal problem is identified if it is not likely to self-correct. Most kids wait until their early teen years to get braces, but by then it may be too late for your child to keep all of his or her teeth.
6 to 12 Years
The baby teeth start falling out around the age of 6. This is the age of prevention and the time to really start encouraging good oral hygiene.
Sealants to protect teeth, especially the molars, from decay are usually recommended between the ages of 7 and 9, and again when the 12-year molars erupt.
If needed, an orthodontic evaluation will definitely be recommended by 7 years old, at the latest.
Nutrition Matters
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining dental health at all ages. It is especially important for children. What, when and how you feed your children is important to their overall physical growth and oral health. Diets that are good for the body are also good for the teeth.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar.
Discourage frequent snacking which leads to increased food residue and bacteria in the mouth.
Provide a balanced, healthy diet.
Use vitamin supplements as recommended by your pediatrician.
Serve plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Offer unsweetened, non-caffeinated beverages. Water is always a good choice.
Chewy and crunchy foods, such as nuts and steak, can aid in the development of the facial bones and encourage correct swallowing patterns. Introduce these foods as early as your child is able to chew them.
The Right Tools for the Job
If you have walked down any dental care aisle in any supermarket or drugstore you know how overwhelming and confusing it can be to choose the best product for your needs. For oral care in kids, it pays to make the right choice. Little things like choosing the right size toothbrush or the best toothpaste can make a difference in preventing cavities and maintaining oral health. The best advice anyone can give you is to avoid playing guessing games and just ask a professional.
Snoring and Your Child
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that every child who snores be evaluated by a Sleep Physician? That’s right. Early snoring can be a sign of an obstructed airway, which can lead to several health problems and will ultimately affect how your child’s face grows and develops. Dr. Imm is very passionate about your and your child’s airway health, so don’t be surprised if he asks you about our child’s sleep, and maybe even refers you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT).
You want to make the right pediatric dental choices for your family. To do that you need to be informed. Ask questions and do research. Use the right products at the right age. Get the best care for your kids that you can. 5Points Advanced Dentistry is one of your most valuable resources. We are here to help children stay healthy and to teach them how to properly care for their teeth.
Your teeth go through a lot. Starting at around 12 years old we have all of our adult teeth, not counting wisdom teeth which we get around age 18. From then on, those same teeth are chewing food and taking the brunt of everything we put in our mouths. Even though we may follow all the rules and take care of our teeth, sometimes external factors such as disease or genetics can cause us to lose our teeth. Dental implants are a great option for people who may be suffering from this.
What Are the Cons?
What Are the Cons?
