What is a dental implant?
In the old days, it was common for people to lose their teeth. In fact, many elderly people could expect to lose all their teeth and have to use dentures instead.

Due to the many advances in dental care and oral health over the past 50 years, today it is increasingly rare for people to lose their teeth. But when tooth loss does occur, whether it’s due to injury (a bike accident or car crash) or advanced tooth decay, dental implants are available to replace missing teeth.

Here are some of the reasons why dental implants are such a big improvement over dentures:

• They look better. Dental implants look almost exactly like real teeth. Your friends and family probably won’t be able to tell the difference.
• They feel better. Dental implants don’t cause discomfort (whereas dentures tend to pinch the mouth and  cause pain).
• They’re better for eating. Many patients find that dental implants perform almost the same as the rest of their real teeth – the implants hold up well to the daily work of biting and chewing.
• No slurring your speech. With dentures, people’s speech tends to be affected – because the dentures tend to slip and move around in their mouth, altering their speech patterns. Dental implants stay securely fitted inside your gums, thus avoiding any interference with your ability to talk.
• They’re convenient. Remember those TV commercials for denture cleaner that you could leave your teeth in overnight? Dentures require cleaning, maintenance – sometimes they break or get misplaced. None of these issues is a concern when you have dental implants. The dental implants stay in one place – inside your mouth – and you clean them the same way you clean the rest of your teeth.
• They’re longer-lasting. If well maintained, dental implants can last for many years – often they can last for the rest of your life.
• They’re better for the rest of your mouth. Dental implants are a good choice because they don’t cause any impact on the rest of your mouth; whereas with bridgework, surrounding teeth have to be filed down in order to create the bridge. Dental implants tend to be better for your overall oral health.
• They make you feel better about yourself. Dental implants create a more natural-looking smile – no dentures to worry about, no bridgework to explain to others. You can get your teeth fixed and go on with your life.

Here are a few other facts to keep in mind about dental implants:

Dental implants are not for everyone. If you are healthy enough for routine dental work, you will probably be a good candidate for dental implants. People with certain chronic health conditions, heavy smokers and people who have recently received radiation treatment to the head and neck region might not be able to receive dental implants. 

Dental implants take awhile to get done. Getting dental implants is a bit of a complicated process. In addition to talking with your regular dentist about the treatment plan, you might need to be referred to a periodontist or oral surgeon for implant placement, and/or to a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry. You will go through a multi-step process where an implant is affixed into your jaw bone, your jaw is allowed to heal for 6-12 weeks, a small connector piece called an “abutment” is added to the implant in your jawbone, and then the replacement tooth or “crown” is added on top. This process does take some time, but the results will (hopefully) last for the rest of your life.

Dental implants might not be covered by your insurance. Talk with your dentist’s administrative staff to see what options you might have to pay for dental implants. Many dental insurance plans do not cover this type of complex restorative dental work. However, many dentists offer reasonable payment plans – and when you consider that a dental implant is likely to last for the rest of your life, getting it fixed “the right way” is often a good investment.  

If you have questions about implants and whether they are right for you, call our office today! 480-860-4300 Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and staff at Desert Ridge Smiles

What is a crown?
Sometimes during the course of your life, your dentist might tell you that you need a “crown.”

“What is this crazy person talking about?” You might think. “Is there some kind of coronation ceremony going on here?”

Wrong!

A dental crown is basically a solid “cap” that is placed over a tooth – either to repair damage to the tooth or to prevent further tooth decay. Although having a crown is not an ideal situation to be in as a dental patient, it’s a very common dental procedure that is used to help shore up the strength and health of injured and damaged teeth.

Here are some of the common reasons why you might need a crown:

• If your tooth is broken (from a bike accident or fist fight) or severely worn down (from years of grinding your teeth while you sleep), a crown can be used to restore the tooth, making it possible to eat, sleep and bike again. (But please, no more fist fights!)
• If your tooth has decayed or cracked, a crown can be used to hold the pieces of the tooth together.
• If you have a large cavity, a crown can be used to cover the tooth and keep it safe and strong.
• If you have a dental bridge or dental implant, a crown can be used to hold it securely in place.
• If you have a misshapen or badly discolored tooth, a crown is used to cover it up.

Getting a crown is nothing to be embarrassed about or afraid of. The crown is going to make it possible for you to resume the normal use of your teeth, without pain or injury.

What happens when you get a dental crown?

Dental crowns are a rather elaborate dental procedure, and they typically require two separate visits to your dentist.

On the first visit, your dentist will examine your tooth that needs the crown. He/she will then anesthetize (numb) the tooth and surrounding gum area, file down the surrounding tooth in order to make room for the crown (and/or build up the tooth with filling as needed), and will then make an “impression” of your tooth to show how it will look after the crown is added. Finally, the dentist will apply a temporary crown to the top of your tooth. Now you’re ready to go home. Since this is only a “temporary” crown, you need to be careful with it – no hard, chewy or sticky foods, and be very careful when brushing and flossing. (Your dentist will give you more detailed instructions on the day of your appointment.)

Then, after you’ve made your appointment for the second visit, the dentist sends the impression of your “to-be-crowned” tooth to a dental laboratory, which manufactures a permanent crown. This is going to be the new little “part of you” that the dentist will add at your second visit.

Finally, when you arrive for your second visit (usually 2-3 weeks after the initial visit), the dentist will cement the permanent crown onto the top of your tooth. You may now resume regular chewing, biting and eating.

That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Getting a dental crown is meant to be a safe, comfortable procedure that gets your chompers back into chomping form – we dentists call it “the royal treatment.”

What are the different types of crowns?
Dental crowns are a common dental procedure used to repair a tooth that has decayed or been damaged. There are a number of different types of crowns used for different patients and various situations – talk with your dentist to find out what type of crown is best for your needs. 

First, there are two broad categories of crowns: Temporary and Permanent.

Temporary crowns: These crowns are just like their name implies – they’re a short-term fix. Temporary crowns are made in your dentist’s office and are used as a stopgap, so to speak, until a permanent crown is available. Temporary crowns are not meant to be used for longer than 2 or 3 weeks, and they’re not meant to handle the heavy workload of a regular tooth or a permanent crown. So after you receive your temporary crown, your dentist will give you special instructions on what foods to avoid (hard, chewy, sticky – no apples, peanut brittle or chewing gum, please) and how to care for your temporary crown while your permanent crown is being prepared. Temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic or stainless steel.

Permanent crowns: These crowns can be made from a variety of tough, durable materials. They are built to last – a well-made, well-fitted crown can last for up to 15 years. A permanent crown is meant to be an extension of your natural tooth – you can bite, chew and eat just as well (if not better) than you could before the crown was added to your “starting lineup” of teeth.

Permanent crowns are made from the following types of material:

1. All-metal: Metal crowns are usually made from gold alloy, palladium or a base-metal alloy like nickel or chromium.

• Advantages: One advantage of metal crowns is that less of the original tooth structure needs to be removed, and there tends to be less wear on the opposing teeth that make contact with the crown during chewing and speaking. Metal crowns rarely break and usually last the longest – it takes a long time to wear down a piece of metal.
• Drawbacks: Metal crowns are clearly visible in the mouth – the metallic color definitely does not look like a natural tooth. If you’re sensitive to appearance, you might prefer to use a metal crown only for molars at the back of your mouth, where no one can see.

2.Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These crowns contain metal, but also have a porcelain veneer that can be made to match the color of your other teeth.

• Advantages: Natural color and appearance – it looks the most like a “real” tooth and is a good choice for front or back teeth.
• Drawbacks: More likely to chip or break, tends to cause more wearing-down of the opposing teeth. Sometimes the metal under the porcelain top is visible as a dark line.

3.All-resin: These crowns are made of inexpensive synthetic material called resin – a chemical composite used in dental restorations.

• Advantages: These crowns are the least expensive.
• Drawbacks: Sometimes you get what you pay for – all-resin crowns tend to be the most likely to break and wear down over time.

4. All-ceramic or all-porcelain: These crowns are made entirely of ceramic or porcelain material – no metal.

• Advantages: These crowns offer the best natural color match – if you want the crown to look like a “real” tooth, then this is a good choice – especially for front teeth. The non-metallic crowns are also a good option for people who are allergic to metal.
• Drawbacks: Not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Also, they tend to wear down other teeth more than the metal or resin crowns.

Talk with your dentist to find out what kind of crown will best fit your needs. You’re going to be living with this crown for several years, so make sure you are comfortable with the crown’s cost, fit, durability and style.

At Desert Ridge Smiles, Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and staff would be happy to make you comfortable through your crown procedure.  Call Today for your appointment! 480-860-4300

Can over-the-counter bleaching damage my teeth?
Everyone wants a white, shiny smile. White teeth are a sign of good health and social status – people judge each other by appearance, and a healthy smile makes you look more approachable and trustworthy.

There are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening options available. Crest Whitestrips® are one of the most popular and widely-recognized over-the-counter teeth whitening systems. Other examples include whitening/bleaching gels that are applied with a mouth guard (allowing the teeth to “soak” in the whitening gel).

Before you start trying to whiten your teeth, you should talk with your dentist. It’s important to get some professional advice as to whether or not your teeth coloration would be improved with whitening – not all types of teeth discoloration can be effectively treated with whitening systems. Your dentist also might recommend “in-office whitening” – professionally applied whitening done in the dentist’s office.

But if you feel that over-the-counter teeth whitening is right for you, keep the following risks in mind:

• Chemical burns: It sounds scary, but it’s true – some teeth whitening systems use high-concentration chemicals which can cause harm to your gums and other sensitive tissues if they come in contact. Follow the directions closely and use caution with any over-the-counter teeth whitening method.
• Tooth sensitivity: Especially in the early stages of the teeth whitening treatment, you might experience heightened sensitivity or discomfort in your teeth.
• Too much of a good thing: Some people experience “overbleaching” – “hyperodonto-oxidation” – caused by over-the-counter teeth whitening systems. Again, read the directions closely and watch for excessively bright results. You want a white, shiny smile – not blindingly white.
• Watch out for “the rebound:” No, this is not relationship advice…sometimes when you get your teeth whitened, the new white color doesn’t stay. “Rebound” is the technical term for what happens when newly whitened teeth go back to their old color. Read the directions closely and consult your dentist if you feel that you are not getting the lasting results that you were hoping for.

In addition to these possible side effects and risks, some people should be especially cautious about teeth whitening. For example:

• If you have sensitive teeth, receding gums, or if you’ve had restorative dental work done in the past (cavities, bridgework), you should ask your dentist before you start using any kind of tooth whitening system.
• If you are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (the “active ingredient” that actually makes the teeth whiter), don’t try to whiten your teeth without talking to your dentist first
• Teeth whitening is not recommended for children under age 16. Children’s teeth are still maturing at this age, and the pulp chamber, or “nerve” of the tooth, is especially large until people reach about the age of 16 – which puts kids at risk of irritation of the tooth pulp.
• Teeth whitening is also not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Teeth whitening – whether it’s done at your dentist’s office or with over-the-counter systems – can be a big difference-maker in how you feel about the smile you present to the world. But make sure you’re aware of the risks and possible side effects. It’s always best to consult with your dentist before starting on a new teeth whitening system.

Call today! 480-860-4300.  At Desert Ridge Smiles, Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and staff will evaluate which type of bleaching services are right for you!

Let Your Teeth Do the Talking

When you need to make a good first impression, make sure your teeth are working for you and not against you.

Have you ever heard the expression ‘a million dollar smile’?  It’s been applied to everyone from movie stars (like Angelina Jolie) to motivational speakers (like Tony Robbins).  And that’s because a great smile can be worth a million dollars as far as making a great impression.

In Psychology Today magazine, Paul Ekman, professor of psychology at the University of California Medical School in San Francisco, and a pioneer of research on facial expressions, revealed the importance of smiling.  “We (respond to) a smile from 30 meters away,” he says.  “A smile lets us know that we’re likely to get a positive reception, and it’s hard not to reciprocate.” 

In other words, when you smile at someone, they want to smile back at you.  That immediately sets up a positive interaction, even before a word is spoken.  What a great way to start off a job interview!

All Eyes Are On Your Mouth

It’s a simple fact of life: how you present yourself to others is essential to your success in both personal and professional situations.  When you meet a prospective employer or have a chance encounter with a prospective ‘love connection,’ the other person will form a first impression of you in a matter of seconds.

Your smile can be an important tool for making that first impression a good one.

In a job interview or on a first date, you’ll almost certainly be talking.  And as well as focusing on your words, the person on the other side of the conversation will also be focusing on your mouth.  With a brighter smile, you instantly stand out from the crowd.  Others will be drawn to you and want to listen to every word you have to say.

A bright white smile and a set of healthy, well-cared for teeth and gums say many things about you.  Perhaps the most important thing they convey to others is that you take pride in your appearance and care about your health.

Speak with Confidence 

People with teeth that are stained, discolored or otherwise not ‘in shape,’ may feel self-conscious.  So they refrain from speaking freely.  Or they may unconsciously put their hands in front of their mouths when they talk.  But when your teeth and gums are healthy, you have the confidence to express yourself.  And confidence is a very appealing characteristic.

Missing, crooked, and broken teeth are problems for lots of people. Sadly, many of them don’t take the time and effort to do anything about it.  And that’s a shame because modern dentistry has so many amazing techniques and procedures that can help.

It really starts with regular check-ups and cleanings.  That’s the baseline of a healthy, happy smile.  After that, there’s practically no end to what can be done to make your mouth look and feel great. 

Tooth whitening can banish coffee stains and remove the yellow left behind from smoking.  Invisible braces can remove gaps and get your teeth in line.  Perhaps you’re a candidate for an ‘extreme makeover’ with dental implants or veneers.  Whatever you choose, you can be certain that the investment you make in a ‘million dollar’ smile will pay for itself a thousand times over.

At the office of Dr. Elizabeth Fleming, if you would like to change your smile to leave a better first impression, we can help!  Call today!  480-860-4300