Dental Implants, A Solution for Missing Teeth (Part Two)

In our last post, we discussed what dental implants are and what the advantages they have for replacing missing teeth.  A dental implant is a titanium post that can replace your tooth root. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.  

Dental implants can help you improve your appearance, give you your smile back, give you the confidence to eat, go out in public, and restore your dental health.

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?

The first step in the dental implant process is determining what your goals are and what solution for replacing teeth is best for you.  It starts with an examination by dental professionals who are trained to evaluate your needs and develop a plan that is right for you. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by dentists who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.  Dental implants may be placed by a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist, or a general dentist trained to do implant surgery. Usually, your family dentist can tell which option is best for you. 

After determining the restorative option that works for you, the placement of one or more dental implants is done depending upon the number of teeth you have missing.  Dental implants do not necessarily have to replace every individual tooth you have missing. If you are missing all of your teeth in either your upper or lower jaw, as few as four implants can be used to support a fixed bridge or denture.  

Next, the implant, or tooth root replacement, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, bone grows around the implant, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks.  In some cases, the teeth can be secured to the implants the same day as the placement surgery. Individual teeth may require a longer healing time before a crown can be placed on the implant. 

In some cases, if there is inadequate bone in your jaw to place an implant, adding additional bone, or bone grafting may be necessary.  This can be done before the implant placement or may be done at the time of implant surgery.

How Painful Are Dental Implants?

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.

After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. 

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth.  This would include brushing and flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash or using a WaterPik, and regular dental check-ups.

If you are looking for a better long term solution for your missing teeth, want to improve your smile, or just want to be able to chew better, consider dental implants as your next set of teeth. 

Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been restoring dental implants for over 25 years.  He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340

Dental Implants, A solution for Missing Teeth (Part One)

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth.  If you have missing or badly broken teeth, you can have a solid, non-movable solution that functions the same as your own teeth.  A dental implant is a titanium post that can replace your tooth root. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.  It is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to attach replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. An implant does not come loose like a denture can. 

Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges. They also help preserve the bone in your jaw, unlike a denture, which causes your jawbone to recede.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%.  With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant.   Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders, such as diabetes or heart disease, or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.  Healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant are important factors in the evaluation for implants.  If your bone is too thin or soft and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. Or if there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, you may require a sinus lift.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

In general, most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants.  However, some dental plans may cover implants. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss.  Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with your dentist and insurance provider.

Next Post: We’ll discuss what’s involved with getting a dental implant, any discomfort with getting them, and how to take care of implants.

Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been restoring dental implants for over 25 years.  He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340

Sleep Apnea Affects 22 Million Americans, But Most Do Not Know It

It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea undiagnosed. OSA, when left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems; it is associated with type 2 diabetes and depression; and is a factor in many traffic accidents and accidents with heavy machinery, owing to the persistent drowsiness suffered by many OSA patients before the disease is recognized and treated. The public and the health community are generally aware of the
increasing obesity of Americans, a phenomenon related to the increase in sleep apnea. Few outside the sleep medicine community, however, are aware that too little good sleep appears to be as much a factor in obesity as too much food and too little exercise.

Did you know that some dentists are trained to help treat and manage your snoring and sleep apnea? Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dentists can work together with sleep physicians to identify the best treatment for each patient

The quality of your sleep has a dramatic impact on your health, well-being and overall quality of life. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea disrupt your sleep and increase your risk of severe health problems. Remember that snoring is a warning sign that should never be ignored. Some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may include waking up with a dry or sore throat, waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, and restless sleep. Sleep apnea symptoms and signs are often an indication that your health is being negatively affected.

Snoring is a common warning sign for obstructive sleep apnea. Prior to treatment, you should be diagnosed by a board-certified sleep medicine physician. If you have snoring without sleep apnea, your doctor should give you a prescription for an oral sleep appliance. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The CPAP machine keeps your airway open by providing forced air through flexible tubing. CPAP therapy requires you to wear a mask as you sleep. Although CPAP therapy is effective, some people are unable to adhere to it. Your doctor should consider giving you a prescription for a sleep apnea appliance if you are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer an alternate treatment. Many people like an oral appliance because it is comfortable, quiet, portable and easy to wear. In some severe
cases of sleep apnea, upper airway surgery may be another treatment option.

Dentists pioneered the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive
sleep apnea and snoring in adults. An oral appliance is a device worn in the mouth only during sleep. It fits like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. A custom-fit oral sleep appliance is an effective treatment that prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position.

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Provided by a dentist, oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fit, “mouth guard-like” device worn only during sleep. Oral appliance therapy helps maintain an open, unobstructed airway.
Across the country, some dentists are prepared to provide oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor and dentist about your treatment options.

Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD is trained in treating patients for snoring and sleep
apnea. He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340

Dental Veneers to cover your damaged enamel and whiten your teeth

A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain cemented to the surface of your teeth. They're tooth-colored and used to not only recreate the natural look of the teeth, but also protect them as a natural enamel would. They're definitely a great way to deal with a variety of physical and aesthetic problems such as stained, chipped or gapped teeth. 

Here's the before and after of a patient with porcelain veneers.

Don't want braces, but still want a beautiful smile?

This patient came to us to help her improve her smile.  She wasn't happy with it but didn't want to go through the pain of wearing braces as an adult.  She also wasn't interested in using Invisalign clear retainers.

In much less time than what braces would have taken, we were able to give her a beautiful smile using porcelain crowns and veneers.  

Call Oakport Dental Sanford today to see what we can do for you!  407-323-5340

After

Before

You deserve a crown!

We helped this Queen smile with a brand new crown!  Call us today to book an appointment for your Royal Treatment.  407-323-5340

Crowned!

Before

Upgrade your smile with porcelain dental veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin covers that resemble the look of natural teeth.  They are custom made and bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.  These can provide great results for those with chipped, gapped or misshaped teeth.

Here's a patient with porcelain veneers. This is done in two sessions.