Are you considering getting dental implants? If so, you’re likely wondering about their longevity. Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing or damaged teeth, as they are designed to last many years. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how long dental implants typically last, the factors that affect their lifespan, and how to ensure your implants last as …
How Do You Fix Gum Recession?
Gum recession is a condition in which the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away. This causes the tooth or the tooth’s root to be more exposed. Gum recession causes the teeth to appear longer and can lead to sensitivity, decay, and an increased risk of periodontal disease. This is a common oral health …
Can Dental Implants Be Done In One Day?
Dental implants offer a variety of tooth replacement options from single tooth replacement to bridges and dentures for multiple teeth. The process of getting dental implants varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type, location, and number of implants. As patients consider the pros and cons of dental implants, one question tends to arise: can dental implants be …
How Long Does it Take to Heal After a Tooth Extraction?
Having a tooth extracted can be intimidating, but in some cases, it’s unavoidable. Fortunately, the actual procedure is relatively quick, and you’ll soon be on your way home. Of course, that’s not the end of the story—you’ll need to take some precautions to ensure optimal healing. This article will discuss the process of tooth extraction, how long it takes to …
How Do You Prevent Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film made up of food residue and bacteria, builds up on the teeth along the gumline. When plaque isn’t removed it can harden into calculus, which is harder to remove and more likely to infect the gums. Nearly …
Estimated Recovery Time After Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is a life-changing procedure that can improve your oral health and brighten your smile. During the procedure, the periodontist replaces one or more missing teeth with implants that look and feel like natural teeth. Getting dental implants is considered a major dental procedure. As such, it takes time to completely heal from the surgery. Before you get …
The Effectiveness of Scaling and Root Planing
When someone has gum disease, small pockets can form between the gums and the parts of the teeth that are normally covered by the gums. This space allows plaque and tartar to grow in places that regular tooth brushing and cleanings cannot reach. If this happens to your teeth, your dentist may recommend root scaling and planing, also known as …
Help! My Dental Implant Fell Out. Now What?
If you have teeth that are severely decayed, a dental implant replaces them, giving you a natural, beautiful smile. Dental implants are often preferred over other types of tooth replacement, such as dentures, as they are permanent and usually more comfortable for the person wearing them. But dental implants aren’t perfect. There is a small risk of failure. Here’s what …
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects your gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) estimates that nearly 80% of American adults suffer from some level of periodontal disease. Although most cases are mild to moderate, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even cause …
The Likelihood of Gum Disease During Pregnancy
Did you know that pregnant women are at a higher risk for developing gum disease? Of all the things that are common knowledge about pregnancy, this may not be so well known. There are a few different reasons for this, but taking the proper precautions can reduce the risk and ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your …
The Goal of Oral Cancer Screenings
That “C” word – cancer – can cause some uneasiness just hearing it. It is associated with so many negative experiences and feelings. As medical technology and treatment options advance, cancer that is detected in its beginning stages can often be treated successfully. Oral cancer screenings are now offered by dentists as a means of prevention. Their goal is to …
The 4 Stages of Periodontal Disease
Many people are under the mistaken impression that periodontal disease isn’t serious, perhaps because it starts with such mild symptoms. Red, swollen gums often go unnoticed; even when gums bleed when brushing or flossing, you may disregard these symptoms or put off seeking treatment. Unfortunately, gum disease can quickly progress from minor nuisance to a serious disease that compromises not …
Fixed Dental Implant Bridges vs. Snap on Dentures
Are you in need of replacement teeth? When you need a significant number of teeth replaced, either a few in a row or a complete arch, there are a few options available. Dental implants are the best option, but they are a bit costly if you need multiples. The next best option is dental implant supported bridges and dentures. What’s …
Is It Possible to Reverse Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums. It occurs when there is excessive plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a combination of food residue and bacteria that sticks to the teeth unless it is brushed away. When it remains for too long it can infect the gums, causing periodontal disease. In …
Misunderstood Effects of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a common condition affecting nearly half of Americans. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and support structures of the teeth. The cause of gum disease is a buildup of plaque on the teeth, a combination of food residue, saliva, and bacteria. When plaque remains on the teeth …
Your First Visit to the Periodontist
Have you been referred to a periodontist? Your dentist may have recommended that you see a periodontist for gum disease or to get a dental implant. Periodontists specialize in conditions and procedures for the gums and support structures for your teeth. If you’re going to a periodontist for the first time, you may not know what to expect. Here’s a …
Dental Implant vs Bridge: Know Your Options
Do you need to have a tooth replaced? Sometimes a tooth simply can’t be saved. Even so, it is in your best interest to replace the tooth rather than leaving an empty space in your mouth. What are your options for replacing one or a few teeth? Dental implants and dental bridges can both replace missing teeth, but they are …
What’s the Cost of a Dental Implant for One Tooth?
Do you need to have a tooth replaced? If your tooth is damaged or decayed beyond saving or if you’ve lost a tooth previously, a dental implant is one option for replacing it. Dental implants are considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option available. It is for this reason that dental implants are also the most expensive option. …
What is the Typical Dental Implant Failure Rate?
Dental implants are the most recommended tooth replacement option. The majority of patients who receive dental implants experience success, meaning their implant lasts for many years or even the rest of their life. But on some occasions dental implants fail. There are a variety of reasons for that, and many of them can be avoided. What is the typical dental …
Dental Implant vs Crown: Pros and Cons
Do you have a tooth that needs a major restoration? When a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, or chipped, it may need to be repaired or replaced. Dental implants and crowns are commonly used to restore function and appearance. Which option is right for you? It depends on your situation. It helps to understand the difference between these two options …
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: What You Should Know
Dental implants are considered to be the best option for tooth replacement. But not everyone is an ideal candidate for a dental implant right away. Sometimes a bone graft procedure is required first as a preparatory measure. What exactly are bone grafting and dental implants and what do these procedures entail? Here’s what you should know. What is a Dental …
Dental Implant Financing Options
Do you need to have a tooth replaced? A dental implant is the best option for tooth replacement, but it comes with a price tag. Unfortunately, dental insurance doesn’t often cover dental implants, so patients often pay for the procedure out of pocket. Even if you have insurance that does cover dental implants, it is likely only a portion of …
The 4 Benefits of Dental Implants
Are you considering dental implants? Whether you have a missing tooth, a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, or you need multiple teeth replaced, dental implants are the best option available. There are other ways to replace missing or damaged teeth, such as dental bridges or even dentures. Why are dental implants considered to be the best? Consider the …
Dental Implant and Crown: Is This Combination Right For You?
If you are in need of a single tooth replacement, a dental implant and crown combination is most likely your best option. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Titanium is a biocompatible metal that fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant root …
Dental Implant vs Root Canal: What to Consider
When you have a problem with a tooth that extends into the root, there are a few different options for what to do about it. The option that is best for you depends on the situation. A root canal can sometimes save the existing tooth, but in some cases it may not be effective. A dental implant can replace a …
Dental Implants vs Dentures: What You Should Know
Are you in need of tooth replacement? Whether you need just a few or all of your teeth replaced, there are a few different options. Dental implants are often used to replace one or a few teeth and dentures are more often used when an entire arch of teeth needs to be replaced. What’s the difference between dental implants and …
4 Myths About Dental Implants
Are you considering dental implants? Perhaps you are concerned about some of the negative things you’ve heard about them. In many cases, these are just rumors that are not at all true. In fact, dental implants have many benefits and are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement options. A dental implant is a complete artificial tooth and …
What is the Typical Dental Implant Healing Time?
Are you considering getting a dental implant? Implants are the ideal tooth replacement option. They look and function as closely as possible to your natural teeth and can last for a lifetime. When it comes time to schedule your implant procedure, you may be wondering how long of a recovery period you need to plan for. How much rest time …
Can You Get Dental Implants While Pregnant?
Have you been planning a dental implant procedure and now you’re pregnant? If so, you may have some concerns about whether or not you should go through with the procedure in your current condition. It is generally recommended that only preventive dental care and minor restorative procedures be performed during pregnancy. However, complex or in-depth procedures, such as dental implants, …
The Advantages (and Disadvantages) of Dental Implants
If you experience tooth loss, your dentist might recommend a dental implant as a permanent solution. There are many benefits of getting dental implants, as well as some other things to consider. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not the procedure is for you. …
Why Do I Have to See a Periodontist and My General Dentist?
Seeing a general dentist on a regular basis is a basic requirement for good oral health. Your general dentist can handle cleaning and caring for your teeth and most other dental procedures you may need, such as cavity fillings. But when you have severe gum disease or the need for dental implants or bone grafting procedures, you may be referred …
Why It is Important to Get Hopeless Teeth Extracted Before They Hurt
How do you know when you have a bad tooth? If you’ve ever had a toothache from a cavity or an infected tooth, you won’t soon forget it. But sometimes a tooth can be bad without causing you any pain. Sometimes you won’t feel it because the nerve is dead inside the tooth. Once a tooth is that far gone, …
Are Dental Implants Covered By Dental Insurance?
Dental implants have a reputation as being an expensive procedure. While the results should last you much longer than other restorative dental procedures, there are higher upfront costs. If you have dental insurance, you may wonder whether your insurance plan will cover dental implants. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straight forward. It depends on a number of different factors. Some Dental …
Different Types of Gingival Grafting
Gingival Grafting, also called gum grafting, is a procedure used to thicken your gingiva and, in some cases, to cover recession under your teeth. This procedure is used for a variety of reasons including reinforcing your gums and teeth and for patients that have sensitivity due to recession. There are several procedures that fall under the Gingival Grafting umbrella and …
Dental Implant Pain and Recovery: What to Expect
Getting a dental implant can be a big relief for dental health problems, but there will be some discomfort along the way. The surgery requires significant time to heal, and you’ll need a reliable way to manage the pain while you recover. Here is what you can expect during your dental implant recovery. Varies Based on ComplexityThere will be some …
Dental Implant Alternatives: Know Your Options
Repairing and maintaining your teeth is often the best option for your dental health. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. If a dental implant is the chosen method of improving your dental health, then it is important to get the procedure done. However, there are other options besides dental implants that can help you improve your dental health if you …
A Step by Step Guide to Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a relief for anyone that has a damaged, broken, or missing tooth that needs to be replaced. Implants are put in every day, and a skilled dental surgeon can make the process much easier. If you need a dental implant, then knowing more about the process can help you prepare for it. Here is a step …
Why Dentistry Is Like an Iceberg
Oral health is more complex than it may seem. That’s because your tooth structure actually resembles an iceberg. What you see when you smile in the mirror is only the top portion of the structure. General dentists work above the water line—on the visible portion of your teeth above the gums. Periodontists are responsible for the areas below the water …
The Purpose of Scaling and Root Planing
Plaque buildup is a common problem that many dentists treat. That is why you get a thorough cleaning nearly every time you go to the dentist. Specialized tools can remove the plaque more effectively. However, there are some cases where plaque buildup may require special methods to treat. These methods are referred to as “Scaling and Root Planing” or sometimes …
Scaling and Root Planing: What to Expect
If you have missed a few dental cleaning appointments, or if you are predisposed to gum disease, you may need a special deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Although it sounds ominous, this procedure is common and relatively simple. Scaling uses specialized tools to clean out plaque and tartar from beneath the gums. Root planing cleans and …
Indications for Gingival Grafting
Periodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the hard and soft tissues that support teeth. Here at Holzinger Periodontics & Dental Implants, we know that gingival grafting can be a beneficial way to improve periodontal health. Gingival grafting, also called connective tissue or gum grafting, is a procedure done to reverse and/or combat future gum recession (the pulling away …
4 Signs You Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Approximately 80% of all adults have some form of periodontal disease. It is caused by plaque, a sticky blend of food debris and bacteria that accumulates on the teeth and gums. If not removed quickly, plaque can harden into calculus, irritating the gums and increasing the risk of infection. As bacteria spreads through the gums, it causes periodontal disease, also …