Want New Teeth? The Dental Implants Dentists’ Repertoire For Working Magic On Pueblo CO Residents’ Damaged Teeth, PART 3

This four-part article series takes a closer look at the various technologies and techniques available for the repair and replacement of damaged, worn and discolored teeth.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on the various tools, treatments, techniques and technology available for the perfection of smiles. In our previous article, Part 2, we spoke to a panel of Pueblo CO dental implant dentists who talked about the camouflaging power of dental / porcelain veneers and the much improved tooth-colored filling materials available for the repair of cavities and the sealing of deep molar cusps.

It can be easy to want new teeth if you aren’t proud of your smile, which may be a little extreme considering the number of treatment options available for the aesthetic improvement of damaged and discolored teeth. But in many cases, new teeth are exactly what are needed! Let’s now take a look at dental implants…

Dental Implants

 

 

If you’ve lost one tooth, several teeth or even all of your natural teeth – or have had to have them extracted because of irreparable decay or damage – then a dental implant/s can be put in their place to provide you with beautiful new teeth. You will need to arrange a consultation with a dental implant dentist to determine whether or not you are a candidate for this technology, but most people who want new teeth are.

Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that are made from titanium metal and that look similar to little screws (see image above). They are placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth and are used to provide a sturdy, fixed platform to which a replacement artificial tooth crown can be attached. Nestled in the jawbone, dental implants function similar to tooth roots, which go a long way in helping to keep this hard tissue healthy, since it needs stimulation in order to keep atrophy at bay.

Dental implants can also typically provide support for a row of three or more replacement teeth – a bridge – or, in the case of people who need a complete set of new teeth, a full prosthetic dental bridge. 

Dental Crowns (Tooth and Implant-Supported) 

Dental crowns are essentially artificial tooth crowns that have been fabricated from very durable ceramic composite materials. They can either be mounted on top of a natural tooth that has been filed down and prepared by the dentist, or they can be supported by a dental implant if the tooth being replaced could not be restored. 

Dental Bridges

 

 

Similar to dental crowns, dental bridges can also either be supported by two natural teeth that have been ground down and prepared, or they can be supported by dental implants. The particular variety of bridge you get comes down to your specific case and the recommendation of Pueblo CO dentists. Typically, tooth-supported bridges are made to replace one or more missing teeth by using the healthy adjacent teeth as supports.

An implant supported bridge also replaces multiple missing teeth, but uses dental implants for support and in doing so, doesn’t put much pressure or stress on a patient’s remaining healthy teeth. It is for this reason that oral rehabilitation using implants is typically the recommendation of dental healthcare professionals for patients who want new teeth. 

Stay Tuned for Part 4 

To learn more about the various treatments that can be done and dental technologies available to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Colorado Springs Dental Implants Specialists Discuss the 12 Most Common Mouth Problems, PART 2

This three-part article series provides an explanation of the most common oral conditions, ailments and diseases that affect Americans today, from cold sores to gum disease.

Welcome back to our three-part article series on the 12 most common oral ailments, conditions and diseases. In our previous article post, the first installment of the series, Colorado Springs dental implants specialists explained the following four problems to us:

1. Cold sores or fever blisters

2. Oral thrush

3. Black hairy tongue

4. Canker sores or apthuous ulcers

We still have another 8 to go, so let’s jump right in!

5. Top Oral Problems: Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a whitish patch or plaque that forms in the mouth and can be scraped off. It generally forms in reaction to an irritation, such as tobacco (smoked or smokeless), alcohol, rough teeth or dentures that don’t fit well. These patches are completely painless and can be treated by removing the cause of irritation. Having said that, persistent leukoplakia can be a sign of cancer, so you should see your Pueblo dentist CO for a proper diagnosis if you present with this problem.

6. Top Oral Problems: Oral Cancer

“Oral cancer is a major problem that, if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, can be fatal,” warn Colorado Springs dental implants specialists. “It appears as a persistent mouth sore that doesn’t heal. Patients may also experience strange and unexplained numbness in the neck, mouth or face. The causes of oral cancer include a family history, smoking and chewing tobacco, repeated exposure to the sun and excessive drinking. Recent medical research has linked oral cancer with HPV (human papillomavirus), so make sure you see your dentist for regular preventative check-ups!”

7. Top Oral Problems: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

TMJ disorders are characterized by a disharmony between the articulating joint in the jawbone and the intra-articular disk and surrounding muscles. This can result in stiffness of the joint, inflammation and painful facial muscles. “TMJ can cause acute discomfort for patients,” says the Pueblo dentist CO. “It’s usually associated with teeth grinding, jaw clenching or trauma received to the head, neck or face. It can be very painful and the pain associated with this condition can refer to the head and neck, causing terrible headaches that can leave patients dizzy and nauseous. Extreme cases of TMJ may require surgery, but generally, treatment measures such as mouth-guards, periods of rest and pain-killers are sufficient.”

8. Top Oral Problems: Chipped Teeth

Our teeth are made from the hardest substance in our bodies and yet they are not invulnerable. We tend to forget this when we do stupid things like use them as tools for punishing tasks, such as chewing ice, forcing open containers, tearing packaging and grinding them. “These tasks and habits can cause the enamel of the teeth to become chipped or worn down, exposing the softer and more vulnerable dentine underneath,” say Colorado Springs dental implants specialists.

“There is a number of restorative treatments Pueblo dentists can provide to protect damaged and worn teeth. These include bonding, porcelain veneers or even crowns for teeth that have sustained considerable damage or decay.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read more about the various problems and ailments that affect the oral cavity, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series.