Types of Dental Implants: Which is Right for You?

Dental implants are a popular solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. However, there are several different types of dental implants, and it can be confusing to determine which one is right for you. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common types of dental implants and what they're best suited for.

Endosteal Implants:

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are shaped like small screws and are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the implants have fused with the jawbone, they serve as a sturdy foundation for the artificial tooth or teeth.

Subperiosteal Implants:

Subperiosteal implants are a less common type of dental implant that are placed on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. They are typically used for people who have a shallow jawbone and are not good candidates for endosteal implants.

Zygomatic Implants:

Zygomatic implants are a specialized type of implant that are used for people who have significant bone loss in the upper jaw. They are anchored in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

All-on-4 Implants:

All-on-4 implants are a popular option for people who need to replace multiple teeth or even a full arch of teeth. They involve placing four implants in strategic locations in the jawbone and attaching a custom-made denture to the implants. This provides a strong, stable foundation for the denture and eliminates the need for messy adhesives.

In conclusion, there are several types of dental implants available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist can help you determine which type of implant is right for you based on your specific needs and goals. If you're interested in dental implants, talk to your dentist to see which option is best for you.

Making living with dentures easy and comfortable

Your dentures were made to fit you precisely and, if they are cared for properly, they do not change shape.

But you may sometimes find that they can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums.

If you find your dentures no longer fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made.

Trying to change the fit of your dentures yourself can damage them and make them unrepairable so this would be a costly experiment!

Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can also irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks.

In an emergency, you could use denture adhesives to keep the dentures stable until you are able to see the dentist.

Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it’s still important to see your dentist regularly for an oral examination.

The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer.

For a variety of reasons, many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About 95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40. However, many of these cancers are treatable if detected early.

Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can first manifest themselves in the mouth.

Living with dentures can be comfortable if you continue to care for your oral hygiene and make regular visits to your dentist for a checkup.

Dental plaque – what it is and how to avoid it

You’ve probably heard people talking about plaque and maybe you’ve some idea of what it is.

But its useful to know a bit more about it so that you can do what's necessary to minimize the risks.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums.

When you’ve eaten a meal or snack, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack tooth enamel. When this happens regularly, the enamel can weaken. This eventually leads to tooth decay.

The food we eat often causes plaque bacteria to produce acids. So, if you eat a lot of snacks, your teeth may be suffering acid attacks all day.

If you don’t remove the plaque through effective daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

Another effect of plaque is that it also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red and tender or causing them to bleed easily.

If you want to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, make sure you have a balanced diet and avoid having too many snacks between meals.

When you feel like a snack, go for foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.

Cosmetic dentistry for seniors: How older adults can benefit from dental makeovers

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for young adults looking to improve their smiles. In fact, older adults can benefit just as much from dental makeovers. As we age, our teeth and gums undergo changes that can affect the appearance of our smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help address these changes and improve the overall appearance of a smile. Here's how older adults can benefit from cosmetic dentistry.

• Teeth Whitening: Teeth can become discolored or stained over time, making them look yellow or gray. Teeth whitening can help remove these stains and brighten the smile. Many older adults opt for teeth whitening as a way to rejuvenate their smile and achieve a more youthful appearance.
  
  
• Dental Implants: Missing teeth can be a common problem for older adults, and dental implants can provide a permanent solution. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, and they can help restore confidence and improve the overall appearance of a smile.
  
  
• Dentures: For older adults who are missing several teeth, dentures can provide a more affordable solution than dental implants. Dentures can be customized to fit the individual's mouth, and they can improve the appearance of the smile while also restoring function to the mouth.
  
  
• Veneers: Veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, such as chips, cracks, and stains. They can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth and improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for young adults. Older adults can benefit just as much from dental makeovers, as cosmetic dentistry can help address the changes that occur in the teeth and gums over time. From teeth whitening to dental implants, dentures, and veneers, there are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that can help seniors achieve a more youthful, confident smile. If you're an older adult who is looking to improve the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist about your options for cosmetic dentistry.