Implants vs Dentures

We help many of our patients find the best treatment for replacing missing teeth. In most cases implants are the best option, a procedure done by one of our trusted oral surgeons.

Titanium Implants are placed into the jaw bone and are coated with a special coating that enhances bone growth around the implant which then provides a solid foundation to secure a prosthetic device such as a crown or a bridge above the gum.  To increase success rate several factors must be considered. The amount of bone available to support the implant, the patient’s health, if patient smokes and the quality of ongoing home care all effect long-term success. It is important to also visit a dental hygienist on a regular basis to help with oral hygiene instructions and care with your new implant prostheses.

If the patient is a suitable candidate implants are recommended over removable dentures. Because removable dentures are not permanently fixed in place, they can move around when you eat and speak. Additionally, over time the bone that supports the denture changes and shrinks, making it increasingly difficult to support a denture comfortably. Implants allow the mouth to act similarly to that with natural teeth. Therefore gums and bone are less likely to have the same negative reactions as they would with removable dentures. Implants can support singular (a) and multiple teeth (b). This versatility is another added benefit.

Another benefit of implants is being able to eat healthy and varied diets without the restrictions many denture wearers face. Many are self conscious with dentures while implants give a sense of renewed self-confidence. People who were once unsure in public reenter active lifestyles sharing with family and friends and are comfortable in their communication with co-workers.

Please speak to our dentists if you have any questions about implants and if they would benefit you. For more information you can follow the links below.

References:

American Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons

Australian Dental Association

California Dental Association

Shaping up your smile: Whitening Facts

The ADA has recently added an educational site about the pro’s and con’s of teeth whitening, as they believe most Australians are not aware of the risks associated with whitening treatments from professionals without the professional training in oral care such as hairdressers, beauticians and others. We all want to look our best but some methods of whitening are better than others based on personal situations. Having your teeth whitened by anyone other than a dentist is risky and it increases the likelihood that you may suffer permanent damage to your teeth and mouth. Lastly, The American Dental Association (ADA) does not endorse over-the-counter bleaching products as they can contain unhealthy levels of hydrogen peroxide.

The best teeth whitening gel treatments are available from your dentist. At The Dental Practice we begin the processes with a consultation about your particular situation and the probable cause of any stains or discoloration. Once we determine that you’re a good candidate for success with tooth whitening, we will construct a custom tray based on an impression of your teeth. This treatment provides gradual whitening at a relatively low cost.

At the Dental Practice we use the Discus NiteWhite© ACP take-home whitening solution. Discus take-home whitening formulas contain ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate), potassium nitrate and fluoride to help:

• Reduce sensitivity
• Rebuild enamel
• Reduce fade back
• Improve luster

The gel contains a proprietary activation matrix that extends the release of peroxide overnight to whiten an average of 6 shades in just 3 nights.

Whitening the natural way:

There are a couple of easy and cost effective ways to keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter, naturally. Chairman of the ADA’s Oral Health Committee, says the best way to keep a healthy white smile is to maintain good oral health. “Practising good oral hygiene is a basic way to assist in making your teeth look whiter naturally.” “Brushing and flossing your teeth daily assists in removing surface stains on your teeth.”

For healthier and better looking teeth, you should:

§  Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste

§  Floss your teeth daily

§  Chew sugar-free gum if advised by your dentist

§  Drink water throughout the day

§  Consume a sensible diet

§  Visit your dentist regularly for a professional clean

What to avoid:

Extrinsic stains are superficial stains found on the surface of the tooth, which are caused by dental plaque, tars (in tobacco), tannins (in wine), coloured foods and frequent use of certain mouthwashes. Common foods and beverages that stain teeth include:

§  herbal and black tea

§  coffee

§  red wine

§  spicy foods like curries

Smoking cigarettes also causes unsightly stains on teeth, which can be extremely difficult to remove.

Extrinsic stains on the tooth’s surface can be removed by a dentist performing a professional scale and clean.

For more information from the ADA visit: teeth whitening facts

Attack of the tartar!

Flossing, not the most engaging past time but important for healthy teeth and gums. The hardest part is being consistent with flossing. Even with the best intentions, many people fail to maintain a flossing routine. The Dental Practice encourages patients to floss at least once a day. It helps to prevent gingivitis and eventually periodontitis, the inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.

Periodontitis causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) is untreated or treatment is delayed. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. This causes teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontitis is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. In 2003 30-60% of Europe’s adult population had medium to severe periodontitis! That’s a whole lot of people with missing teeth! This disorder is uncommon in childhood but increases during adolescence.

It’s important to start children on a routine early, making flossing habitual. The best way to start a routine is by making a plan. Making the routine easier for by combining flossing with a nightly routine can make it easier to remember. Put the floss out on the bathroom counter so it can be seen when doing other things. Writing it down in a daily diary or food diary can motivate on the basis of completing a target, just like drinking water every day.

Without flossing plaque and tartar accumulate at the base of the teeth. This causes inflammation forming a pocket between the gums and the teeth, that fills with plaque and tartar. Swelling soft tissue traps plaque in the pocket. Continued inflammation eventually causes destruction of the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. Because plaque contains bacteria, infection is likely and a tooth abscess may also develop, which increases the rate of bone destruction.

Regular oral hygiene is the best means of prevention. This includes thorough teeth brushing and flossing, and regular professional dental cleaning. The prevention and treatment of gingivitis reduces the risk of development of periodontitis. A hygienist can help in understanding the best method of flossing and tell review progress in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Because honestly, would you rather have your teeth look like this:

Or like this:

Flossing every day helps keep teeth looking great and treatment is available for those who have gingivitis or periodontics. It is important to see the dentist regularly with these conditions to control and monitor health. To make an appointment at the dental practice call 08 8212 3247 or email reception@thedentalpractice.net.au.



Research:

Abraham C, Sheeran P, Johnston M (1998). From health beliefs to self-regulation: theoretical advances in the psychology of action control. Psychol Health 13:569-591.

Bader HI (1998). Floss or die: implications Dent Today 17:76-78, 80-82.

McCaul KD, Glasgow RG, O'Neill HK (1992). The problem of creating habits: establishing health-protective dental behaviors. Health Psychol 11:101-110.

Sniehotta F, Soares A, and Dombrowski S (2007) Randomized Controlled Trial of a One-minute Intervention Changing Oral Self-care Behavior. International and American Associations for Dental Research. 86(7):641-645