April 30, 20180

Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry continues to lead in popularity, and the technologies and techniques dentists use continue to evolve to provide even better results in a shorter amount of time. While most patients think that it involves little more than teeth whitening and replacing lost or damaged teeth, there’s quite a bit more to it than that.

A beautiful smile has a huge impact on your confidence and how the people around you perceive you. Before we take a look at some of the more popular cosmetic procedures, let’s define what cosmetic dentistry is – how it’s changed, how it impacts your smile, and how it’s perceived by people at large.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance and health of your mouth, teeth, and smile. And although cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, rather than essential, some cases of treatment will also provide restorative benefits.

The most common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are fairly simple, whereas others are more complex and require specialized care.

How has Cosmetic Dentistry changed?

A number of historians believe that ancient civilizations have been practicing aesthetic dentistry since as far back as 700 B.C. People who had dental problems wore dentures created out of animal teeth, bones and even seashells. Later on, during the reign of the Roman Empire, the people learned the value of ammonia and other similar abrasive substances in removing tooth stains. By the 1700s, dentists began creating teeth covers out of porcelain.

How can Cosmetic Dentistry impact your smile?

It’s endless what cosmetic can do for your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can help whiten your smile (zoom whitening), improved biting and chewing (porcelain veneers), a straighter smile (Invisalign), healthier teeth & gums (bonding & gum contouring), a stronger smile (dental implants), and prevent future damages (dental crowns) which all lead to a more confident smile.

Five Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged or discolored teeth using material that resembles the color of tooth enamel. Your dentist drills out the tooth decay and applies the composite to the tooth’s surface, then “sculpts” it into the right shape before curing it with a high-intensity light. Also referred to as simply “bonding,” per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, this effectively covers the damage to the tooth and gives the appearance of a healthy tooth in its place. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available to patients with tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth and worn-down edges.

Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers are typically manufactured from medical-grade ceramic and are made individually in a lab for each patient to resemble one’s natural teeth, according to Coquitlam Dentist Dr. Komal Dhir. They look exceptionally realistic and can resolve numerous cosmetic problems, ranging from crooked teeth, to cracked or damaged enamel to noticeable gaps between two teeth. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most basic cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening or teeth bleaching can be performed at your Coquitlam Dental Office or at home with our Free Take-Home Whitening Kit for new patients. Whitening should occur after plaque, tartar and other debris are cleaned from the surface of each tooth, restoring their natural appearance. Teeth can also be bleached to achieve an even lighter shade than this original color, according to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).

Over the years, teeth become stained and worn from food, drinks, medication and personal habits such as smoking. Whitening coats the teeth and this procedure can be done in the dental office or at home. Additionally, patients can use whitening toothpaste to achieve the same effect.

Implants

Dental implants simply are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. Our dentist will insert a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a dental crown. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth, and once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place. Dental Patients need to practice diligent oral hygiene during the implant placement period to clean plaque and food debris from the area.

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry procedures, it’s vital to find a cosmetic dentist who specifically offers the option you’re interested in. Talk with family and friends to find out if they can refer to you a dental professional.

At Ridgeway Dental Office in Coquitlam, our dentists have placed over 1000’s of implants.

Invisalign

Invisalign® is a custom-made clear aligner that is interchanged roughly every two weeks for a period of six to eighteen months, or longer depending on the severity of misalignment of the patient. Similar to a mouth or dental retainer (which is designed to keep teeth from shifting out of place), an Invisalign® aligner is used for orthodontic treatment as a technique to move and properly align teeth for a beautiful smile. This clear aligner is usually computer generated from a mold (or impression) of the patient’s teeth—taken by our dentist in Coquitlam—and the fitting is unique to each patient only.

Family Dentistry

August 31, 20170

Oral Surgery

Any procedure that involves cutting into or removing tissue from your mouth, tooth extraction, or installing a dental implant is considered oral surgery. This type of surgery is used to treat many problems in the areas of the face, jaw, neck, and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Usually, our Coquitlam Dentist will remove a tooth if it appears to be broken, infected, loose, or impacted. After taking a dental x-ray and examining the problem area, our Dentist in Coquitlam will decide which type of extraction is needed. Of course, other options are available if tooth removal is unwanted.

Reasons for Extractions

Trauma to the mouth
Badly damaged tooth or teeth
Crowded mouth
Caved or infected tooth or teeth

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery

1. Who will need an oral surgery?

Oral surgical procedures involve the incision, excision, or reflection of tissue that exposes the normally sterile areas of the oral cavity. Examples are biopsy, periodontal surgery, apical surgery, dental implant surgery, and surgical extractions of teeth (removal of erupted or nonerupted tooth requiring elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap, removal of bone or section of tooth, and suturing if needed).

2. Who will need periodontal surgery?

Periodontal or “gum” surgery is needed when conservative non-surgical treatments are ineffective in completely eradicating the periodontal disease. Luckily, periodontal surgery is a very simple and extremely effective technique to treat advanced periodontal problems.

3. What is apical surgery?

Apical surgery is considered a standard oral surgical procedure. It is often the last resort to surgically maintain a tooth with a periapical lesion that cannot be managed with conventional endodontic (re-)treatment. The main goal of apical surgery is to prevent bacterial leakage from the root-canal system into the periradicular tissues by placing a tight root-end filling following root-end resection. A major step in apical surgery is to identify possible leakage areas at the cut root face and subsequently to ensure adequate root-end filling. Only a tight and persistent apical obturation will allow periapical healing with good long-term prognosis.

4. When do I need a surgical extraction of teeth?

If a more volatile tooth has yet to grow in, however, our Ridgeway Dentist needs to remove gum tissue or bone in order to extract it. This is called a surgical extraction and requires stitches to close the site so that it can heal properly. If a tooth breaks off during the procedure, for instance, it may need to be taken out in pieces. Wisdom teeth often face surgical extraction because they are usually impacted, meaning they are not completely erupted into the mouth. This condition requires cutting through bone and tissue. Removing severely broken down teeth, root tips or teeth with long-curved roots are other examples of surgical extractions. Then there are times when the bone around a tooth has become dense, resulting in the need for surgical treatment.

5. What will happen during my procedure?

Our Coquitlam Dentist will explain how they plan to perform your surgery. Without having to get into too many specifics, you will know where your incision is being made, and any other details about what the procedure entails and what the goal is.

6. Do I need to be sedated during my oral surgery instead of the local anesthesia?

Our Dentist in Coquitlam will request in-depth past medical history before a patient can be sedated. Not all patients are able to be sedated. Patients who are anxious, nervous, or scared of dental visits may request sedation for a variety of dental care from a regular cleaning to wisdom teeth extractions. However, there may be other techniques to help a patient receive the necessary dental treatment in a safe and comfortable manner.

7. How long will the procedure take?

It depends on which oral surgery that our dentist consulted you to take. It could be from one hour to four hours or more. Ask our Dentist on Ridgeway Dental for more details to suit your schedule.

8. How long is the recovery?

It depends on the kind of oral surgery. Wisdom teeth extraction usually takes a few days to one week for the pain and swelling to subside. The gums can take up to a month to completely heal. Our Coquitlam Dentist will recommend a soft diet for a few days and provide detailed recovery instructions, such as how to deal with discomfort and swelling. Dental implants also require some healing time and this varies from patient to patient and procedure to procedure.

9. What food should I eat and avoid after surgery?

For 2 days after surgery, drink liquids and eat soft foods only. Such as milkshakes, eggnog, yogurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, smooth soups, mashed potatoes, refried beans, ice cream, pudding, fruit smoothies and protein shakes. On day 3 after surgery, eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, cooked noodles, soft-boiled /scrambled/ poached eggs and soft sandwiches. Avoid tough or crunchy foods, such as pizza, rice, popcorn, and hamburger. Avoid spicy and acidic foods. Most patients may resume their normal diet 7 days after surgery.

10. What should not you do after oral surgery?

Do not apply heat to your face, unless your surgeon told you to do so.
Heat can increase swelling.
Do not use straws, suck on anything, or smoke.
These actions cause negative pressure in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot that is keeping your wound closed, causing more bleeding, and delay your healing.
Do not blow your nose. Wipe instead. If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open.

Cosmetic Dentistry

August 31, 20170

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small post that is made up of titanium, bicarbonate metal or a combination of the two. It is typically inserted into an empty socket of the gums left by a missing tooth. When an implant is inserted, it fuses with the jawbone tissue to become a very stable and painless tooth replacement. Unfortunately, when a jawbone has no natural tooth to support it, it begins to deteriorate. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that allows the jawbone to not only thrive but to grow and remain stimulated as well. This is because the implant acts as if it were natural bone. Implants are flexible as well; they can be used to support a single crown, or be combined with multiple implants to support a bridge or partial/denture.

Reasons for Dental Implants

Stops teeth from irregularly shifting due to presence of empty space
Conserves the integrity of the jawbone
Ensures stable appearance of mouth
Replaces bothersome missing tooth

Dental Implant Maintenance

The daily care of dental implants is very similar to the care of natural teeth. Restored dental implants should be kept clean and plaque free twice a day using a brush and floss. Cleaning is especially important after meals. This is accomplished by gently brushing, giving special attention to all sides of the implant.

Oral hygiene aids may include:

Small, soft, manual toothbrush or an electric brush
Low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste
Dental floss for cleaning around the abutments

Other supplies that may be recommended by the doctor can include:

Antimicrobial mouth rinses
Inter-dental brushes or other aids for removing plaque between the teeth on either side of the implant(s)
Disclosing tablets to stain the locations of plaque accumulation

You must be committed not only to the daily performance of dental hygiene at home but to regular visits to your dentist (Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam, BC is currently accepting new patients). It is recommended that you see your dentist every 3-6 months for a professional exam and cleaning. The implant(s) should be examined with an x-ray annually.

What can happen if I don’t take care of my Dental Implants?

Dental Implants can develop problems without consistent daily care. The earliest sign of a problem begins with the observation of bleeding. This is known as mucositis. The current scientific evidence suggests that this may be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early. Unfortunately, if it progresses to bone loss, also known as peri-implantitis, the bone loss is not reversible. If peri-implantitis is not treated it can lead to advanced bone loss and the removal of the implant.

What should my Dentist check for at every cleaning visit?

For an accurate assessment of implant health, dentists and hygienists need to probe and measure the gums around the implant the same was as around teeth, check and compare x-rays annually, look for looseness, check the bite and check all of the components that are attached to the implants to make sure that they are functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Who should get dental implants?

Dental implants are not for everyone, but certain conditions and circumstances may make dental implants the better option:

Having more than one missing tooth
Having a jawbone that has reached full growth
Having ample amounts of bone to secure the implant
Having healthy oral tissues
Being unwilling or unable to wear dentures

How expensive are dental implants?

Dental implants require a significant investment but hold up over time to make the process worth the price. Surgical fees often cost $2,000–5,000 for a single tooth, on top of the price of required materials the procedure. However, ignoring the need for an implant costs much more over time. A missing tooth or prolonged use of dentures leads to bone and gum decay, while also exposing more surface area of the surrounding teeth to continuous wear and tear. Eventually, issues such as nerve exposure and bone loss cause increased discomfort for the patient. The corrective procedures done at this point are exponentially more painful and expensive for a patient. Dental implants prevent bone loss and allow patients to live a much more comfortable life.

Why do people choose dental implants instead of other options for missing teeth?

Dental implants are the most natural-looking and natural-feeling replacement for missing teeth. Unlike many other tooth replacement options, dental implants do not slip or click when talking, laughing or eating, making for greater confidence in social situations. Dental implants are also considered a healthy option because they help to maintain the jawbone, keeping the facial structure intact.

How long will dental implants last?

Dental implants last upwards of forty years if taken care of properly. They often last a lifetime for patients that regularly brush, floss, and follow the dental recommendations made at their check-ups. While a dentist cannot guarantee the long-term success of a dental implant, the dentist can provide guidelines and suggestions to better care for your teeth. These suggestions are based on proper hygiene procedures, your own genetic history (including diseases that run in your family), and your nutritional habits. Following the recommendations put in place by your dentist ensures the implant has the best chance to last the rest of your lifetime.

What Are Common Side Effects and Complications? What are the disadvantages of dental implants?

Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry, with an average success rate of 95%. Dental implant failure occurs most frequently in heavy smokers, as the toxins and nicotine inhibit the body’s healing process. In fact, the success rate for smokers drops dramatically, to 50-70%.

Like any minor oral surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain, but your dentist will discuss how these can be managed for your specific situation. If there is no available bone to place the implant, then bone and gum grafting procedures may be required, which can increase the cost of your treatment. However, the upfront investment can pay off in the long term.

Does the body ever reject an implant?

Very rarely does a person’s body reject a dental implant. The jawbone readily accepts the implant, and the few rejections that do occur are caused by rare allergies to the titanium alloy that makes up the implant. Another reason for implant failure comes from the patient’s care after surgery. Without great oral hygiene, regular teeth fail and eventually fall out. A dental implant is no different. Taking care of your teeth, even the implants, prevents gum decay and structural failure in the long run.

What is the process for getting a dental implant?

Your dentist, who should be a credentialed dental implant expert, will place the implant into the jawbone. As you heal, your implant will fuse with your natural jawbone. Once the implant bonds with the jawbone, a small connector is placed on top of the dental implant to connect the implant to the replacement tooth or teeth.

What’s the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?

The procedure happens in several steps: first implant placement and then the placement of the crowns. While the implants need anywhere from six to 16 weeks to secure in the mouth, there should be little to no downtime. You may feel mild soreness or swelling for the first few days, but these can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and shouldn’t affect your daily routine. Your dentist may also suggest a soft or liquid diet for a few days to a few weeks. Once the implants have healed, the crowns will be placed.

Does the surgery require time off?

Most people go back to work the day after the surgery, although it depends on your individual experience and the difficulty of the surgery. Some people prefer to take a day off to completely recover and allow their mouth to rest after the procedure.

How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?

Dental implants should be treated like your natural teeth, with daily brushing and flossing, and twice a year check-ups. Your dentists may suggest investing in an electric toothbrush and a water flosser. With the right care, dental implants can last a lifetime.[

Tag: dental implants