Month: December 2022

Wearing a Better Smile: Is It Safe to Get Dental Implants?

Your smile is one of your face’s best assets. A mouth with a pearly set of teeth can make you feel more confident and healthy, and you’d want to find ways to protect them. 

Sadly, some unfortunate events can make you lose a tooth or render you toothless. These can significantly affect your speech and self-esteem. 

Thanks to modern dental advancements, you can consider dental implants to replace lost teeth. While implants look and function like natural teeth and are more likely to be successful, you might wonder if they’re safe. 

This blog will discuss what you need to know about dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants can help people replace lost or damaged teeth. They replace tooth roots, which create a strong foundation for removable or permanent teeth. 

Your dentist can also match them to look and function like your natural teeth. Your jawbone’s condition and the type of implant you’ll get will determine how your healthcare provider will conduct the dental implant surgery. 

Why Should You Get Dental Implants? 

Unlike dentures or bridgework, they don’t cause bone damage, make noise, slip, or rot. 

Who Can Get Them?

You can qualify for dental implants if you have healthy oral tissues, want to improve your speech, and can’t or don’t want to wear dentures. This option also works best if you don’t smoke and are ready to commit to the months-long process.

Moreover, your dentist can give you dental implants if you have a fully-developed jaw and are missing a tooth or teeth.

Who Can’t Get Dental Implants?

On the other hand, consider finding other dental options if you’re a smoker or have chronic diabetes. You may also not qualify for dental implants if you’re highly sensitive to the metal fillings, such as titanium, nickel, copper, and zinc. It’s always best to consult your dentist first to help ensure you’re making the right choice for your oral health. 

Are They Safe? 

Your dentist will install dental implants through an oral procedure. Most of these come from titanium alloys and titanium, which have impressive biocompatibility. They’re safe for humans because of their low electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. 

Most procedures are effective in replacing missing teeth. While the process may look complex, you can ensure a successful, low-risk, and comfortable dental implant when you work with a professional. 

Are They Painful? 

While dental implants are usually painless, the pain levels highly depend on the individual. Most people who underwent this procedure stated that they’d experienced discomfort during the treatment. Most patients who got a tooth extraction and a dental implant can attest the latter has less pain. 

Fortunately, your dentist will administer local anesthesia during the procedure to reduce the pain. You can later treat the soreness with prescribed painkillers. 

Dental Implants 101: How to Care For Them?

You can ensure their best condition by practicing good oral hygiene, such as flossing, brushing, and rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash daily. It’s also best to visit your dentist regularly for regular cleaning and checkups. 

What Are the Risk Factors?

While the risks of getting dental implants are low, this procedure can be risky if you neglect bacteria buildup that can cause infection and inflammation. You’re also more likely to suffer from complications if your body rejects them and it damages a nerve resulting from poor installation. 

Conclusion

Dental implants are a popular procedure to help improve speech and self-esteem. However, you must practice good oral hygiene and consult your dentist to ensure you make the right choice for your teeth. 

If you’re looking for dental implants in Weymouth, MA, look no further than Weymouth Dental Arts! We offer the most advanced technologies to ensure our patients’ optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! 

Causes of Loose Dentures and Ways to Fix Them Easily

Loose dentures can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can cause difficulty in eating, talking, and smiling. Loose dentures can happen for various reasons, ranging from poor fit to bone loss in the jaw.

This article will discuss the causes of loose dentures and how experts can handle denture repairs right away.

Causes of Loose Dentures

Here are five common causes of loose dentures:

1. Poorly Fitting Dentures

One of the most prevalent causes of loose dentures is that they were not fitted correctly when they were first made. If the denture is not made to fit the exact shape of your mouth, it can cause it to become loose over time.

2. Bone Loss

Unfortunately, bone loss is a common problem for many people with dentures. The dentures can become loose and uncomfortable as the jawbone begins to shrink.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to loose dentures. If the denture is not cleaned properly and regularly, it can become loose due to plaque and bacteria buildup.

4. Ill-Fitting Dentures

If a denture does not fit properly, it can cause the denture to become loose over time. This can happen if the denture does not match the exact shape of your mouth and causes discomfort.

5. Natural Aging

As we age, our bodies and mouths change. This can cause the denture’s fit to become loose as our mouths change shape and size.

Ways to Fix Loose Dentures

There are several approaches to fix loose dentures, from visiting your dentist to making simple repairs and adjustments at home. Here, we’ll discuss the effective ways to improve loose dentures and restore confidence in your smile.

1. Visit Your Dentist

This is an essential step to take if you have trouble with your loose dentures. Your dentist can assess the fit of your dentures and make any necessary denture repairs and adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Sometimes, your dentures may need to be remade to fit correctly.

2. Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives are a great way to help secure your dentures and reduce slipping and sliding. These adhesives come in a variety of forms, such as powders, pastes, and wafers. They are applied directly to the dentures and provide a secure bond between them and the gum tissue.

3. Soft Liners

Soft liners are another great way to help secure dentures and reduce discomfort. They are made of a soft material placed directly on the denture and forms the shape of the gum tissue. This helps to provide a cushion between the denture and the gum tissue, reducing irritation and allowing for a more secure fit.

4. Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to ensure that your dentures remain in stable condition and fit correctly. During these check-ups, your dentist can make adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

5. Proper Care

Proper care and maintenance of your dentures are essential. This includes brushing your dentures daily, soaking them in a cleanser, and avoiding eating sticky foods that could damage the dentures.

By following these 6 effective ways to fix loose dentures, you can help to ensure a comfortable and secure fit and restore your confidence in your smile. If you are having trouble with your dentures, visit your dentist for an assessment and to discuss the best options for

Conclusion

Loosening of dentures is a common but manageable problem. It is important to understand the causes and take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening. To remedy the problem, it is important to visit a dentist so they can appropriately make denture repairs or reline the dentures. Taking these steps can help keep dentures secure and comfortable.

Weymouth Dental Arts is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and experienced dental care provider. Our team of highly skilled dentists and specialists offers a wide range of treatments, from simple preventive care to more complex dental surgery. If you are looking for a quality dental care provider, including denture repairs, contact us today for more information.

Dry Mouth and Dentures: Why Is It Going to Be a Problem?

If you have dentures, you may have experienced dry mouth at some point. This can be a problem because dentures rely on saliva to stay in place. Without enough saliva, dentures can become loose and uncomfortable.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a condition that can be caused by several things, including certain medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. It occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva. This can lead to several problems, including:

– Difficulty speaking

– Difficulty swallowing

– A feeling of thirst

– A dry, sticky feeling in the mouth

– Cracked lips

– A burning sensation in the mouth

– An increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease

While dry mouth can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not a serious condition. There are a number of ways to treat it, including over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are many causes of dry mouth, including:

– Aging

– Cancer treatment

– Dehydration

– Medications

– Nerve damage

– Sjögren’s syndrome

– Smoking

– Stress

– Surgery

– Trauma

Dry mouth can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

How Does Dry Mouth Affect Dentures?

Dentures rely on saliva to stay in place. They’re designed to fit snugly against the gums, but if there’s not enough saliva, they can become loose. This can make them uncomfortable to wear and can cause them to slip out of place.

Dentures can also become stained and discolored if you have dry mouth. This is because saliva helps to keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. Without enough saliva, bacteria can build up on the dentures and cause them to become discolored.

How to Treat Dry Mouth

There are a number of ways to treat dry mouth. If you have dentures, it’s important to find a treatment that will not only relieve your symptoms but also help to keep your dentures in place.

– Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water.

– Suck on sugar-free hard candy or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

– Use a saliva substitute such as xylitol gum or mouthwash.

– Avoid tobacco products and alcohol, which can make dry mouth worse.

– Talk to your dentist or doctor about medications that may be causing dry mouth and see if there are alternatives.

If you are having difficulty wearing dentures due to dry mouth, talk to your dentist. They may be able to adjust your dentures or recommend other treatment options.

Lastly, consider implant-secured dentures. Implant-secured dentures are a type of denture that is attached to four to six implant posts in the jawline. The posts are permanent, but the dentures can be removed.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from dry mouth and are wearing dentures, it is important to be aware of the potential problems that can arise. While dentures can help to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth, they can also cause further irritation and inflammation. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is best to consult with your dentist to find the best course of treatment.

Weymouth Dental Arts offers the services of a trusted Weymouth dentist who can provide you with the dental treatment that you need. Schedule your appointment today!

Solutions to Consider When Faced with Chipped Teeth

A tooth may occasionally chip or break due to a violent blow to the face, a rapid slip or fall, or even a poor bite on something hard. The enamel on your teeth is more durable than the bone. 

Despite this, tooth enamel does not have the same ability to regenerate as your bones. This implies that once it is cracked, shattered, or chipped, it cannot mend on its own. 

Having chipped teeth can be an embarrassing situation and can lead to self-consciousness and a lack of confidence. Of course, you’ll need to visit a dentist to have it corrected.

The most effective dental restoration options for fixing a chipped tooth are listed below.

Option #1: Bonding

One of the simplest and most common dental procedures now offered is tooth bonding. The phrase specifically describes a kind of dental operation in which a composite resin is molded and then applied to a tooth that is damaged. 

It is typically applied to close up holes or fill in minor gaps as well as repair cracks or chips in teeth. If you’re currently on a limited budget, you might decide to get a dental bonding as this operation is typically affordable. It is also quick and simple.

Option #2: Filling

This procedure uses filling materials to repair any holes, cracks, chips, or other damage to a tooth. The damaged region of the tooth will first be removed by the dentist, followed by a thorough cleaning and sealing with a filling.

The process is straightforward, yet costs may change depending on the filling materials employed. You have the option of getting composite resin fillings, porcelain, silver amalgam, or even gold fillings. 

Additionally, tooth-colored non-metal fillings that are just as resilient as other conventional metal-based restorations are now available at some clinics.

Option #3: Crowns

A dental crown can also be used to repair teeth that have been fractured or chipped. Here, a damaged tooth needs to have a cap, or “crown,” placed on top of it to conceal the damage and restore the tooth’s flawless appearance.

This dental procedure involves additional steps and is generally more expensive than the first two treatments. The dentist will inspect the affected tooth to begin. 

If deterioration is found, a root canal procedure might be done. After that, the target tooth will be cut to make way for the crown.

Option #4: Veneers

Another excellent method of repairing a chipped or damaged tooth is by getting dental veneers. The process is essentially the same as receiving a dental crown. 

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells bonded over teeth’ front surfaces to hide flaws, including stains, chipping, and irregular shapes. The sole distinction between veneers and crowns is that since veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth, they are less intrusive than crowns.

There are two kinds of veneers. The first is composed of porcelain, while the second is a composite made of resin. 

While veneers made of resin-based materials may only last up to eight years, the former is thought to be the more durable type and often lasts from ten to even fifteen years.

Option #5: Root Canal

Typically, a root canal is not necessary for a chipped tooth. But there are instances when the dental pulp, a soft tissue located at the core of the tooth, may become exposed and infected by germs when the crack or damage is this extensive. 

Gum swelling, increased tooth sensitivity, and possibly even excruciating pain will follow. If this occurs, your dentist might advise a root canal.

Conclusion

A chipped tooth is more vulnerable to bacterial infection, temperature changes, and sweets. If the minor crack is not repaired, it may eventually become larger. The tooth may totally break, leaving an ugly gap in the mouth.

It is important to consult a qualified dentist to ensure that the correct treatment is chosen. With the right solution, the appearance of a chipped tooth can be restored, and you can have your confident, beautiful smile.

You can receive high-quality veneers in Weymouth at Weymouth Dental Arts. Our clinic uses the latest and most advanced technologies to make your visit as quick and comfortable as possible. Patients of all ages are welcome to our dental clinic, so book your appointment today!

Dental Care 101: The Differences between Bonding and Veneers

Many people often downplay their role, but our teeth are valuable body parts because they allow us to break down food for easier consumption. For this reason, everyone is encouraged to take care of their teeth, whether it’s by brushing or flossing. However, one can only do so much because teeth are bound to be damaged.

When teeth get damaged, we have various options for treatment and restoration. Unfortunately, not all options are created equal, so there are often debates about which is better. One example is comparing bonding and veneers, which restore teeth and work nearly the same way, albeit with a few slight differences. Few people know how they work, so we’ll discuss the details in this article.

More about Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a treatment that uses a tooth-colored resin material that is applied to the tooth. Once the resin is applied to the tooth, it is hardened and polished, which gives it the look of a natural tooth.

Dental bonding treats chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth and can change a tooth’s shape or make it look longer. The procedure is usually done in one visit and does not require anesthesia unless used to fill a cavity. Dental bonding is also less expensive than veneers and can be done in one visit.

However, dental bonding isn’t perfect because it has its drawbacks. For one, the bonding material easily stains, meaning you have to take extra care of your teeth to keep them white. The material is also less strong than your natural tooth enamel, which can chip or crack more easily.

More about Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of your teeth and can make them look whiter and straighter.

Veneers are usually done in two visits. The first visit is when the dentist prepares your teeth for the veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel. An impression of your teeth is then made and sent to a dental laboratory where your veneers will be made. The dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth on your second visit using a special cement. A light beam is then used to harden the cement and bond the veneers to your teeth.

Veneers are an excellent option for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth. However, they are also more expensive than dental bonding and require more than one visit.

Which Is Better?

The best option for you depends on your needs and budget. Dental bonding is the best choice for you if you want a cheaper option. On the other hand, veneers are the best choice if you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting option.

When to Get Dental Bonding

Dental bonding helps correct minor imperfections in your teeth. It can fix chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and discoloration. It’s also used to close gaps between your teeth.

However, it’s also worth noting that dental bonding is less durable than veneers. It only lasts for about 3 to 5 years, and you will need to have it replaced after that.

When to Get Veneers

On the other hand, veneers are the best choice if you are looking for a more durable and long-lasting option. Veneers are also more resistant to staining. They can last for about 10 to 15 years.

However, as mentioned, veneers are more expensive than dental bonding. They can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per tooth, so you have to budget for it. You can ask your insurance provider if it’s covered to minimize your payments.

Conclusion

Dental bonding and veneers are effective treatments for your teeth, but you should know which is more appropriate. Since they have different benefits, you can choose the one that best addresses your needs. When you do, your teeth will be healthier and function better.

If you’re looking for veneers in Weymouth, Weymouth Dental Arts can help you! We understand the value of oral health, so we provide solutions to ensure you get the best dental care possible. Visit our website today to schedule an appointment!