Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.  Most patients find that dental implants are secure and stable.  However, dental implants are not an option for everyone because surgery is required to place them in the jawbone. Patients should be in good health and have adequate bone to support the implants in the jaws.  Patients need to commit to a daily oral care routine and have regular dental checkups.

Why do people get dental implants?

·       Dental implants are most similar to natural teeth

·       Adjacent teeth do not have to be prepared or ground down to hold the new replacement tooth/teeth in place

·       Dental implants may last for many years

·       Dental implants may prevent resorption/shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss

·       Improve speech-dental implants are secure and stable and they don’t move or slip out of the mouth

What is involved in getting a dental implant?

·       Treatment plan & Informed consent: A team of professionals who is trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for the patient.

·       The surgeon or dentist places the dental implant (titanium post) into the jawbone.  It may take      4 to 6 months for the jawbone to heal, grow around, and bond/hold the dental implant in place.

·       The jawbone is fully healed and bonded to the dental implant

·       The dentist places abutment onto the dental implant which is the connector between the       dental implant and crown restoration

·       Impression, lab fabricates crown restoration

·       The dentist places and cements the crown restoration onto the dental implant

Referrals to specialists (oral surgeon, periodontists) for implant placements

·       Oral surgeons

·       Prosthodontists

·       Periodontists

·       General dentists who are trained to do surgery and dental implant placements

Treatment for missing single tooth, several teeth and edentulous

·       Replacing a single tooth: one dental implant and a crown restoration

·       Replacing several teeth:  implant-supported bridges, implant-supported partial dentures

·       Replacing all the teeth (edentulous):  implant-supported full dentures

Single vs multiple units of implants

1.     Single unit implant

·       Patients with one missing tooth 

·       Treatment: one dental implant and a crown restoration

2.     Multiple unit implants

·       Patients with several missing teeth

·       Treatment: implant-supported bridges, implant-supported removable partial dentures

·       Patients with no teeth

·       Treatment: implant-supported full dentures

Oral Care Tips for dental implants

·       Practice good oral hygiene-brush 2x/day and floss daily

·       Dental checkups and cleaning- at least 2x/year

·       Quit smoking-weakens the bone structure and can contribute to dental implant failure

·       Avoid chewing on hard foods-ice, hard candy

Dr. Anna Lee is a General &Cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She can restore your smile with dental implant restorations.  If you have any questions about dental implants and dental implant restorations, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.

Bright, White Smiles with Veneers

                                    

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over the front surface of teeth.  Veneers provide a natural tooth appearance and they can restore chipped, stained, misaligned and worn down teeth.  

Types of veneers

·       Composite resin veneer is a resin material that is bonded over the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance.  The treatment of composite veneer can be completed in a same day dental visit and no laboratory work is required.  Composite veneer can restore and correct small chips, cracks and discoloration of the tooth.  However, the resin material may not be as durable as porcelain and it is not stain resistant.

·       Porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded over the front surface of the tooth.  It usually requires a minimal amount of tooth (enamel) reduction.  Porcelain veneer is strong and resilient once placed, and highly stain resistant.

What to expect during a veneer procedure

·       Dentist removes a small amount of the tooth surface to allow placement of the veneer

·       An impression is taken of the prepared tooth and it is sent to the lab

·       Laboratory fabricates the veneer to fit the tooth

·       The veneer is bonded to the tooth with resin cement

Can you whiten veneers?

·       Both composite resin and porcelain veneers do not respond to whitening.

·       Talk to your dentist before you whiten your teeth.

·       It is recommended to whiten the teeth prior to having restorative treatment.  The whitened teeth match the shade/color of the restorations (veneers)

How to care for veneers

·       Avoid chewing on hard foods or non-food items (pens, biting nails)

·       Limit food and drinks that stain teeth (coffee, tea, curry, pasta sauce, berries and others)

·       Regular dental checkups, at least 2x/year

·       Brush 2x/day and floss daily

·       Teeth grinding can cause chipping and damages to veneers.  Talk to your dentist, you may need to wear a protective occlusal or bite guard to protect the veneers

 Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

·       Porcelain and composite resin veneers provide a natural tooth appearance

·       Porcelain veneer is stain resistant

·       Restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned

·       Change the color and shape of teeth

·       Minimal tooth (enamel) reduction

·       Composite resin veneer-reversible

·       Composite resin veneer-treatment can be completed in one office visit

Disadvantages

·       Porcelain veneers-irreversible

·       Porcelain veneers-patients wait 1-2 weeks (laboratory time) before they can be bonded onto the teeth

·       Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. Sensitive to hot or cold temperatures for the first few days after the treatment, but it usually goes away

·       Porcelain veneers are usually not repairable if they chip or crack

Longevity of veneers & cost of veneers

·       Porcelain veneer can cost between $925-$2500 per tooth.  According to a 2013 survey of members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost of a single veneer was $1253.54.

·       Porcelain veneer can last from 10 to 15 years

·       Composite resin veneer can cost half of a porcelain veneer

·       Composite resin veneer can last from 5-7 years

Veneer cost Factors

·       The fees of the dentist performing the procedure

·       The artistic and technical skill of the dental laboratory technician

·       The location-where dental veneer is fabricated (region of the country, metropolitan areas versus small towns)

·       Types of dental insurance (most dental insurance companies do not cover veneers)

Dr. Anna Lee is a cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you have any questions about porcelain and composite resin veneers, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.

Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, it is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky and colorless film that forms on the teeth. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed and maintained with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings & check ups with the dentist.  Gum disease that is left untreated can lead to tooth loss and other periodontal complications and problems.

This is the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification of Periodontal Disease:

Type I  Gingivitis

·       Earliest stage of gum disease

·       No loss of attachment, no bone loss

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversible since there is no bone loss.

·       Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings help to remove plaque

Type II  Early Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 3-4mm.  Bone loss is present.

·       Periodontal pockets are formed as the dental tissues (gums and supportive ligaments) begin to pull away from the tooth.  These pockets trap bacteria and causes gum infection

·       Localized area of gingival recession; gums pull away and expose the root

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Type III  Moderate Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 4-6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show mobility (loose)

·       Damages cause by gum disease is irreversible

Type IV  Advanced Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: greater than 6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Supporting tissues and bone are destroyed. 

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show increased mobility (loose).  Some teeth are so loose that they may need to be extracted.

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Signs of Periodontal Disease

·       Gums are red, swollen or tender

·       Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

·       Teeth that look longer due to gum recessions

·       Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

·       Loose or shifting teeth

·       Persistent  bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

·       Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting (occlusion)

·       Changes of the fit of a partial denture

Gum disease can occur at any age.  If gum disease is detected and treated at early stages, it can be reversed and maintained.  Currently, there is no cure for gum disease. 

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.  Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth. Call and schedule a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com