Feb 8, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Implant Dentistry
More and more patients with missing teeth are taking advantage of the popular restoration method of dental implants. If you are considering implants, you might have some questions or concerns. It may sound like a daunting procedure that might scare you off, but getting the facts will likely ease your fears.
We offer Dental Implants in Bingham Farms
How will I know about the process?
Seeking treatment from a qualified, experienced, reputable dentist is the first step in the dental implant process. If you and your dentist decide together that implants are a good solution for you, dental X-rays will be taken to get a clear picture of your bite and exactly where the dental implant should be placed. With the appropriate data and information needed, your dentist will create a treatment plan for accurately inserting the implant during oral surgery and later placing a crown on top to complete the restoration. These initial steps in the process will help avoid complications during the implant procedure.
Does it hurt?
If pain is what’s making you hesitate about getting dental implants, the good news is that there is practically no pain during the procedure. You will remain comfortable during treatment thanks to simple anesthesia injections in the area. Although you may notice vibrations during implant placement, actual pain shouldn’t occur. Anti-anxiety medications are sometimes given to calm a patient’s nerves, and sedation dentistry is an option for those with more serious dental fears.
What about recovery?
Most patients experience minimal pain after dental implant surgery. Soreness is normal, similar to what you’d expect after getting a filling, but over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen is usually sufficient. Dentists sometimes prescribe an antibiotic or a mouth rinse to reduce infection risks during healing. With the advancements made in dentistry, there is no reason to shy away from dental implants. Make a dental appointment in our Bingham Farms office to learn more about them today.
Feb 1, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Family Dentistry
One thing that can make an entire family smile is good oral health. When everyone has healthy teeth and gums, there is more reason to show off those great smiles. Oral health issues can even run in families, so taking care of a problem in one person may help other family members as well by alerting them to the condition. Family dentists can benefit everyone in your household. This type of dentist treats all family members, no matter what their age is. Young children, teens, adults, and seniors are all treated in one dental practice. Family dentistry focuses on taking care of the oral health needs for everyone in the family, and offers a variety of benefits by doing so.
Establishing a healthcare relationship with a family dentist means that everyone goes to the same office for appointments. The dentist and staff get to know each person, and can provide a level of comfort knowing that everyone is receiving the same standard of care. Family dentists understand your needs and those of other family members too.
Family dentists are trained and experienced in providing care for all kinds of issues. This always includes routine dental care like cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings. Some family dentists also perform procedures like implants, veneers, bonding, contouring, root canal treatments, and even orthodontics. You should choose a family dentist who offers services that meet the needs of every family member.
Another thing that family dentists are skilled in is teaching patients the best ways to care for their own oral health. Children may need to be taught how to properly brush and floss, teenagers might need reminders about consistent care or maintenance with braces, and adults often require special attention for good gum health. Seniors face unique challenges related to maintaining their oral health in order to keep their natural teeth. Family dentists understand the needs of patients at each stage of life, and can provide optimum treatment for those specific challenges.
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets and your oral health should not be compromised. Finding a good family dentist is your first step in the right direction.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Jan 25, 2024 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 3
There are many things you can do that will improve your look, such as a new hairstyle or diet. But have you thought about the dramatic effects changing your smile might have on your appearance? Cosmetic dentistry was established to make you more beautiful and confident with a winning smile.
Cosmetic dentists offer a wide variety of ways to alter your smile that can affect your whole appearance. It’s amazing what straight, white, fully restored teeth can do for a person. Here are some popular treatments offered through cosmetic dentistry.
Teeth whitening
Things like aging, eating dark foods, and smoking contribute to a dingy smile. Cosmetic dentists can brighten your smile right away using professional whitening techniques. Often in just an hour, you can have a brilliant smile to wow all your friends.
Dental veneers
Thin porcelain shells may be securely adhered to the front surfaces of your teeth. Cracks, misalignments, discolorations, chips and misshapen teeth will all disappear under your dental veneers. They are customized just for you, even down to the exact shade of white you desire, so that you end up with the smile you’ve always wanted.
Bonding
Cosmetic dentists can repair many minor teeth issues with dental bonding. Composite resin material is typically used to fill in chips, spaces, stains, cracks and fractures. Bonding lasts for years with proper oral hygiene.
Crowns
To restore your tooth appearance and function, a crown is placed over a damaged tooth. It may be a tooth that is worn down, discolored, weak or otherwise compromised. Also, crowns are used as part of the process with dental implants, bridges or root canals. These restorations are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or resin.
Bridges
Used to replace missing teeth, bridges are also called fixed partial dentures. These are usually made from gold, alloys, or a combination of these materials.
Braces
In addition to orthodontists, many cosmetic dentists can provide braces to straighten your teeth, repair an irregular bite, or reposition your jaw. Options include metals, ceramic, or plastic and some choices are even invisible in your smile.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Jan 18, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Implant Dentistry
Treatment with dental implants has proven to be highly predictable, with success rates in the range of 95%. However, if you are considering the placement of dental implants, you may still want reassurance about the safety of implants and the surgical procedure.
Dental implants are utilized to replace missing or damaged teeth. The implant acts in place of the natural root and supports restorations such as crowns, bridges, or removable dentures. Once implants have been placed, the patient enjoys the benefit of an appliance that looks and feels like natural teeth. Dental implant surgery is performed with the patient under local or IV sedation. The implant takes approximately four to six months to fuse to the jawbone, at which time your permanent restorations can be put into place.
We offer Dental Implants in Bingham Farms
In the past implants have been known to shrink the bone surrounding the implants over the course of time. However, newer implant technology has eliminated this risk almost completely. Implants also do not damage the surrounding teeth during preparation.
Titanium is the most common material for dental implants. This type of metal is known for outstanding resistance to corrosion, as well as being highly compatible with the environment within the mouth. While allergic reactions to titanium are possible, it is known to be extremely rare.
The best insurance you can give yourself regarding implant safety is to take time and care when choosing your oral surgeon. A highly skilled and experienced doctor will be better prepared about how to avoid or treat potential complications. A good oral surgeon will take great care in the planning stages of your implant surgery to avoid the possibility of implant failure.
Once your surgery is complete, it is vitally important to follow all the post-operative and aftercare recommendations your oral surgeon provides. Do not skip or postpone your follow-up visits, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to ensure you will escape any potential risks or complications and enjoy the benefits of dental implants for many years.
Jan 4, 2024 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
White teeth are a sign of beauty and health. Having pearly whites shows that you take pride in your appearance and gives you a confident air. There are many ways to achieve a brighter smile; here are some tips to help you get that shiny glow.
Professional whitening is a sure-fire way to brighten your smile by numerous shades. In only an hour, your smile can go from dull and dingy to white and polished. Your dental professional can guide you in the best ways to enhance your look with tools such as lasers or whitening trays. Professional methods are the quickest route to a dramatic improvement in the shade of your teeth.
If you prefer methods in your own home, drugstores have lots of options. Whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes are only a few of the choices available. These typically require consistent use for an extended period, but they can improve the color of your teeth with proper use. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
There are also natural ways to whiten your teeth at home. Rubbing your teeth with the back of a lemon or orange peel can help, and adding a little salt can make it even more effective. Strawberries may be directly rubbed onto your teeth, or made into a paste by mashing them up with a little water and then brushing onto your teeth for five minutes. Each of these methods should be followed by thorough rinsing of the mouth to eliminate residue or acids left behind.
Baking soda is a proven ingredient to help brighten your smile. Mixing baking soda and water to form a paste that can then be brushed onto your teeth is a great tip. Follow up by rinsing with water or hydrogen peroxide, and then brushing normally with toothpaste.
Consult your dentist to make sure you aren’t harming your teeth or mouth when you try any whitening methods yourself. If you experience pain, stop and ask your dentist for advice. Do not use over-the-counter or professional whitening methods during pregnancy without consulting your doctor first.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Dec 28, 2023 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Also called onychophagia, nail biting is a common habit for lots of people, usually children, teens, and young adults. Often, nail biting is caused by stress and seems to wane as people get older. Though some would argue that it’s not as bad as smoking or other less desirable habits, there are several reasons to stop nail biting:
It’s unsanitary. Did you know that your mouth and your hands/nails are two of the germiest areas on your body? If you have any open sores on your fingertips and you bite your nails, the germs from your mouth spread to that area. Pretty gross if you think about it.
It’s unattractive. Nobody really wants to watch someone bite their nails. As well, it doesn’t make your nails look very nice either.
It hurts your teeth. When you bite your nails, it strains front teeth and can weaken them, which may contribute to misalignment or crookedness. Nail biting also keeps your teeth in constant chewing motion and may wear them down faster than if you didn’t bite your nails.
It can cost you money. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that nail biting may add $4000 to dental bills over a lifetime.
Stopping any habit can be difficult. To curtail your nail biting, try to:
- Think about it. Sometimes, just be conscious of this habit can help you stop.
- Make your nails look nice. You won’t want to mess them up if they are neatly manicured.
- Create a deterrent. Check at the drug store for colorless, odorless solutions you apply to the
nails. These topicals taste awful, which should make it easier to quit.
Do you live in Bingham Farms or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
